High-Resolution Channel Sounding and Parameter Estimation in Multi-Site Cellular Networks

TL;DR

This paper presents a method for high-resolution channel parameter estimation in real cellular networks using a vehicle-mounted antenna array, improving understanding of electromagnetic propagation for better network design.

Contribution

It introduces a novel interference cancellation and extension of RIMAX algorithm for accurate multipath parameter estimation in real-world cellular deployments.

Findings

Estimated parameters align with vehicle movement and environment geometry

Method enables refined channel modeling and cellular positioning

High-resolution parameters are consistent with real environment dynamics

Abstract

Accurate understanding of electromagnetic propagation properties in real environments is necessary for efficient design and deployment of cellular systems. In this paper, we show a method to estimate high-resolution channel parameters with a massive antenna array in real network deployments. An antenna array mounted on a vehicle is used to receive downlink long-term evolution (LTE) reference signals from neighboring base stations (BS) with mutual interference. Delay and angular information of multipath components is estimated with a novel inter-cell interference cancellation algorithm and an extension of the RIMAX algorithm. The estimated high-resolution channel parameters are consistent with the movement pattern of the vehicle and the geometry of the environment and allow for refined channel modeling and precise cellular positioning.