In the frame of participation in EC funded projects FP7 ABSOLUTE and H2020 eWINE we developed an open source software tool, which complements previously developed tool GRASS-RaPlaT, and a new method for dynamic allocation of radio sources in the LTE-A radio networks, which can be used to complement existing but partially damaged radio networks in the case of natural disasters or during temporary events. The method applies calculated sum interference at the location of the user using the distributed radio environment maps (REMs) and the user demands at particular base station for centralized allocation of resource blocks in the LTE-A networks. In each allocation cycle, the method allocates a single resource block to each request in the node. The service priority is given to the demands already served in the previous cycles. The remaining resource blocks are applied for unserved demands in previous allocation cycles. The software tool was also upgraded by the optimization method based on the differential multi-objective evolution optimization algorithm (DEMO). We applied its parallel variant, based on asynchronous master slave approach to speed up the optimization applying a computer cluster.
F.06 Development of a new product
COBISS.SI-ID: 29908007In 2017 we started the work on a new international project NRG-5 from the 5G-PPP Phase 2. These projects are developing solutions for next generation mobile communications. We also obtained the organization of the most prestigious European conference from this area, EuCNC for the year 2018. We shared the experiences with development of 5G networks with the participants to the national conference VITEL 2017. In the contribution we described the challenges of connecting devices to 5G networks where, in addition to providing more powerful communications among and for the people, also communication services between devices has to be provided, which introduces so-called Internet of Things concepts. The fundamental challenges of connecting devices and their integration in 5G are reliability, delay, high density of devices and the heterogeneity of communication technologies. The development and testing of new algorithms and protocols for interaction and their integration into existing and upcoming communication technologies requires an appropriate flexible experimental environment. The paper also presents the experimental testbed LOG-a-TEC, part of the European FIRE / FIRE+/NGI initiative, which supports a range of capillary technologies and standards, and enables testing of new algorithms and protocols in a real operating environment.
F.18 Transfer of new know-how to direct users (seminars, fora, conferences)
COBISS.SI-ID: 30516775Several members of the programme group are habilitated at the Jozef Stefan Postgraduate School where they are lecturing and supervising students. They incorporate new knowledge, acquired in national and international research projects, in the individual courses and transfer it to postgraduate students trough teaching and supervising activities. Thus, we prepared two new lecturing materials, one providing an overview of current trends in radio propagation modelling for the 5G radio communication systems and the other describes most recent approaches in radio spectrum sharing. The study material about the spectrum sharing is an upgraded material originally prepared for a seminar given to the Agency for communication networks and services of the Republic of Slovenia. In 2017, the student Arsim Kelmendi completed doctoral dissertation under the supervision of Gorazd Kandus, the student Elma Birparić completed master dissertation under the supervision of Tomaž Javornik, while Aleš Švigelj and Carolina Fortuna co-supervised Nick Jokić and Timotej Gale at their diploma thesis at the Faculty of computer and information science, University of Ljubljana.
D.10 Educational activities
COBISS.SI-ID: 30650919In 2017 we obtained two new contracts for participation to ESA projects. One is for the continuation of long term measurements of the Alphasat satellite signal propagation in Ka and Q bands using our own developed 4-channel Alphasat beacon receiver station. The other one is concerned with long term logging of antenna tracking parameters during the satellite signal measurements. With these measurements and data we will extend the database of measurements for subsequent analysis of signal attenuation due to atmospheric impairments, for satellite propagation channel modelling and for verification of the simulator developed by the Luxembourg company HiTEC. With these measurements and analysis results we also continue the collaboration with the international European group ASAPE (Group of the AlphaSat Aldo Paraboni propagation Experimenters), we joined the ASALASCA network and we also contribute measurements to the ITU-R database.
F.16 Improvements to an existing information system/databases
COBISS.SI-ID: 30388519Through the participation to the WiSHFUL OC3 TestLAB project the experimental testbed LOG-a-TEC, based on VESNA sensor platform, has been (i) upgraded with a new, more powerful version of the core nodes and a new framework for the preparation, execution and monitoring of experiments, (ii) extended with new 5G capillary radio interfaces, and (iii) complemented with new experimental libraries. This testbed is one of the unique tools of the research programme and used for experimental research in the areas of radio environental charaterization and Internet of Things. Through the H2020 Fed4FIRE+ project the LOG-a-TEC testbed is also part of the new European initiative NGI-EXP (Next Generation Internet Experimentation).
F.12 Improvements to an existing service
COBISS.SI-ID: 30258727