Lightning-fast broadband system developed
Scientists on the HOME Gigabit Access (OMEGA) project have created a fast broadband network using a combination of power cables, radio signals and light.
The researchers, who received €12.41m from the EU as part of FP7, used visible and infrared light to transmit data at up to 280mbps over a distance of ten metres. The data were transferred in two directions between multiple devices and created an infrared network. The project team also sent data using LED ceiling lights, in what is thought to be a world first.
The researchers hope the technology, known as visible light communication, could result in higher broadband speeds for consumers and better radio signals.
The OMEGA project includes researchers from universities and the private sector working across several EU member states, including Austria, France, Germany and the UK, with 35% of the project being privately funded.
The European Commission intends to continue funding future ICT projects through Horizon 2020 under the Industrial Leadership and Societal Challenges pillars of the new framework programme. The theme has an estimated overall budget of €16m.
