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

电力线通信（PLC）在家庭自动化和室内通信中越来越受欢迎，数据速率高达1gbps。在没有内置网络基础设施的情况下，它可以提供提供高带宽连接的直接手段。结合高速无线射频（RF）接入，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）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的研究并没有受到重视，也尚未成熟。该项目将对实现没有内置有线网络基础设施的家庭和企业的互联网连接产生立竿见影的影响。它在医疗保健、工业自动化和仓储等业务领域尤其有用。PLC还可以在支持物联网方面找到应用。开设一门关于新兴网络技术的新课程。与NEC实验室的密切工作关系有望成功地将研究转化为实践。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)在此基础上，实现建立一个集成的PLC/RF/VLC框架的愿景。首先，将进行全面的测量研究，以了解(a)阻碍PLC实现高数据速率的因素和(b) PLC与无线RF/VLC接口之间的相互作用。具体而言，这些测量预计将产生以下方面的理解：(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瓶颈的条件。基于所获得的理解，pi将设计和实现集成框架，以有效地管理PLC网络，并在实践中实现PLC/RF或PLC/VLC集成网络的高数据速率。该框架将在加州大学河滨分校的集成PLC/RF测试台上全面实施，并进行额外的VLC实验。

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.