Advanced directional networking: Simulation results and prototype measurements

Advanced Directional Networking is a physical layer based technology that is composed of a network of fully-directional point-to-multipoint Advanced Nodes. This paper describes designs of advanced nodes, which are equipped with sets of antenna arrays for the tasks of scanning for user discovery, communication with users and forming node-node links. Highlights of the simulation results for advanced nodes are shown for LTE radios implementation. A hardware prototype of the advanced nodes consisting of 4×8 long slot antenna arrays, Butler Matrix based analog beamforming/scanning for mobile user discovery and dynamic digital beamforming for user tracking and maintaining directional communications, is being developed. Measurements of the prototype will be used for validation of the simulation results and provide guidelines for ultimate implementation and application in rural areas.