Simulating polarisation diversity and power allocation in MIMO channels

MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) channels are known for some time now to offer either greater link gains or better spectral efficiency, depending on the correlation level of the scattering environment [1]. However, the benefits to be gained from the use of smarter antenna topologies do definitely not rule out gains available by the use of other techniques, such as polarisation diversity. The present paper investigates the benefits offered by this technique in an outdoor-to-indoor microcell scenario. More specifically, it corroborates previous conclusions drawn from measurements presented in [2] with the help of simulation results. These results have been produced using the COSSAP implementation of a stochastic model of MIMO radio channels developed in the framework of European-funded IST (Information Society Technologies) METRA (Multi Element Transmit and Receive Antenna) project [3]. Moreover, two power allocation strategies are applied to the scenario under study and their performance is compared.