This work presents the analysis of the benefits of dual connectivity in Long Term Evo- lution (LTE) networks, and proposes a sleep mode algorithm in order to increase even more the network efficiency. Among the sleep mode algorithms for dual connectivity in literature, none makes an approach regarding the small cells backhaul capacity for the activation decision of these small cells. The lack of an appropriate sleep mode process that takes backhaul issues into consideration can lead to network bottlenecks, greater latency and packet drops. For this reason, the algorithm highlights relevant aspects in LTE networks, and quantifies the benefits obtained not only by the use of the algorithm but also by the use of the dual connectivity itself. To accomplish this goal, several simulations were performed with the software Riverbed Mode- ler, based on 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) parameters and papers from this area. The simulation results show that lower delay levels can be achieved with the use of dual con- nectivity, and even lower results can be obtained with the use of the proposed algorithm, which also contributes to a more energy efficient usage of network resources. Furthermore, results regarding backhaul traffic in the core network and among small cells are also analyzed. The results, in general, show several advantages of dual connectivity and the proposed algorithm in LTE networks.
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