Multicell Propagation in a Realistic Macro Cellular Environment

The architecture of cellular systems is currently revolutionized in order to remove the capacity limitation that is enforced by intercell interference. Instead of considering signals that propagate across cell boundaries as intercell interference, novel coordinated multipoint (CoMP) techniques exploit multicell propagation through joint signal processing of multiple base stations (BSs). Extensive research on these techniques should guarantee that ultimately the most effective forms of CoMP are standardized and implemented and that operators can evaluate the costs and benefits of introducing CoMP into their networks before deployment. CoMP algorithms are typically evaluated using system simulations. However, an open challenge is to see if life measurements in a field trial can demonstrate the performance characteristic. In particular as, in the past, system simulations failed to meet their purpose of accurate performance assessment. Thus, in order to promote innovations, performance needs to be assessed under real-world conditions, and simulation studies have to be accompanied by field trials that prove the maturity of a concept and provide reference data. This paper compares multicell propagation in field trials to that obtained through simulation and thus shows the accuracy of the approach taken for system-level simulations. It provides a basis for enhancements of joint detection algorithms and cellular system design in general.