IMS: The New Generation of Internet-Protocol-Based Multimedia Services An overview of the Internet protocol (IP)-based multimedia subsystem (IMS) infrastructure that relies on the session initiation protocol (SIP) is presented along with its services, applications, and future potential.

Legacy networks, both fixed and mobile, which were originally designed for voice communications, are prog- ressively migrating to new infrastructures that promise to revolutionize the services offered. In this paper, we will cover this new generation of personal communication services, with an emphasis on the family of Internet protocol (IP)-based mul- timedia subsystem (IMS)-aided infrastructure that relies on the session initiation protocol (SIP). As a benefit, the end users will enjoy a new generation of personal communications services that are accessible anywhere and anytime. These services are directly related to the end users rather than to their diverse devices. It is anticipated that the new deployments of next- generation networks (all-IP based) will accelerate the adoption of the IMS technology.