Eco-friendly wireless communication systems
The EU-funded GREENET (An early stage training network in enabling technologies for green radio) project set out to recruit 17 early-stage researchers (ESRs) to develop energy-efficient radio technologies that include cognitive networks (CNs) and network coding (NC). The focus was on simplifying the physical layer in transmission technology to reduce power requirements in multiple-antenna wireless systems. GREENET scientists investigated the potential of spatial modulation and state-of-the-art multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) techniques as well as their limitations. Modulation techniques were then introduced for MIMO communications. Compared to advanced methods, they improve energy efficiency up to five times and reduce computational complexity by 98 %. The project also worked on the design of energy-efficient medium access control and radio resource management protocols for wireless local area networks and cellular networks. Innovative protocols were proposed and implemented, improving network performance by about 60 % and providing up to 360 % higher energy efficiency. To reduce energy requirements, the GREENET team also investigated promising NC methods, short-range cooperative networking and CNs. The NC solutions proposed ensure mobility support and network stability while achieving 40 % energy savings. Project partners disseminated results on the project website and via presentations, three international conferences and seven outreach activities. Outcomes were published in 27 journals, 107 conference papers and 9 book chapters. Seven seminars were organised to train ESRs on project management, proposal/patent writing and business planning skills. Two industrial dissemination days allowed ESRs to network with major companies. By supplying a new generation of European researchers, GREENET efforts should help meet the growing energy needs of consumers through energy-saving and energy-efficient designs for wireless and mobile communication systems.
Keywords
Wireless communication, energy efficiency, enabling technologies, green radio, cognitive networks, network coding
