Extending the range of the 802.11G WLAN through improved synchronization techniques

Abstract

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) allows for a spectrally efficient means of obtaining high data rates while simultaneously combating the effects of fading. The multi-carrier spectrum of OFDM mandates that the receiver accomplish a number of synchronization tasks to successfully demodulate the OFDM signal, including the critical requirement to synchronize the carrier frequency. Additional synchronization tasks include frame synchronization (packet detection), synchronization of the carrier phase, and symbol timing. Improved receiver synchronization algorithms may hold the prospect of superior performance; specifically allowing successful demodulation by the receiver at an extended range. This thesis discusses several promising synchronization algorithms. Furthermore, a performance analysis of these algorithms is conducted at low signal to noise ratio (SNR) in an AWGN channel using MATLAB.