Chapter 13
Optimization of MIMO-Enhanced HSDPA
13.1 Network Performance Prediction
Network performance prediction is important to test potential gains of new transmission standards from a system-level perspective. This is of particular interest for network operators, who have to assess whether to invest in new technologies and in which parts of their network. The term “network performance” can include many different figures of merit. Usually, among the metrics investigated are the average throughput performance, the Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) utilization, and the fairness of the system. Furthermore, throughput density plots, coverage analyses, or Block Error Ratio (BLER) performance curves can serve to aid the network planning process. The basic functionality of a simulator to evaluate these necessary figures of merit is also crucial to conduct investigations of more advanced algorithms or cross-layer optimizations. Depending on the design of the simulator, the effects of the operation of different technologies can also be investigated.
13.1.1 Simulation Setup
A comprehensive treatment of all simulation possibilities and the resulting figures of merit would exceed the scope of this book. Thus, a subset of interesting performance figures will be commented on and described in greater detail. Most of the simulation results presented will also be of interest for the research in the following sections. First, some comments with respect to the core simulation assumptions ...
