Network Coverage Enhancement for 6G Communication Systems

Network Coverage Enhancement for 6G Communication System

Department/School

ICS / School of Electronics and Computer Science

Project Description

The coverage of mobile cellular networks is non-uniform (even in urban areas) due to inter-cell interference and signal fading. To address this problem, this research proposal aims to investigate novel and practical methods to provide uniform network coverage. One such method that is aimed to be investigated particularly is “Cell Sweeping” in which the sectors of a base station (BS) are swept electrically over a part or entire 

360° in the azimuth plane (and / or elevation plane). The sweeping cells allow the users to be served on the antenna boresight beam with enhanced gain and hence improves the network cell-edge performance significantly. The research will investigate the merits of cell-sweeping technology in the radio access networks (RANs) of future 6G communication systems in comparison with other state of the art coverage enhancement techniques such as RIS (which also provide dynamic radiation footprint) and will focus on:

• A rigorous theoretical analysis to determine the fundamental coverage / capacity limits of cellular RANs with sweeping cells with new equivalent channel models that incorporate cell-sweeping.
• Impact Radio Resource Management (RRM) protocols and signalling (initial access, sleep mode procedure, handover, scheduling etc.)
• Comparison with other state of the art coverage enhancement techniques such as mMIMO, COMP, Cell-Free Architecture, and RIS.
• A good degree (preferably Masters) in Electronic Engineering with Communications related subjects
• Programming proficiency in Matlab / C++
• Good mathematical skills in Linear Algebra, Optimization Theory / AI , and Statistical Signal Processing 
• Excellent writing skills, prior publications will be advantageous

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via the Information and Communication Systems PhD programme page. In place of a research proposal you should upload a document stating the title of the projects (up to 2) that you wish to apply for and the name(s) of the relevant supervisor. You must upload your full CV and any transcripts of previous academic qualifications. You should enter ’Faculty Funded Competition’ under funding type.

Funding

The studentship will provide a stipend at UKRI rates (currently £17,668 for 2022/23) and tuition fees for 3.5 years. An additional bursary of £1700 per annum for the duration of the studentship will be offered to exceptional candidates.