Integrating users into the wider broadband network via high altitude platforms

An overview of CAPANINA, a project funded by the European Commission's 6th Framework Programme, is presented. The project is developing communications technologies for use with aerial platforms with the aim of integrating users in hard to reach areas and those disadvantaged by geography into the wider broadband network. The article discusses the three broad areas of the project. Specific aspects covered include broadband applications and services selection, along with appropriate integrated delivery configurations to deliver the required capacity and upgradeability; and the associated trials, along with the required wireless and free space optical equipment. Longer-term research underway into delivering broadband backhaul to high-speed trains from aerial platforms, enabling integration with onboard WLAN access points, is also discussed.