Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

In this research program, we will investigate the design and implementation of advanced cooperative communication techniques. Specifically, we will investigate the following three topics: 1) Cooperative Routing, 2) Full-duplex Relaying, and 3) Cooperative Communication with Non-Gaussian Channels.Cooperative routing takes into consideration the availability of cooperative transmission at the physical layer. We will investigate the implementation and adoption of cooperative routing in different types of wireless networks. Furthermore, and unlike existing work that focuses on energy minimization, we will take into consideration the packet collision probability and packet delivery ratio. In full-duplex relaying, the relay can simultaneously receive and transmit by equipping the relay with two antennas (one for reception and one for transmission), and using self-interference cancelation. We will use experimental work to analyze the feasibility of full-duplex relaying under realistic conditions. Moreover, we will investigate the use of efficient interference cancelation and signal detection techniques. Non-Gaussian noise exists in many cases, such as in vehicular communication systems (due to the spark plug noise). Reduced-complexity near optimal detection algorithms will be sought for cooperative systems with non-Gaussian noise. In addition, we will analyze the performance of non-Gaussian cooperative systems using analytical methods.The proposed algorithms will be analyzed using computer simulation, analytical methods and experimental work. Results from this research are crucial for gaining deeper insight into cooperative communication systems and their performance. Also, the results can be utilized to enhance the performance of cooperative communication systems and facilitate their adoption in existing and future wireless systems. This leads to various advantages, such as the faster data rates, better service quality, more reliable wireless links, better utilization of the scarce radio spectrum, less energy consumption (paving the way to the Green Communication paradigm), and less costly wireless communication services. This does not apply to the cellular wireless communication only, but it also applies to other wireless communication systems, such as wireless sensor networks and vehicular ad-hoc networks.In addition, this research program will enable the training of seven graduate students and at least eighteen undergraduate students. All students will build a strong background in advanced topics in wireless communications and related areas (e.g., networking and digital signal processing). Moreover, the students will use advanced mathematical and analytical techniques (e.g., analytical optimization, and stochastic processes). Furthermore, the students will use simulation tools (e.g., NS2/NS3, Omnet++, and Qualnet). Therefore, this research program will provide students with essential and important theoretical and practical skills, required for their success in careers either in industry or academia.In conclusion, this research program aims to advance the field of wireless communication. With the total generation of $43 billion and more than 260,000 Canadians working in the wireless communication sector (according to the report of Ovum Europe Ltd.: The Benefit to the Canadian Economy from the Wireless Telecommunications Industries, June 2012), wireless communication represents one of the most strategic industries in Canada?s economic development. By improving the design and performance of new algorithms and protocols proposed in this research program, we will help in fuelling new innovative wireless technologies and services as well as preparing a new generation of students and highly-qualified personnel.