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Simon L. Cotton

Publications and source records attributed to Simon L. Cotton.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Quantum-Assisted Memory-Efficient Training for Parameter-Intensive Wi-Fi-Based Human Activity Recognition

Wi-Fi-based human activity recognition (HAR) has become an important part of integrated sensing and communications, paving the way for a range of context-aware services. However, most existing Wi-Fi-based HAR systems rely on deep learning (DL) models that are computationally and memory intensive in both training and inference, which poses significant challenges for real-world deployment. Conventional training requires simultaneous updates of millions of parameters, leading to prohibitive memory consumption. In this paper, we propose a novel quantum-assisted memory-efficient training framework (Q-MET) designed to improve efficiency in both training and inference. Q-MET utilizes a hybrid quantum classical neural network to indirectly generate parameters for HAR models, significantly reducing the trainable parameter count compared to direct optimization. To further support the deployment on resource-constrained devices, we integrate structured pruning during the training phase. Experimental results demonstrate that Q-MET achieves a 90% to 95% reduction in trainable parameters compared with conventional backpropagation-based DL training while maintaining or even exceeding classical classification accuracy. Additionally, Q-MET supports lightweight inference through structured pruning, achieving 75% to 85% model sparsity with less than 2% loss in classification accuracy. To the best of our knowledge, this work represents the first quantum-assisted approach to simultaneously tackle memory inefficiencies in both the training and inference stages of HAR systems.

cs.LG

Statistical Analysis of Primary and Random Clusters in 318 GHz Terahertz Channels for Industrial IoT

The ultra-high data rates enabled by terahertz (THz) communications pave the way for the demanding requirements of industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications, making the investigation of THz channels in industrial environments a critical research topic. This paper presents a comprehensive statistical analysis of the propagation channel at 318\,GHz in an industrial environment. In particular, a new clustering scheme is proposed for the sparsity observed in the multipath components (MPCs) of the measured channel. Furthermore, statistical analyses are conducted separately for the group of strong reflections, defined as primary clusters, and other propagation phenomena, defined as random clusters, in a rich-scattering environment. The results demonstrate that the large-scale parameters are predominantly influenced by these strong reflections. This study provides reliable support and guidance for subsequent THz stochastic channel modeling.

eess.SP

Efficient Automatic Modulation Classification for Next-Generation Wireless Networks

With the imminent development of sixth-generation (6G) networks, there will be a demand for high-accuracy, computationally-efficient, and low-inference time automatic modulation classification (AMC) algorithms. To address this need, we propose a new deep-learning based model for AMC that is called the threshold denoise recurrent neural network (TDRNN). The TDRNN combines an adaptive threshold denoising (TD) algorithm and a recurrent neural network (RNN) that together achieve high accuracy and fast inference. The TD module adaptively reduces the noise level of the received signal, while the RNN module performs the modulation classification on the denoised result. The two subsystems are jointly optimized to reach the optimal architecture. The proposed TDRNN is evaluated for various modulation schemes and signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). The experimental results demonstrate that the TDRNN outperforms existing methods in terms of accuracy, speed, and computational complexity making it an ideal solution for 6G wireless communication systems.

eess.SP

Practical Wi-Fi-based Motion Recognition Under Variable Traffic Patterns

Wi-Fi sensing detects human motions and activities by analysing the channel state information (CSI) derived from Wi-Fi transmissions. However, the impact of variable transmission traffic, which dictates the effective sampling rate and interval, is often overlooked. Existing Wi-Fi sensing systems are trained with fixed input size and sampling rate, which suffer from poor sampling rate generalisation. This paper proposes a novel Wi-Fi sensing approach for motion recognition applications, e.g., gesture and activity recognition, under variable traffic patterns. A sampling rate versatile neural network (SRV-NN) based on the transformer is proposed to efficiently handle variable input-sized sensing signals. A dynamic sampling rate augmentation is employed for variable sampling rates and intervals. To validate our approach, we have carried out extensive experimental evaluation, using two self-collected datasets, namely SRV activity and SRV gesture, as well as two publicly available datasets. Our method demonstrated exceptional performance and stability under variable sampling rates, with substantial improvements in average accuracy compared to baseline models without augmentation. The proposed approach significantly enhances stability by greatly reducing accuracy variance across different sampling rates.

cs.LG

Hybrid centralized-distributed precoding in fronthaul-constrained CF-mMIMO systems

We investigate a fronthaul-limited cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output (CF-mMIMO) system and propose a hybrid centralized-distributed precoding strategy that dynamically adapts to varying fronthaul and spectral efficiency (SE) requirements. The proposed approach divides users into two groups: one served by centralized precoding and the other by distributed precoding. We formulate a novel optimization problem for user grouping and power control aimed at maximizing the sum SE, subject to fronthaul and per-access point (AP) power constraints. To tackle the problem, we transform it into a tractable form and propose efficient solution algorithms. Numerical results confirm the hybrid scheme's versatility and superior performance, consistently outperforming fully centralized and distributed approaches across diverse system configurations.

cs.IT

Hybrid OTFS/OFDM Design in Massive MIMO

We consider a downlink (DL) massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system, where different users have different mobility profiles. To support this system, we categorize the users into two disjoint groups according to their mobility profile and implement a hybrid orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS)/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation scheme. Building upon this framework, two precoding designs, namely full-pilot zero-forcing (FZF) precoding and partial zero-forcing (PZF) precoding are considered. To shed light on the system performance, the spectral efficiency (SE) with a minimum-mean-square-error (MMSE)-successive interference cancellation (SIC) detector is investigated. Closed-form expressions for the SE are obtained using some tight mathematical approximations. To improve fairness among different users, we consider max-min power control for both precoding schemes based on the closed-form SE expression. However, by noting the large performance gap for different groups of users with PZF precoding, the per-user SE will be compromised when pursuing overall fairness. Therefore, we propose a weighted max-min power control scheme. By introducing a weighting coefficient, the trade-off between the per-user performance and fairness can be enhanced. Our numerical results confirm the theoretical analysis and reveal that with mobility-based grouping, the proposed hybrid OTFS/OFDM modulation significantly outperforms the conventional OFDM modulation for high-mobility users.

cs.IT

How to Combine OTFS and OFDM Modulations in Massive MIMO?

In this paper, we consider a downlink (DL) massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system, where different users have different mobility profiles. To support this system, we propose to use a hybrid orthogonal time frequency space (OTFS)/orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation scheme, where OTFS is applied for high-mobility users and OFDM is used for low-mobility users. Two precoding designs, namely full zero-forcing (FZF) precoding and partial zero-forcing (PZF) precoding, are considered and analyzed in terms of per-user spectral efficiency (SE). With FZF, interference among users is totally eliminated at the cost of high computational complexity, while PZF can be used to provide a trade-off between complexity and performance. To apply PZF precoding, users are grouped into two disjoint groups according to their mobility profile or channel gain. Then, zero-forcing (ZF) is utilized for high-mobility or strong channel gain users to completely cancel the inter-group interference, while maximum ratio transmission (MRT) is applied for low-mobility users or users with weak channel gain. To shed light on the system performance, the SE for high-mobility and low-mobility users with a minimum-mean-square-error (MMSE)-successive interference cancellation (SIC) detector is investigated. Our numerical results reveal that the PZF precoding with channel gain grouping can guarantee a similar quality of service for all users. In addition, with mobility-based grouping, the hybrid OTFS/OFDM modulation outperforms the conventional OFDM modulation for high-mobility users.

cs.IT

Modelling Quantum Channels Carrying Classical Information

We use the concept of coupled quantum harmonic oscillators to model the propagation environment in which a quantum link carrying either classical or quantum information operates. Using the analogy between the paraxial optical wave equation and the stationary Schrodinger equation and applying the Caldirola-Kanai Hamiltonian for solving the time-dependent Schrodinger equation; we calculate the propagation field strength and the corresponding average received signal energy.

eess.SP

The Road to 6G: Ten Physical Layer Challenges for Communications Engineers

While the deployment of 5G cellular systems will continue well in to the next decade, much interest is already being generated towards technologies that will underlie its successor, 6G. Undeniably, 5G will have transformative impact on the way we live and communicate, yet, it is still far away from supporting the Internet-of-Everything (IoE), where upwards of a million devices per $\textrm{km}^3$ (both terrestrial and aerial) will require ubiquitous, reliable, low-latency connectivity. This article looks at some of the fundamental problems that pertain to key physical layer enablers for 6G. This includes highlighting challenges related to intelligent reflecting surfaces, cell-free massive MIMO and THz communications. Our analysis covers theoretical modeling challenges, hardware implementation issues and scalability among others. The article concludes by delineating the critical role of signal processing in the new era for wireless communications.

eess.SP

Indoor Millimeter-Wave Systems: Design and Performance Evaluation

Indoor areas, such as offices and shopping malls, are a natural environment for initial millimeter-wave (mmWave) deployments. While we already have the technology that enables us to realize indoor mmWave deployments, there are many remaining challenges associated with system-level design and planning for such. The objective of this article is to bring together multiple strands of research to provide a comprehensive and integrated framework for the design and performance evaluation of indoor mmWave systems. The paper introduces the framework with a status update on mmWave technology, including ongoing fifth generation (5G) wireless standardization efforts, and then moves on to experimentally-validated channel models that inform performance evaluation and deployment planning. Together these yield insights on indoor mmWave deployment strategies and system configurations, from feasible deployment densities to beam management strategies and necessary capacity extensions.

cs.NI

On Shadowing the $κ$-$μ$ Fading Model

In this paper, we extensively investigate the way in which $κ$-$μ$ fading channels can be impacted by shadowing. A family of shadowed $κ$-$μ$ fading models are introduced and classified according to whether the underlying $κ$-$μ$ fading undergoes single or double shadowing. We discuss three types of single shadowed $κ$-$μ$ model (denoted Type I to Type III) and three types of double shadowed $κ$-$μ$ model (denoted Type I to Type III). The taxonomy of the single shadowed Type I - III models is dependent upon whether the fading model assumes that the dominant component, the scattered waves, or both experience shadowing. The categorization of the double shadowed Type I - III models is dependent upon whether a) the envelope experiences shadowing of the dominant component, which is preceded (or succeeded) by a secondary round of shadowing (multiplicative), or b) the dominant and scattered contributions are fluctuated by two independent shadowing processes, or c) the scattered waves of the envelope are subject to shadowing, which is also preceded (or succeeded) by a secondary round of multiplicative shadowing. Although the physical definition of the examined models make no predetermination of the statistics of the shadowing process, for illustrative purposes, two example cases are provided for each type of single and double shadowed model by assuming that the shadowing is shaped by a Nakagami-$m$ random variable (RV), an inverse Nakagami-$m$ RV or their mixture. The double shadowed $κ$-$μ$ models offer remarkable flexibility as they include the $κ$-$μ$, $η$-$μ$, and the various types of single shadowed $κ$-$μ$ distribution as special cases. Moreover, we demonstrate a practical application of the double shadowed $κ$-$μ$ Type I model by applying it to channel measurements obtained for body area networks operating at 2.45 GHz.

eess.SP

On the Sum of Fisher-Snedecor F Variates and its Application to Maximal-Ratio Combining

Capitalizing on the recently proposed Fisher-Snedecor F composite fading model, in this letter, we investigate the sum of independent but not identically distributed (i.n.i.d.) Fisher-Snedecor F variates. First, a novel closed-form expression is derived for the moment generating function of the instantaneous signal-to-noise ratio. Based on this, the corresponding probability density function and cumulative distribution function of the sum of i.n.i.d. Fisher- Snedecor F variates are derived, which are subsequently employed in the analysis of multiple branch maximal-ratio combining (MRC). Specifically, we investigate the impact of multipath and shadowed fading on the outage probability and outage capacity of MRC based receivers. In addition, we derive exact closed-form expressions for the average bit error rate of coherent binary modulation schemes followed by an asymptotic analysis which provides further insights into the effect of the system parameters on the overall performance. Importantly, it is shown that the effect of multipath fading on the system performance is more pronounced than that of shadowing.

eess.SP

Entropy and Energy Detection-based Spectrum Sensing over F Composite Fading Channels

In this paper, we investigate the performance of energy detection-based spectrum sensing over F composite fading channels. To this end, an analytical expression for the average detection probability is firstly derived. This expression is then extended to account for collaborative spectrum sensing, square-law selection diversity reception and noise power uncertainty. The corresponding receiver operating characteristics (ROC) are analyzed for different conditions of the average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), noise power uncertainty, time-bandwidth product, multipath fading, shadowing, number of diversity branches and number of collaborating users. It is shown that the energy detection performance is sensitive to the severity of the multipath fading and amount of shadowing, whereby even small variations in either of these physical phenomena can significantly impact the detection probability. As a figure of merit to evaluate the detection performance, the area under the ROC curve (AUC) is derived and evaluated for different multipath fading and shadowing conditions. Closed-form expressions for the Shannon entropy and cross entropy are also formulated and assessed for different average SNR, multipath fading and shadowing conditions. Then the relationship between the Shannon entropy and ROC/AUC is examined where it is found that the average number of bits required for encoding a signal becomes small (i.e., low Shannon entropy) when the detection probability is high or when the AUC is large. The difference between composite and traditional small-scale fading is emphasized by comparing the cross entropy for Rayleigh and Nakagami-m fading. A validation of the analytical results is provided through a careful comparison with the results of some simulations.

eess.SP

On the Secrecy Capacity of Fisher-Snedecor F Fading Channels

The performance of physical-layer security of the classic Wyner's wiretap model over Fisher-Snedecor F composite fading channels is considered in this work. Specifically, the main channel (i.e., between the source and the legitimate destination) and the eavesdropper's channel (i.e., between the source and the illegitimate destination) are assumed to experience independent quasi-static Fisher-Snedecor F fading conditions, which have been shown to be encountered in realistic wireless transmission scenarios in conventional and emerging communication systems. In this context, exact closed-form expressions for the average secrecy capacity (ASC) and the probability of non-zero secrecy capacity (PNSC) are derived. Additionally, an asymptotic analytical expression for the ASC is also presented. The impact of shadowing and multipath fading on the secrecy performance is investigated. Our results show that increasing the fading parameter of the main channel and or the shadowing parameter of the eavesdropper's channel improves the secrecy performance. The analytical results are compared with Monte-Carlo simulations to validate the analysis.

eess.SP

A Comprehensive Analysis of 5G Heterogeneous Cellular Systems operating over $κ$-$μ$ Shadowed Fading Channels

Emerging cellular technologies such as those proposed for use in 5G communications will accommodate a wide range of usage scenarios with diverse link requirements. This will include the necessity to operate over a versatile set of wireless channels ranging from indoor to outdoor, from line-of-sight (LOS) to non-LOS, and from circularly symmetric scattering to environments which promote the clustering of scattered multipath waves. Unfortunately, many of the conventional fading models adopted in the literature to develop network models lack the flexibility to account for such disparate signal propagation mechanisms. To bridge the gap between theory and practical channels, we consider $κ$-$μ$ shadowed fading, which contains as special cases, the majority of the linear fading models proposed in the open literature, including Rayleigh, Rician, Nakagami-m, Nakagami-q, One-sided Gaussian, $κ$-$μ$, $η$-$μ$, and Rician shadowed to name but a few. In particular, we apply an orthogonal expansion to represent the $κ$-$μ$ shadowed fading distribution as a simplified series expression. Then using the series expressions with stochastic geometry, we propose an analytic framework to evaluate the average of an arbitrary function of the SINR over $κ$-$μ$ shadowed fading channels. Using the proposed method, we evaluate the spectral efficiency, moments of the SINR, bit error probability and outage probability of a $K$-tier HetNet with $K$ classes of BSs, differing in terms of the transmit power, BS density, shadowing characteristics and small-scale fading. Building upon these results, we provide important new insights into the network performance of these emerging wireless applications while considering a diverse range of fading conditions and link qualities.

cs.IT

A Stochastic Geometric Analysis of Device-to-Device Communications Operating over Generalized Fading Channels

Device-to-device (D2D) communications are now considered as an integral part of future 5G networks which will enable direct communication between user equipment (UE) without unnecessary routing via the network infrastructure. This architecture will result in higher throughputs than conventional cellular networks, but with the increased potential for co-channel interference induced by randomly located cellular and D2D UEs. The physical channels which constitute D2D communications can be expected to be complex in nature, experiencing both line-of-sight (LOS) and non-LOS (NLOS) conditions across closely located D2D pairs. As well as this, given the diverse range of operating environments, they may also be subject to clustering of the scattered multipath contribution, i.e., propagation characteristics which are quite dissimilar to conventional Rayeligh fading environments. To address these challenges, we consider two recently proposed generalized fading models, namely $κ-μ$ and $η-μ$, to characterize the fading behavior in D2D communications. Together, these models encompass many of the most widely encountered and utilized fading models in the literature such as Rayleigh, Rice (Nakagami-$n$), Nakagami-$m$, Hoyt (Nakagami-$q$) and One-Sided Gaussian. Using stochastic geometry we evaluate the rate and bit error probability of D2D networks under generalized fading conditions. Based on the analytical results, we present new insights into the trade-offs between the reliability, rate, and mode selection under realistic operating conditions. Our results suggest that D2D mode achieves higher rates over cellular link at the expense of a higher bit error probability. Through numerical evaluations, we also investigate the performance gains of D2D networks and demonstrate their superiority over traditional cellular networks.

cs.IT

Secrecy Capacity Analysis over $κ-μ$ Fading Channels: Theory and Applications

In this paper, we consider the transmission of confidential information over a $κ$-$μ$ fading channel in the presence of an eavesdropper, who also observes $κ$-$μ$ fading. In particular, we obtain novel analytical solutions for the probability of strictly positive secrecy capacity (SPSC) and the lower bound of secure outage probability (SOP$^L$) for channel coefficients that are positive, real, independent and non-identically distributed ($i.n.i.d.$). We also provide a closed-form expression for the probability of SPSC when the $μ$ parameter is assumed to only take positive integer values. We then apply the derived results to assess the secrecy performance of the system in terms of the average signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as a function of the $κ$ and $μ$ fading parameters. We observed that for fixed values of the eavesdropper's average SNR, increases in the average SNR of the main channel produce a higher probability of SPSC and a lower secure outage probability (SOP). It was also found that when the main channel experiences a higher average SNR than the eavesdropper's channel, the probability of SPSC improved while the SOP was found to decrease with increasing values of $κ$ and $μ$ for the legitimate channel. The versatility of the $κ$-$μ$ fading model, means that the results presented in this paper can be used to determine the probability of SPSC and SOP$^L$ for a large number of other fading scenarios such as Rayleigh, Rice (Nakagami-$n$), Nakagami-$m$, One-Sided Gaussian and mixtures of these common fading models. Additionally, due to the duality of the analysis of secrecy capacity and co-channel interference, the results presented here will also have immediate applicability in the analysis of outage probability in wireless systems affected by co-channel interference and background noise.

cs.IT

A Stochastic Geometry Based Approach to Modeling Interference Correlation in Cooperative Relay Networks

Future wireless networks are expected to be a convergence of many diverse network technologies and architectures, such as cellular networks, wireless local area networks, sensor networks, and device to device communications. Through cooperation between dissimilar wireless devices, this new combined network topology promises to unlock ever larger data rates and provide truly ubiquitous coverage for end users, as well as enabling higher spectral efficiency. However, it also increases the risk of co-channel interference and introduces the possibility of correlation in the aggregated interference that not only impacts the communication performance, but also makes the associated mathematical analysis much more complex. To address this problem and evaluate the communication performance of cooperative relay networks, we adopt a stochastic geometry based approach by assuming that the interfering nodes are randomly distributed according to a Poisson point process (PPP). We also use a random medium access protocol to counteract the effects of interference correlation. Using this approach, we derive novel closed-form expressions for the successful transmission probability and local delay of a relay network with correlated interference. As well as this, we find the optimal transmission probability $p$ that jointly maximizes the successful transmission probability and minimizes the local delay. Finally numerical results are provided to confirm that the proposed joint optimization strategy achieves a significant performance gain compared to a conventional scheme.

cs.IT