Field Measurements in Determining Incumbent Spectrum Utilization and Protection Criteria in Wireless Co-existence Studies

Studies of spectrum sharing and co-existence between different wireless communication systems are important, as the current aim is to optimize their spectrum utilization and shift from static exclusive spectrum allocation to more dynamic co-existence of different systems within same frequency bands. The main goal of this thesis is to provide measurement methodologies for obtaining realistic results in modeling incumbent spectrum utilization and in determining incumbent protection criteria. The following research questions are considered in this thesis: Q1) How should field measurements be conducted and used to model incumbent spectrum utilization? Q2) How should field measurements be conducted and used to determine protection criteria for incumbents in a co-existence scenario with mobile broadband? and Q3) Which licensing methods and technological solutions are feasible to enable spectrum sharing in frequency bands with incumbents? To answer to Q1, this thesis describes the development of a spectrum observatory network concept created through international collaboration and presents measurement methodologies, which allow to obtain realistic spectrum occupancy data over geographical areas using interference map concept. A cautious approach should be taken in making strong conclusions from previous single fixed location spectrum occupancy studies, and measurements covering larger geographical areas might be needed if the measurement results are to be used in making spectrum management decisions. The field interference measurements considered in Q2 are not covered well in the current research literature. The measurements are expensive to conduct as they require substantial human resources, test network infrastructure, professional level measurement devices and radio licenses. However, field measurements are needed to study and verify hypotheses from computer simulations or theoretical analyses in realistic operating conditions, as field measurement conditions can not or are not practical to be adequately modeled in simulations. This thesis proposes measurement methodologies to obtain realistic results from field interference measurements, taking into account the propagation environments and external sources of interference. Less expensive simulations and laboratory measurements should be used both to aid in the planning of field measurements and to complement the results obtained from field measurements. Q3 is investigated through several field interference measurement campaigns to determine incumbent protection criteria and by analyzing the spectrum observatory data to determine the occupancy and trends in incumbent spectrum utilization. The field interference measurement campaigns have been conducted in real TV White Space, LTE Supplemental Downlink and Licensed Shared Access test network environments, and the obtained measurement results have been contributed to the development of the European spectrum regulation. In addition, field measurements have been conducted to contribute to the development and technical validation of the spectrum sharing frameworks. This thesis also presents an overview of the current status and possible directions in spectrum sharing. In conclusion, no single spectrum sharing method can provide universally optimal efficiency in spectrum utilization. Thus, an appropriate spectrum sharing framework should be chosen taking into account both the spectrum utilization of the current incumbents and the future needs in wireless communications.Siirretty Doriast

A Real Time Processing system for big data in astronomy: Applications to HERA

As current- and next-generation astronomical instruments come online, they will generate an unprecedented deluge of data. Analyzing these data in real time presents unique conceptual and computational challenges, and their long-term storage and archiving is scientifically essential for generating reliable, reproducible results. We present here the real-time processing (RTP) system for the Hydrogen Epoch of Reionization Array (HERA), a radio interferometer endeavoring to provide the first detection of the highly redshifted 21 cm signal from Cosmic Dawn and the Epoch of Reionization by an interferometer. The RTP system consists of analysis routines run on raw data shortly after they are acquired, such as calibration and detection of radio-frequency interference (RFI) events. RTP works closely with the Librarian, the HERA data storage and transfer manager which automatically ingests data and transfers copies to other clusters for post-processing analysis. Both the RTP system and the Librarian are public and open source software, which allows for them to be modified for use in other scientific collaborations. When fully constructed, HERA is projected to generate over 50 terabytes (TB) of data each night, and the RTP system enables the successful scientific analysis of these data

IEEE 802.11ac Performance Analysis and Measurement Tools

Wireless local area networks have witnessed a large growth over the course of the last decade which has led to increased data traffic and demand for higher speeds. One of the IEEE 802.11 standards family that was developed to offer very high throughput WLANs is IEEE 802.11ac. Theoretically, with the PHY and MAC enhancements embedded in this standard, it is expected to provide gigabit-per-second data rates. The WLAN standards in addition to other wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and ZigBee share the same unlicensed band, and the increase in the use of this band requires monitoring the wireless spectrum and addressing wireless coexistence problems via spectrum surveys which usually produce a large data volume, that requires advanced hardware capabilities to help overcome the challenges of storing, retrieving and processing the data. This thesis reports on the performance analysis of an IEEE 802.11ac network with respect to varied channel conditions such as SNR and SIR. Mathematical models of the relationship between the throughput, the delay of the network and SNR using interpolation, were provided. The results show that for good channel conditions i.e. high SNR, 802.11ac offers high throughput values. However, the throughput is highly affected by the interference level caused by other 802.11ac devices that share the same channel, as the throughput of the under-test network is directly proportional to the level of SIR. Moreover, this thesis details a measurement tool that implements a probabilistic efficient storage algorithm (PESA) proposed by Dr. Al-Kalaa with US FDA that could be used in deploying long-term spectrum surveys in the time-domain using LabVIEW. PESA algorithm is based on representing the dynamic range of a monitoring device by a Gaussian Mixture Model, establishing windows of activity and inactivity and mapping the windows to the Gaussian component with the largest responsibility for each window mean. The indexes of the Gaussian components are stored in addition to the count of samples in each window resulting in a significant storage volume reduction. The software was used to survey the 2.4 GHz band in a healthcare facility for 7 hours. The results show a reduction in the required storage size of approximately 98.8% while maintaining an accurate estimation of the channel utilization

Space communications responsive to events across missions (SCREAM): an investigation of network solutions for transient science space systems

2022 Spring.Includes bibliographical references.The National Academies have prioritized the pursuit of new scientific discoveries using diverse and temporally coordinated measurements from multiple ground and space-based observatories. Networked communications can enable such measurements by connecting individual observatories and allowing them to operate as a cohesive and purposefully designed system. Timely data flows across terrestrial and space communications networks are required to observe transient scientific events and processes. Currently, communications to space-based observatories experience large latencies due to manual service reservation and scheduling procedures, intermittent signal coverage, and network capacity constraints. If space communications network latencies could be reduced, new discoveries about dynamic scientific processes could be realized. However, science mission and network planners lack a systematic framework for defining, quantifying and evaluating timely space data flow implementation options for transient scientific observation scenarios involving multiple ground and space-based observatories. This dissertation presents a model-based systems engineering approach to investigate and develop network solutions to meet the needs of transient science space systems. First, a systematic investigation of the current transient science operations of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) space data network and the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory resulted in a formal architectural model for transient science space systems. Two methods individual missions may use to achieve timely network services were defined, quantitatively modeled, and experimentally compared. Next, the architectural model was extended to describe two alternative ways to achieve timely and autonomous space data flows to multiple space-based observatories within the context of a purposefully designed transient science observation scenario. A quantitative multipoint space data flow modeling method based in queueing theory was defined. General system suitability metrics for timeliness, throughput, and capacity were specified to support the evaluation of alternative network data flow implementations. A hypothetical design study was performed to demonstrate the multipoint data flow modeling method and to evaluate alternative data flow implementations using TDRS. The merits of a proposed future TDRS broadcast service to implement multipoint data flows were quantified and compared to expected outcomes using the as-built TDRS network. Then, the architectural model was extended to incorporate commercial network service providers. Quantitative models for Globalstar and Iridium short messaging data services were developed based on publicly available sources. Financial cost was added to the set of system suitability metrics. The hypothetical design study was extended to compare the relative suitability of the as-built TDRS network with the commercial Globalstar and Iridium networks. Finally, results from this research are being applied by NASA missions and network planners. In 2020, Swift implemented the first automated command pipeline, increasing its expected gravitational wave follow-up detection rate by greater than 400%. Current NASA technology initiatives informed by this research will enable future space-based observatories to become interoperable sensing devices connected by a diverse ecosystem of network service providers

Current Approaches to Seasonal to Interannual Climate Predictions

This review paper presents an assessment of the current state of knowledge and capability in seasonal climate prediction at the end of the 20th century. The discussion covers the full range of issues involved in climate forecasting, including (1) the theory and empirical evidence for predictability; (2) predictions of surface boundary conditions, such as sea surface temperatures (SSTs) that drive the predictable part of the climate; (3) predictions of the climate; and (4) a brief consideration of the application of climate forecasts. Within this context, the research of the coming decades that seeks to address shortcomings in each area is described

Modelling grid architecture.

This thesis evaluates software engineering methods, especially event modelling of distributed systems architecture, by applying them to specific data-grid projects. Other methods evaluated include requirements' analysis, formal architectural definition and discrete event simulation. A novel technique for matching architectural styles to requirements is introduced. Data-grids are a new class of networked information systems arising from e-science, itself an emergent method for computer-based collaborative research in the physical sciences. The tools used in general grid systems, which federate distributed resources, are reviewed, showing that they do not clearly guide architecture. The data-grid projects, which join heterogeneous data stores specifically, put required qualities at risk. Such risk of failure is mitigated in the EGSO and AstroGrid solar physics data-grid projects' designs by modelling. Design errors are trapped by rapidly encoding and evaluating informal concepts, architecture, component interaction and objects. The success of software engineering modelling techniques depends on the models' accuracy, ability to demonstrate the required properties, and clarity (so project managers and developers can act on findings). The novel formal event modelling language chosen, FSP, meets these criteria at the diverse early lifecycle stages (unlike some techniques trialled). Models permit very early testing, finding hidden complexity, gaps in designed protocols and risks of unreliability. However, simulation is shown to be more suitable for evaluating qualities like scalability, which emerge when there are many component instances. Design patterns (which may be reused in other data-grids to resolve commonly encountered challenges) are exposed in these models. A method for generating useful models rapidly, introducing the strength of iterative lifecycles to sequential projects, also arises. Despite reported resistance to innovation in industry, the software engineering techniques demonstrated may benefit commercial information systems too

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The Large UV/Optical/Infrared Surveyor (LUVOIR): Decadal Mission Concept Design Update

In preparation for the 2020 Astrophysics Decadal Survey, NASA has commissioned the study of four large mission concepts, including the Large Ultraviolet / Optical / Infrared (LUVOIR) Surveyor. The LUVOIR Science and Technology Definition Team (STDT) has identified a broad range of science objectives including the direct imaging and spectral characterization of habitable exoplanets around sun-like stars, the study of galaxy formation and evolution, the epoch of reionization, star and planet formation, and the remote sensing of Solar System bodies. NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) is providing the design and engineering support to develop executable and feasible mission concepts that are capable of the identified science objectives. We present an update on the first of two architectures being studied: a 15-meter-diameter segmented-aperture telescope with a suite of serviceable instruments operating over a range of wavelengths between 100 nm to 2.5 microns. Four instruments are being developed for this architecture: an optical / near-infrared coronagraph capable of 10(exp -10) contrast at inner working angles as small as 2 lambda/D; the LUVOIR UV Multi-object Spectrograph (LUMOS), which will provide low- and medium-resolution UV (100 400 nm) multi-object imaging spectroscopy in addition to far-UV imaging; the High Definition Imager (HDI), a high-resolution wide-field-of-view NUV-Optical-IR imager; and a UV spectro-polarimeter being contributed by Centre National dEtudes Spatiales (CNES). A fifth instrument, a multi-resolution optical-NIR spectrograph, is planned as part of a second architecture to be studied in late 2017