4G LTE Network Coverage Optimization Using Metaheuristic Approach

Abstract

The main focus of this paper is to optimize the coverage of each 4G LTE network cell within the service area. There are many algorithms can be implemented to determine the optimal 4G LTE coverage area including the deterministic and heuristic approaches. The deterministic approach could solve accurately the optimization problem but need more resources and time consuming to determine the convergence parameters. Therefore, the heuristic approaches were introduced to improve the deterministic approach drawback. The methods used are the Differential Evolution Algorithm (DEA) and Adaptive Mutation Genetic Algorithm (AMGA), which are categorized as metaheuristic approach. The DEA and AMGA algorithms have been widely used to solve combinatorial problems, including for solving the network optimizations. In the network optimization, coverage is strongly related to 2 objectives, which are reducing the black spot area and decreasing the overlapping coverage areas. Coverage overlap is a condition when some cell sites in an area overlap. It implies in the occurrence of hand off and an inefficient network management. This research aims to obtain an optimal 4G LTE network coverage and reduce the overlapping coverage areas based on effective e-Node B arrangements by using the DEA and AMGA algorithms. The simulations results showed that the DEA algorithm’s coverage effectiveness was 23,4%, and the AMGA Algorithm’s was 16,32%.