Service-based 5G network dimensioning framework

Abstract

The fifth generation (5G) mobile networks are designed to deliver multiple services with varying requirements and are mostly delivered through a single New Radio (NR) carrier in an early 5G network. However, designing a network to serve multiple services will not be simple and will drastically vary depending on the user demand and the business requirements of the operator. This thesis introduces a service-based 5G network dimensioning framework designed to address the multifaceted requirements of such 5G networks that deliver multiple services through the same NR carrier. Unlike previous studies that rely solely on theoretical models and are based on population census data which do not provide an accurate distribution of users, this research uses real user traffic data and Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) based serving locations to create an accurate and very granular traffic map with user geolocation to service areas of dimension 100m x 100m, offering a practical approach to accurate network dimensioning. The thesis clearly differentiates between the Mobile and Fixed service throughput requirements and how network operators should consider both services in dimensioning a network considering the each service users separately, while previous studies mainly focused on coverage and capacity dimensioning for a common cell edge throughput. The thesis elaborates how the increase in user density due to demographic variation or capture rate impacts the utilization of 5G NR resources and impacts dimensioning parameters contributing to the increase of required Next Generation Node B (gNodeB) to cover certain areas such as hot-spots. Further, the thesis briefly goes through pre-dimensioning process before dimensioning of gNodeB cells, where crucial decision for spectrum selection is done giving a holistic view of the dimensioning process, which are not commonly addressed in existing literature. This work is particularly beneficial for operators in emerging markets, providing a practical guide to address challenges in early stage 5G deployments with mixed services on the same carrier.