Phase Cancellation and Range Extension in Backscatter Networks

Abstract

Progress has been made recently in the research of equal hierarchy backscatter communications. There are, however, challenges to overcome before this technology can become mainstream. For example, state-of-the-art solutions to the phase cancellation problem that occurs in such networks are still trivial and sub-optimal, especially in terms of resource utilization. This thesis aims to address the issue by designing a novel networking algorithm. This is done by (i) characterizing and analyzing such networks to assess the potential of the proposal, and (ii) experimentally demonstrating the concept in the largest implemented network so far. Findings show that the solution presented in this work not only matches current phase cancellation solutions in terms of robustness, but also extends communication range and enables connecting networks served by separate exciters.