On user association and multiple access optimisation in 5G massive MIMO empowered ultra dense networks,

Abstract

AbstractUltra network densification and massive multiple‐input and multiple‐output are considered major 5th generation technology enablers, promising huge capacity gains as they offer proximity, spectral and spatial reuse benefits. Towards succeeding in harnessing the anticipated gains, a systematic treatment of radio resources management challenges encountered in such network deployments is of utmost importance. In this respect, we introduce and study in detail the user‐association and multiple‐access optimisation aspects of massive multiple‐input and multiple‐output ultra dense networks. We derive for the first time to the best of our knowledge a series of mathematical programming models for computing the optimal user‐association decisions and assessing the impact of two multiple access candidate approaches, namely, frequency domain and spatial domain multiple access. We support the work with an extensive performance evaluation study, which reveals the rate scaling performance trends of the different approaches, considering various network operation conditions, as well as obtain useful design insights for future setups employing the particular technologies. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.