Small-Cell Network Site Planning: A Framework Based on Terrain Effects and

Urban Geography Characteristics

I. Akhter, C. Ranaweera, C. Lim, A. Nirmalathas and E. Wong
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Email: iakhter@student.unimelb.edu.au

Abstract
This paper introduces a novel small-cell network planning framework that considers geographical terrain variation and urban geography characteristics. The framework
ensures adequate coverage and addresses all radio-frequency propagation characteristics and limits.

Introduction

Small-cell networks are a viable option to support additional mobile communication growth
Several factors, including terrain pattern, structural obstructions, antenna height etc. influence small-cell signal propagation by attenuating them
Appropriate cell location planning for small-cell site placement with optimal antenna height, over urban area, is essential

Proposed Cell-planning framework

In our proposed framework, we
Divided the urban cell-planning area into a 2D grid of 100m100m resolution
Selected each 200m200m square area as potential cell-site candidate, grouped by four 100m100m area blocks
Selected the 100m100m area block(s) with maximum geographic elevation(s) in each coverage area as potential small-cell location
Tested signal strength and coverage ability for each cell
Discarded redundant candidate cell locations from the initial planning to satisfy the maximum limit of cell sites/km2 area
Evaluated these final site locations in terms of signal coverage and designated small-cell path loss limits

Verification of Framework

Fig.1: Initial candidate locations for small-cell planning

52 maximum elevation locations selected initially

as candidate small-cell sites
No. of sites/km2 reaches over the 30 sites limit
9m antenna height and 200m200m cell sizes

Fig. 2: Horizontal LoS path loss profile

Horizontal propagation direction Line of Sight

(LoS) path losses
Most maximum elevation points offer lower losses
Overall loss limits less than LTE MAPL, but higher
than diffraction losses, due to terrain effects

Fig. 3: Vertical LoS path loss profile

Vertical propagation direction path losses

Majority of Line of Sight (LoS) losses are higher
for minimum elevation locations
LoS losses remain under LTE MAPL

Fig. 5: Vertical NLoS path loss profile

Vertical direction NLoS losses are higher in value

than vertical LoS losses
LTE MAPL requirement still satisfied
However, losses remain higher for a few maximum
elevation points

Fig. 4: Horizontal NLoS path loss profile

Horizontal propagation direction Non Line of

Sight (NLoS) path losses
Most losses are relatively less for maximum
elevation locations
NLoS losses less than LTE MAPL but more than
diffraction losses induced by terrain type

Fig. 6: Finally selected 45 small-cell site locations

45 final sites, one in each coverage area block

Meets the 30 cell sites/km2 limit requirement
Satisfies LTE MAPL in all measurement cases
Ensures ample coverage in both horizontal and
vertical directions
Only maximum elevation locations are considered

Future plans
Extend the scopes of this framework for comparison with current mobile operator deployments and introduce other path loss models, in order to further test and improve our claims.

Conclusion
In summary, our results indicate that
The proposed cell location framework is a justified urban area small-cell deployment
The framework incorporates appropriate small-cell radius
The proposed planning functions within maximum RF signal power degradation limit for LTE networks

Acknowledgement
The authors would like to thank Dr. Rajib Chakravorty and Dr. Sajeeb Saha of The University of Melbourne, for their helpful discussions and valuable suggestions.

References
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