Evaluation in Real-World Conditions of Signal Processing Algorithms Using CSI-Acquisition Wi-Fi Cards

– 2021 Mitacs Globalink Internships – By the Wireless Lab at the EMT Centre of INRS (Project ID 24700)

Introduction:

Channel parameter estimation plays a crucial role in wireless communication systems. Parameters such carrier frequency and timing offsets can be exploited for synchronization purposes. Other parameters such as direction of arrival are well suited for localization. Most existing works very often rely on theoretical assumptions that still need to be tested using practical hardware equipment. One possible interesting solution is to exploit off-the-shelf Wi-Fi cards already integrated in today’s computers. These Activities cards (e.g., Intel NIC and Atheros) require a specific driver to be installed in order to obtain the channel state information (CSI). However, such information could turn out to be insufficient for testing the so-called “blind” or non-data-aided (NDA) estimation techniques (i.e., do not require a-priori-known pilot, beacon, or reference symbols). Indeed, the drivers of the Wi-Fi cards mentioned above have been modified in order to acquire only the CSI from the subcarriers with known symbols. Hence, testing blind or NDA estimation techniques would be impossible without further modifications. 

Student Role:

In this project, the student will use the Atheros cards to create a network of multiple nodes for the testing of localization and channel parameter estimation techniques previously developed by our team at the Wireless Lab ?www.wirelesslab.ca?. In the first phase of this project, he/she will create a fully working network using different Atheros cards. This step includes the successful implementation of modified drivers, testing and monitoring the transmitted and received packets, and most importantly extracting the CSI using the modified drivers. In the second phase of this project, he/she will focus on analyzing the extracted CSI at each receiving node. The CSI will be used to test compatible localization and channel parameter estimation techniques previously developed by our team. In the third and final phase of this project, he/she will focus on adapting the Atheros card driver to extract the received symbols, not only the CSI, to enable the testing of blind or NDA estimation techniques that require both types of information. 

Required Skills:

The candidate should have an electrical engineering background, basic knowledge of signal processing and communication theory, and a solid background in linear algebra and probability theory. Prior exposure to statistical signal processing such as estimation and detection theory would be an asset. The candidate should be familiar with C, C++, Python, and MATLAB. The candidate should be dynamic, self-motivated, and team player; qualities strongly required for successful involvement in collaborative R&D projects carried out in close collaboration with our industrial partners from which the candidate can gain precious hands-on experience and soft skills with significantly-increased potential.

Additional Info:

?? For more info, please click [here].