WIRELESS NETWORK ARCHITECTURE IN RURAL INDIA: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

WIRELESS NETWORK ARCHITECTURE IN RURAL INDIA: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

NEWS:  Recently, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) approved a wireless network architecture for affordable broadband access in rural areas, developed at IIT Bombay.

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

Wireless Network Architecture in Rural India:

Context

  • Approval: IEEE approved a wireless network architecture for affordable broadband access in rural areas, developed at IIT Bombay.

Network Architecture

  • Cellular Network Components:
    • Access Network (AN): Base stations providing wireless connectivity in a limited geographical area.
    • Core Network (CN): Equipment providing connectivity to other networks (e.g., Internet), operating centrally and far from base stations.
  • Data Flow: User device → Base Station → Core Network → Destination (Internet or another device).

Challenges in Rural Connectivity

  • Urban-Rural Digital Divide: Urban tele-density at 127%, rural tele-density at 58% (TRAI data).
  • Lower Income: Rural populations often find mobile services unaffordable.
  • Population Distribution: Low density, clusters separated by vast spaces, and remoteness.

IEEE 2061-2024 Standard

  • Developed by: IIT Bombay.
  • Network Features:
    • Heterogeneous AN: Includes macro-BS with large coverage areas and Wi-Fi with small coverage areas.
    • Seamless Connectivity: Allows devices to switch from Wi-Fi to macro-BS without service disruption.
    • Middle-Mile Network: Uses multi-hop wireless middle-mile to extend connectivity where optical-fibre links are unavailable.
    • Technologies: Can use satellites or long-range Wi-Fi for middle-mile connectivity.

Significance

  • Avoids Call Drops: Integrated AN control in a heterogeneous network prevents service issues.
  • Cost-Effective Connectivity: Multi-hop wireless middle-mile network eliminates the need for costly optical fibre.
  • Flexible and Scalable: Facilitates the coexistence of legacy and new technologies (4G, 5G, 6G, Wi-Fi).

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-history/1965-war-hero-abdul-hamid-9428071/