Architecture design, frequency planning, and performance analysis for a microcell/macrocell overlaying system

An innovative hierarchical microcell/macrocell architecture is presented. By applying the concept of cluster planning, the proposed sectoring arrangement can provide good shielding between microcells and macrocells. As a result, underlaid microcells can reuse the same frequencies as overlaying macrocells without decreasing the macrocell system capacity. With the proposed method, microcells not only can be gradually deployed, but they can be extensively installed to provide complete coverage and increase capacity throughout the service area. With these flexibilities, the proposed method allows existing macrocellular systems to evolve smoothly into a hierarchical microcell/macrocell architecture