Title: Processing capacity planning and optimisation of UMTS and beyond radio access network architectures by simulation

Authors: Anja Wiedemann

Addresses: Institute for Experimental Mathematics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Ellernstr. 29, Essen D-45326, Germany

Abstract: The tendency in future mobile networks consists in a rapid growth of Internet Protocol (IP)-based traffic and services. In contrast to this tendency, 3rd Generation (3G) cellular networks were designed assuming a predominance of circuit switched traffic and thus, are not designed to efficiently carry IP-based packet data traffic. Consequently, 3G cellular networks have to evolve architecturally. Evolved cellular network architectures are expected to provide performance values which are at least comparable to existing cellular network architectures without the necessity to provide additional processing capacity. This paper presents an event-driven and tool-based simulation methodology, which provides decision support to the network designer of future cellular networks, when assessing future Universal Telecommunications System (UMTS) Radio Access Networks (RANs) with regard to signalling performance in a very early design phase. A case study on processor capacity planning and End-to-End (E2E) signalling performance optimisation of a conceivable RAN evolution scenario is also provided.

Keywords: universal telecommunications systems; UMTS; 3G; radio access networks; RANs; signalling performance; capacity planning; optimisation; event-driven simulation; mobile networks; wireless networks; network design; cellular networks.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMNDI.2007.013804

International Journal of Mobile Network Design and Innovation, 2007 Vol.2 No.1, pp.47 - 57

Published online: 28 May 2007 *

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