Abstract
Horizontal antenna sectorization has been used within all generations of cellular radio networks to improve both the coverage and capacity of such networks. This paper evaluates the potential coverage and capacity gains of sectorization through extensive simulation and real-world trials of deployments of higher order horizontal sectorization (three, six, nine, 12, and 15 sectors) when applied to a Third-Generation (3G) Evolved High-Speed Packet Access $(\mbox{3}\mbox{G}/\mbox{HSPA}+)$ network. Simulation results are presented for idealized homogeneous networks based upon a standardized 3G Partnership Project HSPA/Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network model to find the theoretical downlink capacity gains and the optimum horizontal antenna beamwidth to maximize capacity without significantly reducing coverage and other cellular-network key performance indicators (KPIs). Further simulations have also been performed to assess the potential gain seen within Telefonica UK's central London $\mbox{3}\mbox{G}/\mbox{HSPA}+$ network, and these results have also been verified using live network field results from the deployment of six-sector sites into Telefonica UK's network. Finally, trial results from the deployment of what is believed to be the industry's first 15-sector 3G site are presented, showing further gains are possible well beyond the six sectors per site.
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