Performance modelling of hierarchical cellular networks using PEPA

We present a performance evaluation study of hierarchical cellular networks using Performance Evaluation Process Algebra (PEPA). These networks constitute a new application area for this process algebra formalism. We show that this formalism can easily be used to model such systems. We also show that the strong equivalence aggregation technique behind PEPA allows a significant reduction of the state space of the underlying Markov process. Using the resulting model, we derive performance criteria such as new call blocking and dropping handover probabilities.