What are the three characteristics that a Network Element (NE) must have to function in the network core?

A Network Element (NE) that operates effectively in the network core must exhibit certain essential characteristics. Scalability is critical because as network demand increases, the NE must handle a growing number of users, devices, and data traffic without performance degradation. CoS (Class of Service) Support is also vital, as it ensures the NE can prioritize different types of traffic, thereby providing quality of service for time-sensitive applications like voice and video. High-speed ports are necessary for handling the large volumes of data that pass through the core of the network, which is typically characterized by high throughput requirements.

In combination, these features enable a Network Element to efficiently manage traffic flow, adapt to increasing demands, and maintain quality of service, making them indispensable for effective operation in the network core environment. Thus, the selected characteristics form a cohesive foundation that supports the core network's responsibilities.