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Radio Network Planning towards 5G mmWave Standalone Small-Cell

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Article in Electronics · February 2020

DOI: 10.3390/electronics9020339

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 electronics
Article
Radio Network Planning towards 5G mmWave
Standalone Small-Cell Architectures
Georgia E. Athanasiadou 1, *, Panagiotis Fytampanis 1 , Dimitra A. Zarbouti 1 ,
George V. Tsoulos 1 , Panagiotis K. Gkonis 2 and Dimitra I. Kaklamani 3
1 Wireless & Mobile Communications Lab, Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, University of
Peloponnese, 22131 Tripolis, Greece; pfytampanis@uop.gr (P.F.); dzarb@uop.gr (D.A.Z.);
gtsoulos@uop.gr (G.V.T.)
2 General Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Sterea Ellada,
34400 Dirfies Messapies, Greece; pgkonis@uoa.gr
3 Intelligent Communications and Broadband Networks Laboratory, School of Electrical and Computer
Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9 Heroon Polytechneiou str, Zografou, 15780 Athens,
Greece; dkaklam@mail.ntua.gr
* Correspondence: gathanas@uop.gr




Received: 30 December 2019; Accepted: 13 February 2020; Published: 16 February 2020


Abstract: The 5G radio networks have introduced major changes in terms of service requirements
and bandwidth allocation compared to cellular networks to date and hence, they have made the
fundamental radio planning problem even more complex. In this work, the focus is on providing a
generic analysis for this problem with the help of a proper multi-objective optimization algorithm that
considers the main constraints of coverage, capacity and cost for high-capacity scenarios that range
from dense to ultra-dense mmWave 5G standalone small-cell network deployments. The results
produced based on the above analysis demonstrate that the denser the small-cell deployment, the
higher the area throughput, and that a sectored microcell configuration can double the throughput
for ultra-dense networks compared to dense networks. Furthermore, dense 5G networks can actually
have cell radii below 400 m and down to 120 m for the ultra-dense sectored network that also reached
spectral efficiency 9.5 bps/Hz/Km2 with no MIMO or beamforming.

Keywords: radio network planning; 5G wireless communications systems; mmWave small cells

1. Introduction
Radio planning is an essential task for wireless networks that mainly refers to calculating the
number, location and configuration of the radio network nodes. In the early days, since no prior
network infrastructure existed, this task considered only the estimation of the number of base stations
(BSs) and their locations, i.e., the BS location problem [1–4]. In addition, for early cellular networks,
radio network planning was split into two separate tasks: coverage and capacity. Nevertheless, as it
was shown in several publications (e.g., [5–7]), capacity and coverage planning are not un-correlated.
On the contrary, they are inter-related in 3G, 4G and now 5G wireless networks and hence, they must
be treated together.
The 5G networks introduce really different elements from the previous generations, mainly due to
virtualization and service-based architecture. Among other things, they are designed for considerably
higher data rates, very large numbers of connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices and low latency
while providing adaptive means for network scalability and flexibility. The number of the 5G radio
frequency bands is targeted to be higher than in previous generations of cellular networks, more
specifically multiple mmWave bands [8]. Also, massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) and

Electronics 2020, 9, 339; doi:10.3390/electronics9020339 www.mdpi.com/journal/electronics

Electronics 2020, 9, 339 2 of 10

hybrid beamforming are core techniques to achieve the targeted high data rates and the large number
of devices [9].
Typically the cell deployment architectures can be classified into standalone and overlay
architectures. In the context of 5G, the first refers to a network deployment that consists of mere
mmWave small cells, while the latter refers to the deployment of mmWave small cells on top of the
existing macro-relay networks in the form of hierarchical or mixed cell structures. In the overlay
architecture, the existing (pre5G) macrocell layer is mainly for coverage as well as mobility and
signaling problems originating from the mmWave small-cell layer, which exists for capacity boosts.
The much wider bandwidth as well as the beamforming/MIMO capabilities, together with the reduced
access-link distances, give the mmWave small cells the capability to substantially increase the system
capacity. It has to be mentioned here that another advantage of the overlay network architecture is
the separation of control and message transmissions. All the control signaling is supported via the
existing macrocells and high data rate transmissions go through the mmWave small-cell network.
5G radio planning is now of utmost importance since not only does it require cost-optimized
deployments capable of handling a variety of demand constraints, but also since it then affects the
optimal placement of the core network elements, e.g., for achieving low latency values.
In order to tackle these issues, this article presents a generic analysis that allows for evolutionary
radio network planning towards 5G mmWave standalone small-cell architectures. Due to the complex
nature of the problem, a multi-objective optimization algorithm is appropriately modified in order to
provide solutions in the context of the multiple constraints and specifics of a 5G mmWave network
with particular emphasis in the 28 GHz band. The three main constraints of coverage, capacity and cost
are studied for a range of cases that reflect scenarios from dense to ultra-dense network deployments
in order to achieve high capacity.
The optimization algorithm used in this paper is the evolution of the algorithm previously used
for the analysis of Long-Term Evolution (LTE) systems [7]. In this study, the analysis is focused on
network dimensioning for the mmWave band at 28 GHz. Hence, the propagation module is modified
accordingly and a path loss model based on results of field trials at the 28 GHz band is applied. For this
analysis only microcells are considered with tri-sector directional antennas, as well as omnidirectional
antenna patterns. Moreover, the system module is upgraded to encompass 5G rate calculations, while
the core analysis is focused on the impact of high-density microcell deployments on the spectral
efficiency and throughput efficiency of these systems.
The remainder of the paper is organized as follows: Section 2 starts with the formulation
of the radio network planning optimization problem and then explains the developed simulation
methodology in terms of the employed propagation model, the necessary 5G system characteristics and
the planning optimization method. Section 3 presents the results for different 5G standalone small-cell
network deployments, namely dense, very dense and ultra-dense. Finally, concluding remarks are
provided in Section 4.

2. Problem Formulation and Simulation Methodology

For the study of dense networks at high frequencies, two types of serving radio network nodes
were considered in the planning process of our analysis: omnidirectional and tri-sectored microcells.
When sectorized scenarios were considered, at each site three gNBs were co-located (reuse pattern 1
× 3 × 1). During the planning process, all three sectors or only a subset of them could be activated,
according to the required signal strength in an area and/or the need to limit the overall interference
of the system. Although the algorithm was developed to also examine tri-sectored macrocells with
relay nodes, they were not considered here since the focus was to analyze the capacity capabilities of
ultra-dense standalone small-cell architectures. Note that each cell can also have MIMO capabilities.
Control Nodes (CNs) were used in our study in order to represent throughput requirements as
well as coverage constraints. Specifically, K CNs were distributed in the area under study and each CN
Electronics 2020, 9, 339 3 of 10

was associated with a rate requirement, i.e., RCN,min . Introduced by system link budget calculations,
the received power at each CN should always exceed a minimum power threshold.
Furthermore,
Electronics 2020, the optimization
9, x FOR PEER REVIEW process was employed on discrete locations 3rather of 11 than on
continuous x-y space, an approach already applied and tested for previous
Furthermore, the optimization process was employed on discrete locations rather than on
generation network
deployments [2,5,6].x-yThis
continuous way
space, anthe complexity
approach alreadyof the NP-hard
applied problem
and tested of continuous
for previous space calculations
generation network
was avoided [10], but
deployments also,This
[2,5,6]. thisway
was thecloser to the
complexity of actual planning
the NP-hard process
problem employed
of continuous spaceby network
operatorscalculations
where existing was avoided
sites [10], but also,
are most this was reused
certainly closer to in
theany
actual planning
future process layout.
network employed by
network operators where existing sites are most certainly reused in any future network layout.
The outline of the radio network planning process is shown in Figure 1. A more detailed
The outline of the radio network planning process is shown in Figure 1. A more detailed
description is provided
description in thein next
is provided sections.
the next sections.

Figure
Figure 1. 1.Radio
Radio network
network planning outline.
planning outline.
2.1. Scenario: Network Deployment Requirements
2.1. Scenario: Network Deployment Requirements
Herein, our planning process was employed in a rectangular area with dimensions 1 Km × 1 Km.
Herein,
Due our planning
to the process was
area characteristics, employed in a rectangular
the requirements/constraints area with
of the planning dimensions
process 1 Km × 1 Km.
were defined
Due to the areaa characteristics,
against set of 25 equi-spacedthe
CNs requirements/constraints
(separation distance of 200 m). of Thisthe planning
grouping of CNsprocess were defined
represented
against a the
set high-capacity
of 25 equi-spacedrequirements in a small area,
CNs (separation i.e., a demanding
distance of 200 m).network planning operational
This grouping of CNs represented
scenario that requires a dense network deployment.
the high-capacity requirements in a small area, i.e., a demanding network planning operational scenario
Since the trade-off between performance and network density was our main concern, a clear
that requires a dense
preexisting network
network layoutdeployment.
was considered and new transmitting sites were explored, i.e., microcells
Sincewith
thevarious
trade-off between
density performance
deployments were examined.andScenarios
network density
with 30 (5 × 6was
grid),our
100 main
(10 × 10concern,
grid) a clear
and 400 (20 × 20 grid) candidate microcells uniformly distributed in the area
preexisting network layout was considered and new transmitting sites were explored, i.e., microcellswere studied in the
analysis below in order to investigate the capabilities of a dense network. However, it should be
with various density deployments were examined. Scenarios with 30 (5 × 6 grid), 100 (10 × 10 grid) and
pointed out that the locations of the candidate network sites were an external parameter to our
400 (20 × platform,
20 grid)thuscandidate
could be microcells
defined by any uniformly distributed in the area were studied in the analysis
interested stakeholder.
below in order to investigate the capabilities of a dense network. However, it should be pointed out
2.2. The Planning
that the locations of the Method
candidate network sites were an external parameter to our platform, thus
The planning analysis
could be defined by any interested consisted of three pillars:
stakeholder.
1. Propagation analysis
2.2. The Planning Method
2. System analysis
3. Planning optimization
The planning analysis consisted of three pillars:

1. Propagation analysis
2. System analysis
3. Planning optimization
Electronics 2020, 9, 339 4 of 10

Electronics 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 11

2.2.1. Propagation Analysis

2.2.1. Propagation Analysis
Various studies have been conducted in projects like METIS, MiWEBA, ITU-R M, mmMAGIC etc.
Various studies have been conducted in projects like METIS, MiWEBA, ITU-R M, mmMAGIC
in order to deploy channel models in higher frequency bands, such as millimeter waves, to support
etc. in order to deploy channel models in higher frequency bands, such as millimeter waves, to
5G use cases [8,11–13]. The path loss model that was adopted here was the Alpha-Beta-Gama (ABG)
support 5G use cases [8,11–13]. The path loss model that was adopted here was the Alpha-Beta-Gama
empirical path loss model:
(ABG) empirical path loss model:
𝑃𝐿(𝑑𝐵)
PL (dB) ==1010 𝑎 𝑙𝑜𝑔
a log + β++𝛽 10γlog
10 (d)(𝑑) + 10𝛾𝑙𝑜𝑔 (𝑓) )
10 ( fGHz (1)
(1)
Themodel
The modelhashasthree
threeparameters
parameterstotodescribe
describemean
meanpath
pathloss
lossover
overfrequency
frequencyand
anddistance,
distance,which
which
derivefrom
derive fromthe
thestatistical
statistical process
process of measurements.
of measurements. In our
In our analysis,
analysis, at urban
at urban environments
environments at 28
at 28 GHz,
GHz, these parameters took the following values
these parameters took the following values [13]: [13]:
𝑎 = 3.5, 𝛽 = 24.4, 𝛾 = 1.9 (2)
a = 3.5, β = 24.4, γ = 1.9 (2)
The propagation losses of this model vs. distance for f = 28 GHz are depicted in Figure 2 along
withThe
the propagation
losses of the WINNER model
losses of this for vs.
model microcells thef 2=GHz
distanceatfor band
28 GHz areofdepicted
LTE [14].in Figure 2 along
with the losses of the WINNER model for microcells at the 2 GHz band of LTE [14].

Figure2.2.Path
Figure Pathloss
lossvs.
vs. distance
distance at
at 28
28 GHz
GHz and
and 22 GHz
GHz bands.
bands.

Table
Table 11 summarizes
summarizes typical
typical values
values used
used in
in the
the performed
performed simulations
simulations for
for generic
generic mmWave
mmWave
operational
operationalscenarios.
scenarios.
We considered the downlink of a 5G network since it is usually the bottleneck for such a system.
The Signal to Interference plus NoiseTable
Ratio1.(SINR) at the
Simulation kth CN is:
parameters.

Simulation Parameter
Pbtx Ab0 Abφ→k Gch Value
b,k
Central
SINR k = P Frequency 28 GHz (3)
i Ai Ai Gch + PN
UserPAntenna
Transmitter EIRP andi∈{B\b} tx 0 φ→kGain i,k 60 dBm
Sector Antenna Gain (3GPP pattern for 120° sector) 18 dBi
where b is the serving gNB for the kth CN, Pbtx Antenna
Omnidirectional and Ab0 are the transmitted power
Gain and maximum antenna
4 dBi
gain for the bth gNB, respectively, while b
Aφ→k losses
Total cable is the normalized antenna gain2 of dBthe bth gNB towards
ch
the kth CN and Gb,k is the channelChannel i
gain between 100 MHz calculation, Aφ→k
them. Similarly, for the interference
Bandwidth
is the normalized antenna gain of the
Aggregated ith interfering
Bandwidth gNB towards the served
(16 Carriers) CN. Lastly, PN is the
1600 MHz
b
noise power at the receiver. The micro gNBs
Resource Blocksemploy
(RBs) either omnidirectional 132antennas (A = 1) or
2
◦
directional 120 sector antennas
Minimum with A0 =Power
[15] Received 18 dBi 𝑃(see ,
b
Table 1) and A −5 dBm (12(φ/φ3dB ) , 25),
= −min
where φ3dB = 70o . It has to be noted here that the Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) of the
transmitting BS antennas
We considered remains the
the downlink of asame with sector
5G network sinceand
it isomnidirectional antennas,
usually the bottleneck for i.e.,
such60a dBm.
system.
The Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR) at the kth CN is:
Electronics 2020, 9, 339 5 of 10
Electronics 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 11

Table 1. Simulation parameters.

𝑃 𝐴 𝐴 → 𝐺 ,
𝑆𝐼𝑁𝑅 = (3)
∑ ∈{ \ } 𝑃 𝐴 𝐴
Simulation Parameter → 𝐺, +𝑃 Value
Central Frequency 28 GHz
where b is the serving gNB for the kth CN, 𝑃 and 𝐴 are the transmitted power and maximum
antenna gain for the Transmitter EIRP and Userwhile
bth gNB, respectively, Antenna
𝐴 ⟶Gainis the normalized
60 dBmantenna gain of the bth
◦
gNB towards theSector
kth CN and 𝐺Gain
Antenna (3GPP pattern for 120 sector) 18 dBi
, is the channel gain between them. Similarly, for the interference
calculation, 𝐴 ⟶ is the normalized antenna
Omnidirectional gainGain
Antenna of the ith interfering 4gNB
dBi towards the served CN.
Lastly, PN is the noise power at the receiver.
Total The micro gNBs employ either
cable losses 2 dBomnidirectional antennas
( 𝐴 = 1 ) or directional 120° Channel
sector Bandwidth
antennas [15] with A0 = 18 100 dBiMHz(see Table 1) and 𝐴 =
− min(12(𝜙⁄𝜙 ) , 25) , where 𝜙 = 70 . It has to be noted here that the Effective Isotropic
Aggregated Bandwidth (16 Carriers) 1600 MHz
Radiated Power (EIRP) of the transmitting BS antennas remains the same with sector and
omnidirectional antennas, i.e.,Resource
60 dBm.Blocks (RBs) 132
Minimum Received Power Prx, min −5 dBm
2.2.2. 5G System Module
2.3. 5GThe
System
rate Module
requirements set at each CN are to be met by 5G system options [16–18], hence, a generic
5G The
raterate
calculation module
requirements set was
at eachused
CNinareorder
to betometassociate SINR calculations
by 5G system options [16–18],at each CNa generic
hence, with the
5Gmaximum throughput
rate calculation moduleoffered
wasby usedthe in
system.
orderAs to previously mentioned,
associate SINR the system
calculations module
at each thatthe
CN with was
originally designed upon the LTE-A system’s specifications [7] is
maximum throughput offered by the system. As previously mentioned, the system module that now extended to consider 5G
system
was options
originally in FR2 bands,
designed upon the i.e., LTE-A
n257 insystem’s
the mmWave range around
specifications [7] is the
now 28extended
GHz. Thetosystem module
consider 5G
considers a wideband channel of 100 MHz with subcarrier spacing of 60
system options in FR2 bands, i.e., n257 in the mmWave range around the 28 GHz. The system module KHz, a combination that
leads to 132
considers resourcechannel
a wideband blocks [19].
of 100 The
MHzcarrier
withaggregation technique
subcarrier spacing of 60was alsoa considered
KHz, combination with
that16 New
leads
toRadio (NR) carriers
132 resource blocks[20],
[19].the
Themaximum allowable technique
carrier aggregation by the 5G NRwasRadio Access Technology
also considered with 16 New(RAT). The
Radio
total bandwidth increased to 1.6 GHz, while the total number of available
(NR) carriers [20], the maximum allowable by the 5G NR Radio Access Technology (RAT). The total RBs was 2112 (16 NR
carriers × 132
bandwidth RBs per
increased to carrier).
1.6 GHz,The whilemodule used
the total the measured
number SINR
of available RBs atwas
the CN
2112side to estimate
(16 NR carriers the
×
required
132 RBs per number
carrier).of The
RBs module
to offer the usedcapacity requirement.
the measured SINR at the CN side to estimate the required
number Figure
of RBs3 to
provides
offer theancapacity
insight requirement.
on the rate offered from a 5G system as configured herein, when
compared
Figure 3toprovides
a typical an LTE-A system
insight with
on the 20 offered
rate MHz offrom bandwidth and five
a 5G system ascomponent
configuredcarriers
herein, leading
when
to 100 MHz of aggregated bandwidth. Both systems were considered
compared to a typical LTE-A system with 20 MHz of bandwidth and five component carriers leading to without MIMO spatial-
multiplexing
100 schemesbandwidth.
MHz of aggregated since an eight-layer transmission
Both systems can be supported
were considered without MIMO by both.
spatial-multiplexing
schemes since an eight-layer transmission can be supported by both.

Figure3. 3.Rate
Figure Ratecalculations
calculationsfor
forananLTE-A
LTE-Asystem
systemwith
with2020MHz
MHzbandwidth
bandwidthand
andfive
fiveaggregated
aggregated
component
component carriers compared
carriers comparedtoto
the 5G5G
the NRNRsystem employed
system employedinin
this work.
this work.

2.3.1. The Planning Optimization Algorithm

2.2.3. The Planning Optimization Algorithm
Our goal herein was to propose a network layout of optimally located microcells that keep the
Our goal herein was to propose a network layout of optimally located microcells that keep the
deployment cost to a minimum while at the same time specific coverage and capacity criteria are met.
deployment cost to a minimum while at the same time specific coverage and capacity criteria are met.
Since in this analysis we only considered microcells, the deployment cost of each node was the same,
Electronics 2020, 9, 339 6 of 10

Since in this analysis we only considered microcells, the deployment cost of each node was the same,
C, and hence, the total cost of a network deployment was directly proportional to the number of
nodes deployed.
Equations (4)–(7) are formulating this optimization problem.
 
argmin  X 
BOPT ← C  (4)
 
m
B0m ∈ B  0 b 

b∈Bm

Subject to:
Pkrx ≥ Prx,min , ∀k ∈ K (5)
X
NRB,k ≤ RBmax , ∀g ∈ G0 (6)
k∈K g

Rk ≥ RCN,min , ∀k ∈ K (7)

where B0m is the set of candidate microsites that are under examination, Cb is the cost of the b microsite
(herein, Cb = C), K is the fixed set of CNs defined in Section 2.1, Pkrx is the received power of the k CN,
G0 is the set gNBs associated with the B0m sites (as previously mentioned, when sectors are considered,
each site comprises three gNBs), K g is the set of CNs currently served by g gNB, RBmax is the maximum
allowed resource blocks of a gNB, Rk is the rate offered by the system to the k CN and finally RCN,min is
the capacity requirement. Note that the different candidate solutions that were examined (B) were
derived in the context of the Genetic Algorithm (GA) methodology as it is described in the following.
The solution to the optimization problem defined earlier was the BOPT m set of microsites that
entails the minimum total cost [7] of network deployment while at the same time meets the constraints
set by Equations (5)–(7). Herein, the optimization problem was tackled with a multi-objective
evolutionary algorithm [10] and specifically with the NSGA-II (Non-sorting Dominated Genetic
Algorithm-II). For this, the problem was analyzed and translated into a three-dimensional fitness

function, F = F(1), F(2), F(3) . Each dimension corresponded to an objective that needed to be
minimized. Equations (8)–(10) define the fitness function to be minimized.

F(1) = B0m (8)

n o
F(2) = K0 , K0 = k ∈ K NRB,k → 0 (9)
 
X 
 X 


F(3) = N − RB (10)
 

 RB,k max 

 
g∈G0k∈K g 

The first objective, F(1), corresponds to the weighted network cost, the second, F(2), is the total
number of CNs that do not meet their requirements, either capacity or coverage, while F(3) is the
excess RBs needed at a network level.
The NSGA-II algorithm imitates evolutionary mechanisms and employs biological operations
found in nature for generating optimal solutions. It starts with a random selection of an initial
population (sets of microsites) and by iteratively using operators such as selection, evaluation and
crossover or mutation evolves into optimal solutions. When NSGA-II reaches an optimal pareto front,
i.e., it cannot be further improved (average pareto spread and distance criteria were used [6]), then a
series of solutions corresponding to that pareto front is derived.

3. Radio Network Planning Results

Uniformly distributed CNs in the service area represented the area coverage and capacity criterion.
An initial throughput requirement was allocated at each CN, which gradually increased. At relatively
low capacity requirements, microcells with omnidirectional antenna patterns were uniformly placed
Electronics 2020, 9, 339 7 of 10
Electronics 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 11

bythe
to therelatively
optimization
Electronics algorithm,
highPEER
2020, 9, x FOR REVIEWasthe
frequency, seen in Figure
SINR 4a,fall
did not in as
order for each
rapidly due microcell to serve reduction
to the equivalent all neighbor
7 of of
11
CNsinterference
the (shown in Figure 4a with
from other black stars). The SINR distribution (Figure 4b) also followed this regular
cells.
pattern.
to Note that
the relatively although
high the received
frequency, the SINRpower fellfall
did not sharply with due
as rapidly distance
to thedue to the relatively
equivalent reductionhigh
of
frequency,
the the SINR
interference fromdid notcells.
other fall as rapidly due to the equivalent reduction of the interference from
other cells.

(a) (b)
Figure 4. (a) Received power (dBm) and (b) SINR distribution in the service area for a dense
(a) (b)
omnidirectional micro gNB deployment.
Figure 4. (a)
(a) Received
Received power
power (dBm)
(dBm) and
and (b)
(b) SINR
SINR distribution
distribution in
in the
the service
service area
area for
for aa dense
Microcells withmicro
omnidirectional omnidirectional patterns were then replaced by tri-sectored microcells, with
gNB deployment.
each sector being a separate gNB in order to offer increased spatially selective throughput. Note that
Microcells
the EIRP with
with omnidirectional
omnidirectional
of the transmitting BS antennas patterns
patterns were
remained were then replaced
thethen
samereplacedby tri-sectored
for sectorbyand microcells,
tri-sectored with
microcells,
omnidirectional each
with
antennas
sector
each
(60 being
sector
dBm), a separate
being
while aa sectorgNB
separate in order
gNB
could to offer
beinswitched
order increased
to offer
off, spatially
ifincreased
it was selective
spatially
not needed, throughput.
selective
in order to keepNote
throughput. thatthat
Note the
interference
EIRP
the of
EIRP the
of transmitting
the transmittingBS antennas
BS antennasremained
remained the same
the for
same sector
for and
sector omnidirectional
and antennas
omnidirectional
levels low. Hence, in the results depicted in Figure 5, there was a microcell with only one operating (60
antennas
dBm),
(60
sector, while
dBm),
andwhilea sector
another could
a sector be
could
microcell switched
be two
with off,
switched if it was not
off, if itsectors.
transmitting needed,
was not in
needed,
The order
rest of in to keep
theorder interference
to keep
microcells levels
interference
were placed as
far apart as possible in order for all three sectors to be transmitting and covering a wider area. sector,
low.
levelsHence,
low. in the
Hence, results
in the depicted
results in
depictedFigure
in 5, there
Figure 5,was a
there microcell
was a with
microcell only
withone operating
only one operating
and another
sector, microcell
and another with two
microcell transmitting
with sectors. sectors.
two transmitting The restThe
of the microcells
rest were placed
of the microcells wereasplaced
far apart
as
as possible
far apart as in order for
possible all three
in order for sectors
all threetosectors
be transmitting and covering
to be transmitting and acovering
wider area.
a wider area.

(a) (b)
Figure 5. (a)
(a) Received
Received power (dBm) and (b) SINR distribution in the service area for a dense tri-sector
(a) power (dBm) and (b) SINR distribution in the service
(b)area for a dense tri-sector
micro gNB deployment.
Figure 5. (a) Received power (dBm) and (b) SINR distribution in the service area for a dense tri-sector
As thegNB
micro throughput requirements increased, denser grids of microcells were deployed. As can be
deployment.
Figure 6a,
seen in Figure 6a, for
for high-capacity
high-capacity requirements
requirements with the ultra-dense
ultra-dense networks,
networks, only microcells
microcells close
to theAs
CNsthe throughput
were requirements
transmitting, with increased,
only one sectordenser grids
pointing of microcells
directly towards were
the deployed.
corresponding
CNs were transmitting, with only one sector pointing directly towards the corresponding AsCN.
can be
As
CN.
seen
As in Figure
a consequence, 6a,
a consequence, for high-capacity
in Figure 6b, the
in Figure requirements
6b, positions with
not close
the positions the ultra-dense
to a sector
not close antenna
to a sector networks,
pointing
antenna only microcells
directly
pointing towards
directly close
them
towards
to
hadthe
them CNslow
very
had were
verySINRtransmitting,
low due
SINR duewith
to increased only one interference
sector
interference
to increased pointing
from thefromdirectly
dense towards
transmitting
the dense the corresponding
antenna
transmitting grid. CN.
However,
antenna grid.
As a consequence, in Figure 6b, the positions not close to a sector antenna pointing directly
However, due to the optimization algorithm, the antenna position was such that there was no CN in towards
them had very low SINR due to increased interference from the dense transmitting antenna grid.
However, due to the optimization algorithm, the antenna position was such that there was no CN in
Electronics
Electronics 2020,
2020, 9,
9, x339
x FOR
FOR PEER
PEER REVIEW
REVIEW 888of
of 11
of 10
11

aa position
position of
of low
low SINR.
SINR. With
With such
such optimal
optimal placement,
placement, the
the maximum
maximum throughput
throughput for
for the
the 25
25 CNs
CNs inin
due
the to
areathe optimization
reached as highalgorithm,
as almost the
16 antenna
Gbps/Km
the area reached as high as almost 16 Gbps/Km2. position
2. was such that there was no CN in a position of
low SINR. With such optimal placement, the maximum throughput for the 25 CNs in the area reached
as high as almost 16 Gbps/Km2 .

(a)
(a) (b)
(b)
Figure
Figure 6.6. (a)
(a) Received
Received power
power (dBm)
(dBm) and
and (b)
(b) SINR
SINR distribution
distribution in
distribution in the
the service
service area
area for
for an
an ultra-dense
ultra-dense
tri-sector micro gNB deployment.
tri-sector micro gNB deployment.

Overall,
Overall, comparing
Overall, comparing
comparing the the performance
performanceofof
theperformance the
ofthe various
thevarious
various network
network
network configurations
configurations
configurations that
that resulted
resulted
that from
resulted from
the
from
the optimization
optimization algorithm,
algorithm, it it
was was evident
evident that that
the the denser
denser the the microcell
microcell deployment,
deployment,
the optimization algorithm, it was evident that the denser the microcell deployment, the higher the the the higher
higher the the
area
area
area throughput
throughput
throughput (see
(see Figure
(see Figure 7).
7). Moreover,
7). Moreover,
Figure with with
Moreover, with tri-sector
tri-sector microcells,
microcells,
tri-sector the
the throughput
the throughput
microcells, almostalmost
throughput doubled
doubled
almost at the
doubled
at
at the ultra-dense networks with respect to that of dense networks, either with omnidirectional or
the ultra-dense
ultra-dense networksnetworks
with with
respect respect
to thattoofthat of
dense dense
networks,networks,
either either
with with omnidirectional
omnidirectional or sector
or
sector antennas.
antennas.
sector At
At these
antennas. these
these scenarios,
Atscenarios, as seenas
scenarios, asinseen in
in Figure
Figure
seen 6, most6,
Figure most
6,of the of
most of the
times times
the each each
each microcell
timesmicrocell had only
microcell had only
hadone
only one
sector
one
sector
antenna
sector antenna
operating
antenna operating and
and hence,
and hence,
operating the the
the advantage
advantage
hence, with
with respect
with respect
advantage to to
to the
the omnidirectional
the omnidirectional
respect deployment
omnidirectional deployment
was due
deployment
was
to due to interference
interference reductionreduction
to adjacentto adjacent
cells.
was due to interference reduction to adjacent cells. cells.

Figure
Figure 7.
7. Throughput
Throughput per Km2 for different network densities with omnidirectional and tri-sector
Throughput per
per Km
Km2 for
for different
different network
network densities
densities with omnidirectional and tri-sector
2
Figure 7. with omnidirectional and tri-sector
micro
micro gNBs.
micro gNBs.
gNBs.

Figure
Figure 888provides
provides
provides an
an insight
insight
an insight into how
into dense
into how how 5Gdense
dense 5G
5G networks
networks networks
with standalone with standalone
with small-cell
standalone small-cell
small-cell
architectures
architectures
architectures
can actually get. can actually
can actually get.
Even forget. Even
the Even for the omnidirectional
for the omnidirectional
omnidirectional reference
reference
reference scenario, scenario,
thescenario, the cell
the did
cell radius radius
cell not getdid
radius did not
not
higher
get
get higher
thanhigher than
400 m,than 400 m,
400for
while while
m,thewhile for the ultra-dense
for the ultra-dense
ultra-dense network
network thenetwork the cell
the further
cell radius radius
cell radius further decreased
furtherdown
decreased decreased down
to 120down
m. Theto
to
120
120 m.
m. The
spectralThe spectral efficiency
spectralachieved
efficiency efficiencynowachieved
was 9.5now
achieved now was
was 9.5
bps/Hz/Km 9.5 2bps/Hz/Km
bps/Hz/Km
2
2,, approximately
, approximately approximately three
three times
three times lower times lower
lower
than the 5G
than
targetthe
than the 5G target
target of
5Gbps/Hz,
of 30 of 30
30 bps/Hz,
bps/Hz,
although although
although no
no MIMO/beamformingno MIMO/beamforming
was considered was
MIMO/beamforming was
in ourconsidered
considered in
in our generic
our If
generic analysis. generic
this is
analysis.
analysis. If this is also
If this isthen
also considered, considered,
alsoitconsidered, then it becomes
then itthat
becomes obvious becomes obvious
obvious
the spectral that the
that thegoal
efficiency spectral
spectral efficiency
efficiency
will be goal
goal will
easily exceeded.will be
be
easily exceeded.
easily exceeded.
 Electronics 2020, 9, 339 9 of 10
Electronics 2020, 9, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 11

Throughput(and
Figure 8.8. Throughput
Figure (andspectral
spectralefficiency
efficiencyper
perKm
Km2)2 )associated
associatedwith
withthe
thecell
cellradius
radiusfor
forthe
the
omnidirectionaland
omnidirectional andsectorized
sectorizedscenarios
scenariosand
andthe
thedense/very-dense/ultra-dense
dense/very-dense/ultra-densescenarios
scenarios(from
(fromleft
left
totoright).
right).

4. Conclusions
4. Conclusions
The ever-increasing demand for new wireless services, together with the evolution of cellular
The ever-increasing demand for new wireless services, together with the evolution of cellular
networks, has led to the 5G era. The new network generation introduces major changes and, as a
networks, has led to the 5G era. The new network generation introduces major changes and, as a
consequence, significant challenges in terms of radio planning. This work focused on providing a
consequence, significant challenges in terms of radio planning. This work focused on providing a
generic analysis for this problem, emphasizing the need for dense standalone small-cell networks in
generic analysis for this problem, emphasizing the need for dense standalone small-cell networks in
the mmWave band of 28 GHz, in order to achieve the capacity goals of 5G. The complex nature of
the mmWave band of 28 GHz, in order to achieve the capacity goals of 5G. The complex nature of the
the problem led us to employ a properly modified multi-objective optimization algorithm in order to
problem led us to employ a properly modified multi-objective optimization algorithm in order to
provide solutions in the context of the multiple constraints and specifics of a 5G mmWave network. The
provide solutions in the context of the multiple constraints and specifics of a 5G mmWave network.
three main constraints of coverage, capacity and cost were studied for a range of cases that reflected
The three main constraints of coverage, capacity and cost were studied for a range of cases that
scenarios from dense to ultra-dense network deployments in order to achieve high capacity.
reflected scenarios from dense to ultra-dense network deployments in order to achieve high capacity.
The produced results showed that the denser the microcell deployment, the higher the area
The produced results showed that the denser the microcell deployment, the higher the area
throughput and also that sectored microcells double the throughput for ultra-dense networks compared
throughput and also that sectored microcells double the throughput for ultra-dense networks
to dense networks since better interference control is achieved through the operation of one, instead
compared to dense networks since better interference control is achieved through the operation of
of two or three, sector antennas. In terms of how dense 5G networks with standalone small-cell
one, instead of two or three, sector antennas. In terms of how dense 5G networks with standalone
architectures can actually get, the analysis showed cell radii below 400 m that reached 120 m for
small-cell architectures can actually get, the analysis showed cell radii below 400 m that reached 120
the ultra-dense sectored network. Finally, the spectral efficiency reached 9.5 bps/Hz/Km2 with no
m for the ultra-dense sectored network. Finally, the spectral efficiency reached 9.5 bps/Hz/Km with
2
MIMO/beamforming, which leads to the conclusion that the 5G spectral efficiency goal can be easily
no MIMO/beamforming, which leads to the conclusion that the 5G spectral efficiency goal can be
exceeded if these techniques are also exploited.
easily exceeded if these techniques are also exploited.
Contributions: Conceptualization, G.E.A.,
Author Contributions:
Author G.E.A.,D.A.Z.,
D.A.Z.,G.V.T., P.K.G.
G.V.T., andand
P.K.G. D.I.K.; methodology,
D.I.K.; G.E.A.,
methodology, D.A.Z.
G.E.A.,
and P.F.;
D.A.Z. andvalidation, G.E.A.,G.E.A.,
P.F.; validation, P.F. and D.A.Z.;
P.F. formalformal
and D.A.Z.; analysis, P.F.; investigation,
analysis, G.E.A.,G.E.A.,
P.F.; investigation, D.A.Z.D.A.Z.
and G.V.T.;
and
writing—original draft preparation, G.E.A, D.A.Z. and G.V.T.; writing—review and editing, G.E.A, D.A.Z., G.V.T.,
G.V.T.; writing—original draft preparation, G.E.A, D.A.Z. and G.V.T.; writing—review and editing, G.E.A,
P.F., P.K.G. and D.I.K. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
D.A.Z., G.V.T., P.F., P.K.G. and D.I.K. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the
Funding: This research received no external funding.
manuscript.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Funding: This research received no external funding.

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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