An Introduction to LTE: LTE, LTE-Advanced, SAE, VoLTE and 4G Mobile Communications, 2nd Edition

Chapter 23Performance of LTE and LTE-Advanced

In a mobile telecommunication system, two main factors limit a cell's performance: coverage and capacity. Coverage is more important in rural areas, since a mobile far from the base station may not receive a signal that is strong enough for it to recover the transmitted information. Capacity is more important in urban areas, since every cell is limited by a maximum data rate. We consider these issues in this final chapter.

We begin by examining the peak data rate of an LTE mobile, and review the issues that might prevent it from reaching that data rate. We then discuss the techniques used for link budget estimation and propagation modelling in LTE and use the results to estimate the coverage of an LTE cell. We develop the techniques to produce an initial estimate of the capacity of an LTE cell and compare this with more robust estimates that are obtained from simulations. We conclude by examining the typical data rates and cell capacities for voice over IP.

23.1 Peak Data Rates of LTE and LTE-Advanced

23.1.1 Increase of the Peak Data Rate

Figure 23.1 shows how the peak data rate of LTE has increased since its introduction in Release 8 and compares it with the peak data rate of WCDMA from Release 99. The data are taken from the most powerful UE capabilities available in FDD mode at each release [1–3]. The vertical axis is logarithmic, which is consistent with the large increases in peak data rate that have been achieved since the ...