Massive MIMO with a Generalized Channel Model: Fundamental Aspects

Abstract: Massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) is becoming a mature technology, and has been approved for standardization in the 5G ecosystem. Although there is a large body of papers on the theoretical analysis of massive MIMO, the majority of relevant work assumes the simplified, yet overly idealistic, Kronecker-type model for spatial correlation. Motivated by the deficiencies of the Kronecker model, we invoke a naturally generalized spatial correlation model, that is the Weichselberger model. For this model, we pursue a comprehensive analysis of massive MIMO performance in terms of channel hardening and favorable propagation (FP). We identify a number of scenarios under which massive MIMO may fail, in terms of channel hardening and FP, and discuss their relevance from a practical perspective.