Link-to-system mapping techniques using a spatial channel model

Abstract

Computer simulations are often used to predict the performance of cellular networks. Typically, link level simulators are used to model the link between the base and mobile station, while system level simulators model the entire network. To most accurately predict the performance of cellular networks, a system level simulator, which includes the performance of the link between each base and mobile station, should be used. Unfortunately, the computational complexity of such simulators makes this impractical. An alternative technique consists of separately simulating the link and system components with an interface or mapping to combine the results. Link-to- system mapping techniques have been defined in the past for this purpose, but only for a few specific channel models. With recently developed channel models, such as the spatial channel model (SCM), a random channel is generated for each user, which makes it impossible to have separate link level results for each channel realization used in the system level simulator. This paper presents two link-to-system mapping techniques that produce consistent results for a wide range of SCM channel realizations. The techniques are illustrated using the 3GPP2 Forward Packet Data Channel of 1xEV-DV and the Forward Traffic Channel of 1xEV-DO.