LTE Advanced: Heterogeneous Networks

Abstract

To further improve broadband user experience in a ubiquitous and cost effective manner, Qualcomm R&D has been working in 3GPP on various aspects of improving LTE performance.

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.

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LTE Advanced: Heterogeneous Networks

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Details

As 3G wireless networks become dense to accommodate a growing data demand, an alternative deployment model or topology using heterogeneous networks is needed for LTE. To enhance the performance of LTE networks, advanced techniques are needed to manage and control interference and deliver high spectral efficiency per unit area. Qualcomm has developed two techniques, advanced terminal receivers and adaptive interference management to provide a performance leap for heterogeneous networks in LTE.

LTE Advanced heterogeneous network will support Range Expansion and Resource Partitioning with a software upgrade to a LTE-R8 network. Range Expansion allows more user terminals to benefit directly from low-power base-stations such as picos, femtos, and relays. Adaptive inter-cell interference coordination using Resource Partitioning provides smart resource allocation amongst interfering cells and improves inter-cell fairness in a heterogeneous network.

These features are being standardized in 3GPP under the LTE-Advanced framework. Qualcomm R&D, along with other 3GPP participants, are leading the standardization of this feature. Qualcomm R&D has also built a prototype to demonstrate this feature in an OTA heterogeneous network here in San Diego.