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Free-space Optical Communications for Aerial-sateLlite networks

Descripción del proyecto

Conectividad ilimitada con comunicaciones ópticas de espacio libre

Los sistemas satelitales basados en radiofrecuencia están alcanzando su límite de capacidad. Sin una alternativa, será imposible dar acceso a Internet a los miles de millones de personas que aún no lo tienen. La comunicación óptica admite un ancho de banda mucho mayor y mejora la seguridad de los datos mediante las comunicaciones cuánticas. Ya se están desplegando los primeros enlaces ópticos entre satélites. Con el apoyo de las Acciones Marie Skłodowska-Curie, el equipo del proyecto FOCAL se propone preparar las mentes jóvenes de Europa para la posible explosión de nodos ópticos aéreos y espaciales como una nueva red de comunicaciones en los cielos. En FOCAL se creará una red de formación de doctorado centrada en tecnologías inalámbricas ópticas aéreas y espaciales para las futuras redes de telecomunicaciones con conectividad infinita, excelente resiliencia y seguridad a prueba de cuántica.

Objetivo

With currently 3 billion people lacking access to broadband internet worldwide, European operators are struggling to fill the white areas with insufficient or nonexistent connectivity. In light of the early promises of 6G wireless networks, it is tempting to consider non-terrestrial networks as complementary to the ground-based radio and fiber infrastructure. However, radio frequency-based satellite systems are nearing their capacity limits and cannot be scaled further. Free-space optical technology is a natural alternative to deliver greater capacity and to better address data security needs by leveraging quantum communications. The first optical intersatellite links are being deployed in commercial networks at relatively low data rate (10 Gbps). However, once the most important remaining research challenges are resolved, they could rapidly expand and serve as a catalyst for the development of a new communication backbone in the sky, consisting of aerial and space optical nodes at different altitudes.
The overarching aim of the FOCAL project is to train a new generation of highly qualified doctoral candidates in developing innovative aerial and space optical wireless technologies that will provide future telecommunication networks with ubiquitous connectivity, resilience, and quantum-proof security. In addition to contributing to the fundamental understanding and technical know-how of such networks through co-supervised individual research projects, FOCAL will train talented and innovative researchers with multidisciplinary expertise and skills that are desirable in this European industrial sector. This will be achieved through a combination of theoretical and hands-on research training provided by a unique consortium of 16 academic and 10 industrial partners from 8 countries, resulting in collaborative research including co-supervision and secondments, as well as transferable training skills, which is necessary for prosperous careers in this prominent R&I area.

Coordinador

ECOLE CENTRALE DE MARSEILLE EGIM
Aportación neta de la UEn
€ 565 387,20
Dirección
RUE FREDERIC JOLIOT CURIE 38 TECHNOPOLE CHATEAU GOMBERT
13383 Marseille Cedex 13
Francia

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Región
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Bouches-du-Rhône
Tipo de actividad
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Enlaces
Coste total
Sin datos

Participantes (11)

Socios (14)