1,502 research outputs found
Toward End-to-End, Full-Stack 6G Terahertz Networks
Recent evolutions in semiconductors have brought the terahertz band in the
spotlight as an enabler for terabit-per-second communications in 6G networks.
Most of the research so far, however, has focused on understanding the physics
of terahertz devices, circuitry and propagation, and on studying physical layer
solutions. However, integrating this technology in complex mobile networks
requires a proper design of the full communication stack, to address link- and
system-level challenges related to network setup, management, coordination,
energy efficiency, and end-to-end connectivity. This paper provides an overview
of the issues that need to be overcome to introduce the terahertz spectrum in
mobile networks, from a MAC, network and transport layer perspective, with
considerations on the performance of end-to-end data flows on terahertz
connections.Comment: Published on IEEE Communications Magazine, THz Communications: A
Catalyst for the Wireless Future, 7 pages, 6 figure
Fast Cell Discovery in mm-wave 5G Networks with Context Information
The exploitation of mm-wave bands is one of the key-enabler for 5G mobile
radio networks. However, the introduction of mm-wave technologies in cellular
networks is not straightforward due to harsh propagation conditions that limit
the mm-wave access availability. Mm-wave technologies require high-gain antenna
systems to compensate for high path loss and limited power. As a consequence,
directional transmissions must be used for cell discovery and synchronization
processes: this can lead to a non-negligible access delay caused by the
exploration of the cell area with multiple transmissions along different
directions.
The integration of mm-wave technologies and conventional wireless access
networks with the objective of speeding up the cell search process requires new
5G network architectural solutions. Such architectures introduce a functional
split between C-plane and U-plane, thereby guaranteeing the availability of a
reliable signaling channel through conventional wireless technologies that
provides the opportunity to collect useful context information from the network
edge.
In this article, we leverage the context information related to user
positions to improve the directional cell discovery process. We investigate
fundamental trade-offs of this process and the effects of the context
information accuracy on the overall system performance. We also cope with
obstacle obstructions in the cell area and propose an approach based on a
geo-located context database where information gathered over time is stored to
guide future searches. Analytic models and numerical results are provided to
validate proposed strategies.Comment: 14 pages, submitted to IEEE Transaction on Mobile Computin
MAC Protocols for Wireless Mesh Networks with Multi-beam Antennas: A Survey
Multi-beam antenna technologies have provided lots of promising solutions to
many current challenges faced in wireless mesh networks. The antenna can
establish several beamformings simultaneously and initiate concurrent
transmissions or receptions using multiple beams, thereby increasing the
overall throughput of the network transmission. Multi-beam antenna has the
ability to increase the spatial reuse, extend the transmission range, improve
the transmission reliability, as well as save the power consumption.
Traditional Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols for wireless network largely
relied on the IEEE 802.11 Distributed Coordination Function(DCF) mechanism,
however, IEEE 802.11 DCF cannot take the advantages of these unique
capabilities provided by multi-beam antennas. This paper surveys the MAC
protocols for wireless mesh networks with multi-beam antennas. The paper first
discusses some basic information in designing multi-beam antenna system and MAC
protocols, and then presents the main challenges for the MAC protocols in
wireless mesh networks compared with the traditional MAC protocols. A
qualitative comparison of the existing MAC protocols is provided to highlight
their novel features, which provides a reference for designing the new MAC
protocols. To provide some insights on future research, several open issues of
MAC protocols are discussed for wireless mesh networks using multi-beam
antennas.Comment: 22 pages, 6 figures, Future of Information and Communication
Conference (FICC) 2019, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-12388-8_
Survey of Inter-satellite Communication for Small Satellite Systems: Physical Layer to Network Layer View
Small satellite systems enable whole new class of missions for navigation,
communications, remote sensing and scientific research for both civilian and
military purposes. As individual spacecraft are limited by the size, mass and
power constraints, mass-produced small satellites in large constellations or
clusters could be useful in many science missions such as gravity mapping,
tracking of forest fires, finding water resources, etc. Constellation of
satellites provide improved spatial and temporal resolution of the target.
Small satellite constellations contribute innovative applications by replacing
a single asset with several very capable spacecraft which opens the door to new
applications. With increasing levels of autonomy, there will be a need for
remote communication networks to enable communication between spacecraft. These
space based networks will need to configure and maintain dynamic routes, manage
intermediate nodes, and reconfigure themselves to achieve mission objectives.
Hence, inter-satellite communication is a key aspect when satellites fly in
formation. In this paper, we present the various researches being conducted in
the small satellite community for implementing inter-satellite communications
based on the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model. This paper also reviews
the various design parameters applicable to the first three layers of the OSI
model, i.e., physical, data link and network layer. Based on the survey, we
also present a comprehensive list of design parameters useful for achieving
inter-satellite communications for multiple small satellite missions. Specific
topics include proposed solutions for some of the challenges faced by small
satellite systems, enabling operations using a network of small satellites, and
some examples of small satellite missions involving formation flying aspects.Comment: 51 pages, 21 Figures, 11 Tables, accepted in IEEE Communications
Surveys and Tutorial
Millimeter Wave Cellular Networks: A MAC Layer Perspective
The millimeter wave (mmWave) frequency band is seen as a key enabler of
multi-gigabit wireless access in future cellular networks. In order to overcome
the propagation challenges, mmWave systems use a large number of antenna
elements both at the base station and at the user equipment, which lead to high
directivity gains, fully-directional communications, and possible noise-limited
operations. The fundamental differences between mmWave networks and traditional
ones challenge the classical design constraints, objectives, and available
degrees of freedom. This paper addresses the implications that highly
directional communication has on the design of an efficient medium access
control (MAC) layer. The paper discusses key MAC layer issues, such as
synchronization, random access, handover, channelization, interference
management, scheduling, and association. The paper provides an integrated view
on MAC layer issues for cellular networks, identifies new challenges and
tradeoffs, and provides novel insights and solution approaches.Comment: 21 pages, 9 figures, 2 tables, to appear in IEEE Transactions on
Communication
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