The interplay of link layer and physical layer under MIMO enhancement: Benefits and challenges

This article provides an analysis of the impact of the multi-antenna enhancement of the physical layer on the link layer performance of a wireless network. We first remain within the network-centric design philosophy and characterize the influence of MIMO enhancement on the stability-oriented scheduler design. We quantify the benefits in terms of average delay and work in the system under stability-optimal operation. Finally, the use of MIMO is discussed in the approach of minimum service provision, pertaining to the opposite user-centric design philosophy.