Centralized-RAN (C-RAN) is an architectural trend that uses resource sharing and a set of interference mitigation techniques to reduce capital and operational expenditures for mobile network operators (MNOs). One of the technical enablers of a C-RAN solution is single frequency network (SFN) that curbs the interference and allows MNOs to transmit over single frequency across coordinated cells. One of the main advantages of SFN is that it reduces the number of handovers between neighboring cells while improving the overall system performance. In contrast to previous approaches that demonstrate some of the most prominent C-RAN features, in this paper, we first investigate two different SFN deployment scenarios’ characteristics, benefits, and limitations. Second, we perform a simulation analysis of non-SFN and SFN without joint scheduling to observe signal to interference ratio heatmap distribution of the experimental test-site using similar system configurations. Finally, we perform an experimental analysis of joint scheduling in SFN based on coordinated inter baseband units scenario using C-RAN in a realistic environment. The experimental results are tested on a real operating site of a major MNO’s infrastructure in Turkey. Through experimental results, we show overall performance gains of SFN feature in terms of different key performance indicators that are obtained from coordinating remote radio units in an SFN cell. Finally, we discuss about the main takeaways, lessons learned, and challenges of the considered SFN implementation
