Distributed Multi-User MIMO and Resource Allocation for Multi Access Point Wi-Fi Systems

To provide uniform coverage, Complete Wi-Fi (like all other multi Access Point systems) creates a network using a number of essentially independent Wi-Fi Access Points, each serving a subset of the client devices with overlapping regions of coverage. The resources (subcarriers and power) are independently scheduled at each access point without any coordination. In addition, beamforming and MIMO gains are limited to the capabilities of an individual access point. This non-coordinated resource allocation and inability to perform joint transmission results in unnecessary interference and loss of capacity, degrading the quality of service. As the number of devices increases, the interference will have a significant impact. This needs to be addressed. Providing high quality Internet connections in high-density environments is one of the major drivers for the development of future Wi-Fi systems (see IEEE 802.11be / Wi-Fi 7). Therefore, this project proposes efficient techniques for the co-ordination of multi-access points Wi-Fi systems to enable both optimal resource allocation and distributed multi-user MIMO. These techniques will be developed by leveraging our recent work on distributed massive MIMO, but taking into account the following key differences between Wi-Fi and 5G systems: a) The lower cost point of Wi-Fi APs compared to 5G base stations requires a lower complexity solution for coordinated transmissions, b) Residential users' reluctance to install new wiring means that the co-ordination must be achieved using wireless communications between the access points rather than fibre. In particular, low-complexity access point coordination techniques will be explored to simply exploit coordinated spatial reuse. Additionally, low complexity joint transmission techniques will be investigated by enabling collaboration between access points.

Although proposed low-complexity techniques address the challenges in WiFi networks, the real tangible benefits are far reaching across a number of domains. The developed novel techniques will greatly influence relevant researchers. The scholarly results will be disseminated through high profile avenues. The student's 3 one-month visits to BT will enrich their industrial experience significantly. The proposed techniques perfectly align with EPSRC-ICT priorities: Future Intelligent Technologies.

Industrial collaborator: BT