Research labs
Within CIS there are four specialist laboratories.
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The Cognitive Networks Laboratory (Includes the Optical Networks Laboratory), Prof Pandelis Kourtessis
The lab supports research in access networks, network softwarisation and agile service deployment applicable to cognition-based networks. The lab has generated impact related to the launch of a Next-Generation Video Broadcasting System. The Broadcast WiFi technology (Bx-WiFi) is developed through a partnership with the BBC R&D and Global Invacom with funds from ESA. We have been granted 2 international patents and have contributed to the Broadcast Services Study Group (BCS SG) with a new services amendment to the IEEE 802.11 standard
Facilities
Facilities, include:
- MAC and physical layer LTE optimisation, radio-over-fibre for fibre-wireless mm-wave 5G, and multiuser (x32 split) 10 Gbps passive optical network enabling wireless and optical coexistence, using our modular long range (60km) PON fibre optic testbed
- a real-time emulated variable topology Ethernet distribution network, custom written SDN controller applications, and real-time satellite topology emulator for the implementation of SDN control and orchestration for bespoke one-to-many video service applications, intelligent WiFi control, and high throughput satellite based 5G links for SDN enabled massive video delivery
- real-time QoE optimisation in both wired and wireless video delivery networks using new algorithms based on swarm intelligence and combinatorial optimisation in combination with product trial data that is used as a data set
- FPGA acceleration capabilities for wireless digital telecommunication using an array of SDRs and application specific radio hardware in the DC – 6GHz range
- array of End Users (50x Raspberry Pis) capable of testing wireless networks (2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi), orchestration algorithms, and clustered applications
- latest generation Xilinx RFSoC FPGAs with integrated 8x 10GSamp/s DACs, 8x 5GSamp/s ADCs and very large DSP resources; used for Phased Array Gateway design.
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Wireless Communications and RF Systems Laboratory, Prof Yichuang Snu
Research in the lab focuses in signal processing and RF circuits and systems including analogue and digital mixed-signal circuits.
Facilities
Facilities, include:
- experimental capabilities in RF systems
- 60GHz communication transceivers for high throughput outdoor backhaul mmWave communications
- transceivers for indoor mmWave wave applications
- SDR equipment and electronics and RF prototyping equipment such as PCB fabrication machine and 3D printers
- high end simulators.
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Smart Systems Laboratory, Dr Iosif Mporas
Research in the lab focuses on Machine Learning, AI-based Energy management and Multimodal human-machine interaction
Facilities
Facilities, include:
- high-spec computers (e.g. i7 7700k 64gb RAM 2x 1080Ti Nvidia) for deep learning on big data and an interface to the University’s High Performance Computing Linux cluster with around 1400 computing cores with over 500 Tb of fast central storage
- the cluster was recently upgraded with 16 new large computer nodes (AMD EPYC chips with 64 cores each and 256 GB of RAM) sitting on a single fast Infiniband switch
- body motion sensors
- multi-Camera motion sensors
- experimental devices for EEG monitoring and brain-computer interfacing
- acoustic and ultrasound microphones and wearable motion sensors
- a prototype smart grid consisting of solar panels, wind turbines and a Tesla Powerwall.
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VR and Robotics Laboratory, Dr Salvatore Livatino
The lab specialises in the use of immersive visualization in user interfaces to support teleoperation of robots and medical devices, as well as tele-exploration of remote environments.
Facilities
- acquisition systems (3D cameras, head/eye/motion trackers)
- visualisation systems (3D/VR/AR displays and headsets)
- application systems (robot platforms and medical prototypes)
- access to 2 Large and Medium-size Interactive VR Powerwalls for data innovation.