Interference multiple access wireless network demonstration enabled by real-time multiuser detection

Abstract

In recent outdoor, over-the-air tests and simulations, DARPA demonstrated greater than 3X improvement in aggregate wireless network throughput and latency compared to the 802.11b wireless local area network. This achievement is based on allowing multiple users to simultaneously use the same channel (time, frequency, code, etc.) without requiring a centralized infrastructure for coordination and spectrum preplanning. DARPA has developed new multi-user detection (MUD) algorithms that make it possible to exploit multi-access interference to increase network capacity. A key program goal is to apply these algorithms to next-generation warfighter communications systems for substantial capacity, latency and scalability improvements.