This document discusses how heterogeneous networks can be used to increase cellular capacity. Heterogeneous networks combine multiple radio access technologies, architectures, transmission solutions, and base stations of varying power. There are three key options to expand capacity: improving the existing macro layer, densifying the macro layer by adding more macrocells, and complementing the macro layer with low-power nodes like picocells. The optimal approach depends on traffic demands and network characteristics. Combining all three approaches by improving, densifying the macro layer and adding picocells can support very high traffic volumes and data rates to meet future demand.

1. Heterogeneous Networks
increasing cellular capacity
Abd El-Fattah Hussein Mahran

2. Agenda
 Heterogeneous networks
 Key options to expand network capacity
 Design options for heterogeneous
networks
 Conclusion

3. Heterogeneous networks
 Attractive means of expanding mobile
network capacity.
 Composed of multiple radio access
technologies, architectures, transmission
solutions, and base stations of varying
transmission power.

4. Heterogeneous networks
 Enhancing and densifying the HSPA/LTE
multi-standard macro-cellular networks
◦ Meeting increasing traffic demands.
◦ Fulfilling users’ high expectations for mobile
broadband services.
 Article analyzes expansion
strategies, covers important design
choices.
◦ Focusing on transmission power differences
and explores how to coordinate low power
nodes and macro base stations.

5. By 2014, the average subscriber will
consume about 1GB of data per month
compared with today’s average figures that
are around some hundred MB per month.

6. Key options to expand network
capacity
 Improving the macro layer
 Densifying the macro layer
 Complementing the macro layer with low
power nodes.

8. Coexistence of macro and low
power nodes

9. DL and UL monthly data volumes and data rates
at 5th percentile (95 percent coverage) supported
by the different expansion strategies

10. Coordination potential with two low power nodes in each
macro cell cooperating with the macro base station, ISD
425m, 20MHz andwidth, 1×2 antennas

11.  The way to meet future capacity demand
is by combining all three approaches
◦ Improving the macro layer
◦ Densifying the macro layer
◦ Adding pico nodes

12. Design options for heterogeneous
networks
 Several aspects govern effective design of HetNets
◦ Demand perspective
 Traffic volumes
 Traffic location
 Target data rates
◦ Supply perspective
 Radio environment
 Macro-cellular coverage
 Site availability
 Backhaul transmission
 Spectrum and integration with existing macro network.
◦ Commercial aspects
 Technology competition
 Business models
 Marketing and pricing strategies

13. Design options for heterogeneous
networks

14. Conclusion
 Mobile-broadband traffic is increasing. In parallel,
new applications are raising expectations for
higher data rates in UL and DL.
 By combining low power nodes with an
improved and densified macro layer, very high
traffic volumes and data rates can be supported.

15. Conclusion
 The nature of the existing network, as well as
technical and economic considerations, will
dictate which approach improving the macro
layer; densifying the macro layer; or adding pico
nodes or combination of approaches best
meets volume and data-rate targets.
 Low power nodes give high data rates locally and also
offer benefits to macro users by offloading and
cooperating with the macro layer.

16. References
 http://www.ericsson.com/ourportfolio/tel
ecom-operators/heterogeneous-
networks?nav=marketcategory002
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heterogeneou
s_network

17. Questions