Centre for Wireless Communications

Project Archives

Academy of Finland

CAFU - Concepts and Algorithms for Ultra Wideband Communications

January 2004 - December 2006

CAFU was a multi-year project aimed at developing the theory for single and multi-band UWB communications systems. The project assisted with developing system concepts, signal waveforms and modulation methods. An equally important goal was to create efficient receiver and synchronisation algorithms which take into account the behaviour of UWB signal and channel.

CAMU - Concepts and algorithms for multiband ultra wideband communications

January 2005 - December 2007

Multiband-UWB techniques have been proposed in addition to the conventional singleband, i.e., impulse radio based UWB. Multiband-UWB is also considered for a strong candidate for standardization. CAMU was a three year project developing the theory and suitable receiver algorithms for multiband UWB systems. Also comparisons and advantages/disadvantages between single and multiband UWB were of interest.

CASWI - Capacity Analysis and Signal Design for Wireless MIMO Communications

January 2004 - December 2006

The goal of the project was to develop techniques and solutions for the physical layer of future wireless multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems enabling the provision of multitude of services. In addition to the development of practical techniques, an equally important goal was to achieve deep theoretical understanding on the fundamental behaviour of wireless channels and to develop new theoretical knowledge on signal, system and also transceiver design.

NETCO - Network Coding Techniques for Wireless Communications

January 2005 - December 2008

The scope of the research covered information theoretic capacity and performance analysis of crosslayer and network coding schemes, and their application on wireless communication system and transceiver algorithm design. The application areas covered wireless multiple-input multiple-output communication links.

SAMI

January 2003 - December 2006

STICS - Space-time coding, modulation and signal processing for future cellular and broadband communication systems

January 2001 - December 2003

STICS was a nationally funded project to develop novel techniques for the physical (PHY) layer of future cellular and broadband wireless communication systems. Research concentrated on the most promising signalling methods for the air interface for future wireless systems. The main research topics included wavelet packet based modulation for wireless communications, ultra wideband (UWB) radio systems, single carrier (WCDMA) and multi-carrier CDMA (MC-CDMA) systems and space-time coding and modulation for MIMO broadband wireless. An equally important goal was to achieve greater understanding of the fundamental behaviour of wireless channels and to develop new theoretical knowledge on signal, system and transceiver design.

European Commission

6HOP - Protocols for Heterogeneous Multi-Hop Wireless IPv6 Networks

September 2002 - June 2004

6HOP was an IST 5th Framework project which examined IPv6 in mobile, multi-hop heterogeneous wireless IPv6 networks. The project examined IPv6 support for user mobility, packet routing and adaptation to varying link conditions over heterogeneous wireless technologies. The project also examined end-to-end optimization for IPv6 based services over multi-hop heterogeneous wireless network with respect to throughput, power consumption and implementation complexity through simulation and test bed measurement.

6NET - Large-Scale International IPv6 Testbed

January 2002 - June 2005

6NET was an IST 5th Framework project with the aim of building and operating a pan-European IPv6 network. The major goals of the project were to validate IPv6 technology for continuous growth of the internet, provide and operate a combined fixed/mobile IPv6 pilot, validate the migration strategies for integrating IPv6 with the existing IPv4 services, and evaluate the deployment and manageability of a large IPv6 network.

NEWCOM - Network of Excellence in Wireless COMmunications

March 2004 - February 2007

NEWCOM (Network of Excellence in Wireless COMmunications) aimed at creating a European network that links in a co-operative way a large number of leading research groups addressing the Strategic Objective "Mobile and wireless systems beyond 3G", a frontier research area of the Priority Thematic Area of IST.

The main dimensions of the NEWCOM vision were:

Strengthening, development and integration of research in the field
Empowerment of groups and individuals via dissemination activities
Effective use of produced knowledge via exploitation-commercialisation-standardisation strategies

To achieve these dimensions, NEWCOM implemented an elaborate plan of initiatives that revolve around the key notion and strategic choice of a Virtual Knowledge Centre: NEWCOM effectively acted as a distributed (decentralised) university, organised in a matrix fashion. The columns represented the seven NEWCOM (Disciplinary) Departments, characterised by basic research on well-established topics and grouping leading European researchers active in those topics. The rows represented NEWCOM Projects, identified by important, "hot" problems whose solution requires multidisciplinary skills drawn from NEWCOM Departments and aggregated in a meaningful way to promote the problem solution. The Joint Programme of Activities involved researcher exchanges, organisation of workshops and conferences, the preparation of graduate courses co-ordinated with the PhD programs of the academic partners to be diffused via NEWCOM high-speed network, the broad dissemination of scientific results, the promotion of entrepreneurship among its researchers, by setting up a policy of IPR encouragement and their exploitation through the creation of start-ups inside its distributed campus. The "glue" connecting everything together was a set of tools for Integration, the unifying thread making all objectives and goals a feasible vision, and for Management, which maintains a clear separation between "administrative" and "scientific" tasks.

University of Oulu, represented by Telecommunication Laboratory and Centre for Wireless Communications, was one of the 62 partners enlisted on the NEWCOM consortium. These partners comprised of top European academic research institutes and companies in the field. Prof. Sergio Benedetto (Istituto Superiore Mario Boella, Italy) was the co-ordinator of NEWCOM. Prof. Savo Glisic was the authorised contact person of the University of Oulu.

PULSERS - Pervasive Ultra-wideband Low Spectral Energy Radio Systems

January 2004 - December 2005

PULSERS was a 6th framework project examining many issues of UWB systems including WLAN, WPAN and sensor networks. PULSERS examined both high and low data rate systems with integrated location and tracking. CWC's main focus was physical layer techniques for low data rates, location and tracking algorithms and MAC issues.

STARRS - Sensors for Terrestrial and Airborne Radio Transmitter Rescue Search

October 2006 - December 2008

The STARRS project investigated how people in danger will be detected, located and rescued through their basic cellular radio terminals (GSM and UMTS mobile phones). Additionally, headquarters of rescue teams were able to know the exact location of rescuers within the intervention area through their professional mobile terminals (TETRA and TETRAPOL). To achieve this, the STARRS project specified and developed two test beds (one for helicopter and one for a pedestrian rescuer), which were evaluated in selected field trial scenarios. These trials showed the operational performance of the test beds and possibilities of the STARRS concept to the rescuers.

ULTRAWAVES - Ultra Wideband Audio Video Entertainment System

April 2002 - October 2004

The scope of the ULTRAWAVES project was to study, design and develop a complete Ultra Wideband (UWB) communication system for wireless broadband connectivity solutions for high quality audio and video communication systems with QoS support based on Ultra Wideband (UWB) physical layer technologies. The project dealt with study, design and demonstration of techniques at antenna and Physical (PHY), Data Link (DL) and Network (NET) layers, as well as Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC).

URANUS - Universal Radio-link Platform for Efficient User-centric Access

January 2006 - December 2008

URANUS investigated the design of a universal radio link platform able to be incorporated in any existing proprietary and standardized wireless system. The objective of URANUS was the investigation and the design of a universal radio link platform as enabling technology for user-centric access in future wireless systems. The URANUS platform granted access to existing proprietary as well as standardized wireless system in a unified way (single-mode operation), supported simultaneous usage of links in different types of air interfaces (multi-mode operation) and, in particular, eased the introduction of future personalized communications (user-defined mode operation) and reconfigurable air interfaces.

European Space Agency (ESA)

Assessment of the C-Band Satellite-to-Indoor Propagation and Shadowing by Vegetation (ASIPS)

October 2007 - February 2010

This project aims to characterize the satellite-to-indoor channel at C-Band (5 GHz). In addition, the shadowing of vegetation will be studied and modelled. The satellite at high elevation angle is simulated by a helicopter. The TX unit in the helicopter is sending a 200 MHz spread spectrum signal at 5.2 GHz while the RX is located in various types of buildings. The vegetation effects are measured by placing the RX in a van. The project results in a set of parametrized channel models.

Propagation Effects for Mobile Multimedia Services (PROPMOB)

October 2007 - March 2010

PropMob is an ESA activity to create a wideband model of mobile satellite radio channel at K band (18 GHz). Data of the radio propagation channel will be collected during an extensive measurement campaign over a 10 km high elevation link. Signal strength received from a real satellite would be too small to account for the multipath effects at some 15 dB below peak level, and therefore an airplane at 7 km altitude will be used. Emphasis is on modeling the tropospheric and environmental effects of the channel. The outcome of the activity is a Matlab implementation of the parameterized channel model for system and signal designers.

Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes)

Adaptation of Antennas to Usage Environment (AATE)

January 2008 - December 2009

Control methods for wide frequency range antennas are studied and developed in the research project "Adaptation of Antennas to Usage Environments" (AATE). The effect and behaviour of different disturbing factors at separate frequency ranges are investigated. Solutions for environmental disturbance are searched from adaptive antennas. The centre frequency shifts of antenna caused by user body or radio signal absorption to the user head are commonly known facts. Frequency shift and the absorption diminish the performance of the antenna at every frequency range. The operation of antennas will be improved by different control-, multi-antenna-, sensor-, and packaging techniques. Research is carried out in collaboration with Telecommunication laboratory, Microelectronics and material physics laboratories at University of Oulu and SMARAD -unit of Helsinki University of Technology.

Crosslayer Solutions and Network Support for Broadband Wireless Access (CROSSNET)

January 2008 - April 2010

The major target is to create a software model to connect a network emulation and testing tools and software to specific computer simulation models and a radio access test system. The goal also includes development an implementation of technology demonstrator/prototype for analysis, development, testing and optimization equipment/platform for emerging future wireless network standards. The integrated performance evaluation tool and the flexibility of its protocol stack will allow introducing in it selected protocol enhancements, already developed or to be developed, whether they are implemented in the mobile terminal or in the base station. As a consequence, the results of the performance evaluation studies done in the project will allow understanding and quantifying the benefits of those selected proposed enhancements when they are let operating in a realistic and complete environment.

CUBS - Concepts for Ultra Wideband Radio Systems

January 2004 - February 2007

CUBS is a continuation of the first general ultra wideband project FUBS (Future Ultra Wideband Radio Systems) carried out at CWC during 1999-2003. CUBS is planned for three years, and both applied and general studies will be carried out. The final goal is to build a demonstration system based on UWB technology. The work is divided into six work packages: single-band UWB systems, multi-band UWB system, UWB sensor networks, co-existence, capacity and channel modelling.

After a focus on general topics, the applied phase of the project begins with involvement of a subcontractor who will be responsible of implementation studies. The sponsors for CUBS are the National Technology Agency of Finland (Tekes), Elektrobit Ltd., the Finnish Defence Forces and CWC.

FUBS - Future Ultra Wideband Radio Systems

October 1999 - 2001

FUBS was a multi-year project which ended in 2003 and which focused on licence free, ultra wideband (UWB) communication systems. The aim of this project was to develop understanding of UWB technology, compare the performance of different UWB concepts and ultimately to develop demonstrator equipment.

FUTURA - Future Radio Access

January 2002 - December 2004

FUTURA is one of the four spearhead projects of TEKES NETS (Networks of the Future) Technology programme. FUTURA project lasts three years (2002-2004) and includes three research areas with close connection to each other: radio air interface solution, transceiver techniques and wireless networks.

The aim of the project is to develop basic technology knowledge and expertise needed in creating future communication systems to be used after 10-15 years. Therefore, the emphasis is on the development of general theory and techniques for advanced transceiver algorithms, radio interfaces and wireless network techniques.

A particular emphasis will also be on adaptive systems utilising space, time and frequency dimensions and issues related to counteract the effects caused by channel or various sources of interference. Spectral efficiency is increased by using systems allowing spectral overlay. The application systems are cellular systems (beyond 3G system), microwave links, wireless local area networks, short range unlicensed radio systems, positioning, satellite systems as well as new military communication networks.

MIMO Techniques for 3G System and Standard Evolution (MITSE)

January 2005 - March 2010

MITSE is a B3G cellular communication system research project. The scope and contents of the project covers the future development and evolution of 3G cellular communicationsystems known as 3G Long Term Evolution and IMT-A. The main emphasis is on MIMO transmission schemes and the receiver algorithms and architectures as well as computation solutions needed by them in multiuser OFDM(A) and SC-FDMA systems. The methodology applied in the research includes mainly theoretical and mathematical analysis and synthesis; Monte Carlo computer simulations based on MATLAB™ and C language models; modeling by VHDL by using appropriate translators; and DSP and computation emulation and software generation.

PANU - Packet Access Networks with Flexible Spectrum Use

January 2005 - December 2009

PANU belongs to the Tekes GIGA technology programme. The current project phase (2008-2009) is a continuation from the earlier project phase (2005-2007) and the preceding FUTURA project. The project develops mainly radio resource management and radio link control techniques and solutions that support the development and evolution of advanced, versatile wireless broadband packet access networks capable of using efficiently spectrum shared with other networks. The emphasis is on the development of general theory and techniques for various applications and network topologies (e.g., IMT-Advanced, WiMAX, wireless mesh networks, relay enhanced cells).

UbiLife

January 2008 - September 2009

UbiLife project provides the research contribution of the UBI programme, by engaging the combination of technology-led and application-led research components. Funding has been obtained from the Tekes Ubicom technology programme, with sponsorship from industry and the City of Oulu. In the UbiLife project, CWC is focusing on adopting WSN technologies in ubiquitous environment.

Foreign industry

CLOTTT - Cross-Layer Optimization Techniques based on Torus Knot-Coded Turbo Equalization

June 2004 - December 2006

CLOTTT includes both link-level performances evaluation, such as bit error rate (BER) and frame error rate (FER), and higher-layer techniques such as system- and network-level issues. The primary goal of the project is to achieve cross-layer optimization for broadband mobile communication systems utilizing TKCTE techniques. Maximizing link-, network- and system-level performances is a primary target of the research. Another goal is to analyze impacts of imperfections due to practical restrictions such as fixed point computation of the algorithms and finite dynamic range as well as limited computational capability for real-time processing.

IGLU - Feasibility Study of Indoor Geo-location Concepts

October 2002 - December 2003

IGLU was a multiple year industry funded project aiming at indoor positioning system definition. The project examined novel signal processing techniques for both UWB and spread spectrum positioning systems.

PEMUD - Performance Evaluation of Multi-Dimensional Torus-Knot Codes in Broadband Mobile Communications Channels

October 2002 - March 2003

PEMUD was sponsored by Digital Development Systems (DDS), Inc., Japan. The results of the 2002 PEMUD project have proven the robustness and flexibility of the iterative (Turbo) signal detection technique for Torus Knot Codes [1], and strongly suggested the pursuance of research work on realistic evaluation of Torus Knot Coded Turbo equalization (TKCTE) techniques in real fields [2] [3].

Local funding municipalities

ALMA - Vehicular/working machine wireless data transmission

Janauary 2009 - December 2009

This project studies implementation of wireless architecture inside and between vehicles, secure and reliable real time data transmissions for different sensors and devices and the positioning of harvester head of working machine.

National industry

BASSO - Broadband Wireless Access System Simulation and Solutions

June 2007 - December 2008

The project concentrates on the development of physical layer simulator model. The main objective of the project is to create standard specific simulator models.

FIXWIRE - Fixed Wireless Systems

October 2000 - December 2005

FIXWIRE concentrates on the study of radio interface physical layer solutions and baseband signal processing algorithms for transceivers in high data rate wireless communication systems. Particular emphasis is given to techniques enabling the application of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and adaptive radio link (ARL) solutions in fourth-generation (4G) mobile communications systems. Also the channel estimation is studied. FIXWIRE is sponsored by Elektrobit Ltd.

FUBRAS - Future Receiver Baseband Algorithms for High Data Rates in WCDMA Systems

January 2003 - December 2004

Future Receiver Baseband Algorithms for High Data Rates in WCDMA Systems (FuBRaS). The project concentrates on the research of advanced receiver signal processing techniques for high data rate downlink data connections in Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) for Universal Mobile Telecommunication Systems (UMTS). A particular emphasis is given on techniques applicable to High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) connections in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems with several transmit and receive antennae. The techniques under study include linear equalization, interference cancellation (IC), maximum likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE), and joint interference suppression and turbo decoding algorithms.

HRUMAC - High Rate Ultra wideband MAC

October 2003 - December 2008

The project objective is to study and develop a MAC specifically for high data rate, short distance UWB systems. The MAC is based on existing high speed MAC proposals which have been modified specifically for UWB. The expected project outcomes include new protocols, simulation models and performance results that may be contributed in international conferences and standards meetings.

MuSA - Multicell Scheduling with 3D Antenna Arrays

June 2008 - June 2009

The project is a 3G Long Term Evolution (LTE) system research project. The main emphasis is on system level performance evaluation (scheduling, throughput, resource allocation) when multiple antenna reception techniques are utilized in the base station receiver. The first goal is to develop a more realistic simulation model, where 3D channel and 2D array processing techniques are used. The second goal is to evaluate the performance of this system.

Radio Arkala

April 2008 - March 2010

The project Arkala tries to implement some of modern technology to HF-radio station and to gain knowledge of HF-communications. Focus of this work is especially in real time channel measurements and optimizing frequency usage in all time changing propagation environment with combining modern antenna technology with traditional yagi arrays.

Textile Antennas

January 2009 - December 2009

In this project the textile material usage as an antenna substrate and conductive elements is investigated. The objective is to develop a textile antenna, which can be integrated to clothes. The main application is in the space to earth area. One goal is to develop an antenna immune to different operation conditions. Also, a textile material permittivity measurement system applicable to tensor measurements will be developed

TRILLIAN

February 2001 - December 2003

TRILLIAN is a national industry funded project in which very small overhead versions of TCP/IP are developed for networks of low power, low complexity wireless embedded devices. The Trillian project explores the possibilities for trillions of short-range wireless embedded devices. Research topics include low-power embedded wireless interfaces and MACs, embedded networking protocols, ubiquitous sensor networks, and embedded gateway architectures.

UHO

October 2004 - January 2005

Other national funding

FAFDL - Tactical Radio System (Datalink) for the Finnish Air Force (FAF)

December 2001 - May 2005

FAFDL is a multi-year research project for future enhancements of the FAF Tactical Radio System. Special attention is given to electronic protection measure (EPM) upgrades such as interference suppression and channel coding in the transceivers, adaptive network and routing, and the base station with adaptive antennas. The project has also studied and developed enhancements of EPM digital speech transmission to be integrated into the radio system. The project is also performing further improvements to speech transmission. The project is funded by the Finnish Air Force Headquarters and partners are the Finnish Air Force, Instrumentointi Ltd. and Patria Aviation Ltd.

Skiing and Snow Research Environment (HILU)

May 2008 - April 2010

In the HILU project, a service concept will be produced for the travel and leisure customers and technology companies. Concept developed in the project will offer innovative services in all-year winter and free time exercise and travel environment. Resulting package will strengthen service supply in winter sports including research, training and industry of sports equipment of local entrepreneurs as well as Snowpolis and Vuokatti sports institute. This service concept will be formed as a model easily adaptable for other locations. The service concept will be introduced in a pilot under this project.

HILU project is funded through European Regional Development Fund.

LanSe

June 2003 - December 2003

LanSe is a wireless embedded network research project examining network technology and its possible uses in military environment. In particular, embedded sensor networks are considered one of the enabling technologies in future Network Based Defence (NBD). The project aims to develop distributed, power aware protocols for packet routing and node management, including security aspects, to be used in future embedded wireless networks. The project also examines sensor network specific algorithms including those for target tracking and data fusion.

CoBRa - Codes and Bistatic Radar

CoBRa examined the suitability of non-typical "radar codes" for use in radar systems. The project included evaluation of a bi-static radar system in which transmitted signals from existing wireless communication systems are used to illuminate targets ("hitchhiking radar"). The results will be used as background information when future surveillance radar systems are evaluated.

DiLAS - Distributed Location Algorithms for Sensor Network

DiLAS project studied and developed distributed localization algorithms for low-power and low-bandwidth embedded sensor networks. Special attention was paid to possible error sources in various algorithms as well as to the issues of computational complexity and power usage. Final goal was the implementation of distributed localization algorithm in embedded sensor network testbed developed at CWC.

DWPAN - Digital Wireless Pro Audio Network

The aim was to study possibilities for realising a scalable wireless personal area network that provides managed connectivity for streaming digital signals with ultra-low latency and high reliability.

JAMNET - The Effect of Intentional Jamming Against Ad Hoc Networks Using Adaptive Antennas

JAMNET was conducting research on the effect of intentional jamming against distributed (ad hoc) networks using adaptive antennas. Different types of jamming were addressed. Methods and strategies for jamming tolerance suitable for distributed networks were suggested. On the other hand, medhods for effective jamming strategies should be obtained.

LAAJA - Wireless Wideband Data transmission

In the project LAAJA, different protocols and technologies were researched for wideband transmission to be used in vehicles including images, videos etc. Suitable technology or technologies were chosen and protype implementation was build for use defined later.

RACMO - Radio Channel Modelling

RACMO was a propagation research project aiming to generate wideband radio channel models at HF/VHF frequencies.

TAHTI 2 - Synchronization and simulation of frequency-hopping tactical wireless ad hoc networks

The purpose of this simulator development project was to implement on the OPNET environment a distributed decision making method(s) that solves the problems considering initial synchronization, late-entry nodes and network cluster merging cases of tactical frequency hopping wireless mobile ad hoc and sensor networks. Due to the decision making methods the network would achieve a common time reference that leads to synchronized frequency hopping within a network.

In order to achieve a common time reference within a network decisions about who sets the time reference at the initialization phase and which subnetwork partition would set the time reference in the subnetwork merging case are needed. The implemented method is based on node-IDs and local information that a node collects from the surroundings, namely local density and local data-activity.

TBRS - Tactical Broadband Radio System for Finnish Defence Forces

TBRS was a major military communications and software defined radio project. The research topics consisted of transceiver algorithms, transceiver implementation aspects and wireless networking techniques for the Finnish tactical wireless communications systems.

URFA - Ultra Wideband RF-ASIC

URFA was an internally funded project within CWC. The aim of the project was to develop an RF ASIC for UWB using very low complexity transceiver architectures.

URSIP - Ultra Wideband System Interference Project

The aim of the project was to develop UWB pulse generation devices which can be used to measure interference with existing systems including UMTS and 802.11 devices. Many FCC compliant UWB pulse generators were developed as part of the project. The work was performed in co-operation with Prof. Moe Win at MIT in the USA.

UWEN - UWB Wireless Embedded Systems

UWEN will examine low data rate UWB systems with location and tracking capabilities. The main objective was to develop a outdoor field demonstrator which will offer communications, location and tracking for skiers in the SnowPolis in Vuokatti Finland. The project will extend physical layer techniques developed in other projects, MAC techniques for UWB and look at distributed location and tracking algorithms.

WINNER

The WINNER project developed a new radio concept for mobile and wireless systems beyond 3G. During the first phase of WINNER project (2004-2005), the research in CWC concentrated on three topics: advanced radio link techniques, duplexing methods, and flexible spectrum use.