Sensitivity study of optimal eICIC configurations in different heterogeneous network scenarios

Heterogeneous Networks (HetNet) have been recognized as a key enabler for providing high data rates. However, co-channel deployed HetNet will experience inter-layer interference, and hence calls for use of enhanced Inter-Cell Interference Coordination (eICIC) to solve such interference problems. In order to achieve the full performance benefits of eICIC, its corresponding configuration parameters shall be carefully adjusted. In this paper we study how sensitive the HetNet performance is for different eICIC parameters in different HetNet scenarios, and provide guidelines on how to set them. Among others, it is concluded how the spatial UE distribution, the used propagation models, and pico eNB transmit power settings influence the performance and the optimal eICIC parameter choice.