InterfereX

The team have also successfully demonstrated technology that reduces the amount of radio interference in 3G networks with femtocells.  An example of uplink video streaming using UDP packets shows the benefits of the InterfereX uplink Interference Cancellation (ULIC).

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The application of InterfereX technology: Femtocells

Mobile Broadband provided by wireless cellular systems is now everywhere, enabled by data devices like the iPhone, Blackberry and wireless USB sticks. New services like YouTube and social networking sites like Facebook require  high data rates to provide users with a “good” experience, which is challenging for wireless operators.  To compound the wireless broadband delivery predicament further, more than 57% of users are indoors where coverage and capacity issues are prevalent.

A new technology based on small indoor cells, called femtocells, is available, femtocell access points are enabled by broadband connections and provide users with: -

-    5-bar indoor coverage
-    Capacity close to the capability of your Mobile Internet Device

Femtocells have the potential to transform wireless networks architectures, with the WCDMA/HSPA femtocell market expected to grow to approximately 45 million new additions in 2014.  In addition to the excellent performance femtocells have been shown to save up to 70% of the energy needs (Bell Labs) while simultaneously lowering the cost of wireless broadband delivery to wireless operators

Example configuration of a Femtocell in a network (Femto Forum)

The Problem InterfereX Addresses

One of the top problems is interference between the cellular wireless system and femtocell system, this is because femtocells need to co-exist with the legacy wireless system that people use today.

Interference in broadband wireless networks can cause: - 
    - Dropouts and poor quality calls
    - Data throughput restrictions (slow downloads)
    - Coverage or blackspots (no service)
   
    For wireless operators reducing interference can mean: -   
    - Reduced capital expenditure
    - Reduced operational expenditure
    - Lower use of customer call-centers

Although substantially cheaper than previous pico-cell technology, femtocell pricing is still a significant barrier for mass consumer deployment.  As femtocells will be part of broadband routers.

The InterfereX Solution and Key Features

The InterfereX team has developed technology that can be productized into a silicon chip, which has unique solutions to the interference and cost problem.

They have validated their WCDMA femtocell proof-of-concept demonstrator with unique aspects including: -
-    World competitive small footprint design, minimizing cost
-    Advanced receiver performance, maximizing user experience, range and data throughput
-    A unique chip architecture for single chip memory usage minimizing total cost of ownership
-    A working real-time design tested against independent radio equipment

Their patented approaches are in the process of being realized currently.  InterfereX is currently looking for partnerships.

 

Who will benefit?
    
    Both mobile broadband users and wireless operators will benefit from this technology.  Detailed wireless network studies conducted by the InterfereX team show that for a realistic WCDMA macro-network combined with a residential femtocell underlay would, on average, provide: -
    
- Reduce terminal transmit power
- Improved femto cell uplink data rates, and
- Reduce the impact on the macro network uplink throughput

Team Members:

Dr. Mark Reed (Project Leader)
Dr. Matt Ruan
Dr. Ming Zhao

Dr Sajjad Siddiqi
Andrew Sutton
Gaurav Mitra

Sample Research Papers: 

•  D. Shepherd, F. Braennstroem, Z. Shi, M.C. Reed, "Adaptive Optimization of an Iterative Multiuser Detector for Turbo-Coded CDMA” IEEE Trans. on Wireless Commun., pp. 4284-4293, Nov, 2008.

• M. Zhao, Z. Shi, and M.C. Reed, “Iterative Turbo Channel Estimation for OFDM System over Rapid Dispersive Fading Channel” IEEE Trans. on Wireless Comms, pp. 11, July 2008.

  O. Nagy, M.C. Reed, Z. Shi, Performance analysis of a generic system model for uncoded IDMA using serial and parallel interference cancellation”, European Transactions on Telecommunications, pp. 511-522, Aug, 2008.
  

• M.C. Reed, L. Hanlen, G. Corazza, “Return Link Code Acquisition for 1-D and 2-D DS-CDMA for High Capacity Multiuser Systems”, IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, pp. 324-334, Jan, 2008.
  

• M. Ruan, M.C. Reed, Z. Shi, “Training Symbol Based Coarse Timing
  Synchronization in OFDM Systems”, IEEE Trans. on Wireless Commun. pp. 2558-2569 Vol. 8, No. 5 May ’09.