Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: Cell-free (CF) massive multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems have a large number of individually controllable antennas distributed over a wide area for simultaneously serving a small number of user equipments (UEs). This solution has been considered as a promising next-generation technology due to its ability to offer a similar quality of service to all UEs despite its low-complexity signal processing. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive survey of CF massive MIMO systems. To be more specific, the benefit of the so-called channel hardening and the favorable propagation conditions are exploited. Furthermore, we quantify the advantages of CF massive MIMO systems in terms of their energy- and cost-efficiency. Additionally, the signal processing techniques invoked for reducing the fronthaul burden for joint channel estimation and for transmit precoding are analyzed. Finally, the open research challenges in both its deployment and network management are highlighted.
Source: IEEE Access
Language: English
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,750
Funders: Royal Society, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality, State Key Laboratory of Rail Traffic Control and Safety, Xidian University, Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Services Networks, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, National Key Research and Development Program of China, Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities
Awards: G1190378674, G1814376888, G1891262779, G1945633168, G1977818731, G226790214, G2371405198, G2422336959, G2680719155, G2902480406, G2913669330, G3009845101, G3225371358, G3452741679, G365849990, G3799006001, G3964311364, G4551039954, G4613506189, G4718675797, G4728636521, G4772307874, G5055946434, G5551904971, G5582349859, G5639407121, G5923228553, G5941053889, G6080233513, G6138727792, G6139434552, G6540597545, G6696884293, G6955134308, G696373350, G7009292159, G716743353, G7197111775, G7663818728, G7800680866, G7868812525, G7935233185, G7959206683, G8769016288
OpenAlex ID: W2964042011