Studies started in year:
 Projects and Studies
P1304
CENTS - Cost Effective migration to FTTx-Networks for
Tomorrow's Services
closed
For further information please contact:

Adam Kapovits
Project Supervisor
EURESCOM
Wieblinger Weg 19/4
69123 Heidelberg, Germany
Project Information
What is this Project about?

Currently operators offer broadband services via DSL, mainly ADSL. The deployment of these systems represents a natural evolution of the copper access plant, but it is certain that these technologies represent an intermediate step only, because of the serious transmission limitation of copper lines that restrict the range of broadband services that can be supported. It is beyond question that "true" broadband access requires a fibre based infrastructure in order to overcome the bandwidth bottleneck.

EURESCOM Project P1117 FAN has shown that with the emergence of IP and associated concepts the traditional access network view needs to be revised in terms of topology, architecture and functions.  Network flexibility is an important aspect and driver, and unlike in the past, routing and/or switching will become a function of the access network and there will be "intelligent" active nodes in the access. Furthermore, network topologies like mesh and ring will be used in the access network to provide the cost effective flexible connections needed, and fibre is a key enabling factor of this access network evolution. In summary, functions and architectures originally developed for core networks will appear in next generation access networks. This process will be accompanied and supported by a cost reduction of the technologies in question.

This evolution and change means that established access network design and engineering rules have to be changed, and new ways have to be explored that allow next generation access network concepts. Cost effective optical solutions represent the main challenge.

What are the main objectives of this Project?

The main objective of this project is to help operators further develop their access network into Next Generation Optical Access Networks, by

  • Analysing the cost structure in today’s access networks and assessing the cost optimisation potential;
  • Identifying novel system concepts and network component/equipment alternatives for hybrid fibre architectures;
  • Demonstrating the new concepts and technologies in laboratory and field tests;
  • Providing a techno-economic evaluation of the novel access network concepts in realistic deployment scenarios.

What are the key results for this Project?

  • New access network concepts that combine several cost saving potentials;
  • Evaluation and analysis of new deployment techniques, alternative components, installation methods and technologies in laboratory and field test environments;
  • Techno-economic evaluation of novel access network concepts applied in realistic deployment scenarios;
  • Deployment and migration strategies for Next Generation Access Networks including recommendations and guidelines.

What relationship exists to other organisations or bodies?

The project needs to closely co-operate with major access network system vendors. 
Project Results