Need for Software Defined Radio(SDR) and Cognitive Radio (CR) in 5G

Posted by: Prashant Bauskar On March 03, 2015 12:50 PM

In 5G, frequency spectrum used is huge and country specific. In addition 5G will also
use various types of Access networks like 2G, 3G, 4G, Wi-Fi and WiMAX to create a
one Serving Area. At present, there is no single Mobile Handset that supports all these
spectrum ranges due to practical difficulties / limitations of the current hardware
available, its size and cost.

However, with the development in making advanced DSPs (small size, multi-core
architecture, high clock speed and Million Instructions per Seconds [MIPS] capacity)
and microprocessors, the hardware problem has been mitigated to a considerable
extent. It is now possible for a device to support multiple frequency spectrums across a
wide bandwidth. Having said that it is still a major challenge for the device’s to figure
out which spectrum to choose.

This challenge can be addressed with the help of Software Defined Radio (SDR) in
conjunction with Cognitive Radio (CR). With SDR and CR enabled hardware; users will
able to roam across various geographies without worrying about the Frequency
Spectrum used, there by getting more coverage / service area and network Operators
will also able to generate more business by supporting range of devices (legacy and
new, local and roaming subscribers).

CR is a radio that is aware of the environment and adapts functionality based on the
environment. An SDR implies radio operations that can be controlled by software. An
SDR enhances the functionality of CR through intelligent mechanism in software that
would automatically re-configure the radio parameters, monitor the self performance,
configure the environment around it (users, interference), senses the spectrum and
interacts with the network using it. This is exactly what is required for Device to Device
(D2D) and Mobile Type Communications (MTC). The intelligent Software of CR would
work with the mobility management of device to select and hand off to identified
network. This decision would be application aware so as to support D2D
communication.

Advantages

Application of SDR and CR in the device hardware for 5G will provide following
advantages to both Operators and Subscribers,
  Reduced hardware and software that caters to multiple frequency spectrums in
various geographies results in reduced cost and increased customer
satisfaction

 Works like a normal radio with better performance and less cost as compared to
the analogue counter parts

 Roaming and service continuity of 5G and Machine to Machine (falls under

MTC) devices across geographies would be easy (no frequency spectrum
restriction)

 Operator can provide services across different frequency spectrum covering

wider Service Area and Subscriber would feel service coverage is more
resulting better QoE.

 Less or no user intervention when Access Network (horizontal Handoffs)

changes

 Very useful in public safety & emergency services, D2D and MTC
communication as it is aware about its environment and power requirements.

Challenges

One of the major problems of a CR with SDR for 5G systems is the tremendous power
requirement to support the cognitive capability of the devices. Manufacturers are
currently working on the hardware (chip sets) that will consume less power, battery
technologies that will retain the charge for longer duration (for e.g. – lithium 4000 mAh
batteries from Lenovo).

CR needs lot of intelligent mechanisms; most of which would be accomplished with

SDR. However there are certain limitations in SDR to achieve it. For instance CR
realization for 5G needs devices that scan and sense the entire range of spectrum with
good sensitivity and quality. Further it would need multiple SDRs, its associated
hardware and integration with the CR.

The CR and SDR adaptation has increased tremendously in Military and space
instruments and applications. Cellular chipset manufacturers are not behind and also
developing a common hardware that will cater to multiple access networks
(Heterogeneous Networks) which would support varying frequency spectrum. Vendors
like Marvell are producing System on Chip (SoC - PXA1936) that contains Dual SIM
Dual Standby (DSDS) software for 5-mode modem that addresses the TD-LTE, FDD-
LTE, TD-SCDMA, WCDMA and GSM wireless communication.

Conclusion

It looks like the time for SDR has come; CR would be the need for controlling SDR and
interacting with the device’s platform. Use cases of D2D and M2M communications
make CR/SDR a compelling need. To make this happen on all kinds of devices, a
standardization based approach would be required. On the standardization front,
cellular hardware / chip set vendors for devices are making SoCs but needs to have
conformance with the SDR and CR standards. Also there is a need that both SDR
forum and 3GPP standardization bodies need to work closely for Mobility management,
Service continuity, QoS, D2D and MTC communication scenarios.