STI: Self-Organizing Spectrum Allocation

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology, Cambridge MA

Investigators

Abstract

This proposed research program will address the challenges posed by the continuing growth of the Internet and shared-spectrum networks in a finite-spectrum world. Current spectrum allocations are generally either "static," or allow user transmissions insensitive to nearby users and overall network efficiency. To maximize wireless network performance it will be necessary to understand and develop efficient "self-organizing methods of spectrum allocation" in which transceivers cooperate using new wireless prototcols to locally maximize total wireless channel capacity (bits s-1 Hz-1 m-2) and network utility (reliability, latency, equity, and economic factors). The performance limits of alternative architectures for spectrum self-organization will be explored, including networking schemes: 1) without "side-channel" control information, 2) with side-channel information from active transmitters only, and 3) side- channel information from passive ports too, permitting power and antenna control by local transmitters that boosts network performance. Any side-channel information would supplement that which is always available by monitoring transmitter emissions. Methods to be Employed Urban user and multipath propagation models will be formulated using existing and/or new wireless data recorded using equipment to be developed. Based on these models, wireless multi-user network configurations will be statistically analyzed using quantitative metrics that facilitate understanding and development of alternative self- organizing approaches to spectrum allocation. New methods for multivariate blind signal separation will be developed for multi-antenna systems that employ self-organizing spectrum-allocation strategies. Strategies and protocols for self-organizing wireless networks will be formulated and tested using these models and metrics, and the results will be integrated to inform policy makers and technologists of limits and new options. Intellectual Merit of the Proposed Activity The intellectual merit lies in the development and evaluation of: 1) new strategies for efficient cooperative use of wireless spectrum in crowded urban environments, 2) effective new methods for blind multivariate signal separation, 3) stochastic models for multi-user wireless multipath environments, and 4) integrated models for the nominal limits to wireless performance and economics. Broader Impacts Successful completion of these program elements should provide a useful foundation for: 1) formulating telecommunications regulations that promote increased spectral efficiency and wireless utilization for internet and other services, 2) development of devices and systems by the private sector that increase spectrum capacity and utilization, and 3) further research utilizing: the models to be developed for the wireless environment, the multi-antenna multi-channel wireless sensor, the databases characterizing the observations and models, improved algorithms for blind separation of multivariate signals, and new algorithms for self-organizing spectrum allocation.