Analyzing 5G Heterogeneous Cellular Networks: An Inclusive Examination of Throughput and Energy Efficiency

Authors

  • Maxwell Afriyie Oppong Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, P. O. Box 854, Ghana https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4037-6082
  • Emmanuel Ampoma Affum Department of Telecommunication Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, 0000, Ghana
  • Kwadwo Ntiamoah-Sarpong Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Kumasi Technical University, Kumasi, P. O. Box 854, Ghana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37256/cnc.3220256898

Keywords:

Energy Efficiency (EE), 5G cellular networks, Heterogeneous Networks (HetNet)

Abstract

This paper presents an in-depth analysis of energy efficiency in Fifth Generation (5G) cellular networks, with a focus on Heterogeneous Network (HetNet) architectures. The user needs extensive network access in next-generation wireless networks, in addition to the overwhelming demand for high data rates and network capacity. The need for data services that are available anywhere, at any time, requires network operators to construct an increasing number of base stations, which ultimately results in excessive power usage. The 5G network proposes a heterogeneous wireless access network environment as a potential solution to this problem. The goal of green communication was realized with the rise of heterogeneous networks. A heterogeneous network consists of a combination of low-power nodes superimposed over a Macrocell to reduce traffic within the Macrocell and improve cell edge user quality of service. The goal of a heterogeneous network is to reduce energy consumption in mobile wireless networks while simultaneously improving Long-Term Evolution (LTE)-Advanced performance beyond its current limits. Specifically, Microcells, Picocells and Femtocells deployment under the auspices of Macrocell Base Stations (BS). Improved network coverage, increased network capacity, energy efficiency, increased data rates, and better Quality of Service (QoS) are all the outcomes of this networking approach. Two-tier, three-tier, and four-tier network architectures have been used in this article’s energy efficiency analysis using stochastic geometry method. Our analysis considers a network configuration where microcells constitute 30%, picocells 20%, and femtocells 15% of the total deployed base stations, while macrocells remain dominant at 35%. Furthermore, While densification reduces macrocells interference, cross-tier interference increases by up to 20 dB. Multi-tier networks significantly enhance throughput and energy efficiency, but effective interference management is essential to maximize benefits.

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Published

2025-11-21

How to Cite

[1]
M. A. Oppong, E. A. Affum, and K. Ntiamoah-Sarpong, “Analyzing 5G Heterogeneous Cellular Networks: An Inclusive Examination of Throughput and Energy Efficiency”, Comput. Networks Commun. , vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 164–181, Nov. 2025.