Objective
The aim is to specify and install a pilot broadband customer premises network (CPN) using the wavelength and time multiplexing (WTDM) techniques developed in R1036. The CPN will be installed in a broadcasting production centre, and used to support TV production operations. R2001 will thereby investigate and demonstrate how technology developed in RACE I can best be applied in a working environment.
The aim of this project was specify and install a pilot broadband customer premises network (CPN) which used wavelength and time division multiplexing (WTDM) techniques developed in another project.
A costed specification was produced for consideration by users at the target site. The design and testing of prototype optical components, including a tuneable optical demultiplexer as a test tool and a back panel version of an optical connector, is under way. Good progress has been reported in work on radiative star couplers and on optical switching.
Work has shown how the architectural flexibility of a WTDM system can be exploited to achieve very high reliability through network redundancy. However, differences in architecture between a WTDM system and the existing installation make it quite difficult to specify the size of the WTDM system that will be equivalent in capacity. Other areas of discussion have been the synchronization of user signals, standards for video signal interfaces, and the economical interfacing of low bi rate signals.
Technical Approach
The project has studied users' requirements, including control, monitoring, and maintenance. A system to meet the requirements at the pilot site (NRK in Oslo) is being specified in detail and costed in four phases; Phase I installation is already in progress. Components developed in RACE I and ESPRIT are being developed to supply proven units for the pilot installation; most of this work is complete. Components and sub-assemblies are tested prior to installation on a system testbed, which will initially take the form of an operational demonstrator connecting three technical areas. The network will then be extended to a new building and eventually (outside the time scale of the project) to the whole NRK site. Advanced techniques such as optical switching are being developed to reduce costs of future installations; some resulting prototype components will be shown working in the demonstrator. The project pursues continuing collaboration with R2065 (COBRA) to demonstrate interworking with coherent techniques that could be used to extend or enhance a WTDM network.
Key Issues
- High-density WDM (2nm), High-bitrate TDM (STM-16).
- Optical techniques and devices: lasers, couplers, connectors, demultiplexers, switches, receivers.
- Integrated circuits for multiplexing, switching, and demultiplexing.
- Transmission parameters and interfaces for video and audio signals.
- Very high reliability.
- System control with user-friendly presentation.
Expected Impact
The results of the project will be used in shaping the development of the WTDM broadband CPN beyond RACE II. Endorsement of the technology by a defined group of leading edge users - broadcasters - will lead to acceptance within the wider business community, encouraging the development of a market for optical routeing technology.
Fields of science
Topic(s)
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KT20 6NP Tadworth
United Kingdom
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Participants (12)
CM17 9NA Harlow
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IP5 7RE Ipswich
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PO3 5PH Portsmouth
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91160 Longjumeau
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35769 Saint Gregoire
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WC1X 8XZ London
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340 Oslo
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TQ4 7BE Paignton
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2260 AK Leidschendam
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38509 Voiron
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SN1 3PR Swindon
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35510 Cesson-sevigne
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