1.
Mohammadi, Mohammadali; Mobini, Zahra; Ngo, Hien Quoc; Matthaiou, Michail
Next-Generation Multiple Access With Cell-Free Massive MIMO Journal Article
In: Proceedings of the IEEE, vol. 112, no. 9, pp. 1372–1420, 2024, ISSN: 1558-2256.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: 5G mobile communication, 6G mobile communication, Cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output (CF-mMIMO), Channel estimation, Energy Efficiency, energy efficiency (EE), Massive MIMO, Millimeter wave communication, Next generation networking, Signal to noise ratio, sixth-generation (6G) wireless, Spectral efficiency, spectral efficiency (SE), Surveys, Telecommunication traffic, Wireless networks
@article{mohammadi_next-generation_2024,
title = {Next-Generation Multiple Access With Cell-Free Massive MIMO},
author = {Mohammadali Mohammadi and Zahra Mobini and Hien Quoc Ngo and Michail Matthaiou},
url = {https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10684238},
doi = {10.1109/JPROC.2024.3451372},
issn = {1558-2256},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-09-01},
urldate = {2025-10-08},
journal = {Proceedings of the IEEE},
volume = {112},
number = {9},
pages = {1372–1420},
abstract = {To meet the unprecedented mobile traffic demands of future wireless networks, a paradigm shift from conventional cellular networks to distributed communication systems is imperative. Cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output (CF-mMIMO) represents a practical and scalable embodiment of distributed/network MIMO systems. It inherits not only the key benefits of co-located massive MIMO systems but also the macro-diversity gains from distributed systems. This innovative architecture has demonstrated significant potential in enhancing network performance from various perspectives, outperforming co-located mMIMO and conventional small-cell systems. Moreover, CF-mMIMO offers flexibility in integration with emerging wireless technologies such as full-duplex (FD), nonorthogonal transmission schemes, millimeter-wave (mmWave) communications, ultrareliable low-latency communication (URLLC), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-aided communication, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs). In this article, we provide an overview of current research efforts on CF-mMIMO systems and their promising future application scenarios. We then elaborate on new requirements for CF-mMIMO networks in the context of these technological breakthroughs. We also present several current open challenges and outline future research directions aimed at fully realizing the potential of CF-mMIMO systems in meeting the evolving demands of future wireless networks.},
keywords = {5G mobile communication, 6G mobile communication, Cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output (CF-mMIMO), Channel estimation, Energy Efficiency, energy efficiency (EE), Massive MIMO, Millimeter wave communication, Next generation networking, Signal to noise ratio, sixth-generation (6G) wireless, Spectral efficiency, spectral efficiency (SE), Surveys, Telecommunication traffic, Wireless networks},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
To meet the unprecedented mobile traffic demands of future wireless networks, a paradigm shift from conventional cellular networks to distributed communication systems is imperative. Cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output (CF-mMIMO) represents a practical and scalable embodiment of distributed/network MIMO systems. It inherits not only the key benefits of co-located massive MIMO systems but also the macro-diversity gains from distributed systems. This innovative architecture has demonstrated significant potential in enhancing network performance from various perspectives, outperforming co-located mMIMO and conventional small-cell systems. Moreover, CF-mMIMO offers flexibility in integration with emerging wireless technologies such as full-duplex (FD), nonorthogonal transmission schemes, millimeter-wave (mmWave) communications, ultrareliable low-latency communication (URLLC), unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-aided communication, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RISs). In this article, we provide an overview of current research efforts on CF-mMIMO systems and their promising future application scenarios. We then elaborate on new requirements for CF-mMIMO networks in the context of these technological breakthroughs. We also present several current open challenges and outline future research directions aimed at fully realizing the potential of CF-mMIMO systems in meeting the evolving demands of future wireless networks.