Resource Allocation in Future Terahertz Networks

Abstract

Terahertz (THz) band represents the unused frequency band between the microwave and optical bands and lies in the range of frequencies between 0.1 to 10 THz. As a result, the THz signal generation can be done using electronic or photonic circuits. Moreover, the channel gain has hybrid features from both microwave and optical bands allowing to reap the benefits of each band. Adopting such a technology can mitigate the spectrum scarcity and introduce a substantial solution to other systems such as visible light communications. Despite of the generous bandwidth, the THz communications suffer from high attenuation that increases with adopted frequency similar to the microwave frequency band. Furthermore, THz communications are subject to a different type of attenuation called Molecular Absorption, that depends on the chemical nature of the ambiance air. Thus, THz transmitters need to use extra power and high antenna gains to overcome signal loss and compensate the short distance range limitation. In this thesis, we investigate the pathloss model to compute the overall attenuation faced by the THz wave for different frequencies and weather conditions. Then, we use the THz technology to support the operation of uplink networks using directional narrow beams. We optimize the uplink communication network resource represented in the frequency bands and the assigned power in order to minimize the total power consumption while achieving a specific quality of service. Furthermore, we investigate the impact of weather conditions and the system’s requirements in order to guarantee a better performance.