Spectral Efficiency Optimization in Mass Transmission for Civil and Military Security

Abstract

This article examines the optimization of spectral efficiency in the context of fifth-generation (5G) networks when massive cellular transmissions are performed by a group of base stations (BS) in emergency cases to ensure safety. Broadcast transmission is an important research topic to achieve this goal and is supported by related technology solution providers, such as the Third Generation Partnership Project. The main transmission modes of the LTE Evolved-Multimedia Broadcast/Multicast Service architecture are Single-Cell Point-to-Multipoint (SC-PTM), in which each BS independently broadcasts in its cell, and Multicast/Broadcast-Single Frequency Network (MB-SFN), in which a group of BS collaborating on the same frequency transmit synchronized signals. This article presents a study comparing these two broadcast modes: SC-PTM with the feature of combining it with beamforming technology and MB-SFN to determine the situations where one will be more efficient than the other. We demonstrate that there is no optimal mode that fits all situations, depending on the network configuration and system parameters. To do this, we aim to determine the optimal values of the number of antennas in SC-PTM mode and the width of the MB-SFN area for which one mode will surpass the other in terms of spectral efficiency. These results are intended to serve as a guide for massive transmissions in dense 5G networks to ensure civilian and military safety in small-and large-scale areas.