NeTS: Small: Realizing Integrated High throughput PLC/VLC networks

电力线通信(PLC)在数据速率高达1 Gbps的家庭自动化和室内通信中变得越来越流行。在没有内置网络基础设施的情况下，它可以立即提供高带宽连接。与高速无线射频(RF)接入相结合，可以通过将无线路由器连接到电源插座或通过基于可见光LED的通信(VLC)来提供，人们可以设想一种替代的高带宽基础设施，用于室内无处不在的有线/无线连接。然而，PLC的研究还没有得到很大的重视，还没有成熟起来。该项目将对在没有内置有线网络基础设施的家庭和企业实现互联网连接产生立竿见影的影响。它可能在医疗保健、工业自动化和仓储等商业领域特别有用。可编程控制器也可以在支撑物联网方面找到应用。将开发一门关于新兴网络技术的新课程。预计与NEC实验室的密切工作关系将导致研究成功地转化为实践。在这个项目中，目标是：(A)对影响电力线通信的各种因素(如打开/关闭电气设备)有一个基本的了解；(B)在已有的了解的基础上，实现建立一个集成的PLC/RF/VLC框架的愿景。首先，将进行一项全面的测量研究，以了解(A)阻碍在PLC中实现高数据速率的因素，以及(B)PLC与无线RF/VLC接口之间的相互作用。具体地说，这些测量将使人们了解：(I)PLC通道的动态，(Ii)有源电气设备对可实现的PLC吞吐量的影响，以及(Iii)PLC或无线链路成为实现高吞吐量的瓶颈的条件。在已有认识的基础上，PI将设计和实施综合框架，以实现对PLC网络的单独有效管理，以及对PLC/RF或PLC/VLC综合网络的有效管理，从而在实践中实现高数据速率。该框架将在UC Riverside的集成PLC/RF试验台上完全实施，并进行额外的VLC试验。

Power line communications (PLC) is becoming popular for home automation and indoor communications with data rates of up to 1 Gbps. It can offer an immediate means of providing high bandwidth connectivity where there is no in-built network infrastructure. Combined with high speed wireless radio frequency (RF) access which can be provided by either connecting wireless routers to power outlets or via Visible Light LED based Communications (VLC), one can envision an alternate high bandwidth infrastructure for ubiquitous wired/wireless connectivity indoors. However, PLC research has not received much attention and is yet to mature. This project will have an immediate impact in realizing Internet connectivity in homes and enterprises that do not have an in-built wired network infrastructure. It can be especially useful in business segments such as healthcare, industrial automation and warehousing. PLC can also find application in supporting the Internet of Things. A new course on emerging network technologies will be developed. A close working relationship with NEC laboratories is expected to result in successful transition of the research into practice. In this project, the objectives are to: (a) develop a fundamental understanding of various factors that influence power line communications (such as turning on/off electrical devices) and (b) based on the understanding developed, realize the vision of building an integrated PLC/RF/VLC framework.First, a comprehensive measurement study will be undertaken to understand (a) the factors that hinder achieving high data rates in PLC and (b) the interactions between PLC and the wireless RF/VLC interface. Specifically, the measurements are expected to yield an understanding of: (i) the dynamics of the PLC channel, (ii) the impact of active electrical devices on the achievable PLC throughput and (iii) the conditions under which either the PLC or the wireless link become a bottleneck in achieving high throughputs. Based on the understanding gained, the PIs will design and implement the integrated framework, towards effectively managing the PLC network by itself, and the integrated PLC/RF or PLC/VLC network towards realizing high data rates in practice. This framework will be fully implemented on a integrated PLC/RF testbed at UC Riverside with additional VLC experimentation as well.