Coverage Analysis in the Uplink of mmWave Cellular Network

In this paper, we present an analytical framework to evaluate the coverage in the uplink of millimeter wave (mmWave) cellular networks. By using a distance dependent line-of-sight (LOS) probability function, the location of LOS and non-LOS user equipment (UE) are modeled as two independent non-homogeneous Poisson point processes, with each having different pathloss exponent. The analysis takes account of per UE fractional power control (FPC), which couples the transmission of UE due to location-dependent channel inversion. We consider the following scenarios in our analysis: (1) Pathloss based FPC (PL-FPC) which is performed using the measured pathloss and (2) Distance based FPC (D-FPC) which is performed using the measured distance. Results suggest that D-FPC outperforms the PL-FPC at high SINR. Also, the SINR coverage probability decreases as the cell density becomes greater than a threshold

Participatory sensing as an enabler for self-organisation in future cellular networks

In this short review paper we summarise the emerging challenges in the field of participatory sensing for the self-organisation of the next generation of wireless cellular networks. We identify the potential of participatory sensing in enabling the self-organisation, deployment optimisation and radio resource management of wireless cellular networks. We also highlight how this approach can meet the future goals for the next generation of cellular system in terms of infrastructure sharing, management of multiple radio access techniques, flexible usage of spectrum and efficient management of very small data cells

Self organization of tilts in relay enhanced networks: a distributed solution

Despite years of physical-layer research, the capacity enhancement potential of relays is limited by the additional spectrum required for Base Station (BS)-Relay Station (RS) links. This paper presents a novel distributed solution by exploiting a system level perspective instead. Building on a realistic system model with impromptu RS deployments, we develop an analytical framework for tilt optimization that can dynamically maximize spectral efficiency of both the BS-RS and BS-user links in an online manner. To obtain a distributed self-organizing solution, the large scale system-wide optimization problem is decomposed into local small scale subproblems by applying the design principles of self-organization in biological systems. The local subproblems are non-convex, but having a very small scale, can be solved via standard nonlinear optimization techniques such as sequential quadratic programming. The performance of the developed solution is evaluated through extensive simulations for an LTE-A type system and compared against a number of benchmarks including a centralized solution obtained via brute force, that also gives an upper bound to assess the optimality gap. Results show that the proposed solution can enhance average spectral efficiency by up to 50% compared to fixed tilting, with negligible signaling overheads. The key advantage of the proposed solution is its potential for autonomous and distributed implementation

A survey of self organisation in future cellular networks

This article surveys the literature over the period of the last decade on the emerging field of self organisation as applied to wireless cellular communication networks. Self organisation has been extensively studied and applied in adhoc networks, wireless sensor networks and autonomic computer networks; however in the context of wireless cellular networks, this is the first attempt to put in perspective the various efforts in form of a tutorial/survey. We provide a comprehensive survey of the existing literature, projects and standards in self organising cellular networks. Additionally, we also aim to present a clear understanding of this active research area, identifying a clear taxonomy and guidelines for design of self organising mechanisms. We compare strength and weakness of existing solutions and highlight the key research areas for further development. This paper serves as a guide and a starting point for anyone willing to delve into research on self organisation in wireless cellular communication networks

Influence of corporate social responsibility on development of corporate reputation and customer purchase intentions

The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has gained wide consideration in academic field as well as in business world in recent years. Organizations are using CSR to develop competitive advantage and establish congenial relations with its stakeholders. Despite the popularity of CSR in the developed world, the potential benefits of CSR are less emphasized in the developing economies like Pakistan. This study examines the influence of CSR on development of corporate reputation and purchase intentions in the cellular industry of Pakistan. The data has been collected from the respondents regarding their perceptions about CSR actions and its influence on their reputation and customer purchase intentions. Structural equation modeling technique is used to analyze data and test hypotheses. The study found significantly positive influence of CSR on building corporate reputation of doing good and developing customer purchase intentions. The study provides useful recommendations for the policy makers in corporate world. It also contributes towards literature on CSR, Corporate reputation and customer behavior and offer direction for future researchers.Corporate social responsibility, corporate reputation, customer purchase intentions, developing economy, structural equation model, Pakistan

Leveraging intelligence from network CDR data for interference aware energy consumption minimization

Cell densification is being perceived as the panacea for the imminent capacity crunch. However, high aggregated energy consumption and increased inter-cell interference (ICI) caused by densification, remain the two long-standing problems. We propose a novel network orchestration solution for simultaneously minimizing energy consumption and ICI in ultra-dense 5G networks. The proposed solution builds on a big data analysis of over 10 million CDRs from a real network that shows there exists strong spatio-temporal predictability in real network traffic patterns. Leveraging this we develop a novel scheme to pro-actively schedule radio resources and small cell sleep cycles yielding substantial energy savings and reduced ICI, without compromising the users QoS. This scheme is derived by formulating a joint Energy Consumption and ICI minimization problem and solving it through a combination of linear binary integer programming, and progressive analysis based heuristic algorithm. Evaluations using: 1) a HetNet deployment designed for Milan city where big data analytics are used on real CDRs data from the Telecom Italia network to model traffic patterns, 2) NS-3 based Monte-Carlo simulations with synthetic Poisson traffic show that, compared to full frequency reuse and always on approach, in best case, proposed scheme can reduce energy consumption in HetNets to 1/8th while providing same or better Qo

Control-data separation architecture for cellular radio access networks: a survey and outlook

Conventional cellular systems are designed to ensure ubiquitous coverage with an always present wireless channel irrespective of the spatial and temporal demand of service. This approach raises several problems due to the tight coupling between network and data access points, as well as the paradigm shift towards data-oriented services, heterogeneous deployments and network densification. A logical separation between control and data planes is seen as a promising solution that could overcome these issues, by providing data services under the umbrella of a coverage layer. This article presents a holistic survey of existing literature on the control-data separation architecture (CDSA) for cellular radio access networks. As a starting point, we discuss the fundamentals, concepts, and general structure of the CDSA. Then, we point out limitations of the conventional architecture in futuristic deployment scenarios. In addition, we present and critically discuss the work that has been done to investigate potential benefits of the CDSA, as well as its technical challenges and enabling technologies. Finally, an overview of standardisation proposals related to this research vision is provided

Corporate social responsibility, corporate reputation and employee engagement

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been outlined as voluntarily additional legal duties of organization to serve environment and community. This voluntarily actions of corporate help them to develop reputation which can shape favorable attitude of employees towards work. Employee engagement is an attitude of commitment and involvement of employee towards their work and organization. Researchers have proved that engaged employees are more productive, more likely to achieve corporate goals and are customer centered. Although literature provides many researches that focus on corporate social responsibility, corporate reputation and employee engagement, less work can be seen that integrates all these variables. This study bridges this gap by investigating the influence of CSR and corporate reputation on employee engagement. This study is based on primary data collected from various organizations of Pakistan. Structural equation model technique is adopted to analyze data and test hypotheses. The study confirms the significant relationships between CSR and corporate reputation, CSR and employee engagement and corporate reputation and employee engagement. The implications and applications of this research are also discussed in detail.Corporate social responsibility, corporate reputation, employee engagement

LTE-advanced self-organizing network conflicts and coordination algorithms

Self-organizing network (SON) functions have been introduced in the LTE and LTEAdvanced standards by the Third Generation Partnership Project as an excellent solution that promises enormous improvements in network performance. However, the most challenging issue in implementing SON functions in reality is the identification of the best possible interactions among simultaneously operating and even conflicting SON functions in order to guarantee robust, stable, and desired network operation. In this direction, the first step is the comprehensive modeling of various types of conflicts among SON functions, not only to acquire a detailed view of the problem, but also to pave the way for designing appropriate Self-Coordination mechanisms among SON functions. In this article we present a comprehensive classification of SON function conflicts, which leads the way for designing suitable conflict resolution solutions among SON functions and implementing SON in reality. Identifying conflicting and interfering relations among autonomous network management functionalities is a tremendously complex task. We demonstrate how analysis of fundamental trade-offs among performance metrics can us to the identification of potential conflicts. Moreover, we present analytical models of these conflicts using reference signal received power plots in multi-cell environments, which help to dig into the complex relations among SON functions. We identify potential chain reactions among SON function conflicts that can affect the concurrent operation of multiple SON functions in reality. Finally, we propose a selfcoordination framework for conflict resolution among multiple SON functions in LTE/LTEAdvanced networks, while highlighting a number of future research challenges for conflict-free operation of SON

On Energy Efficient Inter-Frequency Small Cell Discovery in Heterogeneous Networks

In this paper, we investigate the optimal inter-frequency small cell discovery (ISCD) periodicity for small cells deployed on carrier frequency other than that of the serving macro cell. We consider that the small cells and user terminals (UTs) positions are modelled according to a homogeneous Poisson Point Process (PPP). We utilize polynomial curve fitting to approximate the percentage of time the typical UT missed small cell offloading opportunity, for a fixed small cell density and fixed UT speed. We then derive analytically, the optimal ISCD periodicity that minimizes the average UT energy consumption (EC). Furthermore, we also derive the optimal ISCD periodicity that maximizes the average energy efficiency (EE), i.e. bit-per-joule capacity. Results show that the EC optimal ISCD periodicity always exceeds the EE optimal ISCD periodicity, with the exception of when the average ergodic rates in both tiers are equal, in which the optimal ISCD periodicity in both cases also becomes equal