A virtual MIMO dual-hop architecture based on hybrid spatial modulation

International audienceIn this paper, we propose a novel Virtual Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (VMIMO) architecture based on the concept of Spatial Modulation (SM). Using a dual-hop and Decode-and-Forward protocol, we form a distributed system, called Dual-Hop Hybrid SM (DH-HSM). DH-HSM conveys information from a Source Node (SN) to a Destination Node (DN) via multiple Relay Nodes (RNs). The spatial position of the RNs is exploited for transferring information in addition to, or even without, a conventional symbol. In order to increase the performance of our architecture, while keeping the complexity of the RNs and DN low, we employ linear precoding using Channel State Information (CSI) at the SN. In this way, we form a Receive-Spatial Modulation (R-SM) pattern from the SN to the RNs, which is able to employ a centralized coordinated or a distributed uncoordinated detection algorithm at the RNs. In addition, we focus on the SN and propose two regularized linear precoding methods that employ realistic Imperfect Channel State Information at the Transmitter. The power of each precoder is analyzed theoretically. Using the Bit Error Rate (BER) metric, we evaluate our architecture against the following benchmark systems: 1) single relay; 2) best relay selection; 3) distributed Space Time Block Coding (STBC) VMIMO scheme; and 4) the direct communication link. We show that DH-HSM is able to achieve significant Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) gains, which can be as high as 10.5 dB for a very large scale system setup. In order to verify our simulation results, we provide an analytical framework for the evaluation of the Average Bit Error Probability (ABEP)

On the Performance of Full-duplex Two-way Relay Channels with Spatial Modulation

In this paper, the spatial modulation (SM) technique is employed at the source and relay nodes in a full-duplex twoway relay channel (FD-TWRC) to support spectral-efficient bidirectional communications while guaranteeing a low cost implementation. Maximum likelihood (ML) detectors are employed at each node that is subject to an intrinsic self-loop interference (SI). We first propose a tight upper bound on the average bit error probability (ABEP). Then based on the ABEP upper bound, an asymptotic ABEP expression is derived in the high SNR regime. Exploiting the asymptotic ABEP, an exact SNR threshold for the selection between FD-TWRC-SM and half-duplex (HD)-TWRCSM is derived in a closed form, which sheds light on when it is beneficial to select the FD (or HD) mode. In addition, the power allocation (PA) among sources and relay is investigated, through which an optimal PA factor in terms of ABEP is obtained. All analytical results derived in this paper are verified by Monte Carlo simulations, from which some new insights are obtained on the performance of FD-TWRC-SM

Exploiting spatial modulation and analog network coding for the design of energy-efficient wireless networks

As the data rate demands of the cellular users increase, together with their number, it is expected that unprecedented capacity demands should be met in wireless networks in the forthcoming years. However, the energy consumption to meet these rates is expected to increase exponentially, according to trends. This can become a serious issue for both the environment, due to CO2 emissions, and the operators, which will have to pay more for electricity. Hence, several energy-efficient solutions have been proposed, such as multiple antenna systems, dynamic spectrum allocation, heterogeneous networks, and Network Coding, to name a few. Based on the above, the aim of this thesis to propose low-complexity and energy-efficient physical layer-based solutions compared to the already existing approaches, without sacrificing the quality of performance. More specifically, the focus is on the technologies of Spatial Modulation and Analog Network Coding. Both schemes offer the so-called multiplexing gain, which means that multiple streams can be transmitted without sacrificing resources, such as bandwidth. As far as Spatial Modulation is concerned, Spatial Modulation-based schemes are proposed that are more energy efficient than state-of-the-art technologies. Regarding Analog Network Coding, we study its implementation in relay-based scenarios and how it compares in terms of energy efficiency with conventional protocols, such as the time-division multiple access protocol. From the obtained results, the conclusion that can be drawn is that depending on the scenario both Spatial Modulation and Analog Network Coding can provide significant energy gains compared to existing technologies without sacrificing performance.A medida que las demandas de velocidad de datos de los usuarios de redes celulares aumentan, así como su número, se espera que las demandas de capacidad sin precedentes se deban cumplir en las redes inalámbricas en los próximos años. Sin embargo, se espera que aumente de forma exponencial el consumo de energía para satisfacer estas tasas, de acuerdo a las tendencias. Esto puede convertirse en un grave problema ambos para el medio ambiente, debido a las emisiones de CO2, y los operadores, que tendrán que pagar más por la electricidad. Por lo tanto, se han propuesto varias soluciones de eficiencia energética, tales como sistemas de múltiples antenas, la asignación de espectro dinámico, redes heterogéneas, y Network Coding, para nombrar unos pocos. Con base en lo anterior, el objetivo de esta tesis es proponer soluciones de baja complejidad y de eficiencia energética basadas en la capa física, en comparación con los enfoques ya existentes, sin sacrificar la calidad del funcionamiento. Más específicamente, la atención se centra en las tecnologías de Spatial Modulation y Analog Network Coding. Ambos esquemas ofrecen la llamada ganancia de multiplexación, lo que significa que múltiples flujos pueden ser transmitidos sin sacrificar recursos, tales como el ancho de banda. En lo que se refiere a Spatial Modulation, se proponen esquemas basados en Spatial Modulation que son más energéticamente que tecnologías ya existentes. En cuanto a Analog Network Coding, se estudia su aplicación en escenarios inalámbricos basados en relays y cómo se compara en términos de eficiencia energética con los protocolos convencionales, tales como el protocolo de acceso mútiple por división de tiempo. De los resultados obtenidos, la conclusión que se puede extraer es que dependiendo del escenario, ambos Spatial Modulation y Analog Network Coding pueden proporcionar beneficios significativos de energía en comparación con las tecnologías existentes sin sacrificar el funcionamiento

Index modulation for next-generation wireless networks.

Doctoral Degree, University of KwaZulu- Natal, Durban.The desirability of high throughput and superior system performance for multimedia services requires schemes that can achieve high spectral efficiency. However, this imposes high system/hardware complexity due to the large number of antennas required at the transmitter. This led to the development of several innovative multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques in the research community, such as generalized spatial modulation (GSM). GSM is a spatial modulation (SM) based scheme, which employs transmit antenna combinations coupled with identical symbols to convey additional information. This made the use of multiple transmit antennas possible in index modulation, improving the setback/limitation of hardware complexity experienced in the conventional MIMO and SM schemes. Furthermore, in the literature, an improved spectral efficient quadrature spatial modulation (QSM) based scheme termed generalized quadrature spatial modulation (GQSM) is proposed. In GQSM, the antennas at the transmitter are divided into groups and a unique symbol is employed across multi-active transmit antenna groups. Hence, GQSM requires less transmit antennas to achieve a high data rate when compared to its counterparts. However, GQSM requires multiple radio frequency (RF) chains, considering unique symbols are employed in each transmit antenna group. This motivates us to investigate single-symbol GQSM (SS-GQSM), which employs identical symbols across each group requiring a single RF chain. Recently, the application of RF mirrors termed media-based modulation (MBM) was introduced to the research community as a technique to enhance the spectral efficiency at a reduced hardware complexity. This motivates us to investigate MBM with single-symbol GSM to enhance its error performance and to mitigate the drawback of the requirement of multiple RF chains. In addition, link adaptation has been stated in literature as a technique, which can enhance the performance of a single-input multiple-output (SIMO)/MIMO scheme. MBM achieves a high data rate coupled with enhanced system performance. However, to the author's best knowledge, link adaptation has not been investigated with MBM. This motivates us to propose an adaptive algorithm that employs different candidate transmission modes to enhance the reliability of the SIMO system. The proposed scheme is called adaptive SIMOMBM (ASIMOMBM). Lately, two-way cooperative relaying has been proven as a spectral efficient relaying system. This technique employs two or more source nodes, which transmit information to the relay node simultaneously. Considering the advantages of GQSM stated earlier, this motivates us to investigate two-way decode-and-forward relaying for the GQSM scheme to improve the error performance of the conventional GQSM system

Performance Analysis of AF Relaying With Selection Combining in Nakagami-m Fading

This paper investigates the performance analysis of a selection combining scheme, which utilizes a variable gain amplify and forward relay over a Nakagami-m fading channel. A selection combiner at a destination node chooses the better link between a relay channel and a direct channel. We derived exact closed-form expressions for moments of signal to noise ratio (SNR), ergodic capacity, and average symbol error probability. Simulation examples confirm that our exact formulas offer a more accurate analysis tool for selection combining than other prevailing approximations without extra complexity. The derived expressions serve as a useful tool for system design due to their validity for any SNR and arbitrary system parameters

Adaptive Communication for Wireless Massive MIMO Systems

The demand for high data rates in wireless communications is increasing rapidly. One way to provide reliable communication with increased rates is massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems where a large number of antennas is deployed. We analyze three systems utilizing a large number of antennas to provide enhancement in the performance of wireless communications. First, we consider a general form of spatial modulation (SM) systems where the number of transmitted data streams is allowed to vary and we refer to it as generalized spatial modulation with multiplexing (GSMM). A Gaussian mixture model (GMM) is shown to accurately model the transmitted spatially modulated signal using a precoding framework. Using this transmit model, a general closed-form expression for the achievable rate when operating over Rayleigh fading channels is evaluated along with a tight upper and a lower bounds for the achievable rate. The obtained expressions are flexible enough to accommodate any form of SM by adjusting the precoding set. Followed by that, we study quantized distributed wireless relay networks where a relay consisting of many geographically dispersed nodes is facilitating communication between unconnected users. Due to bandwidth constraints, distributed relay networks perform quantization at the relay nodes, and hence they are referred to as quantized distributed relay networks. In such systems, users transmit their data simultaneously to the relay nodes through the uplink channel that quantize their observed signals independently to a few bits and broadcast these bits to the users through the downlink channel. We develop algorithms that can be employed by the users to estimate the uplink channels between all users and all relay nodes when the relay nodes are performing simple sign quantization. This setup is very useful in either extending coverage to unconnected regions or replacing the existing wireless infrastructure in case of disasters. Using the uplink channel estimates, we propose multiple decoders that can be deployed at the receiver side. We also study the performance of each of these decoders under different system assumptions. A different quantization framework is also proposed for quantized distributed relay networking where the relay nodes perform vector quantization instead of sign quantization. Applying vector quantization at the relay nodes enables us to propose an algorithm that allocates quantization resources efficiently among the relay nodes inside the relay network. We also study the beamforming design at the users’ side in this case where beamforming design is not trivial due to the quantization that occurs at the relay network. Finally, we study a different setup of distributed communication systems called cell-free massive MIMO. In cell-free massive MIMO, regular cellular communication is replaced by multiple access points (APs) that are placed randomly over the coverage area. All users in the coverage area are sharing time and frequency resources and all APs are serving all UEs while power allocation is done in a central processor that is connected to the APs through a high speed backhaul network. We study the power allocation in cell-free massive MIMO system where APs are equipped with few antennas and how the distribution of the available antennas among access points affects both the performance and the infrastructure cost