Information-theoretic implications of constrained cooperation in simple cellular models

Recent information theoretic results on cooperation in cellular systems are reviewed, addressing both multicell processing (cooperation among base stations) and relaying (cooperation at the user level). Two central issues are addressed, namely, first multicell processing is studied with either limited-capacity backhaul links to a central processor or only local (and finite-capacity) cooperation among neighboring cells. The role of codebook information, decoding delay and network planning (frequency reuse) are specifically highlighted along with the impact of different transmission/ reception strategies. Next, multicell processing is considered in the presence of cooperation at the user level, focusing on both out-of-band relaying via conferencing users and in-band relaying by means of dedicated relays. Non-fading and fading uplink and downlink channels adhering to simple Wyner-type, cellular system models are targeted.