Episys will develop, demonstrate and evaluate the performance of a software defined radio system that integrates 3GPP sidelink with a 7.2B open ran (radio access network) split that supports uplink…

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded a $8,168,674.03 Project Grant under the Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program (CFDA 11.038) to Episys Science Inc., a minority-owned and woman-owned small business. The purpose of the grant is for Episys to develop, demonstrate, and evaluate the performance of a software-defined radio (SDR) system that integrates 3GPP sidelink with a 7.2B open radio access network (RAN) split supporting uplink performance improvement (ULPI) splits. The expected outcomes include demonstrating an SDR-based system that integrates sidelink with ULPI, enabling 5G, 6G, and other U.S. radio providers to explore optimal resource allocation between sidelink and ULPI applications. Episys will work with subrecipients OpenAirInterface5G and the University of Washington to integrate commercial SDR hardware and software to support the simultaneous development and evaluation of this advanced radio system.

Activities

Over the period of performance the project will: - validate lab-based prototype demonstration of SL-enhanced 7.2B O-RUS (open radio units).- quantify improvements in the final prototype performance against non-SL (subscriber line) enabled 7.2B O-RUS.- integrate ulpi (USB high speed routing) techniques to enable massive-mimo (multiple input multiple output) and higher data rates.- conduct final artificial intelligence/machine learning-based trade space analysis of optimal baseband processing positions and integrate into final solution. Deploy final solution in outdoor dense urban areas to demonstrate 5G SL benefits and mimo/SL combined functionality.

Expected outcomes

The proposed project will lead to demonstration of a new capability: an SDR based system that integrates sidelink with ulpi. In turn such a system made available commercially to 5G advanced/6G radio vendors will enable exploration/maturation of capabilities in terms of optimal resource allocation between sidelink (low-latency, highly reliable) and ulpi applications.

Intended beneficiaries

United states 5G, 6G, and other radio providers.

Subrecipient activities

OPENAIRINTERFACE5G (OAI) and university of washington (UW), will integrate commercial SDR O-RU hardware/software - to support simultaneous uplink performance improvements (ULPI) and sidelink operation.