The need for wireless connectivity is ever increasing while conventional radio frequency (RF) communications are limited by the amount of available spectrum. Visible light communications (VLC) are emerging as a promising complementary to the RF wireless, thanks to the enormous available bandwidth in the visible spectrum. Moreover, VLC integrates into the ubiquitous illumination infrastructures to satisfy the need for wireless connectivity indoors. Commercially available light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are low-cost, simple, and have a small modulation bandwidth. For the small modulation bandwidth, VLC systems must enjoy high spectral efficiency to achieve high-rate transmission. Additionally, VLC systems must have high power efficiency to help preserve the critical advantage of LEDs for illumination applications. Furthermore, since LED luminaires are constrained by cost, deployed VLC systems must be low-complexity. Indoor VLC channels are dispersive due to multipath propagation indoors and due to the limited bandwidth of the optoelectronics. However, time-domain equalization on such channels can be prohibitively expensive for long serials. These challenges motivate extensive research on optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). Given those problems and challenges, this thesis introduces novel spectrum- and power-efficient optical OFDM modulation schemes to implement with low complexity in VLC systems. Firstly, absolute value layered asymmetrically clipped optical OFDM (ALACO-OFDM) is presented to achieve high spectral efficiency and high power efficiency with fewer layers, thus requiring low complexity. Compared to its counterparts, ALACO-OFDM can achieve higher spectral efficiency and information rate even with fewer layers. Antisymmetry-constructed clipped optical OFDM (AC-OFDM) is then introduced as a novel low-complexity modulation scheme. To enhance the spectral efficiency and retain low-complexity, layered AC-OFDM (LAC-OFDM) is introduced, consisting of several layers of AC-OFDM signals. LAC-OFDM is shown to be less complex compared to its state-of-the-art counterparts. Concerning a practical VLC dispersive channel, low-complexity layered ACO-OFDM (L-LACO) is introduced with simple equalization. Mathematically, L-LACO generates identical signals to the existing layered asymmetrically-clipped optical OFDM (LACO-OFDM); however, it requires only half arithmetic operations at both the transmitter and the receiver. For a practical bandlimited VLC dispersive channel, the previous optical OFDM modulation schemes will be no longer non-negative after interpolation with sinc(t) pulse. This thesis presents Kramers-Kronig (KK) optical OFDM (KKO-OFDM) to enhance the spectral efficiency and power efficiency for such bandlimited VLC channels. The KKO-OFDM transmit signal is constructed to be real-valued, non-negative, and strictly bandlimited. Numerical results show that KKO-OFDM outperforms DCO-OFDM and LACO-OFDM in bandlimited VLC channels in terms of optical power efficiency. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Visible light communications (VLC) integrate into the ubiquitous light-emitting diode (LED) luminaires, providing lighting and communication simultaneously. Commercially available LEDs are low-cost, simple, and have a limited modulation bandwidth. These LEDs demand that VLC orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation schemes be spectrum- and power-efficient with low complexity. Concerning these challenges, this thesis presents a novel spectrum- and power-efficient VLC OFDM scheme with low complexity. Firstly, absolute value layered asymmetrically clipped optical OFDM (ALACO-OFDM) is presented to achieve high spectral and power efficiency while requiring fewer layers. Then layered antisymmetry-constructed clipped optical OFDM (LAC-OFDM) is introduced, which requires low complexity as compared to existing layered asymmetrically-clipped optical OFDM (LACO-OFDM). Given a VLC dispersive channel, low-complexity LACO-OFDM (L-LACO) is furthermore introduced with simple equalization but generates an identical signal to the existing LACO-OFDM. Finally, for a bandlimited VLC channel, Kramers-Kronig optical OFDM (KKO-OFDM) is presented to achieve high spectral and power efficiency. The ALACO-OFDM and LAC-OFDM work in flat VLC line-of-sight links while L-LACO in VLC dispersive links and KKO-OFDM in bandlimited VLC dispersive links with simple equalizer.

Due to the enormous performance gains associated with the use of antenna arrays in wireless networks, it is inevitable that these technologies will become an integral part of future systems. This report focuses on signal propagation modeling for antenna array systems and on its relationship to the performance of these systems. Accurate simulation and analytical models are prerequisite to the characterization of antenna array system performance. Finally, an understanding of the performance of these systems in various environments is needed for effective overall network design. This report begins with an overview of the fundamentals of antenna array systems. A survey of vector channel models is presented. Angle of arrival and time of arrival statistics for the circular and elliptical (Liberti's Model) models are derived. A generalized optimum output SINR analysis is derived for space-time processing structures in frequency selective fading channels. The hardware and software of the MPRG Antenna Array Testbed (MAAT) is described. A literature review of previous antenna array propagation measurements is given. Antenna array measurement results obtained with the MAAT are used to compare the properties of the received signal vector in the various environmental conditions. The influence of channel parameters on the ability of antenna arrays to separate the signals of two users on the reverse link is studied using simulation. Finally, forward link beamforming techniques are reviewed. / Ph. D.

This dissertation outlines work accomplished in the pursuit of this degree. This report is also designed to be a general introduction to the concepts and techniques of small-scale radio channel modeling. At the present time, there does not exist a comprehensive introduction and overview of basic concepts in this field. Furthermore, as the wireless industry continues to mature and develop technology, the need is now greater than ever for more sophisticated channel modeling research. Each chapter of this preliminary report is, in itself, a stand-alone topic in channel modeling theory. Culled from original reports and journal papers, each chapter makes a unique contribution to the field of channel modeling. Original contributions in this report include: 1. joint characterization of time-varying, space-varying, and frequency-varying channels under the rubric of duality 2. rules and definitions for constructing channel models that solve Maxwell's equations 3. overview of probability density functions that describe random small-scale fading 4. techniques for modeling a small-scale radio channel using an angle spectrum 5. overview of techniques for describing fading statistics in wireless channels 6. results from a wideband spatio-temporal measurement campaign Together, the chapters provide a cohesive overview of basic principles. The discussion of the wideband spatio-temporal measurement campaign at 1920 MHz makes an excellent case study in applied channel modeling and ties together much of the theory developed in this dissertation. / Ph. D.

This thesis describes the use of adaptive equalization techniques to compensate for the intersymbol interference (ISI) that results when digital data is transmitted over a multipath radio channel. The equalization structures covered in this work are the linear transversal equalizer (LTE), the fractionally spaced equalizer (FSE), the decision-feedback equalizer (DFE), and the maximum-likelihood sequence estimation (MLSE) equalizer. This work also covers adaptive algorithms for equalization including both the least mean squares (LMS) and the recursive least squares (RLS) algorithm. All these equalizer structures and algorithms will be modeled using various simulation modules. Equalization for both stationary and mobile radio channels is considered. Stationary channels are modeled with a simple exponentially decaying profile. The mobile radio channel is represented using a two-ray Rayleigh fading model for an outdoor environment. The SIRCIM channel modeling tool is used to create channel profiles for an indoor mobile radio channel. Adaptive arrays and their similarities to linear equalizers are also studied in this thesis. The properties and performance of simple adaptive array systems using the LMS and RLS algorithms are examined through simulation. This thesis concludes with an in-depth study of the use of adaptive equalization for high-speed data systems operating in an indoor environment. Both stationary and slowly varying radio channels are examined. Simulations of DFE and MLSE equalizers operating in such a system show that both equalizer structures provide better BER performance over a system with no equalization. These simulation results also show that the MLSE equalizer provides better performance than the DFE in almost all cases, but requires a great deal more computations. / Master of Science

Software Defined Radio (SDR) is a relatively new approach to develop wireless communication systems. SDR presents a framework for developing flexible, reconfigurable devices intended to alleviate some of the issues arising from the evolution of wireless technology. The Software Communications Architecture (SCA), developed by the Joint Tactical Radio System program of the US Department of Defense, is an open architecture for implementing SDR, relying on commercial technology, standard interfaces, and well-known design patterns. Although the SCA is intended to provide easier, faster development of flexible applications that are upgradeable and maintainable, the acceptance of the architecture has been limited in part by traditional radio engineers' lack of understanding modern software engineering techniques. Because of the steep learning curve, some developers face frustration and serious delays when first introduced to the SCA. This work presents a comprehensive tutorial which introduces radio engineers to the SCA and the techniques used in it. Another concern for accepting the SCA are the performance, size, cost, and power consuption difficulties faced in early implementations of the architecture. Traditionally, SCA implementations have been developed for platforms based on General Purpose Processors. This approach, while believed to be the easiest to implement, does not make the best out of available processor technology. In order to provide a more efficient implementation of radios based on the SCA, we present the design and development of an SCA Core Framework version 2.2 for a homogeneous TI C64 DSP platform. This framework is implemented by leveraging the existing implementation of the Open-Source SCA Implementation::Embedded (OSSIE) by porting it to the C64 platform. Two sample waveforms are developed and deployed to demonstrate the functionality of the framework. Preliminary performance and memory footprint profiling results are provided. / Master of Science

Wireless distributed computing networks (WDCNs) will become the next frontier of the wireless industry as the performance of wireless platforms is being increased every year and wireless industries are looking for "killer" applications for increased channel capacity. However, WDCNs have several unique problems compared with currently well-investigated methods for wireless sensor networks and wired distributed computing. For example, it is difficult for WDCNs to be power/energy efficient considering the uncertainty and heterogeneity of the wireless environment. In addition, the service model has to take account of the interference-limited feature of wireless channels to reduce the service delay. Our research proposes a two-phase model for WDCNs including the service provision phase and the service access phase according to different traffic patterns and performance requirements. For the service provision phase, we investigate the impact of communication channel conditions on the average execution time of the computing tasks within WDCNs. We then discuses how to increase the robustness and power efficiency for WDCNs subject to the impact of channel variance and spatial heterogeneity. A resource allocation solution for computation oriented WDCNs is then introduced in detail which mitigates the effects of channel variations with a stochastic programming solution. Stochastic geometry and queue theory are combined to analyze the average performance of service response time and to design optimal access strategies during the service access phase. This access model provides a framework to analyze the service access performance and evaluate whether the channel heterogeneity should be considered. Based on this analysis, optimal strategies to access the service nodes can be determined in order to reduce the service response time. In addition, network initialization and synchronization are investigated in order to build a multiple channel WDCN in dynamic spectrum access (DSA) environments. Further, an efficient primary user detection method is proposed to reduce the channel vacation latency for WDCNs in DSA environments. Finally, this dissertation presents the complete design and implementation of a WDCN on COgnitive Radio Network (CORNET). Based on SDR technologies, software dedicated to WDCNs is designed and implemented across the PHY layer, MAC layer, and application layer. System experiments are carried out to demonstrate the performance issues and solutions presented in this dissertation. Wireless distributed computing networks (WDCNs) will become the next frontier of the wireless industry as the performance of wireless platforms is being increased every year and wireless industries are looking for "killer" applications for increased channel capacity. However, WDCNs have several unique problems compared with currently well-investigated methods for wireless sensor networks and wired distributed computing. For example, it is difficult for WDCNs to be power/energy efficient considering the uncertainty and heterogeneity of the wireless environment. In addition, the service model has to take account of the interference-limited feature of wireless channels to reduce the service delay. Our research proposes a two-phase model for WDCNs including the service provision phase and the service access phase according to different traffic patterns and performance requirements. For the service provision phase, we investigate the impact of communication channel conditions on the average execution time of the computing tasks within WDCNs. We then discuses how to increase the robustness and power efficiency for WDCNs subject to the impact of channel variance and spatial heterogeneity. A resource allocation solution for computation oriented WDCNs is then introduced in detail which mitigates the effects of channel variations with a stochastic programming solution. Stochastic geometry and queue theory are combined to analyze the average performance of service response time and to design optimal access strategies during the service access phase. This access model provides a framework to analyze the service access performance and evaluate whether the channel heterogeneity should be considered. Based on this analysis, optimal strategies to access the service nodes can be determined in order to reduce the service response time. In addition, network initialization and synchronization are investigated in order to build a multiple channel WDCN in dynamic spectrum access (DSA) environments. Further, an efficient primary user detection method is proposed to reduce the channel vacation latency for WDCNs in DSA environments. Finally, this dissertation presents the complete design and implementation of a WDCN on COgnitive Radio Network (CORNET). Based on SDR technologies, software dedicated to WDCNs is designed and implemented across the PHY layer, MAC layer, and application layer. System experiments are carried out to demonstrate the performance issues and solutions presented in this dissertation. / Ph. D.

Modern wireless communications systems are constantly evolving and growing more complex. Recently, there has been a shift towards software defined radios due to the flexibility soft- ware implementations provide. This enables an easier development process, longer product lifetimes, and better adaptability for congested environments than conventional hardware systems. However, this shift introduces new attack surfaces where vulnerable implementa- tions can be exploited to disrupt communications or gain unauthorized access to a system. Previous research concerning wireless security mainly focuses on vulnerabilities within pro- tocols rather than in the radios themselves. This dissertation specifically addresses this new threat against software radios and introduces a new security model intended to mitigate this threat. We also demonstrate example exploits of waveforms which can result in either a denial-of-service or a compromise of the system from a wireless attack vector. These example exploits target vulnerabilities such as overflows, unsanitized control inputs, and unexpected state changes. We present a defense-in-depth security architecture for software radios that protects the system by isolating components within a waveform into different security zones. Exploits against vulnerabilities within blocks are contained by isolation zones which protects the rest of the system from compromise. This architecture is inspired by the concept of a microkernel and provides a minimal trusted computing base for developing secure radio systems. Unlike other previous security models, our model protects from exploits within the radio protocol stack itself and not just the higher layer application. Different isolation mechanisms such as containers or virtual machines can be used depending on the security risk imposed by a component and any security requirements. However, adding these isolation environments incurs a performance overhead for applications. We perform an analysis of multiple example waveforms to characterize the impact of isolation environments on the overall performance of an application and demonstrate the overhead generated from the added isolation can be minimal. Because of this, our defense-in-depth architecture should be applied to real-world, production systems. We finally present an example integration of the model within the GNU Radio framework that can be used to develop any waveform using the defense-in-depth se- curity architecture. / Doctor of Philosophy / In recent years, wireless devices and communication systems have become a common part of everyday life. Mobile devices are constantly growing more complex and with the growth in mobile networks and the Internet of Things, an estimated 20 billion devices will be connected in the next few years. Because of this complexity, there has been a recent shift towards using software rather than hardware for the primary functionality of the system. Software enables an easier and faster development process, longer product lifetimes through over- the-air updates, and better adaptability for extremely congested environments. However, these complex software systems can be susceptible to attack through vulnerabilities in the radio interfaces that allow attackers to completely control a targeted device. Much of the existing wireless security research only focuses on vulnerabilities within different protocols rather than considering the possibility of vulnerabilities in the radios themselves. This work specifically focuses on this new threat and demonstrates example exploits of software radios. We then introduce a new security model intended to protect against these attacks. The main goal of this dissertation is to introduce a new defense-in-depth security architecture for software radios that protects the system by isolating components within a waveform into different security zones. Exploits against the system are contained within the zones and unable to compromise the overall system. Unlike other security models, our model protects from exploits within the radio protocol stack itself and not just the higher layer application. Different isolation mechanisms such as containers or virtual machines can be used depending on the security risk imposed by a component and any security requirements for the system. However, adding these isolation environments incurs a performance overhead for applications. We also perform a performance analysis with several example applications and show the overhead generated from the added isolation can be minimal. Therefore, the defense-in-depth model should be the standard method for architecting wireless communication systems. We finally present a GNU Radio based framework for developing waveforms using the defense- in-depth approach.

A radio direction finding (DF) system uses a multiple-element antenna array coupled with one or more receivers to estimate the direction-of-arrival (DOA) of a targeted emitter using characteristics of the signal received at each of the antennas in the array. In general, DF systems can be classified both by the number of receivers employed as well as which characteristics of the received signal are used to produce the DOA estimate, such as the signal's amplitude, phase, or time of arrival. This work centers on the development and implementation of a novel single-channel direction finding system based on the differential phase of the target signal received by a uniform circular antenna array with a commutative switch. The algorithm is called the PLL DF Method and differs from older single-channel DF techniques in that it is a digital algorithm intended for implementation on a software-defined radio (SDR) platform with a custom-designed antenna array and RF switching network. It uses a bank of parallel software PLLs to estimate the phase of the signal received at each element of the multi-antenna array. Theses estimated phase values are then fed to a specialized signal processing block that estimates the DOA of the received signal. This thesis presents the details of the initial version of the PLL algorithm which was used to produce a proof-of-concept system with an eight-element circular array. It then discusses various technical challenges uncovered in the initial implementation and presents numerous enhancements to the algorithm to overcome these challenges, such as a modification to the PLL model to offer increased estimator robustness in the presence of a frequency offset between the transmitter and receiver, revisions of the software implementation to reduce the algorithm's processing requirements, and the adaptation of the DF algorithm for use with a 16-element circular array. The performance of the algorithm with these modifications under various conditions are simulated to investigate their impact on the DOA estimation process and the results of their implementation on an SDR are considered. / Master of Science

Traffic from wireless and mobile devices is predicted to increase 10-fold between 2014 and 2019, surpassing wired data traffic by 2016. Given the expected radio frequency (RF) capacity crunch, this growing wireless demand will have to be met using a variety of new technologies exploiting other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Promising research areas include the Millimetre Band as well as Optical Wireless Communications (OWC). Millimetre Band demonstrations have accomplished ultrafast multi-Gigabit links, making use of state-of-the-art fibre transmission systems. However, complex opto-electronic (OE) interfaces are required to convert the optical carrier into Millimetre wireless signals. To avoid these interfaces, an all-optical transparent network is proposed here, spanning over both the fibre and OWC domains, in order to deliver ultrahigh data rates to mobile end-users in indoor environments. This is supported by the recent deployment of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) networks creating the potential for Terabit aggregate connections at the user's doorstep. Therefore, infrared fibre-wireless-fibre (FWF) links are studied to support data rates over 100 Gb/s in nomadic applications. The link coverage is achieved via narrow beam beamsteering over a wide field-of-view (FOV) using suitable localization and tracking techniques. The proposed model is inherently bidirectional and transparent, i.e. independent of the data rate and modulation format. In this thesis, the potential for ultrafast wide coverage OWCs using SMF-based transceivers and coherent transmission is demonstrated. A record data rate of 418 Gb/s and 209 Gb/s with a wide FOV of θ_FOV=±30° and θ_FOV=±20°, respectively, is shown at a free space range of 3 m. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fastest demonstration of an indoor wireless link that offers practical room-scale coverage. The automated alignment of this FWF link is also demonstrated with the design and implementation a mm-accurate localization and tracking system. Finally, architectures for point-to-multipoint communications are explored in order to adapt the system to multiple users.

In this thesis a simulated annealing algorithm is employed as an optimization tool for a large scale optimization problem in wireless communication. In this application, we have 100 places for transition antennas and 100 places for receivers, and also a channel between each position in both areas. Our aim is to nd, say the best 3 positions there, in a way that the channel capacity is maximized. The number of possible combinations is huge. Hence, nding the best channel will take a very long time using an exhaustive search. To solve this problem, we use a simulated annealing algorithm and estimate the best answer. The simulated annealing algorithm chooses a random element, and then from the local search algorithm, compares the selected element with its neighbourhood. If the selected element is the maximum among its neighbours, it is a local maximum. The strength of the simulated annealing algorithm is its ability to escape from local maximum by using a random mechanism that mimics the Boltzmann statistic.