COEXIST

Statistical Methods for Coexistence in Future Wireless Networks

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'The limited number of available frequency bands is a strong barrier to the growth of new ICT services. To solve this fundamental problem of spectrum scarcity, government regulatory bodies recently started to review their spectrum allocation policies proposing opportunistic spectrum access (OSA). This project addresses the problem of wireless networks coexistence in the context of OSA which enables multiple networks to share the same radio spectrum. The priority in accessing the radio channel identifies primary and secondary networks, which have the higher and the lower priority respectively. The activity of the secondary network using OSA and the effect of the aggregate interference injected into the primary network are mutually dependent, and they are influenced by the spatial positions of both primary and secondary users. Therefore the geometry of the networks plays an important role for spectrum usage optimization. The aim of this project is to develop a theoretical framework, based on stochastic geometry, addressing the network coexistence problem with a detailed model of the aggregate interference where activity and geometry of both networks, as well as OSA protocols are considered. This model will incorporate the non-homogeneity of the spatial distribution of the nodes and will be flexible enough to accommodate a variety of realistic operating environments. The theoretical framework will be used to gain insights into the design of networks for optimal spectrum usage considering also the effect of different cooperative strategies. The project will also analyze if and how a fully distributed OSA can be beneficial for the overall spectrum utilization in a multi-tier network.

The supervisor during the outgoing phase is Prof. Win from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The scientist in charge of this project is Prof. Chiani from the University of Bologna'

Introduzione (Teaser)

With the explosion of all things wireless, the radio frequency spectrum is fast becoming scarce. An EU initiative sought to put an end to this spectrum shortage.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Almost all wireless devices depend on access to the radio frequency wireless spectrum. Despite being finite, the radio spectrum must accommodate traffic that is increasing at an unprecedented rate. What is more, access is limited because of tight regulation.

To address this issue, the EU-funded COEXIST (Statistical methods for coexistence in future wireless networks) project explored a method proposed by regulatory bodies that uses spectrum more efficiently and cooperatively and has the capability to help deal with this shortage.

The project focused on opportunistic spectrum access (OSA), in which interest is growing given its potential to tackle several key challenges facing future generations of wireless systems, including radio spectrum scarcity. OSA increases overall spectrum efficiency by allowing non-licensed (secondary) users to employ unused licensed (primary) spectrum. It does so without any undesirable consequences to primary licensees.

Project partners measured the effect of secondary access point discovery performance on the uplink capacity of cells in a mobile phone network that provides radio coverage served by a tower. The basic threshold for interference density was defined. Several optimisation issues that produce design guidelines for energy-efficient small cell networks were also identified.

The team developed a framework that addresses the wireless network coexistence issue taking into account both networks and OSA protocols. The framework will be used to better understand network design for optimal spectrum use.

Project members also measured the positive consequences of network coexistence on communication confidentiality and defined a new coexistence paradigm.

Future work will ultimately enable multiple networks to share the same radio spectrum. Its potential to ease spectrum scarcity should contribute to meeting the needs for better, faster and more robust wireless technologies.