Error rate performance enhancement using hybrid equalization technique in MIMO-OFDM systems

MIMO-OFDM is the foundation for more advanced wireless local area network (Wireless LAN) and mobile broadband network standards because it achieves the greatest spectral efficiency and, delivers the highest capacity, data throughput and higher data rates. But, as the environment is wireless, the information being sent in such systems causes attenuation, path dispersion and ISI (Inter Symbol Interference). The ISI causes Bit Error Rate and degrades the performance of the system. The literature gives linear and nonlinear equalizers to overcome this ISI. The paper focus on hybridizing the results of linear and nonlinear equalizers and the use of optimal detection to minimize ISI with improved SNR and higher receiver diversity. The simulation results carried out in MATLAB shows an improvement of BER (0.001 at 12 dB SNR) when using the proposed equalizer compared to the existing equalizers. Thus, an enhancement in error rate performance is shown.