DECADE · Deploying High Capacity Dense Small Cell Heterogeneous Networks

Deploying High Capacity Dense Small Cell Heterogeneous Networks

The exponential growth of the amount of mobile data is driving the development of evolution of mobile wireless networking technologies. A major challenge to be addressed by the fifth generation (5G) networks is to deliver much higher capacity and resource efficiency with low cost. Successful engineering solutions tackling this challenge are vital as mobile communications are used in virtually all sectors of the society. To meet the challenge requires innovations at various layers of the mobile communication systems. One promising technique consists of heterogeneous networks (HetNets) that integrate radio base stations of various types and sizes, e.g., macrocells and small cells. The small cells offer great cost efficiency in offloading date requests from the macocells and covering traffic hotspots. To realize the potential of HetNets, however, research and development are necessary to optimize and manage HetNet deployment. The Horizon 2020 MSCA RISE project DECADE investigates of scientific and engineering aspects for HetNet planning and optimization, with the objective of developing new knowledge and know-how for deployment HetNets. More specifically, the project aims to - model and characterize network capacity of HetNets, - develop joint indoor-outdoor HetNet P&O tools, - investigate capacity enhancement techniques for small cells and HetNet - investigate small cell backhaul planning and optimization - evaluate the proposed solutions in terms of system capacity and deployment and operational costs. Via researcher secondments, the DECADE project also aims at implementing knowledge exchange and integration. The Project has successfully addressed its objectives, with the following conclusions: - The project has facilitated inter-sectorial efforts for developing new solutions for HetNet planning and optimization. This has been a very fruitful research direction both academically in terms of high-quality publications, and the network planning tool that has directly benefited from the project efforts. - The RISE scheme has effectively contributed to the knowledge development of researchers, in particular the early-stage researchers (ESRs), based on the feedback and their career development. Moreover, the project has led to long-term collaborations of the partners.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union