Multi-hop capacity of MIMO-multiplexing relaying systems

This paper derives the multi-hop capacity of OFDM-based MIMO-multiplexing relaying systems. MIMO-multiplexing relaying presents a spectrally efficient means of realizing mesh supports in wireless networks operating over licensed bands by providing separate links for access and mesh relaying services on the same broadband radio channel. We show that for an NtimesN MIMO-multiplexing relaying system with amplification factor alpha at relay nodes, R-hops relaying degrade the capacity by at most -Nlog₂(alpha^2R/ (1 + Sigma _r=1 ^R alpha^2rN^r)) + RNlog₂(N) bits/sec/Hz. Therefore, greater capacity loss is experienced in MIMO-multiplexing relaying involving high order MIMO systems. We also illustrate that the capacity loss is independent of the OFDM configurations employed; thus network operators could employ higher OFDM configurations to compensate for data rate loss in access services when some of the MIMO-multiplexing links are dedicated to mesh relay. This pioneering analysis provides useful guidelines for network operators planning to employ MIMO-multiplexing option for mesh relay supports.