Analysis of LTE Relay Interface for Self-Backhauling in LTE Mesh Networks

摘要

LTE is deployed in most countries and continuously evolving to match new user requirements. While it is expected to support 5G deployments for outdoor and long range communications, it will also be used for Public Safety services in major countries. Among those, new scenarios call for wider networks on the move relying on self-backhauling. In this article we argue that the LTE relay interface (Un) is an efficient candidate to enable multi-hop LTE mesh networks. We first study the Un interface and highlight its main properties. We then analyze and compare out-band LTE-Uu, in-band LTE-Uu with full duplex radios and in-band Un interface to mesh LTE base stations. We perform link-level emulations to assess the performance of the Un interface subject to different conditions. Finally, we compare the achievable throughput of self-backhauled LTE mesh network using either Un or LTE-Uu through a system-level simulation.