Wireless channel model using stochastic high-level Petri nets for cross-layer performance analysis in orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing system

In this study, the authors form a wireless channel model for orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) systems with stochastic high-level Petri net (SHLPN) formalism in order to simplify the cross-layer performance analysis of modern wireless systems. Compared with existing finite state Markov channel model whose state space grows exponentially with the number of OFDM subchannels, the author's proposed SHLPN model uses state aggregation technique to deal with this problem. Closed-form expressions to calculate the transition probabilities among the compound markings of the SHLPN model are provided. When applied to derive the performance measures for OFDM system in terms of the average throughput, average delay and packet dropping probability, the SHLPN model can accurately capture the correlated time-varying nature of wireless channels. Simulation is performed to show that the numerical results offered by the proposed model are more accurate compared with other simplified channel models for avoiding state space complexity

Strategies to Recover from Satellite Communication Failures

In natural and manmade disasters, inadequate strategies to recover from satellite communication (SATCOM) failures can affect the ability of humanitarian organizations to provide timely assistance to the affected populations. This single case study explored strategies used by network administrators (NAs) to recover from SATCOM failures in humanitarian operations. The study population were NAs in Asia, the Middle East, Central Africa, East Africa, and West Africa. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with 9 NAs and an analysis of network statistics for their locations. The resource-based view was used as the conceptual framework for the study. Using inductive analysis, 3 themes emerged from coding and triangulation: redundancy of equipment, knowledge transfer, and the use of spare parts to service the SATCOM infrastructure. The findings showed that the organization\u27s use of knowledge, and collaboration among NAs and nontechnical staff improved the organization\u27s ability to recover from SATCOM failures. The implication of this study for social change was the reduced cost of satellite services due to the efficient use of the bandwidth. These savings can be channeled into the purchase of vaccines, shelter, and the improvement in the quality of water and sanitation for displaced persons in humanitarian disasters, which improve the organization\u27s delivery of humanitarian services to the affected populations in the disaster