Improving performance of ad hoc and vehicular networks using the LCMV beamformer

Beamforming techniques can enhance both capacity and coverage in wireless networks. To be efficient, most of these techniques require accurate estimation of the destination position. In vehicular environments, standard beamforming is not suitable when continuous tracking of node location is required. To handle inaccuracies in location estimation, this work uses Linearly Constrained Minimum Variance (LCMV) beamforming to form beams in adjoining directions to facilitate tracking. The directions are selected using the last accurate destination direction and movement parameters such as direction and speed variations of the source. Performance evaluations show that the proposed approach enhances system capacity and connectivity while reducing localization overhead.