Trusted 5G Vehicular Networks Blockchains and Content-Centric Networking

[EN] Vehicular communications, though a reality, must continue to evolve to support higher throughput and, above all, ultralow latency to accommodate new use cases, such as the fully autonomous vehicle. Cybersecurity must be assured since the risk of losing control of vehicles if a country were to come under attack is a matter of national security. This article presents the technological enablers that ensure security requirements are met. Under the umbrella of a dedicated network slice, this article proposes the use of content-centric networking (CCN), instead of conventional transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) routing and permissioned blockchains that allow for the dynamic control of the source reliability, and the integrity and validity of the information exchanged.Ortega Álvarez, V.; Bouchmal, F.; Monserrat Del Río, JF. (2018). Trusted 5G Vehicular Networks Blockchains and Content-Centric Networking. IEEE Vehicular Technology Magazine. 13(2):121-127. https://doi.org/10.1109/MVT.2018.2813422S12112713

LTE/NR V2X Communication Modes and Future Requirements of Intelligent Transportation Systems Based on MR-DC Architectures

[EN] This paper deals with the potential of Third Generation Partnership (3GPP) Project mobile cellular standards to enable vehicular communications. Starting from 3GPP Release 15, and Release 16 specifications for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) communications, the different communication modes, interfaces and use cases for V2X based on Long Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR) are analyzed. This research also studies the potential beneficial impact on V2X of a network that is aware of the underlying Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) architecture. The methodology followed in this work consists of a review of 3GPP standards for vehicular communications based on mobile networks. The performance evaluation of the communication modes was performed through simulations taking into account resource allocation schemes, packet transmission frequencies, packet size, vehicle density and other parameters defined in the standard. In order to perform simulations of the decentralized communication mode (mode 4), a simulator based on OMNeT++ was configured. For the centralized mode (mode 3), an analytical model in MATLAB was used to configure different simulation scenarios. The results obtained indicate that LTE networks can only support basic V2X use cases because they do not demand strict potential requirements. Simulations showed that the centralized mode offers better performance than mode 4; however, it requires cellular network coverage. More advanced use cases are key for a future Intelligent Transport System (ITS), high-performance networks (i.e., Fifth Generation (5G), NR) are expected to coexist gradually with LTE in the V2X landscape. Therefore, in order to meet the strict requirements for latency, transmission speed and reliability, MR-DC architectures combining different radio access technologies, communication modes and connection interfaces should be deployed. In addition, operation in multi-operator and cross-border scenarios must be guaranteed.This research was supported by the European Union's H2020-ICT-18-2018 action "5G for cooperative, connected and automated mobility", for project "5G for Connected and Automated Road Mobility in the European unioN (5G-CARMEN)" under grant agreement no. 825012.González, EE.; Garcia-Roger, D.; Monserrat Del Río, JF. (2022). LTE/NR V2X Communication Modes and Future Requirements of Intelligent Transportation Systems Based on MR-DC Architectures. Sustainability. 14(7):1-19. https://doi.org/10.3390/su1407387911914

Application of Quantum Computing to Accurate Positioning in 6G Indoor Scenarios

[EN] 6G will lay its foundations on new paradigms and requirements. This new technology is expected to provide global coverage, exploring a huge spectral chunk (sub-6 GHz, mmWave, THz and optical frequency bands) to further increase data rates and connection density. In addition, 6G networks will enable a new range of smart applications with the aid of Artificial Intelligence, Big Data technologies and the emerging paradigms of Quantum Computing and Quantum Machine Learning. This paper focuses on these new paradigms and proposes an indoor location method based on the well known Euclidean Distance in its quantum version. Specifically, an example of this use case is shown, which is executed in one quantum computer from IBM Quantum Experience. The paper analyses the obtained results while exploring new challenges and fields of application of the technology. Results show that the quantum approach is accurate enough to calculate Euclidean Distance between two vectors while outperforming classical computation if the vector size is big enough.Urgelles-Pérez, H.; Picazo-Martínez, P.; Monserrat Del Río, JF. (2022). Application of Quantum Computing to Accurate Positioning in 6G Indoor Scenarios. IEEE. 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICC45855.2022.98385231

Smart Roads Classification

[EN] This article is based on the PIARC Special Project "Smart Roads Classification" which was funded by PIARC with financial support from Spain, Belgium, Canada-Québec and the USA. The project was carried out by a team from the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV, Spain) with the support of PIARC General Secretariat and of an Oversight Team from different countries. The full Report can be found in the special projects section of PIARC¿s website.García García, A.; Camacho-Torregrosa, FJ.; Llopis-Castelló, D.; Monserrat Del Río, JF. (2021). Smart Roads Classification. Routes - Roads. (391):23-27. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/189900232739

Multi-Objective Routing Optimization for 6G Communication Networks Using a Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm

[EN] Sixth-generation wireless (6G) technology has been focused on in the wireless research community. Global coverage, massive spectrum usage, complex new applications, and strong security are among the new paradigms introduced by 6G. However, realizing such features may require computation capabilities transcending those of present (classical) computers. Large technology companies are already exploring quantum computers, which could be adopted as potential technological enablers for 6G. This is a promising avenue to explore because quantum computers exploit the properties of quantum states to perform certain computations significantly faster than classical computers. This paper focuses on routing optimization in wireless mesh networks using quantum computers, explicitly applying the quantum approximate optimization algorithm (QAOA). Single-objective and multi-objective examples are presented as robust candidates for the application of quantum machine learning. Moreover, a discussion about quantum supremacy estimation for this problem is provided.Urgelles-Pérez, H.; Picazo-Martínez, P.; Garcia-Roger, D.; Monserrat Del Río, JF. (2022). Multi-Objective Routing Optimization for 6G Communication Networks Using a Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm. Sensors. 22(19):1-14. https://doi.org/10.3390/s22197570114221

Comparison of Optimization Methods for Aerial Base Station Placement with Users Mobility

Aerial base stations have been recently considered in the deployment of wireless networks. Finding the optimal position for one or multiple aerial base stations is a complex problem tackled by several works. However, just a few works consider the mobility of the users which makes necessary an online optimization to follow the changes in the scenario where the optimization is performed. This paper deals with the online optimization of an aerial base station placement considering different types of users mobility and three algorithms: a Q-learning technique, a Gradient-based solution and a Greedy-search solution. Our objective is to minimize in an urban environment the path loss of the user at street level with the highest path loss. Simulation results show that the performance of the three methods is similar when a high number of users move randomly and uniformly around the scenario under test. Nevertheless, in some situations when the number of users is reduced or when the users move together in a similar direction, both Gradient and Greedy algorithms present a significantly better performance than the Q-learning method.The work of Danaisy Prado was supported by the H2020 Marie Curie Program, with Project Grant No. 766231 WAVECOMBE - ITN - 2017Prado-Alvarez, D.; Inca-Sanchez, SA.; Martín-Sacristán, D.; Monserrat Del Río, JF. (2019). Comparison of Optimization Methods for Aerial Base Station Placement with Users Mobility. IEEE. 485-489. https://doi.org/10.1109/EuCNC.2019.8802053S48548

Millimeter-wave Human Blockage Model Enhancements for Directional Antennas and Multiple Blockers

[EN] The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has defined a blockage model as an add-on feature to the channel model used in its evaluations of the physical layer in the 0.5-100 GHz frequency range. This letter focuses on the human body blockage losses in the millimeter-wave band proposing: (i) a new criterion to place the diffraction points over the edges of the blockers that considers the precise position of the blocker with regard to the line-of-sight between the transmitter and the receiver, (ii) a specific criterion to determine which potential blockers, from a set of human bodies present in a certain scenario, should be considered effective blockers given the positions of a transmitter, a receiver, and those bodies, and (iii) a modification of the model to provide more accurate estimations in the case in which several blockers are closely located. The validity of our criteria and the accuracy improvement are confirmed by a set of measurements performed at 30 GHz with directional antennas and with multiple human blockers in different positions.The work of Danaisy Prado-Alvarez was supported by the H2020 Marie Curie Program, with Project Grant No. 766231 WAVECOMBE-ITN-2017. Part of this work has been performed in the framework of the H2020 project 5G-SMART co-funded by the EU. This was also supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and University under the project RTI2018-099880-B-C31. The associate editor coordinating the review of this letter and approving it for publication was J. Choi.Prado-Alvarez, D.; Inca-Sánchez, SA.; Martín-Sacristán, D.; Monserrat Del Río, JF. (2021). Millimeter-wave Human Blockage Model Enhancements for Directional Antennas and Multiple Blockers. IEEE Communications Letters. 25(9):2776-2780. https://doi.org/10.1109/LCOMM.2021.3095617S2776278025

Distribution of Road Hazard Warning Messages to Distant Vehicles in Intelligent Transport Systems

© 2018 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permissíon from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertisíng or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.[EN] The efficient distribution of intelligent transport system (ITS) messages is fundamental for the deployment and acceptance of ITS applications by mobile network operators and the automotive industry. In particular, the distribution of road hazard warning (RHW) messages to distant vehicles requires special mechanisms. In this case, the combination of direct communication between vehicles and the wide area coverage provided by cellular networks might be crucial not only for reducing the data transmission costs but also for improving the timeliness of ITS information. Moreover, the application of clustering and cluster head selection mechanisms among vehicles can increase the efficiency of hybrid vehicular and cellular communication networks. This paper introduces a novel cluster head selection technique for the distribution of RHW messages, and proposes an implementation of another legacy technique that was originally intended for mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs). This paper evaluates the performance of these techniques by the means of computer simulations in two scenarios with distinct congestion and propagation conditions. The simulation results show the potential benefit of hybrid networks compared with pure cellular transmissions, especially, if the novel cluster head selection technique is used.Calabuig Soler, D.; Martín-Sacristán, D.; Monserrat Del Río, JF.; Botsov, M.; Gozálvez Serrano, D. (2018). Distribution of Road Hazard Warning Messages to Distant Vehicles in Intelligent Transport Systems. IEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems. 19(4):1152-1165. https://doi.org/10.1109/TITS.2017.2718103S1152116519

Use of synchronous e-learning at university degrees

[EN] Different types of Course Management Systems (CMS) are fully integrated in conventional and online courses in many Universities degrees. Although they are suitable for lecturer-student information sharing, their asynchronous nature prevents an efficient interaction, which may hamper the learning process. As an alternative, synchronous virtual learning platforms can help fill the gaps in traditional CMS. However, there is very little feedback regarding its use in higher education. The Universitat Polit"ecnica de Val"encia introduced in 2010 a synchronous e-learning platform, named Poli[ReunioN], an Adobe Connect-based online service. Poli[Reuni !oN] ! provides virtual sessions where interaction between lecturers and students is enabled by means of audio/videoconferences and software application sharing. By following this path, Poli[ReunioN] provides an opportunity for ! planning new educational experiences where technology may help to achieve new learning objectives. However, the implementation of this tool still needs to be explored. In order to check its usefulness, we have performed a multidisciplinary learning experience involving a wide range of subjects over several degrees: Private Telecommunication Systems (degree in Telecommunications Engineering), Algorithms and Data Structure (degree in Computer Sciences), English for International Tourism (degree in Tourism Management), Genetics and Plant Breeding (degree in Agricultural Engineering), and a specific course for teachers¿ training. The advantages and disadvantages of the use of Poli[ReunioN] in tutoring and in different learning activities ! proposed in the aforementioned degrees are discussed from both perspectives¿lecturers and students. These experiences may help lecturers and other education professionals to adopt similar e-learning tools.The authors would like to thank the "Vicerrectorado de Estudios y Convergencia Europea" (VECE) of the UPV for their financial support of the project Experiencias Multi-Disciplinares de Integracion de Aula Inversa para el Desarrollo de Competencias TransversalesFita, A.; Monserrat Del Río, JF.; Moltó, G.; Mestre-Mestre, EM.; Rodríguez Burruezo, A. (2016). Use of synchronous e-learning at university degrees. Computer Applications in Engineering Education. 24(6):982-993. https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.21773S982993246Garrison, D. R. (2003). E-Learning in the 21st Century. doi:10.4324/9780203166093Beuchot, A., & Bullen, M. (2005). Interaction and interpersonality in online discussion forums. Distance Education, 26(1), 67-87. doi:10.1080/01587910500081285Dennen, V. P., Aubteen Darabi, A., & Smith, L. J. (2007). Instructor–Learner Interaction in Online Courses: The relative perceived importance of particular instructor actions on performance and satisfaction. Distance Education, 28(1), 65-79. doi:10.1080/01587910701305319Garrison, D. R., & Cleveland-Innes, M. (2005). Facilitating Cognitive Presence in Online Learning: Interaction Is Not Enough. American Journal of Distance Education, 19(3), 133-148. doi:10.1207/s15389286ajde1903_2http://www.adobe.com/es/products/connect/Bondi, S., Daher, T., Holland, A., Smith, A. R., & Dam, S. (2016). Learning through personal connections: cogenerative dialogues in synchronous virtual spaces. Teaching in Higher Education, 21(3), 301-312. doi:10.1080/13562517.2016.1141288Huang, Y.-M., Kuo, Y.-H., Lin, Y.-T., & Cheng, S.-C. (2008). Toward interactive mobile synchronous learning environment with context-awareness service. Computers & Education, 51(3), 1205-1226. doi:10.1016/j.compedu.2007.11.009Xenos, M., Avouris, N., Komis, V., Stavrinoudis, D., & Margaritis, M. (s. f.). Synchronous collaboration in distance education:a case study on a computer science course. IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies, 2004. Proceedings. doi:10.1109/icalt.2004.13574652016 https://polireunion.upv.es/http://poliformat.upv.es2016 https://sites.google.com/site/matiupv/Cappiccie, A., & Desrosiers, P. (2011). Lessons Learned From Using Adobe Connect in the Social Work Classroom. Journal of Technology in Human Services, 29(4), 296-302. doi:10.1080/15228835.2011.638239McConnell, T. J., Parker, J. M., Eberhardt, J., Koehler, M. J., & Lundeberg, M. A. (2012). Virtual Professional Learning Communities: Teachers’ Perceptions of Virtual Versus Face-to-Face Professional Development. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 22(3), 267-277. doi:10.1007/s10956-012-9391-ySaitta, E. K. H., Bowdon, M. A., & Geiger, C. L. (2011). Incorporating Service-Learning, Technology, and Research Supportive Teaching Techniques into the University Chemistry Classroom. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 20(6), 790-795. doi:10.1007/s10956-010-9273-0Konstantinidis, A., Tsiatsos, T., & Pomportsis, A. (2009). Collaborative virtual learning environments: design and evaluation. Multimedia Tools and Applications, 44(2), 279-304. doi:10.1007/s11042-009-0289-5Hiltz, S. R., & Turoff, M. (2005). Education goes digital. Communications of the ACM, 48(10), 59-64. doi:10.1145/1089107.1089139Smith, M. L., & Cline, M. A. (2011). Inexpensive Options for a High-Tech Learning Environment. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 20(6), 785-789. doi:10.1007/s10956-010-9272-

Key Technologies for the Advent of the 6G

[EN] True, the scientific community still has a lot to investigate on how to get 5G to have a satisfactory journey in the development of standards. However, it is now that we must begin to glimpse the future of mobile technology, it is time to imagine what 6G will be. This paper offers a realistic view of what this technology might be. In this case, the experience of one of the most important groups in Europe dedicated to the mobile communication systems design, the iTEAM research institute, is combined with the one of the world's leading manufacturers of femtocells, Casa Systems. From the belief that the deployment of SG will come from homes, this paper analyzes the new use cases of the 6G, as well as the three technological pillars of this future technology.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and University under the project RTI2018-099880-B-C31.Monserrat Del Río, JF.; Martín-Sacristán, D.; Flores De Valgas, J.; Cardona Marcet, N.; Bouchmal, F.; Carrasco, Ó. (2020). Key Technologies for the Advent of the 6G. IEEE. 1-6. https://doi.org/10.1109/WCNCW48565.2020.9124725S1