Effect on System Performance due to Upgradation of 2G/3G System to LTE

In the current environment of burgeoning demand for mobile broadband, Long Term Evolution (LTE) is the most preferred wireless technology for the mobile operators. Considering the legacy multi-technology networks, operators need to strategically work upon maximizing their revenue while minimizing their cost and satisfying the subscriber’s requirements as well. Operators have a choice between 2 network strategies- LTE overlay and single radio access network (SRAN). A survey carried out proved SRAN to be the optimum LTE deployment strategy considering the total cost of ownership (TCO). This paper discusses the effect on the system performance due to the up gradation of network from second generation (2G) to third generation (3G) to long term evolution (LTE) systems using Nokia Siemens Network Flexi multi-radio base stations. Measurements of RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), SINR (Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio) and throughput were carried out by a drive test within 2Km of the deployed site area which indicated that all the 3 parameters were affected as the user equipment moved away from the site area and towards the cell edges. This problem can be addressed by deployment of low power relay nodes, one of the promising techniques, for increasing the coverage of LTE advanced networks (the future of LTE systems).