Visualization of cellular networks in a
Java-based radio network simulator
TSKS05 Communication Systems CDIO
Department of Electrical Engineering
Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden

Introduction

Visualization of Cellular Networks in a Java-based Radio Network Simulator

This project was a part of the course TSKS05 at Linköping University offered by the Communication Systems division at ISY in cooperation with Ericsson, Linköping.

The purpose and goal of the project was to design and implement visualization components capable of illustrating the dynamic behavior of an LTE cellular system in the Java-based simulator at Ericsson Research.

This web page presents the main results of the project along with the documentation.

Background

The process of developing the 3G systems into 4G systems is driven by the increasing demand on the cellular network created by the new services for mobile devices. LTE is developed by 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) and is providing a 4G broadband for mobile technology. The main service related design parameters for LTE are the following:

  • Data rate: Increasing demands for new services.
  • Capacity: In addition to the peak data rate the average data rate for the system is required to be sufficient in order to fulfill a Quality-of-Service for the users.
  • Capacity: In addition to the peak data rate the average data rate for the system is required to be sufficient in order to fulfill a Quality-of-Service for the users.

In order to approach the problems of this development, a mobile network simulator is required. The simulator can be used to simulate many different aspects of the network. However, for a quicker introduction and easier understanding of the simulator it is desirable to have a visualization tool that interpret the simulator output and visualize it in an understandable manner. This is the focus area for this project.

Project Information

The project was carried out as a part of the TSKS05, Communication systems CDIO course, which is a project course given within the international CDIO initiative using the LiPS project model. The CDIO Initiative is an international effort for creating industry adapted engineers and was created in cooperation by LiU, Chalmers and KTH in Sweden and MIT in the USA.

The CDIO project is an excellent way to make use of theoretical knowledge accumulated from several years of studying. In order to succeed with the project it is essential to combine competence from several different areas. The CDIO projects provides the connection between the theoretical knowledge at the university and the industry. The course is highly recommended for students interested in Digital Communication.