Project Technical Concept
In this proposed research, we direct signal processing and network traffic optimization from analytical approaches to data-driven inferring, especially neural network (NN) based approaches. Convolutional and recurrent NN models will be developed in optical fibre and radio communication networks to mitigate stochastic distortions, to optimise network lightpath and to facilitate network load allocation. We will exploit heterogeneous data analysis to build models for optical fibre and radio access channels and to estimate traffic load to optimise both the deployment and operations of optical and radio networks. We will design ML algorithms and ANNs that facilitate future high-capacity optical and radio communications to enable a new age of intelligent communication networks beyond 5G. The proposal is developed to address the following open issues in elastic optical fibre systems and radio access networks:
- How to overcome the increasing complexities in the physical channel and network resources of both the optical and radio communication systems using a data-driven probabilistic modelling approach.
- How to characterise and enhance the capacity of optical communication systems by optimally compensating for dynamic power-dependent fibre nonlinear impairments
- How to use ML inferring to reveal the full potential of massive MIMO, mmWave beamforming in practice, how to transplant theoretical ML, especially the ANN training process in a physical radio link
- How to develop fundamentally new proactive AI techniques tailored for joint topology optimisation of OCNs and RANs based on the traffic demand
Approaches
To address the research and innovation (R&I) objectives, DIOR pursues tight academic-industrial cooperation combined with effective integration of the partners’ expertise in radio systems, RANs, optical communication systems, OCNs, and AI-based signal processing and topology optimisation. These skills combined are essential for obtaining fundamental understanding, acquiring new knowledge, and devising optimal solutions for intelligent and robust OCNs and RANs. All R&I tasks demonstrate intersectoral aspects as they are both academically challenging and industrially relevant and will contribute to the strengthening of knowledge and competitiveness of Europe in ICT.
The DIOR project is organised into five work packages (WPs) (see Table B2.1). WPs 1-4 focus on R&I objectives. WP5 implements dissemination, exploitation and public engagement activities, and project
management. Each WP has a leader: TAU (WP1), UoW (WP2), SK (WP3), IT (WP4) and UoW (WP5). R&I WP leaders are responsible for: (1) coordinating intersite WP to complete the R&I tasks and deliverables on time; (2) exploiting the complementary
Technical Objectives
The corresponding research objectives to address the challenges are as follows
ML-based DPD
Develop new ML-based digital pre-distortion (DPD) methods for linearizing base-station power amplifiers, and thus to enhance the radio signal quality in massive MIMO and radio network power efficiency
Audio/Video Aided Beamforming
Develop fusion model for acoustic/video context information (user behaviour, trajectory, location) and radio beamforming design for high accurate beam alignment & management in 5G NR.
Learn-based physical radio link
Develop the ANN-based baseband radio processing without dependence of explicit channel model, and evaluate the performance of stochastic gradient descent (SDG) method
Load demand awareness modelling
Curate high-resolution physical layer and traffic demand data to achieve high-fidelity channel models.
AI-based optical channel model
Develop power-dependent channel models for optical fibre system to include stochastic impairments.
NNs for compensating nonlinear optical impairments
Develop ANN frameworks to compensate for stochastic nonlinear impairments in optical fibres and semiconductor lasers.
OCN topology optimisation
Design algorithms and signal path topologies to optimally allocate the latency and load of communication networks with intelligent flexibility.
Joint optimisation of OCNs and RANs
Design mechanisms to integrate data and load analysis to optimise the resource allocation of optical and radio access networks.