Performance simulation of a wireless relay network

Abstract

This article illustrates the performance benefits to a cellular network of the introduction and integration of an underlain relay network. These relay elements are designed to operate in the service providers' licensed spectrum and provide a significant load balancing function between cells while increasing coverage restricted by shadowing and building penetration. The analysis is based on a mobile traffic simulation program developed by the author, which characterizes call blocking, call drops, handoffs and overhead messaging loads. The underlying relay elements are wirelessly integrated into the network. Both the underlying relay network and the Macro network are modeled with a number of dedicated voice channels. The number of voice channels allocated for each cell and relay is kept constant across the simulated, 19 cell, cluster and these allocations are varied between simulation runs for the design analysis curves.