Optimal Time-Frequency Occupancy of Finite Packet OFDM

In this paper we consider the least time-frequency product necessary to transmit a small finite symbol packet such that the symbols can be independently detected. The system model assumed is offset QAM-OFDM, based on a finite duration pulse shape. The outcome is that the optimal pulse shape is of very short duration and that the optimal symbol allocation strategy is often to use as many subcarriers as there are symbols to transmit. Symbol packets up to 150 symbols are considered.