TF-SING: Energy-Efficient Design in Wireless Networks Using Cooperative Communication

Temple University, Philadelphia PA

Investigators

Abstract

This research involves one of the key challenges in wireless networks: how to take advantage of new advances at the physical layer to push for new design at the upper layers. The approach used is hitchhiking-based cooperative communication (CC) that takes advantage of the physical layer design that facilitates the combining of partial information. A node can receive several partial signals and combine these signals to retrieve the complete signal. Through effective use of partial signals, a packet can be delivered with fewer nodes and/or less transmission power at each node. The investigator proposes a new weighted graph model that can capture the nature of CC. One key concept proposed is the new notion of ?link? and ?path? on which other graph terminologies can be defined. Based on this new graph model, the research focuses on two types of power-efficient design under CC: (1) Power saving protocols that put wireless nodes into periodical sleep states while maintaining global ?domination? of active nodes. (2) Power control for transmission energy consumption by adjusting transmission ranges while maintaining global ?connectivity?. With these, this research presents a promising and unique way of applying this graph model to energy-efficient design in wireless networks. This research also involves the design of a general methodology of localized solutions and applies it to address various energy-related optimization problems under CC. The central theme of this research fits well with the objective of the SING program on fundamental theoretical and algorithmic studies involving coordination and communication. The insights and results of this research are expected to provide guidelines for energy-efficiency for a wide range of wireless network applications.