System-level performance of space-time scheduling for non real-time traffic in a 3G network

The implementation of third generation (3G) cellular networks in dense urban areas calls for more efficient use of radio resources. As network planning approaches unit frequency reuse, same cell reuse strategies arise as natural choices. One such strategy is spatial division multiple access (SDMA), which adds a new dimension to resource allocation in packet data networks. In this paper, we evaluate how SDMA together with channel allocation and space-time scheduling impact the performance of the packet data service of the GSM/EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN).