Protocol-aided channel equalization for HF ATM networks

We investigate the problem of equalization in high frequency (HF) ATM networks. Aiming at minimizing the overhead associated with equalization, we exploit ATM protocol information for equalization. Specifically, the medium access control (MAC) protocol is exploited to provide known cell headers in a data burst. As a result, the data bursts can be converted into a block structure that is widely used in current HF modem design without inserting extra training symbols. A new algorithm is developed which utilizes blind channel estimation and a knowledge of the ATM cell header. Simulation results show that the new approach achieves a good performance without training symbols