Novel method to optimise efficiency and reduce latency of wireless networks

Many cutting-edge applications like virtual reality and ultra-high definition video streaming rely on a high efficiency and low latency wireless network. However, a large number of device connection under a limited bandwidth unavoidably degrades the transmission efficiency of a wireless network.

 

To address the above problem, Dr Yaru Fu, Assistant Professor in the School of Science and Technology at Hong Kong Metropolitan University (HKMU), conducted a research project aiming at achieving a breakthrough in minimising the latency of a wireless network. This project examined the utilisation of the technology of caching on content retrieval to support non-orthogonal multiple access — a 5G technology enabling multiple access for users at the same time — to improve the probability of signal coverage in a wireless network. In addition, the project exploited the recommendation system technology for shaping network users' content request behaviours to increase the cache hit ratio — an indicator of network performance — so as to further reduce network latency.

 

 

Noticing the effective interplay between the above technologies, Dr Fu's team developed an algorithm to optimise network content caching, recommendation, and transmission to improve the overall performance of a wireless network. Their proposed algorithm was evaluated through extensive simulations to verify its performance in comparison to other baseline methods. The results demonstrated that their algorithm achieves a significantly lower latency and better cache hit ratio than others in real-life 5G network scenarios. The achievements of the research team provide insights to the network industry in developing the next generation of wireless networks.

 

These research findings were published in the scientific journal IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications with the paper title 'Joint content caching, recommendation, and transmission optimization for next generation multiple access networks'. This publication was supported by Research Grants Council's Faculty Development Scheme. As a recognition of Dr Fu's research achievements, this publication was awarded the Excellent Research Publication Award of the Outstanding Research Publication Award 2022 by HKMU.