Is zero forcing Optimization technique or Equalization technique? I got some problem in the equalization techniques. I am new to communication simulations but I have done some data analysis labs in my college. I read some where on Internet that in a research paper that 
zero forcing is Optimization technique but on Wikipedia it says it is Equalization technique? 

I am confused in equalization and optimization techniques in communication. I am doing a OFDM simulation project in MATLAB and I am stuck in terms of these. I have read on Google but they both terms are kind confusing

Can some body please explain the different equalization techniques and the use of zero forcing? 
Why to use zero forcing and what are basic possible equalization techniques that can be used with zero forcing.
Zero-forcing is not an optimiziation technique and neither an equalization technique. It is simply one of several possible criteria to design (or optimize) an equalizer. A zero-forcing equalizer is designed to completely remove intersymbol interference, but does not take noise into account. Another, more practical criterion is the MSE (mean-square error) criterion, which results in an equalizer that minimizes intersymbol interference and reduces noise power at the same time.

I would suggest you consult one of the many good books on digital communication to learn more about this quite complex topic. Here are just two which I like:


Digital Communication by Lee and Messerschmitt
Digital Communications by Proakis