Massive MIMO for Tactical Ad-hoc Networks in RF Contested Environments

Abstract

Survivability of wireless communications segments in tactical military networks is an enormous challenge in the present and future defence forces, especially as these networks usually operate in radio frequency (RF) contested environments. Therefore, it is necessary to develop techniques to provide effective and efficient communication in RF contested environments. Massive multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) techniques use a large number of antennas enabling higher degrees of freedom that can improve communications network's survivability and efficiency compared to conventional MIMO or single antenna systems. This paper presents a novel massive MIMO communications system which enhances the throughput of the network, reduces the bit-error-rate and mitigates the interference from high powered jammers. Simulation results in contested environments verify the effectiveness of this system.