WirelessAfrica - User contributions [en]

Increasing capacity in mesh networks using MIMOs

2008-12-09T13:31:52Z

Albert: /* Abstract */

== Team members ==
* Dare Sokoya

== Abstract ==
Single radio mesh networks suffer major capacity degradation as the network grows especially if a node becomes a choke point with many nodes connecting through it. MIMOs can help add capacity by making use of diversity

Ajay's research

2008-08-29T10:04:27Z

Albert: corrected NFSEN link

[[Category: Development Team Research Pages]]
Not so much details of any research here, more around my ideas, thoughts, development track etc. for the group.

==Development Test Network==
This is a physical installation of the HPN router based mesh network on the CSIR campus with about 10-12 nodes to test functionality in the field.
*The wireless cards would be set at the lowest power and some form of attenuation would be used.
*Other hardware functionality

==Portable Demo Test Network==
*In a suitcase type kit (mobile, small, easy to setup)
*Number of nodes, in a scenario type with posters, pictures.

==Visualisation==
Each node would have the GPS co-ordinate configured at part of the setup. On the server side (WISP) all the co-odrinates of the installed HPN's can then be used to plot a map. This can then be overlaid on a Google map. (Something like what David has done - need to get the link)

Here is the link:

[http://meshlab.dhcp.meraka.csir.co.za:8080/WMNStatus Mesh visualisation]

[http://meshlab.dhcp.meraka.csir.co.za/nfsen/nfsen.php Traffic graphs for indoor mesh]

Current events

2008-08-27T15:48:18Z

Albert: /* Past Events */

==Current Activities==
===Research===
[[Port HSLS]] to Linux and [http://www.za.freebsd.org FreeBSD]

[[Monitor Wifi Activity]]

[[Protocol Shoot-out]]

[[Protocol QoS Shoot-out]]

===Implementation===
Populate Wiki!

Build and test some [[Home-Brew Antennae]]

Implement/test VoIP on [[49-node Indoor Mesh]]

Expand the [[Rural Mesh Networks]]

Expand the [[Pretoria Mesh]]

Link to [http://www.meraka.org.za/digitalDoorway.htm Digital Doorway]

==Upcoming Events==
[[CuWIN Visit]]

==Reports==
[[Quartely Reports]]
[[Community Media & Technology Conference]]

==Past Events==
[http://www.csir.co.za/enews/2008_aug/ic_06.html Workshop with Hungarian researchers (July 2008)]

[http://www.iws2005.org/ IWS2005]

[[Charles Perkins visit]]

Current events

2008-08-27T15:47:43Z

Albert: /* Past Events */

==Current Activities==
===Research===
[[Port HSLS]] to Linux and [http://www.za.freebsd.org FreeBSD]

[[Monitor Wifi Activity]]

[[Protocol Shoot-out]]

[[Protocol QoS Shoot-out]]

===Implementation===
Populate Wiki!

Build and test some [[Home-Brew Antennae]]

Implement/test VoIP on [[49-node Indoor Mesh]]

Expand the [[Rural Mesh Networks]]

Expand the [[Pretoria Mesh]]

Link to [http://www.meraka.org.za/digitalDoorway.htm Digital Doorway]

==Upcoming Events==
[[CuWIN Visit]]

==Reports==
[[Quartely Reports]]
[[Community Media & Technology Conference]]

==Past Events==
[http://www.csir.co.za/enews/2008_aug/ic_06.html Workshop with Hungarian researchers]

[http://www.iws2005.org/ IWS2005]

[[Charles Perkins visit]]

Downloads

2008-08-13T07:39:48Z

Albert: /* 2008 */

=Firmware=
==For Linksys WRT54G==

Our customized Freifunk firmware with IPv6 packages. Download and check the README file

=Tools=
[[Media:Circular waveguide optimise.xls|Spreadsheet for Optimising Cantennae]]

=Useful Documents=
[[Media:Wndw-ebook.pdf|Wireless Networking in the Developing World]]

[[DIY_Mesh_Guide|Building a Rural Wireless Mesh Network]] A do-it-yourself guide to planning and building a Freifunk based mesh network. This is a step-by-step guide on converting a Linksys WRT54GL into a mesh node.

=Meraka Research papers=

==David's research work==

===1996===
[[Media:Masters2008_performance_mesh.pdf|'''Thesis''': Final year Electronic Engineering thesis on "Sound synthesis using a genetic algorithm"]]

===2003===
[[Media:MICSSA2003_Bluetooth_defence.doc|'''Conference paper''': D.L. Johnson, 2003 Military Information and Communications Symposium of South Africa (MICCSA) conference: Bluetooth in the defence industry - "The quest for point to multipoint cable replacement"]]

[[Media:MICSSA2003_Bluetooth_defence_Lecture.ppt|'''Conference presentation''': D.L. Johnson, 2003 Military Information and Communications Symposium of South Africa (MICCSA) conference: Bluetooth in the defence industry - "The quest for point to multipoint cable replacement"]]

===2004===
[[Media:Africon2004_hardware_software_bluetooth.pdf|'''Conference paper''': D.L. Johnson, 2004 IEEE Africon conference: Hardware and software implications of creating Bluetooth Scatternet devices]]

[[Media:Lecture2004_Bluetooth_Lecture.ppt|'''Lecture''': D.L. Johnson, Bluetooth lecture for post-graduate course on network security at University of Pretoria]]

[[Media:Lecture2004_Bluetooth_Lecture_tut_v2.ppt|'''Lecture''': D.L. Johnson, Bluetooth lecture for wireless symposium at Tshwane University of Technology]]

[[Media:Lecture2004_WiFi_Lecture_tut.ppt|'''Lecture''': D.L. Johnson, Wifi lecture for wireless symposium at Tshwane University of Technology]]

===2005===
[[Media:CIRN2005_initial_results_community_mesh.pdf|'''Conference paper''': A. Smith, D.L. Johnson, Y.Kaka, 2005 Community Informatics Research Network (CIRN) conference, Initial research results on affordable community-owned information networks in South Africa]]

'''uClinux course presented to meraka staff'''

* [[Media:Uclinux_course_day_1.ppt|'''Day 1''': D.L. Johnson, Survey of embedded operating systems - why uClinux, The uclinux environment - the directory structure]]

* [[Media:Uclinux_course_day_2.ppt|'''Day 2''': D.L. Johnson, Using the configuration tools for the kernel and user applications, Adding user application to uClinux]]

* [[Media:Uclinux_course_day_3.ppt|'''Day 3''': D.L. Johnson, The cross compiling tool chain (gcc, as, ld, objdump, objcopy), Memory architecture of the arm7tdmi processor - configuring uclinux for the arm]]

* [[Media:Uclinux_course_day_4.ppt|'''Day 4''': D.L. Johnson, To "Boot loader" or not to "Boot loader, Hardware access and device drivers]]

* [[Media:Uclinux_course_day_5.ppt|'''Day 5''': D.L. Johnson, Debugging applications with gdb, Downloading applications to the development kit using JTAG]]

===2006===
[[Media:Satnac2006_meraka_grid.pdf|'''Conference paper''': D.L. Johnson, Y. Kaka, J. Hay, 2006 Southern African Telecommunications Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) conference: A new grid based test bed environment for carrying out ad-hoc networking
experiments]]

[[Media:Satnac2006-poster.pdf|'''Conference poster''': D.L. Johnson, Y. Kaka, J. Hay, 2006 Southern African Telecommunications Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) conference: A new grid based test bed environment for carrying out ad-hoc networking
experiments]]

[[Media:APC2006_poster.pdf|'''Workshop poster''': D.L. Johnson, 2006 Association for Progressive Communication workshop in London sponsored by the IDRC: Wireless Africa - The quest to connect 450 million rural people in Africa]]

===2007===
[[Media:Satnac2006_meraka_grid.pdf|'''Conference paper''': D.L. Johnson, A. Lysko 2007 Southern African Telecommunications Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) conference: Overview of the Meraka wireless grid test bed for evaluation of ad-hoc routing protocols]]

[[Media:Satnac2007_presentation.ppt|'''Conference presentation''': D.L. Johnson, A. Lysko 2007 Southern African Telecommunications Networks and Applications Conference (SATNAC) conference: Overview of the Meraka wireless grid test bed for evaluation of ad-hoc routing protocols]]

[[Media:MONET2008_wireless_grid.doc|'''Journal paper''': D.L. Johnson, A. Lysko, Special issue on "Advances in Wireless Mesh Networks" of the Journal of special issues on Mobility of Systems, Users, Data and Computing, ''Springer US'', "Comparison Of MANET Routing Protocols Using A New Grid Based Test Bed Environment"]]

[[Media:ICTD2007_rural_mesh.pdf|'''Conference paper''': D.L. Johnson, IEEE/ACM International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies and Development (ICTD2007), Evaluation of a single radio rural mesh network in South Africa]]

[[Media:ICTD_poster.pdf|'''Conference poster''': D.L. Johnson, IEEE/ACM International Conference on Information and Communication Technologies and Development (ICTD2007), Evaluation of a single radio rural mesh network in South Africa]]

===2008===

[[Media:Elsevier2008_OLSR_compare.pdf|'''Journal paper''': D.L. Johnson, G.P. Hancke, Ad Hoc Networks, Elsevier, Comparison of two routing metrics in OLSR on a grid based mesh network]]

[[Media:Djohnson_masters7.pdf|'''Masters thesis''': Performance analysis of mesh networks in indoor and outdoor wireless testbeds]]

[[Media:Batman_ifip.pdf|'''Conference paper - draft''': D.L. Johnson, C. Aichele, N.Ntlatlapa, 2nd IFIP International Symposium on Wireless Communications and Information Technology in Developing Countries (WCITD’2008): A simple pragmatic approach to mesh routing using BATMAN]]

[[Media:Mesh_lessons_wins.pdf|'''Conference paper - draft''': D.L. Johnson, K. Roux 2007, Wireless Networks and Systems for Developing Regions (WiNS-DR) : Building rural wireless networks: Lessons learnt and future directions]]

[[Media:Numerical_Study_Propagation_Mesh_Test_Bed.pdf|'''Conference paper''': A.A. Lysko, D.L. Johnson, The 6th WSEAS Int. Conf. on APPLIED ELECTROMAGNETICS, WIRELESS and OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS (ELECTROSCIENCE '08) : Building A Numerical Study of Propagation Effects in a Wireless Mesh Test Bed]]

==Karel's research work==

[[Media:Macha_ictd2007.pdf|Bringing connectivity to rural Zambia using a collaborative approach]]

High Performance Node - Specification

2008-08-07T15:40:09Z

Albert: /* Further development to functionality */

[[Category: High Performance Node]]

== High Performance Node Development & Test Network ==
'''(Note)''' This is not the proper page for this discussion, will move it later. Keeping it here as much of the discussions currently happening, is around topics on this page

*Development
** Lab development platforms

*Locally deployed Test network
** Installation of a 10 node network on the CSIR campus
** Tx power set on minimum and attenuators used to minimise transmission distance
** Sites on the campus need to be selected
** Equipment for test network needs to be procured - suppliers?
***Enclosures - Poynting Antennas
***Gateworks boards -
***Dual WiFi cards -
***Power over Ethernet(poE)injectors -

*Demo nodes
**The thinking is around something the size of a linksys, using a small patch antenna ( This can use used when the demo needs to travel).

== Hardware ==
[[Image:Bokkie_Router_Pic.png|right|thumb|80px|Current Bokkie router]]
'''HPN based on current “Bokkie” router, to become “Bokkie v2”'''

=== Block Diagram of HPN ===
[[Image:HPN_Block Diagram_v2.png|left|thumb|300px|Block diagram of HPN]]
<br clear=all>

=== Enclosure ===
* Based on Poynting Enclosure ([http://www.poynting.co.za/productdisplay.php?id=186&cat_id=3 Product code:WLAN-A0033])
* Modification: swap 1x 2.4 GHz omni-directional antenna for 1x 5.8 GHz omni-directional antenna

=== Electronics ===
* 1x Gateworks [http://www.gateworks.com/products/avila/gw2348-4.php Avila GW2348-4] Network Platform
* 3x 802.11a/b/g mini PCI Atheros based WiFi cards - [http://www.miro.co.za/detail.aspx?pid=208&p=2&sp=&spp= CX-WLM54AG23 Complex High Power dual-band Mini PCI Card] (It maybe worthwhile to search and evaluate some of the new cards on the market, but our current "bokkie" routers use this one from Miro)
** 2x configured at 5.8 GHz
** 1x configured at 2.4 GHz
* 1x 1GB compact flash card
* 3x [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.FL U.FL to SMA connectors]

=== Enclosure - Other ===
* 1x External weatherproof Ethernet connector with Ethernet pigtail for POE (install on left side – looking at bokkie – keeping with current standard)
* 4x Gateworks board mounting standoffs
* External Mounting bracket

=== Accessories ===
* Powered 48V power-over-Ethernet injector
*Ethernet Cables
** 1x UV resistant outdoor CATV cable [have different lengths available (5m, 10m, 20m)]
** 1x indoor CATV cable [have different lengths available (5m, 10m, 20m)]
** Need for longer cables, custom make ?
* Some type of surge protection on the power side.
**Thinking of a product from http://www.clearline.co.za/. Still need to investigate

=== Other ===
* Wall mounting bracket (different types depending on type of wall - specification)
* Mounting pole (different types - spec)
* M10\M12 Coach Screws and fisher plugs (# depending on wall mounting bracket)
* 10x pack Cable ties
* Earthing kit Webb Industries have earthing kits that can be used. see http://www.webb.co.za/index.php?nav=news&ID=50
**Clamp\lug on one end of earthing cable for attachment onto wireless installation mounting bracket
**Earthing cable: Length (?), Gauge (?) - 10-15mm diameter
**Clamp on spike for other end of earthing cable for attachment onto earthing spike
**Earthing spike - 1m (driven into the ground at base of wall of the wireless installation)

== Software ==
=== Firmware: "bokkie1 mesh distribution" ===
This software specification is based on the current free BSD version of the firmware. I have named it "bokkie1 mesh distribution" as a working title (for want of a better name - please provide a nice snazzy one)

* A script is used to build the current firmware build based on the platform. Please insert the list of packages\utilites\etc used to make this build.

* Additional
** IPv4 over IPv6
*** Allows for automatic configuration of the tunnels
*** Automatic DHCP of IPv4
** Supports HTTPS and HTTP
** Runs mini_httpd web server

=== GUI ===
The GUI has two main links, Status and Administration(basic). The Status link is unencrypted, however, the Administrion link(s) are encrypted and authenticated.
*Status link provides for the user to view:
**The configuration status of the Node
**The routing table
**The link/signal strength with respect to other nodes in the vicinity
*Administration
**Change hostname
**Set the NTP server (remote/local)
**Set DNS server (remote/local)
**Create a cluster
**Command line interafce

=== Remote upgradeable ===
*What current functionality exists?

*What further development is needed?

*What limitations exits?
** Cannot be remotely upgraded if there is a protocol change

=== Further development to functionality ===
* GSM modem to the development network and first nodes in the field

* Watchdog
**Problem with native watchdog on Gateworks Avila board
***Boot failure resuscitation
**Specific to Gateworks Avila Board
**PCB to be developed that plugs into the JTag connector

* WEP security

* Mechanism to get the GPS co-ord configured in the HPN. This can later be used in the visualisation tool on the gateway with a Google plot of the nodes.

[[Image:Indicator_v2.png|right|thumb|150px|LED type indicator system]]
* Indicator:
**Visual: Example of indicator system (using LEDs mounted at the bottom of the enclosure) for alignment, type of box (ie. red or green, which is an indication of the channel being used), power to box
***1 - Left most LED can be either RED or GREEN, showing type of box - this can be configured in the setup and commissioning of the router(indication of the channel being used), ie. this is either a red box or a green box
***1 - Right most LED shows power
***2 - 5 Used as 4 point scale for signal strength
**Audible: with a buzzer used for alignment
** Check the power consumption (especially for multiple LEDs), and how to start/stop the beeping mode (may also be used for LEDs)

Low cost smart antennas for mesh networks

2008-08-06T13:58:29Z

Albert: /* Antenna Capable of Long-distance Links */

== Team members ==
* Albert Lysko
* To be allocated

Notes:
Collaboration with Hungarian researchers (USZ) is on the way.

== Abstract ==

Smart antenna is an antenna that is capable of adapting its properties to satisfy particular goal(s). The goals may for example include radiation pattern shaping (beamforming/beamswitching). The beamforming provides spatial (directional) selectivity and permits to enhance gain in a desired direction and also to lower the influence of a source of interference.

The capacity of a mesh network can be improved substantially if smart antennas are employed. The smartness of such antennas comes from the intelligent algorithms controlling antenna. The intelligence may include using the ability to steer the beam in order to enhance the node discovery and node self-healing. Beamforming and beam-switching antennas which are '''integrated''' with routing protocols is a new areas of research.

== Replacement for Omnidirectional Antenna ==
The purpose of such antenna is to replace a traditional omnidirectional antenna and provide an intermediate solution to collision avoidance, and hidden and exposed terminal problems.

This antenna would have a low to intermediate gain due to practical difficulties to obtain both 360 degrees beam steering and high gain at the same time.

== Antenna Capable of Long-distance Links ==
This antenna is to replace the high-gain traditional reflector antennas. The smartness of this antenna is in:

a. Its ability to identify direction-of-arrieval of the signal (for the set-up purposes),
b. Keeping track of a remote node in real time to compensate for wind/temperature,
c. Adapting the beamwidth and transmitter power level (in addition to b.)

Low cost smart antennas for mesh networks

2008-08-06T13:57:37Z

Albert: /* Replacement for Omnidirectional Antenna */

== Team members ==
* Albert Lysko
* To be allocated

Notes:
Collaboration with Hungarian researchers (USZ) is on the way.

== Abstract ==

Smart antenna is an antenna that is capable of adapting its properties to satisfy particular goal(s). The goals may for example include radiation pattern shaping (beamforming/beamswitching). The beamforming provides spatial (directional) selectivity and permits to enhance gain in a desired direction and also to lower the influence of a source of interference.

The capacity of a mesh network can be improved substantially if smart antennas are employed. The smartness of such antennas comes from the intelligent algorithms controlling antenna. The intelligence may include using the ability to steer the beam in order to enhance the node discovery and node self-healing. Beamforming and beam-switching antennas which are '''integrated''' with routing protocols is a new areas of research.

== Replacement for Omnidirectional Antenna ==
The purpose of such antenna is to replace a traditional omnidirectional antenna and provide an intermediate solution to collision avoidance, and hidden and exposed terminal problems.

This antenna would have a low to intermediate gain due to practical difficulties to obtain both 360 degrees beam steering and high gain at the same time.

== Antenna Capable of Long-distance Links ==
This antenna is to replace the traditional reflector antennas. The smartness of this antenna is in
a. Its ability to identify direction-of-arrieval of the signal (for the set-up purposes),
b. Keeping track of a remote node in real time to compensate for wind/temperature,
c. Adapting the beamwidth and transmitter power level (in addition to b.)

Low cost smart antennas for mesh networks

2008-08-06T13:50:31Z

Albert: /* Antenna Capable of Long-distance Links */

== Team members ==
* Albert Lysko
* To be allocated

Notes:
Collaboration with Hungarian researchers (USZ) is on the way.

== Abstract ==

Smart antenna is an antenna that is capable of adapting its properties to satisfy particular goal(s). The goals may for example include radiation pattern shaping (beamforming/beamswitching). The beamforming provides spatial (directional) selectivity and permits to enhance gain in a desired direction and also to lower the influence of a source of interference.

The capacity of a mesh network can be improved substantially if smart antennas are employed. The smartness of such antennas comes from the intelligent algorithms controlling antenna. The intelligence may include using the ability to steer the beam in order to enhance the node discovery and node self-healing. Beamforming and beam-switching antennas which are '''integrated''' with routing protocols is a new areas of research.

== Replacement for Omnidirectional Antenna ==
The purpose of such antenna is to replace a traditional omnidirectional antenna and provide

This antenna would have a low to intermediate gain due to practical difficulties to obtain both 360 degrees beam steering and high gain at the same time.

== Antenna Capable of Long-distance Links ==
This antenna is to replace the traditional reflector antennas. The smartness of this antenna is in
a. Its ability to identify direction-of-arrieval of the signal (for the set-up purposes),
b. Keeping track of a remote node in real time to compensate for wind/temperature,
c. Adapting the beamwidth and transmitter power level (in addition to b.)

Low cost smart antennas for mesh networks

2008-08-06T13:44:48Z

Albert: /* Team members */

== Team members ==
* Albert Lysko
* To be allocated

Notes:
Collaboration with Hungarian researchers (USZ) is on the way.

== Abstract ==

Smart antenna is an antenna that is capable of adapting its properties to satisfy particular goal(s). The goals may for example include radiation pattern shaping (beamforming/beamswitching). The beamforming provides spatial (directional) selectivity and permits to enhance gain in a desired direction and also to lower the influence of a source of interference.

The capacity of a mesh network can be improved substantially if smart antennas are employed. The smartness of such antennas comes from the intelligent algorithms controlling antenna. The intelligence may include using the ability to steer the beam in order to enhance the node discovery and node self-healing. Beamforming and beam-switching antennas which are '''integrated''' with routing protocols is a new areas of research.

== Replacement for Omnidirectional Antenna ==
The purpose of such antenna is to replace a traditional omnidirectional antenna and provide

This antenna would have a low to intermediate gain due to practical difficulties to obtain both 360 degrees beam steering and high gain at the same time.

== Antenna Capable of Long-distance Links ==
This antenna is to replace the traditional reflector antennas. The smartness of this antenna is in its ability to identify (for the setup purposes) and keep track of a remote node, and adapt the beamwidth and transmitter power level

Low cost smart antennas for mesh networks

2008-08-06T13:42:31Z

Albert: /* Replacement for Omnidirectional Antenna */

== Team members ==
Albert Lysko

Notes:
Collaboration with Hungarian researchers (USZ) is on the way.

== Abstract ==

Smart antenna is an antenna that is capable of adapting its properties to satisfy particular goal(s). The goals may for example include radiation pattern shaping (beamforming/beamswitching). The beamforming provides spatial (directional) selectivity and permits to enhance gain in a desired direction and also to lower the influence of a source of interference.

The capacity of a mesh network can be improved substantially if smart antennas are employed. The smartness of such antennas comes from the intelligent algorithms controlling antenna. The intelligence may include using the ability to steer the beam in order to enhance the node discovery and node self-healing. Beamforming and beam-switching antennas which are '''integrated''' with routing protocols is a new areas of research.

== Replacement for Omnidirectional Antenna ==
The purpose of such antenna is to replace a traditional omnidirectional antenna and provide

This antenna would have a low to intermediate gain due to practical difficulties to obtain both 360 degrees beam steering and high gain at the same time.

== Antenna Capable of Long-distance Links ==
This antenna is to replace the traditional reflector antennas. The smartness of this antenna is in its ability to identify (for the setup purposes) and keep track of a remote node, and adapt the beamwidth and transmitter power level

Low cost smart antennas for mesh networks

2008-08-06T13:28:49Z

Albert: /* Replacement for Omnidirectional Antenna */

== Team members ==
Albert Lysko

Notes:
Collaboration with Hungarian researchers (USZ) is on the way.

== Abstract ==

Smart antenna is an antenna that is capable of adapting its properties to satisfy particular goal(s). The goals may for example include radiation pattern shaping (beamforming/beamswitching). The beamforming provides spatial (directional) selectivity and permits to enhance gain in a desired direction and also to lower the influence of a source of interference.

The capacity of a mesh network can be improved substantially if smart antennas are employed. The smartness of such antennas comes from the intelligent algorithms controlling antenna. The intelligence may include using the ability to steer the beam in order to enhance the node discovery and node self-healing. Beamforming and beam-switching antennas which are '''integrated''' with routing protocols is a new areas of research.

== Replacement for Omnidirectional Antenna ==
This antenna would have a low to intermediate gain due to practical difficulties to obtain both 360 degrees beam steering and high gain at the same time.

A good candidate for such an antenna in terms of cost is a parasitic array antenna (e.g. ESPAR).

'''Directions:'''
1. Basic control and monitoring tools.
2. Control of radiation pattern via a separate interface by-passing MAC TCP etc.
3. More intellegent integration with MAC layer.
4. Ability to do direction-of-arrieval (DOA) finding.
5. Further integration with MAC layer.

The topics 3 and 5 are the most complex.

Low cost smart antennas for mesh networks

2008-08-06T13:27:30Z

Albert: /* Replacement for Omnidirectional Antenna */

== Team members ==
Albert Lysko

Notes:
Collaboration with Hungarian researchers (USZ) is on the way.

== Abstract ==

Smart antenna is an antenna that is capable of adapting its properties to satisfy particular goal(s). The goals may for example include radiation pattern shaping (beamforming/beamswitching). The beamforming provides spatial (directional) selectivity and permits to enhance gain in a desired direction and also to lower the influence of a source of interference.

The capacity of a mesh network can be improved substantially if smart antennas are employed. The smartness of such antennas comes from the intelligent algorithms controlling antenna. The intelligence may include using the ability to steer the beam in order to enhance the node discovery and node self-healing. Beamforming and beam-switching antennas which are '''integrated''' with routing protocols is a new areas of research.

== Replacement for Omnidirectional Antenna ==
This antenna would have a low to intermediate gain due to practical difficulties to obtain both 360 degrees beam steering and high gain at the same time.

'''Directions:'''
1. Basic control and monitoring tools.
2. Control of radiation pattern via a separate interface by-passing MAC TCP etc.
3. More intellegent integration with MAC layer.
4. Ability to do direction-of-arrieval (DOA) finding.
5. Further integration with MAC layer.

The topics 3 and 5 are the most complex.

Low cost smart antennas for mesh networks

2008-08-06T13:24:00Z

Albert: /* Directions */

== Team members ==
Albert Lysko

Notes:
Collaboration with Hungarian researchers (USZ) is on the way.

== Abstract ==

Smart antenna is an antenna that is capable of adapting its properties to satisfy particular goal(s). The goals may for example include radiation pattern shaping (beamforming/beamswitching). The beamforming provides spatial (directional) selectivity and permits to enhance gain in a desired direction and also to lower the influence of a source of interference.

The capacity of a mesh network can be improved substantially if smart antennas are employed. The smartness of such antennas comes from the intelligent algorithms controlling antenna. The intelligence may include using the ability to steer the beam in order to enhance the node discovery and node self-healing. Beamforming and beam-switching antennas which are '''integrated''' with routing protocols is a new areas of research.

== Directions ==
1. Basic control and monitoring tools.
2. Control of radiation pattern via a separate interface by-passing MAC TCP etc.
3. More intellegent integration with MAC layer.
4. Ability to do direction-of-arrieval (DOA) finding.
5. Further integration with MAC layer.

The topics 3 and 5 are the most complex.

Low cost smart antennas for mesh networks

2008-08-06T13:19:37Z

Albert: /* Abstract */

== Team members ==
Albert Lysko

Notes:
Collaboration with Hungarian researchers (USZ) is on the way.

== Abstract ==

Smart antenna is an antenna that is capable of adapting its properties to satisfy particular goal(s). The goals may for example include radiation pattern shaping (beamforming/beamswitching). The beamforming provides spatial (directional) selectivity and permits to enhance gain in a desired direction and also to lower the influence of a source of interference.

The capacity of a mesh network can be improved substantially if smart antennas are employed. The smartness of such antennas comes from the intelligent algorithms controlling antenna. The intelligence may include using the ability to steer the beam in order to enhance the node discovery and node self-healing. Beamforming and beam-switching antennas which are '''integrated''' with routing protocols is a new areas of research.

== Directions ===
1. Basic control and monitoring tools.
2. Integration with MAC layer
3. Ability to do direction-of-arrieval (DOA) finding
4. Further integration with MAC layer

The topics 2 and 4 are the most complex.

Low cost smart antennas for mesh networks

2008-08-06T13:10:21Z

Albert: /* Abstract */

Low cost smart antennas for mesh networks

2008-08-06T09:36:33Z

Albert: /* Abstract */

Research areas being addressed

2008-08-04T12:28:07Z

Albert: /* Team */

===Current active research projects===

* [[Adhoc networking Protocol benchmarks]]
* [[A new method to benchmark wireless routing using a grid based testbed]]
* [[a new gateway location protocol for community mesh networks]]
* [[Adhoc networking QOS Protocol benchmarks]]
* [[Service discovery over mesh networks]]
* [[Increasing capacity in mesh networks using MIMOs]]
* [[Business models for community owned network]]

===Available research projects===

* [[IP auto configuration in mesh networks using IPv6]]
* [[Low cost smart antennas for mesh networks]]
* [[Protocol development for WiMax mesh networks]]
* [[Bandwidth management rules for scarce internet]]

===New projects added October 2006===
* [[Capacity analysis of ad-hoc networks]]
* [[Finding the optimum CDS "connected dominating sets" for ad-hoc networks]]
* [[Clustering optimization for ad-hoc networks e.g. Pulsar, clusterhead, hierchical]]
* [[Broadcast minimizing strategies in ad-hoc networks, eg. MPR, fisheye]]
* [[Topology based dynamic power control for ad-hoc networks]]
* [[Social networking based on ad-hoc networks e.g. incitement strategies]]

===Team===

* David Johnson - Research Leader (Protocol benchmarking, Gateway location protocol)
* Dare Sokoya - PhD (MIMO systems)
* Kanono Ramashamole - PhD (Topic still being developed)
* Eddie Mamahlodi - Masters (Auto IP configuration in mesh networks)
* Pragasen Mudali - Masters (Service discovery for mesh networks)
* Tope Kareem - PhD (Dynamic switching of Radio interfaces in Multi-Radio Wireless Mesh networks)
* Clement Nyirenda - PhD (Computational intelligence in mesh networks)
* Mncedisi Bembe - Masters (topic still being developed)
* Thomas Olwal - PhD (Dynamic Power Optimization for Wireless Mesh Networks)
* Albert Lysko - Researcher (smart antennas)

[[Research workshop 25 June 2008]]

[[Writing good papers]]

Low cost smart antennas for mesh networks

2008-08-04T12:26:35Z

Albert: /* Team members */

== Team members ==
Albert Lysko

Notes:
Collaboration with Hungarian researchers (USZ) is on the way.

== Abstract ==

Capacity of a mesh network can be improved substantially if smart antennas are employed, Beam forming antennas which are integrated with routing protocols is a new areas of research.