Synchronization for OFDM-Based Communication System: a Brief Overview

The goal of current paper is to provide an overview of all synchronization tasks to be performed in orthogonal frequency – division multiplexing (OFDM) based communication system. Symbol timing and frequency synchronization solutions in systems with cyclic prefix (CP) are described. Basic channel estimation and equalization based on pilot tones is described and simulation results presented. Alternative channel estimation solutions proposed by various authors are compared. Simulation results of major synchronization tasks are presented. Simulation using Simulink software of communication systems employing different synchronization mechanisms is performed and BERs are determined. The impact of additive noise, multipath propagation and Rayleigh fading on synchronization is reviewed. Methods of improvement of OFDM synchronization mechanisms are outlined