TS-MUWSN: Time synchronization for mobile underwater sensor networks

Time synchronization is an important, yet challenging, problem in underwater sensor networks (UWSNs). This challenge can be attributed to: 1) messaging timestamping; 2) node mobility; and 3) Doppler scale effect. To mitigate these problems, we present an acoustic-based time-synchronization algorithm for UWSN, where we compare several message time-stamping algorithms in addition to different Doppler scale estimators. A synchronization system is based on a bidirectional message exchange between a reference node and a slave one, which has to be synchronized. Therefore, we take as reference the DA-Sync-like protocol (Liu et al., 2014), which takes into account node's movement by using first-order kinematic equations, which refine Doppler scale factor estimation accuracy, and result in better synchronization performance. In our study, we propose to modify both time-stamping and Doppler scale estimation procedures. Besides simulation, we also perform real tests in controlled underwater communication in a water test tank and a shallow-water test in the Mediterranean Sea.Peer ReviewedPostprint (author's final draft

The Chrono-Geometrical Structure of General Relativity and Clock Synchronization

After a review of the chrono-geometrical structure of special relativity, where the definition of the instantaneous 3-space is based on the observer-dependent convention for the synchronization of distant clocks, it is shown that in a class of models of general relativity the instantaneous 3-space and the associated clock synchronization convention are dynamically determined by Einstein's equations. This theoretical framework is necessary to understand the relativistic effects around the Earth, to be tested with the ACES mission of ESA, and the implications for metrology induced by the accuracy of the new generation of atomic clocks.Comment: 13 pages, Talk at the First Colloquium Scientific and Fundamental Aspects of the Galileo Programme, Toulouse 1-4 October 200

Quantum clock synchronization and quantum error correction

I consider quantum protocols for clock synchronization, and investigate in particular whether entanglement distillation or quantum error-correcting codes can improve the robustness of these protocols. I also draw attention to some unanswered questions about the relativistic theory of quantum measurement. This paper is based on a talk given at the NASA-DoD Workshop on Quantum Information and Clock Synchronization for Space Applications (QuICSSA), September 25-26, 2000.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures, REVTeX and eps

Review of Unbiased FIR Filters, Smoothers, and Predictors for Polynomial Signals

Extracting an estimate of a slowly varying signal corrupted by noise is a common task. Examples can be found in industrial, scientific and biomedical instrumentation. Depending on the nature of the application the signal estimate is allowed to be a delayed estimate of the original signal or, in the other extreme, no delay is tolerated. These cases are commonly referred to as filtering, prediction, and smoothing depending on the amount of advance or lag between the input data set and the output data set. In this review paper we provide a comprehensive set of design and analysis tools for designing unbiased FIR filters, predictors, and smoothers for slowly varying signals, i.e. signals that can be modeled by low order polynomials. Explicit expressions of parameters needed in practical implementations are given. Real life examples are provided including cases where the method is extended to signals that are piecewise slowly varying. A critical view on recursive implementations of the algorithms is provided

Software Defined Radio Implementation of Carrier and Timing Synchronization for Distributed Arrays

The communication range of wireless networks can be greatly improved by using distributed beamforming from a set of independent radio nodes. One of the key challenges in establishing a beamformed communication link from separate radios is achieving carrier frequency and sample timing synchronization. This paper describes an implementation that addresses both carrier frequency and sample timing synchronization simultaneously using RF signaling between designated master and slave nodes. By using a pilot signal transmitted by the master node, each slave estimates and tracks the frequency and timing offset and digitally compensates for them. A real-time implementation of the proposed system was developed in GNU Radio and tested with Ettus USRP N210 software defined radios. The measurements show that the distributed array can reach a residual frequency error of 5 Hz and a residual timing offset of 1/16 the sample duration for 70 percent of the time. This performance enables distributed beamforming for range extension applications.Comment: Submitted to 2019 IEEE Aerospace Conferenc

Interval-based clock synchronization with optimal precision

AbstractWe present description and analysis of a novel optimal precision clock synchronization algorithm (OP), which takes care of both precision and accuracy with respect to external time. It relies upon the generic interval-based algorithm of Schmid and Schossmaier [Real-Time Syst. 12 (2) (1997) 173] and utilizes a convergence function based on the orthogonal accuracy algorithm of Schmid [Chicago J. Theor. Comput. Sci. 3 (2000) 3]. As far as precision is concerned, we show that OP achieves optimal worst case precision, optimal maximum clock adjustment, and optimal rate, as does the algorithm of Fetzer and Cristian [Proceedings 10th Annual IEEE Conference on Computer Assurance, Gaithersburg, MD, 1995]. However, relying upon a perception-based hybrid fault model and a fairly realistic system model, our results are valid for a wide variety of node and link faults and apply to very high-precision applications as well: Impairments due to clock granularity and discrete rate adjustment cannot be ignored here anymore. Our accuracy analysis focuses on the nodes’ local accuracy interval, which provides the atop running application with an on-line bound on the current deviation from external time. We show that this bound could get larger than twice the necessary lower bound (“traditional accuracy”), hence OP is considerably suboptimal in this respect

Attack-Aware Data Timestamping in Low-Power Synchronization-Free LoRaWAN

Low-power wide-area network technologies such as LoRaWAN are promising for collecting low-rate monitoring data from geographically distributed sensors, in which timestamping the sensor data is a critical system function. This paper considers a synchronization-free approach to timestamping LoRaWAN uplink data based on signal arrival time at the gateway, which well matches LoRaWAN's one-hop star topology and releases bandwidth from transmitting timestamps and synchronizing end devices' clocks at all times. However, we show that this approach is susceptible to a {\em frame delay attack} consisting of malicious frame collision and delayed replay. Real experiments show that the attack can affect the end devices in large areas up to about $50,000\,\text{m}^2$. In a broader sense, the attack threatens any system functions requiring timely deliveries of LoRaWAN frames. To address this threat, we propose a $\mathsf{LoRaTS}$ gateway design that integrates a commodity LoRaWAN gateway and a low-power software-defined radio receiver to track the inherent frequency biases of the end devices. Based on an analytic model of LoRa's chirp spread spectrum modulation, we develop signal processing algorithms to estimate the frequency biases with high accuracy beyond that achieved by LoRa's default demodulation. The accurate frequency bias tracking capability enables the detection of the attack that introduces additional frequency biases. Extensive experiments show the effectiveness of our approach.Comment: 40th IEEE International Conference on Distributed Computing Systems (ICDCS

Influence of relativistic effects on satellite-based clock synchronization

Clock synchronization between the ground and satellites is a fundamental issue in future quantum telecommunication, navigation, and global positioning systems. Here, we propose a scheme of near-Earth orbit satellite-based quantum clock synchronization with atmospheric dispersion cancellation by taking into account the spacetime background of the Earth. Two frequency entangled pulses are employed to synchronize two clocks, one at a ground station and the other at a satellite. The time discrepancy of the two clocks is introduced into the pulses by moving mirrors and is extracted by measuring the coincidence rate of the pulses in the interferometer. We find that the pulses are distorted due to effects of gravity when they propagate between the Earth and the satellite, resulting in remarkably affected coincidence rates. We also find that the precision of the clock synchronization is sensitive to the source parameters and the altitude of the satellite. The scheme provides a solution for satellite-based quantum clock synchronization with high precision, which can be realized, in principle, with current technology.Comment: 7 pages, 3 figures, to appear in Phys. Rev.

On the "barcode" functionality of the DNA, or The phenomenon of Life in the physical Universe

The information contained in the genome is insufficient for the control of organism development. Thus, the whereabouts of actual operational directives and workings of the genome remain obscure. In this work, it is suggested that the genome information plays a role of a "barcode". The DNA structure presents a pseudo-random number(PRN)with classification tags, so organisms are characterized by DNA as library books are characterized by catalogue numbers. Elaboration of the "barcode" interpretation of DNA implicates the infrastructure of the physical Universe as a seat of biological information processing. Thanks to the PRNs provided by DNA, biological objects can share these facilities in the Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) mode, similarly to cellular phone communications. Figuratively speaking, populations of biological objects in the physical Universe can be seen as a community of users on the Internet with a wireless CDMA connection. The phenomenon of Life as a collective information processing activity has little to do with physics and is to be treated with the methodology of engineering design. The concept of the "barcode" functionality of DNA confronts the descriptive scientific doctrines with a unique operational scheme of biological information control. Recognition of this concept would require sacrificing the worldview of contemporary cosmology.Comment: 52 pages, 2 textual figures, 1 bitmap figur

KPI/KQI-Driven Coordinated Multi-Point in 5G: Measurements, Field Trials, and Technical Solutions

The fifth generation (5G) systems are expected to be able to support massive number of wireless devices and intense demands for high data rates while maintaining low latency. Coordinated multipoint (CoMP) is advocated by recent advances and is envisioned to continue its adoption in 5G to meet these requirements by alleviating inter-cell interference and improving spectral efficiency. The higher requirements in 5G have raised the stakes on developing a new CoMP architecture. To understand the merits and limitations of CoMP in 5G, this article systematically investigates evaluation criteria including key performance indicators (KPIs) and key quality indicators (KQIs) in 5G, conducts empirical measurements and field tests, and then proposes a KPI/KQI-driven CoMP architecture that fulfills KPI requirements and provides KQI guarantee for each user