Showing papers by "Alcatel-Lucent published in 2016"

Performance of III–V Solar Cells as Indoor Light Energy Harvesters

Abstract: Energy-harvesting systems provide power autonomy to individual wireless sensor nodes, allowing simpler deployment, as compared with wired nodes and longer lifetimes than battery-powered ones. Indoor light energy is an abundant source in many applications where solar cells are used to convert the radiant energy to electricity. To allow the greatest functionality in nodes powered by light energy-harvesting systems, the highest power output indoor photovoltaic (PV) devices are required. Amorphous-silicon and dye-sensitized solar cells have been tested extensively as indoor light harvesters due to their wide bandgaps that are optimum for absorption of the spectra from compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) and light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. III–V solar cells are the highest performing PV devices under 1-sun conditions but have not been thoroughly investigated under indoor illumination conditions. Here, we show experimentally that III–V single-junction solar cells made from GaAs and GaInP significantly outperform amorphous-silicon and dye-sensitized solar cells at low illumination intensities with 2× greater measured power densities. Our measured data show that credit-card-sized GaAs and GaInP solar cells will provide ∼ 4 mW of power under 1000 lx (i.e., in a bright office space). This is the first thorough presentation of GaInP and GaAs solar cells under CFL and LED illumination and provides a key insight for indoor PV as we move toward wider deployment of these energy efficient bulbs.

Improved nested array with hole-free DCA and more degrees of freedom

Abstract: A new linear sparse array based on the nested array is proposed, which enjoys all the good properties of the two-level nested array, and can provide more degrees of freedom (DOF). The new array is constructed by two uniform linear arrays (ULAs) and an additional sensor. The sensor locations, the array aperture, and the achievable DOF from its difference co-array (DCA) are all benefited for closed-form expressions. Furthermore, the resulting DCA is kept as a hole-free ULA. The optimal numbers of sensors in the two ULAs provided the total number of physical sensors are derived. This new array can resolve more sources and achieve better angle estimation performance than the two-level nested array. Simulation results validate these conclusions.

Physical layer aspects of NG-PON2 standards—Part 1: Optical link design [Invited]

Abstract: NG-PON2 is the industry's first multiple wavelength (per direction), standards-based passive optical network system that is compatible with power-split optical distribution networks. The physical media dependent layer recommendation (ITU-T G.989.2) is the result of over three years of collaborative work by members of the FSAN and ITU-T Study Group 15, Question 2 groups. This two-part paper provides the technical insight and rationales behind the recently approved standard. The first part of the paper focuses on optical link design topics, including the optical distribution network characteristics, wavelength plan, Raman fiber nonlinearity related degradation, and interchannel cross-talk tolerance. It also describes the wavelength-tuning capability of optical network units and its impact on the physical media dependent layer specification.

Physical layer aspects of NG-PON2 standards–Part 2: System design and technology feasibility [Invited]

Abstract: This is the second of a two-part paper intended to provide technical insight and rationales behind the recently approved ITU-T G.989.2 Recommendation: the physical media dependent layer specification of the 40-gigabit-capable passive optical networks (NG-PON2). While Part 1 of the paper discusses topics related to the optical link design, Part 2 focuses on wavelength control, technology feasibility, management and control channel design, and potential future standardization directions of such a multi-wavelength PON system. As the NG-PON2 system will continue to evolve, technology extensions are also discussed to provide guidance for future research.

Linear precoding based on polynomial expansion: reducing complexity in massive MIMO

Abstract: Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques have the potential to bring tremendous improvements in spectral efficiency to future communication systems Counterintuitively, the practical issues of having uncertain channel knowledge, high propagation losses, and implementing optimal non-linear precoding are solved more or less automatically by enlarging system dimensions However, the computational precoding complexity grows with the system dimensions For example, the close-to-optimal and relatively “antenna-efficient” regularized zero-forcing (RZF) precoding is very complicated to implement in practice, since it requires fast inversions of large matrices in every coherence period Motivated by the high performance of RZF, we propose to replace the matrix inversion and multiplication by a truncated polynomial expansion (TPE), thereby obtaining the new TPE precoding scheme which is more suitable for real-time hardware implementation and significantly reduces the delay to the first transmitted symbol The degree of the matrix polynomial can be adapted to the available hardware resources and enables smooth transition between simple maximum ratio transmission and more advanced RZF By deriving new random matrix results, we obtain a deterministic expression for the asymptotic signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR) achieved by TPE precoding in massive MIMO systems Furthermore, we provide a closed-form expression for the polynomial coefficients that maximizes this SINR To maintain a fixed per-user rate loss as compared to RZF, the polynomial degree does not need to scale with the system, but it should be increased with the quality of the channel knowledge and the signal-to-noise ratio

Regulation of B-cell development and tolerance by different members of the miR-17∼92 family microRNAs.

Abstract: The molecular mechanisms that regulate B-cell development and tolerance remain incompletely understood. In this study, we identify a critical role for the miR-17∼92 microRNA cluster in regulating B-cell central tolerance and demonstrate that these miRNAs control early B-cell development in a cell-intrinsic manner. While the cluster member miR-19 suppresses the expression of Pten and plays a key role in regulating B-cell tolerance, miR-17 controls early B-cell development through other molecular pathways. These findings demonstrate differential control of two closely linked B-cell developmental stages by different members of a single microRNA cluster through distinct molecular pathways. MicroRNA cluster 17∼92 plays a critical role in B-cell differentiation. Here the authors show that miR-19 regulates B-cell tolerance via suppressing the expression of PTEN, whereas miR- 17 is essential for early B-cell development independently of Pten, Phlpp2, or Bim.

The INNs and outs of antibody nonproprietary names.

Abstract: An important step in drug development is the assignment of an International Nonproprietary Name (INN) by the World Health Organization (WHO) that provides healthcare professionals with a unique and universally available designated name to identify each pharmaceutical substance. Monoclonal antibody INNs comprise a -mab suffix preceded by a substem indicating the antibody type, e.g., chimeric (-xi-), humanized (-zu-), or human (-u-). The WHO publishes INN definitions that specify how new monoclonal antibody therapeutics are categorized and adapts the definitions to new technologies. However, rapid progress in antibody technologies has blurred the boundaries between existing antibody categories and created a burgeoning array of new antibody formats. Thus, revising the INN system for antibodies is akin to aiming for a rapidly moving target. The WHO recently revised INN definitions for antibodies now to be based on amino acid sequence identity. These new definitions, however, are critically flawed as they are ambiguous and go against decades of scientific literature. A key concern is the imposition of an arbitrary threshold for identity against human germline antibody variable region sequences. This leads to inconsistent classification of somatically mutated human antibodies, humanized antibodies as well as antibodies derived from semi-synthetic/synthetic libraries and transgenic animals. Such sequence-based classification implies clear functional distinction between categories (e.g., immunogenicity). However, there is no scientific evidence to support this. Dialog between the WHO INN Expert Group and key stakeholders is needed to develop a new INN system for antibodies and to avoid confusion and miscommunication between researchers and clinicians prescribing antibodies.

usICIC—A Proactive Small Cell Interference Mitigation Strategy for Improving Spectral Efficiency of LTE Networks in the Unlicensed Spectrum

Abstract: The deployment of long term evolution (LTE) in the unlicensed spectrum (LTE-U) has been gaining significant industry momentum in recent months. The US 5-GHz Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (UNII) bands that are currently under consideration for LTE deployment in the unlicensed spectrum contain only a limited number of 20 MHZ channels. Thus, in a dense multi-operator deployment scenario, one or more LTE-U small cells have to coexist and share the same 20 MHz unlicensed channel with each other and with the incumbent Wi-Fi. In this paper, we present the scenario and demonstrate that in the absence of an explicit interference mitigation mechanism, there will be a significant degradation in the overall LTE-U system performance for LTE-U cochannel coexistence in countries that do not mandate listen-before-talk (LBT) requirements. We then present the unlicensed spectrum intercell interference co-ordination (usICIC) mechanism as a time-domain multiplexing technique for interference mitigation for the sharing of an unlicensed channel by multioperator LTE-U small cells. Through extensive simulation results, we also demonstrate that our proposed usICIC mechanism will result in 40% or more improvement in overall LTE-U system performance.

Optimizing quality of service in a content distribution network using software defined networking

Abstract: A content distribution network including a wireless network segment and an IP wide area network segment includes a virtualized Software Defined Networking (SDN) appliance for optimizing end-to-end quality-of-service (QoS) in the network. The SDN appliance is configured to identify and monitor traffic flows associated with respective content items, obtain end-to-end intelligence data associated with the traffic flow, the end-to-end intelligence data including quality-of-service (QoS) parameters associated with the traffic flow in the wireless network segment and the IP wide area network segment; and dynamically control the traffic flow in one or both of the wireless network segment and the IP wide area network segment based on the end-to-end intelligence data.

A Preliminary Study on Waveform Candidates for 5G Mobile Radio Communications above 6 GHz

Abstract: This paper provides an overview and preliminary comparison of several multi-carrier and single- carrier waveforms that are potential candidates for future 5G mobile radio communications above 6 GHz. The waveforms are assessed primarily based on the established and known results as well as recent findings keeping in view the design requirements that are relevant to using frequencies above 6 GHz, especially the millimeter wave frequencies. The Key Performance Indicators and degrees of freedom in the design of different waveforms and their potential applications for mm-wave communications are discussed. Certain features that are particularly interesting for mm-wave communication and require further investigations are also highlighted. Furthermore, a common framework for synthesizing different waveform candidates has been developed. Finally, a preliminary qualitative comparison of different multi-carrier and single carrier waveforms has been derived.

Faster return of investment in WDM networks when elastic transponders dynamically fit ageing of link margins

Abstract: We illustrate the cost reduction during 10-year life of a core WDM network enabled by elastic transponders when accounting directly for end-of-life OSNR detection margins, compared to margins progressively growing with network ageing.

28 GHz and 3.5 GHz Wireless Channels: Fading, Delay and Angular Dispersion

Abstract: We employ a ray tracing framework to extract the three dimensional (3D) channel parameters characterizing outdoor small cell deployments providing services to indoor users close to the exterior wall and windows at 28 GHz and 3.5 GHz. The wireless channel is highly dependent on 3D antenna patterns, the environment specific characteristics such as 3D geometry of the buildings, materials used for building construction and their specific propagation properties. These dependencies are particularly important at higher frequencies, where the range of radio signals may be significantly limited due to the path loss and shadowing by obstacles. A good understanding of the channel propagation characteristics at these frequencies, and their correlation to propagation at lower bands, is thus critical for designing and deploying reliable radio systems. The ray tracing approach has substantial merits in absence of relevant field measurements, facilitating extraction of the 3D site-specific channel parameters pertaining to 28 GHz small cell deployments and giving useful insights to foster innovation of new wireless technologies at 28 GHz. Furthermore, we derive channel statistics at both 28 GHz and 3.5 GHz for the same environment drawing conclusions on path loss, delay spread, and angle spread in azimuth and vertical directions. Our results indicate that for the environment considered the angle spread of azimuth angle of arrival exceeds 20° in more than 45% of the terminal locations even at 28 GHz, suggesting that very high beamforming gain at the terminal is not feasible. Furthermore, with a 15° grid of beams based transmitted signal, the best beam at 28 GHz is different from that 3.5 GHz for almost 60% of the locations.

Context-Aware Self-Healing: User Equipment as the Main Source of Information for Small-Cell Indoor Networks

Abstract: This article proposes the use of context information for automatic failure management, known as self-healing, in small-cell indoor scenarios. Self-healing is one of the main functions of self-organizing networks (SONs) aiming to automate the administration, operation, and management of mobile communications infrastructure. In current deployments, the increasing use of low-power base stations, known as small cells, introduces challenges in classic self-healing procedures. This article analyzes those issues and identifies the context of user equipment (UE) as the main source of information to overcome them. Subsequently, a novel framework for integrating context awareness and self-healing is proposed, and a detailed context-based detection/diagnosis mechanism is developed. Finally, the approach is evaluated in a real small-cell deployment, showing the feasibility and usefulness of the proposed context-aware self-healing system.

BLADE: A Universal, Blind Learning Algorithm for ToA Localization in NLOS Channels

Abstract: We study wireless localization systems where multiple synchronized infrastructure devices simultaneously transmit signals whose arrival times are measured at an object of interest. The performance of these time-of-arrival (ToA) localization systems is degraded in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) channels because multipath reflections cause a positive bias in the ToA measurements. To address this major impairment, we propose an algorithm that adaptively learns the probability distribution function of the NLOS bias for each infrastructure device. This algorithm is universal in that it can be applied to any ToA based system, where the only prior assumption about the channel environment is a conservative bound on the maximum bias delay. The algorithm is also blind in that it does not require training with ground truth samples. We characterize the performance of the proposed algorithm and the resulting maximum a posteriori estimator using two sets of over-the-air ToA measurements. In both cases, we show significant performance gains compared to a nonlinear multilateration baseline, and in particular, we show a reduction in the location estimate error by up to a factor of 4 for a live cellular LTE localization network.

Towards Superior Transmission Performance in Submarine Systems: Leveraging UltraLow Attenuation and Large Effective Area

Abstract: This paper expands our previous work on record-low attenuation of 0.1460 dB/km, measured on a silica-core fiber with 148 μm2 effective area. We describe the technology used to achieve such low level of attenuation and quantify other span loss characteristics, such as maintaining ultralow attenuation after cabling and splice loss reduction using “bridge” fiber and tapering techniques. We also show that a superior transmission performance in submarine networks is achieved using a combination of ultralow attenuation and large effective area, and discuss the impact of span length on system performance. We finally demonstrate that the reduction in fiber attenuation provides an additional benefit of lower optimum power into the fiber, therefore, relaxing the maximum output power requirements of submarine EDFAs.

Ten-channel discrete multi-tone modulation using silicon microring modulator array

Abstract: We report ten-channel discrete multi-tone generation using silicon microring modulator array, which simultaneously function as de-multiplexers, modulators, and multiplexers. An aggregated data rate of 0.88 Tb/s is achieved at a bit error ratio of 3.8×10−3.

Method for protection against ransomware

Abstract: A method for real time protection against unsolicited encryption of computer files in a computer system, particularly as a result of operation of ransomware in the computer system, is provided. The method comprises the following steps: monitoring an access of a running process to a file of a file system, the file being in a first state in which it is accessed as input by the process and in a second state in which the file is processed by the process as output, the first state of the file of the file system being associated with a first set of data values and the second state of the file of the file system being associated with a second set of data values, measuring a first magnitude representative of the randomness of the first set of data values and a second magnitude representative of the randomness of the second set of data values, comparing the first magnitude and the second magnitude, and interrupting the process if the second magnitude exceeds the first magnitude by a given threshold value.

Increasing TDM Rates for Access Systems Beyond NG-PON2

Abstract: Despite the first ever standardization of a passive optical network (PON) that exclusively uses an expansion in the wavelength domain rather than the time domain to enhance network throughput, continued progress in increasing time-division multiplexed (TDM) PON capacity is essential in providing per-wavelength capacity upgrades to time- and wavelength-division multiplexed PONs or as an alternative TDM-only solution. We discuss candidate technologies for increasing the per-wavelength data rate in PONs and speculate more generally regarding the near-term and long-term evolution of PON systems.

Hardware Impairments in Millimeter Wave Communications using OFDM and SC-FDE

Abstract: Millimeter wave (mmWave) communications are recognized as a key technology in 5G architecture by achieving highly boosted data rates due to the large available bandwidth For proper mmWave air interface design, the impact of hardware impairments leading to performance degradations have to be considered adequately in practical systems In this paper, we study the hardware aspects phase noise, non-linear power amplifiers, IQ imbalance, and analog-to-digital converter (ADC) resolution using appropriate models at mmWave frequency and evaluate the performance in an outdoor urban mmWave scenario The respective influence on two air interfaces, namely, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) and single-carrier frequency domain equalization (SC-FDE), are analyzed and compared It is shown that SC-FDE is much more robust against impairments from non-linear power amplifiers, IQ imbalance and ADC resolution than OFDM for a typical mmWave system configuration Although this less robustness of OFDM systems is compensated by channel coding significantly, SC-FDE with minimum mean square error equalization can still outperform OFDM in some coded cases

The influence of the stagnation zone on the fluid dynamics at the nozzle exit of a confined and submerged impinging jet

Abstract: Low profile impinging jets provide a means to achieve high heat transfer coefficients while occupying a small quantity of space. Consequently, they are found in many engineering applications such as electronics cooling, annealing of metals, food processing, and others. This paper investigates the influence of the stagnation zone fluid dynamics on the nozzle exit flow condition of a low profile, submerged, and confined impinging water jet. The jet was geometrically constrained to a round, 16-mm diameter, square-edged nozzle at a jet exit to target surface spacing (H/D) that varied between $$0.25 < {{ H}{/}{ D}} < 8.75$$ . The influence of turbulent flow regimes is the main focus of this paper; however, laminar flow data are also presented between $$1350 < Re < 17{,}300$$ . A custom measurement facility was designed and commissioned to utilise particle image velocimetry in order to quantitatively measure the fluid dynamics both before and after the jet exits its nozzle. The velocity profiles are normalised with the mean velocity across the nozzle exit, and turbulence statistics are also presented. The primary objective of this paper is to present accurate flow profiles across the nozzle exit of an impinging jet confined to a low H/D, with a view to guide the boundary conditions chosen for numerical simulations confined to similar constraints. The results revealed in this paper suggest that the fluid dynamics in the stagnation zone strongly influences the nozzle exit velocity profile at confinement heights between $$0 < {{ H}{/}{ D}} < 1$$ . This is of particular relevance with regard to the choice of inlet boundary conditions in numerical models, and it was found that it is necessary to model a jet tube length $${{ L}{/}{ D}} > 0.5$$ —where D is the inner diameter of the jet—in order to minimise modelling uncertainty.

Level spacing for M-PAM optical systems with coherent detection

Abstract: An apparatus includes an optical transmitter configured to provide an optical signal amplitude-modulated among M different levels. A constellation control module is configured to provide a drive signal to control the optical signal. A feedback module is configured to receive a measure of spacing between amplitude peaks of a symbol constellation of the optical signal. The feedback module is further configured to regulate the constellation control module to adjust the optical signal in response to the measure of spacing.

Dynamic Routing and Virtual Machine Consolidation in Green Clouds

Abstract: In the last few years, there has been a remarkable growth in the number of data centers, which represent one of the leading sources of increased business data traffic on the Internet. An effect of the growing scale and the wide use of data centers is the dramatic increase of power consumption, with significant consequences both in terms of environmental and operational costs. Hence, energy awareness has become one of the major design constraints for Cloud infrastructures. In order to face these challenges, a new generation of energy-efficient and ecosustainable network infrastructures is needed. In this work, a novel energy-aware resource orchestration framework for distributed Cloud infrastructures is introduced, in order to manage both network and IT resources in a typical optical backbone. A high-level overview of the system architecture is provided by focusing on the definition of the different layers of the whole infrastructure, and introducing the Path Computation Element, which is the key component of the proposed architecture. The aim is to explain how both network and IT resources can be managed while, at the same time, the overall power consumption is being minimized and QoS requirements are satisfied. Finally, a green migration plan that is obtained by applying Virtual Machine relocation algorithms is discussed, in order to dynamically react to the fluctuating resource requirements of the VMs

Particle image velocimetry measurements of induced separation at the leading edge of a plate

Abstract: The free shear layer that separates from the leading edge of a round-nosed plate has been studied under conditions of low (background) and elevated (grid-generated) free stream turbulence (FST) using high-fidelity particle image velocimetry. Transition occurs after separation in each case, followed by reattachment to the flat surface of the plate downstream. A bubble of reverse flow is thereby formed. First, we find that, under elevated (7 %) FST, the time-mean bubble is almost threefold shorter due to an accelerated transition of the shear layer. Quadrant analysis of the Reynolds stresses reveals the presence of slender, highly coherent fluctuations amid the laminar part of the shear layer that are reminiscent of the boundary-layer streaks seen in bypass transition. Instability and the roll-up of vortices then follow near the crest of the shear layer. These vortices are also present under low FST and in both cases are found to make significant contributions to the production of Reynolds stress over the rear of the bubble. But their role in reattachment, whilst important, is not yet fully clear. Instantaneous flow fields from the low-FST case reveal that the bubble of reverse flow often breaks up into two or more parts, thereby complicating the overall reattachment process. We therefore suggest that the downstream end of the ‘separation isoline’ (the locus of zero absolute streamwise velocity that extends unbroken from the leading edge) be used to define the instantaneous reattachment point. A histogram of this point is found to be bimodal: the upstream peak coincides with the location of roll-up, whereas the downstream mode may suggest a ‘flapping’ motion.

Experimental Demonstration of Multivendor and Multidomain EON With Data and Control Interoperability Over a Pan-European Test Bed

Abstract: The operation of multidomain and multivendor EONs can be achieved by interoperable sliceable bandwidth variable transponders (S-BVTs), a GMPLS/BGP-LS-based control plane, and a planning tool. The control plane is extended to include the control of S-BVTs and elastic cross connects, which combine a large port-count fiber-switch (optical backplane) and bandwidth-variable wavelength-selective switches, enabling the end-to-end provisioning and recovery of network services. A multipartner testbed is built to demonstrate and validate the proposed end-to-end architecture. Interoperability among S-BVTs is experimentally tested between different implementations. In this case, transponders are configured using the proposed control plane. The achieved performance with hard-decision and soft-decision FECs using only the information distributed by the control plane is measured against the performance of the single-vendor implementation, where proprietary information is used, demonstrating error-free transmission up to 300 km.

Dynamic interest forwarding mechanism for information centric networking

Abstract: A method for managing packets over interfaces of a Content Centric Networking node, the method comprising the following steps - receiving over an interface of the node at least a request for a data packet ; - if the data packet is stored by the node, forwarding the data packet over the interface of the received request ; otherwise - performing an exploration step, by o selecting randomly at least an interface towards a neighboring node ; o forwarding the request over the selected interface ; o receiving in response over the randomly selected interface, the data packet with associated minimum time delivery value estimated by the neighboring node ; - identifying an interface providing the minimum data packet delivery time value based on exploration step results.

Hitless 100 Gbit/s OTN bandwidth variable transmitter for software-defined networks

Abstract: We show the first hitless 100Gbit/s real-time bandwidth-variable transmitter integrated with restful server and OTN switching matrix. Between 10.7Gbit/s and 107Gbit/s, the transmitter reconfigures in less than 450μs without packet loss and additional penalty.

Method and apparatus for establishing radio bearer

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for establishing a radio bearer, and specifically to a method and an apparatus for establishing a data or signaling bearer in a radio communication system supporting multi-connectivity, wherein the method of establishing the data bearer comprises receiving information related to the data bearer, determining configuration information of respective protocol layers in a user plane protocol stack, that is established at at least one of the macro base station and the small base station for the data bearer, according to the related information and the user plane protocol stack, and sending to the user equipment a radio resource control message including the configuration information to establish the data bearer. By utilizing the method and apparatus according to the present invention, the data bearer and the signaling bearer may be efficiently established in the system supporting multi-connectivity so as to provide a user of radio communication with communication services having higher rate and throughput and enable the small base station to provide better data offloading service.

Context-Aware Self-Optimization: Evolution Based on the Use Case of Load Balancing in Small-Cell Networks

Abstract: Self-organizing network (SON) mechanisms in cellular systems automate network management procedures to improve performance while reducing operational expenditure (OPEX) and capital expenditure (CAPEX). Within the area of SON research and development, self-optimization is an especially hot research topic, and key use cases have been defined by Third-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards. This article proposes to apply the context-awareness concept to self-optimizing small-cell networks. Context information provides valuable additional data to enhance self-optimization mechanisms. In this context, a framework for context-aware (CA) self-optimization in smallcell environments is described, and a particular self-optimization use case, load balancing (LB), is used to evaluate the benefits of the proposed approach. The results show that the proposed CA-LB algorithms increase the users? satisfaction, while the optimization time is significantly reduced.