Smart Antenna Research Laboratory

The mission of the SARL is to employ multiple antennas in radio transmissions to enhance the performance of wireless networks.  For example, it considers how separate, inexpensive radios, each with just one antenna, can work together to form a “virtual array” that achieves the same benefits afforded by an expensive, real array; these benefits include longer transmission range, higher data rates, and increased reliability. SARL is especially interested in how multiple-antenna solutions can be best employed within a network, not just in an isolated link. SARL investigates routing and medium access control (MAC) protocols that exploit multiple antennas in innovative ways, for instance, using range extension to enable decades-long, maintenance-free lifetimes for sensor networks, and to use multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) spatial multiplexing to improve the throughput of ad hoc and mesh networks. SARL strives for a balance of theoretical and experimental research; it values practical solutions in real environments, and builds and tests prototypes.  It has recently developed a 20-node ad hoc network of software-defined radios (SDRs), and it is using this network to test its latest distributed MIMO-based routing protocols. 

Fall 2011: Special Project Opportunity:

Build and Test a Massive Software-Defined Radio Network

(more detail at the bottom of this page)

Tallulah Gorge, Georgia, June 2010

Stone Mountain, Georgia, March 2009

Fall 2011: Special Project Opportunity - Details

The student will take part in building and testing a 40-node network of Software-defined radios and its corresponding telemetry network. The tasks include network socket programming in Linux O/S, Python scripts programming, C++ programming and data analysis. The ideal Special Problem student will have the following:

Requirements

• Wireless communication knowledge (ECE4606 or ECE6602)
• Experience of  Linux O/S
• Programming language skill (i.e., Python or C++)
• MATLAB

Beneficial Skills

• Linux socket programming
• WxGUI

The student will assist Prof. Ingram’s PhD students in taking measurements, which will be usually done at off-work hours. The student will gain experience in hands-on trouble shooting, experiment automation, and data analysis, as well as learn about wireless ad hoc networks and cooperative transmission.

If you are interested and have these skills, please contact Prof. Ingram at mai@gatech.edu

Last revised on August 9, 2010.