Access networks for densely located users

Topic description

Scope:

Specific Challenge: The topic focus on technologies and system approaches to realize high speed/high capacity dense local networks, as may be encountered in very high density locations where many users use high-capacity broadband applications. The goal is to develop high-performance heterogeneous access network systems which have dynamic resource allocation capability.

Scope: As last-mile connection links, future network systems would comprise various broadband transmission media such as optical fibres, millimetre-wave links, etc. to add to current access technology. The objectives of this activity is to optimize link performance from points of views, such as CAPEX, OPEX, radio-wave resources and environmental constraints without compromising the applicability in wide variety of use cases such as dense business districts, conference sites, evacuation sites, schools, railway stations, etc. Research should include network architecture using service centric network control. Technological focus would be also on low-cost broadband link technologies designed for cross-layer control, and on reduction of power consumption in access networks. Life cycle assessment of hardware in the network would be a target in the topic.

Expected impact:

         Better exploitation of new broadband links for short range, very high capacity communication applications in dense environments.

         Key enabling technologies for the future generations of integrated/heterogeneous access network systems with improved economic, spectral and energy efficiency.

         Joint identification of standardization requirements and contribution to standardization bodies and fora.

Types of action:

Research & Innovation Actions – The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of EUR 1,5 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

International cooperation