Spectral-Energy Efficiency Trade-off of 5G Wireless Communication Systems with Separated Indoor/Outdoor Scenarios

The fifth generation (5G) wireless communication system aims to provide users with the greatly enhanced spectral efficiency (SE) and energy efficiency (EE) in comparison with the current fourth generation (4G) system. To achieve this goal, we need a dramatic change in terms of cellular architecture and various enabling technologies. One of the key ideas of designing the 5G cellular architecture is to separate indoor and outdoor scenarios in order to avoid the penetration loss caused by building walls. This will be enabled by massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and distributed antenna system (DAS) technologies. Large antenna arrays will be installed outside each building, communicating with outdoor base stations equipped with large antenna arrays with some antenna elements distributed around the cell. Large antenna arrays in each building have cables connected to the wireless access points inside the building communicating with indoor users.

This MSc project aims to analyse the SE and EE trade-off of 5G wireless communication systems considering the separation of indoor and outdoor scenarios. The SE and EE performance of the 5G system with the proposed cellular architecture will be compared with that of the system with traditional cellular architecture. Theoretical analysis and algorithm design will be addressed. Thus, this project will provide the student with an all-around understanding of future wireless technology trends.

Knowledge in mobile communications and Matlab are required for successful completion of this project. The student should be willing to closely collaborate with other RAs/PhD/MSc students and work in a team that aims to develop both analytical and practical wireless communication systems.