Fundamental tradeoffs among reliability, latency and throughput in cellular networks

Abstract

We address the fundamental tradeoffs among latency, reliability and throughput in a cellular network. The most important elements influencing the KPIs in a 4G network are identified, and the inter-relationships among them is discussed. We use the effective bandwidth and the effective capacity theory as analytical framework for calculating the maximum achievable rate for a given latency and reliability constraint. The analysis is conducted in a simplified LTE network, providing baseline - yet powerful - insight of the main tradeoffs. Guidelines to extend the theory to more complex systems are also presented, including a semi-analytical approach for cases with intractable channel and traffic models. We also discuss the use of system-level simulations to explore the limits of LTE networks. Based on our findings, we give some recommendations for the imminent 5G technology design phase, in which latency and reliability will be two of the principal KPIs.