Massive MIMO Networks: Spectral, Energy, and Hardware Efficiency

TLDR

Massive MIMO promises substantial gains in spectral and energy efficiency for next‑generation wireless networks. The monograph aims to consolidate years of research on Massive MIMO, equipping readers with the knowledge and mathematical tools to pursue independent studies. It defines a rigorous canonical system model with spatial channel correlation, then evaluates spectral and energy efficiency while incorporating hardware impairments. The rigorous modeling reveals that many previously accepted Massive MIMO insights derived from simplistic models are questionable.

Abstract

Massive multiple-input multiple-output MIMO is one of themost promising technologies for the next generation of wirelesscommunication networks because it has the potential to providegame-changing improvements in spectral efficiency SE and energyefficiency EE. This monograph summarizes many years ofresearch insights in a clear and self-contained way and providesthe reader with the necessary knowledge and mathematical toolsto carry out independent research in this area. Starting froma rigorous definition of Massive MIMO, the monograph coversthe important aspects of channel estimation, SE, EE, hardwareefficiency HE, and various practical deployment considerations.From the beginning, a very general, yet tractable, canonical systemmodel with spatial channel correlation is introduced. This modelis used to realistically assess the SE and EE, and is later extendedto also include the impact of hardware impairments. Owing tothis rigorous modeling approach, a lot of classic wisdom aboutMassive MIMO, based on too simplistic system models, is shownto be questionable.