National Instruments, a leader in test and measurement, data acquisition and computer automation, is collaborating with several top researchers focused on RF and wireless communications research—specifically fifth generation (5G) wireless communications. The proliferation of smart devices has led to a wireless spectrum shortage, which means researchers are seeking new ways to alleviate the bandwidth crunch and increase network data capacity. Through the RF/Communications Lead User program, NI works with leading research institutions around the world to address network capacity concerns. “The complexity of today’s wireless communication challenges requires a new design approach,” stated NYU Wireless professor Sundeep Rangan. “We were able to build a functional LTE prototype in a few months as a foundational element to our research.” TU Dresden joined the RF/Communications Lead User program in 2011 and demonstrated a fully functional generalized frequency division multiplexing (GFDM) prototype at NIWeek 2013 in Austin, Texas. “The rapid progress from simulation to prototype was surprising,” said Vodafone Chair, professor Gerhard Fettweis of TU Dresden. “We now have a functional GFDM prototype to clearly demonstrate the benefit of this approach to 5G wireless systems, but it also enables our team to continue to iterate and explore other aspects of 5G systems including cross layer optimization with a new physical layer.” “As part of the National Instruments Lead User program, our team has been measuring and developing channel models for spectrum above traditional cellular frequencies,” said NYU Wireless professor Ted Rappaport.
