Cell-Free Massive MIMO in the O-RAN Architecture: Cluster and Handover Strategies

TL;DR

This paper proposes new clustering and handover strategies for cell-free Massive MIMO within the O-RAN architecture, addressing user mobility challenges with realistic channel modeling and practical control mechanisms.

Contribution

It introduces two novel clustering and handover methods for cell-free Massive MIMO, linked to O-RAN, enhancing mobility management in next-generation networks.

Findings

Fixed clustering strategy optimizes cluster formation during handover.

Opportunistic clustering adapts to user movement dynamically.

Connection established between strategies and practical O-RAN implementation.

Abstract

Cell-free Massive MIMO has emerged as a promising solution for next-generation radio networks. Particularly the user-centric variant where users are served by a limited subset of access points, a so-called cluster, has garnered significant attention within the research community. Despite numerous proposed physical layer solutions, managing AP clusters in case of user mobility remains challenging. In this study, we first present a realistic method for modeling the temporal evolution of the channel in cell-free Massive MIMO. Next, we develop two clustering and handover strategies: 1) a fixed clustering strategy that computes the ideal cluster when a cluster handover threshold is exceeded and 2) an opportunistic strategy that opportunistically adds serving APs as the user moves. Moreover, we establish a connection between our findings and O-RAN, an emerging network architecture that offers open interfaces and network-wide control capabilities, thus, facilitating practical implementation of our research.