MiWEBA Millimetre-Wave Evolution for Backhaul and Access

Last updated on May 3, 2023

MiWEBA (Millimeter-Wave Evolution for Backhaul and Access) is a project aimed at developing millimeter-wave (mmWave) technologies for wireless backhaul and access networks. The project was initiated by the European Union as part of the Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development. It involves the collaboration of 12 European research institutions and industries, and aims to explore and develop the potential of mmWave frequencies (30-300 GHz) for high-speed wireless communication.

Wireless backhaul and access networks are critical components of modern communication infrastructure. They provide the means for transmitting data between different network nodes, such as base stations and core networks. With the increasing demand for high-speed and low-latency communication, the traditional wired backhaul and access networks are facing significant challenges. In particular, the deployment of high-speed wired networks in remote and rural areas can be prohibitively expensive, and in some cases, technically infeasible.

Wireless backhaul and access networks can provide an alternative solution to the above-mentioned challenges. The use of mmWave frequencies for wireless communication has several advantages. Firstly, mmWave frequencies have much larger bandwidths compared to lower frequency bands. This means that mmWave frequencies can support much higher data rates. Secondly, mmWave frequencies have a high directivity, which means that they can be focused in a specific direction, reducing interference and improving network capacity. Finally, mmWave frequencies have a shorter wavelength, allowing the use of smaller and more compact antenna systems.

The MiWEBA project aims to address the technical challenges associated with the deployment of mmWave-based wireless backhaul and access networks. The project has four main objectives:

To develop high-performance mmWave transceivers for backhaul and access networks.
To design and optimize the antenna systems for mmWave frequencies.
To develop novel network architectures and protocols for mmWave-based backhaul and access networks.
To demonstrate the feasibility and performance of mmWave-based wireless backhaul and access networks in realistic scenarios.

The first objective of the MiWEBA project is to develop high-performance mmWave transceivers for backhaul and access networks. The transceiver is a critical component of any wireless communication system, responsible for transmitting and receiving signals. The design of mmWave transceivers is challenging due to the high frequency and limited available power. The MiWEBA project aims to develop a transceiver architecture that can operate at mmWave frequencies while maintaining high efficiency and low power consumption.

The second objective of the MiWEBA project is to design and optimize the antenna systems for mmWave frequencies. Antenna systems are essential components of any wireless communication system, responsible for transmitting and receiving signals. The design of antenna systems for mmWave frequencies is challenging due to the shorter wavelength and smaller antenna size. The MiWEBA project aims to develop compact and efficient antenna systems that can operate at mmWave frequencies while maintaining high gain and low interference.

The third objective of the MiWEBA project is to develop novel network architectures and protocols for mmWave-based backhaul and access networks. Network architectures and protocols are critical components of any communication system, responsible for ensuring reliable and efficient communication. The design of network architectures and protocols for mmWave-based backhaul and access networks is challenging due to the high frequency and limited available spectrum. The MiWEBA project aims to develop network architectures and protocols that can exploit the advantages of mmWave frequencies while mitigating the challenges associated with high frequency communication.

The fourth objective of the MiWEBA project is to demonstrate the feasibility and performance of mmWave-based wireless backhaul and access networks in realistic scenarios. The performance of any communication system depends on several factors, including the environment, the distance between nodes, and the number of users. The MiWEBA project aims to demonstrate the feasibility and performance of mmWave-based wireless backhaul and access networks in realistic scenarios by conducting field trials in different environments, such as urban, suburban, and rural areas. The field trials will evaluate the performance of the developed mmWave transceivers, antenna systems, and network architectures and protocols. The results of the field trials will provide valuable insights into the potential of mmWave-based wireless backhaul and access networks for meeting the increasing demand for high-speed and low-latency communication.

In addition to the above-mentioned objectives, the MiWEBA project also aims to address several technical challenges associated with the deployment of mmWave-based wireless backhaul and access networks. One of the challenges is the limited available spectrum. The mmWave frequencies are located in a high-frequency range where the available spectrum is limited. The MiWEBA project aims to develop techniques to maximize the use of the available spectrum by exploiting the directional characteristics of mmWave frequencies.

Another challenge associated with the deployment of mmWave-based wireless backhaul and access networks is the impact of atmospheric conditions. The mmWave frequencies are susceptible to attenuation and scattering due to atmospheric conditions such as rain, fog, and snow. The MiWEBA project aims to develop techniques to mitigate the impact of atmospheric conditions on the performance of mmWave-based wireless backhaul and access networks.

The MiWEBA project has made significant progress in achieving its objectives. The project has developed a high-performance mmWave transceiver architecture that can operate at frequencies up to 60 GHz while maintaining high efficiency and low power consumption. The project has also developed compact and efficient antenna systems that can operate at mmWave frequencies and provide high gain and low interference. Additionally, the project has developed network architectures and protocols that can exploit the advantages of mmWave frequencies while mitigating the challenges associated with high frequency communication.

The MiWEBA project has also conducted several field trials to demonstrate the feasibility and performance of mmWave-based wireless backhaul and access networks in realistic scenarios. The field trials have shown that mmWave-based wireless backhaul and access networks can provide high-speed and low-latency communication in different environments. The results of the field trials have provided valuable insights into the potential of mmWave-based wireless backhaul and access networks for meeting the increasing demand for high-speed and low-latency communication.

In conclusion, the MiWEBA project aims to develop mmWave technologies for wireless backhaul and access networks. The project aims to address the technical challenges associated with the deployment of mmWave-based wireless backhaul and access networks by developing high-performance mmWave transceivers, compact and efficient antenna systems, novel network architectures and protocols, and by demonstrating the feasibility and performance of mmWave-based wireless backhaul and access networks in realistic scenarios. The results of the MiWEBA project will provide valuable insights into the potential of mmWave-based wireless backhaul and access networks for meeting the increasing demand for high-speed and low-latency communication.