Downlink Linear Precoders Based on Statistical CSI for Multicell MIMO-OFDM

Abstract

With 5G communication systems on the horizon, efficient interference management in heterogeneous multicell networks is more vital than ever. This paper investigates the linear precoder design for downlink multicell multiple-input multiple-output orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) systems, where base stations (BSs) coordinate to reduce the interference across space and frequency. In order to minimize the overall feedback overhead in next-generation systems, we consider precoding schemes that require statistical channel state information (CSI) only. We apply the random matrix theory to approximate the ergodic weighted sum rate of the system with a closed form expression. After formulating the approximation for general channels, we reduce the results to a more compact form using the Kronecker channel model for which several multicarrier concepts such as frequency selectivity, channel tap correlations, and intercarrier interference (ICI) are rigorously represented. We find the local optimal solution for the maximization of the approximate rate using a gradient method that requires only the covariance structure of the MIMO-OFDM channels. Within this covariance structure are the channel tap correlations and ICI information, both of which are taken into consideration in the precoder design. Simulation results show that the rate approximation is very accurate even for very small MIMO-OFDM systems and the proposed method converges rapidly to a near-optimal solution that competes with networked MIMO and precoders based on instantaneous full CSI.