Cross Layer Spectrum Aware Cognitive Control Plane and Intelligent Routing Engine (CLAIRE)

AiRANACULUS team proposes an innovative Cross Layer Spectrum Aware Cognitive Control Plane and Intelligent Routing Engine (CLAIRE)Solution to increase mission science data return, improve resource efficiencies for NASA missions and communication networks and ensure resilience in the unpredictable space environment. CLAIRE provides spectrum and network situational awareness to enable link-layer selection and optimization to maximize the data flow based on the desired Quality of Service (QoS) requirements for NASA s missions. CLAIRE APP creates the cognitive control plane and rides on any protocol stack such as 3gpp 4G / 5G or Wi-Fi to enable RF spectrum and congestion awareness using cross-layer sensing. CLAIRE APP enables spectrum and mission-aware packet forwarding as well as Dynamic Spectrum Access during cases of severe man-made or environmental interference. The Packet Forwarding Engine mapseach servicepacket to an appropriate band and Channel (e. g. UHF, X-Band, Ka-Band etc.). CLAIRE Cognitive Control Plane is enabled by multi-band RF Sensing that is driven by advances in Direct Digital Transceiver (DDTRX), signal processing techniques combined with machine learning to detect and characterize various interference types. CLAIRE adds autonomy,optimization and self-configuration to a deep spacenetwork that could suffer from large delays,interference and service disruptions. During Phase II, our team demonstrated CLAIRE operation on an open source 3gpp waveform such as srsRAN. We also demonstrated Wideband RF Sensing using DDTRX technology. During Phase II-E, we bring all these capabilities together and add one more protocol, that of IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi. This will demonstrate that CLAIRE technology is truly protocol agnostic and will operate on a heterogeneous multi-vendor network that is likely to be fielded. Phase II-E will also include porting CLAIRE to HDTN and integrating this in the Glenn Research Cognitive Radio Testbed.

1. CLAIRE creates Cognitive Control Plane while making no changes to NASA' s communications protocol stack. 2. CLAIRE enables spectrum situational awareness, cross-layer sensing and differential buffer backlog information exchange mechanism. 3. CLAIRE APP enables spectrum aware routing, service-oriented packet forwarding and Dynamic Spectrum Access during cases of interference. 4. CLAIRE adds autonomy, optimization and self-configuration to a deep space network. 5. APP-based architecture allows future upgrades as technology evolves. 1. CLAIRE Architecture and capabilities are applicable to ALL commercial Terrestrial (3G/ 4G/ 5G / Wi-Fi), Space (LEO/ MEO / GEO/ Relays / Gateways), Backhaul (Optical Fiber / Coax) Networks where a cognitive control plane is required.  2. Combination of DDTRX with NVIDIA Chipset can create a powerful UHF to Ka Band 5G virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) Solution which may be used commercially. 

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