Frederick W. Vook

Bio: Frederick W. Vook is an academic researcher from Nokia Networks. The author has contributed to research in topics: MIMO & Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing. The author has an hindex of 42, co-authored 142 publications receiving 5445 citations. Previous affiliations of Frederick W. Vook include Motorola Solutions & Google.

Millimeter-Wave Enhanced Local Area Systems: A High-Data-Rate Approach for Future Wireless Networks

Abstract: Wireless data traffic is projected to skyrocket 10 000 fold within the next 20 years. To tackle this incredible increase in wireless data traffic, a first approach is to further improve spectrally efficient systems such as 4G LTE in bands below 6 GHz by using more advanced spectral efficiency techniques. However, the required substantial increase in system complexity along with fundamental limits on hardware implementation and channel conditions may limit the viability of this approach. Furthermore, the end result would be an extremely spectrally efficient system with little room for future improvement to meet the ever-growing wireless data usage. The second approach is to move up in frequency, into an unused nontraditional spectrum where enormous bandwidths are available, such as at millimeter wave (mmWave). The mmWave option enables the use of simple air interfaces since large bandwidths can be exploited (e.g., 2 GHz) to achieve high data rates rather than relying on highly complex techniques originally aimed at achieving a high spectral efficiency with smaller bandwidths. In addition, mmWave systems will easily evolve to even higher system capacities, because there will be plenty of margin to improve the spectral efficiency as data demands further increase. In this paper, a case is made for using mmWave for a fifth generation (5G) wireless system for ultradense networks by presenting an overview of enhanced local area (eLA) technology at mmWave with emphasis on 5G requirements, spectrum considerations, propagation and channel modeling, air-interface and multiantenna design, and network architecture solutions.

Millimeter Wave Access Architecture with Cluster of Access Points

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the invention provide at least a method and an apparatus to determine a beacon signal for a network node, where the network node is configured to connect with a cluster of access points in a wireless communication network, and where the beacon signal identifies the cluster; and send the beacon signal towards the wireless communication network. Further, the exemplary embodiments of the invention provide at least a method and an apparatus to determine a dominant access point of a cluster of access points based on signaling from at least one access point associated with the cluster of access points; and in response to the determining, direct communications towards the dominant access point of the cluster of access points.

Method and apparatus for multi-antenna transmission

Abstract: In a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) communication system, a method and apparatus for multi-antenna transmission In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention a reduced number of transmit weight matrices are fed back to the transmitter Each transmit weight matrix is then applied to a plurality of subcarriers Because each transmit weight matrix is applied to more than one subcarrier, the amount of weight matrixs being fed back to the transmitter is greatly reduced

Method and device for multi-user channel estimation

Abstract: The invention computes frequency-domain channel gains by compiling a set of estimated channel gains as a function of pilot sequences, a set of analytical channel gains variables, and a set of weighting coefficients variables. A plurality of weighting coefficients are computed as a function of time and frequency correlation functions, a noise correlation matrix, and pilot sequences. A weighting matrix is computed from the weighting coefficients. After receiving a training sequence from at least one transmitter, a received data matrix is computed from the training sequence. The weighting matrix and the received data matrix are used to compute the frequency-domain channel gains. The invention also provides a method for reducing the computational complexity of estimating the time and frequency response of at least one desired signal received by at least one antenna. Also, the time and frequency response of at least one desired signal received by at least one antenna can be both interpolated and predicted with the present invention.

Adaptive array method, device, base station and subscriber unit

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, device, base station and subscriber unit for combining a plurality of antenna output signals to provide a combined data signal in a communication system where the antennas receive at least one user signal and where the at least one user signal contains pilot symbols and data symbols. The method includes the steps of: forming, in at least one communications receiver, a plurality of weighted antenna output signals, one for each antenna of a plurality of antennas, based on at least two covariance matrices and at least two steering vectors determined from the pilot symbols; and combining the weighted antenna output signals from the plurality of antennas to form the combined data signal.

What Will 5G Be

Abstract: What will 5G be? What it will not be is an incremental advance on 4G. The previous four generations of cellular technology have each been a major paradigm shift that has broken backward compatibility. Indeed, 5G will need to be a paradigm shift that includes very high carrier frequencies with massive bandwidths, extreme base station and device densities, and unprecedented numbers of antennas. However, unlike the previous four generations, it will also be highly integrative: tying any new 5G air interface and spectrum together with LTE and WiFi to provide universal high-rate coverage and a seamless user experience. To support this, the core network will also have to reach unprecedented levels of flexibility and intelligence, spectrum regulation will need to be rethought and improved, and energy and cost efficiencies will become even more critical considerations. This paper discusses all of these topics, identifying key challenges for future research and preliminary 5G standardization activities, while providing a comprehensive overview of the current literature, and in particular of the papers appearing in this special issue.

Millimeter Wave Mobile Communications for 5G Cellular: It Will Work!

Abstract: The global bandwidth shortage facing wireless carriers has motivated the exploration of the underutilized millimeter wave (mm-wave) frequency spectrum for future broadband cellular communication networks. There is, however, little knowledge about cellular mm-wave propagation in densely populated indoor and outdoor environments. Obtaining this information is vital for the design and operation of future fifth generation cellular networks that use the mm-wave spectrum. In this paper, we present the motivation for new mm-wave cellular systems, methodology, and hardware for measurements and offer a variety of measurement results that show 28 and 38 GHz frequencies can be used when employing steerable directional antennas at base stations and mobile devices.

Next Generation 5G Wireless Networks: A Comprehensive Survey

Abstract: The vision of next generation 5G wireless communications lies in providing very high data rates (typically of Gbps order), extremely low latency, manifold increase in base station capacity, and significant improvement in users’ perceived quality of service (QoS), compared to current 4G LTE networks. Ever increasing proliferation of smart devices, introduction of new emerging multimedia applications, together with an exponential rise in wireless data (multimedia) demand and usage is already creating a significant burden on existing cellular networks. 5G wireless systems, with improved data rates, capacity, latency, and QoS are expected to be the panacea of most of the current cellular networks’ problems. In this survey, we make an exhaustive review of wireless evolution toward 5G networks. We first discuss the new architectural changes associated with the radio access network (RAN) design, including air interfaces, smart antennas, cloud and heterogeneous RAN. Subsequently, we make an in-depth survey of underlying novel mm-wave physical layer technologies, encompassing new channel model estimation, directional antenna design, beamforming algorithms, and massive MIMO technologies. Next, the details of MAC layer protocols and multiplexing schemes needed to efficiently support this new physical layer are discussed. We also look into the killer applications, considered as the major driving force behind 5G. In order to understand the improved user experience, we provide highlights of new QoS, QoE, and SON features associated with the 5G evolution. For alleviating the increased network energy consumption and operating expenditure, we make a detail review on energy awareness and cost efficiency. As understanding the current status of 5G implementation is important for its eventual commercialization, we also discuss relevant field trials, drive tests, and simulation experiments. Finally, we point out major existing research issues and identify possible future research directions.

Millimeter-Wave Cellular Wireless Networks: Potentials and Challenges

Abstract: Millimeter-wave (mmW) frequencies between 30 and 300 GHz are a new frontier for cellular communication that offers the promise of orders of magnitude greater bandwidths combined with further gains via beamforming and spatial multiplexing from multielement antenna arrays. This paper surveys measurements and capacity studies to assess this technology with a focus on small cell deployments in urban environments. The conclusions are extremely encouraging; measurements in New York City at 28 and 73 GHz demonstrate that, even in an urban canyon environment, significant non-line-of-sight (NLOS) outdoor, street-level coverage is possible up to approximately 200 m from a potential low-power microcell or picocell base station. In addition, based on statistical channel models from these measurements, it is shown that mmW systems can offer more than an order of magnitude increase in capacity over current state-of-the-art 4G cellular networks at current cell densities. Cellular systems, however, will need to be significantly redesigned to fully achieve these gains. Specifically, the requirement of highly directional and adaptive transmissions, directional isolation between links, and significant possibilities of outage have strong implications on multiple access, channel structure, synchronization, and receiver design. To address these challenges, the paper discusses how various technologies including adaptive beamforming, multihop relaying, heterogeneous network architectures, and carrier aggregation can be leveraged in the mmW context.

An Overview of Signal Processing Techniques for Millimeter Wave MIMO Systems

Abstract: Communication at millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies is defining a new era of wireless communication. The mmWave band offers higher bandwidth communication channels versus those presently used in commercial wireless systems. The applications of mmWave are immense: wireless local and personal area networks in the unlicensed band, 5G cellular systems, not to mention vehicular area networks, ad hoc networks, and wearables. Signal processing is critical for enabling the next generation of mmWave communication. Due to the use of large antenna arrays at the transmitter and receiver, combined with radio frequency and mixed signal power constraints, new multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication signal processing techniques are needed. Because of the wide bandwidths, low complexity transceiver algorithms become important. There are opportunities to exploit techniques like compressed sensing for channel estimation and beamforming. This article provides an overview of signal processing challenges in mmWave wireless systems, with an emphasis on those faced by using MIMO communication at higher carrier frequencies.