On the interference as noise approximation in OFDMA/LTE networks

In this paper we generalize analytical performance models for proportional fair scheduling in OFDMA/LTE networks. We address the issue of modelling multiple fading interferers present in practical deployments. Specifically, we elaborate on the stochastic modelling of SINR-distribution for which we derive the rate expectation of instantaneously scheduled resources. The resulting analytical performance model is validated by means of simulations considering realistic network deployments. Compared with related work, our model demonstrates a significantly higher accuracy for long-term rate estimation. We illustrate the utility of such high-precision models by studying the impact on terminal assignment in fractional frequency reuse. Simply by using a suitable estimation model, cell-edge throughput can be improved up to 50%.