Enhancing Cell-Free Massive MIMO networks through LEO Satellite Integration

This paper proposes a hybrid network architecture combining a cell-free Massive MIMO terrestrial layout with a low Earth orbit satellite segment jointly targeting the maximization of the minimum per-user rate in the coverage area. Towards this end, an optimization framework is proposed, alongside a greedy solution, that diverts the terrestrial users experiencing poor propagation conditions to the satellite segment. Simulation results show the substantial benefits this integrated approach brings along, very specially when the terrestrial segment operates single-antenna access points or is sparsely deployed.Grant numbers : TERESA - Hybrid TERrEstrial/Satellite Air Interface for 5G and Beyond (TEC2017-90093-C3-1-R)