XL-MIMO channel measurement, characterization, and modeling for 6G: a survey

Extremely-large-scale multiple-input multiple-output (XL-MIMO) technology, offering vast spatial degrees of freedom by deploying a huge number of antennas, is a promising enabling technology to empower sixth-generation mobile networks (6G). The XL-MIMO channel model is a prerequisite of XL-MIMO technology optimization, system design, and performance evaluation. In this paper, we provide an overview of challenges and ongoing research in XL-MIMO channel measurement, characterization, and modeling. In particular, characterizing and modeling near-field effects and spatial non-stationarity (SnS) are discussed. Also, the channel modeling methods that can describe these new channel characteristics are surveyed. Furthermore, open issues in XL-MIMO channel measurement, characterization, and modeling are presented to give insights into future XL-MIMO channel research.