Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Beyond Fifth Generation (B5G) networks with multi-tier aerial-terrestrial networks (drone cells, relays, and so on) using ultra-dense tiny cells, heterogeneous Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and network slices, based on Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software Defined Network (SDN), will confront unique challenges. They will need highly complex network traffic control with highly energy-efficient secure resource allocation to assure high Quality of Service (QoS) expectations of mobile users. The long-term objective of this research is to address these challenges by identifying and developing the key building blocks of a holistic Sixth Generation (6G) network. To achieve this goal, the following short-term objectives are proposed: 1. B5G network traffic control and resource allocation: The development of advanced network traffic control, such as optimal base station deployment and routing to cater to heterogeneous traffic types, along with new interference dynamics modeling and resources (such as Partially Overlapping Channel) assignment in Radio Access Network (RAN) slices, will be sought to alleviate network congestion and enhance QoS (delay, throughput, etc). 2. Joint traffic and computation-aware energy efficiency in B5G network: To mitigate increased carbon footprint and high energy costs due to numerous base stations deployment in B5G tiny cells to maximize QoS, a new trade-off model between energy consumption minimization and spectral resource allocation will be designed and solved by jointly considering circuit power, mobile user traffic load, computation load, and coverage. 3. Joint QoS and security optimization in B5G network: While B5G network traffic control, optimal resource allocation and energy-efficient techniques can enhance service quality, QoS may still degrade due to increasing exposure to cyber-attacks in heterogeneous networks. This research will develop a much-needed agile and integrated QoS-security framework and cross-layer algorithms to explore the interactions between the various, contrasting, QoS and security parameters for RAN slices to optimally solve their complex trade-offs, an untouched problem in the existing 5G literature. Cross-layer algorithms will be developed to optimally solve the mentioned challenges and implemented in a self-developed Software Defined Router (SDR). The technologies developed in this research program are essential if the Canadian telecommunication sector is to become a pioneer in B5G network technology to benefit Canada's connectivity and economy. Also, HQPs (2 Ph.D., 6 MSc, 5 BSc students) will be trained to boost Canada's research capacity. The results of the research program will provide optimal connectivity solutions for the telecommunications sector and various industries, and help develop research collaborations between academia and industry. The research findings will be disseminated in reputed refereed journals and presented at relevant international conferences.