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Enhanced Inter-cell Interference Coordination for Heterogeneous Networks in LTE-Advanced: A Survey

TL;DR: The key features encompassing the physical layer, network layer and back-hauling aspects of time-domain ICIC in Rel-10 are surveyed.
Abstract: Heterogeneous networks (het-nets) - comprising of conventional macrocell base stations overlaid with femtocells, picocells and wireless relays - offer cellular operators burgeoning traffic demands through cell-splitting gains obtained by bringing users closer to their access points. However, the often random and unplanned location of these access points can cause severe near-far problems, typically solved by coordinating base-station transmissions to minimize interference. Towards this direction, the 3rd generation partnership project Long Term Evolution-Advanced (3GPP-LTE or Rel-10) standard introduces time-domain inter-cell interference coordination (ICIC) for facilitating a seamless deployment of a het-net overlay. This article surveys the key features encompassing the physical layer, network layer and back-hauling aspects of time-domain ICIC in Rel-10.
Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A novel algorithm to solve two coupled problems in a joint manner: determining the amount of radio resources that macrocells should offer to picocells and determining the association rules that decide which user equipments (UEs) should associate with picos is developed.
Abstract: The success of LTE Heterogeneous Networks (HetNets) with macro cells and pico cells critically depends on efficient spectrum sharing between high-power macros and low-power picos. Two important challenges in this context are, {(i)} determining the amount of radio resources that macro cells should {\em offer} to pico cells, and {(ii)} determining the association rules that decide which UEs should associate with picos. In this paper, we develop a novel algorithm to solve these two coupled problems in a joint manner. Our algorithm has provable guarantee, and furthermore, it accounts for network topology, traffic load, and macro-pico interference map. Our solution is standard compliant and can be implemented using the notion of Almost Blank Subframes (ABS) and Cell Selection Bias (CSB) proposed by LTE standards. We also show extensive evaluations using RF plan from a real network and discuss SON based eICIC implementation.

335 citations


Cites background from "Enhanced Inter-cell Interference Co..."

  • ...Firstly, the downlink pico transmissions to its associated UEs could be severely interfered by high power macro transmissions [10]....

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  • ...In [10], the authors provide an excellent survey on eICIC and the motivation behind eICIC proposal in LTE standards....

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Journal ArticleDOI
Abstract: The success of LTE heterogeneous networks (HetNets) with macrocells and picocells critically depends on efficient spectrum sharing between high-power macros and low-power picos. Two important challenges in this context are: 1) determining the amount of radio resources that macrocells should offer to picocells, and 2) determining the association rules that decide which user equipments (UEs) should associate with picos. In this paper, we develop a novel algorithm to solve these two coupled problems in a joint manner. Our algorithm has provable guarantee, and furthermore, it accounts for network topology, traffic load, and macro-pico interference map. Our solution is standard compliant and can be implemented using the notion of Almost Blank Subframes (ABS) and Cell Selection Bias (CSB) proposed by LTE standards. We also show extensive evaluations using RF plan from a real network and discuss self-optimized networking (SON)-based enhanced inter-cell interference coordination (eICIC) implementation.

315 citations

Patent
05 Oct 2011
TL;DR: In this paper, a method in a wireless communication terminal is described for receiving a first signal including a desired second signal and an interference component, wherein the interference component includes at least a third signal transmitted in an Almost Blank Subframe (ABS) by a neighbor cell.
Abstract: A method in a wireless communication terminal is disclosed. The method includes receiving a first signal including a desired second signal and an interference component, wherein the interference component includes at least a third signal transmitted in an Almost Blank Subframe (ABS) by a neighbor cell, and configuring the wireless communication terminal to employ interference reduction to process the first signal based on a configuration of the interference component.

172 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: On-going research on the different RRM aspects and algorithms to support CA in LTE-Advanced are surveyed, followed by requirements on radio resource management (RRM) functionality in support of CA.
Abstract: In order to satisfy the requirements of future IMT-Advanced mobile systems, the concept of spectrum aggregation is introduced by 3GPP in its new LTE-Advanced (LTE Rel. 10) standards. While spectrum aggregation allows aggregation of carrier components (CCs) dispersed within and across different bands (intra/inter-band) as well as combination of CCs having different bandwidths, spectrum aggregation is expected to provide a powerful boost to the user throughput in LTE-Advanced (LTE-A). However, introduction of spectrum aggregation or carrier aggregation (CA) as referred to in LTE Rel. 10, has required some changes from the baseline LTE Rel. 8 although each CC in LTE-A remains backward compatible with LTE Rel. 8. This article provides a review of spectrum aggregation techniques, followed by requirements on radio resource management (RRM) functionality in support of CA. On-going research on the different RRM aspects and algorithms to support CA in LTE-Advanced are surveyed. Technical challenges for future research on aggregation in LTE-Advanced systems are also outlined.

170 citations


Cites background from "Enhanced Inter-cell Interference Co..."

  • ...in heterogeneous networks [24] and enable load balancing across different cell layers [25]....

    [...]

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The most promising lines of research from the recent literature in common directions for the 5G project are highlighted, which include spatial multiplexing using massive multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques with millimetre-waves (mm-waves) in small cell geometries.
Abstract: The exponential increase in mobile data traffic is considered to be a critical driver towards the new era, or 5G, of mobile wireless networks. 5G will require a paradigm shift that includes very high carrier frequency spectra with massive bandwidths, extreme base station densities, and unprecedented numbers of antennas to support the enormous increase in the volume of traffic. This paper discusses several design choices, features, and technical challenges that illustrate potential research topics and challenges for the future generation of mobile networks. This article does not provide a final solution but highlights the most promising lines of research from the recent literature in common directions for the 5G project. The potential physical layer technologies that are considered for future wireless communications include spatial multiplexing using massive multi-user multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques with millimetre-waves (mm-waves) in small cell geometries. These technologies are discussed in detail along with the areas for future research.

170 citations

References
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Book
29 Aug 2011
TL;DR: Scrase et al. as discussed by the authors provide a comprehensive system-level understanding of LTE, built on explanations of the theories which underlie it, and provide a broad, balanced and reliable perspective on this important technology Lucid yet thorough, the book devotes particular effort to explaining the theoretical concepts in an accessible way.
Abstract: Where this book is exceptional is that the reader will not just learn how LTE works but why it works Adrian Scrase, ETSI Vice-President, International Partnership Projects LTE - The UMTS Long Term Evolution: From Theory to Practice provides the reader with a comprehensive system-level understanding of LTE, built on explanations of the theories which underlie it The book is the product of a collaborative effort of key experts representing a wide range of companies actively participating in the development of LTE, as well as academia This gives the book a broad, balanced and reliable perspective on this important technology Lucid yet thorough, the book devotes particular effort to explaining the theoretical concepts in an accessible way, while retaining scientific rigour It highlights practical implications and draws comparisons with the well-known WCDMA/HSPA standards The authors not only pay special attention to the physical layer, giving insight into the fundamental concepts of OFDMA, SC-FDMA and MIMO, but also cover the higher protocol layers and system architecture to enable the reader to gain an overall understanding of the system Key Features: Draws on the breadth of experience of a wide range of key experts from both industry and academia, giving the book a balanced and broad perspective on LTE Provides a detailed description and analysis of the complete LTE system, especially the ground-breaking new physical layer Offers a solid treatment of the underlying advances in fundamental communications and information theory on which LTE is based Addresses practical issues and implementation challenges related to the deployment of LTE as a cellular system Includes an accompanying website containing a complete list of acronyms related to LTE, with a brief description of each (http://wwwwileycom/go/sesia_theumts) This book is an invaluable reference for all research and development engineers involved in LTE implementation, as well as graduate and PhD students in wireless communications Network operators, service providers and R&D managers will also find this book insightful

3,452 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The technical and business arguments for femtocells are overview and the state of the art on each front is described and the technical challenges facing femtocell networks are described and some preliminary ideas for how to overcome them are given.
Abstract: The surest way to increase the system capacity of a wireless link is by getting the transmitter and receiver closer to each other, which creates the dual benefits of higher-quality links and more spatial reuse. In a network with nomadic users, this inevitably involves deploying more infrastructure, typically in the form of microcells, hot spots, distributed antennas, or relays. A less expensive alternative is the recent concept of femtocells - also called home base stations - which are data access points installed by home users to get better indoor voice and data coverage. In this article we overview the technical and business arguments for femtocells and describe the state of the art on each front. We also describe the technical challenges facing femtocell networks and give some preliminary ideas for how to overcome them.

3,298 citations


"Enhanced Inter-cell Interference Co..." refers background in this paper

  • ...This article surveys the key features encompassing the physical layer, network layer and back-hauling aspects of time-domain ICIC in Rel-10....

    [...]