The rate maximization problem in DSL with mixed spectrum and signal coordination

Theoretical research has demonstrated that the gains in data rate achievable with spectrum coordination or signal coordination techniques are substantial for digital subscriber line (DSL) networks. Work on these two fronts has progressed steadily and usually independently. In this paper, we combine the two types of coordination for a mixed DSL scenario, one in which some of the infrastructure required for full-fledged signal coordination is available, but not all. This kind of scenario, which is referred to as the discrete multi-tone MIMO interference channel (DMT MIMO IC), can be an important stepping stone for the development of DSL towards a fully signal coordinated architecture. Our solution has characteristics of both signal and spectrum coordination and delivers good performance.