Experimental Validation of Coherent Joint Transmission in a Distributed-MIMO System with Analog Fronthaul for 6G

The sixth-generation (6G) mobile networks must increase coverage and improve spectral efficiency, especially for cell-edge users. Distributed multiple-input multiple-output (D-MIMO) networks can fulfill these requirements provided that transmission/reception points (TRxPs) of the network can be synchronized with sub-nanosecond precision, however, synchronization with current backhaul and fronthaul digital interfaces is challenging. For 6G new services and scenarios, analog radio-over-fiber (ARoF) is a prospective alternative for future mobile fronthaul where current solutions fall short to fulfill future demands on bandwidth, synchronization, and/or power consumption. This paper presents an experimental validation of coherent joint transmissions (CJTs) in a two TRxPs D-MIMO network where ARoF fronthaul links allow to meet the required level of synchronization. Results show that by means of CJT a combined diversity and power gain of +5 dB is realized in comparison with a single TRxP transmission.