Accurate SINR estimation model for system level simulation of LTE networks

This paper presents an SINR prediction model for LTE systems with the aim of improving the accuracy of physical layer models used for higher-than-physical-level simulations. This physical layer SINR abstraction for zero-forcing receivers takes channel estimation errors into account. It allows for the calculation of the post-equalization receive SINR of an LTE MIMO transmission on a per-layer and subcarrier basis. This estimate is further used as input for a link performance model to accurately predict the receiver throughput. The accuracy of the model is validated by simulations for 2×2 and 4×4 MIMO antenna configurations with different levels of spatial multiplexing employing also the precoding matrices defined in the LTE standard. Memory requirements and complexity for the model are quantified as well. The whole simulation environment together with the fully reproducible results of this paper are made available for download from our homepage.