Old Buildings Broadband Home Networks: Technologies and Services Overview

Abstract

Internet broadband access is becoming a reality in many countries. To fully exploit the benefits from high-speed connection, both suitable home network connectivity and advanced services support have to be made available to the user. In this article, issues relative to the upgrade of existing home networks, particularly in old buildings, together with networking and security requirements are addressed, and possible solutions are proposed.     

The Design of Passive Optical Networking+Ethernet over Coaxial Cable Access Networking and Video-on-Demand Services Carrying

Abstract

Video on demand is a very attractive service used for entertainment, education, and other purposes. The design of passive optical networking+Ethernet over coaxial cable accessing and a home gateway system is proposed. The network integrates the passive optical networking and Ethernet over coaxial cable to provide high dedicated bandwidth for the metropolitan video-on-demand services. Using digital video broadcasting, IP television protocol, unicasting, and broadcasting mechanisms maximizes the system throughput. The home gateway finishes radio frequency signal receiving and provides three kinds of interfaces for high-definition video, voice, and data, which achieves triple-play and wire/wireless access synchronously.     

Application of the steiner street problem to a more economical data bus

Abstract

A data bus consists of the interconnection of N terminals, each of which is connected to every other terminal. There are three fundamental approaches to the topology of the network: (1) the tee network, for which the connecting nodes coincide with the communicating nodes; (2) the star network, for which there is only one connection node, which may not coincide with a communication node; and (3) the Steiner minimal tree network, for which there can be many nodes, each of which is difficult to locate in the x-y plane. The tee and star approaches are receiving most attention but the third is the only one that economizes on the use of cable (glass fiber waveguide). After a discussion of the tee and star networks, we turn to the Steiner minimal tree network and a method of locating the connecting nodes so that the total amount of cable is minimized.     

Properties of advanced coupled-cluster Green's function

ABSTRACT

We present an extension of the analysis previously applied to the retarded part of the coupled cluster (CC) Green's function to its advanced part. In analogy to our earlier studies for the retarded part, we demonstrate that the advanced CC Green's function is expressed in terms of connected diagrams only, which is a direct consequence of algebraic form of equations satisfied by CC amplitudes. We also demonstrate that ω-derivatives of the advanced CC Green's function can be calculated analytically and can be expressed in terms of connected diagrams only. We analyse the structure of connected diagrams and the role of intermediate operators which satisfy electron affinity equation-of-motion CC-type conditions.     

A Techno-Economic Study on the Outside Plant Cost of Current and Next-Generation Fiber-to-the-X Deployments

Abstract

A techno-economic study on the outside plant costs of fiber-to-the-X infrastructures is presented in this article. Standardized passive optical network and active optical network technologies, implemented in fiber-to-the-home architectures, are presented/compared in terms of costs. Future architectures based on passive optical networks are investigated, their outside plant infrastructure, and corresponding costs are reviewed. Cost comparisons of fiber-to-the-X infrastructures reveal significant differences. Besides fiber-to-the-node being the less costly, it is shown that the cost of high splitting ratio passive optical network fiber-to-the-home infrastructures is not increasing linearly with the splitting ratio. The highest splitting ratio is not always the one with the largest savings percentage. Referring to current and future fiber-to-the-home access network architectures/technologies, the flexibility of wavelength division multiplexing/time division multiplexing passive optical networks is estimated to reach a 40% reduction in outside plant cost compared with the home run architecture.     

Numerical Investigation on Performance of In-Building Plastic Optical Fiber Transmission Systems and Role of Digital Television Broadcasting

Abstract

This article reports a numerical investigation on the transmission performance of multilevel systems operating in building links encompassing step-index plastic optical fibers. For such an aim, a simplified model for the multimode fiber propagation is introduced. A sub-carrier multiplexing technique is also simulated to demonstrate the distribution of broadcasting television channels by adopting such fibers. The reported results show that a unique building network based on step-index plastic optical fibers is suitable to carry both Ethernet and broadcast TV signals in all rooms.     

Fast Restoration Based on Alternative Wavelength Paths in a Wide Area Optical IP Network

Abstract

In this article we describe an experimental investigation of IP network restoration based on wavelength recovery. We propose a procedure for metro and wide area gigabit Ethernet networks that allows us to route the wavelength in case of link failure to another existing link by exploiting wavelength division multiplexing in the fiber. Such a procedure is obtained by means of an optical switch that is managed by a loss-of-light signal that is generated by a router in case of link failure. Such a method has been tested in an IP network consisting of three core routers with optical gigabit Ethernet interfaces connected by means of 50-km-long single-mode fibers between Rome and Pomezia. Compared with other conventional restoration techniques, such as OSPF and MPLS, our method -in very fast (20 ms) and is compatible with real-time TV services and low-cost chips.     

Migration to Broadband and Ubiquitous Environments by Using Fiber-Optic Technologies in Access/Home Areas

ABSTRACT

The recent dramatic advances in information and communication technologies have yielded new environments. However, adoption still differs area by area. To realize the future broadband environment that everyone can enjoy everywhere, several technical issues have to be resolved before network penetration becomes ubiquitous. One such key is the use of fiber optics for the home and mobile services. This article overviews initial observations drawn from numerical survey data gathered over the last decade in several countries/regions, and gives some example scenarios for network/service evolution. One result implies that implementing new/future services must consider the gross domestic product impact.     

Geographical dispersal of mobile communication networks

In this paper, we analyze statistical properties of a communication network constructed from the records of a mobile phone company. The network consists of 2.5 million customers that have placed 810 million communications (phone calls and text messages) over a period of 6 months and for whom we have geographical home localization information. It is shown that the degree distribution in this network has a power-law degree distribution k⁻⁵ and that the probability that two customers are connected by a link follows a gravity model, i.e. decreases as d⁻², where d is the distance between the customers. We also consider the geographical extension of communication triangles and we show that communication triangles are not only composed of geographically adjacent nodes but that they may extend over large distances. This last property is not captured by the existing models of geographical networks and in a last section we propose a new model that reproduces the observed property. Our model, which is based on the migration and on the local adaptation of agents, is then studied analytically and the resulting predictions are confirmed by computer simulations.     

规则联接的多边形电阻网络的等效电阻研究

规则联接的多边形电阻网络可以简化为两部分相同的电阻网络的并联,将其中一部分变换为梯形电阻网络,针对奇数边形和偶数边形对应的梯形网络不同,经过相应的变换得到了规则联接的多边形电阻网络的表达式,这一结论也适用于规则联接的多边形电容网络.     

Self-diffusion and inter-diffusion coefficients of liquid lithium isotopes

Experimental data on ⁶Li and ⁷Li diffusivities, as determined by Feinauer et al. [A. Feinauer, G. Majer and A. Seeger, J. Phys. Condensed Matter 6 L355 (1994)], are discussed in the framework of a theory previously developed by Omini [M. Omini, Phil. Mag. A 54 561 (1986)]. The scattering processes responsible for diffusion are described in terms of a Fourier-transformable pair potential through which the diffusing atom interacts with the atoms of the surrounding liquid. Two main improvements are introduced into the theory with respect to its original formulation: the first is represented by a more reliable form of trial function in the variational procedure used to solve the transport equation; the second consists of a reinterpretation of the long wavelength part of the potential, i.e. the part connected with collective modes of vibration. The theory provides an explanation of the dynamic isotope effects observed in self-diffusion and inter-diffusion coefficients.     

A 3D densely connected convolution neural network with connection-wise attention mechanism for Alzheimer's disease classification

PurposeAlzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive and irreversible neurodegenerative disease. In recent years, machine learning methods have been widely used on analysis of neuroimage for quantitative evaluation and computer-aided diagnosis of AD or prediction on the conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to AD. In this study, we aimed to develop a new deep learning method to detect or predict AD in an efficient way.Materials and methodsWe proposed a densely connected convolution neural network with connection-wise attention mechanism to learn the multi-level features of brain MR images for AD classification. We used the densely connected neural network to extract multi-scale features from pre-processed images, and connection-wise attention mechanism was applied to combine connections among features from different layers to hierarchically transform the MR images into more compact high-level features. Furthermore, we extended the convolution operation to 3D to capture the spatial information of MRI. The features extracted from each 3D convolution layer were integrated with features from all preceding layers with different attention, and were finally used for classification. Our method was evaluated on the baseline MRI of 968 subjects from ADNI database to discriminate (1) AD versus healthy subjects, (2) MCI converters versus healthy subjects, and (3) MCI converters versus non-converters.ResultsThe proposed method achieved 97.35% accuracy for distinguishing AD patients from healthy control, 87.82% for MCI converters against healthy control, and 78.79% for MCI converters against non-converters. Compared with some neural networks and methods reported in recent studies, the classification performance of our proposed algorithm was among the top ranks and improved in discriminating MCI subjects who were in high risks of conversion to AD.ConclusionsDeep learning techniques provide a powerful tool to explore minute but intricate characteristics in MR images which may facilitate early diagnosis and prediction of AD.     

Rigorous solutions for electromagnetic scattering from rough surfaces

Abstract

First, the rough surface scattering problem is formulated from a statistical point of view. Then, different numerical schemes that permit one to solve Maxwell equations without approximation are presented for the three-dimensional scattering problem. Particular attention is paid to boundary integral methods and to the numerical techniques developed to handle large linear systems when short-range interactions dominate. Lastly, several important connected issues that require further numerical and theoretical improvements are discussed.     

Use of perturbing probes for plasma-jet diagnostics

The experience gained in using an array of cylindrical Langmuir probes as a perturbing body for plasma-jet diagnostics is described. The plasma potential on a part of the probe is determined from the ion-scattering minimum at that part. The potential values thus obtained are compared with the results of an analysis of the probe characteristics. The conditions for applicability of the method are discussed. A density marker is created by applying a voltage pulse with a duration of 30 ns to the probes, and time-of-flight probing of the plasma jet is performed. Zh. Tekh. Fiz. 67, 24–27 (July 1997)     

The Impact of Cost and Demand Uncertainty to the Fiber-to-the-Home Business Case

Abstract

The business case of fiber to the home exhibits substantial risk. This study evaluates the impact of such risks as construction delays, the city plan, average revenue per user, and take-up rates in the fiber-to-the-home business case, based on experiences and planning of current fiber to the x and future fiber-to-the-home plans in Greece. It does so in the context of the dark fiber, capacity provision, and retail service business models. The findings show that demand-side uncertainty is more critical than deployment risks and that take-up rates have stronger implications to the business case than average revenue per user.     

Symmetry Reductions of the Lax Pair of the Four-Dimensional Euclidean Self-Dual Yang-Mills Equations

Abstract

The reduction by symmetry of the linear system of the self-dual Yang-Mills equations in four-dimensions under representatives of the conjugacy classes of subgroups of the connected part to the identity of the corresponding Euclidean group under itself is carried out. Only subgroups leading to systems of differential equations nonequivalent to conditions of zero curvature without parameter, or to systems of uncoupled first order linear O.D.E.’s are considered. Lax pairs for a modified form of the Nahm’s equations as well as for systems of partial differential equations in two and three dimensions are written out.     

Network dilution and asymmetry in an efficient brain

ABSTRACT

The ultimate goal of neuroscience is to ultimately understand how the brain functions. The advancement of brain imaging shows us how the brain continuously alternates complex activity patterns and experimentally reveals how these patterns are responsible for memory, association, reasoning, and countless other tasks. Two fundamental parameters, dilution (the number of connections per node), and symmetry (the number of bidirectional connections of the same weight) characterise two fundamental features underlying the networks that connect the single neurons in the brain and generate these patterns. Mammalian brains show large variations of dilution, and mostly asymmetric connectivity, unfortunately the advantages which drove evolution to these state of network dilution and asymmetry are still unknown. Here, we studied the effects of symmetry and dilution on a discrete-time recurrent neural network with McCulloch–Pitts neurons. We use an exhaustive approach, in which we probe all possible inputs for several randomly connected neuron networks with different degrees of dilution and symmetry. We find an optimum value for the synaptic dilution and symmetry, which turns out to be in striking quantitative agreement with what previous researchers have found in the brain cortex, neocortex and hippocampus. The diluted asymmetric brain shows high memory capacity and pattern recognition speed, but most of all it is the less energy-consumptive with respect to fully connected and symmetric network topologies.     

ADDENDUM TO “THE RELATIVISTIC COVARIANCE OF THE B-CYCLIC RELATIONS”

In a previous paper [Found. Phys. Lett. 10, 383–391 (1997)] we proved that the Evans–Vigier definitions of B ⁽⁰⁾ and B ⁽³⁾ may be related not with magnetic fields but with a 4-vector field. In the present Addendum it is shown that the terms used in the B-cyclic theorem proposed by M. Evans and J.-P. Vigier may have various transformation properties with respect to Lorentz transformations. The fact whether theB ⁽³⁾ field is a part of a bivector (which is equivalent to antisymmetric second-rank tensor) or a part of a 4-vector depends on the phase factors in the definition of positive- and negative-frequency solutions of the (B, E) transverse field. This is closely connected to our considerations of the Bargmann–Wightman–Wigner (Gelfand–Tsetlin–Sokolik) constructs and with Ahluwalia's recent consideration of the phase factor related to gravity. The physical relevance of proposed constructs is discussed.     

Dynamic Optical Networks for Future Internet Environments

Abstract

This article reports an overview on the evolution of the optical network scenario taking into account the exponential growth of connected devices, big data, and cloud computing that is driving a concrete transformation impacting the information and communication technology world. This hyper-connected scenario is deeply affecting relationships between individuals, enterprises, citizens, and public administrations, fostering innovative use cases in practically any environment and market, and introducing new opportunities and new challenges. The successful realization of this hyper-connected scenario depends on different elements of the ecosystem. In particular, it builds on connectivity and functionalities allowed by converged next-generation networks and their capacity to support and integrate with the Internet of Things, machine-to-machine, and cloud computing. This article aims at providing some hints of this scenario to contribute to analyze impacts on optical system and network issues and requirements. In particular, the role of the software-defined network is investigated by taking into account all scenarios regarding data centers, cloud computing, and machine-to-machine and trying to illustrate all the advantages that could be introduced by advanced optical communications.     

Quality of Service Control Based on Virtual Private Network Services in a Wide Area Gigabit Ethernet Optical Test Bed

Abstract

We report an experimental investigation about the Virtual Private LAN Service technique to guarantee the quality of service in the metro/core network and also in the presence of access bandwidth bottleneck. We also show how the virtual private network can be set up for answering to a user request in a very fast way. The tests were performed in a GMPLS test bed with GbE core routers linked with long (tens of kilometers) GbE G.652 fiber links.