Clustering and/or rate selection in multiple-input multiple-output communication systems

Aspects of this disclosure relate to forming clusters of user equipments and network nodes and/or user equipment rate selection. Clusters of user equipments and network nodes can be formed for a time slot in different sections such that user equipments in a higher priority section are protected from interference associated with the cluster for a lower priority section. In user equipment rate selection, sum rates can be compared including and excluding a candidate layer. Based on the comparison, the candidate layer can be included in a layer set for user equipment rate selection. In certain applications, user equipment rate selection can be performed for multiple clusters of user equipments and network nodes. In such applications, inter-cluster interference can be nulled.