Abstract:
A multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) communication system comprising a master base station and a slave base station. The master base station has a plurality of transmit antennas and transmits a first set of data to a mobile station in a first transmission. The slave base station has a plurality of transmit antennas and transmits a second set of data to the mobile station in the first transmission. The master base station retransmits the second set of data to the mobile station during a first retransmission and the slave base station retransmits the first set of data to the mobile station during the first retransmission.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/932,754 filed Jul. 1, 2013 by Kelvin Kar-Kin Au, et al. entitled, “Systems and Methods for Network MIMO” (Attorney Docket No. 44752-US-CNT2-4214-57303), which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 8,537,773, issued on Sep. 17, 2013 entitled, “Systems and Methods for Network MIMO” (Attorney Docket No. 44752-US-CNT), which is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. 8,331,308, issued on Dec. 11, 2012 entitled, “Systems and Methods for Network MIMO” (Attorney Docket No. 44752-US-PAT), which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/986,846 filed Nov. 9, 2007 by Kelvin Kar-Kin Au, et al. entitled, “Systems and Methods for Network MIMO” (Attorney Docket No. 44752-US-PRV), all of which are incorporated by reference herein as if reproduced in their entirety. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to communication systems in general, and particularly to MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) communication systems. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    In a MIMO communication system, a transmitter transmits data through multiple transmitting antennas and a receiver receives data through multiple receiving antennas. The data to be transmitted is usually divided between the transmitting antennas. Each receiving antenna receives data from all the transmitting antennas, so if there are M transmitting antennas and N receiving antennas, then the signal will propagate over M x N channels, each of which has its own channel response. The movement of the receiver in relation to the transmitter results in significant fluctuation in channel conditions. The multiple antennas provide spatial diversity for communications. Typically, if the receiver requires a large transmission power for data, for example a receiver that is geographically located at the edge of a communication cell, the receiver is attended to by using a different transmission than receivers in closer proximity to the transmitter. 
         [0004]    In order to improve coverage and throughput, network MIMO can be used. In network MIMO, each receiver is in network MIMO communication with multiple transmitters. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    In accordance with a broad aspect, there is provided a mobile station in a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) system for enabling network MIMO communication between the mobile station and a plurality of base stations. The mobile station comprises a plurality of receive antennas and a control system. The control system is configured to receive in an initial transmission a first set of data transmitted by a master base station and a second set of data transmitted by a slave base station; and receive in a first retransmission the second set of data retransmitted by the master base station. 
         [0006]    In some embodiments, the control system is further configured to receive in the first retransmission the first set of data retransmitted by the slave base station. 
         [0007]    In some embodiments, the control system receives the retransmitted second set of data from the master base station synchronously with the retransmitted first set of data from the slave base station. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the control system receives the retransmitted second set of data from the master base station asynchronously with the retransmitted first set of data from the slave base station. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the first set of data comprises the symbols s 1 , s 2 , −s 1 *, and s 1 * and the second set of data comprises the symbols s 3 , s 4 , −s 4 *, and s 3 *, where * denotes complex conjugate. 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, the symbols s 1 , s 2 , −s 1 *, and Ware space-time coded, and the symbols s 3 , s 4 , −s 4 *, and s 3 * are space-time coded. 
         [0011]    In accordance with another broad aspect, there is provided a method in a mobile station in a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) system for enabling network MIMO communication between the mobile station and a plurality of base stations. The method comprises receiving in an initial transmission a first set of data transmitted by a master base station and a second set of data transmitted by a slave base station and receiving in a first retransmission the second set of data retransmitted by the master base station. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving in the first retransmission the first set of data retransmitted by the slave base station. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, receiving the retransmitted second set of data from the master base station occurs synchronously with receiving the retransmitted first set of data from the slave base station. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, receiving the retransmitted second set of data from the master base station occurs asynchronously with receiving the retransmitted first set of data from the slave base station. 
         [0015]    In accordance with still another broad aspect, there is provided a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) communication system comprising a master base station having a plurality of transmit antennas and configured to transmit a first set of data to a mobile station in a first transmission and a slave base station having a plurality of transmit antennas and configured to transmit a second set of data to the mobile station in the first transmission. The master base station is further configured to retransmit the second set of data to the mobile station during a first retransmission. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the slave base station is further configured to retransmit the first set of data to the mobile station during the first retransmission. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the master base station retransmits the second set of data synchronously with the slave base station retransmitting the first set of data. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, the master base station retransmits the second set of data asynchronously with the slave base station retransmitting the first set of data. 
         [0019]    In accordance with yet another broad aspect, there is provided a method in a multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) communication system. The method comprises in a master base station, transmitting a first set of data to a mobile station in a first transmission; in a slave base station, transmitting a second set of data to the mobile station in the first transmission; and in the master base station, retransmitting the second set of data to the mobile station during a first retransmission. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the method further comprises, in the slave base station, retransmitting the first set of data to the mobile station during the first retransmission. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments, retransmitting the second set of data to the mobile station during the first retransmission occurs synchronously with retransmitting the first set of data to the mobile station during the first retransmission. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, retransmitting the second set of data to the mobile station during the first retransmission occurs asynchronously with retransmitting the first set of data to the mobile station during the first retransmission. 
         [0023]    Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent, to those ordinarily skilled in the art, upon review of the following description of the specific embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying diagrams, in which: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  depicts a MIMO communication system for network MIMO transmissions in accordance with an embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  depicts transmission of a look-up table of possible combinations of network MIMO groups for a mobile station; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  depicts a representative example of one possible frame diagram of network MIMO with backhaul communication; 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  depicts a representative example of one possible frame diagram of mobile-assisted network MIMO communication; 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is an example schematic diagram of three network MIMO zones for each BS; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 6 and 7  depict exemplary scattering of pilot symbols; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  depicts a diagram of a HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) re-transmission scheme; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  is a plot relating to network MIMO precoding; 
           [0033]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart of a method, in a system, of enabling network MIMO among a plurality of base stations and at a least one mobile station; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart of a method, in a mobile station, of enabling network MIMO among a plurality of base stations and at a least one mobile station. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    In a MIMO system, a base station (BS) provides communication services for a coverage area or cell in a wireless communication system. The term “base station” can refer to any access point providing coverage to an area. The BS transmits communication signals to mobile stations (MSs) via multiple antennas. MSs are also commonly referred to as user terminals, user equipment, and communication devices, for instance. The term “mobile station” can refer to any receiving device (stationary or mobile). At a MS side, multiple receive antennas are employed for each MS. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  shows a MIMO communication system  10  for network MIMO. MIMO communication system  10  includes BSs BS A    100 , BS B    102 , BS C    104  and MSs MS 1    106 , and MS 2    108 . Each of MS 1    106  and MS 2    108  can be a wireless device, such as a cellular telephone, a computer with a wireless modem, or a PDA (personal Digital Assistant). 
         [0037]    Each of BS A    100 , BS B    102 , BS C    104  serves a particular cell to facilitate communication with one or more MSs located within the cell associated with the corresponding BS. MS 1    106  is linked to BS A    100 , and MS 2    108  is linked to BS C    104 . Thus, BS A    100  and BS C    104  are the serving BSs for MS 1    106  and MS 2    108 , respectively. MS 1    106  is located at the intersection of two cells, as is MS 2    108 . As such, they are known as “cell-edge” MSs. It is to be understood that cell-edge MSs are a particular example, and embodiments are not limited to cell-edge MSs. 
         [0038]    In operation, network MIMO combines antennas from BSs located in neighboring cells to transmit multiple streams to one or more MSs. Thus, each MS is in network MIMO communication with multiple BSs, including its serving BS. More particularly, in network MIMO MS 1    106  can be in network MIMO communication with BS A    100  and either BS B    102  or BS C    104 . MS 2    108  can be in network MIMO communication with BS C    104  and either BS A    100  or BS B    102 . 
         [0039]    In order to support network MIMO, various features are provided by the embodiments described herein: network MIMO co-ordination, feedback, network MIMO with backhaul communications, mobile-assisted network MIMO, network MIMO zone, HARQ re-transmission, and precoded network MIMO. These features are described below. 
         [0040]    The following describes network MIMO co-ordination. As noted above, in network MIMO each MS is in network MIMO communication with multiple BSs To determine which BSs are in network MIMO communication with a particular MS, each MS is provided with an “active set.” The active set of a MS indicates eligible BSs for network MIMO transmission with that particular MS. The active set may be stored or updated by a MS from time to time. In the example of  FIG. 1 , MS 1    106  and MS 2    108  each have an active set that indicates that BS A    100 , BS B    102 , and BS C    104  are eligible for network MIMO transmission. 
         [0041]    An active set can be based on any number of considerations, such as the best BSs to be used from a signal strength, proximity, or interference standpoint. For example, the active set of a MS can be based on the signal strength of the preamble of a signal received by the MS. It is to be understood that generation of the active set is not limited to these considerations. 
         [0042]    Generally, multiple BSs participating in network MIMO with a MS can be collectively referred to as a “network MIMO group” for a particular MS. The network MIMO group can be a subset of the MS&#39;s active set. BSs participating in network MIMO transmission can be referred to as “participating BSs.” In  FIG. 1 , MS 1    106  has a network MIMO group  112  consisting of BS A    100  and BS B    102 . MS 2    108  has a network MIMO group  114  consisting of BS B    102  and BS C    104 . Although in  FIG. 1  the network MIMO group of MS 1    106  and MS 2    108  is a subset of the MS&#39;s active set, this does not have to be the case. 
         [0043]    The active set can indicate BSs eligible for network MIMO download and upload. If such download and upload active sets are used, the network MIMO group contains all or a subset of the BSs that are the union of the download and upload active sets. The upload and download groups can be different or the same. 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , BS A    100  has a control system  115  which is adapted to configure a network MIMO zone. Network MIMO zones are described in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 5 . Each BS can have a control system. 
         [0045]    An MS determines a network MIMO group based on its active set. An MS may determine the network MIMO group using a look-up table of possible combinations of network MIMO groups, based on the MS&#39;s active set. Many combinations are possible.  FIG. 2  depicts transmission of a look-up table  116  of possible combinations of network MIMO groups for MS 1    106 . The second column of the look-up table  116  defines a combination of network MIMO groups, and the first column defines indices such that each index is associated with a respective combination. Various indexing schemes are possible. According to one indexing scheme, if there is a maximum of N BSs in the network MIMO group, then the look-up table contain combinations of the N−1 BSs, excluding the serving BS. This keeps the number of possible combinations smaller, such that the combinations can be signaled with less overhead. However, the combinations in the table could be extended to include the serving BS. If the serving BS is excluded from the combinations, the number of rows in the look-up table would be 2 (N−1) −1. Such an indexing scheme has been used for the look-up table  116 . Referring to  FIG. 2 , MS 1    106  can have a maximum of 3 BSs in any of its network MIMO groups, so the look-up table  116  contains combinations of 3−1=2 BSs, excluding serving BS A    100 . Look-up table  116  has 2 (3−1) −1=3 rows. Referring to the first row, a network MIMO group consisting of BS B    102  is associated with index “0”. Referring to the second row, a network MIMO group consisting of BS C    104  is associated with index “1”. Referring to the third row, a network MIMO group consisting of BS B    102  and BS C    104  is associated with index “2”. 
         [0046]    MS 1    106  generates the look-up table  116  based on its active set. The look-up table  116  is stored at MS 1    106  and its serving BS A    100 . Alternatively, the look-up table  116  is generated independently at serving BS A    100  by following certain rules. For example, if MS 1    106  sends a network MIMO group in a certain order, the look-up table can be generated according to such order. Although in this example the rule for generating the table depends on the order in which MS 1    106  reports the network MIMO group, other rules may be used. 
         [0047]    After generating the look-up table  116 , MS 1    106  determines a network MIMO group and can transmit an index associated with the network MIMO group. The index can be transmitted on an uplink (UL) feedback channel. Transmitting the index can require N−1 bits, which may not be large in practical network MIMO communication systems. 
         [0048]    In the example of  FIG. 2 , if MS 1    106  decides to receive network MIMO transmissions from BS A    100  and BS B    102 , then MS 1    106  looks up the combination BS B    102  in the look-up table  116 , notes that this combination is associated with index “1”, and transmit index “1”. MS 1    106  transmits the index to its serving BS A    100 , which relays the index to the remaining BSs in the network MIMO group, namely BS B    102  and BS C    104  (illustrated using solid lines). Alternatively, MS 1    106  broadcasts the index to the network MIMO group, namely BS A    100  and BS B    102  (illustrated using broken lines). The index may be transmitted on a UL feedback channel. In addition to an index, MS identification data, such as a MS identifier (ID), can also be transmitted to a BS in order to allow that BS to decode information from and relay information to the MS. Whenever the network MIMO group of a MS changes, for example due to a change in the active set of that MS, its serving BS sends the updated look-up table to the remaining BSs in the updated active set. 
         [0049]    Upon receipt of the index from MS 1    106 , a BS retrieves the corresponding network MIMO group, and prepares for network MIMO accordingly. For example, BS B    102  will note that it is listed in the network MIMO group and prepares for network MIMO with MS 1    106 , while BS C    104  notes that it is not listed in the network MIMO group and therefore does not prepare for network MIMO with MS 1    106 . 
         [0050]    The above described network MIMO co-ordination, including determining a network MIMO group based on an active set. Before such determination, a MS can be involved in feedback to assist in making that determination. The following describes such feedback. 
         [0051]    MSs that are eligible for network MIMO are sent an indication of eligibility for network MIMO. Such indication can be sent to MSs within a cell, cell-edge MSs, or both. 
         [0052]    Upon receiving an indication of network MIMO, a MS measures C/I (Carrier to Interference Ratio) based on pilots the MS has received. 
         [0053]    The MS determines whether it is ready to receive network MIMO transmission. The determination can be based on various factors. Three example factors are described below. 
         [0054]    The determination can be based on an absolute C/I threshold and/or a difference in the C/Is of a MS&#39;s neighboring BSs, since the MS has full knowledge of the channel conditions of the BSs in the active set. 
         [0055]    The determination can be based on instantaneous or average channel conditions. In this case, a subset of the BSs could be in the active set. 
         [0056]    The determination can be based on the MS&#39;s receiver structure, for example Minimum Mean-Squared Error (MMSE) or Successive Interference Cancellation (SIC) with MMSE. With SIC, the MS can decide to do network MIMO when three is a larger differential in the C/I between serving BS and the remaining BSs in its active set than in the case where SIC is not used. 
         [0057]    If the MS determines that it is not ready, the MS does not send a network MIMO indication. IF the MS determines that it is ready, the MS sends feedback information, including a network IMO indication, information on the C/Is, an index, and an indication of MIMO mode. MIMO mode refers to the type of MIMO transmission, such as open-loop, closed-loop, blast, SM (spatial multiplexing), and STTD (space-time transmit diversity). The MS can also send a preferred matrix index to indicate its choice of precoding. 
         [0058]    The MS sends the feedback to all BSs in the network MIMO group, or a subset of it. 
         [0059]    The serving BS designates UL resources for the feedback information. The serving BS signals the location of the UL resources to the network MIMO group so that the network MIMO group can retrieve the feedback information. Since only a subset of the BSs in the network MIMO group may be involved in an actual network MIMO transmission, the BS sends the index on the uplink. 
         [0060]    Since the uplink and downlink active sets may be different, the UL feedback can be sent in two ways. If the participating BSs are in the uplink active set, the UL feedback channel can be adjusted so that it targets the participating BSs to hear the feedback. For example, if the participating BSs are in the uplink active set (e.g. in TDD (Time Division Duplex)), the UL feedback channel can be adjusted in terms of power. If the participating BSs are not in the uplink active set, the serving BS is responsible for decoding the UL feedback. 
         [0061]    The BS can encode transmissions vertically or horizontally, as described below. 
         [0062]    For vertical encoding or STTD, on C/I is reported. The C/I channel is scrambled by the MS ID. Since one encoded packet can be sent to multiple streams in vertical encoding, the participating BSs can encode the same data independently (since they have already been receiving copies of the MS data) and extract the portion of the encoded data for transmission. Alternatively, the serving BS encodes the data and sends the portion of the encoded data to the BSs in the network MIMO. 
         [0063]    For horizontal encoding, C/Is for different streams are reported for each participating BS. A C/I channel can be scrambled by the MS ID. The BSs that will participate in the network MIMO transmission to the MS may be signaled by the index of the look-up table. The order of the C/I report for each stream (whether it is encoded separately or jointly) corresponds to the order in the entry of the look-up table. 
         [0064]    The serving BS performs Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) selections based on the reported C/Is and signals the other participating BSs and MCS. Alternatively, MCS selection can be performed independently by the participating BSs. 
         [0065]      FIG. 3  depicts a representative example of one possible frame diagram of network MIMO with backhaul communication. MS 1    106 , BS A    100  and BS B    102  can communicate with each other over frames N to N+8. As noted above, MS 1    106  measures C/Is for the network MIMO. MS 1    106  feedbacks the C/Is to the serving BS A    100 . Serving BS A    100  can send to the other participating Bs, namely BS B    102 , scheduling information, which includes information on resource allocation, the MCS, the MIMO mode, and the transmission time (e.g. frame number with the appropriate offset for the different BSs). Alternatively, the scheduling can be performed by each participating BS individually. 
         [0066]    Serving BS A    100  can also send an indication of eligibility for network MIMO. 
         [0067]    BS B    102  can send an indication of participation in the network MIMO, for instance an acknowledgement (e.g. an ACK) to indicate participation, or a negative acknowledgement (e.g. a NACK) to indicate no participation for example due to loading in the BSs. 
         [0068]    If serving BS A    100  does not receive a response from BS B    102 , then BS A    100  can assume that the indication of eligibility was not received by BS B    102 . In that case, BS A    100  can resend the indication of eligibility. 
         [0069]    Where there are only two BSs in the network MIMO group, such as BS A    100  and BS B    102 , serving BS A    100  can change the MIMO mode if BS B    102  does not respond or a NACK is received. For example, an STTD rate  2  can be changed to STTD rate  1 . 
         [0070]    Finally, BS A    100  or BS B    102  transmits control signaling data and network MIMO data to MS 1    106 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 4  depicts a representative example of one possible frame diagram of mobile-assisted network MIMO communication, as an alternative to the network MIMO with backhaul communications of  FIG. 3 . Mobile-assisted network MIMO uses signaling between BSs and MSs to enable network MIMO transmissions. 
         [0072]    Mobile-assisted network MIMO eliminates backhaul signaling among BSs. It deals with network MIMO when at least one participating BS is from another cell. 
         [0073]    The MS is used relay information. Together with short frame duration, mobile-assisted Network MIMO reduces the scheduling delay and enables more dynamic scheduling. 
         [0074]    In every superframe, a set of resources for network MIMO transmission, known as a network MIMO zone, is configured. Network MIMO zones are described in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 5 . Participating BSs are determined based on MS feedback. 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , the steps of MS 1    106  measuring C/Is for the network MIMO and feeding back the C/Is to the master BS A    100  are the same as in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0076]    Afterwards, the serving BS A    100  schedules MS 1    106  in the network MIMO zone using a scheduler. A fixed amount of time is allowed to elapse between this decision of the scheduler and actual transmission, for instance  5  frames from N+4 to N+8 in the example of  FIG. 4 . 
         [0077]    BS A    100  sends scheduling information to MS 1    106 , including resource allocation, MCS, and MIMO mode. At frame N+5, MS 1    106  relays the scheduling info to the participating BSs, such as BS B    102 . 
         [0078]    BS B    102  sends an indication of participation in the network MIMO, such as an ACK, to MS 1    106 , so that MS 1    106  can be ready to decode data from BS B    102 . This allows MS 1    106  to determine how many participating BSs successfully receive the indication of eligibility for network MIMO. If MS 1    106  does not receive an ACK/NACK from BS B    102 , it assumes that the indication of eligibility for network MIMO was not received by BS B    102 . The MS 1    106  sends the scheduling info through higher-layer signaling to re-synchronize the data. 
         [0079]    Finally BS A    100  and BS B    102  transmit data to MS 1    106 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 5  is an example schematic diagram of three network MIMO zones for each BS. Generally, resources for network MIMO transmission are referred to as a “network MIMO zone”. The network MIMO zone can be described as a set of two dimensional resources (time and frequency), though in some embodiments code spreading can be used to provide a third dimension. The network MIMO zone can be a TDM (Time Divisional Multiplexing)-based zone, an FDM (Frequency Division Multiplexing)-based zone, or a combined TDM/FDM-based zone. 
         [0081]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , shown are resources  117 , 118 , 119  for BS B    102 , and BS C    104 , respectively. These resources are shown as having a two dimensional appearance in which the horizontal direction is frequency and the vertical direction is time. The resources for each BS are partitioned into 3 zones, which can be used for network MIMO transmission. In the example of  FIG. 5 , a MS is in network MIMO communication with BS A    100 , BS B    102 , and BS C    104  of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0082]    Shown are various types of partitions. For each resource, a BS known as the “master” BS transmits, and other participating BSs transmit as “slaves”. For illustration purposes, a network MIMO zone assigned to a master for network MIMO transmission is illustrated with dense stripes or dotting. A network MIMO zone assigned to a slave for network MIMO transmission is illustrated with light stripes or dotting. A network MIMO zone assigned to a BS for non-network-MIMO transmission is illustrated with blank space. If there is no data transmission in a network MIMO zone, non-network MIMO transmission can be scheduled to avoid wastage of resources. 
         [0083]    More specifically, resource  117  has a network MIMO zone  120  assigned to BS A    100  as master for network MIMO transmission, a network MIMO zone  122  assigned to BS B    102  for non network MIMO transmission, and a network MIMO zone  124  assigned to BS C    104  as slave for network MIMO transmission. On network MIMO zone  120 , BS A    100  can transmit data to a network MIMO MS (not shown). BS A    100  can transmit, on network zone  122 , data to a non-network MIMO MS, i.e. a MS not in network MIMO with BSs BS A    100 , BS B    102 , and BS C    104 . BS A    100  can transmit, on network MIMO zone  124 , data that BS C    104  has instructed it to transmit, to the network MIMO MS. 
         [0084]    Resource  118  has a network MIMO zone  126  assigned to BS A    100  as slave for network MIMO transmission, a network MIMO zone  128  assigned to BS B    102  as master for network MIMO transmission, and a network MIMO zone  130  assigned to BS C    104  for non network MIMO transmission. Resource  119  has a network MIMO zone  132  assigned to BS A    100  for non network MIMO transmission, a network MIMO zone  134  assigned to BS B    102  as slave for network MIMO transmission, and a network MIMO zone  136  assigned to BS C    104  as master for network MIMO transmission. 
         [0085]    The same channelization procedure and hopping pattern arrangement can be used. Thus, the allocation of sub-resources to users in the same for all of the network MIMO zones for a network MIMO group. However, when no network MIMO is scheduled, BS specific channelization procedure and hopping pattern can be used. 
         [0086]    The size of the network MIMO zone can be configured every superframe based on the number of network MIMO users. 
         [0087]      FIGS. 6 and 7  depict exemplary scattering of pilot signals. BSs send pilot signals, which the MSs receive an use for channel estimation. Common pilots that are orthogonal can be used. This can facilitate channel estimation and precoder selection for closed loop network MIMO. 
         [0088]    The pilots can be sent for all antennas, or for a subset of antennas with cycling. Such pilot subset cycling can reduce pilot overhead. Alternatively, other pilots could be used, for example dedicated pilots. 
         [0089]      FIG. 6  depicts an embodiment where  2  BSs send pilots for all antennas. Shown on the left side is a network MIMO zone in which pilots for all of the two antennas of BS A    100  of  FIG. 1  have been scheduled, namely pilots  140 , 142 , 144 , 146 . Shown on the right side is a network MIMO zone in which pilots for all of the two antennas of BS B    102  of  FIG. 1  have been scheduled, namely pilots  148 , 150 , 152 , 154 . 
         [0090]    In operation, participating BSs send pilots to a MS. The MS receives the pilots, measures the C/Is for the pilots, estimate channels for all antennas, and report on the C/Is. 
         [0091]    The MS can be configured to receive data transmission from the antennas of the BSs and report on their C/Is in any number of ways. More specifically, the MS can be configured to receive data transmission from all antennas, data transmission with antenna hopping, or data transmission with antenna selection. 
         [0092]    In the case of data transmission from all antennas, the MS reports one or multiple C/Is for all antennas, and BSs transmit data from all antennas. Transmission at an STTD (Space-time block coding based transmit diversity) rate  2  can be used. 
         [0093]    In the case of data transmission with antenna hopping, the MS reports one or multiple C/Is for all antennas, and BSs transmit data on a subset of the antennas with a pre-defined hopping pattern which hops around all antennas. Transmission at an STTD rate  1  with antenna hopping can be used. 
         [0094]    In the case of data transmission with antenna selection, the MS reports one or multiple C/Is for a subset of antennas. The BSs transmit data on the subset of antennas. 
         [0095]    Since pilots are sent for all transmit antennas and the MS needs to estimate channels for all antennas, the embodiment of  FIG. 6  can represent a higher overhead and computation complexity. However, it can provide full flexibility to achieve spatial diversity. 
         [0096]      FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment where to BSs send a subset of pilots and cycle the pilots in a regular interval. Only a subset of pilots is sent on a network MIMO zone to reduce the pilot overhead. More specifically, BS A    100  of  FIG. 1  sends a subset consisting of pilots  140 , 142 , and later a subset consisting of pilots  144 , 146 . BS B    102  of  FIG. 1  sends a subset consisting of pilots  140 , 142 , and later a subset consisting of pilots  144 , 146 . 
         [0097]    Pilots are cycled in a pre-defined pattern in a regular interval for additional spatial diversity. In order to enable proper C/I reporting and channel estimation for data demodulation, the pilot cycling pattern can be configured to be changed only every superframe so that within the superframe, a MS reports and estimates channels from the same set of pilots. 
         [0098]    The MS measures the C/Is from all pilots. 
         [0099]    As with the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , in  FIG. 7  the MS can be configured for receiving data transmission from all antennas, data transmission with antenna hopping, or data transmission with antenna selection. 
         [0100]      FIG. 8  depicts a diagram of a HARQ re-transmission scheme. Re-transmission can be either synchronous or asynchronous. 
         [0101]    A network MIMO resource assignment can be persistent until either the packet is correctly received or N packets are correctly received. A MS may have enough data for consecutive transmissions without additional signaling. 
         [0102]    The data can be cycled through the BSs in re-transmission for additional diversity such that the MS receives all the data in subsequent re-transmissions even if only the serving BS is transmitting, for example in STTD rate  2 , 4 . Instead of STTD, Space-Time Coding (STC) could be used. 
         [0103]    In the example of  FIG. 8 , in an initial transmission, a first set of data (shown as symbols s 1 , s 2 , −s 1 *, and s 1 *) is sent by a master BS and a second set of data (shown as symbols s 3 , s 4 , −s 4 *, and s 3 *) is sent by a slave BS. In the first re-transmission, the second set of data is sent by the master BS and the first set of data is sent by the slave BS. 
         [0104]    As noted above in respect of  FIG. 2 , the BS can encode transmissions vertically or horizontally. 
         [0105]    In vertical encoding, one ACK/NACK is used for each transmission. The MS decodes the data successfully and sends an ACK to the BSs. All BSs receive the ACK. BSs can schedule other users in the resource. Where at least one BS does not receive the ACK or mistake it as a NACK, these BSs retransmit the data and do not hear the ACK/NACK again. In other words, they abort re-transmission. 
         [0106]    Where the MS is unable to decode the data, the MS sends a NACK as an ACK, the BS schedules non-network MIMO users in a network MIMO zone. The MS may still soft-combine all data, but half of the data will be corrupted. To resolve this issue, a re-transmission indicator (e.g.  1  bit) can be sent from each BS to indicate the presence of re-transmission from that particular BS. For example, the MS only soft-combine data from BSs with the indicator set to 1. Alternatively, the MS blindly detects the received signal (after soft-combining) by assuming that the received signal either contains the re-transmission or not. 
         [0107]    In horizontal encoding, on ACK/NACK is used for each layer. The sections of data are cycled for redundancy. When one layer finishes re-transmission, it can retransmit the data in another layer so that it can be soft combined for diversity (e.g. SFN transmission). For example, in a 2-layer spatial multiplexing, when the first layer is received successfully while the other layer is not, the same data for the 2 nd  layer can be transmitted on the first layer in subsequent re-transmissions. 
         [0108]    The following describes precoding in network MIMO. In a network MIMO zone, orthogonal common pilots facilitate channel estimation of the network MIMO channel and joint precoder selection. The joint precoder can be selected in many ways, for example by the serving BS, the other participating BSs, or the MS. The serving BS can select the joint precoder based on sounding. The MS can select the joint precoder based on feedback. 
         [0109]    In codebook-based precoding, the network MIMO MS determines a preferred precoder. 
         [0110]    Participating BSs obtain precoder feedback via a UL feedback channel, and may need to confirm the choice of precoder via backhaul handshake. 
         [0111]    If the precoder is a matrix of size N tx     —     total ×N streams , and each BS has N tx  transmit antennas, then the precoder is divided into blocks of an N tx ×N streams  submatrix with the master BS using the first block, and the second BS using the second block. The order is already determined by the look-up table  180 , and the index is signaled by the MS as described in respect of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0112]    To further illustrate network MIMO, a very specific example of a network MIMO communication system is set forth below. 
         [0113]    In a network MIMO zone, the pilot pattern used can be a four antenna pattern in accordance with C802.16m-08/172r1. Each BS transmits pilots for 2 different antennas. 
         [0114]    The HARZ re-transmission is asynchronous, synchronous, or RAS-HARQ. 
         [0115]    A permutation index can be used to signal the resource partition within the network MIMO zone in accordance with C802.16m-08/172r1. 
         [0116]    A diversity zone or a localized zone is used, as described below. 
         [0117]    In a diversity zone, a network MIMO zone is defined by using the same channelization procedure as for Fractional Frequency Reuse (FFR). A FFR zone corresponding to reuse one is used for network MIMO. A common hopping pattern is used by the coordinating BSs in this zone. If there is no MS eligible for network MIMO transmission, BS specific hopping pattern is used and non-network MIMO MSs are scheduled. 
         [0118]    In a localized zone, localized zones between coordinating BSs are physically aligned. Network MIMO is transparent to the user in the case of asynchronous HARQ. In synchronous HARQ or RAS-HARQ, only the timing of the re-transmissions is different in network MIMO to account for the delay associated with coordinating the transmissions. The C/I measurement pilots are located on the same tones as in the case of a network MIMO zone for non-network MIMO transmission. The control information is the same as in the network MIMO zone for non-network MIMO transmission. 
         [0119]    In terms of procedure, a BS configures a network MIMO zone with a neighboring BS. The location of the network MIMO zone, the coordinating BS ID, and the hopping pattern are signaled in a superframe header. The BS schedules a user in the network MIMO zone. The BS coordinates various aspects with the participating BSs supporting the serving BS, including user election and resource assignment. The BS sends control information and transmission data to the MS. Re-transmission can occur either inside or outside the network MIMO zone. 
         [0120]    A MS reports its active set to its serving BS, which can be based on signal strength, or a static determination. This indicates which BSs can be used for network MIMO transmission. For an open loop, the MS measures and reports the C/I for STTD or SM (spatial multiplexing) to the serving BS. For a closed loop, the MS measures and reports a precoding matrix index (PMI), a rank and C/I to the serving BS. The rank generally refers to the number of streams that the MS is able to receive. The MS decodes the control and transmitted data, and sends an ACK/NACK to the serving BS. 
         [0121]      FIG. 9  is a plot relating to network MIMO precoding. The plot shows cumulative distribution functions (CDF) against Signal to Noise Ratios (SNR) for various scenarios).  FIG. 9  shows the possible gain or network MIMO over 2×2 CL (closed loop) MIMO and 4×2 CL MIMO. It also shows the gain over the case where the most dominant interferer is not transmitting. 
         [0122]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart of a method  180 , in a system, of enabling network MIMO among a plurality of BSs and at a least one MS. Step  182  involves configuring at a BS a network MIMO zone based on an indication of at least one other BS eligible for network MIMO. The network MIMO zone is defined by resources having at least time and frequency dimensions allocated for master transmission under control of the BS, or slave transmission under control of one of the at least one other BS eligible for network MIMO. 
         [0123]      FIG. 11  is a flowchart of a method  200 , in a MS, of enabling network MIMO among a plurality of BSs and at a least one MS. Step  202  involves determining at the MS BSs eligible for network MIMO. Step  204  involves transmitting an indication of the BSs eligible for network MIMO to at least one of the BSs eligible for network MIMO. Step  206  involves receiving data on a network MIMO zone from at least one antenna of a BS of the BSs eligible for network MIMO. The network MIMO zone is defined by a resource allocated for master transmission under control of the BS, or slave transmission under control of another BS eligible for network MIMO. 
         [0124]    What has been described is merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Other arrangements and methods can be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.