On the potential of full duplex performance in 5G ultra-dense small cell networks

Full duplex allows a device to transmit and receive simultaneously in the same frequency band, theoretically doubling the throughput compared to traditional half duplex systems. However, several limitations restrict the promised full duplex gain: non-ideal self-interference cancellation, increased inter-cell interference and traffic constraints. In this paper, we first study the self-interference cancellation capabilities by using a real demonstrator. Results show that achieving ~110 dB of cancellation is already possible with the current available technology, thus providing the required level of isolation to build an operational full duplex node. Secondly, we investigate the inter-cell interference and traffic constraints impact on the full duplex performance in 5th generation systems. System level results show that both the traffic and the inter-cell interference can significantly reduce the potential gain of full duplex with respect to half duplex. However, for large traffic asymmetry, full duplex can boost the performance of the lightly loaded link.