Signal Quality Outage Analysis for Ultra-Reliable Communications in Cellular Networks

Ultra-reliable communications over wireless will open the possibility for a wide range of novel use cases and applications. In cellular networks, achieving reliable communication is challenging due to many factors, particularly the fading of the desired signal and the interference. In this regard, we investigate the potential of several techniques to combat these main threats. The analysis shows that traditional microscopic multiple-input multiple-output schemes with 2×2 or 4×4 antenna configurations are not enough to fulfil stringent reliability requirements. It is revealed how such antenna schemes must be complemented with macroscopic diversity as well as interference management techniques in order to ensure the necessary SINR outage performance. Based on the obtained performance results, it is discussed which of the feasible options fulfilling the ultra-reliable criteria are most promising in a practical setting, as well as pointers to supplementary techniques that should be included in future studies.