Link characterization for system level CDMA performance evaluation in high mobility

The evaluation of the performance of a cellular system using a simulation environment usually involves a link-to-system mapping based on a channel quality indication. The mapping is done using a set of link curves characterizing the link behavior, that are generated offline. In some cases, the static performance of a link is a sufficient indicator. But in high mobility, the block-fading assumption introduces inaccuracies in the link-to-system mapping. This paper proposes a dual-variable mapping technique that can be used in high-mobility conditions, using the mean and the variance of the SINR seen during a frame. Simulations show that, using this methodology, the mapping can be created independent of the velocity and the multipath profile of the channel. This mapping technique can also be used as a channel quality indication for link adaptation purposes.