Objective
The objective of the FRM workpackage is to produce a functional description of the 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. Functions and their interrelationships are to be identified in the logical structure and specified. The FRM will contain the functions necessary for the customer services and for the 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 will be achieved.
Consensus in RACE is built-up progressively; both on the specification of the functions contained in the FRM and on the functional description method. Contributions to standardisation bodies (ETSI, CCITT, etc.) will be derived from FRM work.
Technical Approach
Along with the construction of the functional hierarchy representing the FRM, the workpackage investigates the extent to which abstraction of the architecture underlying the IBC system is possible without ending up at such a general level that the results do not provide an adequate specification of the system. Thus it becomes necessary to recognise different network types (CPN, public domain networks). Functions (and their interrelationships) supporting the requirement for interworking will also be identified. Specific CPN functions will be specified by the CPN projects.
On the higher levels of the functional hierarchy, where the functions appear in a rather abstract form, the IBC FRM is valid for any network type. On lower levels, where specific properties of different network types become explicit, FRM focuses on the functionality that a general IBC infrastructure (public domain network) should have.
Contributions on functions are received from other projects and incorporated into the FRM through interaction with the contributors. The projects contributing formally are the Part I, Cluster 1 projects in RACE I: R1024 NETMAN, R1044 CSF. However, contributions from Part I, Cluster 2 projects are also expected, mainly the projects working on the areas ATM, CPN, Satellite and Mobile Communication. In some cases, RACE II projects are also involved.
The mapping of functions on to the reference configuration could be achieved in cooperation with R1044RCD
Key Issues
The intended IBC FRM is not just a reference model, in which functions may be located, but it defines the design of the IBC system in respect of the required services and general policies associated with IBC, so far as functions are concerned. The concept of intelligent networks has a great influence on the definition of functions.
Achievements
The concept of the IBC FRM (formal approach, presentation method) is now stable. The functional hierarchy is presented using nested SDL block diagrams, which ensures that the interrelationships are made explicit. External objects interacting with the functions are identified and an appropriate formal presentation of them has been found. The IBC FRM in its present stage identifies (on different levels of abstraction) 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 to guide the reader.
Expected Impact
Beside specifying the functions to be implemented in the IBC system, the FRM helps to structure systems into sub- systems, possibly with standardised interfaces, supports the organisation of software modules and may reveal requirements regarding technology.
The principles of functional modelling have been imported into ETSI.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences computer and information sciences software
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering vehicle engineering aerospace engineering satellite technology
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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Coordinator
1040 Bruxelles
Belgium
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.