Krishnamurthy Raghunandan

This talk will provide insights into the economics of how wireless networks are operated, cellular service is regulated and the public safety aspects of wireless devices. A flagship benchmark for cellular is that it is more secure than wired networks. Cellular is the preferred method of access approved by all banks for financial and sensitive network transactions. Wireless also provides considerably faster (low latency) access compared to any wired network. An important feature of 5G is uRLLC (ultra reliable low latency communication) that offers latency which is orders of magnitude lower than traditional IP network. Why and where this is used will be an important aspect of this talk.

This talk will take the audience through both the technical and social aspects showing why wireless is steadily gaining acceptance replacing wired networks.  The origins of security in cellular was brought about with the CAVE algorithm developed by Bell Labs during 2G.  This was followed up the 3GPP standards with extensive improvement in each generation of cellular. Unlike the wired network user, the cell user’s identity must be carefully protected since it is seen by all users as a personal device. How does the network protect users, how are economics of operating a network modeled by the ITU, are discussed. Although using cellular service, the general public has concerns about cell towers and in some cases township’s opposition to install tower – pros and cons of such public debates will be discussed.

Biography:

Dr. Krishnamurthy Raghunandan (Raghu) is a Senior Manager at New York City Transit. He leads innovative wireless technology deployment in MTA New York City Transit. Part of this effort was to provide 5G service in all the below ground subway stations. Also, deployed are 60GHz and 80 GHz Millimetric wave links with point‐to‐multipoint WiFi network to bring low latency high security video traffic to security booths in yards. This method is an alternative to fiber in difficult terrains. Use of 4G / 5G modem is leading to a major change in user homes. Raghu is a member of FCC Region‐8 regulatory body, that coordinates frequency allocations for public safety in the tri state region around NY city.

Prior to joining Transit, he worked at Bell Labs, Holmdel, NJ, leading the RAN (Radio Access Network) team at 3GPP standards body that is currently responsible for 5G standards. He was instrumental in development of cellular handsets by leading the field test and interoperability team. He was responsible for developing Sirius satellite radio chipset currently used in all premium cars and trucks in Canada, USA, and Mexico. He has several publications in the IEEE and has a US patent. Through IEEE he frequently provides talks, tutorials and mentors graduate and research students. He was an examiner in the IEEE Communication Society’s coveted WCET certification exam (only exam that certifies wireless engineers globally). He is chair of AP/EMC/VT chapter for NJ coast and Princeton section areas of IEEE, NJ.

Raghu has undergraduate degree in Electronics and communication Engineering from Univ. of Mysore, Master’s degree in EE from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, and M. Phil research degree in satellite communication from the University of Surrey, England. In April 2022 his textbook entitled “Wireless Communications and Networks: A Practical Perspective” was selected and approved by the IEEE Communication society as part of telecommunications textbook series. It is meant for undergraduate students of science, business, and liberal arts (first 10 chapters).