Tutorial Program

Sunday, 11 May


T1. Turbo Codes: Analysis, Design, Iterative Decoding and Applications

Time: Sunday All Day - 11 May 2003 (8:30-17:00)
Instructor: Sergio Benedetto, Politecnico di Torino

Abstract:
Turbo-like codes are concatenated codes (in parallel or serially) formed by two simple convolutional encoders separated by an interleaver. They have astonishing performance close to the Shannon limits, yet enable simple decoding with complexity comparable to that of decoding the simple constituent codes. After their invention in 1993, the so-called "turbo principle" has been applied to such fields as equalization, multiuser detection, and synchronization. This tutorial provides an understanding of the principles governing the codes behavior, analytical tools to evaluate performance, design rules for both the constituent codes and the interleaver, explanation of the maximum-a-posterior algorithms which form the core of the iterative decoding algorithms, extensive analytical and simulation results, a comparative analysis of the implementation complexity, and a number of important applications like third-generation wireless communications, digital video broadcasting and deep-space communications.


T2. Space-Time Coding
Time: Sunday Morning - 11 May 2003 (8:30-12:00)
Instructor: Hamid Jafarkhani, University of California at Irvine

Abstract:
We present space-time coding to achieve diversity using multiple antennas in a wireless environment. We discuss the outage capacity of multiple antenna wireless systems to show the huge potential increase in the capacity. To approach these capacity limits we propose space-time codes. After discussing the design criteria, we introduce orthogonal space-time block codes, space-time trellis codes, super-orthogonal space-time trellis codes, and quasi-orthogonal space-time block codes. In each case, we describe the details of code design, complexity, and performance. Then we discuss differential detection schemes for transmission using multiple antennas assuming that neither the transmitter nor the receiver knows the channel. Finally, we discuss combination of space-time coding with other signal processing methods, i.e., combined array processing and space-time coding.


T3. Introduction to Network Security
Time: Sunday Morning - 11 May 2003 (8:30 -12:00)

Instructor: Guenter Schaefer, Technical University of Berlin

Abstract:
The need for network security nowadays does not need verbose motivations given the increasing dependence of modern information society from communication networks. This tutorial will give a general introduction to the field of network security, covering threats, countermeasures, as well as design principles and practical examples of how to integrate security services into layered communications architectures. Example network security architectures and protocols covered in the tutorial are: IEEE 802.1x, PPP, PPTP, L2TP, VPN, IPSec, SSL/TLS, SSH, and Internet Firewalls. The audience for this tutorial will get an in-depth introduction to network security threats and protocols and a good understanding of the fact that network security is more than the encrypted and signed exchange of data: it is an emerging engineering discipline.


T4. Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing for Wireless
Time: Sunday Afternoon - 11 May 2003 (13:30-17:00)
Instructors: Leonard Cimini, Jr., University of Delaware; Ye (Geoffrey) Li, Georgia Institute of Technology

Abstract:
Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) has been shown to be an effective technique to combat multi-path fading in wireless communications. This approach has been chosen as the standards in several outdoor and indoor high-speed wireless data applications. This tutorial initially presents the basic principles of OFDM. Then we discuss the problems and some of the potential solutions to the practical issues in implementing such a system. These include techniques for peak-to-average power ratio reduction, time and frequency synchronization, channel estimation, adaptive antenna arrays and transmitter diversity. We conclude with a discussion of current and proposed systems..


T5. Open Mobile Services
Time: Sunday Afternoon - 11 May 2003 (1:30 - 5:00)
Instructors: Do van Thanh, Telenor/Norwegian University of Science and Technology; Hemant Chaskar, Nokia

Abstract:
This tutorial provides an overview of the emerging technology enables for the future mobile services architectures focusing on open service creation, deployment, provision and management in heterogeneous mobile environments. The future mobile services would include traditional services such as telephony, as well as multimedia services such as videophone, WWW, messaging etc. The mobile users may use services offered by different operators and also third parties from multiple terminals and over a variety of access networks. It is crucial to meet the users' demand of service diversity, personalization and context awareness. This tutorial will provide an overview of technologies such as SIP, 3G IMS, Parlay and OSA, OMA, VHE, MExE, WAP, SIM Application Toolkit, Liberty Alliance, etc.


T6. Evolution of UMTS Core Networks: 3G and Beyond
Time: Sunday Afternoon - 11 May 2003 (1:30 - 5:00)
Instructors: Vijay Varma, K.Daniel Wong, Telcordia Technologies, Inc.

Abstract:
This tutorial discusses the evolution of core network from GSM to UMTS and beyond, with emphasis on packet domain, the IP Multimedia (IM) Core Network (CN) subsystem, and UMTS/WLAN integration. The evolution of the core network will be explained from the perspective of the move towards supporting IP Multimedia Services. Topics covered include GPRS overview, the evolution of the core network to "All-IP" and the resulting network architectures, the IM CN subsystem concepts and procedures, the role of Internet Telephony protocols for multi-media session set up, the UMTS service environment, recent developments in 3GPP Release 6, WLAN as a potential platform for 4G wireless, evolution of UMTS towards fourth generation wireless, and UMTS/WLAN integration. Selected call flows will be used to illustrate key concepts.

Thursday, 15 May 2003


T7. An Introduction to Low-Density Parity-Check Codes
Time: Thursday Morning - 15 May 2003 (8:30-12:00)
Instructors: William E. Ryan, Bane Vasic, University of Arizona

Abstract:
Low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes are a class of linear block codes for error-control on unreliable channels that are capable of near-capacity performance. They are naturally described via a so-called Tanner graph and have an easily understood iterative decoding algorithm. The purpose of this tutorial is to teach the participants how to design, encode, and decode LDPC codes. Code designs will involve probabilistic techniques, techniques based on finite geometries, and techniques based on combinatorics. Participants will learn about the performance of LDPC codes on standard channels and their applicability to data transmission and data storage. They will also see comparisons to turbo codes in terms of performance and complexity.


T8. Automatic Recognition of Natural Speech
Time: Thursday Morning - 15 May 2003 (8:30-12:00)
Instructor: Douglas O'Shaughnessy, INRS-Telecommunications, University of Quebec

Abstract:
The automatic conversion of natural conversational speech into text is a computer task on the verge of finding wide commercial application. Current automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems are still quite limited in their capacity to handle natural speech, but applications are nonetheless growing each year. This tutorial will discuss the modern techniques of automatic speech recognition, emphasizing the breadth of knowledge needed to approach near-human performance in this complex task. We will review essential aspects of human speech production from the acoustic-phonetic point of view, pertinent speech analysis methods (e.g., mel-cepstrum), statistical methods (e.g., hidden Markov models) and language models. We will describe the strengths and weaknesses of each technique, and attempt to predict future trends.


T9. Last-Mile Wired-Line Access
Time: Thursday Morning - 15 May 2003 (8:30-12:00)
Instructor: Amitava Dutta-Roy, Consultant

Abstract:
A healthy demand for high-speed and robust last-mile wired-line access technologies, namely, digital subscriber lines (xDSL), cable modem (DOCSIS) and the emerging fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) from budget-conscious homes and small and medium businesses continues to create new markets. This tutorial first discusses the salient technology requirements: infrastructure, distance limitations, spectrum utilization, modulation schemes, noise immunity, protocols, interoperability, relative securities, streaming and QoS. Then it offers an overview of demand forecasts, deployment costs, customer benefits and ROI. These often overlooked components are fundamental to any commercially successful service. An understanding of such business issues together with system-level technical insights will aid attendees, users and providers alike, in planning sustainable access services in selected marketplaces. Network performances running typical applications using different technologies are simulated for demonstration.



T10. Automatically Switched Optical Networks - Challenges and Opportunities
Time: Thursday Morning - 15 May 2003 (8:30-12:00)
Instructor: Andrzej Jajszczyk, AGH University of Technology, Poland

Abstract:
This tutorial presents migration from current SDH/SONET-based networks towards Automatic Switched Optical Networks (ASON) that give the means to deliver end-to-end, managed bandwidth services efficiently, expediently and at reduced cost. The current status of optical networking is outlined, and driving forces behind ASON are enumerated. Transport, control, and management planes of ASON are described, including such issues as: optical cross-connects, add-drop multiplexers, control plane models, and management of optical networks. Approaches to service resilience in optical networks using ASON functionality are reviewed. The tutorial concludes by presenting current standardization activities, open issues and perspectives of intelligent optical networking.