Evaluating the throughput performance at 2 GHz and 3.5 GHz in a massive MIMO system

The spectrum scarcity in the 2GHz band has led mobile operators to explore alternatives to extend the LTEAdvanced (LTE-A) spectrum. Hence, in this paper we compare a single-cell single-user scenario at 2GHz and 3.5GHz using the 3GPP 3-dimensional (3D) channel model. This model incorporates 2-dimensional (2D) antenna arrays, allowing the control in both azimuth and elevation. The radiation pattern of the antenna array depends on the number of antenna elements and on the carrier frequency. We evaluate the throughput performance of a single cell scenario at 2GHz and 3.5GHz and compare the performance for different user positions and different antenna configurations. We investigate the impact of the antenna element spacing in elevation depending on the operating carrier frequency, denoted as static and dynamic cases.