COST Action 270

COST Action 270 ("Reliability of optical components and devices in communications networks and systems"): At the first Inaugural Meeting (December 2000) in Brussels two workgroups were established. Workgroup 1 (WG1); Reliability of Optical Networks and Systems including Free Space Laser Communication: Objectives - develop models to estimate survivability of optical networks, - cost studies for different survivability strategies, - network optimization from reliability and cost point of view, - defining the weak points in the network regarding components and systems (input for WG2), - collecting reliability data for components from suppliers and WG2, - defining the reliability requirement of components for optical, - networks (input for WG2) Workgroup 2 (WG2); Reliability of passive components e.g. jumper cables, fiber coatings etc. including high optical power application and irradiation effects: Objectives: - reliability tests: test methods and relevant test series, - Round Robin on certain components, - acceleration factors, - standards, - high optical power effects in all passive components, - irradiation effects, - weak spots (failure mechanisms), - service environments, standards, - field data of components. - life time estimation methods In June 2003 was a short term scientific mission from a PhD-Student from France Telecom to Graz. In this measurement and simulation campaign "Free Space Optics" (FSO)-systems were investigated in regard to dense fog. The action will be finished in June 2006.