Abstract
Large propagation path loss and limited scattering
of millimeter wave (mm-wave) channels create new challenges for physical
layer signal processing. Hence, in this paper, we propose a photonic
hybrid precoding model for mm-wave radio-over-fiber systems that
overcomes hardware constraints on radio frequency precoding. With the
help of analog photonic beamformers, the hybrid precoding strategy
combats the large losses of mm-wave and mitigates inter-user
interference, which in turn reduces the number of RF chains required to
perform digital beamforming. The simulation results show that the
proposed model can offer significant coding gains over conventional RF
hybrid precoding systems. Unlike RF hybrid precoding systems, the
photonic hybrid precoding systems can provide higher data rates and
lower error rates in multi-user transmission scenarios.