Point-wise sum capacity maximization in LTE-A coordinated multi-point downlink

Coordinated Multi-Point (CoMP) for Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) systems refers to a range of techniques to increase the capacity averaged over the cell, and also at the cell edge where the path loss is usually highest. In this paper, the problem of power allocation is first addressed for maximizing the sum capacity at each point of the coverage area in a CoMP multi-user downlink. Then, based on targeting the minimum value of the maximized sum capacity, a design approach is presented for obtaining an optimal size of the cells in a wireless network. The approach guarantees that the sum capacity at each point of the coverage area is above the target value. The path loss model is pivotal for the outcome of this type of performance analysis and the ensuing system design. Here, a simplistic, standard path loss model is used, but the approach can use other models.