Self-configurable air interface (SURFACE)

Aalborg University is a partner in the specific targeted research project SURFACE under the 6th framework programme. SURFACE aims at studying and evaluating the performance of a novel generalised air interface capable of self-reconfiguring in order to satisfy global network QoS (Quality of Service) requirements, based on imperfect channel and traffic knowledge.

The project considers several standardised access, as well as generalised Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technologies. The focus is on general procedures for air interface reconfiguration (physical layer), in addition to multi-user scheduling and other advanced radio resource management support for the general network scenario in both the uplink (multiple-access) and downlink (broadcast) channels. Aalborg University's role in the project is mainly on the radio resource management procedures and overall evaluation of the SURFACE concept. The project started primo 2006 and will be completed by the end of 2008. At the current stage, the developed analytical framework is being analysed on the network level with the aim to select an optimised framework.