Exploration of capacity gains by inter-cell interference coordination based on user distribution

The inter-cell interference problem is a key challenge for the planning of OFDMA-based cellular networks. This paper shows the possible gains that can be obtained by employing a static Inter-Cell Interference Coordination (ICIC) scheme in the downlink. A simplified simulation-based capacity analysis study is performed investigating the correlation between system capacity and the distributions of power limited frequency bands among the cells. The size of the ICIC area and the power level in the power limited frequency bands have been two of the key configuration parameters that have been studied. Overall, static ICIC mechanisms are effective in scenarios where the user distribution spatially across the network is uniform. To exploit the full potential of coordination we have investigated the system capacity gains taking the non-uniform user distribution into account. With appropriate configuration of power level settings and proper bandwidth allocation to the spatially clustered users, it was shown that there is a great potential for further capacity improvements.