EXperimentation and simulation based PLatform for beyond 5G Optical-wireless network Research and development

project description

Novel platform for next-gen optical wireless network research and development

Fifth- and sixth-generation communication systems are expected to undergo significant advances. Optical wireless technologies are a promising candidate for meeting the demands of these communication systems. With this in mind, the EU-funded EXPLOR project aims to develop a comprehensive modular software with fully validated state-of-the-art component and system-level numerical models and cognitive and adaptive features. The software will include libraries with novel use cases and scenarios targeting next-generation converged optical wireless networks. The project platform will promote deep academic and techno-economic considerations of relevant beyond-5G features such as high-millimetre-wave frequency optical front-haul, femtocell-based communications, network cognition and cloud-radio-access-network environment functionalities. This will provide insight into the field and enable future innovation beyond 5G networks.

objective

The EXPLOR project proposes the development of a comprehensive modular software with fully validated state of the art (SOTA) component and system level numerical models, cognitive and adaptive features, as well as libraries with novel use cases and scenarios targeting Next Generation (NG) converged Optical Wireless Networks (OWN). EXPLOR platform will be modelled to enable deep academic and techno-economic considerations of relevant beyond 5G (B5G) features in an integrated fashion, such as high mm-Wave (MMW) frequency Optical Front-haul (OFH), femtocell based communications, network cognition and Cloud-RAN (CRAN) environment functionalities.

Novel, beyond SOTA models and system architectures will be pursued and included in the integrated EXPLOR platform. Relevant interface and feedback functionalities designed to enable modular inclusion of external, user generated scripts and satisfactory latency versus accuracy trade-offs will be pursued. As such, the platform development will lead to a number of relevant research outcomes in the field, as well as act as an extensive enabler of future innovation beyond 5G networks.