System-Level Performance Analysis of Relay-Aided Multiple-Antenna Cellular Networks

Motivated by recent results regarding the performance analysis, in terms of coverage probability and average rate, of microwave single-antenna cellular networks with Half Duplex (LID) Relay Nodes (RNs) by using a stochastic-geometry approach, in this work we extend this study by considering multiple-antenna Base Stations (BSs) and RNs. Analytical formulas are provided for the achieved coverage probability and average rate of these networks, which are shown to closely match the simulation results. In addition, the simulation results show that the availability or not of a large antenna array determines whether RNs can be beneficial to the network in terms of coverage improvement. In particular, substantial coverage gains are observed for a massive-antenna deployment, whereas no rate gains are achieved due to the half-duplex constraint of the RNs.