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

TL;DR

This paper reviews distributed signal processing algorithms for extremely large-scale antenna arrays in wireless systems, addressing challenges like high complexity and interconnection costs, and discusses future research directions.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of existing distributed SP algorithms for various ELAA system configurations and highlights future research directions.

Findings

Review of three ELAA system types and their distributed SP algorithms

Identification of key bottlenecks such as interconnection costs and computational complexity

Outline of promising future research directions

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.