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2003-2004 Work Programme
2.3.1.3 Broadband for all
Objective
To develop the network technologies and architectures allowing a generalised availability of broadband access to European users, including those in less developed regions. This is a key enabler to the wider deployment of the information and knowledge-based society and economy.
Focus is on
- Low cost access network equipment, for a range of technologies optimised as a function of the operating environment, including optical fibre, fixed wireless access, interactive broadcasting, satellite access, xDSL and power line networks.
- New concepts for network management, control and protocols, to lower the operational costs, provide enhanced intelligence and functionality in the access network for delivery of new services, and end-to-end network connectivity.
- Multi-service capability, with a single access network physical infrastructure shared by multiple services allowing a reduction in capital and operational expenditures for installation and maintenance. It includes end to end IPv6 capabilities;
- Increased bandwidth capacity, in the access network as well as in the underlying optical core/metro network (including in particular optical burst and packet switching), commensurate with the expected evolution in user requirements and Internet-related services.
These research objectives are framed in a system context and are required to address the technological breakthroughs in support of the socio-economic evolution towards availability of low cost and generalised broadband access. This should therefore lead to:
- Optimized access technologies, as a function of the operating environment, at affordable price allowing for a generalized introduction of broadband services in Europe and in less developed regions;
- Technologies allowing the access portion of the next generation network to match the evolution of the core network, in terms of capacity, functionality and Quality of Service available to the end users.
- A European consolidated approach regarding regulatory aspects, and for standardized solutions allowing the identification of best practice, and introduction of low cost end user and access network equipment;
Consortia are encouraged to secure support from other sources as well and to build on related national initiatives. Widespread introduction of broadband access will require the involvement of industry, network operators and public authorities, through a wide range of public-private initiatives.
Satellite parts of the work should be clearly placed in the context of related ESA efforts. Activities on satellite communications are carried out in coordination with the activities in the thematic priority on "aeronautics and space".