Performance comparison of system level simulators for 3GPP LTE uplink

Abstract

In this paper, we survey and classify various system level simulator (SLS) environments for advanced cellular networks. Our overview indicates two distinct groups of SLS tools with respect to their purpose and scope. Further, a typical example within either group is reviewed and compared against its counterpart. In particular, we contrast the Opnet modeler by OPNET Technologies against the LTE Uplink SLS by the University of Nizhny Novgorod (UNN). The target of this research is to assess several comprehensive network deployments with both simulators and compare their throughput-related results. Whereas the Opnet modeler is expected to have more powerful instruments for modeling the MAC and higher layer features, the UNN SLS has stronger focus on the accurate implementation of the Physical layer techniques. We therefore demonstrate the difference in performance by both tools, as well as benchmark against some theoretical predictions. © 2012 Springer-Verlag.