An overview of massive MIMO localization techniques in wireless cellular networks: Recent advances and outlook

Abstract The massive multiple-input-multiple-output (mMIMO) antenna systems are well known for their capability to achieve high spectral efficiency in wireless communication systems thanks to millimeter waves (mmWaves) which allow a large number of antennas to be deployed at the base stations (BSs). Aside from communication-based services, mMIMO BSs are presently being exploited for location estimation of user equipment due to their high angular resolution, low-cost implementation, and excellent performance in the indoor and clutter urban environments where line-of-sight may not be available. Although various mMIMO localization solutions have been proposed, there are still pressing issues yet to be resolved. To this end, this article first provides an overview of recent and relevant state-of-the-art survey papers on localization. Further to this, we provide various foundational background concepts based on the existing localization techniques applicable to mMIMO localization systems. Furthermore, we discuss various methods under each technique and we also identify some critical factors to be considered in a practical radio environment. Based on these techniques, we provide a comprehensive review of recent works on mMIMO localization. Finally, we suggest key research directions to be addressed in the future and also we discuss key enabling technologies that will enhance the performance of localization systems in 6G communication networks.