Beamspace Multiple Input Multiple Output. Part II: Steerable Antennas in Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

Abstract

This report finds that steerable antennas may dramatically increase the signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR) at a receiver in a mobile ad hoc network (MANET). If all radios in a MANET have steerable antennas and a method of distinguishing a desired signal from interference, simulations and experimental data suggest most radios would experience a significant SINR increase, and consequently, a throughput increase. Simulations of eight radios showed roughly a doubling in throughput by using steerable antennas. The report first documents the Beamspace multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission and reception methods following the work done in a 2015 Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific technical report. Then, it shows that the method for emulating a transmit array of separate antennas is highly unlikely to work for the higher-order modulations that are required for MIMO. Next, the report details the potential throughput increase if antennas in MANETs would optimally steer their beams, through both simulation and over-the-air experiments. Then, a design for a compact electronically steerable parasitic array radiator (ESPAR) and control board is given along with antenna measurements. Finally, the report concludes with future ideas toward creating a bolt-on layer compatible with radios currently in service.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2016
Accession Number
AD1021392

Entities

People

  • Jeffrey Allen
  • Marcos Ontiveros
  • Michael J. Daly
  • Stephen Aldama

Organizations

  • Naval Information Warfare Systems Command

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Ad Hoc Networks
  • Circuit Boards
  • Directional Antennas
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Governments
  • Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
  • Modulation
  • Multiple Input Multiple Output
  • Power Measurement
  • Radiation Patterns
  • Radio Equipment
  • Software Defined Radio
  • Steerable Antennas
  • Throughput
  • United States Government
  • Wireless Communications
  • Wireless Networks

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Phased Array Antenna Design.
  • Radio communications and signal processing.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems
  • Space