43 research outputs found
Cell degradation detection based on an inter-cell approach
Fault management is a crucial part of cellular network management systems. The status of the base stations is usually monitored by well-defined key performance indicators (KPIs). The approaches for cell degradation detection are based on either intra-cell or inter-cell analysis of the KPIs. In intra-cell analysis, KPI profiles are built based on their local history data whereas in inter-cell analysis, KPIs of one cell are compared with the corresponding KPIs of the other cells. In this work, we argue in favor of the inter-cell approach and apply a degradation detection method that is able to detect a sleeping cell that could be difficult to observe using traditional intra-cell methods. We demonstrate its use for detecting emulated degradations among performance data recorded from a live LTE network. The method can be integrated in current systems because it can operate using existing KPIs without any major modification to the network infrastructure
On the energy efficiency of spatial modulation concepts
Spatial Modulation (SM) is a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) transmission technique
which realizes low complexity implementations in wireless communication systems. Due the
transmission principle of SM, only one Radio Frequency (RF) chain is required in the transmitter.
Therefore, the complexity of the transmitter is lower compared to the complexity of
traditional MIMO schemes, such as Spatial MultipleXing (SMX). In addition, because of the
single RF chain configuration of SM, only one Power Amplifier (PA) is required in the transmitter.
Hence, SM has the potential to exhibit significant Energy Efficiency (EE) benefits. At
the receiver side, due to the SM transmission mechanism, detection is conducted using a low
complexity (single stream) Maximum Likelihood (ML) detector. However, despite the use of a
single stream detector, SM achieves a multiplexing gain.
A point-to-point closed-loop variant of SM is receive space modulation. In receive space modulation,
the concept of SMis extended at the receiver side, using linear precoding with Channel
State Information at the Transmitter (CSIT). Even though receive space modulation does not
preserve the single RF chain configuration of SM, due to the deployed linear precoding, it
can be efficiently incorporated in a Space Division Multiple Access (SDMA) or in a Virtual
Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (VMIMO) architecture.
Inspired by the potentials of SM, the objectives of this thesis are the evaluation of the EE of
SM and its extension in different forms of MIMO communication. In particular, a realistic
power model for the power consumption of a Base Station (BS) is deployed in order to assess
the EE of SM in terms of Mbps/J. By taking into account the whole power supply of a BS and
considering a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) multiple access scheme, it is shown that
SM is significantly more energy efficient compared to the traditional MIMO techniques. In
the considered system setup, it is shown that SM is up to 67% more energy efficient compared
to the benchmark systems. In addition, the concept of space modulation is researched at the
receiver side. Specifically, based on the union bound technique, a framework for the evaluation
of the Average Bit Error Probability (ABEP), diversity order, and coding gain of receive space
modulation is developed. Because receive space modulation deploys linear precoding with
CSIT, two new precoding methods which utilize imperfect CSIT are proposed. Furthermore, in
this thesis, receive space modulation is incorporated in the broadcast channel. The derivation of
the theoretical ABEP, diversity order, and coding gain of the new broadcast scheme is provided.
It is concluded that receive space modulation is able to outperform the corresponding traditional
MIMO scheme. Finally, SM, receive space modulation, and relaying are combined in order
to form a novel virtual MIMO architecture. It is shown that the new architecture practically
eliminates or reduces the problem of the inefficient relaying of the uncoordinated virtual MIMO
space modulation architectures. This is undertaken by using precoding in a novel fashion. The
evaluation of the new architecture is conducted using simulation and theoretical results
A virtual MIMO dual-hop architecture based on hybrid spatial modulation
International audienceIn this paper, we propose a novel Virtual Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (VMIMO) architecture based on the concept of Spatial Modulation (SM). Using a dual-hop and Decode-and-Forward protocol, we form a distributed system, called Dual-Hop Hybrid SM (DH-HSM). DH-HSM conveys information from a Source Node (SN) to a Destination Node (DN) via multiple Relay Nodes (RNs). The spatial position of the RNs is exploited for transferring information in addition to, or even without, a conventional symbol. In order to increase the performance of our architecture, while keeping the complexity of the RNs and DN low, we employ linear precoding using Channel State Information (CSI) at the SN. In this way, we form a Receive-Spatial Modulation (R-SM) pattern from the SN to the RNs, which is able to employ a centralized coordinated or a distributed uncoordinated detection algorithm at the RNs. In addition, we focus on the SN and propose two regularized linear precoding methods that employ realistic Imperfect Channel State Information at the Transmitter. The power of each precoder is analyzed theoretically. Using the Bit Error Rate (BER) metric, we evaluate our architecture against the following benchmark systems: 1) single relay; 2) best relay selection; 3) distributed Space Time Block Coding (STBC) VMIMO scheme; and 4) the direct communication link. We show that DH-HSM is able to achieve significant Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) gains, which can be as high as 10.5 dB for a very large scale system setup. In order to verify our simulation results, we provide an analytical framework for the evaluation of the Average Bit Error Probability (ABEP)
A practical framework for energy-efficient node activation in heterogeneous LTE networks
This paper presents a framework to activate and deactivate micro nodes in a heterogeneous multi-cell LTE network,
based on load and energy efficiency consideration. The framework exploits historical data (i.e., per-macro-cell load curves) to select a set of candidate switch-on/switch-off instants of micro cells, assuming a limited number of state changes is allowed in a day. The switching instants are instead determined online, by taking into account the actual traffic as well as the load curves. Moreover, intercell interference is fully accounted for. Our simulations show that this framework allows a multi-cell network to sustain peak-hour load when necessary, and to reconfigure to a minimum coverage baseline whenever feasible, thus saving power (up to 25% in our scenarios). Moreover, the framework is robust, meaning that deviations of the actual traffic with respect to the prediction offered by the load curves can easily be handled
Energy harvesting methods for transmission lines: a comprehensive review
Humanity faces important challenges concerning the optimal use, security, and availability of energy systems, particularly electrical power systems and transmission lines. In this context, data-driven predictive maintenance plans make it possible to increase the safety, stability, reliability, and availability of electrical power systems. In contrast, strategies such as dynamic line rating (DLR) make it possible to optimize the use of power lines. However, these approaches require developing monitoring plans based on acquiring electrical data in real-time using different types of wireless sensors placed in strategic locations. Due to the specific conditions of the transmission lines, e.g., high electric and magnetic fields, this a challenging problem, aggravated by the harsh outdoor environments where power lines are built. Such sensors must also incorporate an energy harvesting (EH) unit that supplies the necessary electronics. Therefore, the EH unit plays a key role, so when designing such electronic systems, care must be taken to select the most suitable EH technology, which is currently evolving rapidly. This work reviews and analyzes the state-of-the-art technology for EH focused on transmission lines, as it is an area with enormous potential for expansion. In addition to recent advances, it also discusses the research needs and challenges that need to be addressed. Despite the importance of this topic, there is still much to investigate, as this area is still in its infancy. Although EH systems for transmission lines are reviewed, many other applications could potentially benefit from introducing wireless sensors with EH capabilities, such as power transformers, distribution switches, or low- and medium-voltage power lines, among others.This research was funded by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación de España, grant number PID2020-114240RB-I00 and by the Generalitat de Catalunya, grant number 2017 SGR 967.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft
The Four-C Framework for High Capacity Ultra-Low Latency in 5G Networks: A Review
Network latency will be a critical performance metric for the Fifth Generation (5G) networks
expected to be fully rolled out in 2020 through the IMT-2020 project. The multi-user multiple-input
multiple-output (MU-MIMO) technology is a key enabler for the 5G massive connectivity criterion,
especially from the massive densification perspective. Naturally, it appears that 5G MU-MIMO will
face a daunting task to achieve an end-to-end 1 ms ultra-low latency budget if traditional network
set-ups criteria are strictly adhered to. Moreover, 5G latency will have added dimensions of scalability
and flexibility compared to prior existing deployed technologies. The scalability dimension caters
for meeting rapid demand as new applications evolve. While flexibility complements the scalability
dimension by investigating novel non-stacked protocol architecture. The goal of this review paper
is to deploy ultra-low latency reduction framework for 5G communications considering flexibility
and scalability. The Four (4) C framework consisting of cost, complexity, cross-layer and computing
is hereby analyzed and discussed. The Four (4) C framework discusses several emerging new
technologies of software defined network (SDN), network function virtualization (NFV) and fog
networking. This review paper will contribute significantly towards the future implementation of
flexible and high capacity ultra-low latency 5G communications
Posicionamento cooperativo para redes sem fios heterogéneas
Doutoramento em Engenharia ElectrotécnicaFuture emerging market trends head towards positioning based services
placing a new perspective on the way we obtain and exploit positioning
information. On one hand, innovations in information technology and
wireless communication systems enabled the development of numerous
location based applications such as vehicle navigation and tracking,
sensor networks applications, home automation, asset management,
security and context aware location services. On the other hand, wireless
networks themselves may bene t from localization information to
improve the performances of di erent network layers. Location based
routing, synchronization, interference cancellation are prime examples
of applications where location information can be useful.
Typical positioning solutions rely on measurements and exploitation of
distance dependent signal metrics, such as the received signal strength,
time of arrival or angle of arrival. They are cheaper and easier to implement
than the dedicated positioning systems based on ngerprinting,
but at the cost of accuracy. Therefore intelligent localization algorithms
and signal processing techniques have to be applied to mitigate
the lack of accuracy in distance estimates. Cooperation between nodes
is used in cases where conventional positioning techniques do not perform
well due to lack of existing infrastructure, or obstructed indoor
environment. The objective is to concentrate on hybrid architecture
where some nodes have points of attachment to an infrastructure, and
simultaneously are interconnected via short-range ad hoc links. The
availability of more capable handsets enables more innovative scenarios
that take advantage of multiple radio access networks as well as
peer-to-peer links for positioning.
Link selection is used to optimize the tradeo between the power consumption
of participating nodes and the quality of target localization.
The Geometric Dilution of Precision and the Cramer-Rao Lower Bound
can be used as criteria for choosing the appropriate set of anchor nodes
and corresponding measurements before attempting location estimation
itself. This work analyzes the existing solutions for node selection
in order to improve localization performance, and proposes a novel
method based on utility functions. The proposed method is then extended
to mobile and heterogeneous environments. Simulations have
been carried out, as well as evaluation with real measurement data. In
addition, some speci c cases have been considered, such as localization
in ill-conditioned scenarios and the use of negative information.
The proposed approaches have shown to enhance estimation accuracy,
whilst signi cantly reducing complexity, power consumption and signalling
overhead.As tendências nos mercados emergentes caminham na direção dos serviços baseados em posicionamento, criando uma nova perspectiva na forma como podemos obter e utilizar informação de posicionamento.
Por um lado, as inovações em tecnologias da informação e sistemas de comunicação sem fios permitiram o desenvolvimento de inúmeras aplicações baseadas em localização, tais como a navegação e monitorização de veículo, aplicações de redes de sensores, domótica, gestão de ativos, segurança e serviços de localização sensíveis ao contexto. Por outro lado, as próprias redes sem fios podem beneficiar da informação de localização dos utilizadores de forma a melhorarem as performances de diferentes camadas de rede. Routing baseado em localização, sincronização e cancelamento de interferência são os exemplos mais representativos de áreas onde a informação de localização pode ser útil.
Soluções de localização típicas dependem de medições e de aproveitamento de métricas de sinal dependentes da distância, tais como a potência do sinal recebido, o tempo ou ângulo de chegada. São mais baratos e fáceis de implementar do que sistemas de localização dedicados com base em fingerprinting, com a desvantagem da perda de precisão. Consequentemente, algoritmos inteligentes de localização e técnicas de processamento de sinal têm de ser aplicados para compensar a falta de precisão das estimativas de distância. A cooperação entre nodos é usada nos casos em que as técnicas convencionais de posicionamento não têm um bom desempenho devido à inexistência de infraestrutura adequada, ou a um ambiente interior com obstruções.
O objetivo é ter uma arquitetura híbrida, onde alguns nós têm pontos de ligação a uma infraestrutura e simultaneamente estão interligados através ligações ad-hoc de curto alcance. A disponibilidade de equipamentos mais capazes permite cenários mais inovadores que tiram proveito de múltiplas redes de acesso de rádio, bem como ligações peer-to-peer, para o posicionamento.
A seleção de ligações é usada para otimizar o equilíbrio entre o consumo
de energia dos nós participantes e da qualidade da localização do alvo. A diluição geométrica de precisão e a Cramér Rao Lower Bound podem ser utilizadas como critrio para a escolha do conjunto adequado de nodos de ancoragem e as medições correspondentes antes de realizar a tarefa de estimativa de localizaçãoo. Este trabalho analisa as soluções existentes para a seleção de nós, a fim de melhorar o desempenho de localização e propõe um novo método baseado em funções de utilidade.
O método proposto é então estendido para ambientes móveis e heterogéneos. Foram realizadas simulações bem como avaliação de dados de medições reais. Além disso, alguns casos específicos foram considerados, tais como a localização em cenários mal-acondicionados e uso de informação negativa. As abordagens propostas revelaram uma melhoria na precisão da estimação, ao mesmo tempo que reduziram significativamente a complexidade do cálculo, o consumo de energia e o overhead do sinal
Digital Twin in the IoT context: a survey on technical features, scenarios and architectural models
Digital Twin is an emerging concept that is gaining attention in various industries. It refers to the ability to clone a physical object into a software counterpart. The softwarized object, termed logical object, reflects all the important properties and characteristics of the original object within a specific application context. To fully determine the expected properties of the Digital Twin, this paper surveys the state of the art starting from the original definition within the manufacturing industry. It takes into account related proposals emerging in other fields, namely, Augmented and Virtual Reality (e.g., avatars), Multi-agent systems, and virtualization. This survey thereby allows for the identification of an extensive set of Digital Twin features that point to the “softwarization” of physical objects. To properly consolidate a shared Digital Twin definition, a set of foundational properties is identified and proposed as a common ground outlining the essential characteristics (must-haves) of a Digital Twin. Once the Digital Twin definition has been consolidated, its technical and business value is discussed in terms of applicability and opportunities. Four application scenarios illustrate how the Digital Twin concept can be used and how some industries are applying it. The scenarios also lead to a generic DT architectural Model. This analysis is then complemented by the identification of software architecture models and guidelines in order to present a general functional framework for the Digital Twin. The paper, eventually, analyses a set of possible evolution paths for the Digital Twin considering its possible usage as a major enabler for the softwarization process
Improving Inter-service bandwidth fairness in Wireless Mesh Networks
Includes bibliographical references.We are currently experiencing many technological advances and as a result, a lot of applications and services are developed for use in homes, offices and out in the field. In order to attract users and customers, most applications and / or services are loaded with graphics, pictures and movie clips. This unfortunately means most of these next generation services put a lot of strain on networking resources, namely bandwidth. Efficient management of bandwidth in next generation wireless network is therefore important for ensuring fairness in bandwidth allocation amongst multiple services with diverse quality of service needs. A number of algorithms have been proposed for fairness in bandwidth allocation in wireless networks, and some researchers have used game theory to model the different aspects of fairness. However, most of the existing algorithms only ensure fairness for individual requests and disregard fairness among the classes of services while some other algorithms ensure fairness for the classes of services and disregard fairness among individual requests