Stochastic Precoding for MISO Interference Channels with Channel Mean Feedback

This work considers linear precoding strategies for multiple-input single-out (MISO) interference channels with channel mean feedback at transmitters, where the interference at each receiver is treated as additive noise. The challenge here is that previous precoder designs with perfect channel state information (CSI) at transmitters do not apply and new approaches are required. Based on the Laplace transform order, an altruistic non-equilibrium strategy, i.e., the stochastic zero forcing, is first proposed under practical assumptions, generalizing the traditional zero forcing which requires perfect CSI. Interestingly, the precoding matrices here are all rank-one beamformers as in the traditional zero forcing. The competitive use of the common physical media in MISO interference channels is also formulated as a strategic noncooperative game. In contrast to the perfect CSI case with a unique rank-one Nash equilibrium, with channel mean feedback, the Nash equilibria here are not necessarily rank-one in general. Nevertheless, when achieved by the rank-one beamforming, the equilibrium is unique and convenient for implementation. Accordingly, the condition for beamforming to achieve the equilibrium is derived. Comparisons of the above two strategies reveal no overall dominance of one over the other, thereby establishing stochastic zero forcing as an alternative to the Nash equilibrium designs.

I. Introduction

Wireless communication paradigms have evolved from point-to-point communications, multiple accessing and broadcasting, relaying and cooperation, to communications over general wireless networks with interferences. With recent advances in cognitive radio networks [1]–[3], there has been a surge in research efforts on interference channels.