The rapid growth of mobile data traffic is concentrated in hot spots such as business districts, airports, and stadiums, posing significant challenges for 5G and beyond-5G (B5G) wireless networks. Addressing these challenges requires ultra-dense deployment of millimetre-wave small cells and massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology. However, there are gaps in performance characterisation, radio channel measurements, and millimetre-wave small-cell deployment in built environments. Funded by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, the WAVECOMBE project will combine key enabling technologies for 5G/B5G networks to address fundamental questions. Research activities will include developing and testing millimetre-wave small cells and massive MIMO antennas, characterising radio propagation channels, and optimising the performance of networks using massive MIMO and millimetre-wave small cells.
our objective
Proposal
Objectives
We propose here a research approach that combines the three disruptive key enabling technologies for 5G/B5G with the aim to answer fundamental questions that are still not well understood.
- Develop and test mmW MIMO and massive MIMO antennas.
- Characterize and model radio propagation channel at mmW bands for typical Built Environments (offices, homes, stations, airports).
- Theoretically analyse and optimise massive MIMO mmW SC performance in the Built Environments.
- Integrate massive MIMO mmW Small Cell networks with their operating environments.
- Develop methods to retrofit existing buildings and to design new buildings for efficient high-capacity wireless communications in the Built Environments.