Wireless communication, like any other technology, is driven by the ever-increasing user requirements. Evolving from basic text and voice services, the current communication networks are capable of providing extremely high data rates with low latency and strict reliability. The diversity in user and application requirements is reflected in the various technologies being considered for enabling future networks. Some of these well-established enablers include small cells, millimeter-wave (mmWave) communications, full-duplex systems, massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) antenna systems, beamforming and more adaptive physical layer (PHY) and medium access control layer designs [1]. Simultaneous incorporation of such diverse technologies necessitates flexible and coordinated network architecture. This chapter attempts to look at the evolution of coordination mechanisms through the different cellular generations. Starting from the initial proposition for intercell or co-channel interference (CCI)* mitigation in Long Term Evolution (LTE), their applicability for various fifth generation (5G) service requirements is discussed. Later, the focus is turned toward future wireless networks, where the potential advantages of coordination are highlighted for different network architectures, applications and requirements.

Chapter Contents:

• 14.1 Coordination in legacy networks
• 14.1.1 Frequency reuse
• 14.1.2 Intercell interference coordination
• 14.1.3 Enhanced intercell interference coordination
• 14.1.4 CoMP and its essentials
• 14.1.4.1 CoMP architecture
• 14.1.4.2 CoMP types
• 14.1.4.3 CoMP scenarios
• 14.1.5 CoMP implementation
• 14.1.5.1 User selection and resource allocation
• 14.1.5.2 Clustering
• 14.1.5.3 Reference signals and interference measurement
• 14.2 Coordination in 5G networks
• 14.2.1 Throughput
• 14.2.2 Reliability and latency
• 14.2.3 Coverage
• 14.2.4 Mobility
• 14.2.5 Spectral efficiency
• 14.2.6 Energy efficiency
• 14.3 Coordination for future wireless networks
• 14.3.1 Network architecture
• 14.3.1.1 Cloud-based radio access network
• 14.3.1.2 Fog-RAN
• 14.3.2 Smart radio environment
• 14.3.3 Communication technologies and standards
• 14.3.4 Application and user requirements
• 14.4 Challenges for future coordinated networks
• 14.4.1 Synchronization/timing advance
• 14.4.2 Functionality split
• 14.4.3 Backhaul issues
• 14.4.4 Performance analysis
• 14.5 Conclusion
• Acknowledgments
• References

Inspec keywords: Long Term Evolution; intercell interference; 5G mobile communication; cochannel interference

Other keywords: Long Term Evolution; intercell interference; fifth generation service requirements; cochannel interference mitigation; cellular generations; wireless communication

Subjects: Electromagnetic compatibility and interference; Mobile radio systems