A Grant-free Coded Random Access Scheme for Near-field Communications

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel grant-free coded random access scheme tailored for near-field communications in IIoT, leveraging large-scale MIMO arrays to enhance reliability and reduce latency in dense, high-frequency network environments.

Contribution

It proposes a new integration of near-field spatial multiplexing with CRA using large aperture arrays, advancing IIoT connectivity for 6G networks.

Findings

Improved reliability in dense IIoT scenarios

Reduced access latency with near-field CRA

Enhanced spatial multiplexing capabilities

Abstract

The industrial Internet of things (IIoT) is revolutionizing industrial processes by facilitating massive machine-type communications among countless interconnected devices. To efficiently handle the resulting large-scale and sporadic traffic, grant-free random access protocols-especially coded random access (CRA)-have emerged as scalable and reliable solutions. At the same time, advancements in wireless hardware, including extremely large-scale MIMO arrays and high-frequency communication (e.g., mmWave, Terahertz), are pushing network operations into the near-field propagation regime, allowing for dense connectivity and enhanced spatial multiplexing. This paper proposes an innovative approach that combines near-field spatial multiplexing with the interference mitigation capabilities of CRA, utilizing an extremely large aperture array at the access point. This integration improves reliability and reduces access latency, offering a robust framework for IIoT connectivity in next-generation 6G networks.