Collaborative Research: SWIFT: SMALL: Enabling Seamless Coexistence between Passive and Active Networks using Reconfigurable Reflecting Surfaces

合作研究：SWIFT：SMALL：使用可重构反射表面实现无源和有源网络之间的无缝共存

基本信息

批准号：
2030068
负责人：
David Smith
金额：
$ 15万
依托单位：
Duke University
依托单位国家：
美国
项目类别：
Standard Grant
财政年份：
2020
资助国家：
美国
起止时间：
2020-10-01 至 2023-09-30
项目状态：
已结题

来源：
https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2030068&HistoricalAwards=false
关键词：
Collaborative Research SWIFT SMALL Enabling

项目摘要

Harmonious coexistence between multiple wireless technologies is necessary for efficient utilization of the radio spectrum. However, enabling this in practice is known to be challenging because of the random and uncontrollable nature of the wireless channels, which makes it difficult to limit interference among co-existing wireless systems. This challenge is exacerbated by the fact that many wireless technologies, such as radio astronomy, rely on passive receivers whose performance can be disrupted by the slightest levels of interference. However, recent advances in metamaterials have made it possible to develop reconfigurable reflective surfaces (RRSs), which are electromagnetically active surfaces (e.g., a wall with wireless capabilities) that can be used to control the wireless propagation environment. Thus, RRSs can potentially help mitigate the challenge of interference among co-existing wireless technologies. The goal of this research is, thus, to develop a novel framework that will enable seamless co-existence among multiple passive and active wireless systems, by developing the fundamental science and technology needed to practically exploit the RRS concept to suppress interference at the wireless receivers. By achieving this goal, the proposed research will pave the way towards a seamless co-existence among a broad range of wireless technologies and applications. Improving these critical technologies will have tangible societal and economic impacts. The research is complemented by a comprehensive educational plan that includes spectrum-centric courses as well as the involvement of graduate and undergraduate students through diverse activities on spectrum sharing. Concrete broadening participation events, including seminars and participation in science fairs and outreach activities, are planned to engage under-represented K-12 students in spectrum research.This research will develop foundational analytical and experimental approaches for holistic and cross-layer design, analysis, deployment, and optimization of RRS-enhanced spectrum co-existence networks. This includes several novel contributions: 1) A holistic statistical model that captures the effect of RRS deployment on the wireless propagation environment in spectrum sharing scenarios and creates RRS-inspired performance metrics tailored to spectrum co-existence use cases, 2) A systematic approach for network planning that can be used to determine how many RRSs to deploy, where, and with what surface and orientation so as to facilitate seamless communication, 3) A novel online optimization framework for performing distributed spectrum sharing while dynamically leveraging RRS reconfigurability, and 4) Design and fabrication of an RRS that offers near-continuous beam steering capability, as well as an experimental demonstration of RRS-enhanced spectrum co-existence in practical settings.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.

多种无线技术之间的和谐共存对于有效利用无线电频谱是必要的。然而，由于无线信道的随机性和不可控性，在实践中实现这一点具有挑战性，这使得限制共存无线系统之间的干扰变得困难。由于许多无线技术（例如射电天文学）依赖于无源接收器，而无源接收器的性能可能会因最轻微的干扰而受到干扰，这一事实加剧了这一挑战。然而，超材料的最新进展使得开发可重构反射表面（RRS）成为可能，这些表面是电磁活性表面（例如具有无线功能的墙壁），可用于控制无线传播环境。因此，RRS 可能有助于减轻共存无线技术之间的干扰挑战。因此，本研究的目标是开发一种新颖的框架，通过开发实际利用 RRS 概念抑制无线接收器干扰所需的基础科学和技术，实现多个无源和有源无线系统之间的无缝共存。。通过实现这一目标，拟议的研究将为广泛的无线技术和应用之间的无缝共存铺平道路。改进这些关键技术将产生切实的社会和经济影响。该研究得到了全面的教育计划的补充，其中包括以频谱为中心的课程以及研究生和本科生通过各种频谱共享活动的参与。计划开展具体的扩大参与活动，包括研讨会、参加科学博览会和外展活动，让代表性不足的 K-12 学生参与频谱研究。这项研究将为整体和跨层设计、分析、开发基础分析和实验方法。 RRS 增强型频谱共存网络的部署和优化。其中包括几个新颖的贡献：1) 一个整体统计模型，可捕获频谱共享场景中 RRS 部署对无线传播环境的影响，并创建适合频谱共存用例的受 RRS 启发的性能指标，2) 一种系统方法网络规划可用于确定要部署多少个 RRS、部署在何处、部署在什么表面和方向，以促进无缝通信，3) 一种新颖的在线优化框架，用于执行分布式频谱共享，同时动态利用 RRS 可重新配置性，以及 4)设计和制造提供近连续波束控制能力的 RRS，以及在实际环境中 RRS 增强频谱共存的实验演示。该奖项反映了 NSF 的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的智力价值和更广泛的影响审查标准。