Backhaul-aware energy efficient heterogeneous networks with dual connectivity

Abstract

In this paper, we consider backhaul-aware mechanisms for energy efficient operation of next generation heterogeneous wireless networks, with dense small cell deployments. We assume control and data plane separation based on the LTE-Advanced dual connectivity architecture. The mechanisms are evaluated using LTE-Advanced heterogeneous network scenarios, with varying levels of network densities, user traffic and cell load conditions. For comparison, conventional traffic offloading schemes based on small cell proximity and load are also evaluated. The performance results indicate significant energy saving (ES) gains for the backhaul-aware mechanism, depending on the backhaul technology used. Evaluations were also done on the impacts of user mobility, and for indoor and outdoor deployments of small cells. Trade-offs between user throughput and energy efficiency are evaluated, and using the considered mechanism, ES gains of up to 20 % is observed, without significant loss in throughput.