Next generation optical networks for broadband services: the IST NOBEL approach

The purpose of the paper is to present the research and development activities being carried out by the consortium of the IST Integrated Project NOBEL (next generation optical network for broadband European leadership) (2004-2005). The overall goal of the NOBEL project is to find and to validate innovative network solutions and technologies for intelligent and flexible optical networks, thereby enabling an extensive penetration of broadband communication services. The paper presents the main project objectives as well as the workplan adopted by the NOBEL consortium in order to achieve that overall goal. Furthermore, the paper focuses on discussing the key open issues and ongoing research activities identified within the area of optical internetworking. The NOBEL preliminary vision of scenarios, technologies and solutions for intelligent, flexible and cost optimised metropolitan and core networks concludes the paper.