Employing cutting-edge non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) techniques, index modulation multiple access (IMMA)introduces an efficient methodology. By leveraging index modulation (IM), IMMA facilitates concurrent data transmission among multiple users. It enhances this process by incorporating an additional constellation diagram that conveys extra information bits per channel utilization. In this work, we conduct a comprehensive investigation. We derive the theoretical capacity of the IMMA system and analyze mutual information across receiver channel estimation scenarios-ranging from perfect to imperfect. To validate our derivations, we execute Monte Carlo simulations, affirming our theoretical results. Notably, our findings confirm that the derived theoretical capacity formula acts as an upper bound for simulated mutual information curves. Additionally, we identify conditions for achieving the derived capacity, rigorously verifying their applicability. Through compelling comparisons, we evaluate the IMMA system's performance in mutual information and capacity against sparse code multiple access (SCMA) systems. This analysis underscores the superior attributes of the IMMA system, showcasing its potential. To illuminate practical constraints, we establish a crucial bound on users effectively sharing orthogonal resources, offering deployment insights. Furthermore, we contrast IMMA systems with traditional orthogonal multiple access (OMA) counterparts, dissecting the implications of overloading. This comprehensive approach yields a holistic comprehension of the scheme's ramifications.Index Terms-Index modulation (IM), index modulation multiple access (IMMA), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), sparse code multiple access (SCMA).
I. INTRODUCTIONT HE commercialization of 5G marks the culmination of a decade-long journey in wireless communication research. As the world sets its sights on the future, efforts are already underway to shape the landscape of the 6th Generation [1,2]. These strategic strides have been essential to address the projected 55% annual surge in mobile data traffic over the next decade, aiming to reach a staggering 5000 exabytes by 2030 [3].In response to this exponential demand for higher spectral efficiency, ultra-low latency, and stringent security requirements, innovative approaches have been introduced [1].