Computationally-efficient estimation of throughput indicators in heterogeneous LTE networks

An accurate estimation of key performance indicators (KPI) in mobile communication networks is an important issue, especially for the planning stage or optimization purposes. Traditional approaches use simulation tools, including thorough models. However, computational costs strongly increase with network complexity and number of cells. In this paper, several low-complexity and scalable estimation approaches for cell throughput indicators are presented, for both downlink and uplink. Simplifications are focused on geometrical and propagation aspects. Results show how the estimation of data bit rates is accurate enough, specially for uplink, and calculation time is reduced by up to ten times compared to classical estimation approaches.