EW2008 - Tutorials

T1 Modeling Wireless Channels: From Basic to High-Fidelity and Non-Stationary Statistical Channel Models

prof. David W. Matolak

Ohio University, School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Athens, Ohio, USA
http://www.ent.ohiou.edu/~dmatolak/index.htm

Abstract

This tutorial will provide participants with knowledge of wireless channel characteristics and how to model them, for physical- and higher-layer investigations. We cover classical models, but also focus on newer models that represent channel effects with greater realism than classical models. After a brief review of fundamentals, statistical fading models are summarized, including descriptions of new/atypical distributions. Propagation environment classification then leads to descriptions of frequency flat and frequency selective fading. Classical WSSUS channels are reviewed, and the WSSUS assumptions are then relaxed to investigate correlated scattering and statistical non-stationarity. We show how statistical nonstationarity enables long-term (wide area) channel models, useful for cross-layer designs. Spatial (antenna diversity) extensions, MIMO, and optical channels are briefly reviewed. Some of the author’s measurement results are also employed for illustration.
The physical layer (PHY) forms the foundation for any communication system. For wireless systems, the channel often presents a particularly challenging PHY subsystem, whose characteristics need to be known for efficient communication. Classical, statistically stationary models for the wireless channel are simply inadequate for depicting channel effects realistically—they oversimplify the actual propagation channel in important ways, particularly for future systems that will operate over long terms, wide areas, and without centralized control. New applications such as ultrawideband (UWB) and vehicle-to-vehicle (VTV) communications also require re-investigation of traditional channel characterizations. New models for wireless channels that better represent actual conditions will be vital for maximizing system ubiquity and capacity. Disseminating knowledge of these models will aid in research, development, and deployment of new wireless systems in multiple application areas.

Scope and Intended Audience

This tutorial is an in-depth study of one particular topic, not a survey of several topics. Participants in this tutorial should have an electrical engineering background, preferably a bachelor’s degree or higher in electrical or computer engineering, or computer science. Persons with physics or mathematics degrees may also benefit from the course. A good knowledge of probability and statistics, linear systems, and modulation, is recommended. Anyone who must evaluate, specify, compare, or deploy wireless systems over channels in multiple environments would benefit from this course. Graduate students and researchers who are interested in more information, but not expert in this topic, should also benefit.

T2 From Software Radio to Cognitive Radio: the technical challenges

prof. Jacques Palicot

SUPELEC, Cesson-Sevigne, France

Abstract

ISSPIT 07, December 15-18, Cairo, Egypt

In this presentation we will define Cognitive Radio starting from the needs which have motivated this new concept. We will demonstrate that it has developed from natural telecommunication evolution to global convergence of networks and services. Today, for a large number of players in the telecommunication field, this concept consists primarily of intelligently and efficiently managing the spectrum, but we will expand this approach by showing that it can affect all segments of a telecommunications system. This concept follows the classical circle of intelligent (i-e sensing the information, analysis, training, decision, and action). Some very important technological problems exist in this circle. We will, in particular talk of sensors, which need advance signal processing. The aspect of intelligence management in terms of a software architecture dealing at the same time information from the sensors and decisions (linked with the management of the reconfiguration of equipment), will also be treated. In our vision, Cognitive Radio is supported by Software Radio Technology. This corresponds to the second main set of problems that we will present. Indeed, all classical problems of Software Radio exist in Cognitive Radio (Front End radio, Non-linearity, hardware, reconfiguration management, etc. We shall not deal in detail all of these issues, but only those that we believe are particularly important shall be discussed."

The presentation will make reference and build on the work carried out by Signal Communications and Electronics Embedded (SCEE) SUPELEC team in Rennes Campus
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Jan Sykora, last update 7.4.2008