innovating communications - CTTC

ANNuAl REpORT 2007 

innovating communications

Vision and Mission_Statement of the Director_Organization and Management_Research and Demostration_Business Development_Intellectual Property 

Rights_Research Projects_Technology transfer_Training activities_Partnerships, Cooperation and Communication_Publications_Financial Report 

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0 CONTENT 

1. Vision and Mission 4 

2. Statement of the Director 6 

3. Organization and Management 8 

4. Research and Demostration 12 

5. Business Development 18 

6. Intellectual Property Rights 22 

2007 HIGHLIGHTS 

7. Research Projects 28 

OVERVIEW 

EU R&D PROJECTS 

FIT-330210-2006-75 WISQUAS 30 

FP6-027305 NOBEL2 31 

FP6-IST-4-027756 WINNER II 32 

FIT-330225-2007-14 PLANETS 33 

FP6-IST-33533 COOPCOM 34 

COST Action 295 DYNAMO 35 

2006ITT-10003 CTP-TeSa 36 

FP6-IST-27402 WIP 37 

FIT-330215-2007-8 LOOP 38 

20547/07/NL/JD MIMO SAT 39 

FIT-330225-2007-2 MIMOWA 40 

NATIONAL R&D PROJECTS 

TEC2005-08122-C03-02 ULTRA-RED 41 

MAT2005-05656-C02-04 MATLINES 42 

TEC2006-10459/TCM PERSEO 43 

TEC2006-12910/TCM RESPLANDOR 44 

FIT-330503-2006-2 m:CIUDAD 45 

FIT-330220-2007-43 and CIDEM RDITSCON07-1-0017 DREAMS 46 

2005SGR00690 SGR 47 

HEGID (OTR 050094) 48 

NETWORKS OF EXCELLENCE AND THEMATIC NETWORKS 

FP6-IST-2002-507525 NEWCOM 49 

FP6-IST-2006-26957 ACE2 50 

TEC2006-27651E RT-Multilayer 51 

FP6-IST-027497 e-Photon/ONe+ 52 

TEC2006-27633-E R-MPLS 53 

8. Technology transfer 

OVERVIEW 55 

PROJECTS 

GAD/DIMAT 56 

MUMO-I 57 

RX-POS 57 

WI4GOAL 58 

R@ilnet 58 

QUETZAL 59 

TIMI 60 

INNOVATION TESTBEDS 

Networking testbeds & Physical-layer testbeds 61 

9. Training activities 68 

10. Partnerships, Cooperation and Communication 72 

11. Publications 76 

12. Financial Report 86 

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1 VISION 

Vision 

AND MISSION 

CTTC is a non-profit research center, from a public initiative and with a high degree of self-financing, open to the participation of 

other public and private bodies, as well as to partnership with the industrial and business sectors. 

CTTC has a professional scientific management, a critical mass of researchers and projects, real possibilities of growing and 

establishing durable links with the industrial and business sectors, and the capacity of leading technological projects, both 

national and international. 

The expertise accumulated at CTTC makes us one of the primary addresses for Spanish telecom industry, as well as one of the 

leading European institutions for research at physical, link and network layers in telecommunications. 

Mission 

CTTC’s core activity is the conception, design and implementation of research and development projects, which have to produce 

innovative results in all their development phases, in both scientific and engineering terms. The acquisition of an international 

reputation in its scientific and technological activity, shaped in terms of scientific production, will favour CTTC’s mission of 

becoming an Excellence Center. 

CTTC aims at fostering innovation potential by making new scientific knowledge accessible and supporting its implementation. 

In this way, CTTC significantly contributes to consolidate Barcelona’s position as an important center of technology, besides 

helping expand Spain’s role within the European telecommunications research community and industry. Finally, CTTC contributes 

to the economic growth of the Catalan industrial context, by becoming a partner of solid reputation in research and technological 

development, as well as a provider of knowledge and human resources for the industrial research. 

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2 STATEMENT 

OF 

THE DIRECTOR 

The Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC) started its activities in December 2001 as the first research 

institute and technology center in Spain devoted to physical layer technologies for communications systems. 

The scientific activity of CTTC focuses on five research areas oriented to the major transport technologies for digital communications. 

Wireless communications, Optical Networking, Access Technologies, Communications Subsystems and IP Technologies areas face 

the current major research trends in wired, optical and wireless communications systems. 

In addition to research, CTTC is a singular element in the European research architecture, since engineering consists of 

approximately 35% of its human resources devoted to R&D tasks. This enables the institution to tune the performed in-house 

research to industrial applications and engineering demonstrators, paving the way to shorten the distance between research 

and industry. 

Starting with 4 engineers and 5 Ph.D. in 2002, four years later CTTC was ranked by CDTI (Centro para el Desarrollo Tecnológico 

Industrial), an agency of the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade, at position six of non-profit research institutions with 

major gross return from European research programs, in competition with major universities and national research institutes. In 

terms of scientific production, the CTTC annually produces over 30 and 100 papers in peer-reviewed journals and international 

conferences, respectively. 

After 2005, the institution was mature to start with an ambitious plan for technology and knowledge transfer to the industrial 

sector, mainly focusing on national corporations and industries. Additionally, CTTC has also initiated the creation of an IPR portfolio 

with the submission of 8 International Patents, which provides a good indication of the tradeoff achieved between engineering 

and research. Strongly related with these initiatives is our policy of enlarging our experimental infrastructure through testbeds 

or multipurpose technology platforms, fully developed inside the CTTC as internal projects, and being the natural source for 

our patent portfolio. These testbeds support today a close relationship and harmonic growth of good science and innovative 

technology in the fast changing environment of communications engineering. 

In addition to that, CTTC is also a recognized center for training of young researchers and engineers. In fact, regardless of the 

fact that we are a technology-driven center, the number of master and doctoral students, together with post-doc researchers, 

represents approximately 30% of personnel devoted to R&D tasks. This shows the increased interest in CTTC as a research 

training site in fair competition with the excellent surrounding universities in Barcelona. 

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the output of our work is annually submitted to the Business and Scientific Committes. 

These Committees are in charge of tuning our enthusiasm with the pragmatic and critical views of their members, who are 

well-experienced professionals of the national and international communications industrial and academic sectors, with a solid 

scientific reputation on engineering management, basic and applied research. I would like to express here my sincere recognition 

to their work, to the generosity of the time devoted to dive in our problems, and to the criticism of their reports. 

After presenting CTTC objectives, organization and business development, this annual report 

aims at describing the CTTC scientific and technological activity realized in the framework of 

leading projects, which has resulted in an improved level of self funding for 2007 with respect 

to the previous years. This result is perfectly aligned with one of the CTTC’s objectives, which 

consists in achieving 51% of self funding over the period 2008-2012. The good performances 

obtained during this year really motivate and inspire us in order to pursue our final objective: 

to achieve higher-layer innovations from revisiting physical layer technologies. 

Prof. Miguel Ángel Lagunas 

Director 

Castelldefels, June 2008 

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3 ORGANIZATION 

AND MANAGEMENT 

In September 1999, the Autonomous Government of Catalonia (Generalitat de Catalunya) decided to boost research, 

development and innovation activities in the Spanish region of Catalonia through the start-up of several research institutions. 

Among them, and in the context of the third Research Plan of Catalonia (2001 – 2004), a research center in telecommunication 

technologies was considered. The creation of such a research center was approved in 1999 by the Generalitat in order to 

increase the number of researchers in telecommunications and to fill the gap between University and industry in terms of 

research and development (R&D). 

The constitution of this center, named Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC) and located in the Barcelona 

area, was approved by the Generalitat in April 2001. 

CTTC started its activity in November 2001 and was created in juridical terms as a Foundation. 

The organization of the CTTC is graphically represented in the picture below. 

CTTC’s organization 

Management Team 

The Council is the management organ and is constituted by members of the three promoting institutions: 

- Department of Innovation, University and Industry of the Autonomous Government of Catalonia (Departmament d’Innovació, 

Universitats i Empresa – DIUE - de la Generalitat de Catalunya) 

- Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) 

- Universitat Ramon Llull (URL) 

and by up to three members of the CTTC Business Advisory Committee. 

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The council is represented by an Executive Commission. 

The Scientific Advisory Committee is responsible for the orientation and the scientific evaluation of the center. This Committee 

ensures external advice concerning the CTTC’s research strategy and the scientific quality of the work performed. The Scientific 

Advisory Committee was established in 2003 and its members are professionals of high reputation in the telecommunications 

research community, belonging to both the academic and the industrial sectors. 

Scientific Advisory Committee 



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Antonio Manzalini Telecom Italia Lab 

Pedro Mier Albert Mier Comunicaciones SA 

Giovanni Colombo Telecom Italia Lab 

Angel Cardama Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya 

Pedro Pintó R&D Consultant 

José Jiménez Telefónica I+D 

Lloyd J. Griffiths George Mason University 

Markus Dillinger Siemens 

Ricardo de Gaudenzi European Space Agency 

John M. Cioffi Stanford University 

Andrea Goldsmith from Stanford University, 

joined the Committee in 2008 

The Business Advisory Committee is in charge of advising with respect to the adequacy of the technological position of CTTC. 

Additionally, it is the organ through which the industrial partners can participate in the center, with representation in the Council. 

This committee has been established in 2006 and it is constituted by recognized professionals of the telecom industrial and 

business Spanish sector. 

Business Advisory Committee 

Ángel Ramírez GTD 

Antonio de Carvajal Indra Sistemas 

Juan Gascón AETIC 

Andrés Zabara CDTI 

Guillermo Fernández Telefónica 

Jaume Sodupe Grupo Iberdrola 

Emilio Sanvicente UPC 

Carlos Borrego Page Ibérica 

Juan José Durrif EADS CASA 

Ferran Lemus High Growth 

Luis Rey-Stolle ISDEFE 

Carlos Espinós Abertis Telecom (not in the picture) 

Miguel Ángel Martínez GMV (not in the picture) 

The Director of CTTC is elected after an open selection process and is responsible for the coordination of all the strategic activities 

realized at CTTC. The Director is the Chairman of the Management Team. 

- Director: Prof. Miguel Ángel Lagunas

The Management Team of CTTC is organized into four main areas: 

- Business Management and Planning: Simó Aliana, PhD 

- International Relations: Carles Antón, PhD 

- Technology Transfer: Mr. Albert Sitjà 

- Institutional Relations: Lorenza Giupponi, PhD 

The Administration is the organ in charge of administrative planning and control, administrative organization, financial 

management, accounting and acquisitions, personnel, maintenance and security. The Manager of the CTTC is responsible for the 

Administration unit: 

- Manager: Simó Aliana, PhD 

The Research Unit is the most specific unit at CTTC. Research at CTTC is organized into five different areas having the sufficient 

human resources in research and development and in capacity of implementing demonstrators. For each area, a research 

coordinator has been appointed to be responsible for the research activities. 

- Radio Communications: Xavier Mestre, PhD 

- Communications Subsystems: Carles Fernández, PhD 

- Access Technologies: Christian Ibars, PhD 

- IP Technologies: Josep Mangues, PhD 

- Optical Networking: Raül Muñoz, PhD 

The Engineering Unit is in charge of supporting the research areas in developing demonstrators and in the Technology 

Transfer activities. The coordinator of the Engineering Unit is responsible for the organization and the technological vision of 

the unit. Additionally, for each demonstrator a coordinator is identified to be responsible of the technological and experimental 

activities. 

- Coordinator of Engineering Unit: Mr. José Rubio 

The Supporting Services provide technical support to the overall activities of CTTC in the following areas: computer and 

communications systems, technical equipment, maintenance and library. 

- Head of Supporting Services: Mr. David Company 

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4 RESEARCH 

Organization 

AND DEMOSTRATION 

Research at CTTC deals with the physical, data link and network layers of communications systems. So far, five distinct research 

areas have been identified in the Research Unit: 

- Radio Communications 

- Communications Subsystems 

- Access technologies 

- IP Technologies 

- Optical Networking 

The philosophy behind the organization of the Research Unit in thematic areas is the grouping of skills in knowledge fields that 

are expected to be fundamental for research in communications. 

- The focus of the Radio Communications area is on physical layer technologies for advanced transceiver architectures. Special 

emphasis is given to multi-antenna, multi-carrier and multi-terminal systems. 

- The Communication Subsystems area undertakes research on the design, assessment and development of radio-frequency 

front-ends for wireless communication systems. 

- The area of Access Technologies focuses on the study of techniques and protocols for wireless access networks, as well as 

other advanced access technologies. 

- The goal of the IP Technologies Area is the definition of an architecture allowing the autonomic operation of complex, 

heterogeneous and dynamic networks, by defining the guiding principles for providing seamless mobility and for offering 

the required support to applications. 

- The Optical Networking Area focuses on functional network architectures and on intelligent protocols and algorithms, both 

distributed and centralized, for next generation all-optical transport networks. 

In agreement with the long-term mission of the CTTC, the above listed research areas aim at becoming a reference at international 

level for R&D. This accomplishment will only be possible if it is based on quality research on leading edge technologies and on 

the commitment of all the researchers on the vision that drives the CTTC. 

The Research Unit plans to attain this goal by: 

- Carrying out medium and long-term research. 

- Participating in advanced international and national research projects. 

- Establishing a strong partnership with industry. 

- Creating an international R&D environment. 

- Producing quality research papers. 

- Incorporating a critical mass of trainees and post-doc researchers. 

- Establishing synergic collaborations among the research areas and the Engineering Unit. 

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The activities of the Engineering Unit are related to the above listed research areas in what concerns experimentation, precompetitive 

demonstration and technology-oriented innovation. The flow of these activities is depicted in the following figure. 

Workflow of the Engineering Unit 

The activities of CTTC are shaped in projects, which can be of four kinds: basic research, applied research, demonstration and strategic. 

Basic research has as its primary objective the advancement of knowledge and the theoretical understanding of the relations 

among variables. This kind of research is generally based on public and competitive funds. Applied research encompasses 

activities designed to solve practical problems of communications systems. Demonstrations are devoted to technological 

dissemination and/or pre-competitive demonstration, and usually involve testbeds and demonstration models. Applied research 

and demonstrations can be funded by both national/international competitive projects and by direct contracts with industry. 

Finally, the strategic projects are in general internally funded and involve activities which are strategically interesting for the 

center in order to gain knowledge and expertise in a certain field. 



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Research and innovation lines 

Current communications systems to a certain extent, and next-generation systems to a greater extent, can be seen as a series 

of networks constituting an heterogeneous platform with different transmission media, technologies and protocols. In fact, 

between two end users we may find networking infrastructures as different as wireless/mobile, satellite access, fiber-optics or 

cable communications systems. 

End-to-end QoS: a multidisciplinary approach 

In addition to this, it is worth mentioning that in the last years has raised the notion of being “Always Best Connected” 

(ABC), which means to be always connected and in the best possible way, depending on the particular service required and 

on the particular user profile. For instance, the strategic objectives of research in communications within the European Union 

shall converge towards a concept of “ambient intelligence”. This concept consists in a seamless environment of computing, 

advanced networking technology and specific interfaces, which is aware of the particular characteristics of human presence, 

takes care of needs, is capable of intelligently responding to spoken or gestured indications of desire, and can even engage 

in an intelligent dialogue. 

All the R&D activities performed by the CTTC are framed in one or several research and innovation lines, which shall complementary 

converge in a global, multidisciplinary vision: end-to-end quality of service (QoS). 

CTTC’s Functional and Strategic Plan 2007-2012 identifies the research and development issues that CTTC aims at approaching 

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and proposes how these issues should be addressed in the period 2007-2012. The R&D activities identified in this Functional and 

Strategic Plan fall within the scope of the ABC and ambient intelligence concepts described before. 

More precisely, CTTC aims at providing a multidisciplinary approach to address end-to-end QoS, which will be essential in ABC 

environments. In this context, QoS concerns the ability to obtain correctness and service-level guarantees such as timeliness, 

availability, fault tolerance, survivability for applications in the environments mentioned before, which can be large-scale and 

multi-technology. When thinking of ambient intelligence, the problem of meeting QoS requirements is made harder due to the 

ubiquitous networking environment and high data rate services envisaged. 

This end-to-end QoS is approached by CTTC in complementary research lines, which are depicted below. 

CTTC’s research lines 

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Mobile/Wireless 

networking 

Adaptable Mobile 

Comunications for Next - 

Generation Networks 

Self-Organized 

Wireless Networks 

Testbed Modelling and Novel Techniques for 

Network Experimentation, Measurement 

and Performance Assessment 

Signal Processing 

Signal Processing for Multi-antenna 

and Multi-user Communications 

Cooperative Communications 

and Distributed Signal Processing 

Design of Advanced Multiantenna 

and Multi-carrier Systems 

Self-organized 

networks 

Access Technologies, Protocols and Radio Resource Management 

Advanced Techniques for Multi-user Wireless Systems 

Advanced Resource Allocation and MAC Protocols 

Communication and 

Information Theory 

Link Level Technologies for 

Wirless Communicatons 

Transparent Optical 

networks 

Network Control and Management 

Testbed Modelling and Performance Evaluation 

Component-oriented System-oriented 

Advanced Microwave 

Passive Devices 

Non-linear 

Microwave Circuits 

Multi-layer Networks 

MEMS-based and 

Reconfigurable Devices 

Positioning Systems 

IP Tecnologies Optical Networking Access Technologies Radio Communications Communications Subsystems 


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Radio Communications Lab. 

Access Technologies Lab. 

Optical Networking Lab. 

Communications Subsystems Lab. 

IP Technologies Lab. 

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5 BuSINESS 

DEVElOpMENT 

Project Volume 

During 2007, the total budget coming from all projects, has significantly increased, which allowed achieving a self-financing 

level of 37.33%. The total proceeds from public funding plus direct contracts with industries, plus other competitive funds total 

1.497.519 EUR. Compared to the previous reference period, it represents an increment of 48.5%. 

The amount of person months of all CTTC projects has increased from 336, for the period 2006, to 420, for the period 2007, 

which corresponds to a 25% of increment. 

Proceeds of projects and industrial contracts 

2007 - Structure of projects’ proceeds 

Development of project volume in person·month 

EU R&D Projects 

National R&D Projects 

Network of Excellence and 

Thematic Networks 

Technology Transfer 

Other competitive funds 

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Staff 

The development of recruitment for researchers and engineers proves CTTC’s attractiveness as an employer in advanced 

telecommunications research. 

As of December 2007, CTTC counts with 49 permanent positions. In addition, 6 researchers from partner universities and one 

researcher from industry are involved in CTTC projects, 4 post-doctoral researchers are visiting CTTC and 14 doctoral students are 

pursing their thesis in the Center. 

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Permanent Staff 

2007 - Structure of CTTC staff 

Management Team 

Administration 

Research 

Engineering 

Supporting Services 

Researchers 

Post-doc 

Pre-doc 

Supporting Services 

Engineering 

Administration 

Management 


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2007 - Structure of R&D personnel 

Scientific Publications 

Senior Researchers 

Researchers 

Senior Engineers 

Engineers 

Post-doc 

Pre-doc 

Researchers from University 

Researchers from Industry 

The personnel increase was distributed as uniformly as possible over the research areas, with a significant proportion of young 

researchers and engineers, which reflects CTTC’s emphasis on the advanced training of scientists. 

Other positive aspects are the increasing percentage of researchers from abroad (around 30%), which gives CTTC its international 

flair. Moreover, the high number of job applications from abroad demonstrates CTTC’s international reputation. 

Scientific Production 

As for the scientific production the figure below shows the increment in the number of scientific publications of CTTC during the 

last years. During 2007 CTTC has published 24 papers in international journals, 74 papers in international conferences and has 

participated in the 3 book chapters. 

Book Chapters 

International Journals 

International Conferences 

National Conferences 

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6 INTEllECTuAl 

pROpERTy RIGHTS 

One of the main objectives of CTTC is to promote the technological innovation. After six years of Research and Development 

(R&D) activities, this objective has been achieved by starting an IPR (Intellectual Property Right) Portfolio based on trade marks 

and patent applications. In particular, during the last two years, CTTC has registered five trade marks and has submitted eigth 

patents to the European Patent Office (EPO). 

As for the Trade Marks, CTTC registered the following: ADRENALINE Testbed®, EXTREME Testbed®, GEDOMIS®, DEMOCLES ®, 

ULAND ®. A more detailed description of these testbeds can be found in the section related to Innovation Testbeds. 

With respect to the patents, during 2006 CTTC submitted to EPO five patent applications based on PCT (Patent Cooperation 

Treaty), which propose new methods to face problems related to current mobile and wireless communications systems. 

In the context of mobile and wireless communications, CTTC has designed a methodology to estimate the arrival times in 

localization applications, which will allow to locate persons and objects with a higher precision than the one allowed by the GPS 

system. A second patent submission solves the problem of estimating and correcting the frequency carrier in OFDM systems 

with multiple antennas. On the other hand, CTTC researchers designed two multi-user wireless communications systems, 

where the terminals are also characterized by multiple antennas. Those systems will allow to minimize mobile terminal power 

transmission. The fourth patent submission intends to improve IP networks performances. In particular, it focuses on the design 

of different evaluation methods of the performances of wireless cards and on the automatic monitoring and configuration of IP 

based networks. 

Extreme Testbed ® Uland ® 

The fifth patent submitted by CTTC has already been internationally published with the number WO 2007/101451 A1. 

The inventor of this research is Dr. Xavier Mestre, coordinator of the radio communications area of the center. The developed 

invention presents a system and a methodology for estimating the directions of arrival of one or several radio signals. The typical 

mechanisms used in this kind of detection need a minimum power level. The CTTC proposed solution, permits to considerably 

decrease the value of this threshold, that is, it allows the correct estimation of the directions of arrival of the signals with lower 

power. Besides, the method invented is especially useful in situations in which the number of available observations is small. 

To sum up, we can say that the patented system allows to improve the reception of signals when conditions are deficient. 

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Moreover, during 2007, CTTC has submitted to OEPM 

(Oficina Española de Patentes y Marcas) and to EPO three 

additional PCT patents related to other research and 

development activities carried out in the center. 

The first one, promoted by the inventors M. Portolés, A. 

Krendzel, J. Mangues, defines a method to characterize 

the capacity of a wireless node and to detect the activity 

of other nearby wireless nodes when implementing a 

distributed access communication protocol. 

The second patent, authored by N. Zorba, A. Perez describes 

a method for allocating a minimum downlink power 

from a transmitter of a cellular multi-user multi-antenna 

communications system. This amount of power depends 

on the channel interference and on a predetermined 

quality of service requirement per user. 

Finally, the third patent, promoted by the inventors N. Zorba, 

M Realp, A. Perez, is a signal processing scheme for wide 

band communications systems using satellite channels. 

This scheme takes advantage of the information of the 

antenna radiation diagram. By using this information, the 

signal is processed before its transmission, improving the 

performance of the system. 



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Gedomis ® 

Adrenaline Testbed ® 

Democles ®

Highlights 2007 

First Contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) 

During February 2007, CTTC signed its first direct contract with the European 

Space Agency (ESA). The related project is named “MIMO Applicability on 

Satellite Networks”, it has a duration of 10 months and its objective is twofold. 

On the one hand it aims at studying new techniques for MIMO (Multiple 

Inputs Multiple Output) systems and its possible combination with advanced 

codification and multiuser detection solutions. On the other hand, it aims at 

validating the applicability of MIMO techniques to satellite systems. 

Institutional Awards 

During 2007 CTTC has received two institutional prizes. The first prize 

was awarded by the Castelldefels Council during the fourth edition of 

the Castelldefels Digital prizes, for the category “Technology”. This prize 

represents a public acknowledgement to the industries and institutions 

that make use, develop and spread new digital technologies, thus 

contributing to the Castelldefels development from social, economic and 

technological perspectives. 

IGC Prize Castelldefels Digital Prize 

The second prize was awarded by the Internet Global Congress in the framework of the fifth edition of the prizes to the digital 

innovation. In particular, the CTTC received this acknowledgment for the development of the m:Ciudad project. The main goal of 

m:Ciudad is to conduct technological research in wireless communications, allowing mobility/pervasiveness of urban services 

that are currently delivered by third parties. In this context, the awarded CTTC’s contribution deals with techniques aimed at 

improving precision in localization techniques. 

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CTTC participates in four new projects funded by 7th Framework Program of 

European Union 

The first call of the 7FP was concluded during July 2007, when CTTC was funded for the realization of 

four new R&D projects: NEWCOM++, BONE, DaVINCI and PHYDIAS. Each one of these projects studies 

aspects regarding the communication systems of future generation. 

PHYDIAS project proposes an innovative solution to deal with the dynamic management of radio spectrum, which will allow a 

more efficient usage of such a scarce natural resource. In the context of wireless networks, NEWCOM++ studies the architecture 

of future generation networks, with particular attention to their ubiquity, which will allow the user’s connection to Internet 

anywhere and anytime. On the other hand, DaVINCI project is focused on the design and implementation of efficient coding 

schemes able to improve the available bandwidth for data transmission. Finally, the BONE project focuses on the study of high 

speed, flexible and reconfigurable optical networks, which will allow high speed data transmission. 

CTTC participates for the first time in projects funded by the CENIT Program 

CTTC participates in two projects funded in the framework of second and third calls of the CENIT 

(Consorcios Estratégicos Nacionales de Investigación Técnica) Program. 

The first project in which CTTC is involved is GAD (Gestión Activa de la Demanda Eléctrica). This project 

deals with the optimized use of electric energy. The consortium of GAD consists of 15 industries and 

14 associated research centres, led by Iberdrola. CTTC participates as a research centre associated 

with DIMAT. This project started in January 2007 and has a duration of 4 years. GAD is one of the 

15 R&D projects funded in the framework of the second CENIT call, whose budget is 200 millions of 

euros. 120 millions of euros are devoted to funding research centres associated to industries, among 

them the CTTC. 

The second project in which CTTC cooperates is TIMI (Transporte Inteligente de Mercancias Intermodal). This project deals with 

the optimized transport of goods. The consortium of TIMI is led by Atos Origin and consists of private companies, universities and 

research centres. This project started in March 2007 and has a duration of 4 years. TIMI is one of the 16 projects funded in the 

framework of the third CENIT call, whose budget is 180 millions of euros. 121 millions of euros are devoted to funding research 

centres associated to industries, among them the CTTC. 

Vision and Mission_Statement of the Director_Organization and Management_Research and Demostration_Business Development_Intellectual Property Rights_ 

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CTTC participates in NOBEL 2 demonstration at ONDM 2008 

The IST project NOBEL 2 final demonstration has been presented at the ONDM 

2008 conference, which is a major event in the rapidly growing area of optical 

networking. The demonstration has been realized in the framework of next 

generation optical networks aimed at transporting high volumes of data. 

Specifically, the demonstration focuses on the interaction between the two main 

standards competing for the control of these infrastructures, that is, ASON-OIF 

(Automatic Switch Optical Network) and GMPLS (Generalized Multi-Protocol 

Label Switching). For the realization of these experiments, a Pan-European, 

heterogeneous (SONET/SDH, LSC, etc) network demonstrator has been built, 

consisting of the interconnection of multiple demonstrators (Telecom Italia, 

Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica I+D) geographically located in different European 

cities (Torino, Berlin and Madrid). The interconnection of the multiple platforms is managed in a centralized fashion from CTTC 

premises (Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya), integrating in this way an all-optical, intelligent, transport 

network. The solution provided by NOBEL2 project allows the interaction of the two standards mentioned above by means of a 

centralized ASON-GMPLS strategy, which acts in a transparent manner with respect to the involved experimental platforms. 

The CTTC led this live demonstration. CTTC contributed to the NOBEL2 Pan-European control plane emulator 

with its testbed ADRENALINE, which stands for "All-optical Dynamic Reliable Network hAndLINg IP/Ethernet 

Gigabit traffic QoS". 

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7 RESEARCH 

Overview 

pROJECTS 

The main objective of the International Relations Area of the CTTC is three-fold: (1) to promote the participation in R&D projects funded via 

competitive mechanisms, which encompass basic and mid- to long-term research activities; (2) to increase the international visibility of the 

Center as such; and (3) to raise the awareness of the scientific and technical excellence of its staff members. In doing so, we count with the 

valuable assistance of CTTC’s Scientific Committee. 

Regarding project participation, in 2007 the CTTC has reached its steady state. To start with, a substantial number of projects have come 

to a successful completion for the first time since the creation of the Center. Several international projects launched in the first call for 

proposals of the Sixth Framework Program (FP6) such as NEWCOM or ACE/ACE2 (i.e. Networks of Excellence) or CTTC’s flagship projects like 

NOBEL/NOBEL2 and WINNER/WINNER2 (i.e. Integrated Projects) have been taken over by some newer ones. As far as EUREKA projects 

are concerned, PLANETS (belonging to the Medea+ cluster) and WISQUAS (CELTIC cluster) have also ended in 2007. Indeed, all the above 

mentioned projects and, of course, the researchers that made them come true, have greatly contributed to consolidate CTTC positioning in the 

international research arena and, for this reason, we are indebted to them. At the national level, the m:Ciudad project (a Proyecto Singular 

Strategico originated in a National Technology Platorm where the CTTC regularly participates) has also come to a successful completion this 

year, with a well-attended dissemination day. As a result of its participation in m:Ciudad, the CTTC was awarded with IGC’s (Internet Global 

Conference) Digital Innovation Prize, this resulting into an increased level of visibility among the general public and the media. As for new 

projects starting in 2007, we now participate in two EUREKA projects named LOOP and MIMOWA, and a space procurement (MIMO-SAT) 

granted by the European Space Agency for which CTTC is the prime contractor. We are particularly proud of this MIMO-SAT project since it can 

be regarded as our debut in society in the field of satellite communications. Moreover, some of the ending projects listed above, have also 

resulted into follow-up projects or new initiatives starting in January 2008. At the national level, two national projects, namely, DREAMS and 

TIMI (funded under the umbrella of the PROFIT and CENIT programs of the Ministry of Industry Tourism and Commerce) have come into light 

as well. Besides, a number of research projects (8 in total) have continued to exist in 2007, both at the national and international levels, this 

including the fine Ajuts de Suport als Grups de Recerca de Catalunya, granted by the Generalitat de Catalunya. 

In order to increase CTTC’s international visibility, the Int’l Relations Area regularly participates and leads some activities in a number of fora, 

interest groups and technology platforms (WWRF, Integral Space Initiative, eNEM, eMobility, eMOV; the last two ones at the level of Experts 

Group and Executive Board, respectively). Last, the negotiation and adoption of Framework Agreements with other research institutions (see 

Section 10) along with the invitation of world-class researchers to participate in the CTTC Weekly Seminar series (which amount to 11 in 2007) 

turned out to be very valuable instruments in the process of increasing the visibility of the Center. 

Finally, the International Area of the Center stimulates a number of activities favouring the scientific networking of its members, with the 

ultimate purpose of raising the awareness of the scientific and technical excellence of CTTC’s staff. This includes our participation in bilateral 

Acciones Integradas, in multi-lateral Redes Temáticas and COST and Marie Curie Actions, and the organization of Special Issues in prestigious 

journals like Elsevier’s Signal Processing Journal or Wiley’s European Trans. on Telecommunications. In 2007, the Center has continued to 

participate in one COST action (DYNAMO), one bilateral action (CTP-TeSA) and in a national Red Temática (R-MPLS). An active involvement in 

international conferences is also sought, by means of a continued organization or participation as invited speakers in thematic sessions (e.g. 

in ISCSSP’06, EUCAP’06), plenary sessions and, also, via the involvement in the corresponding Technical 

Program Committees (PIMRC, IST Mobile Summit, CROWNCOM, European Wireless, WiNMee, etc.). 

In subsequent pages, the reader will find a short description of the R&D projects in which the Center 

has participated in 2007. We emphasize CTTC’s involvement, the main achievements within that 

period and, where applicable, the specific activities targeted at raising awareness and S&T excellence. 

Enjoy your reading! 

Dr. Carles Antón 

Director of International Relations 

29

Eu 

R&D projects 

30 

FIT-330210-2006-75 WISQUAS 

Carlos Bader, PhD_Senior Research Associate_Access Tecnologies 

Stephan Pfletschinger, PhD_Senior Research Associate_Radio Communications 

Started: January 2006 

Duration: 24 Months 

Volume: 42 person-month 

Budget: 169,155 euros 

Funding: 50 % from The Spanish Ministry, Tourism and Trade (MITYC) 

Project manager: Sylvie Mayrargue (CEA-LETI) 

Partners: 

MOTOROLA Labs (France) 

Interuniversitair Micro-Electronica Centrum (IMEC), Belgium 

WIreless Systems providing high QUAlity Services 

CEA-LETI, France 

Universiteit Gent (UGENT), Belgium 

Université Catholique de Leuven (UCL), Belgium 

SETELSA, Spain 

Universidad de Cantábria (UC), Spain 

WaveCom, Portugal 

Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT), Portugal 

Mitsubishi Electric ITE-TCL, France 

Inventel (Thomson), France 

Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC), Spain 

The WISQUAS project aims at enabling multimedia services in future wireless networks. On the one hand, wireless bandwidth is 

a scarce resource. On the other hand, users want terminals to be light and consume minimal power. Within these constraints, a 

wide variety of multimedia services are desired. Therefore, current wireless systems need to be upgraded to offer: 

- Higher data rates. 

- More flexibility. 

- Quality of Service (QoS) provisions. 

- Low energy operation and low power consumption. 

- High integration. 

WISQUAS primarily aims at advancing the state-of-the-art for the first four aspects. To fulfil these needs, innovative research 

needs to be performed and demonstrated on the following topics: 

- Flexible and spectrally efficient air interfaces, featuring multiple antenna radios and advanced coding techniques. 

- Intelligent Quality of Service (QoS) control. 

- Low-energy and low-power consumption, which will be mainly investigated through functional models and across several 

communication layers. 

Architectural and hardware design aspects will be the scope of a parallel MEDEA+ project. 

Web page: http://www.wisquas.org/ 


Highlights 2007_Research Projects_Technology transfer_Training activities_Partnerships, Cooperation and Communication_Publications_Financial Report

FP6-027305 NOBEL2 

Started: March 2006 




Funding: 50 % from IST 

Project manager: Marco Schiano (Telecom Italia [TILAB] - Italy) 

Partners: 

32 European companies, network operators, universities and 

research institutes 

Next generation Optical network for Broadband European Leadership Phase 2 

The growth of core transport networks in Europe has recently assumed a more gradual and stable trend and it is now definitely 

oriented to the support of broadband services for a wide mass of European citizens. This evolution is led by a few basic drivers: 

- To improve quality and efficiency in providing current and new services. 

- To optimise the use of resources. 

- To limit operating costs. 

These challenging objectives require a revision of network architectures and technologies, an integration of IP and transport layers 

including advanced Control Plane interworking, and an easy, automated management of optical circuits for fast provisioning and 

restoration. 

The main goal of the IST Integrated Project NOBEL 2 is the progress of optical transport networks for a pervasive introduction of 

broadband services in Europe. Leveraging on the results of the precursor project NOBEL, it is specifically devoted to: 

- Demonstration of the network concepts developed in NOBEL (phase 1) in integrated testbeds and local experiments with 

special emphasis on end-to-end applications. 

- Detailed elaboration of NOBEL (phase 1) network concepts and further development of new 

network concepts coping with recently emerged opportunities such as the fixed-mobile 

convergence and the introduction of IPv6. 

Web page: http://www.ist-nobel.org/ 

Raül Muñoz, PhD_Senior Research Associate_Optical Networking 

Ramon Casellas, PhD_Research Associate_Optical Networking 

Ricardo Martínez, PhD_Research Associate_Optical Networking 

Carolina Pinart, PhD_Associate Researcher (Industry)_Optical Networking 

Fermín Galán_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 

31



32 

FP6-IST-4-027756 WINNER II 






Project manager: Ludwig Hiebinger, Project coordinator: Werner 

Mohr (Siemens AG) 

Wireless World Initiative New Radio II 


Mònica Navarro, PhD_Senior Research Associate_Radio Communications 

Carles Antón, PhD_Director of International Relations_Radio Communications 

Partners: 

More than 40 partners, including all major manufacturers 

in mobile communications, operators and academia, see 

https://www.ist-winner.org/partners2.html 

The aim of WINNER is to develop an ubiquitous radio system concept covering the full range of scenarios, from short range to 

wide area networks, providing significant improvements compared to current systems, in terms of performance, efficiency and 

coverage flexibility. 

WINNER’s vision is to provide a common radio interface technology that will adapt to user needs and usage scenarios by utilising 

advanced and flexible network topologies, physical layer technologies and frequency sharing methods. WINNER will make efficient 

use of radio spectrum to minimise the cost per bit combining different access technologies in an efficient way. 

The main objectives of WINNER are to: 

- Identify and analyse challenging user and usage scenarios to derive requirements for the WINNER radio interface. 

- Define radio interface technologies needed for an ubiquitous radio system concept. 

- Define radio network topologies and deployment concepts for the provision of an ubiquitous coverage area. 

- Define radio level co-operation mechanisms between different Radio Access Networks (RANs). 

- Define a single ubiquitous radio access system concept, scalable and 

adaptable to different short range and wide area scenarios. 

Web page: http://www.ist-winner.org/

FIT-330225-2007-14 PLANETS 






Project manager: Gerhard Packeiser (Infineon) 

Platforms for Networked Service delivery 

Christos Verikoukis, PhD_Senior Research Associate_Access Tecnologies 

Christian Ibars, PhD_Senior Research Associate_Access Tecnologies 

Nizar Zorba_PhD candidate_Radio Communications 

Prof. Ana Pérez_Associate Researcher (UPC)_Radio Communications 

Marc Portolés_Research Assistant_IP Technologies 

Montse Najar, PhD_Associate Researcher (UPC)_Radio Communications 

PlaNetS intends to contribute to the overall goal of eEurope 2005, to 

provide cost effective broadband access to all European citizens. The 

broadband access will be based on a converged network unifying the 

current heterogeneous networks. The unification is expected to include 

also wireless access networks, cellular and WLAN (Wireless Local Area 

Networks). The converged network will be centred on the introduction of 

the next version of the Internet Protocol IPv6. PlaNetS will play a key role in 

this introduction. An IPv6 implementation scenario will be worked out and 

lab trials will be built up completely based on IPv6, including monitoring, 

remote control, automation, surveillance and related features. 

Partners: 

20 partners from industry and academy led by Infineon 

Technologies AG 

33



34 

FP6-IST-33533 COOPCOM 

Started: October 2006 




Funding: 51,64 % from IST 

Project manager: Athanasios Liavas (Telecommunications 

Systems Institute) 

Xavier Mestre, PhD_Senior Research Associate_Radio Communications 

David Gregoratti_PhD candidate_Radio Communications 

Mari Kobayashi, PhD_Post-Doc Research Associate_Radio Communications 

Cooperative and Opportunistic Communications in Wireless Networks 

Partners: 

Telecommunications Systems Institute (TSI), Greece 

Research Academic Computer Technology Institute (RACTI), Greece 

Kungliga Tekniska Hogskolan (KTH), Sweden 

Ericsson AB, Sweden 

Institute EURECOM, France 

Universite Catholique de Louvain (UCL), Belgium 


Cooperation and opportunism are two concepts that have recently revolutionized the design of wireless systems. Successful 

incorporation of these concepts in wireless system standards requires the solution of difficult theoretical and practical problems. 

The main objectives of the project are: 

- To explore performance limits of cooperative and opportunistic schemes (e.g. information theoretic analysis of combined 

cooperative-opportunistic schemes, large-system analysis for gain quantification of cooperative schemes) and multiuser 

diversity with limited feedback. 

- To develop efficient strategies and coding schemes for cooperative and opportunistic communications, maximizing diversity 

and coding gain under various operational scenarios (homogeneous versus inhomogeneous channel statistics, full versus 

partial channel knowledge, codes for a combined cooperative-opportunistic scenario). 

- To develop efficient resource allocation with limited feedback, including decentralized resource allocation, by targeting the 

optimal exploitation of various grades of channel information at the transmitters (full, partial, statistical). 

- To implement selected cooperative and opportunistic schemes on a testbed, in order to fully understand practical implementation 

constraints, assess the benefits of cooperation and opportunism in realistic environments, and support proof-of-concept. 

Web page: http://www.coopcom.eu.org/

COST Action 295 DYNAMO 



Volume: N/A 


Funding: 100 % from European Science Foundation (ESF) 

Project manager: Pierre Fraigniaud (CNRS-LIAFA) 



Andrey Krendzel, PhD_Research Associate_IP Technologies 

Partners: 

34 academic institutions 

COST Action 295 Dynamic Communication Networks: Foundations and Algorithms (DYNAMO) 

The main objective of DYNAMO is to provide foundations, models, algorithms, and general tools for dynamic communication 

networks. These new decision-support tools will favour the study and the efficient design of applications for networks of 

decentralized interacting and evolving entities, experiencing possibly brutal modifications of their environments. The scientific 

objectives of DYNAMO are focused around the following main aspects: 

- Characterization of common properties shared by large-scale dynamic complex networks. 

- Design of new dynamic network models (and general communication schemes), optimized with respect to the new measures 

resulting from the above, while improving other system characteristics (reliability, communication delays, etc.). 

- Construction of distributed protocols, (in the standard setting, or combined with the use of mobile agents) capable of 

extracting and processing local and global network information. 

- Production of basic practical algorithms (for routing, control, searching, etc.) to be used in the development of network-based 

applications. 

- Validation of the results using data extracted from real self-organizing dynamic networks, by the use of reproducible simulations 

and benchmarks. 

Web page: http://www.cost295.net/ 

35



36 

Carles Fernández, PhD_Research Associate_Communications Subsystems 

2006ITT-10003 CTP-TeSa 





Funding: 39 % from Autonoms of Government of Catalonia (AGAUR) 

Project manager: Carles Fernández (CTTC) 

Partners: 

TeSA, France 

SatconXion, Spain 

M3Systems, France 

Institute National Polytechnique de Toulouse (INPT), France 

Advanced positioning algorithms for Global Navigation Satellite Systems 

Positioning systems are based on time delay and frequency-shift estimation of the 

incoming signals in the receiver side. Sources of accuracy degradation in satellite-based 

navigation systems are well-known, and their mitigation has deserved the attention of 

a number of researchers in latter times. While atmospheric-dependant sources (delays 

that depend on the ionosphere and troposphere conditions) can be greatly mitigated 

by differential systems external to the receiver’s operation, the multipath effect is 

location-dependant and remains as the most important cause of accuracy degradation 

in time delay estimation, and consequently in position estimation, becoming a signal 

processing challenge. For example, a specific problem in mountain regions, with deep 

valleys, is the shadowing effect. As a result of that, large areas of the territory are not 

well covered by satellite signals. The mitigation of multipath effects described in the previous lines is often not sufficient to 

ensure the positioning service continuity. In this respect, the project aims at establishing a co-operation (hybridation) between 

the localization capabilities of existing telecommunications networks (GSM, GPRS, UMTS, WiFi, …) and the satellite-based (GNSS, 

Galileo, …) systems.

FP6-IST-27402 WIP 






Project manager: Serge Fdida (UPMC, FR) 

An All-Wireless Mobile Network Architecture 

The vision of accessing the Internet at any location, when needed, and in the form it is 

requested remains Utopia, with the still dominant access via cable-based technologies. 

The promise for this vision to happen is a wireless architecture in which the complete 

infrastructure collaborates to form the paradigm of an all wireless Internet. In comparison 

to the current development of Internet, the necessary step towards such an architecture 

is not simply adding necessary functionalities, but a complete paradigm shift of all details 

of the current Internet architecture. 

The objective of the WIP project is to design, implement, and experimentally validate 

an all-wireless interconnection architecture based on advanced wireless transmission 

techniques, mesh networking, cross-layer optimization, and mechanisms for seamless 

mobility. Such a wireless network must be self-organized to maximize the network 

capacity and capabilities. The project will develop a suitable measurement methodology 

and set up experimental prototypes to validate the proposed concepts (routing schemes, 

interconnection rules, new performance objectives, seamless mobility, and selfconfiguring 

and self-healing mechanisms). 

Web page: http://www.ist-wip.org/ 

Josep Mangues, PhD_Senior Research Associate_IP Technologies 


Andrey Krendzel, PhD_Research Associate_IP Technologies 

Manuel Requena_Senior Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 


Lluís Ventura_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 

Aitor del Coso_PhD Candidate_Access Tecnologies 


José Núñez_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 

Partners: 

Universite Pierre & Marie Curie (UPMC), France 

THOMSON, France 

Siemens AG, Germany 

Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble (INPG-LSR), France 

Instituto de Telecomunicações (IT), Portugal 

Center for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH), Greece 


Swisscom, Switzerland 

37



38 

FIT-330215-2007-8 LOOP 

Started: July 2007 





Project manager: Jonathan Rodriguez (Instituto de 

Telecomunicaciones, Portugal) 

Partners: 

Instituto de Telecomunicaciones, Portugal 

Portugal Telecom, Portugal 

Semantex, Greece 


Marc Realp, PhD_Research Associate_Access Tecnologies 

Jesús Alonso_PhD candidate_Access Tecnologies 

National Centre for Scientific Research, Greece 

University of Aegean, Greece 

JayNet, Portugal 

Nonious Software, Portugal 

Iquadrat, Spain 

TRIMEK, Spain 

CBT, Communication &Multimedia S. L., Spain 

Turkcell, Turkey 


Telefónica I+D, Spain 

Sigint Solutions, LTD, Cyprus 

Democritos, Greece 

Coexistence and Optimization for LTE-RAN and WAN 

The Beyond 3G (B3G) vision is tending towards a diverse wireless networking world where scenarios define that the user will be 

able to attain any service, at any time, on any network that is optimized for the application at hand. The objective is to create a 

future global infrastructure where several systems can coexist to support transparent end-to-end communications, in an efficient, 

cost-effective manner, which is also commonly referred to as ABC (Always Best Connected) philosophy. The 3GPP vision initiated 

proceedings on this next generation network in 2004 by setting up a study group on UTRA-UTRAN (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access 

Network) Long Term Evolution (LTE). The proposed 3GPP System Architecture Evolution (SAE) will encompass an IP core network 

infrastructure with IP interfaces targeting multiple RATs (Radio Access Technologies), which will not only be restricted to 3GPP legacy 

systems such as UTRAN or GERAN (GPRS/EDGE Radio Access Network), but will also have inherent open interfaces to accommodate 

Wireless Area Networks (WAN), e.g. WiMAX and WLAN, and even wired technologies. This motivated the formation of the LOOP 

project and this collective consortium towards a common pre-competitive R&D interest to address interoperability/coexistence 

solutions, specifically between 3GPP LTE RAN and WAN (WiMAX and WLAN) to ensure their competitive position in the market and 

to have coexistence solutions in place for eventual commercial launch. In the scope of the LOOP project, we aim to address: 

- Network discovery, session management and roaming to support improved service delivery of new 

applications with the appropriate QoS and charging. 

- Ad-Hoc Relay networks for cell coverage enhancement. 

- Application of cognitive radio concepts to support opportunistic use of licensed LTE/WiMAX spectrum 

by secondary systems. 

- Intra-system optimisation to ensure efficient bandwidth utilization. 

LOOP innovations will be demonstrated on a coexistence demonstration tool and on real WMAN networks, 

which will serve as a basis for evaluating the product market potential, targeting a commercial launch. 

Web page: http://www.celtic-initiative.org/Projects/loop/default.asp

20547/07/NL/JD MIMO SAT 



Volume: 8.42 person-month 


Funding: 100 % from European Space Agency (ESA) 

Project manager: Ana Pérez (CTTC Associate Researcher) 

Application of MIMO to Satellite systems 


Christian Ibars, PhD_Senior Research Associate_Access Technologies 

Jesús Gómez_PhD candidate_Radio Communications 

Aitor del Coso_PhD candidate_Access Tecnologies 

Jordi Serra_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 


Marc Realp_Research Associate_Access Tecnologies 

Partners: 

ESA (European Space Agency) 

The scope of this project is to first review the recent progress in the area of Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) techniques and 

their combination with advanced coding and multi-user detection solutions. The second target of the project is to assess the MIMO 

applicability to satellite system both for mobile and fixed broadband services. Particular effort shall be devoted in understanding 

the key architectural aspects of the terrestrial networks that are essential for MIMO application. This analysis is meant to provide 

precious inputs to the investigation of the applicability of MIMO techniques to satellite systems. The advantages of the proposed 

MIMO techniques shall be assessed by means of realistic performance analysis for at least 2 study cases agreed with the European 

Space Agency. The scenarios to be analyzed in task 2 shall consider the forward link of a satellite system, that is, the link from the 

Gateway to the users, for broadband services and for satellite digital mobile multimedia broadcast services. The space segment 

of the broadband scenario shall include a multibeam antenna with a typical European coverage. The reference user terminal shall 

be considered a fixed one. However, when it is proven that a mobile channel helps in applying MIMO techniques, then also a 

broadband to mobile system study case shall be considered. 

39



40 

FIT-330225-2007-2 MIMOWA 


Antonio Pascual, PhD_Associate Researcher (UPC)_Radio Communications 

Oriol Font_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 

David López_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 







Project manager: Michael Deudonne (Agilent) 

Partners: 


Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), Spain 

Telefónica I+D, Spain 

Promax, Spain 

MIMO technologies for wireless access 

Agilent Technologies, Belgium 

ST Microelectronics, Belgium 

Alcatel SEL, Germany 

Infineon, Germany 

AWE, Germany 

CUAS, Germany 

RUNCOM, Israel 

OMP, Belgium 

Alcatel Lucent, Germany 

nSilition 

STMicroelectronics, Turkey 

The Medea+ 2A103 MIMOWA project aims at simulating, implementing, validating and evaluating wireless MIMO (Multiple Input 

Multiple Output) building blocks (IP, Silicon and FPGA content) for Cellular 3G (Long Term Evolution), WiMAX (Fixed and mobile) 

and WiFi air interfaces. The project aims at three-fold, to explain the advantages of MIMO to a broad public, to perform state of 

the art analysis of the real MIMO advantages, and also to anticipate future design challenges. The program will start with MIMO 

systems simulations, focus on the design and implementation of these building blocks and finish by validating and demonstrating 

the implementations. These demonstrations will have two-fold ambitions, to explain the advantages of MIMO to a broad public, 

but also to perform state of the art analysis of the real MIMO advantages. Finally, a great care is taken in order to also anticipate 

future design challenges by having a work package focusing on the long-term MIMO evolutions.

National 

R&D projects 



TEC2005-08122-C03-02 ULTRA-RED 

Started: December 2005 




Funding: 100 % from The Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (MEC) 

Project manager: Mònica Navarro, PhD (CTTC) 

Partners: 

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) 

Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de Catalunya (CTTC) 

Development of a wireless personal area network based on ultra-wide band technology (ULTRA-RED) 

This project is part of a co-ordinated project, ULTRA-MED, whose goal is to develop a low rate wireless personal area network 

(LR-WPAN) based on Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology and its application to the monitoring and tracking of home hospitalised 

patients. The particular goal of the subproject focuses on the study of wireless communication techniques dealing with 

synchronisation, transceiver architecture design and media access control mechanisms. Given that one of the main features of ultra 

wide band communication system is the high accuracy that can potentially be provided to localisation applications and that the 

tracking of users mobility is one of the requirements of the application pursue in the project, the development of synchronisation 

techniques plays an important role in the overall project. The sensitiveness of the localisation algorithms to synchronisation errors 

motivates the design of hardware architectures that facilitates synchronisation. The other main issue to be addressed in ULTRA- 

RED deals with the cooperative organisation of the WPAN, which makes necessary the definition of a medium access control 

method that is robust, self-configurable, minimises power consumption and allows the coexistence of several networks that share 

the same features. This will lead to the study of the advantages of a cooperative protocol versus a non cooperative one and the 

posterior definition of the most suitable media access method for such particular network. 

41



42 

MAT2005-05656-C02-04 MATLINES 






Project manager: Josep Fontcuberta (ICMAB) 

Fermín Mira, PhD_Research Associate_Communications Subsystems 


Pavel Miškovský_Research Assistant_Communications Subsystems 

Jordi Mateu, PhD_Associate Researcher (UPC)_Communications Subsystems 

Partners: 

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) 

Instituto de Ciencias Materiales de Barcelona (ICMAB) 

Universitat de Barcelona (UB) 


Transmission Lines with HTS/ferroelectric materials for advanced communication systems. 

Ultra-wideband systems. 

The main goal of this project is to develop oxide-based materials and architectures that may overcome some current limitations 

in magnetic storage of information and agile microwave devices. The low-loss and high-frequency tunable paraelectric materials 

are developed and analyzed to be used in agile components for wireless communications and exploit the intrinsic non-linearity to 

develop a new generation of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) components based on non-linear transmission lines (NLTL). The participation 

of the CTTC in this project is focused on the application of these materials on UWB devices. 

In 2007 the executed tasks have focused on the development 

of NLTL with paraelectric heterostructures (implementation and 

characterization). The implementation of this kind of NLTL consists of 

coplanar lines fabricated on thin layers of ferroelectric. The ferroelectrics 

employed were BSTO and STO, both deposited on LAO. The NLTL have 

been characterized through a circuital model. Three different types of 

characterization have been performed: lineal from DC to 40 GHz, DC 

non lineal and RF non lineal. The next task was the measurement of 

pulse compression on this kind of NLTLs by exciting the transmission 

line with a short-time pulse.

TEC2006-10459/TCM PERSEO 






Project manager: Christos Verikoukis (CTTC) 


Prof. Miguel Ángel Lagunas_Director 



Joan Bas, PhD_Post-Doc Research Associate_Radio Communications 




Cooperative and cross layer techniques for wireless sensor networks 

The present project is embedded in one of the most challenging innovation paths, affecting in a convergent way both 

Wireless Communication and Information Technology. This research project aims to contribute to technical innovation by 

exploiting the potential of cooperative transmission and cross-layer techniques for wireless sensor networks. The main 

objectives of the project are: 

- Definition of a network stack architecture able to accommodate a rich variety of sensor devices and applications. 

- Analysis of possible cross-layer techniques that can be used in order to enhance the efficiency of wireless sensor networks. 

- In-depth study of the potential benefits that can be obtained from using these techniques in different environments. 

- Analysis of the trade-off between signalling overhead and enhanced performance in cross-layer approaches. 

- Study of energy saving techniques based on cooperative diversity. 

- Study of virtual MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) channels using individual SISO (Single Input Single Output) antennas 

of the sensor devices. 

- Development of advanced, decentralized, self-organised MAC 

(Medium Access Control) protocols that guarantee certain 

QoS for different scenarios. 

- A demonstrator with standard wireless sensor devices will 

be implemented to assess the proposed algorithms in a real 

scenario. 

43



44 

TEC2006-12910/TCM RESPLANDOR 






Project manager: Raül Muñoz (CTTC) 






Ivan Martínez_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 

Partners: 

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Grup de Comunicacions 

Òptiques (UPC-GCO) 

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Grup de Comunicacions 

de Banda Ampla (UPC-CBA) 

Experimental Evaluation of Intelligent Optical Transport Networks with Dynamically Reconfigurable 

Transparent Optical Channel Switching (original title in Spanish) 

The lack of electro-optical conversions in the transparent optical networks leads to optical signal to noise ratio (OSRN) 

penalization, and thus to the bit error rate (BER) of the optical channels. In fact, an optical connection between a pair of 

source-destination nodes passes through several optical links and components that degrade the optical signal, and due to 

the lack of electro-optical conversion, such degradations are accumulated on each link. Furthermore, these degradations may 

change depending on the utilized optical wavelength and selected route, thus, in order to establish an end-to-end optical 

channel, not all the paths between a pair of source-destination nodes are feasible for a given bit rate. 

Taking into account the above, RESPLANDOR project (experimental Evaluation of Intelligent Optical Transport Networks 

with Dynamically Reconfigurable Transparent Optical Channel Switching) aims to investigate new control and management 

solutions for giving support to the future intelligent optical transparent transport networks, from an integrated approach that 

covers technologic aspects and analysis, design and evaluation of intelligent transparent optical networks. The experiment 

will be realized in the CTTC’s lab testbed ADRENALINE (All-optical Dynamic REliable Network hAndLINg IP/Ethernet Gigabit 

traffic with QoS).

FIT-330503-2006-2 m:CIUDAD 





Volume: 19,68 person-month 


Funding: 40 % from The Spanish Ministry of Industry (MITYC) 

Project manager: Ana Maria Vega Viejo (Telefónica Móviles España) 

Partners: 

Telefónica Móviles España 

Atos Origin, S.A. Española 

Cetecom 

Instalaciones Inabensa, S.A. 

m:Ciudad 

The main goal of m: Ciudad is to conduct technological research in wireless communications, allowing mobility/pervasiveness 

of urban services that are currently delivered by third parties. 

m: Ciudad is a Strategic and Singular Project born under the umbrella of the Technological Platform of Wireless and Mobile 

Communications (eMOV), the Spanish national mirror of the eMOBILITY European Technology Platform.The Project is part of 

the measures of the “Plan Avanz@” of the “Programa Ingenio 2010”, an initiative of the Spanish Government to promote the 

R&D&i (Research, Development and Innovation). 

m: Ciudad focuses the investigation on key fields for the Spanish sector of mobile and wireless communications: 

- From current Internet model to the ubiquous-service oriented model. 

- From the fragmented added value to integrated smart services. 

In summary, m: Ciudad proposes a paradigm shift from the Internet model to the Ubiquity model , where contents, information 

and services are provided through any channel, to any device, in a customized and secure way. 

Web page: http://www.mciudad.org/ 

APIF Moviquity S.A. 

TB-Solutions Advanced Technologies, SL 

Iber Wifi Exchange, S.L. 

Fundación Robotiker 

Universidad de Granada 

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid 

Universidad de Murcia 

Universidad de Cantabria 

Universidad de La Coruña 

Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena 

Universidad de Vigo 

45



46 

FIT-330220-2007-43 and CIDEM RDITSCON07-1-0017 DREAMS 





Funding: 23,8 % from The Spanish Ministry, Tourism and Trade (MITYC) 

Project manager: i2Cat / w-One sys 

Ramon_Casellas, PhD_Research Associate_Optical Networking 



Iván Martínez_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 

Technological Devolopment Optical Communication Network DWDN based in ROADMs devices in 

GMPLS-UCLP software 

DREAMS is a research project on Network Architectures and Technologies, developing an experimental DWDM (Dense Wavelength 

Division Multiplexing) network based on ROADM (Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer) devices and both GMPLS 

(Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching) control plane and UCLP-based (User Controlled Lightpath Provisioning) provisioning. 

The project fits in the National sub-program on Communication Technologies, focused on the following priority topics: 

- DWDM optical networks. 

- Core networks. 

- Optical circuit switching. 

- Intelligent reconfigurable optical networks. 

- Automatically Switched Optical Networks (ASONs). 

In this context and scope, the future all-optical transport network will be deployed in ring and mesh topologies, interconnecting 

reconfigurable OADMs and including amplifiers and dispersion compensator devices. In this way, end-to-end transmission of 

client signals in the optical domain without intermediate electrical conversion is enabled. In the project, partners will develop 

the different elements, mechanisms and architectures of future ASON networks: 

- Optical nodes based on ROADMs. 

- GMPLS-based control plane. 

- Integration of UCLP approaches. 

The developed technologies will be assessed in field trials and testbeds. 

Partners: 

W-ONE SYS, S.L., 

i2CAT, Internet i Innovació Digital a Catalunya 


TECSIDEL, S.A. 

Al-pi 

TRADIA TELECOM S. A 

CTTC is mainly involved in the development of a GMPLS control plane, given the existing know-how of 

the ADRENALINE (All-optical Dynamic Reliable Network hAndLINg IP/Ethernet Gigabit traffic with QoS) 

testbed, which has been developed since 2002.

All the researchers of CTTC and associate researchers 

2005SGR00690 SGR 



Volume: N/A 


Funding: 100 % from Autonoms of Government of Catalonia (AGAUR) 

Project manager: Xavier Mestre (CTTC) 

Group of Radio Communications Technologies 

(Ajuts de Suport als Grups de Recerca de Catalunya, SGR) 

Research activity is focused on the study and evaluation of technologies 

related to the lower layers of wireless communications systems. The objective 

is the analysis, design and demonstration of advanced transceivers over the 

radiocommunications channel. Special emphasis is given to the following aspects 

of wireless communications: coding and modulation, single and multi-antenna 

signal processing, microwave systems, cooperative communications, medium 

access control, radio resource management, scheduling, mobility and quality of service at the networking layer. 

47



48 

HEGID (OTR 050094) 





Project manager: Diego Bartolomé (CTTC) 

Management tools for R&D projects 

Diego Bartolomé, PhD_Technology Transfer Project Manager 

Albert Sitjà_Director of Technology Transfer 

Manuel Mendoza_Supporting Services 

The main goal of the project is to develop a framework for the management of R&D projects at CTTC, which could be 

extended to other research centres. The tool shall also help the process of communicating the high-added-value results 

that are obtained at CTTC, both internally and externally, so that partner companies are directly aware of the tasks that are 

being done by the CTTC. The main foreseen outputs of this project are the functional requirements, adapted to the needs 

of the CTTC, a report on the existing tools, the application itself, and potentially a spin-off, which shall exploit the results of 

this project. The research activities performed on different project types, and the analysis of different project management 

software tools available either on proprietary or open source solutions, have conducted to the decision of the ERP (Enterprise 

Resource Planning) solution implementation for the whole organization. On parallel, we are analysing the specifications and 

the possibilities for existing product connections to the ERP in order to achieve the best suitable and cost effective solution 

for an open research environment that must be adapted to security and industrial regulations, like the recent published UNE 

166.00x:2006 norms versions for R&D and innovation management.

Networks of excellence 

and thematic networks 

FP6-IST-2002-507525 NEWCOM 





Network of Excellence on Wireless Communications (NEWCOM) 



Manel Mendoza_Supporting Services 





David Company_Head of IT Systems 


Francisco Rubio_PhD candidate_Radio Communications 


Jesús Gómez_PhD candidate_Radio Communications 

David Gregoratti_PhD candidate_Radio Communications 





Project manager: Prof. Sergio Benedetto (Istituto 

Superiore Mario Boella - Politecnico di Torino) 

NEWCOM aims at creating a European network that links a large number of leading research 

groups working in the field of mobile and wireless communications. The NEWCOM vision 

is to strengthen, develop and integrate research in the field, to empower groups and 

individuals via dissemination activities and to effectively use knowledge via exploitationcommercialization-standardization 

strategies. 

Partners: 

62 partners from academia 

In 2007, the CTTC has actively collaborated with several institutions in this NoE. As a result, a number of joint papers with 

the Politecnico di Milano (Italy), EURECOM (France), UPC (Spain) and CERTH (Greece) have been published. In addition, several 

researchers have been invited to Special Conference Sessions (IST Mobile Summit’07) or have coordinated Special Issues in related 

journals (European Trans. on Telecommunications). Several PhD candidates from CTTC have attended graduate courses within the 

framework of NEWCOM’s doctoral schools, and also selected courses broadcasted through NEWCOM’s videoconference network. 

Within NEWCOM’s Department 1, CTTC has played an active role as a leader of Cluster SWP2 on Signal Processing for MIMO Systems 

and, in Project E, has also acted as the coordinator of Activity Cluster 1 on Advanced MAC/LINK protocols. As a result of their active 

involvement in NEWCOM, the CTTC has been invited to participate in the follow-up project NEWCOM++ starting in January 2008. 

Web page: http://www.newcom-project.eu/ 

49



50 

FP6-IST-2006-26957 ACE2 






Antenna Centre of Excellence 




Apostolos Georgiadis, PhD_Senior Research Associate_Communications Subsytems 







Miquel Payaró_PhD candidate_Radio Communications 

Project manager: Bruno Casali (I.D.S Ingegneria dei Sistemi - S.P.A.) 

Partners: 

51 partners from academia 

ACE is a Network of Excellence that deals with the antenna function of radio systems. This includes the 

electromagnetic interface from conductors to free space radiated waves, the beamforming functions, 

whether they are analogue or digital, adaptive systems to change the beam pattern, and antennarelated 

signal processing. CTTC brings its expertise on the design and evaluation of re-configurable 

smart antennas and MIMO systems. In particular, part of the CTTC’s joint research activities involves 

the leadership of workpackage WP2.5-1, “Advanced Multiple Antenna Transmit and Receive Schemes”, 

which is devoted to the study and development of multiple antenna processing techniques for next 

generation wireless systems and extending MIMO concepts to other domains, such as cooperative sensors and wireless 

sensor networks; and the participation in WP2.5.2, “MIMO Networks Optimization and Deployment Issues”, investigating the 

application of cross-layer approaches to the design of system-level smart antenna strategies, with special emphasis on spatial 

scheduling techniques. Dissemination of the activity involves the promotion of a special issue on smart antennas systems at 

the EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications, the organization of the IST Mobile Summit Workshop on Smart antennas 

and the contribution to the first European antenna conference promoted by ACE. Another important contribution of CTTC in 

this second phase of the network has been the organization and coordination of the course on “Cooperative Communications 

and Distributed Antenna Arrays”, under the framework of the European School of Antennas. The project succesfully concluded 

in December 2007. 

Web page: http://www.antennasvce.org/

TEC2006-27651E RT-Multilayer 



Volume: N/A 


Funding: 100 % from The Spanish Ministry of Education and 

Science (MEC) 

Project manager: Xavier Masip Bruin (Universitat Politècnica de 

Catalunya (UPC) 

Partners: 


RedIris 

Telefónica I+D 

Multilayers IP over Transport Networks 

Ramon_Casellas, PhD_Research Associate_Optical Networking 



The Spanish Thematic Network of Multilayer IP over Transport Networks (rt-multilayer) started in December 2006. It was 

led by the UPC with a contract reference TEC2006-27651-E. The main objective of the network is to integrate the research 

on different architecture models, particularly based on IP protocols, carried out on Spanish universities and research centres. 

Specifically, the network focuses on doing research from a twofold perspective, namely, design and development of network 

elements and control and management functions to optimally devise the integration of both the IP technologies and the 

high-capacity optical layer. In this context, the main conducted activities are listed as follows: 

- Routing of IP over optical networks. 

- Inter and Intra-domain optical routing. 

- Wavelength assignment. 

- Horizontal signalling involving a single layer. 

- Vertical signalling involving two or more layers. 

- Control plane architecture. 

- Resilience. 

- Optical packet switching. 

- Optical burst switching. 

- Optical switch architecture. 

- Management and monitoring of IP traffic. 

Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM) 

Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) 

Universitat de Girona (UdG) 

Universidad Politecnica de Navarra (UPNA) 

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Grupo de Comunicaciones en 

Banda Ancha (UPC-CBA) 

Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Grupo de Comunicaciones 

Ópticas (UPC-GCO) 

UPCT (Universidad Politecnica de Cartagena) 

Universidad Politècnica de Valencia (UPV-GIRBA) 

Universidad Politècnica de Valencia (UPV-ITEAM) 

Universidad Politècnica de Valencia (UPV-NTC) 

Universidad de Vigo (UVI) 

Besides the above technical targets, other relevant outcomes such as seeking for synergies between the several groups, 

promoting exchange of produced works, collaborations, joint activities, etc. are highly pursued. 

51



52 

FP6-IST-027497 e-Photon/ONe+ 




Budget: 3,400 euros as a collaborative institutions 


e-Photon/ONe+ 





Project manager: Fabio Neri (Politecnico di Torino (Polito)) 

Partners: 

41 Partners: European network operators, universities and research 

institutes. 

6 Collaborating Institutions 

The Network of Excellence e-Photon/ONe+ aims at integrating and focusing the rich know-how available in Europe on optical 

communication and networks, both in universities and in research centres of major telecom manufacturers and operators. The 

NoE contributes to the Strategic Objective ‘Broadband for All’, with specific focus on: 

- Low cost access and edge network equipment, for a range of technologies, including optical fiber. 

- New concepts for network management, control and protocols. 

- Increased bandwidth capacity, in the access network as well in the underlying optical core/metro network, including optical 

burst and packet switching. 

The main technical aim of the e-Photon/ONe+ is to demonstrate and spread awareness of the potential advantages of 

optical technologies with respect to electronic technologies, in both telecom networks and customer-controlled grids. The 

focus includes both incrementally improving and emerging optical technologies. In a joint effort, the participants to the NoE 

will work towards a consensus on the engineering choices for the deployment of cost-effective optical technologies as the 

foundation for the future Internet, with the strong intention to provide valuable inputs to the standardization bodies and 

guidelines to the operators, as well as competitive feedback to European telecom equipment manufacturers. 

Web page: http://www.e-photon-one.org/

TEC2006-27633-E R-MPLS 

Started: May 2006 


Volume: N/A 



Project manager: José Luís Marzo (Universitat de Girona (UdG), Spain) 

Partners: 

Universitat de Girona (UdG) 

UPC - (GCO, CBA, BAMPLA) 

Telefónica I+D 

Universidad de Málaga (UMA) 

Management of circuit-switched IP networks 




The Spanish Thematic Network Management of circuit-switched IP networks (R-MPLS) started on January 1, 2003. It is funded 

through several funding grants, having the CTTC been partner of the contracts 2003/XT/00037 (2003-2004), TEC2004-21061-E 

(2005-2006) and TEC2006-27633-E (2007). The aim of this Network is to integrate research on GMPLS/MPLS (Generalized 

Multiprotocol Label Switching) done in Spanish universities and research centers. The network, continuing the tradition of a 

yearly workshop, has organized the VI Workshop in MPLS/GMPLS networks, 12-13 April 2007, Girona, providing an international 

technical forum for experts to exchange ideas and present results of ongoing research in the areas listed below: 

- MPLS architecture. 

- QoS routing and traffic engineering. 

- Protection, Restoration and Reliability. 

- Network survivability. 

- MPLS/GMPLS Testbed. 

- Inter-operability - IP/MPLS/ASON (Automatically Swtched Optical Network). 

- Performance evaluation and models. 

- MPLS and aggregate traffic scheduling. 

- Generalized MPLS standards and protocols. 

- QoS routing with multi-wavelength provisioning. 

The CTTC is member of the Technical Program Committee, and participates in the review process of submitted papers. 

Web page: http://bcds.udg.es/red-mpls/ 

Universidad de Extremadura (UEX) 

Universidad de Jaén 


Universidad Castilla-La Mancha (UCLM) 

Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) 

Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) 

Universidad de Sevilla 

Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena 

Universidad del País Vasco 

Universidad de Vigo 

Universidad Carlos III 

Red Iris 

53



54

8 TECHNOlOGy 

TRANSFER 

During 2007, the CTTC and the Departament d’Innovació, Universitats i Empresa of the Generalitat de Catalunya defined a new 

framework program, which will be signed in July 2008. According to this document, the technology transfer objectives are: 

- Participation in projects with industry. 

- Experimental activities to conduct to an IPR portfolio. 

- Creation of technological industries. 

- Evaluation of the Business Advisory Committee. 

During 2007, at CTTC we have continued working on the ongoing R&D contracts with Spanish companies, and we have started 

new projects, so that CTTC is progressively migrating from an institution fundamentally based on public-funded contracts, through 

an institution working in consortium with companies, to an institution supported also by direct contracts with companies. At 

the same time, we are implementing a philosophy and working methodology to ensure the on-time achievement of the goals 

and milestones of contracts. We should keep in mind, though, that the development activities inherent to most projects are 

sometimes subject to risks and deviations. 

In line with the global mission of recognition in research at international level, we have paid special attention to the creation of 

an IPR portfolio through the submission of three additional International Patents, mainly based on the research and development 

activities performed in CTTC’s testbeds and technology demonstrators, described in this Chapter. We have also reached important, 

strategic framework agreements with Spanish companies that shall set up the basis for the signature of new research contracts 

in the close future. 

On the other hand, we have reinforced the performance of research activities with the industry by building joint project teams 

and by hosting them at our facilities. We have gone beyond the indicator of having at least four contracts active with industry, 

so exceeding the volume of net income forecasted. 

The second meeting of the Business Advisory Committee took place in November 2007 at the CTTC’s facilities in Castelldefels, 

where the members of the Committee were able to get a real impression of CTTC’s testbeds and IPR portfolio, as well as of the 

projects and relations engaged with industries. 

Last but not least, the CTTC has organized the first event “Telecom Industries at CTTC”, which is planned to be performed at 

least every two years. In this context, the invited companies are able to see the progress in research performed by CTTC and 

the growth of the IPR portfolio, so that it represents a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and research interests. In addition 

to this, CTTC Technology Transfer was also present in different relevant events to reinforce the connections with national and 

international industries: 3GSM brokerage event in Barcelona in February 2007, SIMO, Annual AETIC Spanish Technology platform 

board, eNEN, eISI, eMOV, eSEC, IP Cities Viladecans 2007, Aeronautic & Space University Industry Workshop, Industry and 

Institution Mission to Finland organized by the Catalan government, Internationalization week organized by Barcelona Chamber 

of trade, Telecom I+D and “XXI Encuentro de las Telecomunicaciones”, organized by AETIC. 

Albert Sitjà 

Director of Technology Transfer 

55


projects 



56 

GAD/DIMAT 






Active Demand Management 

Project manager: Mónica Navarro (CTTC) 

Company: 

DIMAT, S.A. 

GAD is a national research strategic consortium (“Consorcios Estratégicos Nacionales en 

Investigación Técnica” (CENIT)) within the framework of the INGENIO 2010 program. The goal of 

the CENIT GAD is to optimize the electric power consumption by means of active management 

mechanisms applied to the electric power supply. Within this general framework the GAD 

project aims to answer to the following needs: 

- Reduce CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. 

- Facilitate the integration of distributed power generation, and in turn diversify the sources of power generation. 

- Improve the energy efficiency by having available in real time the information of electric power consumption in the whole 

network, which in turn will enable the active management over consumers without degrading their quality of service and 

will allow the detection of possible power losses in the network. 

- Improvement of consumer’s consumption by means of Automatic Meter Management (AMM). 

- Improvement of the quality of the electric power supply by reducing the peaks in the power supply demand curves that 

may cause supply disruptions to certain users. 

The consortium is integrated by 15 industrial partners led by Iberdrola and 14 associated research centers sub-contracted by 

the project partners. CTTC participates in workpackage 5 as a sub-contractor of the industrial partner DIMAT. Workpackage 5 

deals with the definition and specification of the communication network architecture that will support the active management 

of electric power supply by enabling data communications between the active agents. In particular, CTTC work focuses on 

the investigation and development of a suitable transmission scheme for data communications over medium voltage power 

line channels.

MUMO-I 





MUMO (Phase 1) 



Miguel Ángel Rojas_PhD candidate_Radio Communications 

José Rubio_Senior Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 

This project is a private contract with DIMAT S.A. Technical contents are confidential. 

RX-POS 

Started: September 2005 




RX-POS High-accuracy positioning system 

Luis Blanco_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 


Marc Majoral_Senior Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 

Project manager: Xavier Mestre (CTTC) 

Company: 

DIMAT, S.A. 


Diego Bartolomé, PhD_Technology Transfer Project Manager 


Project manager: Joan Bas (CTTC) 

Company: 

Undisclosed 

This project is devoted to the study and development of an antenna array receiver for positioning with high accuracy 

(less than 1 cm) in the 433 MHz band. The main goal is to help the company evolve the current product to reinforce their 

competitive advantage in the international market. 

57



58 

WI4GOAL 

Started: July 2007 




Carlos Bader, PhD_Senior Research Associate_Access Technologies 

David Pubill_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 

WiMAX Base for General Audio & Visual Applications 

The main objective of Wi4Goal Project is to evaluate and deploy the WiMAX technology using high definition audiovisual 

applications over the metropolitana area of Barcelona. In a first phase a technical evaluation of commercial equipments 

form different providers with pre-WiMAX solution is carried out. The bit rate in the uplink transmission mode represents 

the main constraint to evaluate the possibility to transmit multimedia services. The second phase of the project consists in 

establishing a communication link between a certain point in Barcelona and the installation of Barcelona TV (B-TV), using 

WiMAX technology. Finally, the last objective is to allow a cameraman to transmit audiovisual information to B-TV, from any 

zone in Barcelona, making use of a WiMAX communication system, without major delays. 

R@ilnet 




Mobile Internet access system for railway users 

Project manager: Carlos Bader (CTTC) 

Company: 

Lavinia-tc 


Marc Majoral_Senior Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 



Project manager: José Rubio (CTTC) 

Company: AD Telecom S.L 

The R@ilnet project defines and develops the technology and equipments necessary for the bidirectional internet access in 

trains, with minimum terrestrial infrastructure. The terrestrial digital television (TDT) technology based on the standard DVB-T 

(Digital Video Broadcasting- Terrestrial) turns out to be the best-suited option to overcome the drawbacks of the techniques 

based on WiFi standards and to optimize the ROI (Return of Investment) with respect to satellite techniques.

QUETZAL 






Xavier Artiga_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 






Ana Moragrega_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 

Project manager: Christian Ibars (CTTC) 

Company: 

Investigación Total Ware 

Qualified Ultra-wideband Testbed for Reduces Data Rates and Location 

Ultra-wideband (UWB) signals are characterized by a large bandwidth and low power spectral density. The main advantages 

of UWB are that no license is needed to operate, and that its large bandwidth allows very precise time of arrival calculation, 

which can be used for location and ranging. The spectral density of UWB signals, as well as its uses, is regulated in USA 

and Europe with power spectral density masks. These have a main pass band between 3 and 10 GHz, and 6 and 8.5 GHz, 

respectively. Two main uses have been defined by UWB: very high rate data transmission for very short distances (1-10 

meters), and low rate data transmission with ranging capability. 

QUETZAL project has as main objetive the implementation of the ULAND Testbed. 

The ULAND tetsbed consists of a bidirectional (half-duplex) data transmission system with the capability to measure the 

distance between two transceivers. Its main features are bi-directional data rates in the order of kilobits per second, the 

possibility to operate under non-line of sight conditions, and precise ranging capability (in the order of centimeters). The 

system consists of two transceivers that exchange UWB frames. Each frame contains a data payload and specific fields 

containing time of arrival information. The testbed is adapted to the European mask on power emissions. 

59



60 

TIMI 

Carlos Fernández, PhD_Research Associate_Communications Subsystems 





Funding: 100 % from CDTI (Centro para el 

Desarrollo Tecnológico Industrial) 

Intermodal Intelligent Transportation of Goods 

Project manager: Alberto Gascón Saldaña 

(ATOS Origin Sociedad Anónima Española) 

Partners: 

Compañía Transmediterránea, S.A. 

ETRA Investigación y Desarrollo, S.A. 

Fagor Electrónica, S. Coop. 

TIMI is a CENIT project funded by the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI), a Spanish public organisation, 

which is under the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and Trade, and whose objective is to help Spanish companies to increase the 

technological profile. 

The objective of this project is the analysis of intermodal goods trade use and needs, and the development of new technologies 

and methodologies that allow the creation of future generation of devices, systems and tools, which will enhance tradesystems 

performance. Main contributions will be: 

- Increase efficiency and quality of multimodal trade services. 

- Use optimization of intermodal trade services. 

- Increase security of people and goods trade, control management. 

- Promote self-sustainable trade systems. 

Ibermática, S.A. 

Atos Origin Sociedad Anónima Española 

TB-Solutions Advanced Technologies, S.L. 

Infoport Valencia, S.A. 

Servimaps SIG S.L. 

Ingelectric, Ingeniería de Sistemas S.A. 

Instituto Ibermática de Innovación

Technology transfer 

Innovation testbeds 

The testbeds are a fundamental component of the research that is carried out at CTTC. The list of testbeds in development at 

CTTC is summarized below: 

- ADRENALINE Test Bed ® 

- DEMOCLES ® 

- EXTREME Test Bed ® 

- GEDOMIS® 

- ULAND® 

Every testbed of CTTC establishes a close relationship between the Research Unit and the Engineering Unit, which is in charge of 

the implementation. The conceptual long-term research carried out in every Research Unit expects and needs feedback from the 

Engineering Unit on implementation issues that might, in turn, imply changes in the design of testbeds. Furthermore, a testbed 

constitutes a natural link with the industry, and, in this sense, it serves in accomplishing the technology transfer goal of CTTC. 

Networking testbeds 

Network research testbeds are a fundamental component of the research carried out in the networking-oriented research 

areas of the CTTC. The networking testbeds available at CTTC are the EXTREME testbed, realized by the IP Technologies area in 

cooperation with the Engineering Unit, and the ADRENALINE testbed, realized by the Optical Networking area, in cooperation 

with the Engineering Unit. 

Physical-layer testbeds 

The Physical layer testbeds implemented at CTTC are GEDOMIS and ULAND testbeds, which are realized by Radio Communications, 

Communications Subsystems and Access Technologies Areas, in cooperation with the Engineering Unit. 

Simulators 

Modelers, emulators, simulators and experimental implementation are useful tools for testing protocol and networking aspects. 

Network modelers represent phenomena as a set of mathematical equations, enabling the visualization of network applications 

or protocols’ performance, and do ‘what-if’ analysis. The simulator available at CTTC is DEMOCLES, which is a system level 

simulator to evaluate Radio Resource Management (RRM) strategies and to simulate air interface in a multi-cell, multiuser 

environment. This simulator is being developed by the Access Technology area in cooperation with the Engineering Unit. 

61



62 

ADRENALINE Testbed ® 

Started: June 2002 

Funding: CTTC ( Internal ) 

Project manager: Ramon Casellas (CTTC) 





Ivan Martínez_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 


All-optical Dynamic REliable Network hAndLINg IP/Ethernet Gigabit traffic with QoS 

The ADRENALINE (All-optical Dynamic REliable Network hAndLINg IP/Ethernet Gigabit traffic with QoS) testbed is a GMPLSbased 

(Generalized MultiProtocol Label Switching) Intelligent Optical Network developed at CTTC laboratories. It is composed 

of an all-optical DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) mesh network, with two colour-less ROADM (Reconfigurable 

Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer) nodes and two OXC (optical cross-connect) nodes, interconnected by 5 bidirectional optical 

links with a total of 610 km of optical fiber. The network provides reconfigurable (space and frequency) end-to-end lightpaths, 

transparent to the format and payload of client signals. Each optical node has three DWDM transceivers up to 2.5 Gb/s 

and one at 12.5 Gb/s with fully tuneable laser sources, and is equipped with an Optical Connection Controller (OCC) for 

implementing a distributed GMPLS-based distributed 

control plane, in order to manage automatic provisioning 

and survivability of lightpaths, including RSVP-TE (Resource 

reSerVation Protocol – Traffic Engineering, signalling 

protocol for wavelength reservation) and OSPF-TE 

(Open Shortest Path First – Traffic Engineering, routing 

protocol for topology and optical resource dissemination), 

allowing traffic engineering algorithms with QoS. Finally, 

ADRENALINE also includes client devices provided through 

a broadband tester that emulates a GMPLS User Network 

Interface (UNI)-enabled IP router, a Path Computation 

element (PCE), a Network Management System (NMS) 

and Optical Performance Monitors (OPM) to obtain spectral 

information, namely, channel and in-band Optical Signal to 

Noise Ratio (OSNR), channel and aggregate optical power, 

and wavelength drift.

DEMOCLES Testbed ® 



Project manager: Carlos Bader (CTTC) 


Enric Navarro_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 

Dynamic rEsource Management fOr advanCed multipLe carriEr System software platform 

The DEMOCLES platform consists of a system-level simulator. A screenshot of the simulation platform is shown in the figure. 

DEMOCLES is devised to be able to evaluate RRM strategies. Multi-user, uni/multi-cellular and multi-service scenarios are 

considered for a multiple standards (WLAN, WiMAX, etc.) system compatible with B/3G radio access systems. The systemlevel 

simulator aims at simulating the air interface efficiency in a multi-cell/multi-user environment. As a result of the system 

level simulation, a characterization of the air interface behavior in multi-cell/multi-user environment is obtained. The focus 

of this simulator is the study of resource management algorithms according to performance parameters such as QoS. The 

simulator uses link-level simulation results to model the air interface performance. As for the availability time-frame, the 

implementation of DEMOCLES started in 2006; a basic simulation platform is already available, and it is expected that the 

libraries for simulation of several wireless standards will be completed in June 2008. The simulator’s modules and interfaces 

have been built on SystemC programming language. 

63



64 

EXTREME Testbed ® 



Project manager: Manuel Requena (CTTC) 

EXperimental Testbed for Research Enabling Mobility Enhancements 

Manuel Requena_Senior Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 


Josep Mangues, PhD_Senior Research Associate_IP Technologies 

Paolo Dini, PhD_Research Associate_IP Technologies 

José Núñez_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 

EXTREME (EXperimental Testbed for Research Enabling Mobility Enhancements) is a multi-purpose fully reconfigurable 

networking testbed that serves to validate proposals on close-to-real scenarios. EXTREME combines the ease of management 

of multi-user experimental facilities with the flexibility of proof-of-concept testbeds. It supports both cellular and mesh/adhoc 

network topologies by means of technologies such as 802.11 Wireless LANs or UMTS. Topics under study include nextgeneration 

network design, mobility in heterogeneous environments (e.g. vertical and horizontal handovers), self-organized 

networks (e.g. mesh and ad hoc networks), wireless measurements, and VoIP. 

General Features 

EXTREME provides: 

- A fast adoption and testing of new emerging technologies in a close-to-production environment. 

- A reduction in the time from scenario conception to the start of the measurement phase. 

- A generic framework to ease the realization and analysis of performance measurements. 

- An abstraction of the underlying low-level configuration, so that users focus on concepts rather than scenario configuration 

details. 

- With an up-to-date technology especially-suited for wireless scenarios. 

It is intended for 

- Experimental validation of theoretical results. 

- Rapid and seamless adoption of new emerging wireless technologies. 

- Implementation of different architectures through a reduced configuration time. 

- Full end-to-end monitoring of the experimental testbed. 

- Integration of commercial (networking and traffic analysis) and other experimental equipment.

GEDOMIS ® 



Project manager: Lluís Ventura (CTTC) 

GEneric hardware DemOnstrator for MIMO Systems 


David López_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 

Oriol Font_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 

Antonio Pascual, PhD_Associate Researcher (UPC)_Radio 

Communications 


GEDOMIS (GEneric hardware DemOnstrator for MIMO Systems) is a mixed DSP/FPGA demonstration platform that can be used to 

implement any IEEE 802.11-based communication system (currently extended to include IEEE 802.16e-2005 compliance) thanks 

to its heterogeneous and reconfigurable Software Defined Radio structure. The RF front-end of the platform can be customised 

to target a variety of applications allowing the development of multi-standard transceivers. In addition, it supports up to 

four antennas at each side of the communication link, making that capable to implement the most advanced multi-antenna 

algorithms in realistic scenarios. Each processing board could be fully controlled by PC. 


With respect to traditional wireless systems, GEDOMIS provides: 

- Robustness to interference and noise. 

- Increase in coverage. 

- Possibility of several simultaneous time-frequency-space 

transmissions. 

- Innovative setup that can lead to impressive performance 

improvement. 

- WiFi compliance (IEEE 802.11n) at the baseband level. 

- WiMAX compliance (IEEE 802.16e-2005) at the baseband 

level (under development). 

GEDOMIS can be used for 

- R&D of custom hardware systems integrated with multi-band multi-antenna systems. 

- Testing latest state-of-the-art physical layer techniques including synchronization, channel estimation, space-time coding, 

or array processing. 

- Testing protocol issues in a simplified environment. 

- Performance evaluation under different traffic conditions. 

65



66 

ULAND® 



Project manager: Christian Ibars (CTTC) 

UWB Testbed for Data Transmission and Ranging 


Xavier Artiga_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 






Ana Moragrega_Research Engineer_Engineering Unit 

Ultra-wideband (UWB) signals are characterized by a large bandwidth and low power spectral density. The main advantages of 

UWB are that no license is needed to operate, and that its large bandwidth allows very precise time of arrival calculation, which 

can be used for location and ranging. The spectral density of UWB signals, as well as its uses, is regulated in USA and Europe 

with power spectral density masks. These have a main pass band between 3 and 10 GHz, and 6 and 8.5 GHz, respectively. Two 

main uses have been defined by UWB: very high rate data transmission for very short distances (1-10 meters), and low rate data 

transmission with ranging capability. 

The ULAND tetsbed consists of a bidirectional (half-duplex) data transmission system with the capability to measure the distance 

between two transceivers. Its main features are bi-directional data rates in the order of kilobits per second, the possibility to 

operate under non-line of sight conditions, and precise ranging capability (in the order of centimeters). The system consists of 

two transceivers that exchange UWB frames. Each frame contains a data payload and specific fields containing time of arrival 

information. The testbed is adapted to the European mask on power emissions.

Anechoic Chamber CTTC 

The CTTC anechoic chamber was designed by the group ETS-Lindgren as a turnkey solution for making antenna measurements 

of wireless telecommunication devices. The system can be used to perform antenna measurements in far-field test distances 

for more generic antenna properties such as 3D radiation pattern. The measurement setup including multi-axis positioner, 

positioning controller, commercial software for antenna measurements, and fully anechoic chamber is completely automatic. 


• Fully anechoic chamber for far field 3D antenna measurements. 

• Complete automatic measurement process. 

It is intended for 

• R&D in antenna design, testing and measurements. 

• Wireless systems measurements. 

• Antenna characterization. 

Current technical details 

• Frequency range: from 700 MHz up to 18 GHz. 

• Physical size: 5.2 x 3.1 x 3.1 m. 

• Absorber panels freq. range: from 500 MHz up to 40GHz. 

• Set of 8 calibration antennas: 960 MHz up to 18 GHz. 

• Programmable multi-axis positioner MAPS 2015 (0.25° precision, maximum load 10kg). 

• Positioning controller for 2 primary and 4 auxiliary devices. 

• EMQuest software for test and measurement control. 

• Ferrite RF cables, no ferrite shielding on walls. 

• Through wall connectors: 2xSMA(f), 2xN type, 4 optical fiber connectors. 

• Special shielded door for anechoic chambers ( 0.9 x 2.1 m). 

• Automatic control of measurement devices: Vector Network Analyzers (Agilent PNA Series and Rodhe & Schwarz ZVA24) and 

Spectrum Analyzers (Agilent ESA & PSA Series). 

Future objectives 

• Enhancement of the chamber equipment (temperature and humidity control, improved cable and connectors shielding, 

more through wall connectors…). 

• Homologation. 

• Realization of active antenna measurements. 

• RFID measurements. 

Additional information 

• CTTC Communication Subsystems web page: http://www.cttc.es/area/comm-subsystems.jsp or e-mail: cs@cttc.es 

67



68

9 TRAINING 

ACTIVITIES 

CTTC offers a training environment defined as experimental in R&D activities in telecommunications and highly reputed both in 

science and technology. This environment aims at reducing the existing gap between graduate training and industry, in order 

to pave the way to a productive setting where R&D is the main activity. This is approached both at graduate and undergraduate 

levels. Moreover, visitors are welcome for short to mid term pre- and post-doc stays. 

Post-Doc 

The CTTC launched its Post-Doc Program in 2005. During 2007, 5 new members have joint the program. 

Pre-Doc 

Currently CTTC’s pre-doctoral program consists of 14 PhD students. During 2007, CTTC has admitted 5 new PhD students in its 

Fellowship Program. 

Additionally, CTTC cooperates with other Catalan Universities in the direction of PhD thesis, as it happens for two PhD thesis 

directed in cooperation with Professors in URL and UPC. 

During 2007, 3 PhD thesis have been defended, as well as 2 MPhil Degrees (Diploma D’Estudis Avançats, DEA). 

PhD thesis: 

M. Payaró, “Impact of Channel State Information on the Analysis and Design of Multi-antenna Communications Systems”. 

Advisors: Prof. Miguel Ángel Lagunas, Dr. Antonio Pascual. Date: February 14, 2007. 

R. Martínez, “Experimental GMPLS-based Routing for Dynamic Lightpath Provisioning and Recovery in all-optical WDM Networks”. 

Advisors: Prof. Gabriel Junyent i Giralt, Dr. Jaume Comellas i Colome. Date: April 11, 2007. 

N. Zorba, “Multibeam Opportunistic Downlink Beamforming in Wireless Communication Systems”. Advisor: Prof. Ana Pérez. Date: 

December 10, 2007. 

MPhil theses: 

J. Alonso, ”Design and Analysis of Medium Access Control Protocols for Ad Hoc and Cooperative Wireless Networks”. Advisors: 

Dr. Christos Verikoukis, Dr. Luis Alonso. 

M. Portolés ”Packet level inference of wireless network characteristics”. Advisor: Dr. Josep Mangues. 

Additionally, the following graduate students visited CTTC during 2007: 

- Lan Peng, Shandong University (China), Visiting PhD Candidate under the supervision of Prof. Ana Pérez. 

- Miguel Àngel Rojas, Veracruzana University (Mexico), Visiting PhD Candidate under the supervision of Prof. Miguel Àngel Lagunas. 

69

Undergraduate 

CTTC also offers a challenging training environment for undergraduate students, who can carry on their Master and Bachelor 

Thesis by participating in R&D activities, under the supervision of researchers and engineers. 

The following Master and Bachelor Thesis have been defended during 2007. 

A. Grosch, “Investigations on IR-HARQ BICM-ID in Adaptive Systems”, Diplomarbeit, Technische Universität Ilmenau (Germany), 

Supervisor: Prof. Martin Haardt, Advisors: Dr. Mònica Navarro, Dr. Stephan Plfletschinger. March 2007. 

A. Cateura, “Application of the DQCA protocol to the optimization of wireless communications systems in cellular environments”, 

Supervisor: Dr. Luis Alonso, Advisor: Dr. Christos Verikoukis. May 2007. 

K. Khatir, “Coded cooperation for off-the-shelf WLAN hardware”, Supervisor: Abbas Mohammed, Advisor: Dr. Christian Ibars. 

September 2007. 

A. Huguet, “On Demand Cooperation for 802.11 wireless systems: Experimental Analysis”, Supervisor: Prof. Ana Pérez , Advisor: 

Dr. Christos Verikoukis. November 2007. 

E. Castellano, “Medium Access Control Protocols for vehicle to vehicle communications”, Supervisor: Dr. Luis Alonso, Advisor: Dr. 

Christos Verikoukis. May 2007. 

E. Amell, A. Vilarnau, “Design of an experimental Wireless Sensors Network”, Supervisor: Dr. Luis Alonso, Advisor: Dr. Christos 

Verikoukis. September 2007. 

Mobility Program 

In March 2006, the CTTC launched its Mobility Program, which targets permanent R&D staff and members of CTTC’s Pre- 

Doc Program. This program provides a framework for the full-time mobility of CTTC’s researchers, which is seen not only 

as a part of the R&D staff’s continuous training, but also as a milestone for the creation and strengthening of partnerships 

with fellow institutions. 

In 2007 the following CTTC’s members have participated to this program: 

- Aitor Del Coso, Motorola Labs, Paris, June – September 2007 

- Dr. Carles Fernández, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana del Estado de Chile (UTEM), September – November 2007 

- Francisco Rubio, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, July – January 2007. 



70



72

10 

Partnerships 

University University and and academia 

academia 

Faculté Faculté des des Sciences Sciences de de Rabat Rabat (Morocco) 

(Morocco) 

Industry 

Industry 

Universitat Universitat Ramon Ramon Llull Llull Universitat Universitat Politènica Politènica de de Catalunya 

Catalunya 

Pôle Pôle de de Competences Competences STIC 

STIC 

(France) 

(France) 

Orange 

Orange 

WDM WDM Optical Optical Networks 

Networks 

Systems Systems SL SL (W-Onesys) 

(W-Onesys) 

AD AD Telecom Telecom SL SL GTD GTD Investigación Investigación Total-Ware 

Total-Ware 

SAU SAU (ITOWA) 

(ITOWA) 

Asociación Asociación de de Empresas 

Empresas 

Tecnológicas Tecnológicas (Innovalia) 

(Innovalia) 

R&D R&D institutions institutions Other 

Other 

Consejo Consejo Superior 

Superior 

de de Investigaciones Investigaciones Científicas Científicas (CSIC) 

(CSIC) 

pARTNERSHIpS, COOpERATION 

AND COMMuNICATION 

University University of of South South Florida Florida (USA) 

(USA) 

Universitat Universitat Pompeu Pompeu Fabra 

Fabra 

National National Institute Institute of of Information 

Information 

and and Communications Communications Tecnology 

Tecnology 

of of Japan 

Japan 

Rheinisch-Westfälischen 

Rheinisch-Westfälischen 

Hochschule Hochschule Aachen Aachen (Germany) 

(Germany) 

University University of of Villanova 

Villanova 

(Pennsylvania, (Pennsylvania, USA) 

USA) 

TinyLoc 

TinyLoc 

Instituto Instituto Nacional 

Nacional 

de de Técnica Técnica Aeroespacial 

Aeroespacial 

"Esteban "Esteban Terradas" Terradas" (INTA) 

(INTA) 

Telecommunications Telecommunications for for Space 

Space 

and and Aeronautics Aeronautics (France) 

(France) 

New New Jersey Jersey Institute 

Institute 

of of Technology 

Technology 

(USA) 

(USA) 

Promax 

Promax 

SatconXion 

SatconXion 

Universitat Universitat Autònoma 

Autònoma 

de de Barcelona 

Barcelona 

Universidad Universidad Tecnológica 

Tecnológica 

Metropolitana Metropolitana (Chile) 

(Chile) 

Abertis Abertis Telecom 

Telecom 

Dimat 

Dimat 

Council Council of of Castelldefels Castelldefels (Barcelona) 

(Barcelona) 

73

Cooperation 

Besides the former partnership, CTTC cooperates with other scientific 

institutions and their experts through international networks such as 

the Wireless World Research Forum (WWRF), the IPv6 Forum, European 

initiatives (ICT and Eureka), ISI platform (Inciativa Integral del Espacio), 

eMobility technology platform and National and thematic networks, 

as well as research exchanges. 

An active involvement in international conferences and workshops 

is also sought and, hence, CTTC is often involved in the organization 

of different events (TridentCOM, VTC, PIMRC, IST Mobile Summit, 

MWCN, CROWNCOM, European Wireless, WiNMee, WiMob, IWCLD, 

ICCCN, etc.). Along with that, the organization of international postgraduate 

courses (e.g. Cross-layer scheduling in Multi-user MIMO 

systems) has actively contributed to draw the attention of the 

research community towards the activities of the Center. 

Communication 

CTTC’s trilingual homepage plays a preponderant role in our communication strategy, because it offers an up-to-date, extensive 

source of information for partner organizations and other interested parties. This is illustrated by the number of applications we 

receive in response to online job, pre-doctoral fellowships and Master Thesis offers, as well as the increasing number of visits 

to www.cttc.es. 

On a yearly basis, the center issues a new volume of the “CTTC Scientific Publications Series”. Currently , Volume 1: Publications 

2001-2002, Volume 2: Publications 2003, Volume 3: Publications 2004, Volumes 4A and 4B: Publications 2005, Volumes 5A and 

5B: Publications 2006 and Volumes 6A and 6B: Publications 2007 are available for free to researchers, industry and academia 

under e-mail request at info@cttc.es. 

CTTC’s bilingual information folder is also a key feature of our communication strategy. It offers a simple but yet comprehensive 

overview of the center and the research and development activities carried out. 



74 

Since March 2002, the CTTC organizes open weekly seminars on Information and 

Communications Technologies, in which the speakers are researchers working at or 

visiting the CTTC, as well as invited researchers from outstanding universities and 

research institutions. In 2007, more than 42 talks were given at the center by staff, 

graduate students and invited speakers from industry (Techno Trends, Telecom 

España, etc), research institutions and academia (Lund Carlos III University of 

Madrid, Institute of Technology, University of Bologna, Institute Eurecom, University 

of Notre Dame, etc).

Last but not least, since April 2004 the CTTC organizes industry-oriented seminars on Information and Communications 

Technologies, performed by invited speakers from outstanding companies and organizations in telecommunications. The 

objective of these events is to create relevant information communication opportunities between invited speakers and CTTC 

research and engineering staff. 

Weekly Seminar at the CTTC, July 2007 

75



76

11 puBlICATIONS 

Book Chapters 

P. Miškovský, J. M. González-Arbesú, J. Romeu, Application of UWB Antenna Descriptors to Antenna performance Assessment, 

published in: "Ultra-Wideband Short-Pulse Electromagnetics 8", Baum, Carl E.; Stone, Alexander P.; Tyo, J. Scott (Eds.), 2007, X, 

262 p. 200 illus., Hardcover, ISBN: 978-0-387-73045-5 

A. Georgiadis, C. Fernández-Prades, Novel Multi-Antenna and Smart Antenna Techniques for Next Generation Wireless 

Communication Networks, to appear in Heterogeneous Next Generation Networking: Innovations and Platform, S. Kotsopoulos 

and K. Ioannou Eds., Philadelphia: Idea-Group Inc. 

I. Gutiérrez, F. Bader, J. L. Pijoan, Radio Resource Allocation in MC-CDMA Under QoS Requirements, Published in the book Multi- 

Carrier Spread Spetrum, pp. 207-216., Chapter: Adaptive Transmission, edited by S. Plass, A. Dammann, S. Kaiser and K. Fazel, 

ISBN: 978-1-4020-6128-8 , Springer © 2007. The Netherlands. 

Publications in journals 

S. Blas, F. Mira, V.E. Boria, B. Gimeno, M. Bressan, P. Arcioni, On the fast and rigorous analysis of compensated waveguide 

junctions using off-centered partial-height metallic posts, IEEE Transactions On Microwave Theory Techniques, Vol. MTT-55, pp. 

168-175, January 2007. 

J. Mateu, J.C. Booth, B. H. Moeckly, Frequency Dependence of the Nonlinear Response in YBaCuO Transmission lines, Applied 

Physics Letter, 90, 012512, January 2007. 

A. del Coso, C. Ibars, U. Spagnolini, Cooperative distributed MIMO channels in wireless sensor networks, IEEE Journal on Selected 

Areas in Communications, Vol. 25, No. 2, pp. 402-414, February 2007. 

J. Mateu, J.C. Booth, S. A. Schima, Frequency Tuning and Spurious Signal Generation in Ferroelectric Thin-film Transmission Lines, 

IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 55, No. 2, pp. 391-396, February 2007. 

J. Mateu, J.C. Booth, C. Collado, J. M. O’Callaghan, Intermodulation Distortion in Coupled-resonator Filters with Non-uniform 

Distributed Nonlinear Properties: Use in HTS IMD Compensation, IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 55, 

No. 4, pp. 616-624, April 2007. 

C. Antón-Haro, On the Impact of PDF-matched Quantization on Orthogonal Random Beamforming, IEEE Communications Letters, 

Vol. 11, pp. 328-330, April 2007. 

C. Pinart, Alternatives for in-service BER estimation in all-optical networks: towards minimum intrusion, in Academy Publishers 

Journal of Computers, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 56-63, May 2007. 

J. Mateu, C. Collado, J. M. O’Callaghan, Modeling superconducting transmission line bends and their impact on nonlinear effects, 

IEEE Transactions On Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 55, No. 5, pp. 822-828, May 2007. 

A. P. Closas, C. Fernández-Prades, J. A. Fernández, Maximum Likelihood Estimation of Position in GNSS, IEEE Signal Processing 

Letters, Vol. 14, No. 15, pp. 359-362, May 2007. 

77

A. Georgiadis, A. Collado, A. Suarez, Pattern Nulling in Coupled Oscillator Antenna Arrays, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and 

Propagation, Vol. 55, No. 5, pp. 1267-1274, May 2007 

J. Mateu, J. C. Booth, B. H. Moeckly, Nonlinear response of Combined Superconductor/Ferroelectric Devices: First Experimental 

Step, IEEE Transactions on Applied Superconductivity, Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 942-945, June 2007. 

M. Payaró, A. Pascual-Iserte, A. Pérez-Neira, M. Á. Lagunas, Robust Design of Spatial Tomlinson-Harashima Precoding in the 

Presence of Errors in the CSI, IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, Vol. 6, No. 7, pp. 2396-2401, July 2007. 

J. Mateu, J. C. Booth, B. Moeckly, Wideband Nonlinear Response of High-Temperature Superconductors Thin Films from Transmission- 

Line Measurements, IEEE Transaction on Microwave Theory and Techniques, Vol. 55, No. 7, pp. 1425-1430, July 2007. 

M. Payaró, A. Pascual-Iserte, M. Á. Lagunas, Mutual Information Optimization and Capacity Evaluation in MIMO Systems with 

Magnitude Knowledge and Phase Uncertainty, Circuits, Systems, and Signal Processing (special issue: Signal Processing for 

Uncertain Systems), Vol. 26, No. 4, pp. 527-549, August 2007 . 

D. Bartolomé, A. Pérez-Neira, Practical Implementation of bit loading schemes for multi-antenna multi-user wireless OFDM 

system, IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications, Vol. 55, No. 8, pp. 1577-1587, August 2007. 

M. Payaró, A. Pascual-Iserte, M. Á. Lagunas, Robust Power Allocation Designs for Multiuser and Multiantenna Downlink 

Communication Systems through Convex Optimization, IEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications (special issue: 

Optimization of MIMO Transceivers for Realistic Communication Networks: Challenges and Opportunities), Vol. 25, No. 7, pp. 

1390-1401, September 2007. 

A. Georgiadis, K. Slavakis, A Convex Optimization Method for Constrained Beam-Steering in Planar (2-D) Coupled Oscillator 

Antenna Arrays, IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation, Vol. 55, No. 10, pp. 2925-2928, October 2007. 

J. López-Vicario, C. Antón-Haro, A Unified Approach to the Analytical Assessment of Multi-user Diversity with Imperfect Channel 

State Information: Ergodic Capacity and Robustness Analysis, European Transactions on Telecommunications, Vol. 18, pp. 573-582, 

October 2007. 

R. Bosisio, J. López-Vicario, C. Antón-Haro, U. Spagnolini, Enhanced Opportunistic Beamforming Scheme for Practical Broadcast 

Systems, European Transactions on Telecomunications, Vol. 18, pp. 605-615, October 2007. 

M. Realp, A. Pérez-Neira, A Cross-Layer approach to heterogeneous multi-user diversity with link adaptation, IEEE Transactions 

on Wireless Communications, Vol. 6, No. 10, October 2007. 

A. del Coso, C. Ibars, Distributed Antenna Channels with Regenerative Relaying: Relay Selection and Asymptotic Capacity, 

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking, Vol. 2007, pp. 1-12, November 2007. 

R. Muñoz, R. Martínez, G. Junyent, An experimental switching-aware GMPLS-based lightpath provisioning protocol in wavelengthrouted 

network, Photonic Network Communications, Vol. 14, No. 3, pp. 253-264, December 2007. 

P. Dini, F. Delli Priscoli, A Quality of Service Support Module (QASM) for a Wireless Multi-Segment Integrated 3G Network, 

Springer Wireless Personal Communication, Vol. 43, No. 4, pp. 1781-1800, December 2007. 



78

A. Georgiadis, A. Collado, Injection Locked Coupled Oscillator Arrays, IEEE Microwave and Wireless Components Letters, Vol. 17, 

No. 12, pp. 900-902, December 2007. 

Publications in Conferences 

N. Zorba, A. Pérez-Neira, Optimum Number of Beams in Multiuser Opportunistic Schemes Under QoS Constraints, in Proceedings 

of International ITG/WSA Workshop on Smart Antennas, ITG-WSA 2007, 26-28 February 2007, Vienna, Austria. 

M. Kobayashi, X. Mestre, Impact of CSI on Distributed Space-Time Coding in Wireless Relay Networks, IEEE Information Theory 

Winter School, 12-16 March 2007, Nice, France. 

C. Pinart, H. Harai, On using optical-layer link information parameters in distributed impairment constraint-based routing, in 

Proceedings of Optical Fiber Communications Conference/National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference, OFC/NFOEC 2007, 25-29 

March 2007, Anaheim, USA. 

F. Galán, R. Muñoz, R. Martínez, Control plane virtual extensión for GMPLS-based optical networking testbeds, VI Workshop in 

MPLS/GMPLS networks, 12-13 April 2007, Girona, Spain. 

P. Closas, C. Fernández-Prades, J. A. Fernández-Rubio, ML Estimation of Position in a GNSS Receiver Using the SAGE Algorithm, in 

Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing, ICASSP, 15–20 April 2007, Honolulu, 

Hawaii, USA. 

C. Antón-Haro, Optimal Quantization Schemes for Orthogonal Random Beamforming - A Cross-layer approach, in Proceedings of 

the IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing, ICASSP, 15–20 April 2007, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. 

Y. I. Abramovich, B. A. Johnson, X. Mestre, Performance Breakdown in MUSIC, G-MUSIC and Maximum Likelihood Estimation, in 

Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing, ICASSP, 15–20 April 2007, Honolulu, 

Hawaii, USA. 

X. Mestre, B. A. Johnson, Y. I. Abramovich, Source Power Estimation for Array Processing Applications under Low Sample Size 

Constraints, in Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing, ICASSP,15–20 April 

2007, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. 

A. del Coso, C. Ibars, Achievable rate for Gaussian multiple relay channels with linear relaying functions, in Proceedings of the 

IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing, ICASSP, 15–20 April 2007, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. 

M. Portolés-Comeras, A. Krendzel, J. Mangues-Bafalluy, Methodology to characterize the performance of IEEE 802.11 nodes to be 

deployed in multi-hop environments, in Proceedings of the Third International Workshop on Wireless Network Measurements, 

WinMee 2007, 20 April 2007, Limassol, Cyprus. 

B. Otal, C. Verikoukis, L. Alonso, Efficient Power Management based on a Distributed Queuing MAC for Wireless Sensor Networks, 

In Proceedings of the IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference, VTC Spring 2007, 22-25 April 2007, Dublin, Ireland. 

79

E. Kartsakli, A. Cateura, J. Alonso-Zárate, C. Verikoukis, L. Alonso, Opportunistic Scheduling using an Enhanced Channel State 

Information Update Scheme for WLAN Systems with DQCA, In Proceedings of the IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference, VTC 

Spring 2007, 22-25 April 2007, Dublin, Ireland. 

I. Gutiérrez, F. Bader, J. L. Pijoan, S. Ben Slimane, Adaptive Resource Management for a MC-CDMA System with Mixed QoS Classes 

Using a Cross Layer Strategy, In Proceedings of the IEEE Vehicular Technology Conference, VTC Spring 2007, 22-25 April 2007, 

Dublin, Ireland. 

I. Gutiérrez, F. Bader, J. L. Pijoan, Radio Resource Allocation in MC-CDMA Under QoS Requirements, in Proceedings of 6th 

International Workshop on Multi-Carrier Spread Spectrum, MC-SS 2007, 7-9 May 2007, Herrsching, Germany. 

S. Pfletschinger, The Influence of Link Adaptation in Multi-User OFDM, in Proceedings of 6th International Workshop on Multi- 

Carrier Spread Spectrum, MC-SS 2007, 7-9 May 2007, Herrsching, Germany. 

M. Portolés-Comeras, M. Requena-Esteso, J. Mangues-Bafalluy, Framework for characterizing hardware deployed in Wireless 

Mesh Networking Testbeds, in Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Testbeds and Research Infrastructures for the 

Development of Networks and Communities, TridentCom 2007, 21–23 May 2007, Orlando, Florida, USA. 

F. Galán, R. Muñoz, An Automatic Model-based Reconfiguration and Monitoring Mechanism for Flexible GMPLS-based Optical 

Networking Testbeds, in Proceedings of 11th International Conference on Optical Network Design and Management, ONDM 

2007, 29–31 May 2007, Athens, Greece. 

C. Collado, J. Mateu, J. C. Booth, J. M. O’Callaghan, Detuning and Saturation in High-Tc Devices: Formulation and Measurements, 

in Proceedings of IEEE International Microwave Symposium, IMS 2007, 3–8 June, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. 

N. Orloff, J. Mateu, M. Murakami, I. Takeuchi, J. C. Booth, Broadband Characterization of Multilayer Dielectric Thin-Films, in 

Proceedings of IEEE International Microwave Symposium, IMS 2007, 3–8 June, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. 

J. Mateu, N. Orloff, M. Reinhart, J. C. Booth, Broadband Permittivity of Liquids from Transmission Line Measurements of Microfluid 

Channels, in Proceedings of IEEE International Microwave Symposium, IMS 2007, 3–8 June, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. 

A. Georgiadis, Design of Coupled Oscillator Arrays for Second Harmonic Radiation, in Proceedings of IEEE International Microwave 

Symposium, IMS 2007, 3–8 June, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. 

M. Jiang, S. Pfletschinger, Power Spectral Density Estimation of Noisy Signal Based on Wavelet, in Proceedings of IEEE International 

Symposium on Industrial Electronics, ISIE 2007, 4-7 June 2007, Vigo, Spain. 

P. Miškovský, J. M. González-Arbesú, J. Romeu, What can we expect from a continuosly tapered, resistively loaded monopole, for 

UWB applications?, in Proceedings of IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation, AP-S 2007, 10–15 June 2007, 

Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. 

A. Grosch, M. Navarro, S. Pfletschinger, U. Korger, M. Haardt, Flexible IR Hybrid ARQ Design in Adaptive Systems using Bit- 

Interleaved Coded Modulation with Iterative Decoding, in Proceedings of 18th Wireless World Research Forum Meeting, WWRF 

18, 13-15 June 2007, Espoo, Finland. 



80

J. Gómez-Vilardebó, A. Pérez-Neira, An Achievable Rate per Unit Energy for Multiple Relay Networks, in Proceedings of the VIII 

IEEE Workshop in Signal Processing Advances in Wireless Coomunications, SPAWC 2007, 17–20 June 2007, Helsinki, Finland. 

A. del Coso, N. Zorba, C. Ibars, A. Pérez-Neira, Cooperative Round Robin multiple access networks for joint rate and QoS 

enhancement, in Proceedings of the VIII IEEE Workshop in Signal Processing Advances in Wireless Coomunications, SPAWC 2007, 

17–20 June 2007, Helsinki, Finland. 

M. Navarro, M. Nájar, Joint Estimation of TOA and DOA in IR-UWB, in Proceedings of IEEE International Workshop on Signal 

Processing Advances in Wireless communications, 17-20 June 2007, Helsinki, Finland. 

A. del Coso, O. Simeone, Y. Bar-ness, C. Ibars, Space-time coded cooperative multicasting with maximal ratio combining and incremental 

redundancy, in Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Communications, ICC 2007, 24–28 June 2007,Glasgow, UK. 

N. Zorba, A. Pérez-Neira, Robust Multibeam Opportunistic Schemes Under Quality of Service Constraints, in Proceedings of the 

IEEE International Conference on Communications, ICC 2007, 24 – 28 June 2007, Glasgow, UK. 

A. del Coso, C. Ibars, Partial decoding for synchronous and asynchronous Gaussian multiple relay channels, in Proceedings of the 

IEEE International Conference on Communications, ICC 2007, 24 – 28 June 2007,Glasgow, UK. 

M. Cardenete-Suriol, J. Mangues-Bafalluy, M. Portolés-Comeras, M. Requena-Esteso, M. Gorricho, VoIP performance in SIPbased 

vertical handovers between WLAN and GPRS/UMTS networks, in Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on 

Communications, ICC 2007, 24–28 June 2007, Glasgow, UK. 

D. Gregoratti, X. Mestre, Large System Performance Evaluation of the DS/CDMA Relay Channel Using Linear Receivers, in 

Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Communications, ICC 2007, 24–28 June 2007, Glasgow, UK. 

E. Kartsakli, A. Cateura, J. Alonso, C. Verikoukis, L. Alonso, Cross-Layer Enhancement for WLAN Systems with Heterogeneous Traffic 

Based on DQCA, In Proceedings of the IEEE International Communications Conference, ICC 2007, 24–28 June 2007, Glasgow, 

Scotland. 

R. Casellas, R. Martínez, R. Muñoz, Experimental Wavelength Allocation Policies for Shared Path Protection in GMPLS Optical 

Networks with WCC, in Proceedings of IEEE ICC workshop on Traffic Engineering in Next Generation IP Networks, 24-28 June 

2007, Glasgow, UK. 

S. Pfletschinger, A. Piatyszek, S. Stiglmayr, Frequency-Selective Link Adaptation using Duo-Binary Turbo Codes in OFDM Systems, 

in Proceedings of 16th IST Mobile and Wireless Communications Summit, 1–5 July 2007, Budapest, Hungary. 

C. Ibars, A. del Coso, Y. Grunenberger, F. Theoleyre, F. Rousseau, Increasing the throughput of wireless mesh networks with cooperative 

techniques, in Proceedings of 16th IST Mobile and Wireless Communications Summit, 1–5 July 2007, Budapest, Hungary. 

M. Portolés-Comeras, J. Mangues-Bafalluy, M. Cardenete-Surriol, Performance issues for VoIP call routing in a hybrid ad hoc office 

environment, in Proceedings of 16th IST Mobile and Wireless Communications Summit, 1–5 July 2007, Budapest, Hungary. 

81

C. Pinart, E. Le Rouzic, I. Martínez, Physical-layer considerations for the realistic deployment of impairment-aware connection 

provisioning, In Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Transparent Optical Networks, ICTON 2007, 1-5 July 2007, 

Rome, Italy. 

A. del Coso, C. Ibars, The amplify-based multiple-relay multiple-access channel: capacity region and MAC-BC duality, in Proceedings 

of IEEE Information Theory Workshop, ITW2007, 1 – 6 July 2007, Bergen, Norway. 

N. Zorba, A. Pérez-Neira, M. Á. Lagunas, The Performance of HSDPA-HDR in Delay-Constrained Applications: Closed Form 

Expressions, in Proceedings of International Conference on Computers, WSEAS CSCC 2007, 26–28 July 2007, Crete, Greece. 

J. Matamoros, C. Antón-Haro, Distributed Scheduling in Wireless Sensor Networks under Heterogeneity and Imperfect Channel 

State Information, in Proceedings of IEEE Statistical Signal Processing Workshop, SSP 2007, 26–29 August 2007, Madison, 

Winsconsin, USA. 

M. Jiang, S. Pfletschinger, Y. Yang, M. Á. Lagunas, D. Yuan, Optimal Multiuser Detection with Artificial Fish Swarm Algorithm, D.-S. 

Huang, L. Heutte, and M. Loog (Eds.), in Proceedings of International Conference on Intelligent Computing, ICIC 2007, 21–24 

August 2007, Qingdao, China. 

J. Matamoros, C. Antón-Haro, Distributed Scheduling in Wireless Sensor Networks under Heterogeneity and Imperfect Channel 

State Information, in Proceedings of IEEE Statistical Signal Processing Workshop, SSP 2007, 26–29 August 2007, Madison, 

Winsconsin, USA. 

S. Pfletschinger, Achievable Rate Regions for OFDMA with Link Adaption, in Proceedings of IEEE International Symposium on 

Personal, Indoor, and Mobile Radio Communications, PIMRC 2007, 3-7 September 2007, Athens, Greece. 

M. Realp, A. Pérez-Neira, Throughput Gains of Space-Time Scheduling with No CSI, in Proceedings of IEEE International Symposium 

on Personal, Indoor, and Mobile Radio Communications, PIMRC 2007, 3-7 September 2007, Athens, Greece. 

A. Pascual-Iserte, L. Ventura, X. Nieto, Residual Carrier Frequency Offset Estimation and Correction in OFDM MIMO Systems, 

in Proceedings of IEEE International Symposium on Personal, Indoor, and Mobile Radio Communications, PIMRC 2007, 3-7 

September 2007, Athens, Greece. 

N. Zorba, A. Pérez-Neira, Closed Form Expressions for Maximum Delay and Jitter in Multibeam Opportunistic Beamforming, 



J. Gómez-Vilardebó, J. Alonso, C. Verikoukis, A. Pérez-Neira, L. Alonso, Cooperation On Demand Protocols for Wireless Networks, 



J. Matamoros, C. Antón-Haro, Opportunistic Random Access for Distributed Parameter Estimation in Wireless Sensor Networks, in 

Proceedings of 15th European Signal Processing Conference, EUSIPCO 2007, 3–7 September 2007, Poznan, Poland. 



82

C. Fernández-Prades, P. Closas, J. A. Fernández-Rubio, Rao-Blackwellized Variable Rate Particle Filtering for Handset Tracking in 

Communication and Sensor Networks, in Proceedings of the 15th European Signal Processing Conference EUSIPCO 2007, 3-7 

September 2007, Poznan, Poland. 

L. Blanco, J. Serra, M. Nájar, Root Minimum Variance TOA estimation for wireless location, in Proceedings of 15th European Signal 

Processing Conference, EUSIPCO 2007, 3–7 September 2007, Poznan, Poland. 

R. Muñoz, R. Martínez, F. Galán, R. Morro, H.M. Foisel, S. Szuppa, J. Jiménez, O. González, H. Dentler, E. Escalona, F. Agraz, S. 

Spadaro, B. Berde, Experimental interconnection and interworking of the multi-domain (ASON-GMPLS) and multi-layer (TDM- 

LSC) NOBEL2 Test-beds, in Proceedings of 33rd European Conference and Exhibition on Optical Communication, ECOC 2007, 16-20 

September 2007, Berlin, Germany. 

R. Casellas, I. Martínez, C. Pinart, R. Muñoz, R. Martínez, F. Galán, G. Junyent, On-demand uncompressed HDTV Transmission over 

a GMPLS controlled Service-Aware all-optical network, in Proceedings of 33rd European Conference and Exhibition on Optical 

Communication, ECOC 2007, 16-20 September 2007, Berlin, Germany. 

M. Jiang, F. Rubio, Y. Wang, J. Gómez-Vilardebó, D. Yuan, User Selection for Maximum Sum-rate in Multi-user and MISO System 

with Evolutionary Algorithm, in Proceedings of First International Workshop on Cross Layer Design, IWCLD 2007, 20-21 September 

2007, Jinan, China. 

M. Realp, A. Pérez-Neira, Multiple Antenna Gains in Low Complexity Cross-Layer Scheduling with Link Adaption and QoS 

Requirements, in Proceedings of First International Workshop on Cross Layer Design, IWCLD 2007, 20-21 September 2007, Jinan, 

China. 

M. Navarro, M. Nájar, TOA and DOA Estimation for Positioning and Tracking in IR-UWB, in Proceedings of IEEE International 

Conference on Ultra Wideband, 24-26 September 2007, Singapore. 

M. Jiang, N. Mastorakis, D. Yuan, M. Á. Lagunas, Multi-threshold Image Segmentation with Improved Artificial Fish Swarm 

Algorithm, in Proceedings of European Computing Conference, ECC 2007, 25-27 September 2007, Athens, Greece. 

M. Jiang, Y. Wang, F. Rubio, D. Yuan, Spread Spectrum Code Estimation by Artificial Fish Swarm Algorithm, in Proceedings of IEEE 

International Symposium on Intelligent Signal Processing, WISP 2007, 3-7 October 2007, Madrid, Spain. 

R. Martínez, R. Muñoz, R. Casellas, J. Comellas, G. Junyent, Experimental Shared Path Protection Algorithms in Distributed 

All-Optical GMPLS-based Networks, in Proceedings of 6th International Workshop on the Design of Reliable Communication 

Networks, DRCN 2007, 8-10 October 2007, La Rochelle, France. 

F. Mira, A. A. San Blas, V. E. Boria, B. Gimeno, Fast and Accurate Analysis and Design of Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) 

Filters, in Proceedings of 37th European Microwave Conference, EuMC 2007, 8-12 October, Munich, Germany. 

J. Alonso-Zarate, E. Kartsakli, A. Cateura, C. Verikoukis, L. Alonso, Enhanced Operation of DQMAN-based Wireless Ad Hoc Networks, 

In Proceedings of the 4th IEEE International Symposium on Wireless Communications Systems, ISWCS 2007, 16–19 October 2007, 

Trondheim, Norway, 2007. 

83

D. Gregoratti, X. Mestre, Asymptotic Spectral Efficiency Analysis of the DS/CDMA Amplify and Forward Relay Channel, in 

Proceedings of Asilomar Conference on Signals, Systems and Computers, 4–7 November 2007, Pacific Grove, CA, USA. 

M. Kobayashi, X. Mestre, Impact of CSI on Distributed Space-Time Coding in Wireless Relay Networks , in Proceedings of Asilomar 

Conference on Signals, Systems and Computers 2007, Computers, 4-7 November 2007, Pacific Gorove, CA, USA. 

F. Rubio, X. Mestre, Improved consistent estimation on Krylov subspaces, in Proceedings of Asilomar Conference on Signals, 

Systems and Computers, 4–7 November 2007, Pacific Grove, CA, USA. 

T. Kaifas, A. Georgiadis, C. Kalialakis, The Effect of Mutual Coupling on the Correlation of Spatial Diversity Schemes using Conformal 

Antennas, The Second European Conference on Antennas and Propagation, EuCAP 2007, 11–16 November 2007, Edinburgh, UK. 

N. Zorba, A. Pérez-Neira, M. Navarro, Spatial Sharing for Multibeam Opportunistic Beamforming Techniques, in Proceedings of 

The Second European Conference on Antennas and Propagation, EuCAP 2007, 11–16 November 2007, Edinburgh, UK. 

S. Maci, B. Lindmark, A. Freni, O. Breinbjerg, A. Räisänen, J-M. Laheurte, K. Mahdjoubi, F. Frezza, G. Vecchi, L. Jofre, M. Sierra 

Pérez, M. Ferrando, P. S. Kildal, A. Skrivervik, G. Gerini, J. L. Dubard, B. Casali, D. Manteuffel, O. Bucci, W. Wiesbeck, M. Mazanek, 

Z. Sipus, P. Hall, C. Ibars, The Euroean School of Antennnas: results and perspectives, in Proceedings of The Second European 

Conference on Antennas and Propagation, EuCAP 2007, 11–16 November 2007, Edinburgh, UK. 

M. Cardenete-Surriol, J. Mangues-Bafalluy, A. Masó, M. Gorricho, Characterization and comparison of Skype behavior in wired 

and wireless network scenarios, in Proceedings of IEEE Global Communications Conference, GLOBECOM 2007, 26–30 November 

2007, Washington, DC, USA. 

J. Gómez-Vilardebó, A. Pérez-Neira, Bounds on Maximum Rate-Per-Unit-Energy for Networks with Regenerative Relays, in 

Proceedings of IEEE Global Communications Conference, GLOBECOM 2007, 26–30 November 2007, Washington, DC, USA. 

N. Zorba, A. Pérez-Neira, CAC for Multibeam Opportunistic Schemes in Heterogeneous WiMax Systems under QoS Constraints, in 

Proceedings of IEEE Global Communications Conference, GLOBECOM 2007, 26–30 November 2007, Washington, DC, USA. 

J. Jimenez, O. Gonzalez, B. Puype, T. Cinkler, P. Hegyi, R. Muñoz, R. Martínez, F. Galán, R. Morro, Multilayer Traffic Engineering 

Experimental Demonstrator in the Nobel-II Project, in Proceedings of BroadBand Europe 2007, BBEurope 2007, 3-6 December 

2007, Antwerp, Belgium. 

J. Matamoros, C. Antón-Haro, Opportunistic Power Allocation Schemes for Wireless Sensor Networks, in Proceedings of IEEE Int'l 

Symposium on Signal Processing and Information Technology, ISSPIT 2007, 15–18 December 2007, Cairo, Egypt. 

J. Matamoros, C. Antón-Haro, Hierarchical Organizations of Sensors for Decentralized Parameter Estimation, in Proceedings of IEEE 

Int'l Symposium on Signal Processing and Information Technology, ISSPIT 2007, 15–18 December 2007, Cairo, Egypt. 



84

PhD Theses 

M. Payaró, “Impact of Channel State Information on the Analysis and Design of Multi-antenna Communications Systems”, 

Advisors: Prof. Miguel Ángel Lagunas, Dr. Antonio Pascual. Date: February 14 2007. 

R. Martínez, “Experimental GMPLS-based Routing for Dynamic Lightpath Provisioning and Recovery in all-optical WDM Networks”, 

Advisors: Prof. Gabriel Junyent i Giralt, Dr. Jaume Comellas i Colome. Date: April 11 2007. 

N. Zorba, “Multibeam Opportunistic Downlink Beamforming in Wireless Communication Systems”, Advisor: Prof. Ana Pérez. Date: 

December 10 2007. 

Master Theses 

A. Grosch, “Investigations on IR-HARQ BICM-ID in Adaptive Systems”, Diplomarbeit, Technische Universität Ilmenau (Germany), 

Supervisor: Prof. Martin Haardt, Advisors: Dr. Mònica Navarro, Dr. Stephan Plfletschinger. March 2007. 

A. Cateura, “Application of the DQCA protocol to the optimization of wireless communications systems in cellular environments”, 

Supervisor: Dr. Luis Alonso, Advisor: Dr. Christos Verikoukis. May 2007. 

K. Khatir, “Coded cooperation for off-the-shelf WLAN hardware”, Supervisor: Abbas Mohammed, Advisor: Dr. Christian Ibars. 

September 2007. 

A. Huguet, “On Demand Cooperation for 802.11 wireless systems: Experimental Analysis”, Supervisor: Prof. Ana Pérez, Advisor: 

Dr. Christos Verikoukis. November 2007. 

Bachelor Theses 

E. Castellano, “Medium Access Control Protocols for vehicle to vehicle communications”, Supervisor: Dr. Luis Alonso, Advisor: Dr. 

Christos Verikoukis. May 2007. 

E. Amell, A. Vilarnau, “Design of an experimental Wireless Sensors Network”, Supervisor: Dr. Luis Alonso, Advisor: Dr. Christos 

Verikoukis. September 2007. 

85



86

12 

SuMMARy OF 

FINANCIAl STATEMENT 

A. Income Statement 

Expenses 

Personnel 

Working expenses 

Financial expenses 

Depreciation 

TOTAL 

Income 

Projects: direct contracts 

Projects: competitive funds 

Subsidies to R&D activities 

Other current income 

TOTAL 

B. Balance Sheet 

Assets 

Fixed Assets 

Current Assets 

TOTAL 

Liabilities 

Foundational Equity 

Income to be assigned 

Long-term debt 

Accounts payable 

TOTAL 

More information available upon request at info@cttc.es 

2007 

2.320.394 

973.060 

257.619 

1.153.844 

4.704.917 

221.794 

1.275.726 

3.093.334 

114.063 

4.704.917 

2007 

7.506.938 

6.406.198 

13.913.136 

90.152 

4.970.998 

6.783.153 

2.068.833 

13.913.136 

2006 

1.900.541 

898.737 

171.431 

801.532 

3.772.241 

131.416 

877.024 

2.724.502 

39.299 

3.772.241 

2006 

7.180.554 

6.034369 

13.214.923 

90.152 

4.414.192 

5.736.223 

2.974.356 

13.214.923 

2005 

1.496.885 

797.827 

N/A 

500.247 

2.794.959 

29.005 

729.488 

2.029.941 

6.525 

2.794.959 

2005 

5.810.690 

4.624.665 

10.435.355 

90.152 

3.379.458 

5.857.502 

1.108.243 

10.435.355 

All amounts are in Euros 

87

Simó Aliana 

General Administrator 

Carlos Faouzi Bader 

Senior Research Associate 

Ramon Casellas 

Research Associate 

Carles Fernández 


Panagiotis Giotis 

PhD Candidate 

Christian Ibars 


Marc Majoral 

Senior Reserch Engineer 

88 

Jesús Alonso 

PhD Candidate 

Diego Bartolomé 


Project Manager 

Ana Collado 


Oriol Font 

Research Engineer 

Lorenza Giupponi 

Director of 

Institutional Relations 

Gabriel Junyent 

Associate Researcher UPC 

Josep Mangues 


Aurora Anguita 

Accounting 

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Carme Gómez 

Personnel and 

acquisitions 

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Ivan Martínez 


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Director of 

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Aitor Del Coso 

PhD Candidate 

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PhD Candidate 

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PhD Candidate 

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Ricardo Martínez 


Alessandro Acampora 

PhD Candidate 

Marc Cardenete 


Paolo Dini 


Patrícia Gallart 

Secretary of the 

Direction Unit 

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PhD Candidate 

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Director 

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Secretary of the 

Direction Unit 

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Communication Area 

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Ana Isabel Pérez 


Marc Realp 


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Associate 

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Albert Sitjà 

Director of 


Nizar Zorba 

PhD Candidate 

Anna Mestre 

Assistant 

Raül Muñoz 


Pablo Pardo 


Stephan Pfletschinger 


Miguel Ángel Rojas 

Visiting PhD Candidate 

Miquel Soriano 


Xavier Mestre 


Montse Nájar 


Antonio Pascual 


Carolina Pinart 

Associate Researcher 

(Industry) 

Francisco Rubio 

PhD Candidate 

Marta Vallejo 

Project Management 

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Enric Navarro 


Miquel Payaró 

PhD Candidate 

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Research Assistant 

José Rubio 

Senior Research Engineer 

Lluís Ventura 


Pavel Miškovský 

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Mònica Navarro 


Lan Peng 

Visiting PhD Candidate 

David Pubill 


Jordi Serra 


Christos Verikoukis 


89

Responsible for contents and Editors: 

Lorenza Giupponi, Laura Casaus 

Design & printing: 

Printed in Barcelona, July 2008 

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90

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