Reuse of macro frequencies in a micro cell system

In this paper, spectrum management is studied for a scenario with macro cells and contiguous micro cells covering the same urban area. The study is performed in a simulation environment based on detailed information of a city environment and using sophisticated propagation models. It is shown that frequencies from the macro cell layer can be reused in the micro layer to obtain a substantial capacity increase. Careful frequency planning is performed taking into account macro cell interference on a per cell basis in the micro layer as well as the interference relations between different micro cells. To be able to perform analysis and planning, input data from downlink interference measurements or advanced propagation calculations are vital.