Massive MIMO Design for 5G Networks: An Overview on Alternative Antenna Configurations and Channel Model Challenges

With the growth of mobile data application and the ultimate expectations of 5G technology, the need to expand the capacity of the wireless networks is inevitable. Massive MIMO technique is currently taking a major part of the ongoing research, and expected to be the key player in the new cellular technologies. This papers presents an overview of the major aspects related to massive MIMO design including, antenna array general design, configuration, and challenges, in addition to advanced beamforming techniques and channel modeling and estimation issues affecting the implementation of such systems.