Objective
The main objective of the BUNI (Broadband User/Network Interface) Demonstrator is to assist in the development of the BUNI specification by practically realising several interfaces at the TB reference point to a common standard in an experimental switched broadband network. By attempting to construct a network with several independent realisations of the specifications, and carrying out detailed testing procedures, the project aims to identify imperfections, omissions, and ambiguities in the specification, and the concepts behind it. The project has a secondary aim to provide limited demonstrations of typical broadband terminals, network equipment and simple services.
The main objective of the broadband user/network interface (BUNI). Demonstrator is to assist in the development of the BUNI specification by practically realising several interfaces at the TB reference point to a common standard in an experimental switched broadband network. By attempting to construct a network with several independent realisations of the specifications and carrying out detailed testing procedures, the project aims to identify imperfections, omissions and ambiguities in the specification and the concepts behind it.
The demonstrator is being constructed as two separate sub-systems, each realising the elements of terminal(s), customer premises network (CPN), customer access connection (CAC) and broadband switch. One sub-system addresses the broadcasters studio environment, whilst the second caters primarily for the domestic environment.
Outline plans for the demonstrator and system designs for the sub-systems and the final demonstrator were established. The requirements of additional equipment especially in the signalling and control areas have also been defined and a major achievement has been the production of an agreed specification for the interface at the BT reference point which will be used by the project. This specification is based on R1044 user/network interface (UNI) common functional specification (CFS) and international telephone and telegraph consultative committee (CCITT) definitions, but has been enhanced to make it implementable and to include support for the use of service components. Work on test specifications and test cases for each network element and complete sub-systems is well advanced. Requirements and plans for the site of the final demonstrator have been established.
Technical Approach
Following a radical change of emphasis late in 1991 the demonstrator is being constructed as two separate sub- systems, each realising the elements of terminal(s), customer premises network (CPN), customer access connection (CAC) and broadband switch. One sub-system addresses the broadcasters studio environment, whilst the second caters primarily for the domestic environment. The sub-systems will be integrated together with additional equipment, to form the final demonstrator during the first quarter of 1993.
Key Issues
. Establishment of common TB specification
Provision of broadband signalling capability which supports 'service component' concepts
. Support for a representative sub-set of services
. Testing and evaluation
Achievements
Outline plans for the demonstrator and system designs for the sub-systems and the final demonstrator were established. The requirements of additional equipment especially in the signalling and control areas have also been defined, and a major achievement has been the production of an agreed specification for the interface at the TB reference point which will be used by the project. This specification is based on R1044/UNI, CFS and CCITT definitions, but has been enhanced to make it implementable and to include support for the use of service components.
Work on test specifications and test cases for each network element and complete sub-systems is well advanced. Requirements and plans for the site of the final demonstrator at the Research Neher Laboratories of the Netherlands PTT, in Leidschendam, have been established.
The work has led to one published paper, although input to standardisation bodies has been via liaison with R1044/UNI.
Expected Impact
The project will contribute to the development and adoption of an agreed BUNI specification in Europe, and will provide a practical vehicle on which, IBC system design concepts can be explored, and IBC testing tools can be developed. Furthermore, the demonstrator will act as a very tangible example of the results of European cooperation, and the achievements of the RACE programme.
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Data not availableCall for proposal
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IP5 7RE Ipswich
United Kingdom