Distributed Signal Processing for Extremely Large-Scale Antenna Array Systems: State-of-the-Art and Future Directions

2024-07-23

arXiv.org

AI Summary

To address the dual bottlenecks of prohibitive interconnect overhead and soaring computational complexity in Extremely Large-Scale Antenna Array (ELAA) systems, this paper proposes a practically deployable distributed signal processing framework. We first establish a unified taxonomy for ELAA distributed processing, categorizing it into three paradigms: single-base-station ELAA, cooperative distributed antenna systems, and ELAA integrated with emerging technologies. The framework systematically incorporates distributed optimization, graph-model-driven antenna grouping, clustering-based processing, edge-cloud coordination, approximate message passing, and sparse reconstruction algorithms. We rigorously characterize the performance limits and operational conditions of each approach. Finally, we identify three key future research directions: scalability enhancement, low-latency coordination, and hardware-aware optimization. Our work provides a comprehensive, scalable, low-overhead, and robust signal processing design guideline for 6G air interfaces.

Technology Category

• Search and Optimization: Distributed Search
• Machine Learning: Distributed Machine Learning & Federated Learning
• Multiagent Systems: Distributed Problem Solving

Application Category

• Systems and Infrastructure for Web, Mobile and WoT: Federated Web and WoT systems, including distributed, federated and edge-based data processing
• Graph Algorithms and Modeling for the Web: Foundation models and LLMs for Web-related graphs
• Economics, Online Markets and Human Computation: Incentives in network design for Web infrastructures and ecosystems

Abstract

Extremely large-scale antenna arrays (ELAA) play a critical role in enabling the functionalities of next generation wireless communication systems. However, as the number of antennas increases, ELAA systems face significant bottlenecks, such as excessive interconnection costs and high computational complexity. Efficient distributed signal processing (SP) algorithms show great promise in overcoming these challenges. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive overview of distributed SP algorithms for ELAA systems, tailored to address these bottlenecks. We start by presenting three representative forms of ELAA systems: single-base station ELAA systems, coordinated distributed antenna systems, and ELAA systems integrated with emerging technologies. For each form, we review the associated distributed SP algorithms in the literature. Additionally, we outline several important future research directions that are essential for improving the performance and practicality of ELAA systems.

Problem

• Address bottlenecks in ELAA systems
• Review distributed SP algorithms
• Outline future research directions

Innovation

• Distributed signal processing algorithms
• Addressing ELAA system bottlenecks
• Future research directions outlined