Postgraduate Studentships
Proposed Project Title: Gigabit Mobile Networking using Device-to-Device Communications
Principal Supervisor: Dr Simon Cotton

Project Description:

The increasing popularity of smartphones and other mobile devices, where the end user has access to a host of rich multimedia functionality, means that the current mobile network architecture is struggling to meet surging data demands. While voice, data, and compressed streaming media are now the norm, it is future social networking applications which will undoubtedly present mobile network designers and operators with their greatest challenge.

One method of supplementing cellular communications, which is currently gaining significant momentum through IMT-Advanced, is to use network users themselves as relays by employing device-to-device (D2D) communications. In this device-to-device model, existing cellular infrastructure can be used to set-up, control and manage short direct communications links between smart devices owned by cellular users within an operator’s network. This project will investigate how we can provision for future ultra-high capacity mobile networks by using millimetre-wave (60 GHz) device-to-device communications. It will focus on physical layer communications and in particular characterising and modelling the millimetre-wave D2D channel.

As the PhD program of study will be co-aligned with the EPRSC funded GigaMobile project (http://gow.epsrc.ac.uk/NGBOViewGrant.aspx?GrantRef=EP/L026074/1), the candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with project partners at Cardiff University, Samsung, O₂/Telefonica and Keima.

Objectives:

The main objectives of this research are:

• To investigate emerging technologies for cellular device-to-device communications.
• To assist in the development of an experimental test bed to enable measurements of the device-to-device communications channel.
• To examine the impact of the movements of people on signal characteristics in millimetre-wave D2D channels.
• To develop an understanding of existing wireless channel models, identify their deficiencies for use in D2D communications and propose new models.
• Based on these models, investigate the theoretical capacity of 60 GHz D2D channels, methods of relaying and cooperation to overcome channel impairments. 
• To disseminate research findings at top national and international conferences, and publish in leading IET/IEEE journals.

Academic Requirements:

A minimum 2.1 honours degree or equivalent in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or relevant degree is required.

GENERAL INFORMATION

This 3 year PhD studentship due to commence on 1^st October 2015.

Eligibility for both fees and maintenance (£13,863 in 2014/15, 2015/16 TBC) depends on the applicants being either an ordinary UK resident or those EU residents who have lived permanently in the UK for the 3 years immediately preceding the start of the studentship. Non UK residents who hold EU residency may also apply but if successful may receive fees only.

Applicants should apply electronically through the Queen’s online application portal at:
https://dap.qub.ac.uk/portal/

Further information available at:
http://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/eeecs/StudyattheSchool/PhDProgrammes/

Contact details:

Supervisor Name: Dr Simon Cotton                                         

QUB Address:

01/54 ECIT
The Institute of Electronics, Communications and IT (ECIT)
Queen’s University Belfast
NI Science Park
Queen’s Road
Queen’s Island
Belfast
BT3 9DT                                                       

Tel: 028 9097 1749
Email: simon.cotton<στο>qub.ac.uk
Web: http://www.eeecs.qub.ac.uk/wcl/

Deadline for submission of applications is 31 March 2015

For further information on Research Area click on link below:
www.eeecs.qub.ac.uk/wcl/