Context-aware cooperative testbed for energy analysis in beyond 4G networks

The complexity of heterogeneous wireless networks in synergy with battery powered mobile devices is driving new stringent requirements in terms of power efficiency to ensure that battery life, environmental and thermal criteria can be met. Modern mobile devices are equipped with multiple interfaces, which allow them to exploit the benefits offered by heterogeneous networking environments, but on the other hand, drain battery swiftly. In this paper, architecture for a context-based node and a testbed platform for the analysis of energy consumption of heterogeneous cooperative communications are presented. The demonstrative testbed comprises a WiFi Access Point, which provides WiFi coverage in the infrastructure mode, as well as nodes capable of communicating through short-range ultra-wideband WiMedia. The testbed includes a context aware module that provides and stores information related to different nodes in the system. The paper shows how context information can be used to save the energy of mobile devices and extend their battery lifetime using short-range communications. The testbed is used as a proof-of-concept for the practical implementation of the cooperative communications concept. The obtained results show that significant amount of energy can be saved using context information along cooperation among multiple interfaces, in comparison to direct communications.