Pilot Assignment for Cell Free Massive MIMO Systems: A Successive Interference Cancellation Approach

Abstract

In the contemporary era, considerable attention has been directed towards exploring cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output (CF-M-MIMO) systems. This novel network paradigm has gained prominence as a potential solution for tackling the persistent challenge of inter-cell interference prevalent in traditional cellular MIMO networks. This study investigates a pilot assignment approach based on Successive Interference Cancellation (SIC) aimed at alleviating pilot contamination issues inherent in CF-M-MIMO systems. Through comprehensive numerical analyses and simulations, we demonstrate the efficacy and enhanced performance of the SIC-based approach competed with common random and greedy pilot assignment strategies. The proposed methodology addresses the critical challenge of pilot contamination, a phenomenon that severely impacts system performance and spectral efficiency. By iteratively decoding signals and canceling interference, the SIC algorithm optimizes pilot assignments, resulting in improved data rates and more efficient resource utilization. Our findings underscore the robustness and scalability of the SIC-based scheme across diverse system parameters and deployment scenarios, affirming its potential as a promising solution for enhancing the performance of CF-M-MIMO systems. Overall, this study contributes valuable insights into the design and optimization of pilot assignment strategies, offering a pathway for further research and development in the field of CF-M-MIMO systems.