Study of Robust Multiuser Scheduling and Power Allocation in Cell-Free MIMO Networks

Abstract

This paper introduces a robust resource allocation framework for the downlink of cell-free massive multi-input multi-output (CF-mMIMO) networks to address the effects caused by imperfect channel state information (CSI). In particular, the proposed robust resource allocation framework includes a robust user scheduling algorithm to optimize the network's sum-rate and a robust power allocation technique aimed at minimizing the mean square error (MSE) for a network with a linear precoder. Unlike non-robust resource allocation techniques, the proposed robust strategies effectively counteract the effects of imperfect CSI, enhancing network efficiency and reliability. Simulation results show a significant improvement in network performance obtained by the proposed approaches, highlighting the impact of robust resource allocation in wireless networks.