Layered-Division Multiplexing: An Enabling Technology for Multicast/Broadcast Service Delivery in 5G

Future 5G systems will include a point-to-multipoint (P2MP) transmission mode to achieve high capacity and high spectrum efficiency for multiple use cases, such as IoT, lifeline communications, and broadcast-type services. Layered-division-multiplexing (LDM) is a novel non-orthogonal multiplexing technology recently adopted by the next generation digital TV broadcast system, ATSC 3.0, which is capable of providing significant capacity improvement when delivering multiple broadcast services simultaneously. This article explores the application of LDM as an enabling technology for 5G to achieve high-efficiency P2MP transmission and to deliver more diversified broadcast-type services using the mobile broadband infrastructure. The potential advantages that can be offered by LDM are demonstrated by capacity analysis and computer simulations. Coverage studies show that a 5G P2MP subsystem with LDM can deliver high-quality broadcast services using the broadband infrastructure. Finally, some general guidelines on the receiver implementation are presented to minimize the hardware complexity of consumer devices.