Bandwidth-Limited Cluster Networks for Distributed MIMO

Distributed arrays provide a way to exploit MIMO and other array transmission and processing approaches using several single-antenna nodes connected via an Intra-Cluster Network (ICN). Recruitment of nodes within the transmit cluster for relaying a distributed space-time block code (STBC) transmission can be coordinated by a source node. Subject to synchronization and coherence recovery, when the receive ICN (R-ICN) capacity is high, samples of the signals received at the distributed nodes can be forwarded to a combining node to achieve the performance of a connected array. However, when ICN bandwidth is limited, the situation is more challenging. In this paper, methods for efficient combining of signals on the receive side as well as recruitment and relaying of the STBC on the transmit side in limited-bandwidth ICNs are discussed. Methods for trading detection performance and receive ICN data rate requirements are also addressed.