Digital Twins for Energy Efficient Next Generation Wireless Networks Assisted by Metamaterials

Apply and key information

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)
Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Summary

Digital Twins (DT) are virtual copies of real-world environments and serve as a platform to study potential real-life scenarios, and optimise the operation being monitored, such as wireless networks.

With the arrival of WiFi 7 we are looking at a future of faster and more reliable wireless networks. It brings significant upgrades over its previous versions, such as the ability to use the 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz bands simultaneously, increasing the modulation level to 4096-QAM and 320 MHz channels. Therefore, to design current and future efficient wireless networks, the understanding on how the signal propagates through the channel is important.

To aid on this understanding, the candidate will create a DT to study new wireless standards performance in real-world scenarios. They will use state-of-the-art raytracing software to simulate how signals travel in different environments to understand the strengths and challenges of next generation of wireless technologies. This will provide information on how data travels in different scenarios, including the effect of walls, distance, and crowded areas. These simulations will provide us with key information about the wireless channel such as, signal power, delay, multipath and polarisation. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis will be performed in the DT, which will later be experimentally validated.

To efficiently boost wireless signal, the candidate will investigate how metasurfaces can aid in reflecting signals to improve coverage in shadow zones. These will include (not limited to) Static Passive Skins and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces.

The candidate will work closely with our local and international academic/industrial partners. This will ensure that our work will be world-leading, and relevant to the development of a sustainable future in wireless communications.

It is necessary that the candidate has skills with Matlab and has attended modules involving RF devices/electromagnetic theory. Experience with electromagnetic simulation software is not necessary, but desirable.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain
A comprehensive and articulate personal statement

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

First Class Honours (1st) Degree
Masters at 65%
Publications - peer-reviewed

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

Department for the Economy (DfE)
Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance). A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.