MIMO capacity estimation based on single and dual-polarization MIMO channel measurements

Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) wireless system is one of the most promising technologies for providing a large transmission capacity without expanding the frequency band in cellular mobile systems. This paper focuses on 2×2 MIMO capacity estimation through propagation measurements at 2GHz band. The authors conducted the measurement campaign in two regions in Fujimino (Saitama prefecture) and Yokohama (Kanagawa prefecture) Japan. The former is a typical residential area and the latter is an urban area. The paper compares MIMO spatial multiplexing efficiency in terms of the eigenvalue ratio between the single and orthogonal dual-polarization antenna configurations. The eigenvalue ratio is characterized by two parameters. One is cross-polarization discrimination (XPD) and the other is the normalized received signal strength indicator (RSSI), which represents the difference from the RSSI when free space propagation is assumed. It is verified that the MIMO capacity of the dual-polarization can be estimated from just the SNR because the dependency of the eigenvalue ratio on the propagation environment is small. In contrast, that of the single-polarization needs to consider both the eigenvalue ratio and the SNR because the eigenvalue ratios change significantly due to the propagation environment.