A 10-Gb/s 1024-way-split 100-km long-reach optical-access network

Optical-access networks have been developed to remove the access-network bandwidth bottleneck. However, the current solutions do not adequately address the network economics to provide a truly cost-effective solution. Long-reach optical-access networks introduce a cost-effective solution by connecting the customer directly to the core network, bypassing the metro network, and, hence, removing significant cost. This paper charts the design and development of a 1024-way-split 100-km 10-Gb/s symmetrical network, which experimentally proves the feasibility of long-reach optical-access networks for both the upstream and downstream transmission

Performance analysis of interferometric noise due to unequally powered interferers in optical networks

Interferometric crosstalk has been identified as the cause of performance limits in future transparent all-optical networks. A large number of studies have been conducted on this phenomenon using a vast array of evaluation techniques. However, most major studies have considered that although the interfering terms may differ in number, the power contribution that they all make will be identical for all interfering terms. Although this situation is easy to analyze, it does not necessarily represent the situation that is likely to occur in a real network, which will be constructed of nodes with different degrees of connectivity, quite possibly from different vendors, and therefore with differing crosstalk characteristics. This paper describes a study on the impact of unequally powered interfering terms using a rigorous analysis technique. To validate the use of the chosen technique, the paper begins by bench-marking a number of common evaluation techniques against empirically derived, experimentally verified noise performance formulas

FiWiN5G-FIber-Wireless Integrated Networks for 5th Generation Delivery

This paper describes the work and structure of the FIWIN5G: FIber-Wireless Integrated Networks for 5th Generation delivery, an Innovative Training Network (ITN) funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme through the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) scheme. The programme, which started in January 2015, comprises 10 leading research institutions, a wide range of industrial partners (from multi-nationals to SMEs) and a comprehensive research training program for all 15 Early Stage Researchers (ESR) recruited

Integrated Wireless Backhaul Over Optical Access Networks

Recent technological advances and deployments are creating a new landscape in access networks, with an integration of wireless and fiber technologies a key supporting technology. In the past, a separation between those with fiber in the access networks and those with wireless networks, the relatively low data-rate requirements of backhaul and the relatively large cell sites, have all combined to keep fiber deployment low in wireless backhaul. As fiber has penetrated the access network and the latest wireless standards have demanded smaller, higher bandwidth cells, fiber connectivity has become key. Choices remain as to where the demarcation between key elements should be in the network and whether fiber should be used as just a high data-rate backhaul path or if a transition to radio-over-fiber techniques can afford benefits. This paper will explore the network options available in particular those demonstrated in recent European Union (EU) projects, how they can be integrated with existing access networks and how techniques such as radio-over-fiber can be deployed to offer increased functionality

Editorial: Transactions on Education in the New Decade

A new year always brings new challenges and opportunities, and 2020 is no different for the IEEE Transactions on Education. In keeping with the start of a new decade, some of the changes are quite major

Analyses of MAC Performance for Multi-Carrier based Wireless Sensor Networks

In this work we adopt an OFDMA like Multi-Carrier scheme for wireless sensor networks with the aim of improving the performance in the presence of intensive traffic load. To examine the MAC performance, a simple, yet accurate analytic model has been provided, validated by simulation results. We demonstrate that the proposed scheme can achieve better throughput under heavy offered traffic load, as a result of the higher bandwidth utilisation. In addition, energy efficiency and service delay performance can be significantly increased as well in this architecture

Staff perceptions of implementing project-based learning in engineering education

As the introduction of active learning techniques such as project-based learning (PjBL) becomes more widespread in engineering schools, it is important to understand the implications and development needs of staff in the transition to this mode of teaching. Through a review of education literature and a structured interview process, a set of elements that occur in the transition of staff to being a PjBL facilitator were identified. We contrast staff new to the technique with those who have been involved in this form of teaching for some time. The study presents the key skills and approaches that are developed in staff who engage in the facilitation of PjBL classes to deliver engineering education. Of foremost importance was the responsiveness of staff to be confident in supporting students’ learning in an active learning environment where the student assumes much of the control

Investigation of a robust remote heterodyne envelope detector scheme for cost-efficient E-PON / 60 GHz wireless integration.

In this work, a simple remote heterodyne envelope detector scheme is proposed employing an O-SSB scheme for application in a converged E-PON/ 60 GHz scenario. The proposed PON-60GHz wireless system topology (Fig. 1) is discussed and an evaluation of this scheme is experimentally demonstrated including i) an OFDM 60 GHz wireless access system using indoor MMF, ordinary DFB lasers & ii) a 60 GHz wireless PON “bridge” using a VCSEL for the E-PON data. In both cases, the envelope detector scheme proves its robustness against phase/ wavelength variations while it preserves low cost and wavelength tolerance

Networking and Application Interface Technology for Wireless Sensor Network Surveillance and Monitoring

Distributed unattended ground sensor networks used in battlefield surveillance and monitoring missions, have proven to be valuable in providing a tactical information advantage required for command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance planning. Operational effectiveness for surveillance missions can be enhanced further through network centric capability, where distributed UGS networks have the ability to perform surveillance operations autonomously. NCC operation can be enhanced through UGSs having the ability to evaluate their awareness of the current joint surveillance environment, in order to provide the necessary adaptation to dynamic changes. NCC can also provide an advantage for UGS networks to self-manage their limited operational resources efficiently, according to mission objective priority. In this article, we present a cross-layer approach and highlight techniques that have potential to enable NCC operation within a mission-orientated UGS surveillance setting