The Give and Take Between Range, Power, Bandwidth and Configuration with LTE

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Chris Osborn

The wideband nature of the LTE air interface has a more pronounced effect on performance characteristics compared to transitional narrow band cellular systems. It is important to get a feel for the key characteristics which could have a significant influence on the deployment planning of a wideband LTE system.

Carrier bandwidth has a significant impact on the effective RF range due to the distribution of energy from a limited source over multiple frequencies. Wider channels result in less range for a given capacity, or in lower capacity for a given range.

Four Basic Guidelines 1. 2. 3. 4. Maximum data rates varies inversely with range Maximum data rates is proportionally constant with RF configuration Range varies inversely with carrier bandwidth Range is proportionally constant with RF configuration

In the first case, limiting the range to get maximum capacity will result in a larger number of small cells. This tends to favour the use of a larger number of small cells to maximize capacity over a larger service area. Small cells can, however, provide deployment advantages since large towers and high power radios can be replaced by small self contained boxes mounted at convenient locations closer to the users, for example poles and buildings. Most LTE systems are expected to consist of large numbers of LTE small cells as deployments proceed.

In the second case, greater range comes at the expense of reduced capacity. The reduced capacity tends to reduce the value of such an LTE deployment when compared to many 3G implementations. Large LTE cells are better suited for rural and thin route areas that high capacity/density areas.

In addition to carrier bandwidth flexibility, the LTE air interface supports multiple diversity configurations, known as MIMO (multiple input multiple output). Configurations up to 48 (4 transmit paths, 8 receive paths) are supported. Path diversity becomes an important factor in wideband system performance since the frequency difference between the extreme ends of a wideband channel will result in different propagation and fading characteristics. An ideal RF path at one end of the carrier could become a complete null at the other end of the carrier. Providing alternate paths (diversity or MIMO) allows overall throughput to be maintained since the probability of finding a good path from a larger number of choices is higher.

Unfortunately the implementation of a higher MIMO configuration results in higher overall equipment costs since each path requires an independent antenna and transceiver system. For example, a 48 system requires 4 transmitters, 8 receivers and 8 independent antennas, each with accompanying transmission lines and related components.

However, by using larger numbers of small cells, system throughput/capacity can be maintained over a shorter range with simpler equipment configurations. As in the bandwidth case, the use of smaller, simpler (for example, 22) and lower cost base stations located closer to the users allows operators to support maximum throughput/capacity over the required coverage area. Given the relationship between these key performance influencing factors, it becomes clear that small cells will be a critical in providing the performance and value combination that will be essential for LTE deployments.