On the Performance Limitations of Realistic Massive MIMO Deployments in 5G mmWave Wireless Cellular Networks

In this paper the performance of realistic massive multiple input multiple output configurations operating at the millimeter wave frequency band is evaluated. Performance is evaluated statistically by executing a sufficient number of Monte Carlo simulations with the help of a developed semi-static simulator in a fifth-generation multicellular orientation. According to the results, although the increase in the number of radiating elements potentially leads to improved performance metrics (e.g., increased throughput, reduced blocking probability and transmission power), the deployment of an increased number of highly directional beams in predefined angular locations can lead to performance degradation. In particular, for 128 radiating elements and 8 directional beams per base station (BS), total throughput can reach 2320 Mbps with an equivalent transmission power per BS less than 2 W. However, system performance in terms of accepted users and blocking probability can deteriorate significantly when considering an equivalent grid of beams with 16 active sectors.