Showing papers by "Alcatel-Lucent published in 2015"

Evolutionary history and global spread of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing lineage

Abstract: Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains of the Beijing lineage are globally distributed and are associated with the massive spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis in Eurasia. Here we reconstructed the biogeographical structure and evolutionary history of this lineage by genetic analysis of 4,987 isolates from 99 countries and whole-genome sequencing of 110 representative isolates. We show that this lineage initially originated in the Far East, from where it radiated worldwide in several waves. We detected successive increases in population size for this pathogen over the last 200 years, practically coinciding with the Industrial Revolution, the First World War and HIV epidemics. Two MDR clones of this lineage started to spread throughout central Asia and Russia concomitantly with the collapse of the public health system in the former Soviet Union. Mutations identified in genes putatively under positive selection and associated with virulence might have favored the expansion of the most successful branches of the lineage.

Next generation sliceable bandwidth variable transponders

Abstract: This article reports the work on next generation transponders for optical networks carried out within the last few years. A general architecture supporting super-channels (i.e., optical connections composed of several adjacent subcarriers) and sliceability (i.e., subcarriers grouped in a number of independent super-channels with different destinations) is presented. Several transponder implementations supporting different transmission techniques are considered, highlighting advantages, economics, and complexity. Discussions include electronics, optical components, integration, and programmability. Application use cases are reported.

Control of protection switching in a communication network

Abstract: It is disclosed a method for controlling the protection switching in a communication network having a ring topology. The method applies when a lockout of protection command is applied at a node, a bidirectional failure occurs on a span connecting the node to an adjacent node, and the lockout of protection command is subsequently removed. The method comprises, at any one of the node and the adjacent node, detecting the failure and, if there is not a further lockout of protection command locally applied at the any one of the node and the adjacent node, sending a request packet carrying a signal fail indication towards the other node.

3D channel model in 3GPP

Abstract: Multi-antenna techniques capable of exploiting the elevation dimension are anticipated to be an important air-interface enhancement targeted to handle the expected growth in mobile traffic. In order to enable the development and evaluation of such multi-antenna techniques, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has recently developed a three-dimensional (3D) channel model. The existing two-dimensional (2D) channel models do not capture the elevation channel characteristics, making them insufficient for such studies. This article describes the main components of the newly developed 3D channel model and the motivations behind introducing them. One key factor is the ability to model channels for users located on different floors of a building (at different heights). This is achieved by capturing a user height dependency in modelling some channel characteristics including pathloss, lineof- sight (LOS) probability, etc. In general, this 3D channel model follows the framework of WINNERII/WINNER+ while also extending the applicability and the accuracy of the model by introducing some height dependent and distance dependent elevation related parameters.

100 Gb/s Multicarrier THz Wireless Transmission System With High Frequency Stability Based on A Gain-Switched Laser Comb Source

Abstract: We propose and experimentally demonstrate a photonic multichannel terahertz (THz) wireless system with up to four optical subcarriers and total capacity as high as 100 Gb/s by employing an externally injected gain-switched laser comb source. Highly coherent multiple optical carriers with different spacing are produced using the gain switching technique. Single- and multichannel Terahertz (THz) wireless signals are generated using heterodyne mixing of modulated single or multiple carriers with one unmodulated optical tone spaced by about 200 GHz. The frequency stability and the phase noise of the gain switched comb laser are evaluated against free-running lasers. Wireless transmission is demonstrated for single and three optical subcarriers modulated with 8 or 10 GBd quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) (48 or 60 Gb/s, respectively) or for four optical subcarriers modulated with 12.5 GBd QPSK (100 Gb/s). The system performance was evaluated for single- and multicarrier wireless THz transmissions at around 200 GHz, with and without 40 km fiber transmission. The system is also modeled to study the effect of the cross talk between neighboring subcarriers for correlated and decorrelated data. This system reduces digital signal processing requirements due to the high-frequency stability of the gain-switched comb source, increases the overall transmission rate, and relaxes the optoelectronic bandwidth requirements.

Roles of gender and identification on abusive supervision and proactive behavior

Abstract: Drawing upon social identity theory, we investigate how subordinates’ perceived insider status within an organization may relate to abusive supervision and their proactive behavior. In addition, based on social role theory, we examine the moderating role of subordinate gender in this framework. Using a sample of 350 supervisor–subordinate dyads from an IT group corporation, we found that abusive supervision was negatively related to subordinates’ proactive behavior, and that subordinates’ perceived insider status mediated this relationship. Results also show that subordinate gender moderated the negative relationship between abusive supervision and perceived insider status, such that it was stronger for female than for male subordinates. This study highlights the pivotal roles of subordinates’ gender and identification in the consequences of abusive supervision at work.

Learning-based uplink interference management in 4G LTE cellular systems

Abstract: LTE's uplink (UL) efficiency critically depends on how the interference across different cells is controlled. The unique characteristics of LTE's modulation and UL resource assignment poses considerable challenges in achieving this goal because most LTE deployments have 1:1 frequency reuse, and the uplink interference can vary considerably across successive time-slots. In this paper, we propose LeAP, a measurement data-driven machine learning paradigm for power control to manage uplink interference in LTE. The data-driven approach has the inherent advantage that the solution adapts based on network traffic, propagation, and network topology, which is increasingly heterogeneous with multiple cell-overlays. LeAP system design consists of the following components: 1) design of user equipment (UE) measurement statistics that are succinct, yet expressive enough to capture the network dynamics, and 2) design of two learning-based algorithms that use the reported measurements to set the power control parameters and optimize the network performance. LeAP is standards-compliant and can be implemented in a centralized self-organized networking (SON) server resource (cloud). We perform extensive evaluations using radio network plans from a real LTE network operational in a major metro area in the US. Our results show that, compared to existing approaches, LeAP provides $4.9\times$ gain in the 20th percentile of user data rate, $3.25\times$ gain in median data rate.

An Information-Centric Communication Infrastructure for Real-Time State Estimation of Active Distribution Networks

Abstract: The evolution toward emerging active distribution networks (ADNs) can be realized via a real-time state estimation (RTSE) application facilitated by the use of phasor measurement units (PMUs). A critical challenge in deploying PMU-based RTSE applications at large scale is the lack of a scalable and flexible communication infrastructure for the timely (i.e., sub-second) delivery of the high volume of synchronized and continuous synchrophasor measurements. We address this challenge by introducing a communication platform called C-DAX based on the information-centric networking (ICN) concept. With a topic-based publish-subscribe engine that decouples data producers and consumers in time and space, C-DAX enables efficient synchrophasor measurement delivery, as well as flexible and scalable (re)configuration of PMU data communication for seamless full observability of power conditions in complex and dynamic scenarios. Based on the derived set of requirements for supporting PMU-based RTSE in ADNs, we design the ICN-based C-DAX communication platform, together with a joint optimized physical network resource provisioning strategy, in order to enable the agile PMU data communications in near real-time. In this paper, C-DAX is validated via a field trial implementation deployed over a sample feeder in a real-distribution network; it is also evaluated through simulation-based experiments using a large set of real medium voltage grid topologies currently operating live in The Netherlands. This is the first work that applies emerging communication paradigms, such as ICN, to smart grids while maintaining the required hard real-time data delivery as demonstrated through field trials at national scale. As such, it aims to become a blueprint for the application of ICN-based general purpose communication platforms to ADNs.

Locus of control, psychological empowerment and intrinsic motivation relation to performance

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to test the relationship between psychological empowerment and R & D employees’ performance. The moderating effect of locus of control and the mediating effect of intrinsic work motivation are also examined. Design/methodology/approach – The questionnaires were completed by 209 R & D employees and their immediate supervisors of a large foreign-funded R & D institute in China. Hierarchical regression and bias-corrected bootstrap procedures were used to test the hypotheses. Findings – Results demonstrate that psychological empowerment is positively related to R & D employees’ task, contextual and innovation performance. The relationship between psychological empowerment and contextual and innovation performance was found to have been moderated by locus of control. Intrinsic work motivation partially mediates the psychological empowerment-work performance relationship. Research limitations/implications – This is a cross-sectional study, with data limited to a large R & ...

Active queue management

Abstract: Method for triggering a congestion control mechanism of a network element, wherein the method comprises the steps of detecting at an end-user device a traffic change trigger action; retrieving time information and quantum information regarding a near future traffic change from the traffic change trigger action; generating a message comprising at least the time information and the quantum information; sending the message to the network element to trigger the congestion control mechanism

A comprehensive security architecture for SDN

Abstract: SDN enables the administrators to configure network resources very quickly and to adjust network-wide traffic flow to meet changing needs dynamically. However, there are some challenges for implementing a full-scale carrier SDN. One of the most important challenges is SDN security, which is beginning to receive attention. With new SDN architecture, some security threats are common to traditional networking, but the profile of these threats (including their likelihood and impact and hence their overall risk level) changes. Moreover, there are some new security challenges such as bypassing predefined mandatory policies by overwriting flow entries and data eavesdropping by inserting fraudulent flow entries. This paper is to design open-flow specific security solutions and propose a comprehensive security architecture to provide security services such as enforcing mandatory network policy correctly and receiving network policy securely for SDN in order to solve these common security issues and new security challenges. It can also help the developers to implement security functions to provide security services when developing the SDN controller.

Transmission media for an SDM-based optical communication system

Abstract: Space-division multiplexing technology is an attractive candidate for overcoming a potential future “capacity crunch” in optical networks based on conventional single-mode fiber. Transmission media for SDM optical communication systems can be designed based on both single-and multi-core concepts. This article investigates the potential of various SDM transmission media.

Network entity discovery and service stitching

Abstract: Method comprises obtaining a network snapshot of a plurality of network entities existing at a predetermined discovery level. Network entity delta between the network snapshot and a previous network snapshot is computed. Network entity delta indicates modifications made to the predetermined discovery level since capturing of a preceding network snapshot. At least one network entity, existing at the predetermined discovery level, which was not previously registered in a service management database (118), is ascertained. The at least one network entity is service stitched with one or more network entities based on service stitching rules and entity catalogs to define associations between the at least one network entity and the one or more network entities for activating the at least one network entity. Each entity catalog defines attributes of the corresponding network entity and parent-child relationship between the corresponding network entity and another network entity.

Management architecture for location-aware self-organizing LTE/LTE-a small cell networks

Abstract: This article proposes a novel architecture for next-generation cellular networks in indoor scenarios. The objective of this model is to support SON mechanisms based on the knowledge of the user equipment location in a small cell network, the use of such information being a key enabler for advanced SON methods. The defined design is the basis for systems providing innovative location-aware SON techniques that make use of user localization in medium/large indoor areas (e.g., malls or corporate buildings). The functional and physical characteristics of this architecture and their technical implications are analyzed. Proposed innovations to generic mobile architecture are described as well as specific implementation for LTE/LTE-A standards. Interoperability with standard management systems and localization services, congestion avoidance, and data offloading are the key drivers of the design. Finally, the capabilities of the proposed architecture are demonstrated through the performance analysis of a simple key use case for location-aware self-optimization.

Enhanced capacity and coverage by Wi-Fi LTE integration

Abstract: Wi-Fi provides cost-effective data capacity at hotspots in conjunction with broadband cellular networks. The hotspots are required to capture a large number of users and provide high data rates. Data rates, over the Wi-Fi interface, are influenced by the media access protocol, which loses throughput due to contention based protocol delays and unintended collisions when a large number of users are active. The hotspot range that determines the number of users that can associate is limited by the lower power of the client rather than the access point. By diverting the traffic destined to the access point via another access network, both range and efficiency can be improved. This uplink redirection or diversion is achieved by simultaneous use of the Wi-Fi and LTE radio interfaces. Three options, loose, tight, and hybrid integration, are presented to providing enhanced capacity and coverage.

Record-low (0.1460 dB/km) attenuation ultra-large aeff optical fiber for submarine applications

Abstract: Record-low attenuation of 0.1460 dB/km is measured on a silica-core fiber with 148 µm2 effective area. Other span loss characteristics are also discussed and quantified, such as ultra-low attenuation after cabling and splice loss reduction.

Throughput comparison between 50-GHz and 37.5-GHz grid transparent networks [Invited]

Abstract: With the introduction of Nyquist pulse shaping, it is possible to transmit a channel in a spectral window close to its baud rate. To increase the overall network spectral efficiency, the most promising solution seems to be the reduction of the channel spacing. Standardization bodies have proposed a flexible grid with 12.5 GHz of granularity. Hence, 100-Gb/s signals can be transported in a 37.5-GHz grid network. While a 37.5-GHz channel spacing brings an ideal extra-throughput of 33% compared to a 50-GHz spacing, this value ignores filtering-induced impairments occurring when a narrower channel spacing is adopted. In this paper, we numerically investigate the filtering penalty stemming from optical filters and its implications on the extra-throughput provided by 37.5- versus 50-GHz grid wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks for two different networks with two different traffic distributions. We show fully transparent network scenarios where the ideal 33% extra-throughput of 37.5-GHz channel spacing is drastically reduced or even vanishes because of filtering penalties.

Method and system for caching streaming multimedia on the internet

Abstract: An apparatus and method to enhance existing caches in a network to better support streaming media storage and distribution. Helper machines are used inside the network to implement several methods which support streaming media including segmentation of streaming media objects into smaller units, cooperation of Helper machines, and novel placement and replacement policies for segments of media objects.

Asymptotically optimal inventory control for assemble-to-order systems with identical lead times

Abstract: Optimizing multiproduct assemble-to-order (ATO) inventory systems is a long-standing difficult problem. We consider ATO systems with identical component lead times and a general “bill of materials.” We use a related two-stage stochastic program (SP) to set a lower bound on the average inventory cost and develop inventory control policies for the dynamic ATO system using this SP. We apply the first-stage SP optimal solution to specify a base-stock replenishment policy, and the second-stage SP recourse linear program to make allocation decisions. We prove that our policies are asymptotically optimal on the diffusion scale, so the percentage gap between the average cost from its lower bound diminishes to zero as the lead time grows. Subject classifications: assemble-to-order; inventory management; stochastic linear program; stochastic control; asymptotic optimality; diffusion scale. Area of review: Stochastic Models. History: Received May 2013; revisions received July 2014, January 2015; accepted February 2015.

Hierarchical Content Stores in High-Speed ICN Routers: Emulation and Prototype Implementation

Abstract: Recent work motivates the design of Information-centric routers that make use of hierarchies of memory to jointly scale in the size and speed of content stores. The present paper advances this understanding by (i) instantiating a general purpose two-layer packet-level caching system, (ii) investigating the solution design space via emulation, and (iii) introducing a proof-of-concept prototype. The emulation-based study reveals insights about the broad design space, the expected impact of workload, and gains due to multi-threaded execution. The full-blown system prototype experimentally confirms that, by exploiting both DRAM and SSD memory technologies, ICN routers can sustain cache operations in excess of 10Gbps running on off-the-shelf hardware.

Realistic Microwave Breast Models Through T1-Weighted 3-D MRI Data

Abstract: In this paper we present an effective method for developing realistic numerical three-dimensional (3-D) microwave breast models of different shape, size, and tissue density. These models are especially convenient for microwave breast cancer imaging applications and numerical analysis of human breast–microwave interactions. As in the recent studies on this area, anatomical information of the breast tissue is collected from T1-weighted 3-D MRI data of different patients’ in prone position. The method presented in this paper offers significant improvements including efficient noise reduction and tissue segmentation, nonlinear mapping of electromagnetic properties, realistically asymmetric phantom shape, and a realistic classification of breast phantoms. Our method contains a five-step approach where each MRI voxel is classified and mapped to the appropriate dielectric properties. In the first step, the MRI data are denoised by estimating and removing the bias field from each slice, after which the voxels are segmented into two main tissues as fibro-glandular and adipose. Using the distribution of the voxel intensities in MRI histogram, two nonlinear mapping functions are generated for dielectric permittivity and conductivity profiles, which allow each MRI voxel to map to its proper dielectric properties. Obtained dielectric profiles are then converted into 3-D numerical breast phantoms using several image processing techniques, including morphologic operations, filtering. Resultant phantoms are classified according to their adipose content, which is a critical parameter that affects penetration depth during microwave breast imaging.

Forecasting of access network bandwidth demands for aggregated subscribers using Monte Carlo methods

Abstract: In the face of relentless growth in traffic, network operators must continuously forecast bandwidth demand to properly dimension their networks and make the correct investments for the future. The consequences of under-investing are poor network performance and dissatisfied subscribers, while over-investing ties up capital that could have been better spent elsewhere. In this article we describe a model that forecasts bandwidth demands of aggregated subscribers on residential fixed access networks. For sustained bandwidth demand, we use statistical techniques to quantify the number of concurrent video streams, the shifting mix of standard definition, high definition, and ultra high definition resolutions, multicast gain, and the trend from multicast to unicast delivery of these streams. Mechanisms to cope with bursty bandwidth demand are included. The results we report can guide operators in making technology and network design choices for future FTTx deployments.

Thermal Characterization Using Optical Methods of AlGaN/GaN HEMTs on SiC Substrate in RF Operating Conditions

Abstract: Performance and reliability of wide bandgap high-power amplifiers are correlated with their thermal behavior. Thermal model development and suitable temperature measurement systems are necessary to quantify the channel temperature of devices in real operating conditions. As a direct temperature measurement within a channel is most of the time not achievable, the common approach is to measure the device temperature at different locations close to the hotspot and then to use simulations to estimate the channel temperature. This paper describes a complete thermal characterization of AlGaN/gallium nitride (GaN) on silicon carbide high electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) when devices are operating in dc bias, pulsed, and continuous wave. Infrared thermography, charge-coupled device-based thermoreflectance microscopy, and micro-Raman spectroscopy have been performed to extract the thermal resistance of the components. Results have been compared with simulations using a 3-D finite-element model to estimate the operating channel temperature. Measurements have shown that the RF-biased thermal resistance and the dc-biased thermal resistance of GaN HEMTs are similar.

C- and O-band operation of RSOA WDM PON self-seeded transmitters up to 10 Gb/s [Invited]

Abstract: We propose a network-embedded colorless self-tuning transmitter for wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) networks based on self-seeding in reflective semiconductor optical amplifiers (RSOAs). We compare up to a 10-Gb/s data rate in either O-band or C-band operation. In particular, the transmitter exploits a two-Faraday rotator configuration to ensure polarization-insensitive operation and allowing for the exploitation of high-gain C- and O-band RSOAs, which present a very high polarization- dependent gain. Two different multiplexers and various lengths of drop fibers constituted the networkembedded transmitters in order to evaluate various dispersion load influence on cavity buildup. Moreover, transmission over standard single-mode feeder fiber has been evaluated both at 2.5 and 10 Gb/s to compare the performance in both bands, confirming the absence of chromatic dispersion penalties for the O-band operation.

84 GBd (168 Gbit/s) PAM-4 3.7 Vpp power DAC in InP DHBT for short reach and long haul optical networks

Abstract: The architecture and performances of a multilevel driver for pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) formats, designed and fabricated in 0.7 µm InP double-heterojunction bipolar transistor technology, are reported. The driver part is based on a power-DAC architecture which is integrated with the multiplexing stage composed of three 2:1 selectors. Up to 100 GS/s operation was validated and PAM-2, -4, -8 signals with high amplitude were measured. In particular, PAM-4 at 84 GBd and PAM-8 at 64 GBd operation was demonstrated with, respectively, a 3.7 and 4 Vpp differential output signal. This compact driver circuit is characterised by the highest merit factor in terms of high amplitude and the transmission capacity for an electronically generated multilevel signal.

The METIS 5G Architecture: A Summary of METIS Work on 5G Architectures

Abstract: During the last two years, the METIS project ("Mobile and wireless communications Enablers for the Twenty-twenty Information Society") has been conducting research on 5G-enabling technology components. This paper provides a summary of METIS work on 5G architectures. The architecture description is presented from different viewpoints. First, a functional architecture is presented that may lay a foundation for development of first novel 5G network functions. It is based on functional decomposition of most relevant 5G technology components provided by METIS. The logical orchestration a control architecture depicts the realization of flexibility, scalability and service orientation needed to fulfil diverse 5G requirements. Finally, a third viewpoint reveals deployment aspects and function placement options for 5G.

Intensity Noise Properties of Midinfrared Injection Locked Quantum Cascade Lasers: II. Experiments

Abstract: We present experimental investigations of the intensity noise properties of injection-locked midinfrared emitting quantum cascade lasers. Following the theoretical approach by Simos et al. , the injection locking is realized below and near the threshold of the free running slave laser, resulting in an efficient technique to achieve low-noise operation. We find that below the threshold, the locking characteristics as locking range, shape and bandwidth, are different in comparison with those above threshold. In addition, we also investigate injection locking into longitudinal side modes of the slave laser apart by several longitudinal mode hops, and observe similar characteristics, however, with the potential to achieve higher relative intensity noise suppression. The measurements are confirmed by additional numerical simulations with a new model, which considers the multimode spectrum of the slave laser and the spectral profile of the material gain. Under the actual experimental conditions, a reduction of the relative intensity noise of the slave laser of up to 10 dB (above threshold) and up to 20 dB (below threshold) in comparison to the free running slave laser noise level is achieved.

Seamless replacement of a first drone base station with a second drone base station

Abstract: A method is provided of replacing a first drone base station with a second drone base station, the first drone base station, the method comprising: sending by the first drone base station first pilot signals indicating a cell identifier; receiving by the first drone base station information that the second drone base station is in the vicinity of the first drone base station; sending by the second drone base station second pilot signals which indicate the same cell identifier as the first drone base station; receiving by the first drone base station from the second drone base station an indication to cease to send first pilot signals;and dependent upon receiving by the first drone base station from the second drone base station the indication to cease to send first pilot signals, ceasing by the first drone base station the sending of first pilot signals.

Scalable mobile backhauling via information-centric networking

Abstract: The rapid traffic growth fueled by mobile devices spread and high speed network access calls for substantial innovation at network layer. The content-centric nature of Internet usage highlights the limitations of the host-centric model in coping with dynamic content-to-location binding, mobility, multicast, multi-homing, etc. If transmission capacity speedups in the backhaul may hide inefficiencies in the short term, the hostcentric communication model needs to be revisited to sustain future mobile demand. In this paper, we first identify and quantify the opportunities for backhaul evolution by analyzing a large set of traffic measurements collected between mobile core and backhaul of Orange France. The analysis reveals that 50% of HTTP requests are cacheable and traffic can be reduced from 60% to 95% during the peak hour by using 350GBs to 1TB of memory overall. Motivated by such significant opportunities for latency reduction and network cost savings, we present a solution based on Information-Centric Networking (ICN). First results of a large scale experimentation with 100 Linux servers and customized software, in a realistic network setting, provide a glimpse into ICN gains even under naive caching: a factor three reduction in delivery time and almost 40% bandwidth savings, when compared to existing alternatives.

Optoelectronic device with light-emitting diodes

Abstract: An optoelectronic device including an array of light-emitting diodes and photoluminescent blocks opposite at least part of the light-emitting diodes, each light-emitting diode having a lateral dimension smaller than 30 μm, each photoluminescent block including semiconductor crystals having an average size smaller than 1 μm, dispersed in a binding matrix.