552 research outputs found
Towards battery-free machine learning and inference in underwater environments
This paper is motivated by a simple question: Can we design and build battery-free devices capable of machine learning and inference in underwater environments? An affirmative answer to this question would have significant implications for a new generation of underwater sensing and monitoring applications for environmental monitoring, scientific exploration, and climate/weather prediction. To answer this question, we explore the feasibility of bridging advances from the past decade in two fields: battery-free networking and low-power machine learning. Our exploration demonstrates that it is indeed possible to enable battery-free inference in underwater environments. We designed a device that can harvest energy from underwater sound, power up an ultra-low-power microcontroller and on-board sensor, perform local inference on sensed measurements using a lightweight Deep Neural Network, and communicate the inference result via backscatter to a receiver. We tested our prototype in an emulated marine bioacoustics application, demonstrating the potential to recognize underwater animal sounds without batteries. Through this exploration, we highlight the challenges and opportunities for making underwater battery-free inference and machine learning ubiquitous
Toward RIS-Enhanced Integrated Terrestrial/Non-Terrestrial Connectivity in 6G
The next generation of wireless systems will take the concept of
communications and networking to another level through the seamless integration
of terrestrial, aerial, satellite, maritime and underwater communication
systems. Reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is an innovative technology
which, with its singular features and functionalities, can expedite the
realization of this everywhere connectivity. Motivated by the unparalleled
properties of this innovatory technology, this article provides a comprehensive
discussion on how RIS can contribute to the actualization and proper
functioning of future integrated terrestrial/non-terrestrial (INTENT) networks.
As a case study, we explore the integration of RIS into non-orthogonal multiple
access (NOMA)-based satellite communication networks and demonstrate the
performance enhancement achieved by the inclusion of RIS via numerical
simulations. Promising directions for future research in this area are set
forth at the end of this article.Comment: This work has been accepted for publication in IEEE Networ
Cross-Media Wireless Made Easier: Tuning Media Interfaces with Flexible Metasurfaces
Emerging wireless IoT applications increasingly venture beyond over-the-air
communication, such as deep-tissue networking for implantable sensors,
air-water communication for ocean monitoring, and soil sensing. These
applications face the fundamental challenge of significant power loss due to
reflection at media interfaces. We present RF-Mediator, a programmable
metasurface system placed at media interfaces to virtually mask the presence of
the physical boundary. It is designed as a single-layer metasurface comprising
arrays of varactor-based elements. By tuning the bias voltage element-wise, the
surface mediates between media on both sides dynamically and beamforms towards
the endpoint to boost transmission through the interface, as if no media
interface existed. The control algorithm determines the surface configuration
by probing the search space efficiently. We fabricate the surface on a thin,
flexible substrate, and experiment with several cross-media setups. Extensive
evaluation shows that RF-Mediator provides a median power gain of 8 dB for
air-to-tissue links and up to 30 dB for cross-media backscatter links
6G Enabled Smart Infrastructure for Sustainable Society: Opportunities, Challenges, and Research Roadmap
The 5G wireless communication network is currently faced with the challenge of limited data speed exacerbated by the proliferation of billions of data-intensive applications. To address this problem, researchers are developing cutting-edge technologies for the envisioned 6G wireless communication standards to satisfy the escalating wireless services demands. Though some of the candidate technologies in the 5G standards will apply to 6G wireless networks, key disruptive technologies that will guarantee the desired quality of physical experience to achieve ubiquitous wireless connectivity are expected in 6G. This article first provides a foundational background on the evolution of different wireless communication standards to have a proper insight into the vision and requirements of 6G. Second, we provide a panoramic view of the enabling technologies proposed to facilitate 6G and introduce emerging 6G applications such as multi-sensory–extended reality, digital replica, and more. Next, the technology-driven challenges, social, psychological, health and commercialization issues posed to actualizing 6G, and the probable solutions to tackle these challenges are discussed extensively. Additionally, we present new use cases of the 6G technology in agriculture, education, media and entertainment, logistics and transportation, and tourism. Furthermore, we discuss the multi-faceted communication capabilities of 6G that will contribute significantly to global sustainability and how 6G will bring about a dramatic change in the business arena. Finally, we highlight the research trends, open research issues, and key take-away lessons for future research exploration in 6G wireless communicatio
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