Simulation of teletraffic variables in UMTS networks: impact of lognormal distributed call duration

This paper deals with the characterization of traffic-related variables in cellular mobile telephony in networks that use code-division multiple access (CDMA). In order to achieve this characterization, a simulation tool has been developed and used. The simulator implements the performance of a UMTS network, taking into account issues such as power and admission control. The aim of the paper is to study the impact of lognormal service time distribution and compare it to the exponential one normally used in literature. The simulator provides data about channel holding time, time between handoffs (handoff traffic characterization) and handoff duration, along with quality of service information about the simulated environment.