Broadband Wireless and Component Technology Evolution

1- Resource Management in Flexible Systems Architectures

Start and End Dates
      October 1, 2000 – January 30, 2003

Principal Investigator

• Samy Mahmoud, Professor and Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Design, Carleton University

Co-Investigators

• David Falconer, Professor, Carleton University
• Halim Yanikomeroglu, Assistant Professor, Carleton University
• Mohamed Hosam Ahmed, Senior Research Associate, Carleton University
• John Sydor, Manager, Broadband Wireless, CRC
• Imran Syed, Carleton University Graduate Student (MSc)
• Mahmudur Rahman, Carleton University Graduate Student (MSc)

Industry Partner
Nortel

Summary:
It was anticipated that the sub-10 GHz band will be heavily used by Internet Service providers to meet the growing demand for broadband access from homes and business organizations. System architecture must therefore support future user devices requiring access with different QoS requirements. Examples of future applications that are deemed important, although still not well defined included mobile (nomadic computing) and a wide range of multi-media access devices requiring different transmission rates. Efficient management of radio resources in the envisioned flexible system architecture has been seen as  a very complicated and challenging task. Existing radio resource management literature called mainly for simpler system architectures, and thus is very limited in scope. One of the main goals of this project is to further understanding of this field. Towards this end, significant analytical work will be conducted along with computer simulations to determine optimal and efficient sub-optimal resource management methods. This project was started in October 2000 with focus on the following research topics:

• Feasibility of developing flexible architectures in the sub-10 GHz band to combine multiple air-interface methods with a layered network structure where the configuration in each layer is dynamically changeable to accommodate varying traffic conditions and bandwidth allocations.
• Development of advanced radio resource management techniques applicable in such flexible system architectures

Development of technical input and proposals to enable effective participation in the standardization efforts that will be carried out by a special task group, set up by the IEEE 802.16, to propose an air-interface standard for sub-11 GHz frequencies

2- Advanced Coding and Modulation for Broadband Wireless Below 11 GHz

Start and End Dates
      October 1, 2000 – October 30, 2002

Principal Investigator

• Amir Banihashemi, Professor, Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, Carleton University

Co-Investigators

• David Falconer, Professor, Carleton University
• Ian Marsland, Professor, Carleton University
• Langis Roy, Professor, Carleton University
• John Lodge, CRC
• Abbas Yongacoglu, Professor, SITE, University of Ottawa

Industry Partner
Nortel

Summary:
This wireless project addressed technical topics of critical importance to the overall system performance of broadband fixed wireless systems with focus on applications into MMDS (Multi-channel Multi-point Distribution Systems).  These topics included channel coding, channel equalization, modulation and adaptive array processing. Effective coding, modulation and array processing schemes require an adaptive approach to respond to changing propagation environment, and varying quality of service requirements among different users. In broadband applications, because of high bit rates, complexity of algorithms is an important design criterion. The main research objectives were to achieve an effective design of a physical layer transmission system for high-rate communication in the MMDS band which is economically feasible to implement. For that purpose, various proposed transmission schemes were studied for deeper understanding of their performance under the following constraints:

• High transmission rates
• Level of protection against intersymbol interference
• Effectiveness of error control coding
• Effectiveness of the use of adaptive array processing and space time coding to enhance performance and capacity.
• Cost effectiveness

3- Enabling Technologies for Future Mobile Broadband Systems

Start and End Dates
      September 1, 2002 – June 30, 2004

Principal Investigator

• Abbas Yongacoglu, Professor, SITE, University of Ottawa

Co-Investigators

• C. Charalambous, Professor, University of Ottawa
• J.Y. Chouinard, Professor, University of Ottawa
• C. D'Amours, Professor, University of Ottawa
• R. Hafez, Professor, Carleton University
• François Patenaude, Research Scientist, Radio Comm. Technologies, CRC
• Robert Bultitude, Research Scientist, Radio Comm. Technologies, CRC
• Ron Kerr, Research Scientist, Comm. Signal Processing, CRC

Summary
This project focused on research in enabling technologies usable at the physical layer of future broadband mobile wireless systems (commonly referred to as 4th generation). The first two generations of wireless mobile communication systems were designed to primarily support voice services. Third-generation offer data services at considerably high data rates (e.g. speeds of 144 kbps for mobile users) allowing support of significantly increased mobile data services. However, looking ahead one observes that 3rd generation systems fall short of satisfying evolving needs of future broadband mobile wireless systems commonly referred to as 4th generation:

• The fast evolution of wired networks and fixed wireless networks (LMDS and MMDS) that provide higher speeds for end users lead to the consideration of extending the same capabilities to mobile users and hence yet higher data rate expectation from 4th generation mobile wireless systems. It is expected that an order of magnitude increase in speed above 3rd generation systems will be required hence a 4th generation transmission rate of the order of 30 Mbit/s.
• The appearance of a large majority of new low-power devices (e.g. PDAs, cameras, sensors etc.) with wireless connectivity makes the power efficiency requirements (that were always present in the first two generations) even more challenging
• The vision of global seamless roaming and full internet connectivity
• This proposal focused on the development of enabling technologies usable at the physical layer of future broadband mobile wireless systems. The operating frequency bands are assumed below 11 GHz although the emphasis will be on the 2.5-2.7 GHz band. Although Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) is considered the technology of choice, other multiple access techniques (Adaptive Time Division Multiple Access or Adaptive TDMA and TD-CDMA) have also been considered. The main objective of the research has been to achieve broadband mobile multiple access technology at the physical layer that supports the following requirements:
• Fast channel rates in the Mbit/sec range (ten times higher than rates supported in 3rd generation systems, up to 30 Mbit/sec is envisioned)
• Fast channel estimation in "real-time" to assist higher layers with dynamic QoS provisioning
• Fully internet-compatible communication supporting integrated services and traffic and dynamically providing the required quality of service (QoS)

4- Communications Services for Harsh Industrial Environments (ComSHIE)

Start and End Dates
      March 1, 2003 – March 30, 2005

Principal Investigator

• Dimitrios Makrakis, Associate Professor, SITE, University of Ottawa

Co-Investigators

• Voicu Groza, Assistant Professor, SITE, University of Ottawa
• Ionnais Lambadaris, Professor, Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, Carleton University
• Terrance Sullivan, NCIT Industrial Research Fellow, eXRAY Broadband
• Yixin Dong, Ph.D. Research Student
• Qiang Wang, Ph.D. Research Student
• Qiaozhong Ke, M.Sc. Research Student
• Hao Zhang, M.Sc. Research Student
• Dong Liu, M.Sc. Research Student

Industry Partner
      Inco and eXRAY

Summary
The research addressed design and implementation of QoS capable wireless networking technology for “harsh” environments. “Harsh” referred to environmental conditions resulting in hostile signal propagation characteristics, very high electrical noise and interference levels resulting in significant difficulty to provide coverage by conventional commercial network technology (e.g. cellular mobile) in addition to the need for large bandwidth, latency, robustness and reliability. Underground mines represented one of the most challenging environments both for providing of reliable communications services and electronic equipment operation. A combination of scientific research and experimental development were planned to achieve effective solutions to overcome communications problems in underground mines.

While this project was focused on a specific market opportunity, the resulting technology ultimately aimed at the delivery of next-generation integrated streaming of multimedia content  (data/voice/video/touch) and associated services to “non-office” work environments including for example subways, construction sites, dockyards, highways and forestry operations. Research covered RF propagation studies, Interoperability between various wireless technologies (e.g. 802.11 and mobile), QoS over wireless and prototype demos.

5- Ultrawideband Communications

Start and End Dates
      July 1, 2003 – November 30, 2004

Principal Investigator

• Len MacEachern, Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics, Carleton University

Co-Investigators

• Samy Mahmoud, Dean of Engineering, Carleton University
• Jim Wight, Professor, Department of Electronics, Carleton University
• Mustapha Yagoub, Assistant Professor, SITE, University of Ottawa
• Arto Chubukjian, Electromagnetic Technologies, Communications Research Centre
• Ed MacRobbie, Skyworks Solutions Inc.
• Edmond Zauner, Agilent
• Salim Hanna, Industry Canada
• Langis Roy, Professor, Department of Electronics, Carleton University

Industry Partners
Agilent and Skyworks

Summary
Interest in Ultrawideband (UWB) technology has been high, both in Industry and in Academia. This was due to the features of UWB transceivers, including, simplified transceiver design, broad spectrum re-use, use of low power mobile devices and high speed data transmission. Significant research and development leading to advances in integration levels has been ongoing to make UWB transceivers practical in consumer devices. Through the Canadian Microelectronics Corporation and Micronet, Canadian researchers have access to advanced fabrication technologies such as TSMC’s 0.13mm CMOS process, and IBM’s SiGe 5HP BiCMOS process. This research leveraged the existing support structure and addressed the challenge of UWB transceiver integration. Due to UWB technology commercial impact, major semiconductor companies, Intel in particular, expressed interest in UWB technology. On February 14, 2002, the FCC adopted the First Report and Order, permitting marketing and operation of UWB-based products. On February 13, 2003, the FCC reaffirmed rules to authorize the deployment of UWB technology. Industry Canada is currently evaluating UWB for use in Canada. Primary project objectives were:

• To develop Canadian expertise in this important and far-ranging technology.
• To research and develop integrated circuits for UWB applications.
• To investigate UWB technology usage for adverse radio environments.
• To use UWB technology for bandwidth extension and re-use in existing communication links

Contributions of this research included UWB antenna systems, UWB wireless and wireline interfaces, UWB signal processing integrated circuits, and transceivers that fully exploit the concept of UWB transmission.

6- Canada 802.11 Wireless LANs for Rural/Remote Broadband Networking

Start and End Dates
      July 1, 2003 – March 30, 2004

Principal Investigator

• Jack Treuhaft, Project Director, Algonquin College

Co-Investigators

• Wahab Almuhtadi, Researcher and Project Manager, Algonquin College
• Doug Reid, Researcher, Network Planning Systems Inc
• Ian Easson, Researcher, Network Planning Systems Inc.

Industry Partner
Network Planning Systems Inc

Summary
The Government of Canada has committed to providing broadband access to all Canadians. Wireless technologies provide an opportunity to achieve this end in rural and remote communities. Canada is not alone in seeking such solutions. Laos and Jordan for example are also using wireless for delivery of broadband services. The possibility of designing an effective means of providing broadband services to rural and remote communities by combining existing Canadian products and the approaches being developed elsewhere would greatly assist the Government of Canada in meeting its commitment.

Network Planning Systems (NPS) provided technical and market expertise (obtained through own research) and an unbiased view of what the options are. Thus, at the end of each phase of the project, NPS support enabled stakeholders to have a much better view of what kinds of prototype systems need to be built and tested.  Students at Algonquin College were involved in the project and were instrumental in carrying out design assignments, measurements, and equipment testing.

The first subproject focused on designing, building, and testing the prototype network systems.  The second subproject focused on technical writing with detailed recording the design and build process in order to develop an actual “cookbook” for inexperienced users. The two subprojects resulted in a low cost design of two robust rural/remote area 802.11 (a, b, g) wireless broadband network configurations. The first configuration was a low cost robust basic system for rural/remote communities in developing countries.  The second configuration was an enhanced version of the basic system with increased performance characteristics more suitable for Canadian rural/remote communities. Both network configurations were developed based on readily available community network configurations that are in place in various countries.  These networks were intended to provide communities with e-mail, internet and voice and advanced communications services on a locally sustainable basis.  Algonquin College conducted research on the specific challenges inherent in four areas:

• Surveying existing methodologies and approaches to wireless broadband networks in Canada, Laos, Jordan and elsewhere as appropriate
• Design and assembly of a configuration of a basic low cost robust 802.11(a, b or g) wireless broadband network system for rural/remote installations
• Characterization of the system’s performance in relationship to key factors
• Exploration of ways to enhance the functionality of the basic network system and assemble an enhanced basic configuration (e.g., use popular antenna enhancements).
• Exploration of the advantages of upcoming 802.11 standards from IEEE.

Results of this project paved the way towards the ultimate goal of producing a “cookbook” of simple templates (detailed, step by step instructions, with pictures and diagrams) for setting up proven, lowest cost, and robust, rural/remote area 802.11g wireless broadband networks. 

7- Quality of Service Support in 802.11 Wireless Mesh Network

Start and End Dates
July 1, 2003 – November 30, 2004

Principal Investigator

• Thomas Kunz, Associate Professor, Department of Systems and Computer Engineering, Carleton University

Co-Investigators

• Maike Miller, Professor, Algonquin College (VP Research Alliances, NCIT)
• Louise Lamont, Project Leader, Network Systems, Broadband Network Technologies, Communications Research Centre
• Terry Sullivan, eXRAY Broadband Inc
• Sebastian Marineau, Member of Staff, QNX
• Mathieu Déziel, Research Engineer, Network Systems and Technologies, Communications Research Centre
• John Sydor, Research Manager, Broadband Wireless, Communications Research Centre

Industry Partners:
eXRAY Broadband Inc., QNX

Summary
At the start of this project,  QoS work addressed only isolated components of a comprehensive solution for end-to-end QoS support. The project re-used existing components where appropriate, focusing on the explicit linkages between the various layers: MAC, routing and signaling, QoS models and end-to-end QoS frameworks:

• The open-source software Optimized Link State Routing Protocol (OLSR) that has been developed and implemented for Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANET) by CRC researchers was used in this project. OLSR protocol was particularly suitable for the then emerging larger, dense wireless edge networks especially when the protocol is extended to support the propagation of QoS measures as a property of the network topology. OLSR greatly reduced the message overhead when compared to other mechanisms where every routing node retransmits each broadcast message.
• This proposal was designed to complement Professor Makarakis' ComSHIE project at University of Ottawa which was focusing on developing a research platform for high performance wireless switching using a Micro Mobility MPLS architecture that targeted optimized network edge traffic engineering. The project targeted complementing and extending these efforts by expanding the ComSHIE ZAP platform to operate with QNX Neutrino™ real time operating system and allowing the integration of the Open Link State Routing (OLSR) protocol with Quality-of-Service topology information.