Elizabeth Rendon-Morales

XPLIT: A cross-layer architecture for TCP services over DVB-S2/ETSI QoS BSM

This article proposes XPLIT, a new architecture based on TCP cross-layering and splitting for optimizing the transport layer performance in a DVB-S2 satellite link that employs the ETSI QoS Broadband Satellite Multimedia Services (BSM) standard. The main novelty of our proposal is a complete architecture that perfectly fits this new DVB-S2/ETSI QoS BSM scenario. Our architecture includes the design of satellite-optimized cross-layer TCP protocol, called XPLIT-TCP that uses two control loops to properly manage the system load. The proposal has been implemented to be tested in the NS-2 simulator and we include the most interesting performance evaluation results, which show the excellent performance of our architecture for the intended scenario.

Cross‐layer packet scheduler for QoS support over Digital Video Broadcasting‐Second Generation broadband satellite systems

This article presents a cross-layer packet scheduler to provide end-to-end QoS guarantees for Digital Video Broadcasting-Second Generation (DVB-S2) broadband satellite systems. The scheduler design is based on a cross-layer mechanism defined between the physical and the network layer. It includes an algorithm to guarantee the required QoS specifications established in the service level agreement. The algorithm calculation depends basically on two parameters: the available bandwidth present in a DVB-S2 satellite link and the QoS requirements of each traffic class defined by the satellite operator. The cross-layer schedulers operation is demonstrated using the NS-2 simulator tool. The results show that the proposed mechanism maximizes the bandwidth utilization while enforcing the priority level of each service class when an extreme reduction of bandwidth caused by rain events is experienced. Copyright (C) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article presents a cross-layer packet scheduler to provide end-to-end QoS guarantees for Digital Video Broadcasting-Second Generation (DVB-S2) broadband satellite systems. The scheduler design is based on a cross-layer mechanism defined between the physical and the network layer. It includes an algorithm to guarantee the required QoS specifications established in the service level agreement. The algorithm calculation depends basically on two parameters: the available bandwidth present in a DVB-S2 satellite link and the QoS requirements of each traffic class defined by the satellite operator. The cross-layer schedulers operation is demonstrated using the NS-2 simulator tool. The results show that the proposed mechanism maximizes the bandwidth utilization while enforcing the priority level of each service class when an extreme reduction of bandwidth caused by rain events is experienced.

Non-invasive electrocardiogram detection of in vivo zebrafish embryos using electric potential sensors

In this letter, we report the continuous detection of the cardiac electrical activity in embryonic zebrafish using a non-invasive approach. We present a portable and cost-effective platform based on the electric potential sensing technology, to monitor in vivo electrocardiogram activity from the zebrafish heart. This proof of principle demonstration shows how electrocardiogram measurements from the embryonic zebrafish may become accessible by using electric field detection. We present preliminary results using the prototype, which enables the acquisition of electrophysiological signals from in vivo 3 and 5 days-post-fertilization zebrafish embryos. The recorded waveforms show electrocardiogram traces including detailed features such as QRS complex, P and T waves.

Performance evaluation of selected Transmission Control Protocol variants over a digital video broadcasting-second generation broadband satellite multimedia system with QoS

This paper presents an analysis of several Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) variants working over a digital video broadcasting-second generation (DVB-S2) satellite link with the support of the Differentiated Services (DiffServ) architecture to provide quality of service (QoS). This analysis is carried out using the NS-2 simulator tool. Three TCP variants are considered: SACK TCP, Hybla TCP, and CUBIC TCP. These TCP variants are taken as a starting point because they have proven to be the most suitable variants to deal with long delays present in satellite links. The DVB-S2 link also introduces the challenge of dealing with variable bandwidth, whereas the DiffServ architecture introduces the challenge of dealing with different priorities. In this paper, we propose a DiffServ model that includes a modified queuing mechanism to enhance the goodput of the assured forwarding traffic class. This modified DiffServ model is simulated and tested, considering the interaction of the selected TCP variants. In addition, we present evaluation metrics, significant simulations results, and conclusions about the performance of these TCP variants evaluated over the proposed scenario. As a general conclusion, we show that CUBIC TCP is the TCP variant that shows the best performance in terms of goodput, latency, and friendlinessThis paper presents an analysis of several Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) variants working over a digital video broadcasting-second generation (DVB-S2) satellite link with the support of the Differentiated Services (DiffServ) architecture to provide quality of service (QoS). This analysis is carried out using the NS-2 simulator tool. Three TCP variants are considered: SACK TCP, Hybla TCP, and CUBIC TCP. These TCP variants are taken as a starting point because they have proven to be the most suitable variants to deal with long delays present in satellite links. The DVB-S2 link also introduces the challenge of dealing with variable bandwidth, whereas the DiffServ architecture introduces the challenge of dealing with different priorities. In this paper, we propose a DiffServ model that includes a modified queuing mechanism to enhance the goodput of the assured forwarding traffic class. This modified DiffServ model is simulated and tested, considering the interaction of the selected TCP variants. In addition, we present evaluation metrics, significant simulations results, and conclusions about the performance of these TCP variants evaluated over the proposed scenario. As a general conclusion, we show that CUBIC TCP is the TCP variant that shows the best performance in terms of goodput, latency, and friendliness.

Adaptive packet scheduling for the support of QoS over DVB-S2 satellite systems

This paper presents an adaptive algorithm for managing the weights of a weighted round robin (WRR) scheduler. The weights calculation depends on the capacity variations present in a Digital Video Broadcasting-Second Generation (DVB-S2) satellite link. The algorithm optimizes the bandwidth utilization while satisfying the QoS requirements for different traffic classes. The operation of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated by using the NS-2 simulator environment. The results show that the proposed adaptive WRR algorithm optimizes the bandwidth utilization while enforcing the priority level of each service class even in an extreme reduction of bandwidth caused by rain events.

Cross-layer architecture for TCP splitting in the return channel over satellite networks

Transport protocols used in satellite networks face challenges such as variable link capacity, large propagation delay effects and packet corruption. In this paper a new cross-layer architecture for TCP splitting is proposed in the return link of geostationary satellite networks to improve the TCP performance. This new cross-layer architecture defines the interactions between layers to coordinate the TCP splitters taking into account the real-time cross-layer information. This feedback information is sent from the Return Channel Satellite Terminal to the feeder Performance Enhancement Proxy using the Simple Network Management Protocol. A complete analysis of our proposed cross-layer architecture has been carried out using NS-2 simulator to compare it with the standard TCP splitting. The simulation results show that our proposal notably reduces the transfer times for short lived connections. Moreover, it is observed that sudden variations of capacity in the return satellite channel are perfectly tracked by this new cross-layer architecture and not by the standard TCP splitting.

Analysis of TCP variants over a QoS DVB-S2 system

This paper presents a performance analysis of the TCP protocol considering the DiffServ architecture to provide Quality of Service guarantees working over a Digital Video Broadcasting-Second Generation (DVB-S2) satellite system. The analysis is carried out using the NS-2 simulator tool where three TCP variants are considered: Sack TCP, Hybla TCP and Cubic TCP. The objective is to evaluate the TCP performance taking in to account goodput, friendliness and fairness parameters and the most typical problems presented in a DVB-S2 satellite link such as delay, losses and bandwidth variations.

Non-invasive recordings of fetal electrocardiogram during pregnancy using electric potential sensors

In this letter, we report the early detection of fetal cardiac electrical activity recorded from the maternal abdomen non-invasively. We developed a portable and non-invasive, prototype based on electric potential sensing technology to monitor both: the mother and fetal heart activity during pregnancy. In this proof of principle demonstration, we show the suitability of our technology to monitor the fetal heart development starting at week twenty, when the fetus heart is approximately one-tenth the size of an adult’s heart. The study was conducted for ten weeks to demonstrate how the maturation of the fetus leads to a change on the heart rate dynamics as it approaches birth. Importantly, electrocardiogram information is presented without any post processing given that our device eliminates the requirement of signal conditioning algorithms such as having to un-mix both, the maternal and fetal cardiac waveforms. The provided ECG trace allows extracting the heart rate and other heart activity parameters useful for further diagnostics. Finally, our device does not require any gels to be applied so movement induced potential is eliminated. This technology has the potential to be used for determining possible heart related congenital disorders during pregnancy.

Functional characterization of developing heart in embryos using Electric Potential Sensors

The characterization of the electrocardiographic activity of the living zebrafish heart during early developmental stages is a challenging task. Most of the available techniques are limited to heartbeat rate quantification being this inaccurate. Other invasive methodologies require the insertion of electrodes noise isolated environments and advanced amplification stages making these techniques very expensive. In this paper, we present a novel and non-invasive sensor development to characterize the functional activity of the developing heart of in vivo zebrafish embryos. The design is based on the Electric Potential Sensing technology patented at Sussex which has been developed to achieve reproducibility and continuous detection. We present preliminary functional characterization data of the developing zebrafish heart starting at 3 days-post-fertilization. Results show that using the proposed system for mapping the electrocardiographic activity of the zebrafish heart at early developmental stages is successfully accomplished. This is the first time that such a sensitive sensor has been developed for measuring the electrical changes occurring on micron sized (<; 100 μm) living samples such as the zebrafish heart.

Towards the correlation between human hydration and the electrical activity of the heart using Electric Potential Sensors

Dehydration has been associated with several adverse effects on health and well-being such as the progressive reduction in the ability to concentrate as well as the levels of alertness when fluid intake is restricted. Currently, hydration assessment has been performed using various methods ranging from simple clinical procedures to more complex techniques. However, most of these currently used technologies are not accurate and in some cases are extremely invasive. In this paper we propose a new methodology to assess human hydration using Electric Potential Sensing technology. It is based on measuring the electric field generated by the human body. We propose to correlate the electrical activity of the heart with different levels of human hydration. For evaluating this proof of principle the proposed methodology was assessed considering several healthy subjects. The results presented show that it is possible to assess the level of hydration by measuring changes in the electric field generated by the heart using our proposed sensor technology.