Exploiting full duplex for device-to-device communications in heterogeneous networks

Abstract

In this article, we discuss full duplex for heterogenous networks that accommodate the coexistence of device-to-device communications. The short link distance and lower transmit power of device-to-device communications make them excellent candidates to exploit full duplex inband transmission. By incorporating power allocation for self-interference cancellation based on antenna isolation, analog cancellation, and digital cancellation, full-duplex device-to-device, FD-D2D, nodes can potentially improve spectrum efficiency in HetNets. We provide a comprehensive overview on FD-D2D communications in HetNets. Additionally, we identify several challenges, provide potential solutions to interference mitigation based on power control, beamforming, and resource scheduling, and further discuss applications of FD in 5G networks.