Abstract
We address the fundamental tradeoffs among latency,
reliability and throughput in a cellular network. The most
important elements influencing the KPIs in a 4G network are
identified, and the inter-relationships among them is discussed.
We use the effective bandwidth and the effective capacity theory
as analytical framework for calculating the maximum achievable
rate for a given latency and reliability constraint. The analysis is
conducted in a simplified LTE network, providing baseline - yet
powerful - insight of the main tradeoffs. Guidelines to extend the
theory to more complex systems are also presented, including a
semi-analytical approach for cases with intractable channel and
traffic models. We also discuss the use of system-level simulations
to explore the limits of LTE networks. Based on our findings,
we give some recommendations for the imminent 5G technology
design phase, in which latency and reliability will be two of the
principal KPIs.
reliability and throughput in a cellular network. The most
important elements influencing the KPIs in a 4G network are
identified, and the inter-relationships among them is discussed.
We use the effective bandwidth and the effective capacity theory
as analytical framework for calculating the maximum achievable
rate for a given latency and reliability constraint. The analysis is
conducted in a simplified LTE network, providing baseline - yet
powerful - insight of the main tradeoffs. Guidelines to extend the
theory to more complex systems are also presented, including a
semi-analytical approach for cases with intractable channel and
traffic models. We also discuss the use of system-level simulations
to explore the limits of LTE networks. Based on our findings,
we give some recommendations for the imminent 5G technology
design phase, in which latency and reliability will be two of the
principal KPIs.