Resource utilization with relays in LTE-Advanced networks

One of the key enhancement elements of next generation LTE networks is the deployment of relays. Relays provide added performance gains in the form of enhanced coverage for mobile UEs situated in poor coverage areas. Relays provide coverage gains in high shadowing areas and also help reduce power consumption at the UE terminal by enabling a better communication channel. A striking aspect of relays is their ability to improve cell capacity by means of improving the cell edge performance. This paper assesses the scheduling performance and resource utilization aspects of relays using a detailed system level simulator dedicated for LTE-Advanced using the recent simulation models approved by 3GPP which employ site planning algorithms for effective relay deployment.