Quantifying Operator Benefits of Wireless Load Distribution

Abstract

Although simulation studies show performance increases when load sharing wireless integrated networks, these studies assume a limited, defined configuration. Simulation examples of load sharing consider only performance of specific scenarios, and do not estimate capacity or other benefits for a generic network. This study discusses other potential benefits of a load shared network, such as flexibility, survivability, modularity, service focus, quality of service, and auto-reconfigurability. We evaluate these other benefits by developing mathematical models and measurements to quantify a set of potential benefits of load sharing. In addition, we consider capacity considerations against a best-case model. Varied overflow algorithms are then simulated assuming standard HSPA+ and WLAN data rates. The results are compared to the estimated and best-case performance metrics.