Handover and intercell Interference in LTE advanced and beyond

Abstract

This work provides an overview of handover and inter-cell interference in LTE/LTE-A. It gives handover techniques in LTE, some of the algorithm with it associated problems and proposed solutions in handover but focuses mostly on Inter-cell interference coordination mitigation (ICIC) techniques. It has been recognized however that inter-cell interference has become the limiting factor when trying to achieve not only high average user satisfaction, but a high degree of satisfaction for as many users as possible. Therefore, inter-cell interference coordination (ICIC) lies in the focus of researchers defining next generation mobile communication standards, such as LTE-A. This thesis provides inter-cell interference mitigation techniques both in homogenous as well as heterogynous networks. It discusses the varied techniques used to mitigate ICI both in Rel 8/9 and Rel 10 of LTE_A, paying attention to the advantages and the disadvantages of each technique. Also various handover algorithms are examined. Lastly, as Performance of spatial multiplexing MIMO techniques degrades with the introduction of interference in the system. To choose optimum MIMO mode it is worthwhile to analyze the UE (user equipment) throughput under different interference scenarios before physical implementation of a system. A comparative study of MIMO technique performances in terms of UE throughput under two different UE speeds and interference scenarios has been examined.