- First live demonstration of the hybrid network at the NTUA campus in Zografou
In the context of the
5G-PHOS European research project, COSMOTE contributed to the implementation of a hybrid 5G network that combines optical and wireless (Fiber-Wireless) technologies and is suitable for densely built-up areas.
The 5G-PHOS hybrid network constitutes a global innovation in mobile communications, as it combines the stability and high speed of fiber optics with the flexibility of wireless network deployments. Thanks to its unique features, it can catalyze the evolution of 5th generation networks and the development of innovative and demanding 5G applications and solutions. This solution provides high performance and reliability, with unique advantages, such as simplification of time-consuming and costly installation processes, high energy efficiency and use of an innovative network-resource management system that reacts to fluctuations in traffic with the help of intelligent algorithms. All of these advantages make the solution ideal for densely populated urban areas, hotspots, stadiums and areas with restrictions, such as archaeological sites.
COSMOTE had the role of technical coordinator of the project and contributed significantly with expertise and provision of technical infrastructure, testing and evaluation of the solution, while at the same time, promoting the goals and innovations of the project in the scientific community and society.
First live demonstration of the hybrid network at the NTUA campus in Zografou
The capabilities of the hybrid Fiber-Wireless (FiWi) network were demonstrated live for the first time, under real conditions, during the final demo of the 5G-PHOS solution, which took place at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) campus in Zografou, in the presence of the representatives of the European Commission. Through the demonstration of a wide range of services –VoLTE, zero-latency MobileTV/4K-video, ΗD Movie, AR/VR Remote Assistance, AR/VR Gaming, AR/VR 12K 360 videos and IoT applications, such as energy consumption and environmental monitoring, automation– it was validated that the integration of the 5G-PHOS solution into a real mobile end-to-end communications network successfully meets the demands of all services, without affecting the high quality of user experience.
The project was launched in September 2017 and received funding from the Horizon 2020 5G-PPP Programme of the European Commission. Sixteen partners (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Orange, Telecom Italia, COSMOTE, Fraunhofer, Eindhoven University of Technology, MELLANOX, IMEC, SIKLU, LIONIX International, Incelligent, the NTUA’s Institute of Communication and Computer Systems (ICCS), IQUADRAT, ERICSSON, PAOK, III-V lab) from 8 countries (Greece, France, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Italy) participated in the project.
OTE Group: contributing to research and innovation
Through its active contribution to a total of 31 European research projects on 5G to date, OTE Group is enriching its know-how and helping to shape and evaluate technological solutions, commercial applications and innovative business models.
OTE Group is a pioneer in technological developments and by far the largest investor in telecommunications infrastructure in Greece. Only in 2021, the Group participates in 37 funded innovative research projects, whereas it has been participating, since 2009, in more than 90 research projects. At the same time, OTE Group’s New Technologies Laboratories are evaluating new technologies and the equipment of future telecommunications. Through technology and innovation, OTE Group seeks to create a better world for all.