Digital Advanced Rural Testbed - DART

DART (Digital Advanced Rural Testbed) is an experimental advanced network using satellite broadband. It facilitates experimentation with new business models, applications and digital content to remote and rural communities.

DART is one of five Network Service Demonstrators funded by the UK Technology Strategy Board (TSB).

OBJECTIVES

The DART objectives are:

- To build a testbed supporting advanced infrastructure and key technology enablers.
- To support experimentation with new business models for Next Generation Access.
- To allow third parties to experiment with new network infrastructure and service enablers.
- To pilot digital content and new applications with users in remote and rural communities

DART will allow network operators, application developers and content providers to answer questions such as:

- How can I watch high-quality iPlayer and on-line TV services using satellite broadband?
- I have broadband at home and I need to use e-healthcare, who pays for the extra cost?
- How do I create digital audio-visual content and make it accessible to everyone?
- I need to upload/download a large file from home, how can I do this quickly?
- I have developed a new application, how do I test it with rural users?

TECHNOLOGY ENABLERS

The TSB has identified a set of technology enablers that may be introduced in next generation networks. DART will implement four of these enablers, which will be integrated in the next generation broadband system provided using the HYLAS 1 satellite operated by Avanti.

- Multicast - Distribution of data to multiple receivers
- Caching - High-speed access to online video content
- Variable Quality of Service (QoS) - On-demand variation of QoS required by specific application and service types
- Variable Bandwidth – On demand variation of bandwidth to support short term high capacity needs

DART will build a community of over 100 users spread across the UK, including a mixture of business, home, and community access. The community network in Wray, Lancashire, provides an a unique opportunity to efficiently deliver video caching services using a combination of satellite, wireless and fibre networks. Use of DART will be managed by IC tomorrow (ictomorrow.co.uk). This platform is open to consumers wishing to participate or businesses offering digital products, allowing them to experience new digital broadband applications. The platform also provides the monitoring and tools needed for evaluation of the testbed results.

CONCLUSION

DART allows application and content providers to experiment with innovative network
technologies. This will enable an operator to tailor and sell services/products in a different manner than just delivering simple broadband connections. The experience gained will stimulate deployment of next generation networks and the applications that will use them.

The DART project is funded by the UK Technology Strategy Board (TSB). DART will support research into innovative network applications with funding from the RCUK dot.rural hub.