Abstract
For the past two decades, mobile network Signal Booster Systems have been extensively used by network operators and end-users to improve mobile network reception in areas experiencing poor signal reception. These systems can enable or improve indoor and underground/basement mobile network reception where it would have been unattainable or where poor reception causes poor quality of experience.
Notwithstanding the benefits which are realised with the use of Signal Booster Systems (SBS), there are potential disadvantages with using these systems as they are prone to introducing noise and interference on the mobile network system. Such noise or interference can significantly degrade the performance of a mobile network system and negatively impact the experience of all connected users.
Studies have been conducted to establish the extent of impact and the benefits of SBS on mobile networks and there are contrasting conclusion or recommendations in that regard. This research sought to investigate through the application of Systems Engineering methods the factors which influence the negative performance of SBS when integrated/deployed within a mobile network system.
The study applied the System Engineering approach of Modelling and Simulations to identify technical factors which make each SBS system to differently impact mobile network systems. Monte Carlo analysis is employed to perform sensitivity analysis of the mobile network in response to varying SBS factors/parameters. An SBS and a UMTS (3G) & LTE (4G) are modelled and simulated using a Monte Carlo analysis tool to evaluate how each SBS parameter affects the mobile network (3G or 4G) performance. The inference is drawn from the statistical results provided by the analysis tool.
The results shows that factors of significant importance in avoiding SBS impact on mobile networks are (i) proximity of SBS to a mobile network base station, (ii) SBS power, and (iii) SBS donor antenna gain.
The research proposes a conceptual model to evaluate SBS factors/parameters and their potential impact on mobile network.