Adaptive resource allocation framework for user satisfaction maximization in multi-service wireless networks

In order to capture and maintain a representative share of the wireless communication market, effective ways to manage the scarce physical resources of cellular networks are fundamental for cellular network operators. In this context, this paper proposes an adaptive Radio Resource Allocation algorithm that targets the user satisfaction maximization in cellular networks with multiple services. The proposed algorithm is mathematically derived from a utility-based cross-layer optimization framework and employs user weights as well as an innovative service weight that is adapted to meet the satisfaction target of the most prioritized service. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm is scalable to several services classes and can be employed in the current and future generations of wireless systems that guarantee orthogonality among the allocable resources. The performance evaluation is conducted in realistic scenarios of the downlink of an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access based cellular network serving video and Constant Bit Rate flows, where we assume imperfect Channel State Information at the transmitter. Significant gains in the joint system capacity were obtained, demonstrating that the adaptability and service prioritization allow the accomplishment of simultaneously maximizing the user satisfaction for distinct services.     

User QoE Influenced Spectrum Trade,Resource Allocation,and Network Selection

In future wireless networks, we envision more dynamic telecommunication paradigm, where the dynamics may be translated into dynamic service offerings and user profiles etc. We further expect that the wireless communication market will be influenced when the user-centric network selection vision is realized. By the user-centric network selection vision, we mean that users will be free to select any available network operator or service provider on short term contractual basis. This dictates that operators will compete for their share of a common user pool on much smaller time quanta when compared with the current long term user contacts with the operators. One intuitive strategy of operators will be to incentivize users by offering different QoS and service price offers. As the operators’ offers are influenced by their incurring costs. This necessitates to study the market behavior at different levels and investigate the operator and user behavior at these level. In this paper, we categorize and position the communication players and model the interaction between players at different levels. We introduce the learning aspects in the interaction and investigate the equilibrium strategies of involved stake-holders i.e., users and operators. We also model the utility functions of all the involved stake-holders. We also examine the risk-sensitive utility functions in order to cover both risk-seeking and risk-averse in the user QoEs. We implement the user-centric approach and compare it against our proposed network-centric resource utilization and call blocking.     

Max-utility subcarrier allocation for heterogeneous services in wireless OFDM system

In future wireless network, one user will require multiple homogeneous or heterogeneous services simultaneously. Then, the scheduling algorithm is not only responsible for assigning a resource block to different users but also sharing the assigned resource block among multiple services for one user. Most of the traditional scheduling algorithms are designed to serve one service per user, and cannot be applied directly to this scenario because of the fairness criterion. This article focuses on adaptive resource allocation for multiple services per user at the downlink of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) based system. This article addresses this integrative resource scheduling problem based on utility function. First, the optimal algorithm for dynamic subcarrier allocation and share is deduced for homogeneous best-effort service system. Then the algorithm is extended to heterogeneous services system by classifying the delay sensitive service according to the head-of-line packet delay. The design goal is to maximize aggregate utility function to exploit multiuser diversity gain to the greatest extent even as guaranteeing quality of service (QoS) for delay sensitive service.     

加拿大电信的现状与发展

加拿大1979年首先开放了数据和专线市场。在以后近20的时间内逐渐开放了其它市场。但目前电信市场上仍由主要的电信运营商主导，小公司只能在较小的程度上参与竞争。近年来，加拿大许多领域都受到全球经济不景气的影响，但电信行业却例外，依然保持了快速发展的态势。未来加拿大电信市场仍将快速发展：无线应用继续火爆，国家会发放新的无线业务许可证；电信融合的势头发生微妙的变化；互联网高速接入继续扩大。     

Joint utility function-based scheduling for two-way communication services in wireless networks

A type of joint utility function-based scheduling is proposed for two-way communication services in wireless networks. The scheduling of uplink and downlink services is done jointly so that the base station selects a user efficiently and fairly while considering the channel state of both the uplink and the downlink. Because a user generally has two communication links, an uplink and a downlink, the overall satisfaction with a communication service can be formulated as the sum of the quality of the uplink and downlink services. However, most of the previous types of scheduling for the uplink and downlink were designed separately and independently. This paper proposes a joint scheduling algorithm for integrated uplink and downlink services: a base station selects a user while simultaneously considering both the uplink channel state and the downlink channel state. An analytical model is developed for the purpose of determining the scheduling metric, the system throughput, and the level of fairness. The numerical and computer simulation results show that in comparison with conventional proportional fair scheduling the proposed joint scheduling achieves a better throughput while satisfying the fairness among users.     

EMUNE: Architecture for Mobile Data Transfer Scheduling with Network Availability Predictions

With the mobile communication market increasingly moving towards value-added services, the network cost will need to be included in the service offering itself. This will lead service providers to optimize network usage based on real cost rather than simplified network plans sold to consumers traditionally. Meanwhile, today’s mobile devices are increasingly containing multiple radios, enabling users on the move to take advantage of the heterogeneous wireless network environment. In addition, we observe that many bandwidth intensive services such as video on demand and software updates are essentially non real-time and buffers in mobile devices are effectively unlimited. We therefore propose EMUNE, a new transfer service which leverages these aspects. It supports opportunistic bulk transfers in high bandwidth networks while adapting to device power concerns, application requirements and user preferences of cost and quality. Our proposed architecture consists of an API, a transport service and two main functional units. The well defined API hides all internal complexities from a programmer and provides easy access to the functionalities. The prediction engine infers future network and bandwidth availability. The scheduling engine takes the output of the prediction engine as well as the power and monetary costs, application requirements and user preferences into account and determines which interface to use, when and for how long for all outstanding data transfer requests. The transport service accordingly executes the inferred data transfer schedule. The results from the implementation of EMUNE’s and of the prediction and scheduling engines evaluated against real user data show the effectiveness of the proposed architecture for better utilization of multiple network interfaces in mobile devices.     

一种新的下一代无线个人通信网络

下一代无线通信网络是以用户为中心和异构的,不仅支持网络的自动配置和适应性,而且使用扩展多跳的无线个域网(WPAN)。与此同时,它将以一种透明的方式向用户提供多种类型的服务,这就需要有效地把异构网络技术与不同类型的协议结合起来,形成一个完整的网络体系,网络整合的关键是通过IP技术来达到协议的整合。文中介绍一种新的适用于目前和未来无线个人通信及相关服务的无线个人通信网络架构及其关键技术。     

Unified approach of GOS optimization for fixed wireless access

We present analytical and simulation models that obtain the minimum number of required communication channels for subscriber units and their allocations so as to increase the level of the grade of service (GOS) per user of fixed wireless access communication systems (FWA or WACS). On the basis of the proposed analytical and simulation models, a new methodology of using user radio ports (RPs) is introduced for evaluating the optimal number of RP systems, their allocation policy, and their spatial distribution for different configurations. This methodology enables us to increase the efficiency of FWA services on the basis of GOS maximization     

Secure Service and Network Framework for Mobile Ethernet

Secure cellular data services have become more popular in the Japanese market. These services are based on 2G/3G cellular networks and are expected to move into the next-generation wireless networks, called Beyond 3G. In the Beyond 3G, wireless communication available at a user's location is selected based on the type of the service. The user downloads an application from one wireless network and executes it on another. Beyond 3G expects core and wireless operators and allows to plug-in new wireless access. A security model that can accommodate these requirements needs to be sufficiently flexible for end users to utilize with ease. In this paper, we explain the Mobile Ethernet architecture for all IP networks in terms of the Beyond 3G. We discuss usage scenario/operator models and identify entities for the security model. We separate a mobile device into a personal identity card (PIC) containing cryptographic information and a wireless communications device that offers security and flexibility. We propose a self-delegation protocol for device authentication and use a delegated credential for unified network- and service-level authentication. We also propose proactive handover authentication using the security context between different types of wireless access, such as Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and WLAN, so that the secure end-to-end communication channels established by service software on the TCP/IP are not terminated. Lastly, we raise security issues regarding the next-generation platform.     

A mobile spatial messaging service for a grassroots environmental network

Information and communication technology are potentially significant tools in strengthening local initiatives towards sustainability. The Science and Technology (S&T) Framework for Sustainable Development provides a context for such development. This article describes a study aimed at examining how the existing mobile technologies of standard messaging service and wireless application protocol can be used to support the activities of an environmental grassroots organisation–London 21 Sustainability Network (henceforth London 21). Following the S&T Framework, it is clear that to realise the potential of these technologies a new mobile service should be effectively embedded into the structure and activity of the network. Using a participatory research approach, an extensive user requirements study with 273 participants was carried out to ensure that the development of the mobile service for London 21 fulfils the purposes, goals and expectations of the organisation.

This article describes a Mobile Spatial Messaging Service, called EcoTEXT, which was developed and deployed for London 21. This service allows individuals to receive geographically targeted, action-orientated, time-relevant information via text messages on their mobile phones. The content of the service is information about upcoming local environmental events and activities, which match the interest of the user, when these events occur in close spatial proximity to where that user resides. This type of service represents a powerful new dimension for the provision of data-driven services in comparison to current text-based services. Location is giving the service additional meaning and value. The introduction of such a service into the organisation's communication toolkit offers the potential to create, supplement and strengthen social ties and interactions within the community.     

QoE Model Based Optimization for Streaming Media Service Considering Equipment and Environment Factors

With the development of smart phones, one of the hot research topics for wireless personal communication technologies has begun to transit from reaching higher communication capabilities to better Quality of Experiences (QoE). However, for streaming services, such as online music or online video, which is one of the mainstream services in the future wireless network, there is still no breakthrough optimization beyond the Quality of Service (QoS) hence the optimization results are not satisfactory. Based on our study, this problem could be relieved by altering the criterion of wireless resource allocation from enhancing users?? QoS to enhancing their QoE, which specifically means that the scope of the research is extended from the so-called last mile between the network and the user equipment to the last few inches between the user equipment and the user himself. Unfortunately, it seems that all current QoE researches are still not jointly considering the users?? environment and user equipments?? performance, both of which are paramount factors of the last inches that will influence users?? QoE directly and profoundly. Hence, in this paper, we propose a QoE model involving the environment and equipment factors, and then we use this model to guide the wireless resource allocation. Simulation results show that this resource allocation method will increase the effectiveness of network resource utilization as well as improve the average of satisfaction of users.     

IN architectures for implementing universal personaltelecommunications

This article focuses on architectures for providing universal personal telecommunications (UPT) service to wireline users. Although UPT services could be provided to users of wireless phones, thereby giving those users personal communication services (PCS), the wireline environment introduces certain important complications. Unlike "smart" cellular phones, which can register themselves and the user automatically, wireline telephones are unable to automatically detect and register a UPT user. UPT therefore includes a manual registration procedure to associate a PTN with the phone where calls will be received or placed. Also, unlike personal communications terminals that are typically used by only one person, wireline phones are likely to be shared among other users. Therefore, the network must keep track of who is using the phone, so it can provide the appropriate telecommunications services. It would be difficult or impossible to implement UPT as a switch-based service. Fortunately, an intelligent network (IN) architecture that is well suited for implementing UPT is being deployed by many local exchange (LECs) and interexchange carriers (IXCs)     

Location-Based Service Provisioning for Next Generation Wireless Networks

We study how the wireless network infrastructure can support location-based services (LBSs). We assume that each mobile is equipped with self-geolocation capability. The wireless network can provide geolocation information of mobiles to an application services provider (ASP) so that the ASP can customize services based on the geolocation of the users. The main challenge in wireless networking is to keep track of the geolocation of mobile users such that the application service can maintain a certain quality of service (QoS). In general, the quality of service depends on how often mobiles update their geolocation. Because geolocation updates require battery power, radio resources, and signaling in the wired network, optimization of the geolocation update frequency is critical. In this paper, we present geolocation update schemes in which we can minimize the update frequency while satisfying the QoS of application service. For case study, we consider location-based traffic report service (LBS-TR) and location-based navigation service (LBS-NS). In LBS-TR, each mobile user about to enter a heavily jammed highway is informed in a timely manner so that the user can avoid traffic congestion. In LBS-NS, a mobile user is given navigation instructions custom-tailored to the geolocation of the user. The granularity of navigation instructions changes as the user moves from highway to local street and from local street to building complex.     

Speech and language processing for next-millennium communicationsservices

In the future, the world of telecommunications will be vastly different than it is today. The driving force will be the seamless integration of real time communications (e.g. voice, video, music, etc.) and data into a single network, with ubiquitous access to that network anywhere, anytime, and by a wide range of devices. The only currently available ubiquitous access device to the network is the telephone, and the only ubiquitous user access technology mode is spoken voice commands and natural language dialogues with machines. In the future, new access devices and modes will augment speech in this role, but are unlikely to supplant the telephone and access by speech anytime soon. Speech technologies have progressed to the point where they are now viable for a broad range of communications services, including: compression of speech for use over wired and wireless networks; speech synthesis, recognition, and understanding for dialogue access to information, people, and messaging; and speaker verification for secure access to information and services. The paper provides brief overviews of these technologies, discusses some of the unique properties of wireless, plain old telephone service, and Internet protocol networks that make voice communication and control problematic, and describes the types of voice services available in the past and today, and those that we foresee becoming available over the next several years     

线性多用户检测器的软件无线电实现

无线多媒体通信的实现要求对不同种类业务提供不同的服务质量（ＱｏＳ）,文章将软件无线电技术应用于无线通信系统中,通过现场可编程门阵列（ＦＰＧＡ）和数字信号处理器（ＤＳＰ）的配合实现ＤＳ－ＣＤＭＡ系统的线性多用户检测。可以根据业务要求与信道状况调整线性滤波器抽头值,从而动态选择检测器类型,在算法复杂度和性能上求得平衡。仿真结果给出了４种线性多用户检测器对用户数及信噪比变化的性能比较。     

移动互联服务与隐私保护的研究进展

随着宽带无线接入技术和移动终端技术的飞速发展,人们迫切希望能够随时随地从互联网获取信息和服务,移动互联网应运而生并迅猛发展。然而,由于云计算平台、移动通信网络和移动终端的开放性,传统互联网服务中信息传播和管控机制不再适应于移动互联网,信息安全和用户隐私保护已经成为移动互联网用户迫切关心和亟待解决的问题。结合国内外移动互联网发展的最新趋势,对移动互联网服务和隐私保护方面的研究进行了展望。首先对当前移动互联网服务模型和移动互联网服务架构进行了评述;其次对当前的移动互联网数据传播控制机制以及隐私保护机制进行了分析和讨论;最终给出了一些潜在的研究热点,为未来研究工作指明方向。     

A communication gateway for infrastructure-independent 4G wirelessaccess

Wireless communication infrastructure is characterized by an increasing multitude of heterogeneous systems. At the same time, service provider models are established and services designed to span physical networks irrespective of the access method used. To provide an infrastructure-independent access to services and applications for highly mobile users (e.g., in cars), we present a communication gateway architecture as an important component of fourth generation wireless communication systems. We especially emphasize the role of digital broadcast networks for future mobile networking     

A Framework for Seamless Roaming Across Heterogeneous Next Generation Wireless Networks

In the future, wireless and mobile users will have increased demands for seamless roaming across different types of wireless networks, quality of service guarantees and support of different types of services. This awareness has led to research activities directed towards inter-system and global roaming and can be noticed in the numerous products like multimode handsets, inter-working gateways and some ongoing standards and research work on signaling protocols for inter-system roaming. This article proposes a global mobility management framework. The framework is like an overlay network comprising of Inter-System Interface Control Units IICU to support inter-network communication and control for Location Management. The protocols and functions of this framework will be distributed and exist partly within the wireless networks and partly within the core-network. A hierarchy introduced among the IICUs will accommodate for the varying mobility coverage required by the mobile user. The IICU may be configured to perform various functions depending on its placement in the hierarchy of the framework. This approach aims to optimize across call set up delays, signaling traffic, database processing, handoff facilitation for seamless roaming and QoS mapping and negotiations as the user moves across different wireless networks. It avoids centralized database dependency with its associated single-point bottleneck and failures. We restrict our analysis of the framework to a 2-network and a 3-network roaming scenario. The presentation has been further restricted to cost and delay analysis of the location update and call delivery procedures. We have taken into account the signalling requirements when the mobile user roams across networks with and without an active call. Nirmala Shenoy is Associate Professor at the Information Technology department at RIT. She has several years of teaching and research experience while working in Germany, Singapore and Australia before she moved to USA. She is an avid researcher in the wireless networks area and has technically led several wireless network projects to success. She holds a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Bremen, Germany, Masters in Applied Electronics and Bachelors in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering both from Madras University in India. Professor Shenoy is interested in research in the area mobility management and modeling for wireless networks, Quality of service in wireless networks and the Internet.     

Transporting data between wireless applications using a messaging system—MMS

There is a demand for using messaging systems to transport data between wireless applications in mobile communications. As multimedia messaging service (MMS) is a promising messaging system to meet the demand, it is under enhancement in related standardization bodies to make it effective in transporting application data. The enhancement should be compatible with the existing MMS services for its smooth and safe deployment. This paper proposes a solution to make the enhancement backward compatible, so that a new MMS service of transporting application data has no impact on the existing MMS services. The solution also provides forward compatibility, so that an MMS service of transporting application data does not hinder the introduction of any application in the future, allowing instantaneous deployment of a wireless application. The standardization bodies did not define any format for data communication between a wireless application and MMS in a terminal. A common format in this regard would help mass availability of wireless applications for different purposes independent of manufacturing a mobile terminal. Based on an analysis described in this paper, eXtensible Markup Language (XML) is the suitable format for the purpose. This paper also presents examples of XML file to indicate what data should be communicated in this regard. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.