Novel wireless Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol design using a machine learning approach

Eligibility: UK/EU/International graduates with the required entry requirements

Duration: Full-time – between three and three and a half years fixed term

Application deadline: This opportunity will remain open until a suitable candidate is identified. Early application is therefore recommended

Interview dates: Will be confirmed to shortlisted candidates

Start date: PhDs can start in either September, January or May - entry point is subject to agreement

For queries contact Dr Xingang Wang

Introduction

The Research Centre for Computational Science and Mathematical Modelling (CSM) is based in the Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing (EEC) of Coventry University. It provides a hub to develop cutting edge research in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Future Computing Technologies. The centre has a vocation to push the boundaries of both fundamental science and practical applications.

About the project

One of the key resources in wireless networking is the radio spectrum. Current allocation is static, and some bands are significantly under used. How to use the spectrum efficiently is a fundamental challenge.

Two emerging technologies, cognitive radio and machine learning, show promise to solve this issue. This project will investigate and seek to innovate a novel collaborative cognitive radio approach between a multi-learning intelligent agent system. The robust and fast converging agent will use cognitive radio networking solutions to optimize the use of the radio spectrum by autonomously reconfiguring radio transmission parameters and network configuration settings, mainly the MAC protocol based on the environment in which the radio devices are operating. The focus will build on specific multi-agent learning algorithms that guarantee decision stability and are able to converge in a minimum amount of time.

Funding

This project is offered on a self-funded or externally funded basis. We particular welcome applications from candidates with funding from their home governments or sponsorship from companies.

Postgraduate Loans (Masters by Research and Doctoral)

You may be able to get a UK loan from Student Finance England or Student Finance Wales for a postgraduate degree in any subject - Funding for postgraduate study.

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral College which provides support with career development activities.

The candidate for this project will work in the Research Centre for Computational Science and Mathematical Modelling amongst other researchers employing similar data science techniques to a wide variety of problems and applications. With access to cutting edge techniques and high performance computing resources, the Centre for Computational Science and Mathematical Modelling is an ideal place to pursue a PhD in Data Science, Machine Learning, or Artificial Intelligence.

Entry requirements

• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.
  PLUS
  the potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a 3.5 years
• a minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component)

How to apply

All applications require full supporting documentation, a covering letter, plus a 2000-word supporting statement showing how the applicant’s expertise and interests are relevant to the project.