Enhancing MIMO channel capacity through the use of cooperation in realistic microcell environments

This paper considers the use of a cooperative wireless communication system in order to enhance Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) channel capacity. Within the cooperative system, a relay is selected by exploiting the MIMO spatial multiplexing feature in a simple and distributed approach, aiming at selecting the partner which yields the best MIMO capacity. The study is performed for a realistic microcellular environment and it is envisioned for technology that is already available on the market, i.e., the performance of the MIMO system is assessed using a simulator with a real Manhattan-like test scenario, with realistic radio propagation models that make use of Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Bluetooth technologies and with a realistic pedestrian mobility model. The simulation results show that the cooperative system accomplishes the goal of improving the overall MIMO channel capacity in microcell environments.