Evaluating the Performance of Hybrid Network in Fractional Frequency Reuse and Femtocell Power Control Schemes

The Fractional Frequency Reuse (FFR) scheme combines the benefits of universal Frequency Reuse
and Frequency Reuse Factor (FRF) 3. Universal Frequency Reuse scheme has high spectral
efficiency while FRF=3 scheme is normally used to mitigate Intercell Interference (ICI) in a cellular
system. Nevertheless, the advancement of the wireless technology does not stop here. The trend of
Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) is still looking forward for further penetration in better
coverage, higher capacity and higher spectrum efficiency. Femtocell is a promising option in terms of
cost-effectiveness, coverage and capacity improvement in hybrid network. Furthermore, the physical
size of Femtocell allows it to be deployed at "Died zone" and improve the cell-edge user performance.
This paper evaluates the performance of hybrid network with three different networks, universal FRF,
FFR scheme and FFR with Femtocell power control scheme. The performance is evaluated base on
SINR experienced by Macrocell users and Femtocell users. The ultimate goal of the research is to
analyze the performance of hybrid network and further reduce the impact of the interference
generated by Femtocells. The result shows that both FFR and power control schemes improve the
SINR of cell edge Macrocell user. The simulation result shows that Femtocell power control scheme
improves the SINR of Macrocell user at 636 meter away from Macrocell center (a distance near to
Macrocell inner region) and 40 meter away from Femtocell (radius of Femtocell) by approximately 5.9
dB. This paper has done a foundation research for future projects. The potential research can be
done later is to explore the performance of the network made up of randomly distributed Femtocells
and Macrocell users.