Bridging Canada's Broadband Gap: Novel Solutions for Expanding Cellular Coverage to Rural and Remote Communities

缩小加拿大的宽带差距：将蜂窝覆盖范围扩大到农村和偏远社区的新颖解决方案

• 批准号: 509253-2017
• 负责人: HolguinPando, Cristina
• 金额: $ 5.46万
• 依托单位: Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 2
• 财政年份: 2019
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2019-01-01 至 2020-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=691781
• 关键词: Bridging; Canada; Broadband; Gap; Novel

Canada's vast and rugged geography has always challenged the vision of Canada as one connected nation.Today, many Canadians who live away from population centres have limited access to broadband Internet andthe digital services that depend on it. Sparse populations, challenging terrain, and lack of basic infrastructurelimit ground-based wireless infrastructure in many remote areas. Satellite communications are theoreticallyable to solve this problem, however the cost and complexity of satellite services is high, resulting in servicesthat are more cumbersome, less affordable, less reliable, and less mobile than their terrestrial counterparts.In this applied research project, Algonquin College's professor Wahab Almuhtadi will partner with TELUS toinvestigate novel, cost-effective ways to increase the reach of terrestrial infrastructure to better serve ruralcommunities. The project will explore three innovative approaches:1) Low-cost options for (a) network 'backhaul' and (b) small-scale local power generation. These could reducethe deployment cost of cellular infrastructure in remote regions.2) Use of novel aerial platforms such as 'kytoons' (kite-balloons) and other 'uncrewed' aircraft as means toincrease base-station height.3) Use of long-reach communications techniques, including "Internet of Things" interfaces, low rateerror-control codes, and high-gain antennas, to extend range without increasing power.The project will provide experiential learning opportunities for Algonquin students under a variety ofdisciplines, under the supervision of prof Almuhtadi. The outputs of the project will help TELUS to expand itsgeographical and population coverage, bringing a range of safety, health, and economic benefits to Canadians.

加拿大广阔而崎岖的地理环境一直挑战着加拿大作为一个互联国家的愿景。如今，许多居住在远离人口中心的加拿大人对宽带互联网和依赖于它的数字服务的访问受到限制。人口稀少、地形复杂、基础设施缺乏，限制了许多偏远地区的地面无线基础设施。卫星通信理论上可以解决这个问题，但卫星服务的成本和复杂性很高，导致其服务比地面服务更繁琐、更便宜、更不可靠、移动性更差。在这个应用研究项目中，阿冈昆学院的教授Wahab Almuhtadi 将与 TELUS 合作，研究新颖、经济高效的方法，以扩大地面基础设施的覆盖范围，从而更好地服务农村社区。该项目将探索三种创新方法：1）（a）网络“回程”和（b​​）小规模本地发电的低成本选择。这些可以降低偏远地区蜂窝基础设施的部署成本。2) 使用新型空中平台，例如“kytoons”（风筝气球）和其他“无人驾驶”飞机，作为增加基站高度的手段。3) 使用长距离通信技术，包括“物联网”接口、低速率误差控制码和高增益天线，可在不增加功率的情况下扩大覆盖范围。该项目将为阿尔冈昆学生提供各种体验式学习机会学科，在 Almuhtadi 教授的监督下。该项目的成果将帮助TELUS扩大其地理和人口覆盖范围，为加拿大人民带来一系列安全、健康和经济效益。