Non-orthogonal multiple access in a downlink multiuser beamforming system with limited CSI feedback

Non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) has been recognized as a promising multiple access technology for fifth generation (5G) mobile communication system. However, the advantage of NOMA is only verified under the ideal condition that the transmitter has the perfect knowledge of channel state information (CSI). In this paper, NOMA downlink multiuser system, in which the transmitter acquires the CSI through limited feedback channel, is studied. Two traditional beamforming technologies, zero-forcing beamforming and random beamforming, are investigated in the NOMA downlink multiuser system. Making use of the imperfect CSI feedback, channel direction information (CDI), and channel quality indicator (CQI), we propose the user selection scheme to reduce the interference between the NOMA users. Furthermore, a power allocation scheme is proposed to improve the sum-rate of NOMA system. Numerical results show that NOMA system with limited feedback channel still gains larger system rate than traditional orthogonal multiple access system. It is also shown that random beamforming is more suitable for the NOMA system with limited CSI feedback.