Power-domain non orthogonal multiple access (PD-NOMA) in cooperative networks: an overview

Abstract

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) scheme is emerging as a favourable multiple access scheme for future 5G networks. Compared to orthogonal multiple access techniques, NOMA provides spectral efficiency, user fairness, better connectivity, enhanced data rate and reduced latency. Thus, NOMA can be a suitable multiple access technique for 5G networks. On the other hand, in wireless networks, cooperation is a well-recognized proven technique for performance enhancement. Cooperative networks offer multiple desirable advantages, including high performance, reliability and greater coverage area. It is believed that in future 5G systems, many existing wireless technologies will be combined with new technologies. Power domain-NOMA (PD-NOMA) has features that can provide opportunities of improved performance and better spectral utilization for downlink cooperative networks. Recently, research works of incorporating PD-NOMA in cooperative networks have gained attention of researchers around the globe. This article surveys the recent research trends in PD-NOMA based cooperative network by reviewing related recent research on performance analysis of cooperative PD-NOMA systems, resources allocation, and impact of relay selection. Additionally, this review article discusses the performance of cooperative PD-NOMA networks when they are integrated with other 5G technologies including cognitive radio, full duplex radio and wireless energy harvesting. Furthermore, some unaddressed issues are highlighted for future research in this area.