Antennas: Near and Far – Part 2

In this short course, we will take a closer look at antennas and their diverse methods of use in wireless networks. We will first review the traditional viewpoint of using antennas 1) antennas which are near-by, like in MIMO systems, are good and 2) antennas which are far-away, like in multiuser systems, cause interference and are problematic. Then we will review the ideas which have emerged in last decade 1′) antennas which are near-by, like in full-duplex, are problematic, and 2′) antennas which are far-away, like in cooperatively coded systems, are good. The contrasting viewpoints will help us appreciate that our understanding of wireless systems is far from complete, and wireless continues to be an active and vibrant area of research.

Course Lab: While the lectures will focus on concepts and pointers to ongoing research, the course has a lab component. Using a custom developed WARPCloud, each student will be conducting brief experiments to appreciate the basic concepts in MIMO, Interference, Cooperation and Full-duplex.

Acknowledgement: The WARPCloud was developed and provided by Mango Communications, especially for the Microsoft Summer School attendees. Special thanks to Dr. Patrick Murphy, Dr. Christopher Hunter and Mr. Erik Welsh of Mango Communications, who took time off their busy work schedules and contributed towards the important mission of free educational tools for all.