On the limits of PCI auto configuration and reuse in 4G/5G ultra dense networks

Increased demand for higher user throughput has led to deployment of multi-layer networks commonly called heterogeneous networks (Hetnets). Therein, small cells are deployed alongside traditional macro cells, in many cases on the same spectrum. Such scenarios complicate the configuration of network parameters such as the Physical Cell Identity (PCI). A number of approaches have as such been proposed to automate the allocation of PCIs in such scenarios. These approaches seek to address the two conflicting objectives for PCI assignment in a hetnet scenario: 1) the need for optimal performance by avoiding conflicts, against 2) the requirement to separate the different layers and avoid any need to share knowledge among the layers. However, as the density of small cells increases evolving the Hetnets into what are called Ultra Dense Networks (UDN), these approaches reach their limits. In this paper, we study the performance of the current PCI allocation strategies in such UDN scenarios and evaluate their break down points. Our results show that these strategies do not adequately address PCI allocation for the UDN scenario. Specifically, we observe that PCI assignment in one layer requires knowledge of the assignments in the other layer, otherwise the consequence is a very high count of PCI confusions.