Multiple-antenna systems and wireless networks

The use of multiple antennas, at the transmitter, receiver or both, promises both higher data rates as well as greater reliability in point-to-point communication channels. While this is now well understood, it is only recently that the impact of multiple antenna systems in a wireless network is being systematically assessed. In this paper, using the example of the downlink of a cellular system, we review some of the issues related to throughput, delay and scheduling that arise when multiple antennas are deployed at the base station or at the user terminals.