Evaluation of LTE HetNet deployments with realistic traffic models

LTE Hetnet deployments using pico cells raise many questions regarding their deployment and operation. This study addresses some key questions using a system simulator and three different traffic models, FTP, HTTP and real-time video. Uplink and downlink are considered. Conclusions drawn from previous work are verified using these models. It is found that system throughput or user satisfaction is increased if macro UEs can be offloaded to the pico layer. This requires pico placement adjacent to user hot-spots and pico cell enlargement using cell range extension (CRE) or increased pico transmit powers. The pico count can be halved by a 6dB increase in pico size. CRE values of 6dB or greater benefit from interference reduction from almost blank subframes (ABS). Additionally, splitting the frequency band (re-use 2) reduces the cell area throughput except under high pico densities.