An Analytical Model for a Sectored Cellular Network with Embedded Small Cells

In order to handle the huge amounts of data transmitted through hot spots and to increase cell coverage in buildings, this paper proposes a sectored cellular network with small cells (SCNSC) embedded in each sector. Two region types, sectors and variable-radius small cells are classified in an SCNSC macro cell. Because the system capacity is enhanced by using fractional frequency reuse (FFR), the overall channel bandwidth is divided into two or three frequency bands depending on whether the number of sectors in a macro cell is even or odd. For the purpose of topological evaluation on the proposed SCNSC, we build an analytical model using Markov chain theory. The performance measures include new-call blocking and handoff-call dropping probabilities, average waiting times, and normalized throughputs in each sector and its embedded small cell by varying mobile stations’ moving speeds, the number of sectors, and the radius size of an embedded small cell. From the evaluation results, it is demonstrated that adjusting either the number of sectors or the coverage of an embedded cell can satisfy different service demands.