Simulation-based evaluation of spectrum opportunities in UMTS cellular networks

Abstract

A scenario based on an UMTS TDD opportunistic cellular system that operates over UMTS FDD licensed cellular networks is considered. Therefore we develop a simulation tool that addresses the goal of analysis and assessment of UMTS TDD opportunistic radio system in a coexistence environment with UMTS FDD primary cellular networks. The communication presents the scenario considered, the main features of the tool, discusses and proposes metrics to evaluate the communication opportunities in UMTS FDD primary cellular networks, and presents numerical simulation results. These show that a moderate number of UMTS TDD available frequencies and a reasonable UMTS TDD opportunistic radio transmission power will allow the deployment of UMTS TDD opportunistic radio networks in a coexistence environment with existing licensed systems.