Inter-Cell Interference Mitigation Techniques in a Heterogeneous LTE-Advanced Access Network

Abstract

As LTE (Long Term Evolution) networks proliferate and network traffic increases, LTE operators face the problem of interference. Because LTE spectrum is limited, most o perators deploy single frequency networks to maximize capacit y. However, while single frequency networks increase spectral eff iciency, they also increase the potential for interference. Inter ference is highly unpredictable and depends on various factors such a s channel conditions, traffic from other terminal and noise. Interference occurs between various equipment in a heterogeneous LTE-A access network and is a threat to the technology of wireless network. Hence, this research work seeks to analyze t he various techniques for combating interference in LTE–Advance d access network per unit area using different combination of methods. Network-based interference mitigation solutions are not yet available to address the interference problems of t oday’s LTE networks. However, Terminal-based interference soluti ons are available today as they offer operators a powerful we apon to combat interference. The introduction of Femtocell t o users has also made interference mitigation scheme achievable . The Femtocell interference mitigation technique mitigate s the interference between network components such as Macro -cell and Femtocell in a heterogeneous LTE-A access network. The work also emphasizes the importance of heterogeneous network in a wireless communication and the basic sources of interference and their mitigation techniques in this kind of net work. The implementation of all the suggested mitigation tech niques and power control formula as explained in this work has b een proposed to target the performance of heterogeneous LTE-Advanced access network. This, as a result, will i mprove the signal quality of the received signal, and end user s will experience higher throughput and better service continuity, an d LTE operators will improve coverage and increase the cap acity of their networks. As LTE (Long Term Evolution) networks proliferate and network traffic increases, LTE operators face the problem of interference. Because LTE spectrum is limited, most o perators deploy single frequency networks to maximize capacit y. However, while single frequency networks increase spectral eff iciency, they also increase the potential for interference. Inter ference is highly unpredictable and depends on various factors such a s channel conditions, traffic from other terminal and noise. Interference occurs between various equipment in a heterogeneous LTE-A access network and is a threat to the technology of wireless network. Hence, this research work seeks to analyze t he various techniques for combating interference in LTE–Advance d access network per unit area using different combination of methods. Network-based interference mitigation solutions are not yet available to address the interference problems of t oday’s LTE networks. However, Terminal-based interference soluti ons are available today as they offer operators a powerful we apon to combat interference. The introduction of Femtocell t o users has also made interference mitigation scheme achievable . The Femtocell interference mitigation technique mitigate s the interference between network components such as Macro -cell and Femtocell in a heterogeneous LTE-A access network. The work also emphasizes the importance of heterogeneous network in a wireless communication and the basic sources of interference and their mitigation techniques in this kind of net work. The implementation of all the suggested mitigation tech niques and power control formula as explained in this work has b een proposed to target the performance of heterogeneous LTE-Advanced access network. This, as a result, will i mprove the signal quality of the received signal, and end user s will experience higher throughput and better service continuity, an d LTE operators will improve coverage and increase the cap acity of their networks.