Advancements in MIMO Technology for 5G and 6G: A Review of Challenges, Solutions, and Performance
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70112/ajsat-2025.14.1.4285Keywords:
Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Spectrum Efficiency, Bit Error Rate (BER), 5G/6G Wireless Networks, Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS)Abstract
The function of Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) technology in contemporary wireless networks is reviewed in this research, with an emphasis on performance evaluation and simulation. MIMO enhances data rates, spectrum efficiency, and link stability, and has become a crucial component of wireless protocols such as 4G LTE, 5G, and the emerging 6G. In addition to evaluating various modeling tools and performance metrics such as Bit Error Rate (BER), throughput, and channel capacity, the study discusses fundamental MIMO concepts, including Single-User, Multi-User, and Massive MIMO. Furthermore, recent developments such as AI/ML integration, terahertz (THz) communication, and Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RIS) in future wireless systems are examined. The study also addresses challenges associated with MIMO adoption, including hardware constraints and power consumption. It concludes by outlining important areas for future research and providing recommendations for optimizing MIMO systems in next-generation wireless networks.
References
[1]Cisco, Cisco Visual Networking Index (VNI), 2023.
[2]A. Goldsmith, Wireless Communications. Cambridge, U.K.: Cambridge Univ. Press, 2005.
[3]G. J. Foschini, “Layered space-time architecture for wireless communication in a fading environment when using multi-element antennas,” Bell Labs Tech. J., vol. 1, pp. 41-59, 1996.
[4]E. Telatar, “Capacity of multi-antenna Gaussian channels,” Eur.Trans. Telecommun., vol. 10, pp. 585-595, 1999.
[5]T. L. Marzetta, “Noncooperative cellular wireless with unlimited numbers of base station antennas,” IEEE Trans. Wireless Commun., vol. 9, pp. 3590-3600, 2010.
[6]J. Hoydis, S. ten Brink, and M. Debbah, “Massive MIMO in theUL/DL of cellular networks: How many antennas do we need?, ”IEEE J. Sel. Areas Commun., vol. 31, pp. 160-171, 2013.
[7]H. Q. Ngo, A. Ashikhmin, H. Yang, E. G. Larsson, and T. L.Marzetta, “Cell-free massive MIMO versus small cells,” IEEE Trans. Wireless Commun., vol. 16, pp. 1834-1850, 2017.
[8]I. Ahmed, M. H. Rehmani, and J. Chen, “Software-defined networking and network function virtualization for 5G and beyond:A survey,” Comput. Netw., vol. 143, pp. 118-150, 2019.
[9]H. Huang, J. Song, J. Yang, G. Gui, and F. Adachi, “Deep-learning-based millimeter-wave massive MIMO for hybrid precoding,” IEEE Trans. Veh. Technol., vol. 69, pp. 1143-1147, 2020.
[10]Y. Sun, C. K. Wen, W. T. Shih, and S. Jin, “Learning to optimize: Training deep neural networks for wireless resource management, ”IEEE Trans. Signal Process., vol. 69, pp. 127-141, 2021.
[11]Z. Zhang, Y. Xiao, Z. Ma, M. Xiao, Z. Ding, X. Lei, G. K.Karagiannidis, and P. Fan, “6G wireless networks: Vision, requirements, architecture, and key technologies,” IEEE Veh.Technol. Mag., vol. 17, pp. 28-41, 2022.
[12]Q. Wu and R. Zhang, “Towards smart and reconfigurable environment: Intelligent reflecting surface aided wireless network, ”IEEE Commun. Mag., vol. 58, pp. 106-112, 2019.
[13]Verizon Communications, “Verizon 5G technology overview, ”White Paper, 2023.
[14]C. Wang, J. Zhang, J. Li, and L. Hanzo, “Mitigating pilot contamination in massive MIMO systems: A survey,” IEEE Trans. Wireless Commun., vol. 20, pp. 4371-4392, 2021.
[15]J. Zhang, Y. Xiao, Z. Ma, P. Xia, G. Wu, and X. You, “Energy-efficient transmission technologies for 6G: A survey,” IEEECommun. Surveys Tuts., vol. 24, pp. 855-902, 2022.
[16]W. Jiang, Y. Wu, X. Chen, H. Zhang, and Y. Zhang, “Artificial intelligence-aided channel estimation and signal detection for massive MIMO: A survey,” IEEE J. Sel. Topics Signal Process., vol. 16, pp. 415-431, 2022.
[17]Y. Zhen, J. Zhang, and K. B. Letaief, “Beam management and tracking for mm Wave communications under mobility,” IEEE Access, vol. 9, pp. 10666-10681, 2021.
[18]W. Tang, M. Z. Chen, Y. Zeng, S. Jin, M. Debbah, and R. Zhang,“Wireless communications with reconfigurable intelligent surface:Path loss modeling and experimental measurement,” IEEE Commun.Mag., pp. 62-68, 2020.
[19]J. Park, D. Kim, J. Lee, and S. Choi, “A comprehensive survey on coordinated multi-point transmission/reception in 5G and beyond: Taxonomy, challenges, and future directions,” IEEE Commun. Surveys Tuts., vol. 25, pp. 123-147, 2023.
[20]Y. Sun, et al., “Artificial intelligence-based MIMO design for beam management and dynamic scheduling,” J. Wireless Commun., vol.23, pp. 43-59, 2021.
[21]H. Huang, et al., “Reinforcement learning for dynamic scheduling in MIMO systems,” IEEE Trans. Wireless Commun., vol. 19, pp. 3465-3478, 2020.
[22]Z. Zhang, et al.,“Ultra-massive MIMO arrays and terahertz communications for 6G,” IEEE J. Sel. Areas Commun., vol. 40, pp.3242-3258, 2022.
[23]Q. Wu and R. Zhang, “Intelligent reflecting surfaces: Towards 6Gwireless communication networks,” IEEE Trans. Wireless Commun., vol. 18, pp. 3181-3192, 2019.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Centre for Research and Innovation

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

