Implementation, validation and application of the 3GPP 3D MIMO channel model in open source simulation tools

Beamforming and Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) have been identified as key technologies to meet the ever increasing capacity demands in future mobile cellular networks. So far, these features have mainly been investigated in the azimuth dimension, considering one-dimensional antenna arrays. Recently, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project has released a new 3-dimensional (3D) spatial channel model that also accounts for the elevation. It supports two-dimensional antenna arrays and enables to scrutinize concepts such as elevation beamforming and Full Dimension-Multiple Input Multiple Output. However, existing studies have mainly been carried out with commercial tools, thus largely limiting their reproducibility. This paper provides a guideline for the practical implementation of the 3D channel model into existing link- and system level simulation tools. Considering the complexity of the model itself, our main focus is on computational efficiency. We validate our approach with the Vienna LTE-A Downlink System Level Simulator and present simulation examples with various planar antenna arrays and polarization schemes.