Massimo Celidonio

Experimental study on Protection Distances between LTE and DVB-T stations operating in adjacent UHF frequency bands

The present work aims to provide an effective contribution in the analysis of the coexistence problem between DVB-T signals, operating in the lower part of the UHF band (470–790 MHz), and signals of future mobile communication systems (LTE), operating in the digital dividend portion of the UHF spectrum (from 790 MHz to 862 MHz), resulting from the digital switchover process. Simulation analysis are carried out to estimate adjacent channel interfering effects of LTE Base Station (BS) and User Equipment (UE) signals on DVB-T receiver systems, through the computation of the correspondent Protection Distance in some specific operative scenarios. The goal of this analysis is to provide valuable inputs, in the mentioned frequency bands, in case of new mobile cellular networks deployment.

Femtocell technology combined to a condominium cabled infrastructure

Fixed-mobile convergence has the potentiality to break down some of the physical barriers that now prevent telecom service providers from reaching all of their potential customers with all types of services. The breakthrough combination of wireline backhaul with wireless technology seems to represent a concrete quantum leap in terms of spectrum utilization, capacity and quality of service as well as it allows costs reduction and service differentiation.

A self-powered wireless sensor for water/gas metering systems

Much has been written about the benefits of wireless sensors which enable measurements in harsh or hermetic environments. However, the problem concerning battery replacement is still open. This paper presents a new solution for a wireless self-powered sensors network, which allows the harvesting of energy from the action of a turbine wheel rotating in the path of a fluid stream environment. This new family of devices can find application in water/gas smart metering systems, subject of very large interest today. Furthermore, the proposed approach suggests a wireless network planning designed to eliminate problems related to a large cell radio architecture.

A centralised DC power supply solution for LED lighting networks

In the context of the FP7 CIP-ICT Programme, the EDISON project1 has the ambitious goal to introduce a new way of thinking lighting networks in buildings, for both retrofitting actions and new constructions. It proposes an innovative ICT-based solution for lighting infrastructure that aims to improve power efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions and encourage the use of small-scale renewable energy sources in public and private buildings. In particular, this paper focuses on a relevant aspect of the EDISON solution: the centralization of DC power supply in a LED lighting infrastructure. To this aim, a short analysis has been carried out in order to give evidence of the benefits arising from the application of this approach. Finally, preliminary results achieved in targeted Pilot actions, implemented in different European countries, have been reported.

SafeTRIP: A Bi-Directional Communication System Operating in S-Band for Road Safety and Incident Prevention

SafeTRIP is a project in progress partially financed by the Seventh Framework Programmes (FP7) European research and development activities in the subtheme of Sustainable Surface Transportation. SafeTRIP intends to implement a demonstrator of an integrated system, from data collection to service provision, that aims at optimising the use of road transport infrastructures. In this paper a general overview of the SafeTRIP architecture is presented. A detailed analysis and description of the functionalities characterizing the main elements of the system and a brief description of infomobility services such as alerting, disaster recovery and dynamic traffic data is given. A relevant part of this architecture is the Satellite Communication System which operates through the W2A Geostationary Satellite. To have an idea of the potentialities of the proposed system, a summary of functional requirements and performances relating to different types of services implemented is reported.

An integrated access network infrastructure combining femtocells to existing cabled networks

Wireless technology is a fast, flexible and easy-to-deploy solution to provide broadband access. In this context, the adoption of Femtocell Access Points, operating in the licensed cellular bands and typically designed to be used in SOHO, will improve the radio coverage and the building penetration of the existing mobile networks, based on macrocells. In the present paper an innovative approach to access the end user, relying on infrastructural integration of femtocellular technology with existing cabled networks, is proposed. This peculiar solution is further strengthened by the growing interest towards the possible deployment of mobile technologies in both the last portion of the UHF band V and the GSM frequency band, resulting from the re-farming process.

A Femtocellular-Cabled Solution for Broadband Wireless Access: A Qualitative and Comparative Analysis

Broadband Wireless Access is a strategic opportunity for mobile operators which aim to provide connectivity in digital divide areas, in order to accelerate speed of deployment and save in installation costs. This paper presents an innovative approach to access the end user, relying on infrastructural integration of femtocellular technology with existing cabled network. Usually, the adoption of Femtocell Access Points, operating in the licensed cellular bands typically designed to be used in SOHO, improves the radio coverage and the building penetration of the existing mobile networks, based on macrocells. In the proposed solution, the peculiar functionality of femtocells is further improved using a MATV/SMATV cabled infrastructure which facilitates the signal connection inside the building. The potentiality of the solution is even more evident, taking into account the growing interest towards the possible deployment of new mobile technologies, like LTE in both the last portion of the UHF band V and the GSM frequency band, resulting from the re-farming process.

Outdoor-indoor propagation measurements in the 3.6-4.2 GHz band

The purpose of the present work is to analyse an outdoor-indoor radio link (external transmitter, inner receiver), with the aim of estimating the impact of the hazardous effects on a transmitted impulsive signal at a frequency of 4 GHz. The necessary instrumentation and premises for the execution of experiment have been kindly provided in part by the Fondazione Ugo Bordoni and in part by the Advanced Institute of Communications. In this analysis particular attention has been paid to signal attenuation due to the penetration inside the building, which is actually a function of the material of the building, the dimension of the windows, the direction of the incident wave and other parameters.

A new LMDS Architecture based on TLN

Two central trends are defining the next major phase of network evolution and market opportunity: broadband networking and wireless access. In line with this evolution, the demand of Local Multipoint Distribution Service (LMDS) radio-networks, object of standardisation within the standard bodies (ETSI, CEPT, etc.), is increasing. A basic LMDS network is comprised of an omni-directional or sectorized base station, user antennas with network interface units and/or set-top boxes, and equipment required for wide area network interconnection, such as links to a telephone central office or CATV head end. In the present paper an alternative approach to this architecture is considered. This architecture is based on a Two-Layer Network (TLN) which consists of subscribers grouped in microcells included in a macrocell where the LMDS signal is transmitted. The TLN flexibility in terms of coverage area, due to the usage of Local Repeaters (LRs), that could be allocated on the basis of the physical configuration of the user premises, makes the LMDS-TLN an attractive solution worthy of investigation and implementation.

On the correlation between transmission quality-of-service (QOS) parameters and image quality of digitally transmitted video in radio terrestrial broadcasting

In this paper the correlation between user-oriented perception based objective measures of digital video quality and signal impairments due to a broadcast radio channel is investigated using simulation. The simulation chain encompasses an MPEG-2 codec, channel coding and OFDM modulation to transmit the signal, then the modulated signal is corrupted by the radio channel (which is assumed frequency selective) and by the receiver AWGN. The amount of degradation introduced is quantified by comparing the same video quality measures at the source and at the receiver end. The amount of degradation is finally related to radio channel characteristics, bit error rate (BER), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and error burst distribution.