WP8.2. Feasibility and deployment study

The main objective of this task is to analyse the feasibility of incorporating the proposed SURFACE concept into future wireless and cellular systems, covering realistic scenarios in which different multi-user radio access systems co-exist. The feasibility regarding standardisation, production, deployment and operation shall be obtained as well as the requirements for the concept from system point of view. The results of this study may impose specific requirements on the implementation of the SURFACE concept.

It is expected that future radio networks will comply the following requirements: - Coverage optimised solution with low complexity and cost supporting wide area coverage with medium to high data rates - Ultimate capacity solution for high-end services in hot spot environments. - Ability to operate in different radio access modes

In this evaluation re-configurability aspects play a key role. Thus, the SURFACE concept should support a simple modular structure where modules can be added and replaced in a plug and play manner. Modularity allows a highly scalable networks taking into account large capacity needs in hot spot areas as well as good coverage requirements in rural areas. Modularity and flexibility is needed to achieve gradual capacity upgrades. This also implies that interfaces between modules are strictly specified in order to allow competition and thus, cost efficient mass production. These required interfaces between different modules should be identified. Moreover, the radio network protocols between terminal and access point and, on the other hand, between access points should be carefully studied in order to identify the bottlenecks that may restrict the system flexibility and efficiency.

The ongoing SB3G evolution will be analysed regarding integration of the proposed generalised air interface. In the broader framework of SB3G an evaluation will show where the proposed generalised air interface will fit within that framework, and where actions regarding standardisation are needed before the concept can be utilised. This task has as inputs the link level complexity evaluation from Task 8.1 and the system performance evaluation from WP7. Therefore, it is possible to create an overall understanding of different requirements for realising a SURFACE system scenario which allows different packet data services with a given QoS.