Piet Demeester, working closely with colleagues Ingrid Moerman and Guy Torfs, will conduct groundbreaking research into new wireless networking technology that can replace current cabled networks in challenging environments.
Envision a future manufacturing plant characterized by flexibility, where robots seamlessly navigate the factory floor, executing a myriad of intricate tasks in perfect harmony. This vision hinges on the ability of these robots to communicate rapidly, reliably, and synchronously, making wired connections impractical due to their inherent mobility.
DCAP or Distributed Coordinated Access Point, the innovative wireless technology Piet will pursue, will revolutionize the conventional paradigm of multiple mobile devices connecting to a single wireless access point. Instead, it will employ a multitude of access points working in concert to serve mobile devices. This transformative approach, known as Cell-Free massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (CFmMIMO), eliminates the need for a designated cell around an antenna and obviates the complexities associated with handovers during movement.
However, realizing this vision poses several challenges that demand careful consideration. Achieving extreme synchronization among the distributed antennas is imperative, as wireless signals exchanged between mobile robots and multiple fixed antennas must seamlessly collaborate. Furthermore, the information exchanged among robots through distributed access points must be highly reliable and exhibit low latency to avoid hazardous situations and optimize operational efficiency. To address these challenges, the team plans to leverage their successful openWiFi experimentation platform.
Moreover, the implementation of a cost-effective solution is paramount for the success of this venture. In this regard, the application of a Sigma-Delta-Over-Fiber Fronthaul Network, developed under the ERC Advanced Grant ATTO, will play a pivotal role in ensuring accurate time synchronization.
By addressing these multifaceted challenges, the research team aims to propel the realization of a wireless networking technology that redefines the possibilities for communication in dynamic and demanding environments.
