Distributed Linear Precoding and User Selection in Coordinated Multicell Systems

In this paper, we tackle the problem of semidistributed user selection with distributed linear precoding for sum-rate maximization in multiuser multicell systems. A set of adjacent base stations (BSs) forms a cluster to perform coordinated transmission to cell-edge users, and coordination is carried out through a central processing unit (CU). However, the message exchange between BSs and the CU is limited to scheduling control signaling, and no user data or channel state information (CSI) exchange is allowed. In the considered multicell coordinated approach, each BS has its own set of cell-edge users and transmits only to one intended user while interference to nonintended users at other BSs is suppressed by signal steering (precoding). We use two distributed linear precoding schemes, namely, distributed zero forcing and distributed virtual signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (DVSINR). Considering multiple users per cell and the backhaul limitations, the BSs rely on local CSI to solve the user selection problem. First, we investigate how the signal-to-noise ratio regime and the number of antennas at the BSs impact the effective channel gain (the magnitude of the channels after precoding) and its relationship with multiuser diversity. Considering that user selection must be based on the type of implemented precoding, we develop metrics of compatibility (estimations of the effective channel gains) that can be computed from local CSI at each BS and reported to the CU for scheduling decisions. Based on such metrics, we design user selection algorithms that can find a set of users that potentially maximizes the sum rate. Numerical results show the effectiveness of the proposed metrics and algorithms for different configurations of users and antennas at the BSs.