Open Topics in the Area of Quantum Communication Networks, Post-Shannon Communication, Guesswork, and Molecular Communications

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MolecularThesis

Study of Simulation Platforms to Analyse Quantum Communication Networks

Supervisor: Riccardo Bassoli

Simulating quantum-mechanical properties of quantum communication networks is not an easy task and every existing simulator is based on some initial assumptions to allow classical modelling of quantum behaviours. Each quantum simulator has pros and cons to be analysed in order to use it correctly, to model a specific aspect (or a set of aspects) of future quantum communication networks. This is fundamental to be able to correctly interpret the results obtained after simulations. The details of the thesis’ topic and the level of the targets will be adapted according to the student’s preferences, motivation and talent.
  • Starting time: February 2021
  • Diploma/Master thesis
  • Required skills: background on classical computer science and programming, ComNets2 and ComNets3

Post-Shannon Communication

No prepared topics yet.

Guessing Noise to Decode Messages

Supervisor: Juan Cabrera

An ideal channel decoder would implement a maximum likelihood decoding technique to guess what message was transmitted. This is guessing which codeword was sent by maximizing the probability of receiving the obtained message. Because this is computationally complex, channel codes are designed backward. I.e., the design of a low-complexity decoder comes first followed by the encoder. This limits the type of codes that can be used because not all codes can be decoded in practical time. However, researchers from MIT and Maynooth University have proven that by guessing the noise in the transmission channel instead of the message you can obtain similar results to a maximum likelihood decoder. The mathematical proof is complicated, yet the principle of operation is quite simple: If you receive a stream of bits that is not a valid codeword, you can flip one bit and ask if the new codeword is a valid one. If it is not, flip a different bit and repeat the process. If the probability of an error bit is low, then with a few flips and questions it is possible to decode. This opens the door to new codes since the decoding process is universal and potentially independent of the code used. We want to implement these novel techniques into our wireless system. To do that, we want to use Software Defined Radio to build the wireless channel and benchmark the novel decoder with state of the art codecs.

Molecular Communications

Channel Coding in Molecular Communications – Implementing Linear Block Codes on a Real Testbed

Supervisor: Pit Hofmann, Riccardo Bassoli

In the present day, communication technologies have surpassed the conventional wireless and wired channels, and have ventured into innovative areas in order to expand the possibilities and the reach of communication devices. The aim is to move beyond the limitations of traditional mediums and explore novel channels. Within this context, the emerging field of nano-scale and molecular communications has become a subject of great interest and importance in the field of telecommunications. Thereby, molecular communications is a unique and interdisciplinary approach that employs the use of molecules, instead of electromagnetic waves, to transmit information – imitated by nature.
The primary focus of this research is channel coding in molecular communications. The research begins with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of molecular communications and channel coding. The research will then shift towards implementing linear block codes, such as Hamming codes, using Python in a real testbed for molecular communications.
The thesis will involve a detailed study, analysis, and testing of channel codes, specifically linear block codes, by means of real-world measurements and comparing the results to simulation findings. The level of the research and the specific details of the thesis will be tailored to the student’s interests, motivation, and talent.



You haven’t found anything interesting for you? This does not mean that there aren’t any interesting topics at our chair! Please contact Tung. He will help you to get in contact with a suitable supervisor. We will then create an individual topic that also fits your interest 😉