Distributed MIMO Systems for 6G

This study focuses on Distributed MIMO (D-MIMO) systems and provides a discussion about their role in next generation networks. The paradigm shift to distributed networks offers great potential to address the 6G requirements, through macro diversity. As 6G scenarios and use cases continue to emerge, new challenges are likely to arise that may affect the widespread implementation of D-MIMO. To address those, different deployment options have been proposed for roll-out considerations. They are composed of several sub-components that can be categorized as (i) wireless or wired fronthaul/backhaul, (ii) analog or digital signals, (iii) distributed or centralized processing, and (iv) coherent or non-coherent transmission. To facilitate standardization efforts, we provide 3GPP-aligned terminology for network nodes, multipoint transmission and reception schemes. In order to enable large-scale implementation of D-MIMO systems, it is important to determine the needed amount of distribution, develop practical solutions for high-frequency bands, and ways to convey data that meet the transport requirements. On this regard, we discuss key enablers and present simulation results for D-MIMO systems towards 6G. In particular, we present solutions for D-MIMO networks in dynamic scenarios related to channel estimation and layer-1 mobility considering coherent and non-coherent joint transmission, and analog fronthaul implementation using analogradio-over-fiber that are promising for high (upper mm-Wave and (sub-)THz) carrier frequencies, as well as integrated access and backhaul, network-controlled repeaters, and reconfigurable intelligent surfaces that are possible enablers for cost-efficient network densification at both low (cm-Wave, lower mm-Wave) and high carrier frequencies.