Towards Standardizing Affine Frequency Division Multiplexing (AFDM) for Future Wireless Networks
Qu Luo, Lixia Xiao, Pei Xiao, Zilong Liu, Yin Xu, Qihao Peng, Zeping Sui, Hee Wook Kim, HΓΌseyin Arslan
arxiv.org/abs/2606.13416 [ππππ.ππΏ]
ALT Affine frequency division multiplexing (AFDM) has emerged as a compelling waveform candidate for future wireless networks, owing to its strong resilience to doubly selective channels and its ability to enable the seamless integration of communication and sensing functionalities. Against this context, this article provides a systematic study of AFDM from a standardization perspective. We first introduce the principles of AFDM and discuss the major considerations involved in waveform standardization. We then examine the backwards compatibility of AFDM with 4G/5G multi-numerology frameworks and their anticipated evolution, frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) radar waveforms, and long-range (LoRa) modulation, demonstrating that AFDM can be incorporated into legacy processing chains with limited modification. Key standardization-critical capabilities are further discussed, including multiple-antenna and multi-user support, and peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR). Finally, we investiga