Ultra-Dense Networks: Taxonomy and Key Performance Indicators

Abstract

One major influence on the future deployment of cellular networks will be a continuous increase in traffic inside mobile broadband systems. Moreover, traditional macrocell-based mobile communication networks will struggle to keep up with the enormous expansion in the demand for communications services in the future. Densification of networks is required if we are to meet the comprehensive needs for end terminals for a wide range of applications. One of the leading concepts in this competitive environment is the Ultra-Dense Network (UDN) where the access nodes and/or the communication links per unit area are densified, with the aim of improving overall network performance. The location of the UDN nodes meets the criteria for symmetry with a high probability. Ultra-dense cell deployment aims to reduce the physical distance between the transmitter and receiver in order to boost system performance and generally optimize the values of a wide variety of key performance indicators (KPIs). This paper aims to provide a taxonomy of UDNs and specifically of UDN-related KPIs. Initially, we address the complex questions “What is the current understanding of what ultra-dense networks are and what they should be, and how can we measure their performance?” by shedding light on the fundamental characteristics of UDNs.

Design and performance evaluation of a 350 m free space optical communications link for pico-macrocell backhauling

“…Picocells can be defined as low-powered, short range (100-200 m or less) base stations that are fully functioning and typically deployed by operators in a particular network plan. In terms of access and backhaul, they share the same features with macrocells allowing for high data rate and low latency [11]. With these, the picocell needs to connect to the macrocell with the most cost-effective and high data rate backhaul technology.…”

Interference Mitigation and Power Consumption Reduction for Cell Edge users in Future Generation Networks

“…However, their approach still leaves some footprints of challenges in the area of power consumption within the small cells and high interference between the cells. To address the power consumption problem, another group of researchers [10] surveyed open issues in energy efficiency of 5G networks and the group in [11] implemented sleep mode switching in small cells. Several degrees of sleep depth were also proposed in [12].…”