# Rate-Splitting Multiple Access: Fundamentals, Survey, and Future Research Trends

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2201.03192 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2201.03192/

## Key facts

- Cited by 11 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 10 Jan 2022.

## Built on by (most cited first, 11 of 11)

- [Leveraging Large Language Models for Integrated Satellite-Aerial-Terrestrial Networks: Recent Advances and Future Directions](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.04581/) (2024)
- [Deep Learning-Based Rate-Splitting Multiple Access for Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface-Aided Tera-Hertz Massive MIMO](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2209.08456/) (2022)
- [Modulation and Coding for NOMA and RSMA](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2410.00239/) (2024)
- [Model-based Deep Learning Receiver Design for Rate-Splitting Multiple Access](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2205.00849/) (2022)
- [Prompt-Assisted Semantic Interference Cancellation on Moderate Interference Channels](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2408.04283/) (2024)
- [Completion Time Minimization of Fog-RAN-Assisted Federated Learning With Rate-Splitting Transmission](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2206.01373/) (2022)
- [A Meta-Learning Based Precoder Optimization Framework for Rate-Splitting Multiple Access](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2307.08822/) (2023)
- [Meta-Learning Based Optimization for Large Scale Wireless Systems](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2407.01823/) (2024)
- [A Heuristic-Integrated DRL Approach for Phase Optimization in Large-Scale RISs](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2505.04401/) (2025)
- [LLM-Aided Joint Secrecy Precoding and Trajectory for RSMA-Based Heterogeneous UAV Networks](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2507.17188/) (2025)
- [Distributed Physical Layer Authentication and Collaborative RSMA in Non-Terrestrial Networks via Graph Reinforcement Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2609.09475/) (2026)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Rate-splitting multiple access (RSMA) has emerged as a novel, general, and powerful framework for the design and optimization of non-orthogonal transmission, multiple access (MA), and interference management strategies for future wireless networks. Through information and communication theoretic analysis, RSMA has been shown to be optimal (from a Degrees-of-Freedom region perspective) in several transmission scenarios. Compared to the conventional MA strategies used in 5G, RSMA enables spectral efficiency (SE), energy efficiency (EE), coverage, user fairness, reliability, and quality of service (QoS) enhancements for a wide range of network loads (including both underloaded and overloaded regimes) and user channel conditions. Furthermore, it enjoys a higher robustness against imperfect channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT) and entails lower feedback overhead and complexity. Despite its great potential to fundamentally change the physical (PHY) layer and media access control (MAC) layer of wireless communication networks, RSMA is still confronted with many challenges on the road towards standardization. In this paper, we present the first comprehensive overview on RSMA by providing a survey of the pertinent state-of-the-art research, detailing its architecture, taxonomy, and various appealing applications, as well as comparing with existing MA schemes in terms of their overall frameworks, performance, and complexities. An in-depth discussion of future RSMA research challenges is also provided to inspire future research on RSMA-aided wireless communication for beyond 5G systems.