Multi-carrier, multi-band, and multi-layer cellular layouts using 3D beamforming for 5G ultradense networks

Three-dimensional (3D) beamforming and higher order sectorization (HOS) represent two fundamental features to boost the capacity of ultradense heterogeneous networks and fulfill the huge data rate requirements for next-generation mobile networks (5G). The capacity gain depends on the antenna pattern, the inter-cell interference (ICI), and the cellular layout whose design is considered as the main step in the life cycle of a cellular network. Indeed, it decides the operational expenditure (OPEX), the capital expenditure (CAPEX), and the long-term quality of service (QOS). In this paper, we propose new multi-carrier, multi-layer, and multi-band cellular layouts. By exploiting the capability of the 3D beamforming as well as the 3D channel model conceived by the third-generation partnership project (3GPP), the layouts comprise macro and virtual small cell (VSC) layers, which are planned based on geolocation data and a user-grouping algorithm. We have demonstrated that the simulation of the new proposed cellular layouts results in a significant coverage enhancement and interference mitigation, as compared to the reference cellular layout which is 3GPP case 1.