An overview of scheduling algorithms in MIMO-based fourth-generation wireless systems

In this article an overview of the scheduling algorithms proposed for fourth-generation multiuser wireless networks based on multiple-input multiple-output technology is presented. In MIMO systems a multi-user diversity gain can be extracted by tracking the channel fluctuations between each user and the base station, and scheduling transmission for the "best" user. Based on this idea, several opportunistic scheduling schemes that attempt to improve global capacity or satisfy users with different QoS requirements have been proposed. Transmit beamforming procedures aimed at increasing the channel fluctuations have been proposed. The simultaneous exploitation of both spatial and multi-user diversity is not straightforward; however, it may be achieved by a refined selection of the "best" user. In addition, a multiple access gain can be obtained from a simple SDMA/TOMA system. Finally, several resource allocation schemes are discussed for this hybrid multiple access system.