GoalsWorkpackage 7 - Platform Integration and Demonstration
The key aspect of OMEGA is convergence over a wide-range of heterogeneous transmission methods, and a platform is required in order to demonstrate how services can be seamlessly switched from device to device within the home, and delivered using different transmission standards as this occurs. A schematic of a potential OMEGA demonstration platform is shown below. In this a gateway, bridge and renderer are connected to the access network using different transmission technologies, and the Inter-MAC layer ensures a continuous connection with a high quality of service. This complete platform will be demonstrated in the France Telecom studio, a real home environment, representing a typical European apartment.
Methodology
Each of the specific technology workpackages (PLC, RF, HWO and Inter-MAC) will create a working standalone demonstrator. An intermediate version of each of these will be available approximately 2/3 of the way through the project, and these will be integrated with the platform hardware. The platform hardware will be developed by Infineon, who will integrate a legacy 802.11 capability in order to test some of the demonstrator concepts before the intermediate hardware becomes available.
The integration of the intermediate demonstrators and platform hardware will take place at Infineon in Munich, and then the final demonstrator integration will take place in France Telecom studio, under the control of Thomson. Once complete initial testing will measure QoS, latency and other performance parameters, in order to ensure correct operation. Then, a series of OMEGA scenario tests will be undertaken, in order to ensure the original project aims are met. These will involve using existing services (present on the access network) being delivered using the novel heterogeneous transmission medium developed by the project. In addition the capabilities of OMEGA will be used to show prototype services that require the performance of an UBB HAN.