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Cellular network-connected unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) experience different radio propagation conditions than radio nodes on the ground. Therefore, it has become critical to investigate the performance of aerial radios, both theoretically and through field trials. In this article, we consider low-altitude aerial nodes that are served by an experimental cellular network. We provide a detailed description of the hardware and software components needed to establish a broadband wireless testbed for UAV communications research using software radios. Results show that a testbed for innovation in UAV communications and networking is feasible with commercial off-the-shelf hardware, open source software, and low-power signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One popular subject of 6G research is the millimeter wave and Tera Hertz frequency bands for which there is both enthusiasm and pessimism. The expected adoption of high bands in 6G has been known to cause two major problems for deployment: a reduced coverage radius and a drastic increase of small coverage holes within the radius. This article examines practical constraints that may hinder the commercial success of high band deployment and proposes an approach that addresses many of the concerns from operators. The proposal is particularly effective in minimizing small coverage holes in addition to improving the system capacity, thus improving the chance for the adoption of high bands for cellular networks of future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) aided wireless communications promise to provide high-speed cost-effective wireless connectivity without needing fixed infrastructure coverage. They are a key technology enabler for sixth generation (6G) wireless networks, where a three-dimensional coverage including space, aero and terrestrial networks are to be deployed to guarantee seamless service continuity and reliability. Owing to the aerodynamic requirements, it is highly desirable to employ conformal antennas that can follow the shapes of the UAVs to reduce the extra drag and fuel consumption. To enable hundred giga-bits-per-second (Gb/s) data rates and massive connectivity for 6G networks, conformal antenna arrays featured with high gains and beam scanning/multiple beams are demanded for millimeter-wave and higher-frequency-range communications. However, new challenges exist in designing and implementing high-gain conformal arrays for UAV platforms. In this article, we overview the recent advances in conformal transmitarrays for UAV-based wireless communications, introducing new design methodologies and high-lighting new opportunities to be exploited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth in distributed energy sources on power grids leads to increasingly decentralized energy management systems for the prediction of power supply and demand and the dynamic setting of an energy price signal. Within this emerging smart grid paradigm, electric vehicles can serve as consumers, transporters, and providers of energy through two-way charging stations, which highlights a critical feedback loop between the movement patterns of these vehicles and the state of the energy grid. This article proposes a vision for an Internet of Mobile Energy (IoME), where energy and information flow seamlessly across the power and transport sectors to enhance the grid stability and end-user welfare. We identify the key challenges of trust, scalability, and privacy, particularly location and energy linking privacy for EV owners, for realizing the IoME vision. We propose an information architecture for IoME that uses scalable blockchain to provide energy data integrity and authenticity, and introduces one-time keys for public EV transactions and a verifiable anonymous trip extraction method for EV users to share their trip data while protecting their location privacy. We present an example scenario that details the seamless and closed loop information flow across the energy and transport sectors, along with a blockchain design and transaction vocabulary for trusted decentralised transactions. We finally discuss the open challenges presented by IoME that can unlock significant benefits to grid stability, innovation, and end-user welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces the key innovations of the 5Growth service platform to empower vertical industries with an AI-driven automated 5G end-to-end slicing solution that allows industries to achieve their service requirements. Specifically, we present multiple vertical pilots (Industry 4.0, transportation, and energy), identify the key 5G requirements to enable them, and analyze existing technical and functional gaps as compared to current solutions. Based on the identified gaps, we propose a set of innovations to address them with: (i) support of 3GPP-based RAN slices by introducing a RAN slicing model and providing automated RAN orchestration and control; (ii) an AI-driven closed-loop for automated service management with service level agreement assurance; and (iii) multi-domain solutions to expand service offerings by aggregating services and resources from different provider domains and also enable the integration of private 5G networks with public networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel sensing and communication techniques have accelerated the convergence of the Internet of Things (IoT) with the manufacturing industry. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) today requires more agile and unobtrusive sensing and communication to observe the underlying industrial resources and physical operations. Information-driven decision making in the cyber space may result in collaborative automation and intelligent optimization in the physical space. Therefore, a convenient information interface that could seamlessly bridge the physical world with its corresponding information system has been a critical building block for manufacturing intelligence. In this article, we advocate the integration of wireless powering, sensing, and communication, and propose radio frequency identification (RFID) and sensing (RFID&S) techniques to enhance the efficiency and convenience of data collection and integration for IIoT innovations. We first provide the fundamentals of RFID&S including radio frequency energy harvesting and communication interface. Then we present a novel UHF-HF dual-mode RFID sensor scheme with implementations using commercial off-the-shelf components for the first time, and also illustrate the establishment of RFID&S-based industrial monitoring and data integration systems. Finally, the advantages of RFID&S in unobtrusive online sensing, and its capability of extending the information link for IIoT applications are elaborated. An exemplary use case of the proposed RFID&S techniques is provided to suggest its potential applications and show its adaptation to industrial process control and integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although many countries have started the initial phase of rolling out 5G, it is still in its infancy with researchers from both academia and industry facing the challenges of developing it to its full potential. With the support of artificial intelligence, development of digital transformation through the notion of a digital twin has been taking off in many industries such as smart manufacturing, oil and gas, construction, bio-engineering, and automotive. However, digital twins remain relatively new for 5G/6G networks, despite the obvious potential in helping develop and deploy the complex 5G environment. This article looks into these topics and discusses how digital twin could be a powerful tool to fulfill the potential of 5G networks and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While innovation in inter-domain routing has remained stagnant for over a decade, Internet exchange points (IXPs) are consolidating their role as economically advantageous interconnection points for reducing path latencies and exchanging ever increasing amounts of traffic. As such, IXPs appear as a natural place to foster network innovation and assess the benefits of SDN, a recent technological trend that has already boosted innovation within data center networks. In this article, we give a comprehensive overview of use cases for SDN at IXPs, which leverage the superior vantage point of an IXP to introduce advanced features like load balancing and DDoS mitigation. We discuss the benefits of SDN solutions by analyzing real-world data from one of the largest IXPs. We also leverage insights into IXP operations to shape benefits not only for members but also for operators. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In an ideal world, the standards promulgated by standards-development organizations (SDOs), such as the IEEE, ITU, and ETSI, would always result from an impartial comparison of proposed solutions made in an environment "free of distortion, bias, or manipulation by private interests."1 In the real world, however, standards tend to be a result of compromises and, in some cases, hardfought battles among parties, often competitors, who have diverse private interests. Considerations beyond technical merit are generally in play. For better or worse, one of those considerations is often the understanding that intellectual property may protect a candidate solution. Of the four types of intellectual property - patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets - the one that looms largest in the standards-development context is patents. This article provides a foundational overview of patents and patent systems with a specific focus on the patent laws and procedures of the United States. Where feasible, the article also identifies similarities and differences in the patent laws and procedures of other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What began more than 20 years ago as a U.S. Department of Defense project aimed at implementing a radio system that could be reprogrammed on the fly to support multiple waveforms has evolved to become a widely adopted, versatile, and industry-changing architecture. The resulting Software Communication Architecture has now been deployed in more than 400,000 radios worldwide. This article explores the evolution of the SCA starting with its origins back in the SPEAKEasy Program to the upcoming release of SCA 4.1. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

IEEE GLOBECOM 2014 (www.ieee-globecom.org/2014), the premier global conference dedicated to driving advancement in nearly every telecommunications field, held its 57th annual event from December 8?12 in Austin, Texas, the thriving national center for entrepreneurialism and innovation commonly recognized as ?the Silicon Hills.? Known for its high concentration of technology startups and corporations, the conference?s organizing committee combined the talents of thousands of industry professionals to ensure an enriching experience for both practitioners and academia. This included expanding the industrial program with a far wider breadth of keynotes, executive forums, demos and interactive sessions as well as offering amenities such as a downloadable mobile application, which placed session and conference proceeding information, locations and times at the fingertips of attendees. AT&T and the Austin Hilton further supported IEEE GLOBECOM 2014 by assuring access to the latest 4G LTE cellular technology and state-of-the-art WiFi connections were available throughout the conference venue. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Control-plane functions are migrating from dedicated network equipment into software running on commodity hardware. The Software- Defined Access Network (SDAN) concept introduced here extends the benefits of Software- Defined Networking and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) into broadband access. In a SDAN, access-network control and management functions for broadband access are virtualized, to streamline operations, speed services creation, and enhance broadband customer satisfaction, particularly in multi-operator environments. This article examines industry drivers, identifies software- definable control and management functions for broadband access, and presents some specific usage scenarios for the SDAN. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A correction is presented to the article "Pathway to a New Engineering Education Paradigm: The COVID-19 Factor" which appeared in the November 2021 issue.

Tubiquitous ultra-broadband network enabling the future Internet (FI), is not only about new releases of current network generations and services, but, more significantly, will be associated with a true revolution in the information and communications technologies (ICT) field: the network will efficiently and effectively take forward new-fangled services to everyone and everything, such as cognitive objects and cyber physical systems (CPSs). A "full immersive (3D) experience" enriched by "context information" and, in particular, "anything or everything as a service (XaaS)" are the main business drivers for massive adoption and market uptake of the new fundamental enabling technologies, beyond today's "client-server" model, where the network has been reduced to a ubiquitous "pipe of bits." XaaS refers to those services ? beyond the current models of software as a service (SaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS), and platfore as a service (PaaS), SPI models, of cloud computing ? such as data as a service (DaaS), security as a service (again, SaaS), network as a service (NaaS), knowledge as a service (KaaS), machine as a service (MaaS), and robot as a service (RaaS), which could be delivered over the advanced 5G infrastructure, without the need to own hardware, software, or even the cognitive objects themselves. Communication services, such as voice and video telephony, will be enriched and bundled with other services. The network infrastructure is expected to become the "nervous system" of the actual digital society and digital economy. This challenge calls for a complete redesign of services and service capabilities, architectures, interfaces, functions, access and non-access stratum protocols and related procedures, as well as advanced algorithms (e.g., for unified connection, security, mobility and routing management, and reconfiguration of ICT services; and any type of resource of cyber physical systems). The expected transformation will be especially true at the edge, that is, around the end user (or prosumer), where the "intelligence" already started migrating a few years ago, and where massive processing, memory, and storage capacity are gradually accumulating. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

IEEE is uniquely positioned as an independent, global, not-for-profit, technology-driven organization, with the flexibility to engage decision-making as a neutral body not representing any single constituency or government interest. In congruence with these principles, IEEE standards are intended to define technology concepts that can be used as blueprints for constructing technically feasible and economically attractive products that broadly benefit humanity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The advanced fifth generation (5G) infrastructure is expected to become the ?nervous system? of the digital society, digital economy, and silver economy. New service paradigms such as ?immersive experience? and ?anything as a service? (XaaS) everywhere are envisioned as among the primary drivers for global adoption and market uptake of new 5G technology components. Above all, 5G networks will support mission-critical machine communications and massive machine type of traffic. As a result, the key performance metrics that 5G is expected to improve are in terms of, but not limited to, latency, reliability, capacity, and spectrum and network agility. This calls for a complete rethinking of all functional domains, including access stratum (AS), non-access stratum (NAS), and transport network layer (TNL), in terms of protocols and procedures. New emerging technologies, such as software defined networking (SDN), network functions virtualization (NFV), mobile edge computing (MEC), and high-performance computing (HPC), provide momentum for new design principles toward software (service) defined 5G networks, targeting a software defined air interface (SDAI) for available bands (spectrum); sliced "networks on demand" for multiple industries, especially for vertical markets (new architecture); and flexibility and spectral efficiency for mobile broadband and machine type communications (new air interface). [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Following the opening article by Prof. Andrea Goldsmith (former ETC chair), published in IEEE Communication Magazine in the December 2013 issue, I am very pleased to write the second edition of this column to further promote emerging technologies in the broad field of communications and related areas. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The IEEE Consumer Communications and Networking Conference (CCNC 2013) will hold its 11th annual event dedicated to the advancement of consumer networking technologies, applications and services from January 10 ? 13, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Annually held in conjunction with the 2014 International CES, IEEE CCNC was organized by the IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc) to provide a global venue for sharing the latest developments and innovations in consumer communications with researchers, developers, and practitioners based throughout the world. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Kaleidoscope 2011 took place in Cape Town, South Africa, from December 12-14, 2011. This fourth event in the series focused on the central role of users of information and communication technologies (ICT). Accordingly, one of the aspects discussed was the adaptation of ICT to the African context (e.g., to monitor solar and climatic variations and to help microenterprises). Parallel with the conference, an exhibit of local universities organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Secretariat offered a glimpse into ICT activities in South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A new procedure for contesting the validity of patents was instituted under the American Invents Act (AIA) of 2011. In the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the Patent Trial and Appeal Board can conduct a proceeding for the review on the validity of a patent instituted by a party other than the patent owner. The proceeding is called an inter partes review proceeding. [1] While it may be considered a review, nevertheless it is a trial before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board and is litigation focused on the patent validity issues. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Research in ad hoc and sensor networks has produced a plethora of papers, and very interesting work is still being published in this area, evolving in parallel with technological innovation, and intersecting with novel areas, particularly the Internet of Things, and more established areas such as wildlife monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Mobile carrier networks follow an architecture where network elements and their interfaces are defined in detail through standardization, but provide limited ways to develop new network features once deployed. In recent years we have witnessed rapid growth in over-the-top mobile applications and a 10-fold increase in subscriber traffic while ground-breaking network innovation took a back seat. We argue that carrier networks can benefit from advances in computer science and pertinent technology trends by incorporating a new way of thinking in their current toolbox. This article introduces a blueprint for implementing current as well as future network architectures based on a software-defined networking approach. Our architecture enables operators to capitalize on a flow-based forwarding model and fosters a rich environment for innovation inside the mobile network. In this article, we validate this concept in our wireless network research laboratory, demonstrate the programmability and flexibility of the architecture, and provide implementation and experimentation details. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The articles in this special section focus on the optic of software defined networks. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Three times a year, the IEEE Board of Directors meet to direct the affairs of the IEEE while meeting our appropriate interests. Prior to their meeting, major boards such as the Technical Activities Board (TAB) and various committees meet. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

In previous articles in this column we have described European public co-funded research programs, funded by the European Commission (EC) and/or national governments [1-4]. We explained that Framework Programme 7 Information and Communication Technologies (EC FP7-ICT) is the most relevant program with the largest budget. Currently the 2011-2012 European Union (EU) ICT Work Programme is running, and in this article we provide an overview of the differences with respect to the previous Work programme, highlighting its focus on a greener economy and the improvement of the enterprises' technological conditions. We also note the more applied and nearer-term aspect that is included in this Work Programme. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As the global telecommunications industry continues its transformation, we have been witnessing a steady stream of advances in all communications technologies from optical transport to access networks. However, worldwide attention to access network deployments with the entire global industry's concerted effort on standardscompliant product development has been most notable. Although we very recently, in February 2011, devoted a special OFC/NFOEC '11 supplement to passive optical network (PON) advances, we have selected PONs as our theme again in this Optical Communications Series (OCS) issue in recognition of this continuing worldwide focus on PON technologies. Two excellent examples of this global focus on PONs are the gigabit PON (GPON) optical network unit (ONU) certification timetable announced by Broadband Forum at their third quarter 2011 meetings held in Shanghai, China, during the week of September 19, 2011, and the high level of participation at the FTTH Council Conference & Expo held in Orlando, Florida, during the week of September 26, 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Designing for competition is an important consideration for the design of future Internet architectures. Network architects should systematically consider the loci of competition in any proposed network architecture. To be economically sustainable, network architectures should encourage competition within each locus, anticipate and manage the interactions between the loci, and be adaptable to evolution in the loci. Given the longevity of network architectures relative to network technologies and applications, it is important to ensure that competition is not unnecessarily foreclosed at any particular locus of competition. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]