RF Coverage Planning And Analysis With Adaptive Cell Sectorization In Millimeter Wave 5G Networks

The advancement of Fifth Generation Network (5G) technology is well underway, with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) globally commencing the deployment of 5G networks within the mid-frequency spectrum range (3GHz–6GHz). Nevertheless, the escalating demands for data traffic are compelling MNOs to explore the high-frequency spectrum (24GHz–100GHz), which offers significantly larger bandwidth (400MHz-800 MHz) compared to the mid-frequency spectrum (3GHz–6GHz), which typically provides 50MHz-100MHz of bandwidth. However, it is crucial to note that the higher-frequency spectrum imposes substantial challenges due to exceptionally high free space propagation loss, resulting in 5G cell site coverage being limited to several hundred meters, in contrast to the several kilometers achievable with 4G. Consequently, MNOs are faced with the formidable task of accurately planning and deploying hundreds of new 5G cells to cover the same areas served by a single 4G cell.This dissertation embarks on a comprehensive exploration of Radio Frequency (RF) coverage planning for 5G networks, initially utilizing a conventional three-sector cell architecture. The coverage planning phase reveals potential challenges, including coverage gaps and poor Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (SINR). In response to these issues, the dissertation introduces an innovative cell site architecture that embraces both nine and twelve sector cells, enhancing RF coverage through the adoption of an advanced antenna system designed with subarrays, offering adaptive beamforming and beam steering capabilities. To further enhance energy efficiency, the dissertation introduces adaptive higher-order cell-sectorization (e.g., nine sector cells and twelve sector cells). In this proposed method, all sectors within a twelve-sector cell remain active during peak hours (e.g., daytime) and are reduced to fewer sectors (e.g., nine sectors or six sectors per cell) during off-peak hours (e.g., nighttime). This dynamic adjustment is facilitated by an advanced antenna system utilizing sub-array architecture, which employs adaptive beamforming and beam steering to tailor the beamwidth and radiation angle of each active sector. Simulation results unequivocally demonstrate significant enhancements in RF coverage and SINR with the implementation of higher-order cell-sectorization. Furthermore, the proposed adaptive cell-sectorization method significantly reduces energy consumption during off-peak hours. In addition to addressing RF coverage planning, this dissertation delves into the numerous challenges associated with deploying 5G networks in the higher frequency spectrum (30GHz-300GHz). It encompasses issues such as precise cell site planning, location acquisition, propagation modeling, energy efficiency, backhauling, and more. Furthermore, the dissertation offers valuable insights into future research directions aimed at effectively surmounting these challenges and optimizing the deployment of 5G networks in the high-frequency spectrum

A White Paper on Broadband Connectivity in 6G

Executive Summary This white paper explores the road to implementing broadband connectivity in future 6G wireless systems. Different categories of use cases are considered, from extreme capacity with peak data rates up to 1 Tbps, to raising the typical data rates by orders-of-magnitude, to support broadband connectivity at railway speeds up to 1000 km/h. To achieve these goals, not only the terrestrial networks will be evolved but they will also be integrated with satellite networks, all facilitating autonomous systems and various interconnected structures. We believe that several categories of enablers at the infrastructure, spectrum, and protocol/algorithmic levels are required to realize the intended broadband connectivity goals in 6G. At the infrastructure level, we consider ultra-massive MIMO technology (possibly implemented using holographic radio), intelligent reflecting surfaces, user-centric and scalable cell-free networking, integrated access and backhaul, and integrated space and terrestrial networks. At the spectrum level, the network must seamlessly utilize sub-6 GHz bands for coverage and spatial multiplexing of many devices, while higher bands will be used for pushing the peak rates of point-to-point links. The latter path will lead to THz communications complemented by visible light communications in specific scenarios. At the protocol/algorithmic level, the enablers include improved coding, modulation, and waveforms to achieve lower latencies, higher reliability, and reduced complexity. Different options will be needed to optimally support different use cases. The resource efficiency can be further improved by using various combinations of full-duplex radios, interference management based on rate-splitting, machine-learning-based optimization, coded caching, and broadcasting. Finally, the three levels of enablers must be utilized not only to deliver better broadband services in urban areas, but also to provide full-coverage broadband connectivity must be one of the key outcomes of 6G

Planning Wireless Cellular Networks of Future: Outlook, Challenges and Opportunities

Cell planning (CP) is the most important phase in the life cycle of a cellular system as it determines the operational expenditure, capital expenditure, as well as the long-term performance of the system. Therefore, it is not surprising that CP problems have been studied extensively for the past three decades for all four generations of cellular systems. However, the fact that small cells, a major component of future networks, are anticipated to be deployed in an impromptu fashion makes CP for future networks vis-a-vis 5G a conundrum. Furthermore, in emerging cellular systems that incorporate a variety of different cell sizes and types, heterogeneous networks (HetNets), energy efficiency, self-organizing network features, control and data plane split architectures (CDSA), massive multiple input multiple out (MIMO), coordinated multipoint (CoMP), cloud radio access network, and millimetre-wave-based cells plus the need to support Internet of Things (IoT) and device-to-device (D2D) communication require a major paradigm shift in the way cellular networks have been planned in the past. The objective of this paper is to characterize this paradigm shift by concisely reviewing past developments, analyzing the state-of-the-art challenges, and identifying future trends, challenges, and opportunities in CP in the wake of 5G. More specifically, in this paper, we investigate the problem of planning future cellular networks in detail. To this end, we first provide a brief tutorial on the CP process to identify the peculiarities that make CP one of the most challenging problems in wireless communications. This tutorial is followed by a concise recap of past research in CP. We then review key findings from recent studies that have attempted to address the aforementioned challenges in planning emerging networks. Finally, we discuss the range of technical factors that need to be taken into account while planning future networks and the promising research directions that necessitates the paradigm shift to do so