A MIMO framework exploiting diversity of multiple antenna Sites in Large Scale Communication Networks

Abstract

Use of Multi Input Multi Output (MIMO) antennas in Space-Time (ST) communication is proven to provide highest spectrum efficiency through spatial multiplexing. However advantage of MIMO severely degrades in presence of strong Line Of Sight (LOS) component. In theory various ways have been sought to improve the deficient channel rank such as pattern diversity and special antenna array structures. This paper introduces a framework to exploit benefits of MIMO and other spatial techniques in Large Scale Communication Networks (LSCN). The framework exploits the integration of the spatially diverse Multiple Antenna Sites (MAS), comprising the electromagnetic interface of an LSCN, into joint transmission reception systems. This integration enforces a virtual Non LOS environment, and gives the provision for exploiting the spatial dimension potentials. The potentials are realized as a result of diversity of the MAS(s) locations in the vector space. Thus an integrated system of an LSCN communicates to another LSCN system as two virtual Multi Element Antenna (MEA) systems. Alternatively an LSCN can be scaled into layers and MAS(s) integrated into subsystems to reduce hierarchy complexity and exploit the spatial potentials between these layers.