Macro-diversity versus micro-diversity system capacity with realistic receiver RFFE model

This paper studies the evolution of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system capacity in the context of macro-diversity antenna configurations, with respect to system parameters such as the distance between mobile devices. In this context, we redefine an accurate channel model by proposing a realistic configuration of the RF front end (RFFE). The impact of this improved model on system capacity is first checked in the micro-diversity context, when comparing our results with the model classically used in the literature. This new model is shown to explain some phenomena observed in actual implementations. Then, in the macro-diversity context, we concentrate on the usefulness of adding antennas, depending on the distance to the transmitter or receiver. The obtained results are strongly impacted by the RFFE model.