Research Project E3NETWORK (12/2012-5/2016)

Objective: The design of an energy efficient E -band transceiver for the backhaul infrastructure of the future networks.

OTE participated in the E3NETWORK (http://www.ict-e3network.eu/index.html) European research project, aiming at designing an energy efficient E-band1 transceiver for the backhaul infrastructure of future networks which would also facilitate the transition to smaller and more energy efficient base stations.

The transceiver uses modern digital multi-level modulations to achieve high spectral efficiency. This together with the huge bandwidth enables high capacities above 10 Gbps. The potential for an increased economic and energy efficiency of access/transport infrastructures was illustrated by a prototype integrated in the network providing communication over 1 km with availability of 99.995%.

¹E3NETWORK – Energy Efficient E-band Transceiver for Backhaul of the Future Networks

As part of the project, OTE focused on integrating the prototype into the network and its reliability validation through testing under actual data traffic conditions. In addition, OTE helped identify the technical requirements and define the specifications for the transceiver, develop the business plan and disseminate the project results.

The project was co-funded by the EU under the 7th Framework Program (FP7) and ran for 3 1/2 years (12/2012-5/2016), and was implemented by 9 partners (research centers, ICT companies, telecom providers and manufacturers) from 6 European countries.

For more information, see the project factsheet.

¹The E-band enables highly focused "pencil beam" transmissions and huge bandwidth. The pencil-beam property facilitates a high degree of frequency reuse in the deployment of backhaul links and reduces EMF exposure of European citizens.