Comparative performance of hierarchical cell architectures

Multilayer cell systems, also known as hierarchical or overlay cell structures, are useful to accommodate high traffic densities while maintaining quality of service (QoS) objectives. These systems combine the advantages typical of microcellular systems such as increase in system capacity and also those usually derived from macrocellular structures like the reduction in the number of handoffs causing also a decrease in signaling load. In this work we analyze, through discrete-event simulation, design aspects such as, for example, spectrum sharing between the macrocell and microcell layers and the performance of different strategies for vertical (across layer) handoffs. Finally, a comparison between the performance of a pure macrocellular system and that of a hierarchical architecture is presented.