PANU - Packet Access Networks with Flexible Spectrum Use
Project Background and Timeline
PANU continues on the foundation that was laid in FUTURA (Future radio access) project (2002-2004). It was Tekes NETS (Networks of the Future) programme spearhead project that developed basic technology competence as well as advanced transceiver algorithms, radio interfaces and wireless network techniques. PANU started in 2005 and since beginning of 2006 PANU has been in Tekes GIGA (Converging Networks) programme. The project continues until the end of 2009.
Scope and Main Goals of the Project
PANU project aims at supporting the building of unique knowledge for the project sponsors and Centre for Wireless Communications on future wireless packet access networks relying on flexible spectrum use. The project supports the project sponsors in designing new system concepts as well standards, terminals, and base stations for them. The system should be able to optimize coverage and capacity in all the circumstances. The research is also well suited for the scientific and academic ambitions of the University of Oulu.
The project develops mainly radio resource management and radio network control techniques for mixed topology networks that support the development and evolution of advanced, versatile wireless broadband packet access networks capable to use efficiently spectrum shared with other networks. The emphasis is on the development of general theory and techniques that can be applied to various systems. The main applications will be the advanced versions and new evolutions of the 3G cellular systems as well as wireless metropolitan and local area networks. Basic cellular network models are augmented into more flexible network structures (e.g., ad hoc mesh topologies, relay enhanced cells and direct device-to-device communications) as shown in Figure 1. All PANU research efforts are considered as possible intermediate steps towards IMT-Advanced and beyond 4G systems.
Research topics in 2009
- Enhanced cellular radio networks
- Analysis and design of reconfigurable concurrent wireless networks
- Dynamic inter-operator resource sharing strategies and their evaluation
- Game-theoretic approaches to spectrum sharing
- Resource allocation with limited channel state information in relay networks
- Local connectivity wireless networks
- Direct communication in wireless access networks
- Flexible spectrum use in mobile mesh networks
- Flexible MAC protocols for the next generation highly dynamic wireless networks
- Distributed space-time coded cooperation for relay networks
- Performance analysis of cognitive femtocells in a two-tier hierarchical network
- Fundamental (inter-)networking theories and topics
- Scheduling for wireless multihop networks within the NUM framework
- Fundamental limits and cross-layer optimization in wireless (ad-hoc) networks
- Implications of future internet architectures to access networks
Results Dissemination
The results of the project are mainly reported in publications and academic theses. Outputs are presented in project technical steering group meetings once a month. Separate reports are produced, if necessary. Public research seminars and workshops are organised at least once per year and closed seminars whenever needed.
PANU Sponsors
The main funding for the project comes from Tekes (Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation). Other sponsors are Nokia, Nokia Siemens Networks, Elektrobit, and CWC. In 2005-2006 the Finnish Defence Forces have also been a project partner and financier.
Figure 1. Examples of PANU network topologies.
For more information:
Dr. Pekka Pirinen, Project Manager
email: pekka.pirinen
ee.oulu.fi
gsm: +358-40-571 4769
Prof. Matti Latva-aho, Principal Researcher
email: matti.latva-ahoee.oulu.fi
gsm: +358-40-588 9655
