Artificial Intelligence for Wireless Physical-Layer Technologies (AI4PHY): A Comprehensive Survey

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a promising solution for meeting the stringent performance requirements on wireless physical layer in sixth-generation (6G) communication systems, due to its strong ability to learn complex model, achieve end-to-end optimization and adapt to dynamic environments. This article provides a comprehensive review with respect to artificial intelligence for wireless physical-layer technologies (AI4PHY). Specifically, we first analyze the characteristics of the classic AI techniques and their potential applications for physical-layer technologies. Then we study the AI-enhanced designs from the point of view of the basic physical-layer modules, including coding, modulation, multiple access, multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO), channel estimation, as well as relay transmission. The standardization progress of AI4PHY in 3GPP is also discussed. Based on the current AI4PHY researches, we propose some potential future research directions to inspire and encourage the further exploration.