Jorge Infante

Barcelona's open access network testbed

This paper describes the implementation and deployment of a novel architecture for a metropolitan open wireless access network, shared among different service providers. A layered model that differentiates four different actors (user, Wireless Island, Neutral Operator and Service Provider) is introduced, and the mechanism to allow Service Provider selection by the user is detailed. Other key technical issues like AAA, security, redundancy and scalability are also analyzed. This testbed has been used to provide Internet access to different user communities related to our University and as a experimentation platform for service deployment and testing in a real-life scenario

Wireless Open Access Networks: State-of-the-Art and Technological Opportunities

The present article provides a literature review in the field of open access networks and points out additional strengths of infrastructure sharing in the advent a new wave wireless advances. The first part of the article summarizes different initiatives carried out both by researchers and practitioners around the globe. The focus is on finding commonalities in what have been, until now, disperse efforts. A perspective on the current regulation regarding open access networks in the framework of the European Commission is also provided. The second part of the article reviews some recent proposals to increase the performance of wireless networks. It is explained that the idea of deploying a shared wireless infrastructure (as opposed to multiple ones), presents some additional advantages when combined with opportunistic scheduling in OFDMA and the use of wider channels for increased throughput. The concept of collaborative networks is gaining momentum and it is also closely related to the idea of infrastructure sharing.

Public–private partnership in FTTX passive infrastructure deployment: the 22@BCN case

The paper analyses municipal active involvement in deploying passive telecommunication infrastructure oriented to support New Generation Access (NGAs) networks. This analysis is illustrated using a case study based on the 22@Barcelona council initiative, consisting on the deployment of a whole passive network infrastructure under a shared investment agreement with the incumbent operator. Part of this municipal passive infrastructure is used to rent dark fibre and spaces in order to lower entry cost for alternative operators and encourage competition on the FTTX market. The analysis is centred on benefits, risks, costs and opportunities for municipal passive infrastructure deployment.

Adapting a captive portal to enable SMS-Based micropayment for wireless internet access

This paper introduces a micropayment mechanism suitable for Wireless Internet Access Providers. It is proposed that the users obtain the credentials that allow them to surf the web after sending a Premium-rated SMS, thus avoiding a direct payment relationship between the user and the WISP. Mobile users are familiar with Premium SMS and consider them a secure and convenient payment method, because of the existing trust relationship between users and Mobile Network Operators. A third party named SMSBroker that acts as intermediary between the MNO and the WISP is also required in practice. The concept has been implemented and tested in a real wireless access network.