Frequency reuse for cellular multi-hop networks

This paper analyzes and illustrates the allocation of radio resources in future mobile networks and provides guidelines for the design of those networks. When considering future mobile networks operating at 5 GHz, the number of access points has to be increased, as the transmission range is decreased in comparison to existing cellular networks operating at/below 2 GHz. This is due to the higher propagation path loss at the given frequency range. For that purpose, the determination of the right frequency reuse factors becomes even more important. This paper searches for optimum reuse factors and provides propagation characteristics in the downlink for a Manhattan grid topology. Subsequently, the capacity of multi-hop networks with relay stations in comparison to conventional single-hop networks is examined. It is shown that-if omni-directional antennas are used-multi-hop networks are inefficient for the specified Manhattan scenarios with corresponding placement of access points and relay stations. However, multi-hop networks will result in significant performance gains, if directed antennas are introduced.