Skip to main content
European Commission logo print header

IBC Development and Implementation Strategies

Cel

The main objective of R1044 is the provision of an overall system specification for IBC, both through original work undertaken within the project itself and through the synthesis of results of all other RACE system projects.
The main objective of the research was the provision of an overall system specification for integrated broadband communications (IBC), both through original work undertaken within the project itself and through the synthesis of results from other system projects. The key points of the technical approach use:
the identification of a general framework in which to incorporate studies of system/network structures able to support the IBC;
the setting up, when and where necessary, of studies on specific topics;
the synthesis of relevant results form other projects;
the identification and preparation of contributions to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standardization activity;
the identification of evolution strategies.

The main objective of the research was to produce a functional description of the integrated broadband communications (IBC) system by means of a logically coherent hierarchy of functions called the functional reference model (FRM). The IBC system is understood to comprise all equipment necessary to provide the IBC services. The FRM will contain the functions necessary for customer services and for operator services for the management of the IBC system. By mapping the functions onto the reference configuration, an optimum breakdown of the IBC system into functional groups can be achieved.

The research has resulted in a concept of the IBC FRM (formal approach, presentation method) which is now stable. The functional hierarchy is described using nested specification and descriptive language (SDL) block diagrams, which ensures that theinterrelationships are made explicit. External objects interacting with the functions have been identified and an appropriate formal presentation of them has been found. The IBC FRM in its present form identifies functions for service access and control, transport and application handling (including functions for network management). Detailed specifications are portrayed as SDL process diagrams, but verbal descriptions of the functions have also been added to each specification.

The main task of the research was to specify both integrated broadband communications (IBC) customer services and the functions required for their support. Key issues for the achievement of the objectives were:
the definition of a significant set of IBC services;
the identification of service specific call handling functions;
the identification of common functionalities from which different services could be constructed;
the identification of functional blocks for call handling;
the specification of logical interfaces between functional blocks;
the specification of generic protocols for integrated services.

The research has resulted in the following achievements:
the identification of modular components (static service components and service control elements) for describing multimedia services;
the separation of control functions into call control and connection control;
the identification of relevant functional entities;
the development of an abstract model for intelligent network functions;
substantial contributions to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).

The main objective of the research was to analyse and synthesize the results of a number of projects looking into reference configurations for integrated broadband communications (IBC) supporting networks. Specific goals were:
the identification of suitable target, initial and intermediate reference configurations (each reference configuration being constituted by functional groupings and reference points);
the identification of network architectures and application technologies suitable for the functional groupings;
the analysis of the available options and selection of the most suitable ones at predefined time frames;
to make contributions to relevant standardization bodies;
to contribute to relevant common functional specifications.

The research has resulted in the following achievements:
7 projects have reported results which have been used to provide and maintain an updated description of reference configurations for IBC supporting networks;
a large number of contributions to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) have been made;
a European patent for a multicustomer optical line inlet/outlet has been filed.

The main objectives of the research were to propose a framework for the cohesive, harmonized evolution of strategies towards integrated broadband communications (IBC);
to select and evaluate alternative routes for providing IBC services;
to propose situation specific migration strategies. The research focused on the following key issues:
common functional specifications (CFS) on network evolution;
contributing to the European Telecommunication Standard (ETSI) TR on evolution;
collaborating with the Conference Europeene des Postes et des Telecommunications (CEPT) Planification Strategique du Reseau (PSR);
network configurations;
the transition between network configurations;
evolutionary paths (sequence of transitions);
the evolutionary graph (complete set of evolutionary paths).

The research has resulted in the following achievements:
a recommended evolution path to provide broadband services to business and residential customers has been indentified;
selection rules for metropolitan (MAN) architectures, the structure of synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH) access networks and strategies for the introduction of residential customer optical fibre loops have been proposed;
overall network cost analyses have been carried out.

The main objective of the research was to develop a detailed specification of the broadband user/network interface (BUNI) so that it can be independently implemented by equipment manufacturers and network operators. The research focused on the following key issues:
evolution of the interface;
the protocol reference model;
the configuration of customers' equipment;
the choice of interface medium and frame structure;
AAL protocols;
a methodology for specifying layer 3 protocols;
operation and maintenance;
support for existing narrow band integrated services digital network (ISDN) terminals;
addressing.

The research has resulted in the following achievements:
the third draft specification of the user network interface (UNI) has resolved or clarified most of the key issues;
a large number of contributions have been made to the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).
Technical Approach

Key points of the project's technical approach are:

- the identification of a general framework in which to insert the studies of system/network structures able to support the IBC
- the setting up, when and where necessary, of studies on specific topics
- the synthesis of relevant results from other RACE projects
- the identification and preparation of contributions to the ETSI standardisation activity.

Key Issues

- Functional specification of IBC supporting systems/networks.
- Identification of evolution strategies.

Achievements

Overall project achievements are:

- deliverables describing the activity progress
- more than 230 contributions to ETSI and cooperation with CEPT PSR (Planification Strategique des Reseaux)
- more than 45 papers/lectures in international conferences
- one European patent: The Multiustomer Optical Line Inlet/Outlet: OLI/OLO
- influence in the orientation of research in broadband matters inside and outside RACE
- realisation of the book Integrated Broadband Communications: Views from RACE - Network and System aspects.

Expected Impact

- Development of an IBC view held in common by different actors (network operators, manufacturers, users).
- Broad visibility of project results outside RACE.

Workpackages

The project is divided into five workpackages, whose activities are briefly described in the following sections:

- R1044/WP1.1: Functional Reference Model (FRM)
- R1044/WP1.2: Customer Service Functions (CSF)
- R1044/WP2.1: Reference Configurations (RCD)
- R1044/WP2.2: Evolution Prospects and Framework (EPF)
- R1044/WP2.10: User/Network Interface (UNI)

Temat(-y)

Data not available

Zaproszenie do składania wniosków

Data not available

System finansowania

Data not available

Koordynator

RIC AI
Wkład UE
Brak danych
Adres
Rue de Treves 61
1040 Bruxelles
Belgia

Zobacz na mapie

Koszt całkowity
Brak danych

Uczestnicy (44)