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

• Published in: IEEE journal of selected topics in signal processing Vol. 19; no. 2; pp. 304 - 330
• Main Authors: Xu, Yanqing, Larsson, Erik G., Jorswieck, Eduard A., Li, Xiao, Jin, Shi, Chang, Tsung-Hui
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01.03.2025; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: 6G mobile communication; Algorithms; Antenna arrays; Antennas; Array signal processing; Costs; decentralized baseband processing; distributed antenna system; distributed signal processing; Extremely large-scale antenna array; Massive MIMO; Receiving antennas; Signal processing; Signal processing algorithms; Transmitting antennas; Wireless communication; Wireless communication systems; Costs; Array signal processing; Transmitting antennas; distributed antenna system; Extremely large-scale antenna array; Wireless communication; 6G mobile communication; Signal processing algorithms; Receiving antennas; distributed signal processing; Massive MIMO; decentralized baseband processing; Antennas; Antenna arrays
• ISSN: 1932-4553; 1941-0484; 1941-0484
• DOI: 10.1109/JSTSP.2025.3541386

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.