SITIS Topic Details

Proposals Accepted:  
Program:  STTR
Topic Number:  AF10-BT09 (AirForce)
Title:  Dynamic Cross-layer Routing Using Cognitive Spectrum Allocation Techniques
Research & Technical Areas:  Information Systems
  Objective:  Design and assess innovative methods to create adaptive cross-layer wireless networking protocols to achieve network resiliency in contested RF spectra.
  Description:  Spectrum efficiency and utilization is becoming an increasingly important factor for both military and commercial wireless applications, where the number of users and competing/conflicting data-rate requirements therein are growing tremendously. This topic seeks to develop a cognitive protocol framework for wireless (space, air, and ground) networks in which primary users and cognitive radio users can cooperate for mutual benefit to include: an increase in network capacity, transmission power savings, a reduction in routing latency, and a reduction in over-the-air time by fully taking advantage of the open wireless medium; thus, increasing overall spectrum efficiency and utilization. The fundamental design trade-offs inherent to energy-constrained and band-limited adaptable networks should be considered to efficiently use limited network/radio resources and provide assured, reliable wireless links in harsh, rapidly-changing RF environments by maintaining link stability without sacrificing capacity. Novel algorithms using spectral information should be designed to distributively control the space, time, coding, and frequency behavior of network nodes and achieve greater network performance. Decentralized network control strategies based on local information/measurements are needed to adaptively reconfigure the physical-layer and routing parameter space if/when links are determined unsuitable for the communications requirements. That is, the main challenge is to jointly consider route selection and spectrum allocation to take into account current spectrum occupancy and user demands/priorities, given network topology dynamicity is governed by the spectrum switching process and asset/node mobility. Solutions that require minimal change to existing waveforms are preferred.

  PHASE I: Design robust, spectrally-mutable wireless connectivity solutions that operate in dynamic environments, & tolerate long feedback delays. Dev. network models to demonstrate, compare, assess feasibility via RF wireless network simulation in terms of scalability & sys constraints (size/weight/power).

  PHASE II: Complete design and development of software-defined-radio prototype systems that implement candidate solutions. Demonstrate within an emulated or experimental airborne network environment. Demo environment should be spectrally dynamic and heterogeneous, hosting multiple data link layer technologies (e.g., joint tactical radio system (JTRS) waveforms, or surrogates) and mobile routing algorithms.

  PHASE III

  DUAL USE COMMERCIALIZATION: Military Application: Reliable mission-critical time-sensitive info flows amongst in-theater military aircraft and satcom terminals to provide battlespace situational awareness and enable joint tactical edge networking. Commercial Application: Solutions can increase network capacity significantly, and enhance QoS therein, for commercial mobile wireless and satcom systems.

  References:  1. F. Fitzek, M. Katz, “Cognitive Wireless Networks: Concepts, Methodologies and Visions Inspiring the Age of Enlightenment of Wireless Communications,” Springer, 2007.

2. J. Mitola, “Cognitive Radio Architecture Evolution,” Proceedings of the IEEE, pp. 626–641, April 2009.

3. I. Akyildiz, W. Lee, and K. Chowdhury, “CRAHNs: Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks,” Ad Hoc Networks Journal (Elsevier), vol. 7, pp. 810-836, July 2009.

4. L. Ding, T. Melodia, S. Batalama, J. Matyjas, M. Medley, “Cross-layer Routing and Dynamic Spectrum Allocation in Cognitive Radio Ad Hoc Networks,” IEEE Trans. on Vehicular Technology, 2010.

5. I. Akyildiz, W. Lee, M. Vuran, S. Mohanty, “NeXt Generation/Dynamic Spectrum Access/Cognitive Radio Wireless Networks: A Survey,” Computer Networks, Volume 50, Issue 13, 15 September 2006, Pages 2127-2159.

Keywords:  Cognitive Networks, Cross-layer Design, Dynamic Spectrum Access, Agile Communications, Software-defined Radio
Questions and Answers:
Q: Your objective states in part "create adaptive cross-layer wireless networking protocols" which seems to imply not only cross-layer information sharing vertically within each node but also some information sharing horizontally between nodes across the wireless medium, since "protocols" as such do not come into play within a single node.

This suggests a particular research question: When is the benefit of sharing information across the wireless medium likely to justify its costs (battery energy, spectrum usage) and risks (exposure to RDF and cyber attacks on the information sharing channel)?

"Information", of course, includes user plane payloads and normal control plane layer-by-layer protocol handshakes as well as whatever additional knowledge/management plane information might be shared.

Have we correctly interpreted your intent? Is the question above within your intended scope? Obviously, the ultimate objective is better joint network route selection and communications channel space/time/frequency/code selection; but our assumption is that
these decisions will necessarily be made more or less independently by each network node, and coordination must emerge not from centralized control of the network but rather cognitive network node awareness of the mutual benefits of coordinated resource use and shared information about dynamic offered traffic loads and dynamic communications channel capacity characteristics.
A: Yes, your proposed research question and interpretation are within the intended scope of the topic, where not all bits/packets/nodes are created equally (e.g., in terms of strategic value/importance, power source, and/or spectral allocation/efficiency). Also, the timeliness of the transmission of information bits (e.g., expiration of time-critical
sensed data/information) should be considered with respect to cost, risk and route selection.
As of midnight September 1, questions for solicitations SBIR 10.3 and STTR 10.B will no longer be accepted.
To read the solicitation for full proposal preparation and submission details click here.

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