Enhancing the performance of an OFDMA-based cellular system using distributed antennas

Recently, much research has focused on providing high data rate transmissions, by applying Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technology to mobile/wireless environments. To use this technology effectively, it is essential to enlarge total cell capacity, guarantee the performance of users in cell edge areas, and provide the users with seamless service. In this paper, a technique employing distributed antennas in positions where low C/I (carrier to interference ratio) levels are anticipated in multi-cell environments, is presented. The specific locations and transmission power are calculated based on antenna gains and interference from adjacent cells. The extent of the performance enhancement in terms of overall cell throughput, throughput per ring, and packet error rate per user, is analyzed. The proposed distributed antennas are found to be efficient for servicing real time traffic, while also enhancing the performance of the users in cell edge areas, and overall cell performance.