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2005-2006 Work Programme
2.4.4 Broadband for All
Objectives
To develop the network technologies and architectures allowing a generalised and affordable availability of broadband access to European users, including those in less developed regions, peripheral and rural areas.
Outcome expected from this work is:
- optimised 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, and notably for the enlarged Europe in line with the eEurope objectives,
- a European consolidated approach regarding regulatory aspects, and for standardized solutions allowing the identification of best practice, and the introduction of low-cost end user and access network equipment.
Focus
- Low-cost access and edge 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, inter-domain routing and traffic engineering for delivery of new added-value services, with Quality of Service, security and end-to-end network connectivity, including IPv6.
- Service-enabling technologies and platforms based on convergence and interoperability of Telecom and Internet Infrastructure, creating a continuous and unified application and information space, with innovative capabilities of resilience, multicasting, flexibility, network deployability and adaptability.
- 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 generalized broadband access. Continuity with already launched initiatives is encouraged. SSAs could support the Strategic Objective and help prepare and define the context of future research priorities beyond the 6th Framework Programme.
Consortia are encouraged to secure support from other sources as well and to build on related national initiatives and the EUREKA Celtic initiative.
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".
- Instruments:
- IPs and NoEs will be the predominant instruments, complemented by STREPs. SSAs are expected to cover the strategic objective in its entirety.
- Indicative budget:
- IPs, NoEs: 65%, STREPs and SSAs: 35%.
- Call information:
- IST Call 4