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In this paper, we provide a study of channel-aware decision fusion (DF) over a “virtual” multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel in the large-array regime at the DF center (DFC). The considered scenario takes into account channel estimation and inhomogeneous large-scale fading between the sensors and the DFC. The aim is the development of (widely) linear fusion rules, as opposed to the unsuitable optimum log-likelihood ratio (LLR). The proposed rules can effectively benefit from performance improvement via a large array, differently from existing suboptimal alternatives. Performance evaluation, along with theoretical achievable performance and complexity analysis, is presented. Simulation results are provided to confirm the findings. Analogies and differences with uplink communication in a multiuser (massive) MIMO scenario are underlined.
Ciuonzo et al. (Tue,) studied this question.