The Throughput Optimization for Multi-hop MIMO Networks Based on Joint IA and SIC

Abstract

MIMO researches penetrate the network community due to recent advances in MIMO degree-of-freedom (DoF) frameworks. Independent from MIMO, Successive Interference Cancellation (SIC) is a powerful multi-user detection technology in physical layer, and Interference Alignment (IA) is a powerful technique for handling interference. Based on the understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of SIC and DoF, we propose mutual assistance by joint IA, SIC and DoF-based Interference Cancellation (DoF IC) to (i) conserve precious DoF resources through IA and SIC; (ii) meet strict SINR threshold criteria through IC and IA. In this paper, we develop the mathematical model to achieve the two ideas in a multi-hop MIMO network. Combined with scheduling and routing constraints, we developed a cross-layer optimization framework to the throughput maximization problem with joint IA and SIC for MIMO networks. Simulation results show that the join of IA and SIC can significantly conserve DoFs for IC and thereby improve the throughput.