GRCM-Grup de Recerca en Comunicacions Mòbils

The reference framework for this Project is a mobile heterogeneous scenario where IP-based multimedia services are provided in an efficient manner with end-to-end QoS guarantees. In this context, a number of aspects are intended to be studied in order to progress towards an integrated and generic solution. In particular, the main objectives of the project can be stated as:

• To propose and develop a generic framework for spectrum and radio resource management leading to a flexible and optimised usage of the available resources, clearly identifying the involved mechanisms as well as the interactions among them, including multi-operator scenarios. Due to the high dynamics in the considered system operation conditions (traffic, propagation, mobility, etc.), the envisaged strategies will include cognitive capabilities, so that they become self-adaptative and, consequently, robust.
• To propose and develop end-to-end QoS architectures consistent with the specificities and capacities of the involved segments: (1) a flexible and heterogeneous air interface, (2) an IP-based transport network from the radio access points to the core network and (3) an IP-based core network, considering also the possibility that (2) and (3) are indeed a single element.
• To analyze, develop, propose and evaluate practical and detailed flexible spectrum and dynamic radio resource management strategies, meeting the requirements in terms of quality, capacity and coverage in the most efficient way. Prior to the integrated vision, it is necessary to analyze, develop, propose and evaluate the corresponding strategies for all the identified components. Later on, the integrated vision can be consistently targeted.
• To demonstrate, by means of IP-based multimedia applications, the suitability of the envisaged solutions through the development of a real time laboratory testbed covering the most relevant findings in the research aspects.

Special emphasis will be placed in the project in order to ensure that the proposed solutions in terms of heterogeneous network architectures, interworking among different technologies, development of transport and core network and the corresponding management algorithms are well aligned to the trends in the major standardisation fora, particularly 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) and IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force).