eICIC Performance Calculations Based on Idle Mode Measurements in Two Heterogeneous Networks

Introducing low power pico eNodeBs in dense urban macro networks is a promising way to meet the future mobile radio traffic demand. Many simulations clearly show the benefit of such heterogeneous networks (HetNet) for capacity and performance in particular if enhanced inter-cell interference coordination (eICIC) is applied. Due to the lack of hardware supporting eICIC, the corresponding measurement results from urban HetNets are somewhat rare. Thus, to estimate the eICIC performance under real radio conditions we use idle mode scanner measurements to compute the downlink throughput. We consider measurements in our LTE HetNet trial and in a part of our commercial UMTS HetNet. Results derived from 11 outdoor pico cells in quite different environments and HetNet structures are presented. On average, eICIC together with advanced UE receivers expand the pico cell range about 70%. UEs close to the pico cell border in the expanded pico area will get significantly higher throughput compared to the non-eICIC case.