Cell-free massive MIMO Architecture-Based Advanced Spectrum Sharing solutions for 6G and beyond networks

Objective

Future 6G wireless systems will play a key role in meeting the growing demands of society. The ambitious key performance indicators of 6G, together with the pressing need for sustainable and energy-efficient networks, call for the adoption of novel technologies and designs. In this context, cell-free massive MIMO has emerged as a cornerstone technology for 6G, offering scalability, reliability, and energy efficiency, while spectrum sharing is regarded as a vital enabler for ensuring efficient use of scarce frequency resources. CABASS-6G is a 24-month research project that focuses on the Cell-free massive MIMO Architecture-Based Advanced Spectrum Sharing Solutions for next-generation wireless systems. More specifically, the project aims to design mathematical frameworks, multiple access schemes, and power control strategies that enable efficient underlay spectrum sharing between primary incumbent users and secondary mobile users in the upper mid-band. Considering distributed antenna deployments and user-centric architectures, CABASS-6G will propose novel waveform and filter designs, as well as adaptive transmission strategies, also employing machine learning, to optimize both spectral and energy efficiency while ensuring reliable coexistence. The developed approaches will be also validated through a spectrum sharing demonstrator based on cell-free. The project will be carried out by Dr. Enukonda Venkata Pothan, currently Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Information Technology Senapati, Manipur (India), under the supervision of Prof. Stefano Buzzi at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio (Italy). A secondment at the American College of Greece Research Center, under the supervision of Prof. Constantinos Papadias, will provide additional expertise and facilities for the validation of the proposed solutions. CABASS-6G will thus advance fundamental research in 6G networks, while enhancing the career development of the researcher within Europe.