Communications

Communications systems are increasingly pervasive in all aspects of our lives. The institute carries out research to support the next generation of technologies that will meet the challenges of ubiquitous and seamless data connectivity. Our research addresses fundamental and industry driven research advances and practical integration of optical fibre, radio frequency (RF)/microwave, antenna and optical wireless, including Light Fidelity (Lifi) systems.

Our programme of research tackles both theoretical and fundamental communications problems as well as more practical issues of implementing and improving communications systems, as well as improving communications interfaces.

Our research will impact practically in the following ways:

  • Efficient and higher bandwidth communications technologies to tackle the rapidly increasing demand for internet traffic
  • Lower energy consumption technologies that reduce the carbon footprint of future communications networks
  • Seamless and secure communications technologies and interfaces to improve the quality of human life
optical communications device Edmund Optics ThorLab
Optical communications

Recent Research Advances

  • Developed a new "spatial modulation" technique for MIMO systems
  • Designed reduced complexity MIMO sphere decoders
  • Reduced the power consumption of cellular base stations for "green radio"
  • Demonstrated visible light communication at Gbit/s data rates from LED lighting with spin-out company PureVLC.
  • Enhanced telephone and internet services for customer banking
  • Host the HARP high capacity cellular and HIATUS efficient spectrum EU FP7 programmes

Academics

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