Call for Papers

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Access networks (the ‘last-’ or ‘first-’ mile according to provider’s or customer’s perspective) represent one of the most important parts in telecommunication systems, being responsible for the high-quality, reliable and secure delivery of services to end users. They also encompass some of the most demanding networking problems, such as the coexistence of a large variety of technologies based on both wired and wireless solutions, the need of optimal integration with the core network in terms of bandwidth and availability mismatch, the provision of an acceptable quality of service in very different application scenarios and traffic conditions. Perhaps, the most important challenge is that the design of access networks – from the analysis of requirements to the implementation and operation of the system – can only be successful if it is based on an integrated approach, taking into account the needs of different user groups, the technical constraints posed by different application technologies, as well as the related business and societal aspects.

Within this framework, MSAN’05 is intended to provide a unique international forum to explore the new research frontiers in the field of current and next generation multimedia service access networks. Original unpublished contributions are solicited that can improve the knowledge and practice in the integrated design of efficient access technologies and the relevant provision of advanced multimedia applications. Topics of interest are organized in three tracks addressing respectively: access network technologies (with particular emphasis on network design methodologies, protocols, analysis of performance and quality of service); multimedia service delivery (mainly focusing on the integration/adaptation between multimedia data processing and transmission techniques and access networks characteristics); implementation, operation and performance (providing an opportunity to present innovative applications and testbeds for the above technologies, as well as new approaches to testing and performance evaluation).

Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

Track 1: Access technologies and networks in MSANs (technologies and protocols)

• Wire-based access (PON, FTTx, xDSL)
• Wireless fixed access solutions (802.11x and 802.16 networks)
• Mobile and nomadic access (3G and beyond, WiFi, etc.)
• Other emerging technologies (powerlines, CATV, DOCSIS, FSO)
• Integration/migration among different technologies (heterogeneous nets, seamless handover)
• Integration with core network
• Handling bandwidth and availability mismatch between optical and wireless

Track 2: Delivery of multimedia services

• Technologies for multimedia-multimodal services
• Streaming over IP (VoIP, packet video, rate control, error control)
• Scheduling and allocation of network resources (bandwidth allocation, power management, etc.)
• Quality of service (at network and application level)
• Terminals and devices
• Security issues

Track 3 MSAN implementation, operation and performance 

• Testbeds and laboratory experiments
• Performance evaluation and measurements
• Interoperability of last mile solutions
• Case studies of novel networking solutions and services implemented
• Application techniques, tools and experiences (e.g. health, tourism, e-government, entertainment)
• Specific operation and management issues
• Planning and design methodology and tools