Modular performance analysis of Multicore SoC-based small cell LTE base station

Abstract

Densely deployed small cell base stations are a key factor to enable 5G networks. Multicore System-on-a-Chip (MCSoC) solutions supporting small cell LTE base station functionality are commercially available. An MCSoC has to be integrated with necessary software components leveraging specific accelerators for creating a complete LTE base station. System architects have a tough challenge in determining whether a small cell MCSoC would meet their intended small cell base station's feature, functionality and performance demands. This paper discusses the application of modular performance analysis (MPA) using Real-Time Calculus (RTC) on an MCSoC-based LTE base station implementation. Our study validates its applicability as well as its ability to identify new designs that will improve the system performance. This study is first in its kind to propose an analytical framework for analyzing an LTE base station's system design and performance.