Parallel algorithms/architectures for neural networks

This paper advocates digital VLSI architectures for implementing a wide variety of artificial neural networks (ANNs). A programmable systolic array is proposed, which maximizes the strength of VLSI in terms of intensive and pipelined computing and yet circumvents the limitation on communication. The array is meant to be more general purpose than most other ANN architectures proposed. It may be used for a variety of algorithms in both the retrieving and learning phases of ANNs: e.g., single layer feedback networks, competitive learning networks, and multilayer feed-forward networks. A unified approach to modeling of existing neural networks is proposed. This unified formulation leads to a basic structure for a universal simulation tool and neurocomputer architecture. Fault-tolerance approach and partitioning scheme for large or non-homogeneous networks are also proposed. Finally, the implementations based on commercially available VLSI chips (e.g., Inmos T800) and custom VLSI technology are discussed in great detail.     

Protocol architectures for satellite ATM broadband networks

The latest developments and experimentation in asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) technology show that ATM will be a candidate transport mechanism in many private and public multimedia networks. Furthermore, the interest in satellite ATM systems has grown considerably because they can rapidly and economically extend the boundaries of any terrestrial network. Currently, there is a huge increase in the demand for satellite communications operating at the Ka-frequency bands; several different systems have been proposed and are under development worldwide. Two main scenarios for satellite access network protocols are presented in this article. The first one uses ATM cell encapsulation and satellite-specific protocols for establishing and managing a connection, whereas the second one provides a highly integrated solution with the ATM protocol stack and defines a new satellite ATM (S-ATM) protocol layer     

High-performance architectures for IP-based multihop 802.11 networks

The concept of a forwarding node, which receives packets from upstream nodes and then transmits these packets to downstream nodes, is a key element of any multihop network, wired or wireless. While high-speed IP router architectures have been extensively studied for wired networks, the concept of a "wireless IP router" has not been addressed so far. We examine the limitations of the IEEE 802.11 MAC protocol in supporting a low-latency and high-throughput IP datapath comprising multiple wireless LAN hops. We first propose a wireless IP forwarding architecture that uses MPLS with modifications to 802.11 MAC to significantly improve packet forwarding efficiency. We then study further enhancements to 802.11 MAC that improve system throughput by allowing a larger number of concurrent packet transmissions in multihop 802.11-based IP networks. With 802.11 poised to be the dominant technology for wireless LANs, we believe a combined approach to MAC, packet forwarding, and transport layer protocols is needed to make high-performance multihop 802.11 networks practically viable.     

Security architectures for B3G mobile networks

This paper analyzes the security architectures employed in the interworking model that integrates third-generation (3G) mobile networks and Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs), materializing Beyond 3G (B3G) networks. Currently, B3G networks are deployed using two different access scenarios (i.e., WLAN Direct Access and WLAN 3GPP IP Access), each of which incorporates a specific security architecture that aims at protecting the involved parties and the data exchanged among them. These architectures consist of various security protocols that provide mutual authentication (i.e., user and network authentication), as well as confidentiality and integrity services to the data sent over the air interface of the deployed WLANs and specific parts of the core network. The strengths and weaknesses of the applied security measures are elaborated on the basis of the security services that they provide. In addition, some operational and performance issues that derives from the application of these measures in B3G networks are outlined. Finally, based on the analysis of the two access scenarios and the security architecture that each one employs, this paper presents a comparison of them, which aims at highlighting the deployment advantages of each scenario and classifying them in terms of: a) security, b) mobility, and c) reliability.     

Transport layer protocols and architectures for satellite networks

Designing efficient transmission mechanisms for advanced satellite networks is a demanding task, requiring the definition and the implementation of protocols and architectures well suited to this challenging environment. In particular, transport protocols performance over satellite networks is impaired by the characteristics of the satellite radio link, specifically by the long propagation delay and the possible presence of segment losses due to physical channel errors. The level of impact on performance depends upon the link design (type of constellation, link margin, coding and modulation) and operational conditions (link obstructions, terminal mobility, weather conditions, etc.). To address these critical aspects a number of possible solutions have been presented in the literature, ranging from limited modifications of standard protocols (e.g. TCP, transmission control protocol) to completely alternative protocol and network architectures. However, despite the great number of different proposals (or perhaps also because of it), the general framework appears quite fragmented and there is a compelling need of an integration of the research competences and efforts. This is actually the intent of the transport protocols research line within the European SatNEx (Satellite Network of Excellence) project. Stemming from the authors' work on this project, this paper aims to provide the reader with an updated overview of all the possible approaches that can be pursued to overcome the limitations of current transport protocols and architectures, when applied to satellite communications. In the paper the possible solutions are classified in the following categories: optimization of TCP interactions with lower layers, TCP enhancements, performance enhancement proxies (PEP) and delay tolerant networks (DTN). Advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches, as well as their interactions, are investigated and discussed, taking into account performance improvement, complexity, and compliance to the standard semantics. From this analysis, it emerges that DTN architectures could integrate some of the most efficient solutions from the other categories, by inserting them in a new rigorous framework. These innovative architectures therefore may represent a promising solution for solving some of the important problems posed at the transport layer by satellite networks, at least in a medium‐to‐long‐term perspective. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

New architectures for diversity in fiber loop networks

Active and passive multiplexing technologies and alternative architectural approaches to diverse routing for fiber-loop networks are described. It is shown on the basis of Markov models that the mean time to failure (MTTF) for a 1:1 protected system can be significantly improved by deploying fiber with alternate paths and duplicate central offices. Specific network examples are used to compare installed first costs of the active and passive multiplexing alternatives for various loop-diversity approaches. The results indicate the requirements for diverse routing can have a large impact on the choice of technologies and approaches for fiber loop networks. Specifically, a passive double-star architecture, using dense wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) techniques, represents a promising technological approach to diverse routing, for it has the lowest installed first cost for diversity in the loop of the several approaches studied, both in suburban and urban areas     

Modification of topological formulas for active two-port networks

It is shown that the topological formulas for active two-port networks can be modified to appear in a form similar to those for passive two-port networks without mutual inductances.     

Next-generation satellite networks: architectures andimplementations

A new generation of satellite networks is being developed to handle highly bursty Internet and multimedia traffic. In these networks, satellite links are used for interconnecting remote network segments as well as for providing direct network access to homes and businesses. In this environment, the satellite network must support not only circuit switched traffic, but also packet services with highly bursty traffic patterns. The traditional circuit switched approach based on the user or network signaling is inadequate to carry dynamically varying packet traffic efficiently, necessitating faster bandwidth allocation solutions. Standard interworking solutions and air interfaces are very important for interoperability leading to proliferation of satellite networks to potentially millions of home and business users. In this article we provide an overview of the standardization effort that has started at the TIA in the area of satellite ATM networks. Subsequently, a bandwidth-on-demand multiservice satellite network architecture implementation is described     

New algorithm for hub-and-spoke topological virtual networks embedding problem

The virtual network embedding/mapping problem is a core issue of the network virtualization.It's mainly concerned with how to map virtual network requests to the substrate network efficiently.Previous ...     

Protocols and architectures for channel assignment in wireless mesh networks

The use of multiple channels can substantially improve the performance of wireless mesh networks. Considering that the IEEE PHY specification permits the simultaneous operation of three non-overlapping channels in the 2.4 GHz band and 12 non-overlapping channels in the 5 GHz band, a major challenge in wireless mesh networks is how to efficiently assign these available channels in order to optimize the network performance. We survey and classify the current techniques proposed to solve this problem in both single-radio and multi-radio wireless mesh networks. This paper also discusses the issues in the design of multi-channel protocols and architectures.     

Registration under topological change for CT colonography

Computed tomography (CT) colonography is a minimally invasive screening technique for colorectal polyps, in which X-ray CT images of the distended colon are acquired, usually in the prone and supine positions of a single patient. Registration of segmented colon images from both positions will be useful for computer-assisted polyp detection. We have previously presented algorithms for registration of the prone and supine colons when both are well distended and there is a single connected lumen. However, due to inadequate bowel preparation or peristalsis, there may be collapsed segments in one or both of the colon images resulting in a topological change in the images. Such changes make deformable registration of the colon images difficult, and at present, there are no registration algorithms that can accommodate them. In this paper, we present an algorithm that can perform volume registration of prone/supine colon images in the presence of a topological change. For this purpose, 3-D volume images are embedded as a manifold in a 4-D space, and the manifold is evolved for nonrigid registration. Experiments using data from 24 patients show that the proposed method achieves good registration results in both the shape alignment of topologically different colon images from a single patient and the polyp location estimation between supine and prone colon images.     

高可靠性塑封器件质量控制措施

随着塑封器件高可靠性应用日益广泛,塑封产品的研制和生产需求不断增加。分析了塑封器件可能存在的热机械缺陷、腐蚀、爆米花效应,以及生产工艺中可能引入的封装、芯片粘接、钝化层等缺陷,从设计和工艺角度给出控制措施。介绍了国内外高可靠性塑封器件筛选、鉴定检验的典型流程及质量控制措施,用于在生产阶段剔除潜在缺陷的不合格品,保证产品具有高可靠性。     

机载雷达高可靠性实现方法

介绍了机载雷达可靠性和质量的重要性,质量和可靠性的关系,给出了保证可靠性与质量的方法,提出了新时期可靠性与质量工作要点。     

Analysis of optical networks with heterogeneous grooming architectures

Traffic grooming in optical networks employing wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) has gained prominence due to the prevailing disparity between the user requirement and wavelength capacity. Nodes in an optical network get upgraded to the latest grooming technology slowly with time. Hence, WDM grooming networks are expected to employ heterogeneous grooming architectures. In this paper, we develop an analytical model to evaluate the blocking performance of WDM grooming networks with heterogeneous grooming capabilities. We demonstrate the accuracy of the analytical model by comparing the analytical results with that of the simulation. We observe that analytical models with and without precise knowledge of the grooming architectures predict similar performance. The proposed analytical model can be employed by resource placement algorithms that identify a set of nodes and links that need to be upgraded when the resources are limited.     

High-reliability Pb-alloy Josephson junctions for integrated circuits

The process developed and recently used at IBM for fabricating experimental Pb-alloy Josephson tunnel-junction devices, and the factors which influence the stability of such devices during repeated cycling between 300 and 4.2 K are reviewed. A new, fine-grained Pb0.84In0.12Au0.04alloy base electrode material has been developed that has excellent thermal cycling stability. In an experiment carried out to evaluate the cyclability of devices prepared with this material, excellent results were obtained: the cyclability of large-area junctions was improved by ∼100× compared to that of similar junctions prepared with the recently used, larger-grained Pb0.84In0.12Au0.04base electrodes. In the best cases, populations of 2600 large junctions and 2350 interferometers were found to withstand 400 and 700 thermal cycles to 4.2 K, respectively, before the first failures were observed. These results indicate that with the use of fine-grained electrodes, Pb-alloy Josephson devices have good potential for meeting the cycling requirements of computer systems.     

Design techniques of two‐layer architectures for WDM optical networks

A general method for designing multilayered WDM optical networks, based on the combined use of single‐and multi‐hop connection modes, is presented. It takes into account variable values for the number of users and wavelengths in each cluster. Closed form expressions are derived for the transmission capacity and the optimum number of channels for intra‐cluster communications, either in the case of uniform or non‐uniform traffic distribution. The analytical approach is particularly useful in the presence of constraints on the number of wavelengths, due to technological limits or non‐linear phenomena, when sub‐optimal solutions must be necessarily addressed. The proposed method is integrated with the adoption of well‐known selection procedures, like simulated annealing or genetic algorithms, to reduce the computational effort. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Radio receivers for cellular networks: Possible architectures using a ΣΔ-converter

We first explain the constraints set on a receiver for digital cellular systems before showing how they are handled with the standard architectures (direct conversion and superheterodyne). We introduce then a new approach based on the direct sampling of the intermediate frequency in a superheterodyne receiver using a passband analog- to- digital ΣΔ -converter. We give design rules to minimize the complexity of the system and study within that scope the interest of under sampled ΣΔ -converters addressing more especially the stability problems. Undersampling allows to reduce the processing load in the digital part of the converter, compared to a standard ΣΔ conversion. The last chapter is dedicated to a presentation of cellular networks in order to justify the constraints set on receivers designed for this environment.