I am currently using omni antennas and would like to model sector antennas. How can I simulate tri-sector gNBs and set the orientation of the antennas? Also, how can I also find the load in each sector?
Simulating Tri-Sector gNBs:
Setting Antenna Orientation:
While NetSim might not have a direct option for antenna orientation, you can achieve a similar effect by strategically placing the BS nodes.
Finding Load per Sector:
NetSim should offer functionalities to monitor traffic and channel utilization. Here's how to estimate load per sector:
Limitations:
This approach doesn't perfectly replicate true sector antenna behavior. It relies on limitations of the omni antenna model and might not capture all aspects of beamforming or directivity.
Alternatives:
- Consider Other Simulators: Some network simulators might offer more advanced antenna modeling capabilities. Explore options like ns-3 or OMNeT++.
- Focus on MIMO Configuration: If your primary interest is studying MIMO techniques, you can configure the number of transmit and receive antennas at the BS to represent MIMO functionality without needing a specific antenna model.
1. Create a new scenario or edit an existing one.
2. Go to the "Devices" tab and select the gNB (base station) you want to modify.
3. In the "Antenna" section, select "Sector" as the antenna type.
4. Set the "Sector Angle" to the desired value (e.g., 120 degrees for a tri-sector gNB).
5. Set the "Orientation" to the desired value (e.g., 0, 120, or 240 degrees for a tri-sector gNB).
6. To simulate tri-sector gNBs, create three separate gNB devices, each with a sector antenna and a different orientation (0, 120, and 240 degrees).
7. To find the load in each sector, you can use the "Network Performance" metrics in NetSim, such as:
"UE Distribution" to see the number of UEs connected to each sector.
"Throughput" and "Traffic" metrics to see the load on each sector.
Abbas Khan has very nicely covered the basics in his response.
For more details see the NetSim 5G technical documentation available in https://tetcos.com/netsim-documentation.html
The load on each sector can be determined by calculating the number of UEs attached to that sector gNB. This information is available in the radio measurements file after the simulation. If the UEs are mobile, the load will change over time, requiring calculations at different time intervals.
The NetSim page https://tetcos.com/simulating-5G-HetNets.html has a nice image showing some gNBs with sector antennas and others with Omni antennas, as well as UEs in the network