MIMO Interference: Measurements and Modelling

The project`s primary objective is to find and parameterize a model for MIMO interference. New communication systems are mostly limited by interference because of the high demand and the crowding of the networks. Especially MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output) systems, employing multiple antennas at both link ends, significantly suffer from interference from other multi-antenna systems. A number of signal-processing algorithms are already available in literature, claiming to mitigate interference. These algorithms are usually tested using a very simple interference model that does not reflect reality. Only few measurements were conducted with focus on MIMO interference, yet they showed that, under certain conditions, MIMO interference can easily be mitigated. The key property that can be exploited is that interference is spatially correlated. In this project we will perform a measurement campaign focusing on MIMO interference in two different scenarios: (i) multiple base stations interfering at one mobile station, (ii) multiple mobile stations interfering at one base station. Based on these measurements we will develop an analytical model for MIMO interference. This model will provide a significant input for improving interference-aware algorithms and to improve the performance of MIMO systems.