What is a converged network and why is it beneficial?

One network infrastructure carrying data, voice, and video under a single set of rules — instead of separate cabled networks for each.

A converged network carries multiple services (data, voice, video) over a single network infrastructure using the same set of rules and standards.

* Convergence carries data, voice, and video over one infrastructure instead of three separate cabled networks. *

Before convergence: Organizations had separate cabled networks for:

• Telephone (voice)
• Video/broadcast
• Computer data (data)

Each used different technologies and standards.

Benefit: One network infrastructure for all services = simpler, more cost-effective.

Go deeper:

• Network convergence (Wikipedia) — defines one network carrying telephone, video, and data, with the triple/quadruple-play and QoS angle.
• What is a converged network? (RUCKUS) — concrete benefits: simpler management, cost consolidation, and unified security on one infrastructure.