Prototyping real-time full duplex radios

TLDR

Full‑duplex radios promise higher throughput in high‑traffic, resource‑constrained networks, yet practical deployment is hindered by the need to cancel self‑interference and other implementation challenges. The authors aim to develop and prototype a real‑time full‑duplex radio system for 5G networks that overcomes self‑interference. The system uses a dual‑polarization antenna for analog cancellation together with a real‑time digital self‑interference canceler implemented on a software‑defined radio platform. Prototype tests show the full‑duplex system delivers roughly 1.9× higher throughput than a half‑duplex counterpart.

Abstract

In this article, we present a real-time full duplex radio system for 5G wireless networks. Full duplex radios are capable of opening new possibilities in contexts of high traffic demand where there are limited radio resources. A critical issue, however, in implementing full duplex radios in real wireless environments is being able to cancel self-interference. To overcome the selfinterference challenge, we prototype our design on a software-defined radio platform. This design combines a dual-polarization antenna-based analog part with a digital self-interference canceler that operates in real time. Prototype test results confirm that the proposed full duplex system achieves about 1.9 times higher throughput than a half duplex system. This article concludes with a discussion of implementation challenges that remain for researchers seeking the most viable solution for full duplex communications.