Project Lead: Associate Professor De Mi
Reference: CEBE-DM-B6GIMN
6G cellular communication is predicted to be commercially ready in 2030. A key element of its vision is forming around the connection of different worlds. Under the trend with ubiquitously deployed cellular communication systems in place, the integration of multiple network-enabled functions, e.g., RF sensing, is becoming more and more attractive to extend the network service capabilities and to enable the representation of physical world in software with the necessary context information from the environment.
The project will involve problem formulation, solution finding and prototype implementation of advanced features, e.g., network intelligence, integrated sensing and communications, and cyber security, on top of the multifunctional network architecture. The project will define use cases, key technology building blocks for system design with solutions and open research questions, e.g., cyber security embedded on the network protocol layers or physical layer, and how to apply the AI and machine learning (ML) into the network with integrated multiple functionalities. The project will also develop a proof-of-concept (PoC) prototype based on commercially available 5G and Beyond communications hardware, with sensing-specific algorithmic extensions. This prototype implementation will showcase how the proposed solution performs jointly high data-rate communications and radar sensing in the same frequency band.
Anticipated Findings and Contribution to Knowledge:
Overall, the PhD student will understand the fundamental limits of technologies used for the current ISAC systems and in general the multifunctional networks. There is also a need for wide understanding across different layers of the mobile network, as the industry moves quickly towards a holistic implementation of multifunctional networks for 5G and Beyond.
Publication-wise, the background for system design for multifunctional networks in cellular 5G-A and 6G systems will be surveyed and structured into a literature review paper. Technical building blocks with solution options and research challenges will be addressed and published in high-impact venues. Then, a novel PoC implementation with results will be put together into a technical and patentable article, which will show how existing 5G hardware can or cannot provide a good basis for adding sensing capabilities on top and that objects can be detected well and become separated from clutter with appropriate algorithms.
Contributions to standardisation bodies such as 3GPP may be made based on the developed solutions.
Further Information:
The successful candidate has access to necessary facilities like HPC, laptop, 5G and networking lab and other relevant software tools.
Some relevant software tools for this project include: MATLAB, Python, TensorFlow, Wireshark etc.
The successful candidate will be expected to work in close collaboration with research teams of the University of Surrey and industry partners (Samsung Cambridge and Hanshow Technology).
Person Specification:
Candidates should have a first-class honours degree or equivalent, or a good MSc Degree, in Communications, Signal Processing, Network, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering or Mathematics.
Candidates must be confident in design and development of communication systems or communication networks.
International applicants must also provide a valid English language qualification, such as International English Language Test System (IELTS) or equivalent with an overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0.
To discuss Project CEBE-DM-B6GIMN, please contact: Associate Professor De Mi
PhD Classic Doctoral Training Grant Funding Information
This funding model includes a 36 month fully funded PhD Studentship, in-line with the Research Council values, which comprises a tax-free stipend paid monthly (2024/5 - £19,237) per year and a Full Time Fee Scholarship for up to 3 years, subject to you making satisfactory progression within your PhD.
All applicants will receive the same stipend irrespective of fee status.
Application Closing Date:
23:59 on Tuesday 1st October 2024 for a start date of the 3rd February 2025.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the project proposal form, ensuring that you quote the project reference (CEBE-DM-B6GIMN), and then complete the online application where you will be required to upload your proposal in place of a personal statement as a pdf document.
You will also be required to upload two references, at least one being an academic reference, and your qualification(s) of entry - Bachelor/Masters certificate(s) and transcript(s).