Packet Scheduling in Wireless Systems using MIMO Arrays and VBLAST Architecture

In this paper, we investigate different packet scheduling techniques applied in MIMO to maximize spectral efficiency and to provide fairness among users. We investigate the performance of various schemes based on exploiting the VBLAST (Vertical Bell Labs Space Time) architecture and proportional fair (PF) scheduling. New algorithms using MIMO antennas and the VBLAST architecture are proposed to improve the performance of the PF scheme. Computer simulations are conducted to compare the different scheduling schemes in terms of cell throughputs and outage capacities. The degree of fairness (in terms of time delay and data rates) among the users for these schemes is also investigated.