Objective
COBUCO's main objective is to deliver a fully operational example for system migration from 2nd generation to 3rd generation and beyond by building a UMTS system demonstrator and conducting tests, experiments and user assessments to validate the UMTS concepts as well as the usability of multi media services and applications in a business environment;
This target will be supported by the following sub-objectives:
establishing clear routes from present 2nd generation technologies to full UMTS 3rd generation and identification of all key elements involved;
identification and investigation of critical transmission and signalling aspects, in particular with respect to the UMTS features;
carrying out tests, measurements and user assessments and verify QoS, in particular offering the COBUCO infrastructure to third ACTS-parties for scientific work, tests, investigations and demonstrations;
co-operation with neigboured projects (in chain and domain environment) in order to tie close links for an optimal system development, envisaged re-use of equipment and working results and intended joint trials;
delivering agreed (by relevant chain and domain projects) working results to standardisation bodies, study groups, etc. and, vice versa, following their tendencies, recommendations and ends.
The phased approach provides a realistically wide scale of application, experiments, migration studies and research, and usage. It means a practical trial of UMTS features, protocols and data base models defined in RACE II (e.g. MONET). The protocols are specified now (02/97) and their implementation will follow subsequently. Further achievements are expected as:
Practical experience on network and users behaviour gained in experiments, simulations and practical usage;
Prove of coincidence between proposed and implemented UMTS features and services;
Predictions and recommendations for further UMTS introduction in commercial networks.
Expected Impact
Concentrating on the business environment as one of the most important Pan European market segments for the introduction of UMTS, for future applications the COBUCO results are expected to facilitate and promote the UMTS introduction.
Main contributions to the programme objectives:
Main deliverables
UMTS demonstrator composed of two DECT islands interconnected with an upgraded ATM switch, to support mobility functions.
Contribution to the programme
Islands successfully developed, but trial could not be conducted and project was stopped.
Technical Approach
utilise ATM and DECT technology and ensure integration of fixed and mobile network elements (while ensuring compatibility with satellite access;
introduce the UMTS/UPT features by exploiting several capabilities of existing DECT and ATM standards;
include a mobility control server within the demonstrator and carry out work on terminal mobility and personal mobility;
build a series of UMTS cells by extending an existing DECT system, link these cells into one mobile island and subsequently link islands to an integrated network;
implement a mobile-IP protocol in mobile and fixed terminals and install an IP-Server to support the mobile IP;
install a communication branch in order to execute experiments on ATM end-to-end transmission across a physical DECT air interface.
Summary of Trial
The intended system allows for terminal and personal mobility including multimedia services, both up to 256kbit/s across the air interface as well as up to 155Mbit/s across the fixed access. The work is carried out in two realisation steps. Step 1 is directed at the development of a self contained communication island grouped around an ATM switching platform which allows connection of multimedia ATM terminals and multirate/multimedia DECT equipment by means of suitable protocol adaptation, conversion and packetizing. Fixed and mobile terminals support mobility features controlled by the Mobility Control Server. This server enables users and terminals to move from outside into the system, register in, and to roam within the DECT cells and clusters. The DECT equipment uses an enhanced GAP DECT protocol incorporating new features (e.g. higher bitrate services). This will be mapped on an enhanced version of a standard ATM-signalling protocol supporting UMTS/UPT extensions. This also guarantees full operability in a pure ATM environment when the Mobility Control Server is removed.
Step 2 aims at the interconnection of two COBUCO islands by an Euro-ATM link running UMTS protocols for mobility interworking. The islands may be located in different plants of companies. This will enable demonstrating usage by real users . This step requires enhanced mobility management including the feature of UMTS-based communication between the Mobility Control Servers of each island. This step would also require a restricted number of applications developed outside of COBUCO (e.g. multimedia projects) and implemented for demonstration purposes in the two COBUCO islands. Arrangements for this are part of the Liaison Activity.
In parallell to both steps the COBUCO islands will be equipped with an IP extension and an experimental branch for investigations and demonstrations of end-to-end ATM across a physical DECT air interface. The Internet access will be provided by using a prototype IP server based on commercially available equipment, but extended to support IP-level mobility as defined by the mobile IP specification. ATM terminal mobility will be demonstrated using the physical link of DECT for the transport of ATM/AAL information in an optimized manner. The end systems will integrate the mobile IP.
The COBUCO consortium offers the island infrastructure to interested parties for scientific investigations, demonstrations, experiments and trials leaving open the contractual relationship to these parties.
Key Issues
Integration of ATM and DECT technology
Call and Mobility Control for an ATM switching platform
Interconnection of ATM networks with mobility features across an ATM core network without mobility features
Improved bandwidth of up to 256 kbit/s for DECT terminals
Introduction of UPT and UMTS to DECT
Realization of mobile IP
Wireless ATM using the DECT air interface
Fields of science
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesinternetinternet access
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringsatellite technology
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationstelecommunications networksmobile network
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
70407 Stuttgart
Germany