Broader Impact:
Impact on the development of the principal discipline(s) of the project
The project is leading to algorithm designs, RF (filtenna) circuit designs, and testbed experiments that will provide pointers to engineering methodology for the design of spectrally and system power-efficient 5G/B5G networks that can peacefully coexist with passive weather sensors. It is also enabling the development of improved weather forecasting algorithms that are cognizant of the potential impact of unintended interference.
Impact on other disciplines
Successful completion of this project will serve up useful pointers to coexistence between active 5G transmissions and passive sensors in other mmWave bands that emerge as the push for using newer swaths of spectrum continues to support the increasing demand for data as well as trending space technology for remote sensing and also applications to studies on climate change.
Impact on the development of human resources
PhD students are being trained in an interdisciplinary area of emerging importance. Specifically, engineering students are being trained in ther use of weather prediction algorithms such as WRFDA.
Impact on teaching and educational experiences
As part of the broader impacts of the project, undergraduate, graduate and high school students including URMs will be engaged and trained in the coexistence of 5G with weather forecasting; an area of emerging national and international interest that also allows innovative curriculum development. We plan to introduce course modules and touch upon relevant topics on the 5G interference and potential mitigation methods by using reconfigurable filters and antenna arrays to classes such as Electromagnetic Fields and Waves.
Impact on society beyond science and technology
Through its focus on the impact and coexistence of 5G with weather forecasting, this project has great potential for huge societal impact.
