A Simulation Tool for Dimensioning and Performance Evaluation of the UMTS

A Simulation Tool for Dimensioning and Performance Evaluation of the UMTS pdf

The efficient support of multiple traffic classes with different quality
of service requirements (end-to-end delay, jitter, loss) poses an extraordinary
complexity in the design of third-generation mobile networks. This task becomes
especially critical for the access network, where radio and transmission
resources are usually scarce. In this paper we present a simulation model of the
ATM-based UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) terrestrial
radio access network. The simulator aims to provide a test bed for conducting
further research studies on several topics of potential interest. In particular, we
intend to use the tool for dimensioning ATM links, for evaluating performance
under different mixes of traffic classes, and for investigating quality of service
mechanisms. This wide range of applications has led us to develop a very flexible
simulation model that captures many low level details. Some preliminary
results obtained with the simulator are presented in order to illustrate its capabilities.