Energy-aware clustering for multi-cell joint transmission in LTE networks

This paper investigates the energy-aware clustering of cooperating base stations in the downlink of cellular networks. The focus of this work is on static clustering deployments for LTE systems when joint signal precoding is employed at multiple base stations. We demonstrate that properly planned clustering can provide the desired balance between network spectral and energy efficiency. To this end, we compare the overall energy consumption of various clustered cooperation layouts while considering different target performance metrics at user end. Our evaluations for various inter-site distance deployments in a practical macrocell scenario unveil the individual parameters controlling the energy effectiveness of a clustering strategy. In fact, it is shown that the choice of the optimum clustering layout depends on: 1) the specific service demands; 2) the deployment density of the network and; 3) on the ability of the base stations to jointly adjust their transmit power. Ultimately, we provide a general framework for choosing the most appropriate cooperation set of base stations in energy-aware networks.