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LTE-Advanced: Heterogeneous networks
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2010
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Unknown Venue
Network ScienceEngineering5G SystemLong-term EvolutionEdge ComputingFemtocellInterworkingComputer EngineeringNetwork AnalysisSystems EngineeringWireless NetworksInternet Of ThingsHeterogeneous NetworkHeterogeneous NetworksSmall CellLte Advanced
LTE provides higher data rates, lower latency, and a flat IP architecture, and 3GPP’s LTE‑Advanced seeks to further improve broadband by leveraging heterogeneous networks—mixes of macro, pico, femto, and relay base‑stations—to enhance spectral efficiency per unit area and deliver a uniform broadband experience. The paper argues for adopting heterogeneous network topologies to meet evolving broadband demands. The authors describe advanced interference‑management techniques, including range extension to serve low‑power base‑stations and adaptive inter‑cell interference coordination for smart resource allocation. They demonstrate performance gains in a macro/pico network example, illustrating the benefits of heterogeneous deployments.
Long-Term Evolution (LTE) allows operators to use new and wider spectrum and complements 3G networks with higher data rates, lower latency and a flat IP-based architecture. To further improve broadband user experience in a ubiquitous and cost effective manner, 3GPP has been working on various aspects in the framework of LTE Advanced. Since radio link performance is approaching theoretical limits with 3G enhancements and LTE, the next performance leap in wireless networks will come from the network topology. LTE Advanced is about improving spectral efficiency per unit area. Using a mix of macro, pico, femto and relay base-stations, heterogeneous networks enable flexible and low-cost deployments and provide a uniform broadband experience to users anywhere in the network. This paper discusses the need for an alternative deployment model or topology using heterogeneous networks. To enhance the performance of these networks, advanced techniques are described which are needed to manage and control interference and deliver the full benefits of such networks. Range extension allows more user terminals to benefit directly from low-power base-stations such as picos, femtos, and relays. Adaptive inter-cell interference coordination provides smart resource allocation amongst interfering cells and improves inter-cell fairness in a heterogeneous network. In addition, the performance gains with heterogeneous networks using an example macro/pico network are shown.