Air interface capacity in future heterogeneous mobile networks

This paper gives an overview over expected applications for the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). Based on current traffic statistics and the expected penetration of new applications, a traffic prediction is performed. This traffic prediction, together with a capacity and performance analysis of the future air interface, forms the input for network planning. The majority of existing telecommunication operators have GSM networks, which are expected to be upgraded with the General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) in 1999/2000. With the introduction of UMTS in 2002, most operators will operate a heterogeneous network, where traffic will determine the load of the GSM/GPRS and UMTS network. The paper performs a capacity analysis for 144 and 384 kbit/s services, and provides guidelines for network planning