60 GHz MAC Standardization: Progress and Way Forward

Communication at mmWave frequencies has been the focus in the recent years. In this paper, we discuss standardization efforts in 60 GHz short range communication and the progress therein. We compare the available standards in terms of network architecture, medium access control mechanisms, physical layer techniques and several other features. Comparative analysis indicates that IEEE 802.11ad is likely to lead the short-range indoor communication at 60 GHz. We bring to the fore resolved and unresolved issues pertaining to robust WLAN connectivity at 60 GHz. Further, we discuss the role of mmWave bands in 5G communication scenarios and highlight the further efforts required in terms of research and standardization

Will SDN be part of 5G?

For many, this is no longer a valid question and the case is considered settled with SDN/NFV (Software Defined Networking/Network Function Virtualization) providing the inevitable innovation enablers solving many outstanding management issues regarding 5G. However, given the monumental task of softwarization of radio access network (RAN) while 5G is just around the corner and some companies have started unveiling their 5G equipment already, the concern is very realistic that we may only see some point solutions involving SDN technology instead of a fully SDN-enabled RAN. This survey paper identifies all important obstacles in the way and looks at the state of the art of the relevant solutions. This survey is different from the previous surveys on SDN-based RAN as it focuses on the salient problems and discusses solutions proposed within and outside SDN literature. Our main focus is on fronthaul, backward compatibility, supposedly disruptive nature of SDN deployment, business cases and monetization of SDN related upgrades, latency of general purpose processors (GPP), and additional security vulnerabilities, softwarization brings along to the RAN. We have also provided a summary of the architectural developments in SDN-based RAN landscape as not all work can be covered under the focused issues. This paper provides a comprehensive survey on the state of the art of SDN-based RAN and clearly points out the gaps in the technology.Comment: 33 pages, 10 figure

Inter-micro-operator interference protection in dynamic TDD system

Abstract. This thesis considers the problem of weighted sum-rate maximization (WSRM) for a system of micro-operators subject to inter-micro-operator interference constraints with dynamic time division duplexing. The WSRM problem is non-convex and non-deterministic polynomial hard. Furthermore, micro-operators require minimum coordination among themselves making the inter-micro-operator interference management very challenging. In this regard, we propose two decentralized precoder design algorithm based on over-the-air bi-directional signalling strategy. We first propose a precoder design algorithm by considering the equivalent weighted minimum mean-squared error minimization reformulation of the WSRM problem. Later we propose precoder design algorithm by considering the weighted sum mean-squared error reformulation. In both approaches, to reduce the huge signalling requirements in centralized design, we use alternating direction method of multipliers technique, wherein each downlink-operator base station and uplink-operator user determines only the relevant set of transmit precoders by exchanging minimal information among the coordinating base stations and user equipments. To minimize the coordination between the uplink-opeator users, we propose interference budget allocation scheme based on reference signal measurements from downlink-operator users. Numerical simulations are provided to compare the performance of proposed algorithms with and without the inter-micro-operator interference constraints