Project description
Innovative low-cost cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output solution
Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) refers to wireless communication technology in which base stations have very many antennae to increase spectral and energy efficiency, supporting many users in a cell. Cell-free massive MIMO goes one step further. The system is not partitioned into cells and all users are served by all access point antennae simultaneously. The ERC-funded DCAP project aims to validate a low-cost cell-free massive MIMO solution – called a distributed coordinated access point, or DCAP – for ultra-reliable and low-latency wireless communication based on wifi technology. DCAP will integrate distributed customised wifi 6 access points with the synchronous fronthaul technology developed in the ERC-funded ATTO project.
Objective
In this project, we aim to validate a low-cost Cell Free massive MIMO solution for ultra-reliable and low-latency wireless communication based on Wi-Fi technology. Our solution, called DCAP or Distributed Coordinated Access Point, is enabled by integrating distributed customized Wi-Fi 6 access points with the synchronous fronthaul technology developed in ERC ATTO. The following research innovations will be explored and demonstrated:
1. Accurate time synchronization of the distributed APs with the Bit-Interleaved Sigma-Delta-Over-Fiber Fronthaul Network (BISDoF) as developed in the ERC Advanced Grant ATTO (No.695495). This novel fronthaul solution uses low-cost commercial optical transceiver modules connected with multi-mode optical fiber and is hence way more cost-effective and flexible than coaxial cables. A time synchronization accuracy below 10 ps is targeted.
2. Low-latency operation of distributed APs by exploiting the new OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access) feature in the Wi-Fi 6 standard and extending it with beyond Wi-Fi 6 and Wi Fi 7 capabilities in UGent-IDLab’s open full-stack openwifi prototyping platform, with embedded wireless Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) capabilities.
3. Full compliance of the highly customized APs with Wi-Fi 6 Commercial-Of-The-Shelf (COTS) clients.
4. Distributed beamforming by coherently combining Resources Units (RUs) from multiple distributed APs, thereby adding an extra degree of flexibility and scalability to the system, as different RUs (subsets of OFDMA subcarriers) in the same channel can simultaneously serve different Wi-Fi clients.
Besides the technical evaluation of the DCAP proof-of-concept, the project will also explore potential valorization opportunities. Valorization will be facilitated by an already existing IP portfolio and an established industrial advisory committee.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology materials engineering fibers
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications radio technology WiFi
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2023-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
9000 Gent
Belgium
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