Over one third of the global population still struggles to connect to the Internet: This leaves especially people in rural areas cut off from the rest of the World, hindering opportunities for growth. To ensure connectivity for all, researchers are working to enhance multi-beam satellite systems, with the goal to provide cheaper, demand-driven broadband internet services.
“The problem with current satellite systems is that they are not designed to adjust to changes in demand profiles. This can lead to issues such as overloaded or underused satellite beams, poor SINR performance, and interference. In simple terms, current satellite systems manage radio resources very poorly. To address this issue, my research focuses on interference mitigation and resource allocation techniques for dynamic beam-forming satellite systems,” explains Puneeth Jubba Honnaiah, Telecommunication scientist working on a collaboration between SnT and SES S.A.
The research Puneeth works on specifically revolves around developing adaptive systems that can adjust to changes in demand profiles.
“Techniques such as demand-driven beam densification, adaptive multi-beam pattern and footprint optimisation, and user scheduling algorithms have made sure that more people in remote areas can enjoy lightning-fast, reliable, and affordable broadband internet services, even in places where it’s traditionally been difficult to get online,” Puneeth explains.
The challenge: Adaptive satellite systems
One of the main challenges in this field of research is developing dynamic beamforming satellite systems that can adapt to the ever-changing needs of users and environments: This requires advanced algorithms and techniques for real-time resource allocation, interference mitigation, and beam pattern design that can optimise satellite systems to provide reliable and affordable broadband internet services – even in the most remote and challenging areas.
The development of innovative technologies that can reduce the cost of satellite infrastructure and improve the efficiency of spectrum usage also remains a critical challenge in the field.
“The main obstacles standing in the way of solving these challenges are the limitations of existing technology and our current knowledge of complex systems. There is still much to learn about how to optimise dynamic beamforming satellite systems for real-time resource allocation, especially in changing and unpredictable environments. ”Puneeth Jubba Honnaiah Telecommunication scientist
However, progress is being made, and with continued investment in research and development, the obstacles and bring affordable, reliable, and high-speed internet services to everyone, everywhere.
Eliminating digital barriers using machine learning methods
Using optimisation techniques, machine learning methods, and real-time resource allocation strategies, Puneeth’s research aims to create adaptive satellite systems that can quickly and efficiently adjust to changes in user demand and environmental conditions.
“By designing more efficient and effective beam patterns, we are also working to increase the coverage and capacity of satellite systems. This will make them more accessible and affordable for people around the world.”
“My research has contributed to the development of novel adaptive techniques for satellite internet services. Through my investigations, we have identified effective approaches for improving demand satisfaction and throughput performance in satellite internet services. Additionally, with my work, we can now have more efficient spectrum and interference management in demand-driven dynamic systems. ”Puneeth Jubba Honnaiah Telecommunication scientist
“Overall, my research has the potential to significantly improve internet access for individuals and communities in remote rural areas and even mid-ocean ships and mid-air flights, helping to bridge the digital divide and promote connectivity for all.”
Puneeth Jubba Honnaiah is a telecommunication scientist Completed PhD in 2022 and at the time of writing works as a research associate (postdoc) at SnT, SIGCOM research group, University of Luxembourg. The project runs in the framework of an FNR Industrial Fellowship, which supports collaboration between academia and industry.
MORE ABOUT PUNEETH JUBBA HONNAIAH
Working with industry
Your project is a collaboration between industry and public research: What does this look like in practice?
“My project involves a collaboration between the SIGCOM research group and the satellite operator SES SA, with support from the European Space Agency (ESA). My job entails working with an efficient team of researchers at SIGCOM, while maintaining close communication with industry partners.”
“The dynamic with the company involves regular meetings and discussions to exchange ideas and insights, and to provide updates on research progress and outcomes. This collaboration has allowed me to gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the satellite internet services industry. It has also allowed me to develop research ideas that are informed by practical considerations and needs. Overall, this collaboration has been a valuable experience for me, providing opportunities for knowledge transfer, real-world testing and validation, and practical applications of research outcomes, with potential benefits for both the academic community and the industry partner.”
What are your impressions of working with industry, how does it differ from academia in your opinion?
“Working with industry has been a valuable experience for me as a researcher. It has provided me with an opportunity to engage with professionals in the field and gain practical insights into real-world challenges and opportunities. I have appreciated the collaborative approach and the focus on addressing industry needs and concerns, which has helped to guide my research towards practical and relevant outcomes.
“Compared to academia, working with industry has a different pace and set of priorities, with more focus on practical applications and outcomes. Additionally, industry partnerships offer opportunities for real-world testing and validation of research ideas, which can be more challenging to achieve in academic settings. Overall, I believe that collaborations between academia and industry are valuable for both parties. This allows for the integration of research and development efforts into practical solutions that benefit society as a whole.”
How does industry benefit from collaborating with public research / researchers, and vice versa?
“In my opinion, collaboration between industry and public research/researchers can be beneficial to both parties in several ways. Industry can benefit from collaborating with public research by gaining access to cutting-edge research expertise and insights that can help to inform and guide their development efforts. Additionally, collaboration can provide opportunities for real-world testing and validation of products and services, as well as access to new markets and potential customers. Public research, on the other hand, can benefit from collaboration by gaining access to industry resources, expertise, and practical applications. These resources can help inform and guide their research efforts and provide opportunities for knowledge transfer and commercialization.
“Overall, collaboration between industry and public research can lead to the development of more innovative and practical solutions. This can have potential benefits for both the economy and society as a whole.”
Behind the scientist
What drives you to work in science, in this field?
“As a researcher, I am driven by curiosity and a passion for discovering relevant knowledge and applying it to practical challenges. I am motivated by the potential for my work to make a meaningful impact on society, by improving access to information and connectivity. I chose to work in this field because I believe that satellite internet services have the potential to transform the way we live and work. This is especially true in remote areas and developing regions. Having the opportunity to work alongside dedicated researchers and collaborators who are committed to generating practical solutions that benefit industry as well as society is an honor for me.”
Why do you love science and research or innovation?
“I love science and research because it allows me to explore the unknown, to discover new knowledge and to work towards practical solutions that benefit society. I find it exciting and rewarding to be a part of a dynamic and innovative field. This is because I can learn from others, pursue my own ideas, and make a meaningful contribution to the world.”
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
“In the next 5 years, I see myself continuing to pursue research in the field of satellite internet services. I am passionate about this area and believe that there is still much to be explored and discovered. While I am open to opportunities in industry or other fields, I see myself staying in research for the foreseeable future. I will work to advance knowledge and develop practical solutions that benefit society.”
Are there any mentors that have had a significant positive impact on you in your research career?
“Yes, I have been fortunate to be surrounded by exceptional mentors. These include Prof Symeon Chatzinotas and Dr Eva Lagunas from the University of Luxembourg and Dr Jens Krause from SES. These mentors have had a significant positive impact on my research career. They have provided me with guidance, support, and inspiration, helping me to develop my skills and pursue my goals. Their mentorship has been invaluable, both in terms of my personal and professional growth, and I am grateful for their ongoing support and encouragement.”
Why did you decide to do your research in Luxembourg – what are your thoughts on Luxembourg’s innovation potential?
“I was drawn to Luxembourg as a location for my research due to its unique position as a hub for space-related research and industry. Luxembourg has a strong commitment to developing innovative solutions in the space sector, particularly in the area of satellite communications. Additionally, the country has a supportive and collaborative research environment, with opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange with other researchers and industry partners. I believe that Luxembourg has significant innovation potential, particularly in the areas of space and satellite communications, and that it is well-positioned to become a leader in these fields. I am excited to be a part of the research community in Luxembourg and to contribute to its ongoing innovation efforts.”
Related highlights
Spotlight on Young Researchers: Toward sustainable construction
The construction sector consumes over half of the world’s resources, contributes 11% to global CO2 emissions, and produces nearly 50%…
Read more
Spotlight on Young Researchers: Reconstructing the history of flowing waters
The hydrological cycle – the continuous circulation of water in the Earth-Atmosphere system – is vulnerable to climate change, which…
Read more
Spotlight on Young Researchers: Understanding self-assembly
Self-assembly is a spontaneous process where things naturally come together to form organised structures. This for example happens in our…
Read more
Spotlight on Young Researchers: Finding the optimal way to exploit plant metabolites
Plants synthesise a wide range of natural molecules, described as plant metabolites or phytochemicals with enormous industrial potential in anything…
Read more
Spotlight on Young Researchers: New treatment avenues for brain cancer
Brain tumours are one of the hardest-to-treat cancers with a significant impact on the physical, cognitive, and psychological aspects of…
Read more
Spotlight on Young Researchers: Designing tomorrow’s meeting rooms
Interactive wall-sized displays are beneficial for complex decision-making tasks such as visual data analytics, thanks to their large size and…
Read more