Protocol Stack Design for Frequency-Agile Ultra-Broadband Airborne Networks in the THz Band
Abstract
The objective of this research is to develop the first network architecture and protocol stack to support ultrabroadband airborne networks in the terahertz (THz) band (0.1-10 THz), by following a bottom-up approach and through a closed-loop combination of mathematical modeling, numerical simulation and experimental evaluation. During this effort, contributions have been made along four thrusts. First, in relation to the development of experimental platforms for terahertz networking research, a software-defined-radio platform able to process 8 GHz of bandwidth in real-time at 120-140 GHz has been designed, implemented and demonstrated. Second, relating to the physical layer, a frequency-domain terahertz channel has been developed specifically to capture the non-homogeneous absorption across the airborne links. In addition, the impact of adverse weather on terahertz links has been experimentally studied by building and leveraging a state-of-the-art correlator-based ultrabroadband channel sounder. Tailored to the channel, low-complexity single-carrier modulations have been developed, including innovative hierarchical bandwidth modulations that can simultaneously transmit different streams to users within the same transmission beam. Third, receiver-initiated and dual-band medium access control protocols that overcome the challenges introduced by the need for high gain directional antennas simultaneously at the transmitter and the receiver at all times as well as the need to share the terahertz spectrum with passive users, have been designed, simulated and experimentally tested. Finally, a cross-layer framework to design optimal multi-hop relaying strategies have been developed, by building on the peculiarities learned in each one of the previous tasks, i.e., from hardware and channel to physical and link layers designs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1206396
Entities
People
- Josep M. Jornet
Organizations
- Northeastern University