A Comparison Model for WLAN Technologies, 802.11n and HeNB in LTE and the Future 5G Networks

Abstract

The fifth generation (5G) mobile communication technologies are expected to attain 1000 times higher mobile data volume per unit area, 10 to 100 times higher number of connected devices and user data rate, 10 times longer battery life and 5 times shorter latency. Home eNodeB (HeNB) (also known as Femtocell Access Point, FAP) and 802.11n WLAN are promising technologies to attain the goals set above, particularly for indoor connections because of the short distance connection characteristics for WLAN. The comparison and analysis between these two technologies based on PHY data rate, MAC layer throughput and power consumption are essential for users to make the right choice. Our contributions mainly fall on that the models established in this article are helpful to develop the next generation of small cell technology and WLAN for the future 5G networks including the recent development, LTE operated on unlicensed bands. Furthermore, an interference model of HeNB and 802.11n is also analyzed. To our knowledge, this study is not much addressed in other works so far.