KEYNOTE 1: Towards an Integrated Optical and Wireless Access Architecture
September 9, 2008 [Tuesday] 8:30 - 10:00 AM

Speaker: Chunming Qiao, Professor, SUNY Buffalo

Abstract: While fiber-optic technologies have been traditionally deployed in backbone networks, they are also finding niche applications in the access domain (e.g., in the form of Passive Optical Networks or PONs). Meanwhile, RF-based wireless technologies have already changed the way we communicate, and yet the demands for higher bandwidth, longer reach and better interoperability remain strong. In this talk, I will briefly outline a vision for an integrated optical and wireless access, with a focus on architectural issues. I will also discuss the cost benefit of such an integrated system based on a combination of PON and WiMAX, for example, as well as its flexibility in terms of resource allocation and load balancing among multiple "cells".

Speaker Biography: Dr. Chunming Qiao is a Professor at SUNY Buffalo where he directs the Lab for Advanced Network Design, Analysis, and Research (LANDER). His pioneering research on Optical Internet, in particular, the optical burst switching (OBS) paradigm is internationally acclaimed. In addition, his work on integrated cellular and ad hoc relaying systems (iCAR) is recognized as the harbinger for today's convergence between heterogeneous wireless technologies, and has been featured in BusinessWeek and Wireless Europe, as well as at the websites of New Scientists and CBC. Dr. Qiao have given several keynotes, tutorials and invited talks on the above research topics. He is on the editorial board of several journals and magazines including IEEE/ACM Transactions on Networking (ToN), IEEE Transactions on Parallel and Distributed Systems (TPDS), and has chaired and co-chaired a dozen of international conferences and workshops, and was the chair of the IEEE Technical Committee on High Speed Networks (HSN) and currently chairs the new IEEE Technical Subcommittee on Integrated Fiber and Wireless Technologies (FiWi).

 

 

KEYNOTE 2: The Future of Wireless Communications - Is it working out as planned?
September 10, 2008 [Wednesday] 8:30 - 10:00 AM

Speaker: Prof. William Webb, Head of R&D, Ofcom

Abstract: Predictions of the future are interesting but perhaps even more so is looking at previous predictions, comparing them with what actually happened and understanding the reasons for any differences. Early in 2006 I published a book with a detailed forecast for the future. Now, two years later, there are already some divergences from the forecast such as the impact of the iPhone, the early emergence of femtocells and the apparent strong interest in 4G and related technologies. This presentation will summarise the predictions made in 2006, look at the divergences since then and understand why these have occurred and what they might mean for the future.

Speaker Biography: Webb joined Ofcom as Head of Research and Development and Senior Technologist in 2003. Here he manages a team providing technical advice and performing research across all areas of Ofcom’s regulatory remit. He also leads some of the major reviews conducted by Ofcom including the Spectrum Framework Review and development of Spectrum Usage Rights. Previously, Webb worked for a range of communications consultancies in the UK in the fields of hardware design, computer simulation, propagation modelling, spectrum management and strategy development. Webb also spent three years providing strategic management across Motorola’s entire communications portfolio, based in Chicago,

Webb has published ten books, eighty papers, and four patents. He is a Visiting Professor at Surrey University and DeMontfort University and a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, the IEEE and the IET where he has served as a Vice President. His biography is included in multiple “Who’s Who” publications around the world. Webb has a first class honours degree in electronics, a PhD and an MBA. He can be contacted at [email protected].