Terahertz band communications as a new frontier for drone networks

Terahertz band (0.1-10 THz) communications is one of the candidates for 6G systems due to intrinsic massive bandwidth and data rate support. Having demonstrated the significant potential of THz band at various atmospheric altitudes, in this article, we discuss the prospects of THz communications for drone networks, more specifically, for Drone Sensor Networks (DSNs). For 6G non-terrestrial communication scenarios, drones will not only serve as on-demand base-stations, as supporting alternatives or backhauls for the terrestrial base stations, but they will also provide seamless connectivity for distributed monitoring and surveillance applications, which require an ultra-reliable low latency service for carrying multimedia data. THz band sensing will also provide additional sensing capabilities from the sky to THz-enabled DSNs. Presenting this vision, in this paper, we first discuss possible use cases of THz-enabled drone networks considering communication, sensing and localization aspects. Then, for revealing the capacity potential of THz-enabled drone networks, we provide motivating channel capacity results for communication of drones at different altitudes, under ideal channel conditions with no fading and realistic channel with beam misalignment and multipath fading. We further present major challenges pertaining to employing the THz band for DSNs, addressing physical layer issues, followed with spectrum and interference management, medium access control and higher layers and security, while reviewing some prominent solutions. Finally, we highlight future research directions with Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML)-based approaches and mobile edge computing.

Leveraging blockchain technology for circularity in agricultural supply chains: evidence from a fast-growing economy

PurposeThe authors originally explore the factors for blockchain technology (BCT) adoption in agricultural supply chains (ASCs) to enhance circularity and understand the dependencies, hierarchical structure and causalities between these factors.Design/methodology/approachBased on an extant literature review and expert opinion, the present study identified ten enablers for adopting BCT to leverage the circular economy (CE) practices in the ASCs. Then, using an integrated interpretive structural modeling and decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (ISM-DEMATEL) approach, hierarchical and cause–effect relationships are established.FindingsIt was observed that traceability is the most prominent enabler from the CE perspective in ASCs. However, traceability, being a net effect enabler, will be realized through the achievement of other cause enablers, such as seamless connectivity and information flow and decentralized and distributed ledger technology. The authors also propose a 12 Rs framework for enhancing circularity in ASC operations.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper identifies enablers to BCT adoption that will enhance circularity in ASC operations. The ISM hierarchical model is based on the driving and dependence powers of the enablers, and DEMATEL aids in identifying causal relationships among the enablers.Practical implicationsThe study's findings and proposed 12 Rs framework may help the practitioners and policymakers devise effective BCT implementation strategies in ASCs, thereby empowering sustainability and circularity.Originality/valueThis study enriches the literature by identifying and modeling enablers for BCT adoption in ASCs. The study also proposes a new 12 Rs framework to help enhance ASC circularity.

Performance Investigation of NOMA versus OMA Techniques for mmWave Massive MIMO Communications

The fifth-generation (5G) of cellular technology is currently being deployed over the world. In the next decade of mobile networks, beyond 5G (B5G) cellular networks with the under-development advanced technology enablers are expected to be a fully developed system that could offer tremendous opportunities for both enterprises and society at large. B5G in more ambitious scenarios will be capable to facilitate much-improved performance with the significant upgrade of the key parameters such as massive connectivity, ultra-reliable and low latency (URLL), spectral efficiency (SE) and energy efficiency (EE). Equipping non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) with other key drivers will help to explore systems’ applicability to cover a wide variety of applications to forge a path for future networks. NOMA empowers the networks with seamless connectivity and can provide a secure transmission strategy for the industrial internet of things (IIoT) anywhere and anytime. Despite being a promising candidate for B5G networks a comprehensive study that covers operating principles, fundamental features and technological feasibility of NOMA at mmWave massive MIMO communications is not available. To address this, a simulation-based comparative study between NOMA and orthogonal multiple access (OMA) techniques for mmWave massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) communications is presented with performance discussions and identifying technology gaps. Throughout the paper, aspects of operating principles, fundamental features and technological feasibility of NOMA are discussed. Also, it is demonstrated that NOMA not only has good adaptability but also can outperform other OMA techniques for mmWave massive MIMO communications. Some foreseeable challenges and future directions on applying NOMA to B5G networks are also provided.

Performance Investigation of NOMA versus OMA Techniques for mmWave Massive MIMO Communications

The fifth-generation (5G) of cellular technology is currently being deployed over the world. In the next decade of mobile networks, beyond 5G (B5G) cellular networks with the under-development advanced technology enablers are expected to be a fully developed system that could offer tremendous opportunities for both enterprises and society at large. B5G in more ambitious scenarios will be capable to facilitate much-improved performance with the significant upgrade of the key parameters such as massive connectivity, ultra-reliable and low latency (URLL), spectral efficiency (SE) and energy efficiency (EE). Equipping non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) with other key drivers will help to explore systems’ applicability to cover a wide variety of applications to forge a path for future networks. NOMA empowers the networks with seamless connectivity and can provide a secure transmission strategy for the industrial internet of things (IIoT) anywhere and anytime. Despite being a promising candidate for B5G networks a comprehensive study that covers operating principles, fundamental features and technological feasibility of NOMA at mmWave massive MIMO communications is not available. To address this, a simulation-based comparative study between NOMA and orthogonal multiple access (OMA) techniques for mmWave massive multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) communications is presented with performance discussions and identifying technology gaps. Throughout the paper, aspects of operating principles, fundamental features and technological feasibility of NOMA are discussed. Also, it is demonstrated that NOMA not only has good adaptability but also can outperform other OMA techniques for mmWave massive MIMO communications. Some foreseeable challenges and future directions on applying NOMA to B5G networks are also provided.

Conceptualised Visualisation of Extended Agent Oriented Smart Factory (xAOSF) Framework with Associated AOSR-WMS System

The emergence of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) has sparked proliferation in thedomain of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), and extensive research has been conductedin this area since its beginning. However, recent literature claims that Smallto Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs) are not getting the benefits of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) in a full potential because of unresolved compatibility-mismatch issues and involvement of high infrastructuralcost. In order to help bridge this gap, the Extended Agent-Oriented Smart Factory (xAOSF) framework provides a high-level guideline solution, integrating the whole supply chain (SC), from supplier-end to customer-end with an objective to expose SMEs towards the benefits of I4.0. This paper, as part of a publication series, provides a conceptualised visualisation of the xAOSF framework as a customised CPS,which presents an elegant mediation mechanism between multiple xAOSF agents to uptake negotiation and coordination schemes at different enterprise levels. This paper also includes detail on howthe I4.0 based xAOSF framework caters to three-dimensional enterprise integration, in order to provide seamless connectivity and robustness in enterprise-wide operations. Furthermore, for the purpose of validation and to justify the claim, the experimentation is performed by applying a comprehensive test scenario onxAOSF's recommended AOSR WMS strategy in comparison with linear SC-based standard WMS system, which yields a substantial performance improvement in certain key-performance areas.

Green Communication for Sixth-Generation Intent-Based Networks: An Architecture Based on Hybrid Computational Intelligence Algorithm

The sixth-generation (6G) is envisioned as a pivotal technology that will support the ubiquitous seamless connectivity of substantial networks. The main advantage of 6G technology is leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques for handling its interoperable functions. The pairing of 6G networks and AI creates new needs for infrastructure, data preparation, and governance. Thus, Intent-Based Network (IBN) architecture is a key infrastructure for 6G technology. Usually, these networks are formed of several clusters for data gathering from various heterogeneities in devices. Therefore, an important problem is to find the minimum transmission power for each node in the network clusters. This paper presents hybridization between two Computational Intelligence (CI) algorithms called the Marine Predator Algorithm and the Generalized Normal Distribution Optimization (MPGND). The proposed algorithm is applied to save power consumption which is an important problem in sustainable green 6G-IBN. MPGND is compared with several recently proposed algorithms, including Augmented Grey Wolf Optimizer (AGWO), Sine Tree-Seed Algorithm (STSA), Archimedes Optimization Algorithm (AOA), and Student Psychology-Based Optimization (SPBO). The experimental results with the statistical analysis demonstrate the merits and highly competitive performance of the proposed algorithm.

Wireless communication technologies for the Internet of Things

Internet of Things (IoT) is the inter-networking paradigm based on many processes such as identifying, sensing, networking and computation. An IoT technology stack provides seamless connectivity between various physical and virtual objects. The increasing number of IoT applications leads to the issue of transmitting, storing, and processing a large amount of data. Therefore, it is necessary to enable a system capable to handle the growing traffic requirements with the required level of QoS (Quality of Service). IoT devices become more complex due to the various components such as sensors and network interfaces. The IoT environment is often demanding for mobile power source, QoS, mobility, reliability, security, and other requirements. Therefore, new IoT technologies are required to overcome some of these issues. In recent years new wireless communication technologies are being developed to support the development of new IoT applications. This paper provides an overview of some of the most widely used wireless communication technologies used for IoT applications.

Throughput of an IEEE 802.11 Wireless Network in the Presence of Wireless Audio Transmission: A Laboratory Analysis

Wireless networks, including IEEE 802.11-based or Wi-Fi networks, are inexpensive and easy to install and therefore serve as useful connectivity alternatives in areas lacking wired-network infrastructure. However, IEEE 802.11 networks may not always provide the seamless connectivity and minimal throughput required for Industry 4.0 communications because of their susceptibility to interference from other devices operating in the unlicensed “Industrial, Scientific, and Medical” frequency band. Here we analyzed how a wireless audio transmitter operating on this band influences the throughput of an IEEE 802.11 b/g/n network under laboratory conditions. Wireless audio transmission reduced mean throughput by 85%, rendering the IEEE 802.11 b/g/n network nearly unusable. Our analysis suggests that in order for IEEE 802.11 wireless networks to support Industrial 4.0 applications, attention should be paid to the physical layer as well as the data or upper layers, and critical services should not transmit on the 2.4 GHz band. These findings may contribute to understanding and managing IEEE 802.11 wireless networks in various Industry 4.0 contexts.