Next-generation 5G wireless data networks promise significant gains in terms of offering the ability to accommodate more users at higher data rates with better reliability while consuming less power. To meet such a challenge, massive MIMO systems have been proposed to allow for orders of magnitude improvement in spectral and energy efficiency using relatively simple processing. The basic idea is equipping cellular base stations with rectangular arrays, each of them consists of a very large number of antennas. The extra antennas help to focus energy into ever-smaller regions of space to bring huge improvements in throughput and radiated energy efficiency. Other benefits include reduced latency, simplification of the media access control layer, and robustness against intentional jamming.
An unexplored and unintentional side-effect of using a very large number of antennas combined with high carrier frequencies is the ability to pinpoint the location of the user with high accuracy. This project aims to develop several analytical tools in order to model, design, and analyze massive MIMO-OFDM systems from the localization point of view, and ascertain their validity via experimental datasets. Ultimately, our broad goal is to conceptualize an engineering research idea and then transition it into innovative applications that can be replicated for real-world cellular networks operated by established service providers and mobile manufacturers. In parallel, the project will allow the fellow to achieve several knowledge transfer objectives and increase prominence in his research field.
Robust parameter estimation and localization for massive MIMO systems are complex, and optimizing their overall performance is challenging. To explore and tackle this problem, diverse technical pathways can be regarded, ranging from analytical descriptions to experimental techniques. Our main goal is to analyze and design localization methods for massive MIMO systems. To reach this goal, we put forth the following technical objectives: (i) develop generalized error models for massive antennas to describe the gain and phase error, mutual coupling and antenna position errors. (ii) derive low complexity subspace-based multi-dimensional parameter estimation algorithms. (iii) propose robust localization methods for massive MIMO systems based on the estimated parameters.