Efficient Deployment of Deep MIMO Detection Using Learngene

Abstract: Deep learning (DL) has introduced a new paradigm in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) detection, balancing performance and complexity. However, the practical deployment of DL-based detectors is hindered by poor generalization, necessitating costly retraining for different devices and scenarios. To address this challenge, this paper presents a novel knowledge transfer technique, termed learngene, for the design of a DL-based MIMO detector and proposes an efficient deployment framework. The proposed detector, SDNet, leverages zero-forcing detection outputs and least squares-estimated channel state information (CSI) as inputs. It is further optimized through a collective-individual paradigm to enhance knowledge transfer. In this paradigm, learngene, a reusable neural network (NN) segment, encapsulates detection meta-knowledge acquired from large-scale collective models trained by manufacturers. This segment can then be distributed to device-specific teams. By integrating learngene into different lightweight individual models, detection meta-knowledge is efficiently transferred across heterogeneous NNs, enabling adaptation to diverse devices and scenarios. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed scheme enhances performance, enables rapid adaptation, and ensures high scalability, with transferred parameters comprising only 10.8% of the total model size.