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Workshop on
BROADBAND FIXED WIRELESS ACCESS
One of the major problems in communications today is the provision of efficient end user connection to the core networks: the access network also called the last mile connection. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA, defined by ITU-R as 'wireless access application in which the locations of the end-user termination and of the network access point to be connected to the end-user are fixed') has the potential for playing a central role in the broadband access network, as they are easy and fast to deploy, they have flexibility in on-demand capacity allocation and potential support for a broad spectrum of applications.
They will offer alternatives to other technologies as cable, fibre, xDSL, satellites, etc, being in some cases the only way for new entrants to compete with incumbent operators, thanks to the lower entry and deployment costs. FWA systems could also complement wired systems to access remote points or in rural areas or when digging cables is not possible to preserve the environment or architecture heritage.
Broadband (typically over 2 Mbps) access network development is being required both for broadcasting services and fast internet access, and once available will stimulate the growth of more applications. On this respect, Broadband FWA (BFWA) can flexibly accommodate broadcasting, interactive broadcasting or personal services. However, higher bandwidths are available at higher frequencies, and probably only at 40.5 - 43.5 GHz there will be a high capacity band harmonised in all Europe. At these frequencies the are still coverage and technological challenges to obtain low-cost user terminals that allow a mass residential market to be developed. At lower frequencies, a more efficient use of frequencies has to be achieved to allow broadband communications.
In the IST 2001 Workprogramme, Action Line IV.5.2 Terrestrial wireless systems and networks, it is included to study, develop and validate novel fixed wireless access systems.
This action line is open for proposal under the 6th call (/ist/calls/200101.htm) with deadline 25 April 2001. In the above framework, the European Commission, DG Information Society - E, organises a half a day workshop with the objective of raising the awareness to the subject of Broadband Fixed Wireless Access, informing on the 6th call for proposals and identifying the technological and service issues which require further R&D efforts.
Agenda
| When | What |
|---|---|
| 13:00 - 14:00 | Registration |
| 14:00 - 14:10 | Business Case and Market Drivers. Presentation (Zipped pdf, 1429 KB) Stephen Lowe, Broadband Wireless Association. |
| 14:10 - 14:35 | Business Case and Market Drivers. Presentation (Zipped pdf, 1429 KB) Stephen Lowe, Broadband Wireless Association. |
| 14:35 - 15:00 | Technical issues at frequencies above 20 GHz and convergence with broadcasting. Presentation (pdf 2464 KB) Terje Tjelta, Telenor. Co-ordinator of IST EMBRACE project |
| 15:00 - 15:25 | Technical issues at frequencies below 20 GHz. Presentation (pdf 657 KB) Nikos Pronios, Intracom. Co-ordinator of IST ADAMAS project |
| 15:25 - 15:40 | Coffe Break |
| 15:40 - 16:05 | ETSI BRAN Standardisation Activities. Presentation (pdf 249 KB) Mr.Per Emanuelsson., Telia. Area Co-ordinator of ETSI-BRAN HIPERACCESS |
| 16:05 - 16:30 | The Current Status of Broadband Wireless Access and Future Development. Presentation (Zipped pdf, 920 KB) Michel Peruyero, Alcatel |
| 16:30 - 16:40 | Wavion - Wireless Super Access. Presentation (pdf 1.066 KB) Ziv Belsky, Wavion |
| 16:40 - 17:30 | Panel discussion with all speakers |
| 17:30 | Close |
For further information, please contact:
- Francisco Guirao - European Commission, DG INFSO/E4
- Tel: +32 2 29 60096
- Fax: +32 2 29 62178
- E-mail: Francisco.Guirao@cec.eu.int