A performance comparison between LTE and UMTS technologies in the 2100 MHz spectrum

This article presents a comparison based on simulations between two networks in an urban area. The networks are built on two separate technologies: Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). The purpose is to show that the 2100 MHz spectrum can be re-used for LTE deployments, while it is now being widely used for UMTS deployments. The sites correlation is 1 to 1 and all sites are considered to be co-located. The results are expected to be favorable to LTE deployments, but a comparison will show to what extent is this a good option for a wireless operator. The simulations are done in Mentum Cell Planner and they will reveal counters and network performance indicators that best present the end user satisfaction.