Aim: The aim of this study is to explore potential performance enhancement to a network infrastructure comprising with Macro-cells only by introducing and deploying cost-effective and adaptable small-cell backhaul connections. For the marginalized rural areas and terrain-varied areas, the aim is to explore how small-cell deployment can bridge this gap and improve connectivity for underserved communities.
Methods: A framework is designed by leveraging LTE-Advanced features and integrating Macro cells and small cells in the WinProp tool for wireless propagation and radio network planning. This proposed methodology is analysed through system simulations of a carefully selected practical deployment scenario in Southern Chunya, Tanzania. The path loss data of each pixel point in a study area is collected through this simulation study. The performance metrics of cellular signal transmission such as throughput, signal-to-interference noise ratio, and spectral efficiency are examined through the MATLAB tool.
Results: The results illustrate that the deployment of small cells with LTE-Advanced features can enhance network coverage and overall quality, particularly in rural regions. The performance metrics of cellular signal transmission such as throughput, signal-to-interference noise ratio and spectral efficiency applied under this study have all shown improvement for a framework comprised of both macro cells and small cells as compared to a framework with Macro-cell alone. Moreover, the results show there are better results of throughput at 800MHz frequency band as compared to 2000MHz by little margin. The results were verified by conducting a comparative assessment of similar studies.
Conclusion: The study has shown that small cells have the potential to improve last-mile connectivity and backhauling. The findings in this study will significantly guide future research and initiatives to bridge the digital divide and promote equitable access to broadband services in Tanzania and similar contexts worldwide.
Key words: Small Cells, Broadband, Throughput, Signal-to-Interference-Noise-Ratio, Spectral Efficiency.
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