Stochastic geometric analysis in cooperative vehicular networks under Weibull fading

This is the final version. Available from the publisher via the DOI in this record.We study the performance of a cooperative vehicular communication system in a highway traffic scenario, where the locations of co-channel interfering vehicles are modeled by a one-dimensional Poisson point process (PPP). Wireless channel modeling campaigns have shown that the statistical patterns of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) channels can often be modeled by the Weibull distribution. Due to the complex characteristics of random fading and interference, system performance analysis is involved. To address this issue, we establish a framework for performance analysis in vehicular networks under Weibull fading and one-dimensional Poisson field of interference, where the Weibull probability density function (PDF) is approximated by a finite exponential mixture. By this means, the approximation expressions of the successful/unsuccessful message transmission probabilities for both direct V2V communication and the three-node cooperative vehicular communication are derived through stochastic geometry. Monte-Carlo simulations verify the accuracy of our derivation, as well as the advantages of encouraging cooperation among vehicles. Our methods and results can potentially be used to facilitate stochastic geometric analysis in many other complex vehicular networks under Weibull fadingEuropean Commissio

Characterization of Single- and Multi-antenna Wireless Channels

The wireless propagation channel significantly influences the received signal, so that it needs to be modeled effectively. Extensive measurements and analysis are required for investigating the validity of theoretical models and postulating new models based on measurements. Such measurements, analysis, and modeling are the topic of this thesis. The focus of the included contributions are Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) propagation channels and radio channels for sensor network applications. Paper I presents results from one of the first MIMO measurements for a double-directional characterization of the outdoor-to-indoor wireless propagation channel. Such channels are of interest for both cellular and wireless LAN applications. We discuss physical aspects of building penetration, and also provide statistics of angle and delay spreads in the channel. The paper also investigates the coupling between DOD and DOA and the two spectra are found to have non-negligible dependence. We test the applicability of three analytical channel models that make different assumptions on the coupling between DODs and DOAs. Our results indicate that analytical models, that impose fewer restrictions on the DOD to DOA coupling, should be used preferrably over models such as the Kronecker model that have more restrictive assumptions. Paper II presents a cluster-based analysis of the outdoor-to-indoor MIMO measurements analyzed in Paper I. A subset of parameters of the COST 273 channel model, a generic model for MIMO propagation channels, are characterized for the outdoor-to-indoor scenario. MPC parameters are extracted at each measured location using a high-resolution algorithm and clusters of MPCs are identified with an automated clustering approach. In particular, the adopted clustering approach requires that all MPC parameters must be similar in order for the MPCs to form a cluster. A statistical analysis of the identified clusters is performed for both the intra- and inter-cluster properties. Paper III analyzes the spatial fading distribution for a range of canonical sensor deployment scenarios. The presented results are relevant to communicating within, and between, clusters of nodes. Contrary to the widely accepted assumption in published literature that the channel is AWGN at a small-enough distance, our measurements indicate that values of the Rice factor do not, in general, increase monotonically as the Tx-Rx distance is reduced. A probability mixture model is presented, with distance dependent parameters, to account for the distance dependent variations of the Rice factor. A simulation model that includes small- and large-scale fading effects is presented. According to the modeling approach, a sensor node placed anywhere within the spatial extent of a small-scale region will experience the channel statistics applicable to that region. Paper IV presents results characterizing a radio channel for outdoor short-range sensor networks. A number of antennas are placed on the ground in an open area and time-variation of the channel is induced by a person moving in the vicinity of the nodes. The channel statistics of both the LOS path and the overall narrowband signal are non-stationary. We investigate the stationarity interval length to be used for small-scale analysis. Our analysis of the various measured links shows that the Rx signal strength is significantly influenced by a moving person only when the person blocks the LOS path. We present a generic approach for modeling the LOS blockage, and also model the time-variant Doppler spectrum of the channel's scattered components

Measurement-Based Analysis on Vehicle-to-Vehicle Connectivity in Tunnel Environment

Vehicular ad hoc network (VANET) brings an excellent solution to ensure road safety and transportation efficiency in critical environment like tunnel. Particularly, radio link connectivity of vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) significantly influences the performance of VANETs. The communication range of the radio systems is a random variable in reality due to the channel fading effect. Therefore, the connectivity model between vehicles in realistic environment is a key for accurate evaluation of system performances. In this paper, we study the V2V connectivity performance in the presence of channel randomness for tunnel environment. Firstly, based on channel measurement campaign, empirical path loss (PL) and small-scale fading channel models are established. Secondly, we study the influence of large-scale fading parameters on V2V connectivity. Thirdly, based on real small-scale fading characteristics, we derive the V2V connectivity probability between any two vehicles under Nakagami fading channel for one-dimensional VANET, and give the closed-form of V2V connectivity probability. Finally, we study the influences of various parameters (i.e., Nakagami fading factor, vehicle density, and neighbor order) on V2V connectivity performance. Results show that with the Nakagami fading shape factor increases, the connectivity probability increases. The shadowing fading can improve connectivity in the VANET; the path loss exponent, transmission distance, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) threshold have a negative impact on connectivity probability. The transmit power, vehicle density, and path loss threshold value have a positive impact on connectivity

Motorway Vehicular Networks with Renewable Energy Powered Access Points

The goal of this work is to consider the potential of using renewable energy only to power roadside units (RSUs), which not only reduces CO2 footprint but also reduces the infrastructure needed in motorway vehicular communication. The thesis begins with collation and analysis of wind and motorway traffic data for the purpose of determining the energy demand of vehicular networks as well as the energy supply obtainable from wind. This is followed by the study of a standalone RSU powered by wind energy. Small size standalone wind energy systems which have benefits of low cost, easy and large scale deployments are implemented for the low power RSUs. The concept of wind energy based rate adaptation is introduced and implemented in the RSU through which RSU can vary transmission power according to the availability of wind energy. This reduces the outage and improves the overall service quality. Traditionally rate adaptation was employed to cater for wireless channel unavailability. A queuing model for the RSU is developed and verified through simulation to evaluate the performance in terms of delay, packet loss and utilisation. Channel fading is considered and the performance of the RSU is re-evaluated in terms of the same quality of service parameters, viz. delay, packet loss and utilisation to investigate the impact of fading in the network. Next, the reliability of the RSU is redefined in the context of unavailability of sufficient wind power. The transient nature of wind energy causes the RSUs to either transmit at full data rate or not transmit at all depending on the availability of sufficient energy. Thus, a failure occurs when the wind power is less than the load. Therefore, a framework has been developed for redefining a number of reliability parameters in the context of wind powered RSUs. A detailed wind data analysis was carried out based upon the hourly wind speed obtained from the UK air information resource (AIR) database for a period of five years, to determine the energy model of the deployed micro-turbine. An energy storage device (a small battery) is connected to the micro-wind turbine for improved service quality