On Radio network planning for next generation 5G networks: A case study

The continuing growth in demand for better mobile experience, higher data rates and lower latencies is driving the development of the forthcoming generation of wireless systems, namely, 5G. Radio network planning (RNP) is one of the essential stages in deploying a wireless network that meets certain coverage, capacity and quality of service (QoS) requirements. While the RNP problem has been studied for existing wireless standards, the major advancements introduced in the upcoming 5G standard necessitate a reinvestigation of the problem. To this end, this paper investigates the RNP process in the context of the upcoming 5G networks. The planning process will minimize and optimize the locations of base stations (BSs) in a selected geographical area using a heuristic algorithm. Even though 5G is still being standardized, the paper will take into account some of the key aspects that would constitute the core of next generation networks such as the use of millimeter wave (mmw) carrier frequencies, and the eventual deployment of heterogeneous and dense networks. Different facets of the 5G RNP process are evaluated for various network scenarios.