Data analytics for mobile network usage patterns in 5G networks powered by energy harvesting

Contact names: Dr. Lorenza Giupponi and Dr. Paolo Dini

Institution: CTTC

Application deadline:

Description: the objective of this work is to characterize user mobility, application usage and traffic patterns, Quality of Experience and the associated network performance, analysing their temporal, spatial and behavioural statistics. The ESR shall analyse datasets coming from actual mobile network deployments so as to derive models that will subsequently used for the design of EH 5G network solutions. The analysis shall cover a variety of scenarios (urban, suburban, rural) and applications. Additionally, the ESR shall investigate the use of pattern recognition/machine learning aimed at predicting the user mobility and traffic patterns, in order to support network management strategies that maximize the exploitation of the harvested energy and minimize grid power consumption while satisfying the user QoE.

Expected Results: Analysis the temporal, spatial and behavioural patterns of mobile network usage (traffic, mobility, QoE, network performance); Models of these patterns that can be used for the study of energy harvesting powered 5G network solutions; Solutions for predicting variations in these patterns and drive network management algorithms; Quantitative evaluation of the expected benefits of the aforementioned solutions.

Mobility Schedule: The candidate will be mainly hosted at CTTC.
After 16 months, the candidate will join the University of Maryland (US) for 5 months to work under the supervision of prof. Sennur Ulukus to study theoretical models of EH mobile networks and optimization techniques.
After 27 months, the candidate is also expected to be hosted for a 5-month secondment at Toshiba Research Labs and be supervised by Dr. Filippo Tosato. During this stay the candidate will do experimental work to generate and analyse traffic traces created by the mobile network platform.

Requirements of the candidate:

  • At the time of recruitment, the applicant must not have lived in Spain for more than 12 months in the previous 36 months

  • A Master degree in Telecommunications, Computer Science or equivalent

  • Once selected by the SCAVENGE consortium for the ESR positions, the applicants must apply for PhD studentship at Universidad Politecnica de Catalunya (UPC).

  • Knowledge on mobile networks, sensor networks, big data

  • Knowledge on energy systems and management

  • Ability and motivation to conduct high-quality research, including publishing the results in relevant venues

  • Strong programming skills (e.g. C/C++, Java, Python).

  • Working experience in the areas of Mobile Networks, Sensor Networks, Smart Grid, Energy Harvesting, Big Data management, Cloud computing is an advantage.

  • Knowledge on Optimization Theory is an advantage.

  • Knowledge on Data Mining is an advantage.

  • Very good communication skills in oral and written English.

  • Open-mindedness, strong integration skills and team spirit.