System-level gains introduced to 3G UMTS mobile networks by multi-antenna techniques

In order to satisfy constantly increasing user demands, in process of transition towards LTE (Long Term Evolution) mobile networks of 4th generation, for 3G UMTS networks potential solution is exploitation of multi-antenna MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) systems, which provide increase in both capacity and reliability. This paper puts an effort to provide a link between link-level and system-level gains introduced by multi-antenna techniques in UMTS systems. Coverage, capacity and achievable data rates are evaluated and presented for Alamouti scheme, TxAA and D-TxAA. Radio mobile planning tool is used for illustration of coverage improvement achieved by implementation of several multi-antenna techniques. Considering system-level gains, it is seen that implementation of MIMO techniques yields larger service area and/or increase in capacity and available data rates maintaining the same bandwidth. Results presented in this paper help making a clear picture of achievable gains, employment costs and answering the question: Should mobile operators invest in upgrading their 3G networks with MIMO techniques and is that investment justified, considering achievable improvements.