Methods and Techniques for Next Generation Wireless Channel Sounders

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Characterization and modelling of the wireless propagation channel, long considered among the most important and fundamental activities related to wireless communications, is facing unprecedented challenges as we enter the era of Fifth Generation or 5G Wireless. As wireless systems move to higher frequencies, are deployed in more challenging environments, use ever more sophisticated techniques to boost capacity, reliability and performance, and are affected by ever more subtle propagation impairments, it has become more difficult to conduct and develop the channel measurements and models that support their design, simulation and deployment. Without effective and statistically reliable channel measurements and models delivered in an efficient and timely manner, the wireless industry loses their most important tool for managing the risks associated with designing, developing and deploying wireless systems that are reliable, effective and competitive. Failure to stem the tide will place the wireless industry and the greater economy at risk. This project focuses on the development of Methods and Techniques for Next Generation Wireless Channel Sounders and continuation of our efforts: 1) to simplify and reduce the cost of wireless channel sounders, 2) overcome key limitations that are becoming apparent in the modern era as identified above and, ultimately, 3) make channel measurement campaigns more efficient and effective. In particular, we seek to make greater use of statistical insights to guide both design of measurement campaigns and to guide and assess the data reduction process. We are mindful that the different stakeholders in channel measurement and modelling appear at different stages in the wireless technology life cycle. While standards bodies are among the first to require channel measurement and modelling products to assist in fair comparison of proposed standards, product developers and carriers require different products to support performance prediction and product testing while planning tool developers require still different products to assist in planning and optimization of deployments. Separating fundamental investigation and development of methods and techniques from specific channel characterization and modelling efforts that we conduct for industry partners under collaborative research and development programs both now and in the future will give us the freedom to innovate and take a long range view without detracting from our efforts to meet the immediate needs of industry.