Optimizing Small-Cell Range in Heterogeneous and Load-Coupled LTE Networks

We address small-cell range optimization in heterogeneous long-term evolution networks with the performance target of maximizing the scaling-up factor of traffic demand that can be served while accounting for load coupling between cells. We prove the problem´s complexity and develop a solution approach consisting of two complementary modules. We also demonstrate how to gauge the deviation from global optimality. Performance results show the effectiveness of the approach and highlight the benefit of range optimization.