STEP1.

TRAFFIC AND COVERAGE ANALYSIS

Traffic demand provides the basis for cellular network engineering. To
calculate the geographical distribution of traffic demand, we use the demographic data
of the area such as:
- population
-

Car usage
Income level
Land usage
Telephone statistics
Other factors (call charges, price of mobile phones,)

Using these data we can somehow firm up our traffic and coverage
analysis. In the end it should be able to produce the ff. info:
-

Cost
Capacity
GoS
Available frequencies
BER
System growth capability

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------STEP2. NOMINAL CELL PLAN

From step1, a nominal cell plan is produced. The nominal cell plan is just
a graphical representation of the network. It simply looks like a cell pattern on a map,
but a lot of work lies behind this. The nominal cell plan is the first cell plan, and it forms
the basis for further planning. Using a planning tool, the following data is provided:
-

Coordinates
Antenna height
Antenna orientation
BTS output power
Feeder length/dimension
Antenna type
Tilt

At this stage coverage and interference predictions are generated

STEP3. SURVEYS ( AND RADIO MEASUREMENTS)

Actual field visit. Given: Nominal point, search ring - site options will be
based on these. This is a very critical step assesses the real environment if location is
indeed suitable for the site. At this stage field measurements are taken.

STEP4. (FINAL CELL PLAN) SYSTEM DESIGN

Inputs from the survey are incorporated, optimizing the predictions

generated. The following are then finalized:
- dimensioning the RBS equipment
- BSC/MSC Homing
- CDD (Cell design data)

STEP5. IMPLEMENTATION

Installs/integrates site according to system design or the final cell plan.

STEP6. SYSTEM TUNING

After the site is put up, it is evaluated to determine how well it meets the
demand. This is called system tuning, and it involves:
-

Checking if the final cell plan was implemented

successfully
Evaluating customer complaints
Checking that the network performance is acceptable
Changing parameters and performing other measures (if
needed)

As you may have guessed, this is also known as RF optimization ( the

main role of our group, RNO). Upon site integration, initial system tuning is performed.
But this is a continuous process. The system needs constant retuning because traffic
behavior may change, and it usually increasing. There might be a point where it must be
expanded so that it can manage the increasing load. When this happens, traffic and
coverage analysis is performed and the cell planning process begins again.

NOTES: GSM 900: UL = 890 915; DL = 935 960 (duplex distance is 45MHz)
GSM 1800: UL = 1710 1785; DL = 1805 1880 (duplex dist is 95 MHz)
Channel separation = 200 kHz
GSM uses TDMA: 1 frame (4.615msec) =8 timeslots; each timeslot is 0.577
msec long and has room for 156.25 bits (148 bits of info, 8.24 bits long guard period)
yielding a bit rate of 270.8 kbits in the air interface

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes for NOMINAL CELL PLAN and INTERFERENCE

-

System Balance (UL/DL)

Channel Loading Plan (frequency re-use, frequency re-use distance)
Interference (co-channel, adj. channel,)
GSM reco : C/I > 9dB, but planning purposes, C/I > 12dB; freq hopping adds
to the diversity to the system to a margin of approx. 3dB thus, the reco:
C/I > 12 dB if w/out freq. hopping, and C/I > 9 dB if w/ freq hopping
Planning reco: C/A > 3 dB
Adj. channel must be avoided in the same cell and preferably in neighbors
ISI (intersymbol interference) excessive time dispersion / delayed reflected
signal. This could be considered a co-channel interference, but the interferer
R is a time-delayed reflection of the wanted signal. As per GSM reco, C/R
must be > 9dB (same as C/I). However, if the time delay is smaller than 15
usec (i.e. 4 bits, or approx 4.4km), the equalizer can solve the problem.
Reflected waves are usually very weak compared to the direct signal, but if
the direct signal is obstructed, then the reflected waves may have more
advantage which is not good for the network. Terrain (mountains, lakes, hilly
cities, high metal-covered buildings,) is a major factor here, so BTS location
must be well assessed during survey.