Explosive
demands for mobile data are driving changes in how mobile operators will need
to respond to the challenging requirements of higher capacity and improved
quality of user experience (QoE). Currently, fourth generation wireless access
systems using Long Term Evolution (LTE) are being deployed by many operators worldwide
in order to offer faster access with lower latency and more efficiency than 3G/3.5G.
Nevertheless, the anticipated future traffic growth is so tremendous that there
is a vastly increased need for further network densification using small cells
to handle the capacity requirements, particularly in high traffic areas (hot
spot areas) that generate the highest volume of traffic.
To optimize
performance and provide cost/energy-efficient operation, small cells require
further enhancements and in many cases need to interact with or complement
existing macrocells. In this regard, a number of solutions have been specified
in recent releases of LTE (i.e., Release [Rel]-10/11, and more solutions are to
be studied in coming releases (Rel- 12 and beyond). Network densification using
small cells has been of great interest in 3GPP since Rel-10, with techniques
such as coordinated multipoint (CoMP) transmission/reception and enhanced
intercell interference coordination (eICIC) being introduced. This article discusses
the recent trends and the state-of-the-art technologies related to the design
of small cells.
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