Advanced Sub-TeraHertz-to-TeraHertz and Free-Space-Optical Wireless Transceivers and Networks for Future IMT-2020/5G Radio Interface Technologies

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Future fifth generation (5G) cellular networks known by standardization bodies as IMT-2020 will have to accommodate an unprecedented mobile data deluge. Besides, they are expected to support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) services. To do so, it was crucial to extend the heavily crowded radio frequency band by moving today to the mmWave (millimeter wave) spectrum. The goal of this project is to innovate and tackle the spectrum shortage challenge by going far above the mmWave band and by developing new THz- and FSO (free space optical)-enabled transceivers and networks much more able to meet the stringent demands of 5G and beyond. Challenging issues in THz- and FSO-band wireless communications are certainly exacerbated by the envisioned presence in 5G of ultra-dense heterogeneous networks (HetNet) with multitier cells and multiple radio access technologies (multi-RAT). To meet this key objective, we will benefit from the very well-established research expertise and record of the academic team and the invaluable support of its industrial partners: Bell, Ericsson, InterDigital, Rogers, and TELUS. We will lay the foundation for the design of THz- and FSO-transceivers and networks by developing new sub-THz to THz channel models (those in FSO bands being well-established), integrating communications in these bands into new link- and system-level simulators, assessing the performance of such communications, and innovating accordingly with novel communication techniques and protocols. We will provide new insights into the best tradeoffs/configurations that: i) account for different metrics (performance, cost, coverage, latency, etc.) and, hence, ii) are relevant both to equipment manufacturers and service providers. We will also issue new regulatory recommendations stemming from the project's results for exploitation by supporting organizations in their contributions to standardization efforts on behalf of Canada. And we will significantly contribute to the training of job-ready highly qualified personnel for the Canadian industry.