SOLUTION BRIEF
Validating HetNet Designs and Deployments
Mobile Access at a Crossroads
In a world gone wireless, subscribers expect applications
to run smoothly, with no dropped calls, choppy video, or
even slow downloads. To meet their high expectations,
mobile operators worldwide are rolling out faster, higher-
capacity LTE networks and compelling new services that
guarantee quality. But with more devices competing for
spectrum, today’s mobile access networks will still become
maxed out in the not-too-distant future.
Because the traditional model of deploying macrocells will
no longer scale profitably, operators are employing new
strategies in metro areas and commercial buildings where
“spectrum scarcity” is felt most. One emerging strategy
--the use of heterogeneous networks or "HetNets" -- uses
a mix of less costly options like small cells and carrier
Wi-Fi to supplement the coverage and capacity delivered by
macro cells.
Experts say HetNets will be a $40 Billion market by 2017
as emerging strategies promise a powerful mix of business
and technology advantages to both mobile operators and
enterprise customers:
• Improved spectrum efficiency
• Better coverage and capacity in urban areas
• Improved in-building coverage
• Faster deployment of compelling new services
• Increased retention, ROI, and average revenue per
customer (ARPU)
But not without some challenges. HetNets represent a
whole new world with many competing but unproven
solutions, and diverse challenges that must be overcome.
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HetNets: Small Cells, Big Challenge
Operators can’t afford to rely solely upon vendors to assess
performance, nor will the old methods—drive tests and
radio planning—address the inherent complexities of rolling
out HetNets. Challenges include:
• Managing thousands of access devices
• Mitigating interference using SON
• Increased integration of 3G, LTE, and Wi-Fi
• Ensuring mobility, reliability, security
• Delivering a high-quality user experience
Ixia: Meeting the Mobile Expectation
The successful deployment of HetNets hinges on many
moving parts coming together. To ensure success, mobile
operators and equipment providers must validate new
designs and deployments in their labs each step of the way.
Ixia mobile assessment strategies and solutions maximize
performance while minimizing risk. Ixia delivers the critical
capabilities needed to deliver on the promise of HetNets:
• Emulation recreating external conditions to realistically
assess functionality and performance. Ixia emulates
tens of thousands of user equipment devices (UEs)
and dozens of eNodeB base stations.
• Realism simulating devices, handoffs, interference
management techniques. Enables intended
deployments to be benchmarked under simulated peak
conditions, power outages, and security threats.
• Subscriber modeling defining multiple types as well as
a realistic mix of applications: Internet browsing, email,
voice, video, P2P, and the like.
915-XXXX-XX Rev. A, December 2013
 SOLUTION BRIEF

Typical HetNet Test Setup ro

Uu Device/Network
X2 Under Test S1

MME HSS
UE Sim eNodeB Sim
IMS

PCRF

S-GW PDN-GW IP
Services

Test System EPC

• Flexibility to isolate and evaluate individual devices • Poor quality in voice, video, and data-driven
and sub-systems, and also perform system-level, end- applications
to-end assessments of new services.
• Missed SLAs
• Scalability: Most issues occur at high load, so HetNet
testing must include generating realistic traffic at
realistic scale to simulate stress conditions. HetNets by the Book
• Replication of field issues recreating live network
scenarios in the lab during and after deployment. In working with mobile operators and infrastructure
manufacturers worldwide, Ixia wireless test experts have
developed best practices for validating HetNets end to
• Validation of policy/QoS mechanisms using high
end. These strategies, and a more in-depth exploration of
volumes of emulated subscriber traffic to simulate
HetNet business and technology benefits and challenges
near-capacity conditions. Includes generating millions
are captured in a groundbreaking new book, Small Cells,
of concurrent web transactions and transactions per
Big Challenge: The Definitive Guide to Designing and
second.
Deploying HetNets.
• Actionable QoE metrics for voice, video, UC, Web
Visit http://hetnet.ixiacom.com/ to download a copy
applications
and learn how to leverage the power of HetNets while
minimizing the risk of the unknown.
Failing to perform adequate validation of technology and
designs can lead to problems that impact users, such as:

• Inability to complete calls or dropped calls

• Limited mobility due to failed hand-offs to local small
cells

Ixia Worldwide Headquarters Ixia European Headquarters Ixia Asia Pacific Headquarters
26601 Agoura Rd. Ixia Technologies Europe Ltd 21 Serangoon North Avenue 5
Calabasas, CA 91302 Clarion House, Norreys Drive #04-01
Maidenhead SL6 4FL Singapore 554864
(Toll Free North America)
United Kingdom
1.877.367.4942 Sales +65.6332.0125
(Outside North America) Sales +44 1628 408750 Fax +65.6332.0127
+1.818.871.1800 (Fax) +44 1628 639916
(Fax) 818.871.1805
www.ixiacom.com

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