Exploring Performance Limits of Multi-hop MIMO Networks via Tractable Models and Optimization

本研究的目的是缩小无线通信研究界在多输入多输出（MIMO）物理层的快速进展与网络研究界在MIMO方面目前有限进展之间的差距。提出的方法是为多跳MIMO网络开发简单而准确的模型，并基于这些新模型，推进对此类网络的基本理解。研究任务包括：(1)在网络层下开发新的简单、准确的模型；(2)多跳MIMO网络性能优化探索；(3)设计能够逼近最优解的分布式跨层算法。该项目通过在网络层下生成易于处理和准确的新模型，满足了研究界的关键需求。该项目的研究结果将消除当前多跳MIMO网络研究面临的障碍，并使研究界充分了解此类网络的潜力。基于这些发现，可以探索曾经被认为困难的多跳MIMO网络的新知识前沿；新的见解和发现（可能是意想不到的）现在是可能的。该项目的教学计划是开发新的无线网络跨学科教材，以缩小网络与无线通信之间的知识差距。本项目将邀请本科生和少数学生参与无线网络研究，目标是为他们未来在网络相关领域的职业生涯奠定基础。

The objective of this research is to close the gap between rapid advances at the multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) physical layer by the wireless communications research community and current limited progress on MIMO by the networking research community. The proposed approach is to develop simple and accurate models for multi-hop MIMO networks and, based on such new models, to advance fundamental understanding of such networks. The research tasks include: (1) the development of new simple and accurate models beneath the network layer; (2) the exploration of performance optimization for multi-hop MIMO networks; and (3) the design of distributed cross-layer algorithms that can approach optimal solutions.This project serves a critical need in the research community by producing new models beneath the network layer that are both tractable and accurate. The findings of this project will remove the current barrier facing multi-hop MIMO network research and allow the research community to fully understand the potential of such networks. Based on these findings, new knowledge frontiers for multi-hop MIMO networks can be explored that were once considered difficult; and new insights and discoveries (possibly unexpected) are now possible.The education plan of this project is to develop new cross-disciplinary teaching materials for wireless networking, with the goal of closing the knowledge gap between networking and wireless communications. This project will involve undergraduates and under-represented students in wireless networking research, with the goal of building their future careers in networking related fields.