An Efficient Uplink Multi-Connectivity Scheme for 5G mmWave Control Plane Applications

The millimeter wave (mmWave) frequencies offer the potential of orders of magnitude increases in capacity for next-generation cellular systems. However, links in mmWave networks are susceptible to blockage and may suffer from rapid variations in quality. Connectivity to multiple cells - at mmWave and/or traditional frequencies - is considered essential for robust communication. One of the challenges in supporting multi-connectivity in mmWaves is the requirement for the network to track the direction of each link in addition to its power and timing. To address this challenge, we implement a novel uplink measurement system that, with the joint help of a local coordinator operating in the legacy band, guarantees continuous monitoring of the channel propagation conditions and allows for the design of efficient control plane applications, including handover, beam tracking and initial access. We show that an uplink-based multi-connectivity approach enables less consuming, better performing, faster and more stable cell selection and scheduling decisions with respect to a traditional downlink-based standalone scheme. Moreover, we argue that the presented framework guarantees (i) efficient tracking of the user in the presence of the channel dynamics expected at mmWaves, and (ii) fast reaction to situations in which the primary propagation path is blocked or not available.Comment: Submitted for publication in IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications (TWC

Massive MIMO is a Reality -- What is Next? Five Promising Research Directions for Antenna Arrays

Massive MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) is no longer a "wild" or "promising" concept for future cellular networks - in 2018 it became a reality. Base stations (BSs) with 64 fully digital transceiver chains were commercially deployed in several countries, the key ingredients of Massive MIMO have made it into the 5G standard, the signal processing methods required to achieve unprecedented spectral efficiency have been developed, and the limitation due to pilot contamination has been resolved. Even the development of fully digital Massive MIMO arrays for mmWave frequencies - once viewed prohibitively complicated and costly - is well underway. In a few years, Massive MIMO with fully digital transceivers will be a mainstream feature at both sub-6 GHz and mmWave frequencies. In this paper, we explain how the first chapter of the Massive MIMO research saga has come to an end, while the story has just begun. The coming wide-scale deployment of BSs with massive antenna arrays opens the door to a brand new world where spatial processing capabilities are omnipresent. In addition to mobile broadband services, the antennas can be used for other communication applications, such as low-power machine-type or ultra-reliable communications, as well as non-communication applications such as radar, sensing and positioning. We outline five new Massive MIMO related research directions: Extremely large aperture arrays, Holographic Massive MIMO, Six-dimensional positioning, Large-scale MIMO radar, and Intelligent Massive MIMO.Comment: 20 pages, 9 figures, submitted to Digital Signal Processin

60 GHz MAC Standardization: Progress and Way Forward

Communication at mmWave frequencies has been the focus in the recent years. In this paper, we discuss standardization efforts in 60 GHz short range communication and the progress therein. We compare the available standards in terms of network architecture, medium access control mechanisms, physical layer techniques and several other features. Comparative analysis indicates that IEEE 802.11ad is likely to lead the short-range indoor communication at 60 GHz. We bring to the fore resolved and unresolved issues pertaining to robust WLAN connectivity at 60 GHz. Further, we discuss the role of mmWave bands in 5G communication scenarios and highlight the further efforts required in terms of research and standardization

A Comprehensive Investigation of Beam Management Through Conventional and Deep Learning Approach

5G spectrum uses cutting-edge technology which delivers high data rates, low latency, increased capacity, and high spectrum utilization. To cater to these requirements various technologies are available such as Multiple Access Technology (MAT), Multiple Input Multiple Output technology (MIMO), Millimetre (mm) wave technology, Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access Technology (NOMA), Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer (SWIPT). Of all available technologies, mmWave is prominent as it provides favorable opportunities for 5G. Millimeter-wave is capable of providing a high data rate i.e., 10 Gbit/sec. Also, a tremendous amount of raw bandwidth is available i.e., around 250 GHz, which is an attractive characteristic of the mmWave band to relieve mobile data traffic congestion in the low frequency band. It has a high frequency i.e., 30 – 300 GHz, giving very high speed. It has a very short wavelength i.e., 1-10mm, because of this it provides the compact size of the component. It will provide a throughput of up to 20 Gbps. It has narrow beams and will increase security and reduce interference. When the main beam of the transmitter and receiver are not aligned properly there is a problem in ideal communication. To solve this problem beam management is one of the solutions to form a strong communication link between transmitter and receiver. This paper aims to address challenges in beam management and proposes a framework for realization. Towards the same, the paper initially introduces various challenges in beam management. Towards building an effective beam management system when a user is moving, various steps are present like beam selection, beam tracking, beam alignment, and beam forming. Hence the subsequent sections of the paper illustrate various beam management procedures in mmWave using conventional methods as well as using deep learning techniques. The paper also presents a case study on the framework's implementation using the above-mentioned techniques in mmWave communication. Also glimpses on future research directions are detailed in the final sections. Such beam management techniques when used for mmWave technology will enable build fast, efficient, and capable 5G networks