LTE BS placement optimization using simulated annealing in the presence of femtocells

Abstract

In this paper, we address the phase of radio network planning and optimization (RNPO) related to base station (BS) deployment in the presence of femtocell access points (FAPs). After determining an approximate number of required BSs from the dimensioning phase, we place these BSs on the geographical area of interest, and optimize their location based on low complexity heuristic techniques. An important constraint to be taken into account is that the location of FAPs is user-dependent and is beyond the control of the mobile network operator. In this paper, we consider heterogeneous network planning; i.e., the operator has to place a combination of macrocell and small cell BSs in a way to optimize the coverage and capacity of the network. The operator can control the placement of the macro and small cell BSs, but has no control over the locations and operation of FAPs.