BONAPARTE: Broadband optical network using ATM PON access facilities in realistic telecommunications environments

• Research unit: EU RFP
• Project number: 95.0829-2

Key words (English)

ATM; APON; Access networks; VB5; network management; user trials

Alternative project number (English)

EU project number: AC022

Research programs (English)

EU-programme: 4. Frame Research Programme - 1.2 Communications technologies

Short description (English)

See abstract

Partners and International Organizations (English)

Italtel (I), Lucent Technologies (NL), Telefonica (E), CSELT (I), MAZ ( D), GBT (E), Cray communications (UK) (withdrawn), Technical University Hamburg-Harburg (G), University of Madrid (E), Turin polytechnic (I),
Serdiasa (E), Univ. of Turin (Radiology Dept) (I), NTUA (GR), Ascom (CH), Telscom (CH)

Abstract (English)

Main Objectives of the BONAPARTE project
The main objective of the project is to demonstrate the reliability, flexibility and cost-effectiveness of APON systems by conducting the user trials involving the real users and applications. Through such user trials the project plans to prove that broadband ATM access is a viable way to introduce integrated broadband communication to small business and residential customers.
Technical approach
To achieve the set objectives the project was organised in 4 superworkpackages: Trial site operation and interconnection (SWP1); Users and applications (SWP2); System enhancements and upgrades (SWP3); Experiments, user feedback and evaluation (SWP4).
TELSCOM contribution
TELSCOM's major tasks in the project were related with user trials and enhancements to the Basel testbed. An MOU was achieved between BONAPARTE, EXPERT and Swiss national host for the use of infrastructure and ATM connectivity for the user trials. The first year of the project was more related to the operation of basic APON system and early trials.
The APON system (originated from BAF project) was installed in Basel and the first trials were done during 1996-1997, with ISABEL multimedia applications. TELSCOM was responsible for full testbed set up and operation, international ATM connections and preparation of experiments and user trials scenarios. The tele-teaching user trials were carried out very successfully involving all 4 centres active in the project (Madrid, Turin, Basel and Hamburg). Switzerland provided 3 courses during this trial.
During the second year TELSCOM was also active in enhancing the APON system, particularly with VB5 interface and interoperability tests. Telscom lead the VB5 development group and assisted in developing the guideline for ATM deployment in the access area supporting an open interface.
During the third year VB5 interface implementation was completed and integration tests were conducted. Telscom was responsible to co-ordinate the lab set up, scenarios of experiments and results consolidation. VB5 interface is one of the most discussed open interface standards and the contribution from the project to ETSI and ITU were appreciated. Multiple trials held with enhanced management functions into APON lead to reliable network which was demonstrated during the final technical-audit held in Sept. 99, at TURIN in front of many experts. There was an open day organised after the technical audit to demonstrate the results of the project to participants of interest.
Wichtige Änderungen am Arbeitsplan
During early 2nd year Cray Communications (UK) had to withdraw due to restructuring of the company.
Telefonica changed the activity plan and resource distribution, leading to change main integration activity moved to Italian National Host.
The project decided to implement VB5.1 inteerface, though it was not planned earlier.
The project contributed significantly to Guideline development.

References in databases (English)

Swiss Database: Euro-DB of the
State Secretariat for Education and Research
Hallwylstrasse 4
CH-3003 Berne, Switzerland
Tel. [phone]
Swiss Project-Number: 95.0829-2