We consider the band assignment (BA) problem in dual-band systems, where the basestation (BS) chooses one of the two available frequency bands (centimeter-wave and millimeter-wave bands) to communicate with the user equipment (UE). While the millimeter-wave band might offer higher data rate, there is a significant probability of outage during which the communication should be carried on the (more reliable) centimeter-wave band. We consider two variations of the BA problem, one-shot and sequential BA. For the former the BS uses only the currently observed information to decide whether to switch to the other frequency band, for the sequential BA, the BS uses a window of previously observed information to predict the best band for a future time step. We provide two approaches to solve the BA problem, (i) a deep learning approach that is based on Long Short Term Memory and/or multi-layer Neural Networks, and (ii) a Gaussian Process based approach, which relies on the assumption that the channel states are jointly Gaussian. We compare the achieved performances to several benchmarks in two environments: (i) a stochastic environment, and (ii) microcellular outdoor channels obtained by ray-tracing. In general, the deep learning solution shows superior performance in both environments.

In this paper, the distributed edge caching problem in fog radio access networks (F-RANs) is investigated. By considering the unknown spatio-temporal content popularity and user preference, a user request model based on hidden Markov process is proposed to characterize the fluctuant spatio-temporal traffic demands in F-RANs. Then, the Q-learning method based on the reinforcement learning (RL) framework is put forth to seek the optimal caching policy in a distributed manner, which enables fog access points (F-APs) to learn and track the potential dynamic process without extra communications cost. Furthermore, we propose a more efficient Q-learning method with value function approximation (Q-VFA-learning) to reduce complexity and accelerate convergence. Simulation results show that the performance of our proposed method is superior to those of the traditional methods.

At $3,500 apiece, Microsoft's HoloLens 2 may not be the transformational consumer device we were all hoping to buy. But the company addressed many of the shortcomings of the original HoloLens at the Mobile World Congress launch of the second generation, holding out hope that we may one day see a more consumer-oriented product. As Microsoft has signaled for several years now, HoloLens 2 is designed to work with its Azure cloud and business customers, complete with an intriguing new Remote Rendering technology that implies Microsoft's using the power of its Azure cloud to boost the HoloLens headset's image processing capabilities. Epic chief Tim Sweeney appeared on stage to endorse HoloLens and bring the Unreal engine to HoloLens beginning in May. He did not announce a HoloLens-specific game, though.

I almost missed out on the vanguard of the 5G robot revolution because I don't drink coffee. The near miss occurred on Monday at mobile network trade association GSMA's booth at MWC Barcelona (formerly called Mobile World Congress), where Dal.Komm Coffee was demonstrating a coffee-serving robot. Thankfully for non-coffee drinking weirdos like me, hot chocolate was also available. After placing an order via a smartphone nearby, a robotic arm behind a glass panel juggled cups, operated coffee makers, and gently placed drinks on trays so they could be collected by waiting humans. According to a representative of Dal.Komm, the robot's precise movement was only possible with a 5G network provided by the KT Corporation, the Korean teleco.

Sébastien is passionate about artificial intelligence, which inspired him to build Loud ML -- software that enables engineers to implement AI-driven applications 10 times faster. After gaining expertise in building embedded Linux software for telecommunications and Internet service providers, he launched Loud ML in 2018. He joined the Rockstart AI accelerator program in the Netherlands later the same year. In his spare time, Sébastien runs workshops to motivate others to enter the AI arena. He enjoys blues music and artists such as John Mayer.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - A global battle between the U.S. government and Chinese tech company Huawei over allegations that it is a cybersecurity risk overshadowed the opening Monday of the world's biggest mobile industry trade fair. Huawei has an outsize presence at MWC Barcelona, from its displays in three separate show halls down to its red sponsorship logo adorning visitor pass lanyards. The focus at this year's meeting is new 5G networks due to roll out in the coming years. But the dispute over Huawei, the world's biggest maker of networking gear, is casting a pall. The United States government dispatched a big delegation to press its case with telecom executives and government officials that they should not use Huawei as a supplier over national security concerns.

The telecoms industry is gearing up for 5G, the next generation wireless networks which could enable new technologies such as self-driving cars and robot surgeons. But it may be raising expectations too early. As industry leaders gather at the Mobile World Congress trade fair in Barcelona this week, some warn consumers risk disappointment because the benefits 5G's much faster speeds and vast data capacity can provide are still a long way from becoming reality. For example while 5G will bring near-instantaneous connectivity for smartphones and can virtually eliminate latency -- the lag-time when data is sent or received -- this'will only be a reality in 2023-2025', said Yannick Sadowy, the director for telecoms and media and consulting firm Accenture. The telecoms industry is gearing up for 5G, the next generation wireless networks which could enable new technologies such as self-driving cars and robot surgeons.

Sprint customers in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and Kansas City will be among the first to test the company's 5G wireless network when it launches in May, executives said Monday. Expect an additional five markets -- Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix and Washington, D.C. -- to come online by the first half of the year, said Sprint chief executive Michel Combes. The impending launch could make Sprint the first U.S. wireless carrier to offer a mass-market 5G service for smartphones in a global race to provide faster download speeds and support for new applications such as self-driving cars. Customers of Google Fi, the wireless service run by Google on Sprint's network, will be able to connect to Sprint's 5G capabilities, as well, Combes said -- though it is unclear when Google Fi customers will gain access to 5G smartphones that can take advantage of the new technology. Company officials declined to say how Sprint's 5G plans will be sold to consumers, or at what price.

The future is foldable, according to just about every major smartphone company. Two of the world's biggest phone brands have unveiled bendy phones in recent days, proclaiming them a change comparable with the first ever smartphones and the future of handsets. At first glance, they look like a normal phone – but they are actually folded in the middle, and unfolding them makes the screen twice as big. The handsets rely on a range of technologies that have only just become available, making 2019 the first time companies like Samsung have been able to make the phones available to the public. Chief among those innovations is flexible displays, which allow the handsets to bend in the middle and fold over.

Today, augmented reality glasses company Vuzix announced the M400 Smart Glasses, which will be unveiled at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. They will be one of the first headsets powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon XR1 platform when they hit the market later this year. Vuzix will announce pricing and availability this spring. This latest headset will run on Android and will have USB-C connectivity. It will have built-in GPS, a multifinger support pad and better noise canceling. The Snapdragon XR-1 processor offers an ARM-based multi-core CPU, vector processor, Qualcomm's AI engine and a vector processor.