In order to support cutting-edge research, IMDEA Networks invests in the latest, state-of-the-art laboratories and laboratory test equipment, endowing the Institute with the capacity of transforming research into high added value products and services.
These laboratories are used for:
- Constructing prototypes and measuring the devices, protocols and algorithms developed by the researchers.
- Simulating complex base-band and medium access systems, as well as sophisticated radio subsystems.
- Measuring radio parameters involved in mobile, fixed and satellite communications, designing and characterizing radiating elements, and measuring the effects on the radio electric spectrum of new protocols and algorithms designed by the Institute.
Examples of the laboratories capabilities include:
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These devices form a radio communication system where components that have been typically implemented in mixers, filters, amplifiers, modulators/demodulators, detectors, etc., are instead implemented by means of embedded computing devices, in particular Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA). |
This equipment allows researchers to build high speed (gigabit) switches and IP router prototypes in hardware, on which to test experimental routing prototypes. This type of equipment is more realistic that the one based on the use of software only platforms. |
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•Research and development on mesh network topologies using Meshnode devices. These are programmable wireless nodes equipped with multiple radios that can provide network communication coverage for large areas.
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•Development of new baseband processing architectures using software-defined radio boards.
•Development of experimental hardware routers using open and programmable platforms (NetFPGA).
•Optimization of WiMAX scheduling, queue management and cross-layer optimization using ARQ/HARQ. The newly developed algorithms are implemented on special WiMAX base stations provided by Albentia Systems under a collaborative agreement.
•Analysis and processing of RF signals up to 7 GHz using the Agilent N9010 Signal Analyzer.
The laboratories are supported by a high-performance scientific computing infrastructure consisting of a dedicated server cluster equipped with a Dell R710 (8 cores Intel Xeon E5640, 48 GB RAM, 6 TB local storage), a Dell C6100 (32 cores Intel Xeon E5640, 192 GB RAM, 24 TB storage local), and a Dell Equallogic PS610 (10 Gb/s Storage Arrays with 32 TB raw disk space).
Additionally, IMDEA Networks provides and runs an IT support infrastructure for telematic services that permits pervasive and easy access to information over different media, as well as providing the required hardware and software tools to facilitate daily operational activities, Network Research and security. It also provides telephone communications services with VoIP capability, videoconference, VPN remote secure connection, wireless access, intranet and document management systems.