A Cost Function for Heterogeneous Networks Performance Evaluation Based on Different Perspectives

Heterogeneous cellular networks may be characterised by several parameters that determine their performance, being known as the key performance indicators (KPIs). In order to guarantee a desired quality of service (QoS) a proper balance of these parameters is required. An approach to integrate a set of KPIs into a single one is presented, by using a cost function that takes these KPIs into account, providing a single evaluation parameter as output, and reflecting network conditions and common radio resource management (CRRM) strategies performance. The proposed model enables the implementation of different CRRM policies, by manipulating KPIs according to users´ or operators´ perspectives, allowing for a better QoS. Results show that different policies can in fact be established, with a different impact on the network.