Coverage Planning

Internal Use Only

Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Overview of coverage planning

Link budget
Propagation model
Scale estimation
Coverage enhancing technology
The common coverage issues Q&A

Internal Use Only

1. Overview of coverage planning

1.
2.

What is the purpose of coverage planning?

What is the work content of coverage
planning?
3. What is the input of coverage planning?
4. What is the output of coverage planning?

Internal Use Only

1. What is the target of coverage planning?

Do
Do the
the link budget
budget and
and radius
radius estimation
estimation for
for the
the targeted
targeted
coverage
coverage area
area so
so as
as to
to get
get to
to know
know the
the site
site scale
scale and
and site
site
deployment
deployment which
which satisfy
satisfy the
the KPI.
KPI. Besides,
Besides, if
if aa digital
digital map
map
is
is available,
available, an
an adjustment
adjustment can
can be
be done
done to
to the
the sites
sites
according
according to
to the
the results
results of
of coverage
coverage simulation
simulation..

ItItisisaamust
mustto
tohave
haveaathree
threedimensional
dimensional
digital
digitalmap
map(Planet/EET
(Planet/EET) )which
whichcovers
coversthe
the
whole
wholetargeted
targetedcoverage
coveragearea
area. .Degree
Degreeof
of
accuracy:
accuracy:
For
Forurban
urbanareas:
areas:not
notlower
lowerthan
than20m;
20m;
For
Forrural
ruralareas:
areas:not
notlower
lowerthan
than50m
50m. .

Internal Use Only

2. What is the work content of coverage planning?

Clarify
Clarifythe
the
input
input
Coverage
Coverage
simulation
simulation

Link
Linkbudget
budget

Coverag
Coverag
ee
planning
planning
Propagation
Propagation
model
model
calibration
calibration

Site
Site
deployment
deployment
Scale
Scale
estimation
estimation

Internal Use Only

3. What is the input of coverage planning?

The
The size
size and
and range
range of
of
the
target
coverage
the target coverage
area
area

KPI
KPI The
The coverage
coverage KPI
KPI

The
The parameters
parameters of
of the
the
propagation
propagation model
model

Others
Others

Which
Whichcities
citiesand
andmajor
majorroads
roadswill
willbe
becovered?
covered?
What
are
the
categories
of
scenarios
What are the categories of scenariosaccording
accordingtotothe
theradio
radio
environment?
environment?
What
Whatisisthe
thecoverage
coveragerange
rangeofofeach
eachscenario?
scenario?

The
Thecoverage
coveragerequirements
requirementsofofeach
eachscenario:
scenario:
Coverage
level
Coverage level
Coverage
Coverageprobability
probability

Carry
Carryout
outaatest
testand
andcalibrate
calibratethe
theparameters
parametersofofthe
thepropagation
propagation
model.
model.
No
Notest
testisiscarried
carriedout,
out,and
andthe
theparameters
parametersofofthe
thestandard
standard
propagation
model
are
adopted.
propagation model are adopted.

The
Theequipment
equipmenttypes,
types,which
whichwill
willbe
beadopted
adoptedfor
forthe
thebidding,
bidding,
depends
on
the
market
strategy.
depends on the market strategy.
The
Thebiggest
biggestsite
siteconfiguration
configurationdepends
dependson
onthe
thefrequency
frequencybands
bandsand
and
the
frequency
resources.
the frequency resources.
IsIsaaPlanet
Planetthree-dimensional
three-dimensionaldigital
digitalmap
mapavailable?
available?The
Thecoverage
coverage
simulation
can
not
do
without
the
map.
simulation can not do without the map.
What
Whatabout
aboutthe
theapplication
applicationofofthe
thedifferent
differentkinds
kindsofofcoverage
coverage
enhancing
technologies?

enhancing technologies?

Internal Use Only

4. What is the output of coverage planning?

Site scale

Site
deployment

The balanced
budget of
uplink/downlink
power

Coverage
simulation

Internal Use Only

2. Link budget
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.

Why is link budget needed?

What is path link balance?
How can we judge a link is limited?
What is the result if a link is limited?
What is link gain and link loss?
What is slow fading?
What is fast fading?
What is coverage probability?
What is margin?
What kind of margin should be considered for the link budget?
What factors should be taken into consideration to decide the slow
fading margin which is frequently used?
What is design signal level and acceptance level?
What are the categories of combiner loss which are frequently come
across in link budget?
What factors should be taken into consideration to decide the power
of the set-top unit of ZTE series equipment?
What factors should be taken into consideration to decide the
antenna and feeder loss of ZTE series equipment?
What is TMA?
How to choose the a suitable type of antenna?
How is the uplink/downlink budget calculated?
How to avoid the unbalanced link in network planning?

Internal Use Only

1. Why is link budget needed?

The
Thepurpose
purposeof
ofdoing
doingthe
theuplink/downlink
uplink/downlinkbudget
budgetis
isto
to
estimate
estimatethe
theuplink/downlink
uplink/downlinkcoverage
coverageability
abilityof
ofthe
thesystem
system
and
andto
toget
getthe
theallowed
allowedmaximum
maximumpath
pathloss
loss of
ofaabalanced
balanced
link
linkthrough
throughan
ananalysis
analysisof
ofthe
thefactors
factorswhich
whichinfluence
influencethe
the
uplink/downlink
uplink/downlinksignals
signalsduring
duringthe
thetransmission.
transmission.
The
Thelink
linkbudget
budgetis
isused
usedto
tosee
seehow
howthe
theuplink/downlink
uplink/downlink
borders
bordersof
ofaacell
cellis
iscovered.
covered.

Internal Use Only

2. What is link balance?

Strictly
Strictly speaking,
speaking, link
link balance
balance means that the difference of
the
the path
path loss
loss of
of the
the uplink
uplink radio
radio link
link and
and that
that of
of the
downlink
downlink radio
radio link
link is
is 0.
0.
Generally
Generally speaking,
speaking, it
it is
is considered
considered that
that there
there is
is aa rough
rough
link
link balance
balance if
if the
the allowed
allowed maximum
maximum path
path loss
loss difference
difference
between
between the uplink and the downlink is no more than 2dB
when
when the
the link
link budget
budget is
is calculated.
calculated.

Uplink coverage

Downlink
coverage

=
Downlink
coverage

Uplink coverage

Internal Use Only

3. How can we judge a link is limited?

Uplink coverage < Downlink coverage that is,

Uplink limited

Uplink coverage

The allowed maximum uplink path loss < The

allowed maximum downlink path loss

Downlink coverage

The part of invalid

downlink coverage

Downlink coverage < Uplink coverage that is,

Downlink limited

Downlink coverage

The allowed maximum downlink path loss < The

allowed maximum uplink path loss

Uplink coverage
The part of invalid
uplink coverage

Internal Use Only

4. What is the result if a link is limited?

Uplink
Uplinklimited
limited

Uplink coverage
Areas with
problems

In
Inthe
theareas
areaswith
withproblems,
problems,the
thehandset
handsetisisinin
the
thecoverage
coverageholes
holesofofthe
thesite,
site,and
andititcan
cannot
not
originate
a
call.
originate a call.
When
Whenthe
thesubscriber
subscribermoves
movestowards
towardsthe
the
borders
of
a
cell
(areas
with
weak
borders of a cell (areas with weak
signals),
signals),there
theremay
maybe
beunilateral
unilateral
conversations
or
call
drops.
conversations or call drops.

Downlink
Downlinklimited
limited

Downlink
coverage

In
Inareas
areaswith
withproblems,
problems,the
thehandset
handsethas
has
signals
but
it
can
not
originate
a
call;
signals but it can not originate a call;
When
Whenthe
thesubscriber
subscribermoves
movestowards
towardsthe
the
borders
of
a
cell
(areas
with
weak
signals),
borders of a cell (areas with weak signals),
there
theremay
maybe
beunilateral
unilateralconversations
conversationsor
orcall
call
drops.
drops.
When
Whenthe
thesubscriber
subscribermoves
movesfrom
fromany
anyother
other
area
towards
the
uplink
limited
area
which
area towards the uplink limited area which
isisan
anarea
areawith
withproblems,
problems,the
thesuccess
successrate
rateofof
inward
inwardhandovers
handoversofofthe
thecell
cellwill
willbe
beaffected.
affected.

Areas with
problems

5. What is link gain and link loss?

Internal Use Only

Gain
Gain means that a positive influence is exerted over the link,Gain=50-40=10dB
and the signals are strengthened.
Unit dB
Device 50dBm
There are different categories of link gain: Antenna gain, 40dBm
diversity gain

Loss
Loss means that a negative influence is exerted over the link, Loss=40-32=8dB
and the signals are weakened.
Unit dB
There are different categories of link loss: Feeder loss,
40dBm Device 32dBm
combiner loss,
the loss caused by the penetration of buildings or cars,
and body loss

6. What is slow fading?

Internal Use Only

When
Whenthe
thesignals
signalsare
aretransmitted,
transmitted,they
theywill
willbe
beblocked
blockedby
bythe
thebuildings
buildingsand
andthe
theuneven
unevenland
land
forms. In the areas where the signals are blocked, the shadow of electromagnetic waves will be
forms. In the areas where the signals are blocked, the shadow of electromagnetic waves will be
formed.
formed.As
Asaaresult,
result,the
thesignal
signalstrength
strengthwill
willbe
beweakened.
weakened.This
Thisisiscalled
calledShadow
ShadowFading,
Fading,aakind
kind
ofoffading
of
signals,
which
is
caused
by
the
shadow
effect.
fading of signals, which is caused by the shadow effect.
The
Thesignals
signalsgo
gothrough
throughaaslow
slowand
andrandom
randomchange
changewithin
withinthe
therange
rangeofofdozens
dozensofofwavelengths,
wavelengths,
so
the
statistical
counting
obeys
the
rules
of
lognormal
distribution.
Therefore,
Shadow
so the statistical counting obeys the rules of lognormal distribution. Therefore, ShadowFading
Fading
isisalso
called
Slow
Fading.
also called Slow Fading.

In
InEnglish,
English,ititis
iscalled
calledSlow
SlowFading
Fading

or
orLog-normal
Log-normalFading
Fading
or
orShadow
Shadow
Fading.
Fading.

7. What is fast fading?

Internal Use Only

When the signals are transmitted, they will be reflected and scattered many times due to the surrounding environment (for
When the signals are transmitted, they will be reflected and scattered many times due to the surrounding environment (for
example, buildings, trees, and so on). In this way, the multi-path interference is formed, so the amplitude and phase of a signal may
example, buildings, trees, and so on). In this way, the multi-path interference is formed, so the amplitude and phase of a signal may
have a dramatic change with the pass of time. The overlaying of the multi-path signals forms a vector and a possible serious valley
have a dramatic change with the pass of time. The overlaying of the multi-path signals forms a vector and a possible serious valley
point of fading, which result in a dramatic fluctuation of the intensity of the field and a short-term fading. The fast fading is a kind of
point of fading, which result in a dramatic fluctuation of the intensity of the field and a short-term fading. The fast fading is a kind of
deep fading of signals, which is caused by the multi-path effect of signal transmission.
deep fading of signals, which is caused by the multi-path effect of signal transmission.
The statistical counting principles of probability density of fast fading obeys a Rayleigh distribution. Therefore, Fast Fading is also
The statistical counting principles of probability density of fast fading obeys a Rayleigh distribution. Therefore, Fast Fading is also
called Rayleigh Fading.
called Rayleigh Fading.

In English it is called Fast Fading, or Rayleigh

Fading.

Internal Use Only

8. What is coverage probability?

Coverage probability refers to how large the probability is that the received signal of the terminal is larger than
the threshold at the coverage borders of the cell (or within the coverage areas).

The edge coverage probability The percentage of the cell borders whose
received signal is larger than the threshold.

Coverage
Coverage
probability
probability

The area coverage probability The percentage of the areas whose received
signal is larger than the threshold.

The test is carried out along the covered cell

borders. The edge coverage probability refers to the
percentage of samples, of which the level is at least
- 90dBm.

The test is carried out along the paths of the covered areas of
a cell. The area coverage probability refers to the percentage
of samples, of which the level is at least - 90dBm.

The threshold level of the cell borders 90dBm

The threshold level of the cell borders

Under the same

conditions, the area
coverage probability
is larger than the
edge coverage
probability. The two
can be mutually
transformed
according to some
rules in math.

-90dBm

9. What is margin?

Internal Use Only

When
Whenthe
theradio
radiosignals
signalsare
aretransmitted,
transmitted,they
theywill
willhave
havean
an
attenuation
attenuationcaused
causedby
bydifferent
differentkinds
kindsfactors
factorsof
ofthe
theradio
radio
environment,
environment,for
forexample,
example,shadow
shadoweffect,
effect,multi-path
multi-patheffect,
effect,
and
andso
soon.
on.Therefore,
Therefore,the
theinfluence
influencecaused
causedby
bythese
thesefactors
factors
should
shouldbe
betaken
takeninto
intoconsideration
considerationwhen
whenthe
thedesign
designof
ofradio
radio
network
networkstarts.
starts.At
Atthe
thestage
stageof
ofnetwork
networkplanning,
planning,some
somepower
power
can
canbe
bereserved
reservedto
to resist
resistthe
thepossible
possibleattenuation.
attenuation.The
The
reserved
reservedpower
poweris
iscalled
calledmargin.
margin.

Internal Use Only

10. What kind of margin should be considered for the

link budget?--1
Slow Fading margin
1
In order to ensure that the site can cover the cell borders with a certain probability, the site must
reserve some transmission power so as to overcome Shadow Fading. So the reserved margin
is called Shadow Fading margin or Slow Fading margin.

Fast Fading margin

2

The multi-path effect of the transmission of radio signals will result in the fast fading of signals,
so the quality of signals will be affected. For GSM system, it resists Fast Fading by making use
of a series of technologies, including interleaving coding, frequency hopping, diversity
reception, adaptive equalization, and so on. Besides, at the stage of network planning, some
design margin should be reserved to resist Fast Fading. This is called Fast Fading margin.
Usually, it is 3dB.

Jamming margin
3
GSM is a kind of interference limited system. The received power should not only resist the
noises but also resist the co-channel/adjacent channel interferences which are caused by the
frequency reuse so as to ensure the quality of the signals. The power reserved to resist the
interference is called interference margin.
Usually it is 3dB.

Internal Use Only

10. What kind of margin should be considered for the

link budget?--2
Body loss
4
Body loss refers to the kind of loss which is caused by signal
blocking and absorption when the handset is held quite close to
the human body. Usually, for voice service, it is 3dB;and for data
service, it is 0dB.

Loss caused by the

penetration of a building
5

Loss caused by the penetration of a building refers to the

attenuation which occurs when the radio waves penetrate the
exterior structures of a building. It is equal to the difference value
when the median value of the field strength outside the building
and that inside the building are compared. The value related of
this kind of loss is closely related to the materials and thickness
of the building.

Loss caused by the

penetration of a car
6

Loss caused by the penetration of a car refers to the attenuation

which occurs when the radio waves penetrate the car. It is equal
to the difference value when the median value of the field
strength of the signals outside the car and that inside the car are
compared.
Usually, it is 6 8dB.

Classification of
different areas

Typical
penetration loss
value

Dense urban

18 22

Medium urban

15 20

Suburban areas
and rural areas

10 15

Internal Use Only

11. What factors should be taken into consideration to

decide the slow fading margin which is frequently
Area
Edge
Slow
used? Area Type
Coverage
Coverage
Fading
Probability

Dense Urban
Sigma=10dB

Medium Urban
Sigma=8dB

Suburban/Rural /
Road Sigma=6dB

Probability

Margin (dB)

75%

54%

85%

69%

90%

80%

7.7

95%

88%

11.7

75%

50%

85%

66%

3.2

90%

75%

5.5

95%

86%

8.7

80%

50%

85%

60%

1.6

90%

71%

3.4

95%

84%

5.9

Internal Use Only

12. What is design signal level and acceptance level?

The lowest level required SSmin_req

It refers to the lowest level required for making calls in real situations (outdoor/indoor/in a car).
On basis of the receiver sensitivity, it takes the following factors into consideration: Fast Fading
margin, interference margin, body loss, loss caused by the penetration of a building which is
relevant to a indoor subscriber or loss caused by the penetration of a car which is relevant to a
subscriber inside a car.

Design level SSdesign

In order to ensure a certain probability, it is necessary to consider the Shadow Fading margin on
basis of the lowest level required or the acceptance level. Then, the level value is called design level.
In other words, at the network planning stage, it is a must to consider the possible influence exerted
by Shadow Fading over the signal coverage. The purpose is to ensure the network coverage
probability.

Acceptance level SSacceptance

Usually, in the bidding documents or the contract, the client will mention the DT coverage KPI,
including the requirements for level value and coverage probability which DT should meet.
Then, the required level value which DT should reach is called the acceptance level by us.
However, if the client does not have any requirements for the acceptance level, we should
make a suggestion. Usually, it is considered that SSacceptance should be equal to SSmin_req
(SSacceptance = SSmin_req).

Internal Use Only

13. What are the categories of combiner loss which are

frequently come across in link budget?
1

V2
V2series
seriescombiner
combinerloss
loss

V3
V3series
seriescombiner
combinerloss
loss

SDR
SDRseries
seriescombiner
combinerloss
loss

Combiner

900M(dB)

1800M(dB
)

CDU

4.4

4.6

CEU

3.5

3.5

ECDU

Combiner

900M(dB)

1800M(dB
)

CDU

4.4

4.6

CEU

3.5

3.5

CEN

5.3

5.5

MCDU

4.4

4.6

ECDU

ECU

3.5

3.5

For RU02 and RU02A, the COM

loss is 3dB when it is S3~S4.
Other radio frequency processing
units do not have a combiner
inside.

Internal Use Only

15. What factors should be taken into consideration to decide the

antenna and feeder loss of ZTE series equipment? The Typical
Antenna and Feeder Connection
Increase the downlink insertion loss of
the tower amplifier (downlink).
Add one T connector and two other
connectors (uplink/downlink).
Add some 1/2 soft jumper cable
(uplink/downlink).

If the feeder loss is more than

3dB, it is suggested that a
heavier feeder line should be
used.

Type

Loss

Unit

Connector

0.05

dB/each

T connector

0.3

dB/each

Lightning
arrester

0.2

dB/each

TMA insertion
loss

0.5

dB

The table here shows the typical KPI of Hansen. It is just for
your reference. For a specific project, the table should be filled
in according to the actual configuration of feeder line KPI.
Feeder
Type

Without
TMA

With
TMA

900

1800

Unit

1/2

11.2

16.6

dB/100m

7/8

3.88

5.75

dB/100m

5/4

2.77

4.16

dB/100m

13/8

2.29

3.47

dB/100m

Internal Use Only

5.

What factors should be taken into consideration to decide the antenna

and feeder loss of ZTE series equipment? Typical Antenna and
Feeder Connection RRU and BBU is connected

Installation near
an antenna

by fiber

1.

2m loss for softer jumper

RRU and antenna is

2.

2 connector loss

1.

22m softer jumper loss

2.

Main feeder line loss between RRU

and the antenna

platform of a tower (a

3.

6 connectors loss

platform under the

4.

1 feeder line lightning arrester loss

connected by 1/2 jumper.

RRU is installed on the

The installation
position keeps a
distance from
both BBU and
the antenna.

antenna) or installed at the

roof and it is lower than the

The table here is only for reference, in practice please

calculate according to specific conditions!

antenna
RRU and BBU is connected
by fiber
RRU and the antenna is

Height
of
antenna
(m)

Height of
RRU on
platform
(m)

Length
of 7/8
main
feeder
line
(m)

Length
of
jumper
(m)

Connector
+
lightning
arrester

900M(
dB)

1800
M(dB)

connected in a normal way.

The length of main feeder

50

50

6+1

2.89

4.04

line is the distance between

50

10

40

6+1

2.5

3.46

RRU and the antenna.

50

20

30

6+1

2.11

2.89

50

30

20

6+1

1.73

2.31

50

50

0.32

0.43

Internal Use Only

16. What is TMA?

TMATower
TMATowerMounted
MountedAmplifier
Amplifier
Tower
TowerAmplifier
Amplifierisisthe
theshort
shortform
formfor
forTower
TowerMounted
MountedAmplifier.
Amplifier.Actually,
Actually,an
anamplifier
amplifierwhich
whichhas
has
low
noises
and
high
linearity
(low
noise
amplifier)
is
installed
at
the
front
end
of
the
receiving
low noises and high linearity (low noise amplifier) is installed at the front end of the receiving
system
systemofofthe
thesite,
site,aaplace,
place,which
whichisisclose
closetotothe
thereceiving
receivingantenna.
antenna.ItItisisused
usedtotoamplify
amplifythe
theuplink
uplink
signals,
to
improve
the
noise
figure
of
the
receiving
system
of
the
site,
and
to
improve
the
uplink
signals, to improve the noise figure of the receiving system of the site, and to improve the uplink
coverage
coveragecapability.
capability.

Q
Q
Usually,
Usually, the
the KPI
KPI designed
designed for
for the
the uplink
uplink gain
gain is
is 12dB.
12dB. Does
Does it
it
follow
follow that
that 12dB
12dB uplink
uplink gain
gain should
should be
be taken
taken into
into consideration
consideration when
when
the
the link
link budget
budget is
is calculated?
calculated?
A
A
No
No. Since
Since TMA
TMA is
is actually
actually aa low
low noise
noise amplifier.
amplifier. On
On the
the one
one hand
hand
the
the valid
valid uplink
uplink signals
signals are
are amplified,
amplified, on
on the
the other
other hand,
hand, different
different kinds
kinds
of
of noises
noises and
and interferences
interferences are
are also
also amplified.
amplified. The
The actual
actual uplink
uplink gain
gain
generated
3dB
3dB..
generated by
by TMA
TMA is
is usually
usually 22

17. How to choose the a suitable type of

antenna?

Internal Use Only

Area

Antenna
height m

Antenna
gain dBi

Horizontal
beamwidth
of the
antenna

Vertical
beamwidth
of the
antenna

Polarization
categories

Electrical downtilt

Dense urban

20 25

15.5~17

65

8 14

Dualpolarization

0 10 degree
electrical downtilt

Urban areas

35 30

15.5~17

65

8 14

Dualpolarization

2 6 degree electrical
downtilt

Suburban areas

35 40

17~18

65 90

7 10

Dualpolarization

2 4 degree electrical
downtilt or without
electrical downtilt

Rural areas

45 50

17~18

65 90

7 10

Dualpolarization ,
vertical
polarization

The electrical downtilt

is optional.

Highways or long
and narrow
valleys

45 60

18~22

35

68

Dualpolarization ,
vertical
polarization

The electrical downtilt

is optional.

If a single frequency antenna is used by a co-sited dual-band base station, the antenna selected for the 1800M base station
If a single frequency antenna is used by a co-sited dual-band base station, the antenna selected for the 1800M base station

should be 1 2dB higher in antenna gain than that selected for the 900M base station. Usually, the antenna of a 1800M base
should be 1 2dB higher in antenna gain than that selected for the 900M base station. Usually, the antenna of a 1800M base
station is higher than that of a 900M base station by 3 5m.
station is higher than that of a 900M base station by 3 5m.
If a dual-band antenna is selected, the installation space can be saved. However, the separate adjustment made for the two
If a dual-band antenna is selected, the installation space can be saved. However, the separate adjustment made for the two
networks will not be so flexible. It should be checked whether the antenna parameters of the two frequency bands can both
networks will not be so flexible. It should be checked whether the antenna parameters of the two frequency bands can both
meet the relevant requirements.
meet the relevant requirements.
In dense urban areas, an antenna with a lower antenna gain can be chosen if necessary.
In dense urban areas, an antenna with a lower antenna gain can be chosen if necessary.

Internal Use Only

18. How is the uplink/downlink budget calculated?

Uplink

Downlink

Parameter

Symbol

Unit

Transmission power of the

carrier frequency

dBm

Combiner loss

dB

Output power of the settop unit of BTS

C=A-B

dBm

Feeder line connector loss

dB

Antenna gain of BTS

dBi

Antenna gain of MS

Receiver sensitivity of MS

Parameter

Symbol

Unit

Transmission power of MS

dBm

Antenna gain of MS

dBi

Antenna gain of BTS

dBi

Diversity gain

dB

Feeder line connector loss

dB

dBi

The contribution to
sensitivity made by TMA

dB

dBm

Receiver sensitivity of BTS

dBm

Fast fading margin

dB

Fast fading margin

dB

Interference margin

dB

Interference margin

dB

Body loss

dB

Body loss

dB

Loss caused by the

penetration of a building or
a car

dB

Loss caused by the

penetration of a building or
a car

dB

Slow fading margin

dB

Slow fading margin

dB

The minimum level

required (DL)

M=G+H+I+J+K

dBm

The minimum level

required (UL)

M=G+H+I+J+K

dB

Design level (DL)

N=M+L

dBm

Downlink enhancing
technology

Design level (UL)

N=M+L

dB

dB

dB

The maximum
downlink path loss
allowed

Uplink enhancing
technology

P=C-D+E+F-N+O

The maximum uplink

path loss allowed

P=A+B+C+D-E+F-N

dB

dB

Choose the maximum path loss allowed for the link which is limited, that is, Min (P uplink, P downlink)
Choose the maximum path loss allowed for the link which is limited, that is, Min (P uplink, P downlink)
as
asthe
themaximum
maximumpath
pathloss
lossallowed
allowedfor
forthe
thewhole
wholelink!
link!

19. How to avoid the unbalanced link in network

planning?

Internal Use Only

The maximum uplink path loss allowed < The maximum downlink path
loss allowed, difference value > 2dBUplink limited Increase the uplink
coverage or decrease the invalid downlink coverage Link balance
Solution: Add TMA, adopt 4 antennae to do the diversity reception, lower
the transmission power of the carrier frequency and so on.

The maximum downlink path loss allowed < The maximum uplink
path loss allowed, difference value > 2dB Downlink limited
Increase the downlink coverage Link balance
Solution: Increase the transmission power of the set-top unit of BTS,
increase the number of antenna and feeder, DPCT technology, DDT
technology and so on.

Internal Use Only

3. Propagation model
1.
2.
3.

What is propagation model?

What are the categories of propagation model?
What are the frequently-used propagation
models?
4. Why is propagation model calibration necessary?
5. How to evaluate whether a propagation model is
suitable or not?
6. How to get a propagation model before the
calibration is done?

Internal Use Only

1. What is propagation model?

A propagation model is a kind

kind of
of mathematical
mathematical model
model which
describes and reflects
reflects the
the features
features of
of the
the transmission
transmission
environment of the radio signals and the rules for the
changes of the signals
signals.. Actually,
Actually, aa propagation
propagation model
model
represents aa typical
typical model of the transmission
transmission environment
environment
which has
has some
some specific
specific features
features..
At the planning
planning stage,
stage, the
the propagation
propagation model
model can
can be
be used
used in
in
the following two ways.

Estimation of the
cell radius

Simulation

Internal Use Only

2. What are the categories of propagation

Statistical model
Deterministic model
model? Model
Concept

Amount of calculation
Computational accuracy
Requirements for the accuracy of
the digital map
The requirements for the clutter
of the digital map
Application range
Frequently-used models

The propagation model

is based on the
statistical analysis of a
large quantity of testing
data.

The propagation model is

obtained through the
simulation of the multi-path
transmission traces of the
radio waves. The simulation
is based on the geometrical
information of the clutter
and the buildings which
appear on the transmission
path.

Small

Large

Average

Excellent

20m~50m

1m~5m

The information of the

buildings is not
included.

The information of the

buildings must be included.

>1km

<1km

OKUMURA-HATA
COST231
Universal model

VOLCANO

Internal Use Only

3. What are the frequently-used propagation models?

Okumura-Hata
0.5G~1.5GHz For 900M
Macro cell model
It is suitable for 900M sites where
the simulation and scale estimation
will be done for a large quantity of
sites in a wide range.

Volcano

COST231

0.5G~2GHz
Micro cell model
It is suitable for a
specific area where the
simulation will be done
for a small quantity of
sites.

1.5G~2GHz (For
1800M)
Macro cell model
It is suitable for
1800M sites where
the simulation and
scale estimation will
be done for a large
quantity of sites in a
wide range.

The frequently-used
propagation models

0.5G~2GHz (For 900/ 1800M)

Macro cell model
It is suitable for the sites where the
simulation and scale estimation will be
done for a large quantity of sites in a wide
range.
At present, this model is adopted by
AIRCOM/CNP.

Universal model

Internal Use Only

4. Why is propagation model calibration necessary?

The radio transmission environment differs for each place due to the various land forms, geographic
The radio transmission environment differs for each place due to the various land forms, geographic
features,
features,distribution
distributionofofbuildings,
buildings,coverage
coverageofofvegetation,
vegetation,and
andso
soon.
on.For
Forexample,
example,cities
citiesininplain
plain
areas
VS
cities
in
areas
with
hills,
cities
where
there
is
a
dense
distribution
of
high
buildings
areas VS cities in areas with hills, cities where there is a dense distribution of high buildingsVS
VS
cities where most of the buildings have 1 2 storeys, cites in desert areas VS cities in areas where
cities where most of the buildings have 1 2 storeys, cites in desert areas VS cities in areas where
there
thereisisaawide
widecoverage
coverageofofvegetation
vegetation

Actually,
Actually,propagation
propagationmodel
modelcalibration
calibrationisisnecessary
necessaryfor
for
each
city.
The
purpose
is
to
get
the
parameters
of
the
propagation
model
which
is
consistent
with
each city. The purpose is to get the parameters of the propagation model which is consistent with
the actual situation.
the actual situation.
IfIfthe
thesame
sameset
setofofparameters
parametersisisapplied
appliedtotoevery
everyscenario,
scenario,ititisisquite
quitepossible
possiblethat
thatthe
theplanning
planning
scheme
differs
greatly
from
the
actual
situation.
Here
are
the
consequences:
scheme differs greatly from the actual situation. Here are the consequences:
1.1.The
Thenetwork
networkcoverage
coveragewhich
whichhas
hasbeen
beenestablished
establishedisisnot
notgood
goodenough
enoughtotomeet
meetthe
thecoverage
coverageKPI.
KPI.
2.2.ItItisisaalarge
largewaste
wasteofofresources
resourcesififthere
thereare
aretoo
toomany
manysites.
sites.Besides,
Besides,severe
severeinterferences
interferencesmay
may
appear if there is a dense distribution of sites.
appear if there is a dense distribution of sites.

Internal Use Only

5. How to evaluate whether a propagation model is

suitable or not?
Before the calibration:
The Mean Error is not 0, the standard deviation Std Dev is
large.
Figure: The intersection point of the red line and the vertical
axis is not 0.0; the slope of the red line is not 0.

After the calibration:

The Mean Error tends to be 0, the standard deviation Std
Dev<=8dB. This means the model is quite consistent with
the actual situation.
(For dense urban areas, std dev<=10dB is also
acceptable. );
Figure: The intersection point of the red line and the vertical
axis is 0.0; the slope of the red line is 0.

Horizontal ordinate: The logarithm of the distance between

the testing place and the base station is represented by
logd.
Vertical ordinate: The Mean Error which is calculated by
comparing the actual level of the testing place and the
predicted level of that place is represented by Error.
Dense dots: Testing places
The red line: It shows a kind of tendency about what the
Mean Error is likely to be when the overall actual testing
values of the testing place are compared with the
predicted values.

Internal Use Only

6. How to get a propagation model before the calibration

is done?
IfIfititisisnot
notpossible
possibletotocarry
carryout
outthe
thepropagation
propagationmodel
modeltest
testor
orcalibration
calibrationofofthe
the
target
city
due
to
the
problems
of
resources
or
time
and
the
like,
it
is
acceptable
target city due to the problems of resources or time and the like, it is acceptable
totochoose
chooseaapropagation
propagationmodel
modelfrom
fromthe
themodel
modellibrary
libraryby
byfollowing
followingsome
somecertain
certain
rules.
rules.This
Thismodel
modelcan
canbe
beregarded
regardedas
asan
analternative
alternativechoice,
choice,which
whichshould
shouldbe
be
similar
similartotothe
theactual
actualradio
radioenvironment
environmentofofthe
thetarget
targetcity.
city.However,
However,there
theremay
maybe
be
some
differences
between
the
alternative
choice
and
the
actual
situation.
some differences between the alternative choice and the actual situation.
As
Astotothe
therules
rulesfor
forchoosing
choosingthe
themodel,
model,they
theycan
canbe
beset
setup
upaccording
accordingtotothe
the
experience
of
the
engineers
or
by
using
some
customized
automatic
tool.
experience of the engineers or by using some customized automatic tool.
Actually,
Actually,this
thiskind
kindofoftool
toolwill
willbe
beapplied
appliedtotothe
theRoad
RoadMap
MapofofCNP.
CNP.
Conditions
1. The digital map of the city for
which the planning will be done.
2. In the propagation model library,
there are a certain amount of
parameter sets related to the
propagation models, which are
reliable and accurate.
3. A tool used for choosing a model
automatically

Risks
It should be noticed that the model,
which is selected by using the tool, can
only be regarded as the most suitable
model from the existing model library.
However, it does not mean that it is
completely matched with the actual
environment.

Internal Use Only

4. Estimation of the coverage scale

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

How to estimate the coverage radius of a single

site?
Whats the influence of downtilt over the
coverage?
How to calculate the site distance at the preplanning stage?
How to estimate the coverage area of a single site?
How to estimate the scale of coverage?

Internal Use Only

1. How to estimate the coverage radius of a single site?

1

Link budget Get the maximum path loss allowed for a whole link, that is, PL.
Link budget Get the maximum path loss allowed for a whole link, that is, PL.

Propagation model calibration Get the value of each parameter of the propagation model
Propagation model calibration Get the value of each parameter of the propagation model

Calculate d of the propagation model formula in a reverse way Get the maximum
Calculate d of the propagation model formula in a reverse way Get the maximum
coverage
coverage
radius of the site
radius of the site
Choose a universal propagation model:
PL=k1+k2*lgd+k3*Hm+k4*lgHm+k5*lgHb+k6*lgHb*Lgd+k7*diffraction+ clutter Loss
Here,
PL means the maximum path loss allowed for the whole link, which is calculated in the link budget.
k1 k7 and Clutter Loss are the parameters which are obtained after the propagation model
calibration. (As to the estimation of the radius, only k1 k6 will be involved in the calculation.)
Hm is the height of MS.
Hb is the effective height of BTS antenna.
d refers to the distance between the base station and MS (km).
When d of the model above is calculated in a reverse way, the following formula can be obtained.
d=10^((PL-K1-K3*Hm-k4*lgHm-k5*lgHb)/(k2+k6*lgHb))
Here d is actually the estimated coverage radius R of the base station.

Internal Use Only

2. Whats the influence of downtilt over the coverage?

When
Whenthe
themaximum
maximumpath
pathloss
lossallowed
allowedisiscalculated
calculatedininthe
thelink
linkbudget,
budget,the
theinfluence
influenceexerted
exertedby
bythe
the
downtilt
is
not
taken
into
consideration.
If
the
influence
exerted
by
the
downtilt
over
the
coverage
downtilt is not taken into consideration. If the influence exerted by the downtilt over the coverageisis
to be taken into consideration, the radius should be estimated according to the following formula.
to be taken into consideration, the radius should be estimated according to the following formula.
DT: Downtilt (mechanical downtilt +
electrical downtilt)
H: The antenna height of BTS
Atan Inverse tangent trigonometric
function
VB: Vertical 3dB beamwidth of the
antenna
DF: The distance to the farthest place
which the upward 3dB beamwidth can
cover. It is the predicted coverage radius
when the downtilt DT is taken into
consideration.
DN: The distance to the nearest place
which the downward 3dB beamwidth can
cover
D: The distance covered by the main lobe
right ahead

Internal Use Only

3. How to calculate the site distance at the pre-planning

stage?
Three-sector
Three-sector
directional
directionalsites
sites

The distance between two threesector directional sites is 1.5R.

R represents the radius of the
directional cell.
If two-sector directional sites are used for the
coverage of a long and narrow road, the
distance between the sites should be 2R.
R represents the radius of the directional cell.

Omni
Omnisites
sites

The distance between two omni

sites is 1.73R.
R represents the radius of the
omni cell.

Internal Use Only

4. How to estimate the coverage area of a single site?

A three-sector
An omni site
directional site

Cell radius R
The coverage
area of a single 0.65R2
cell

2.6R2

The coverage
area of a single 1.95R2
site

2.6R2

Internal Use Only

5. How to estimate the scale of coverage?

For example,
According to the radio environment, the target city A
is divided into two parts, that is, the mean urban
area MU and the suburban area SU. The two areas
are represented by two polygons separately.

SU
MU

MU

SU

Notes

Cell radius km

0.5

R The estimated
radius R

The size of the

coverage area of a
single cell km2

0.1625

0.65

0.65R2

The size of the

coverage area of a
single site km2

0.4875

1.95

1.95R2

The size of the

polygon km2

10

The size of the

polygon S

The number of
BTSs (Num)

Num=S/(1.95R2)

The total number of

BTSs of the city A

13

=Num(MU)
+Num(SU)

Internal Use Only

5. Coverage enhancing technologies

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

How many coverage enhancing technologies are

there?
What is bypass?
What is DPCT?
What is DDT?
What is FWDR?
What is IRC?

Internal Use Only

1. How many coverage enhancing technologies are

there?

Uplink coverage
enhancing

Downlink
coverage
enhancing

TMA

Bypass

FWDR

DPCT

IRC

DDT

Notes

DPCT and DDT can

not be used at the
same time.

Internal Use Only

2. What is bypass?
If a cell is configured with no more than 2 carrier frequencies, the TX interface of a carrier frequency can
If a cell is configured with no more than 2 carrier frequencies, the TX interface of a carrier frequency can
be connected to the ETX interface of a CDU, then, it can be connected to a Duplexer directly without the
be connected to the ETX interface of a CDU, then, it can be connected to a Duplexer directly without the
use of a combiner.
use of a combiner.
When the link budget is calculated, only 1dB duplexer loss is considered, and the power of the set-top
When the link budget is calculated, only 1dB duplexer loss is considered, and the power of the set-top
unit is increased.
unit is increased.

ANT(RX/TX)
Duplexer

CDU

TX1

TX2

Duplexer

CDU
LNA

Combiner

ANT(RX/TX)

ETX

LNA

Combiner
TX1

TX2

ETX

R R R R E E
X X X X R R
1 2 3 4 X X
1 2

TX

RXM

TRX1

RXD

R R R R E E
X X X X R R
1 2 3 4 X X
1 2

TX

RXM

TRX2

RXD

Internal Use Only

3. What is DPCT?
Dual
DualPower
PowerCombining
CombiningTransmission
Transmission
DPCT
DPCTmeans
meansthat
thattwo
twotransmitters
transmitterssend
sendthe
thesame
samebursts
burstsatatthe
thesame
sametime,
time,which
whichare
are
combined
combinedininthe
theform
formof
ofone
onecarrier
carrierfrequency
frequencythrough
throughaacombiner
combinerso
soas
asto
toincrease
increase
the
theoutput
outputpower.
power.
From
Fromaaphysical
physicalperspective,
perspective,DPCT
DPCTcan
canhelp
helpto
toincrease
increasethe
thepower,
power,so
soititisisespecially
especially
suitable
for
areas
which
need
a
wide
coverage.
suitable for areas which need a wide coverage.

The
Thetwo
twosignals
signalshave
havethe
thesame
samephase
phase
and
amplitude,
and
they
are
combined
and amplitude, and they are combined
within
withinaacarrier
carrierfrequency
frequencymodule.
module.
Theoretically
speaking,
3dB
Theoretically speaking, 3dBdownlink
downlink
gain
can
be
obtained
if
one
PA
gain can be obtained if one PAisis
combined
combinedwith
withanother.
another.However,
However,ififthe
the
internal
loss
is
taken
into
consideration,
internal loss is taken into consideration,
the
theactual
actualgain
gainof
ofDPCT
DPCTisis2.5dB.
2.5dB.

Internal Use Only

4. What is DDT?
Delay
DelayDiversity
DiversityTransmission
Transmission
DDT means that two carrier frequencies send the same signals at a slightly different time. The
DDT means that two carrier frequencies send the same signals at a slightly different time. The
signals
signalsare
aresent
sentout
outby
bydifferent
differentantennae
antennaeso
soas
astotoget
getsome
sometime/space
time/spacediversity
diversitygain.
gain.InInthis
thisway,
way,
the
downlink
coverage
is
enhanced.
DDT
is
suitable
for
some
complicated
radio
transmission
the downlink coverage is enhanced. DDT is suitable for some complicated radio transmission
environment.
environment.
At
AtBSC
BSCside,
side,the
themain/auxiliary
main/auxiliaryTRX
TRXcan
canbe
beregarded
regardedas
asone
oneTRX,
TRX,and
andthe
theparameters
parameterswhich
whichthe
the
auxiliary
TRX
is
configured
with
are
the
same
as
those
which
the
main
TRX
is
configured
with.
auxiliary TRX is configured with are the same as those which the main TRX is configured with.The
The
quantity
of
signs
inserted
between
them
can
be
configured
at
OMCR.
quantity of signs inserted between them can be configured at OMCR.
The
Thedownlink
downlinkgain
gainwhich
whichcan
canbe
begenerated
generatedby
byDDT
DDTisis2~3dB.
2~3dB.

Phase adiust
algorithm

RF

PA

Phase adiust
algorithm

RF

PA

Internal Use Only

5. What is FWDR?

Four
FourWay
WayDiversity
DiversityReceiving
Receiving
FWDR
FWDRmeans
meansthat
that44single
singleantennae
antennaeor
or22dual-polarized
dual-polarizedantennae
antennaeare
areused
usedto
tomake
make
aasingle
carrier
frequency
have
four-way
received
signals.
Then,
these
signals
are
single carrier frequency have four-way received signals. Then, these signals are
combined
combinedas
asaaone-way
one-waysignal
signalthrough
throughthe
themerging
mergingalgorithm
algorithmso
soas
asto
toenhance
enhancethe
the
diversity
diversitygain.
gain.
Compared
Comparedto
tothe
thetwo
twoway
waydiversity
diversitygain,
gain,FWDR
FWDRcan
cangenerate
generatean
anextra
extra22
3dB
3dBgain
gain
for
the
uplink
receiver
sensitivity.
Under
the
multi-path
loss
condition,
the
dense
for the uplink receiver sensitivity. Under the multi-path loss condition, the dense
urban
urbanareas
areaswhich
whichhave
haveaacomplicated
complicatedtransmission
transmissionenvironment
environmentcan
canhave
haveaahigher
higher
gain.
gain.

6. What is IRC?

Internal Use Only

IRC:
IRC:Interference
InterferenceRejection
RejectionCombining
Combining
IfIfthe
theinterferences
interferencesofofthe
thediversity
diversityreception
receptionsignals
signalsfrom
fromtwo
twodifferent
differentways
waysare
arerelevant
relevanttotoeach
each
other,
the
relevance
computing
will
be
done
for
the
noises
of
each
diversity
branch
to
check
the
other, the relevance computing will be done for the noises of each diversity branch to check the
relevancy
relevancybetween
betweenthe
theinterferences
interferencesand
andtotocombine
combinethe
thesignals
signalsaccordingly.
accordingly.The
Thepurpose
purposeisistoto
complete
completethe
theinterference
interferencerejection
rejectionand
andtotoimprove
improvethe
thequality
qualityofofthe
thereceived
receiveduplink
uplinksignals.
signals.
With
WithIRC,
IRC,C/I
C/Ican
canget
getabout
about335dB
5dBgain
gaininindense
denseurban
urbanareas
areaswhere
wherethe
theradio
radioenvironment
environmentisis
complicated.
complicated.

IfIfthe
theinterferences
interferencesreceived
receivedfrom
fromdifferent
differentantennae
antennaeare
arenot
not
relevant
to
each
other,
the
performance
of
IRC
is
similar
to
relevant to each other, the performance of IRC is similar to
that
thatof
ofMRC.
MRC.However,
However,ififthe
theinterferences
interferencesare
arerelevant
relevantto
toeach
each
other,
IRC
is
much
more
stronger
than
MRC
in
terms
of
the
other, IRC is much more stronger than MRC in terms of the
interference
interferencerejection
rejectionability.
ability.

MRC:
MRC:Maximum
MaximumRatio
RatioCombining
Combining
IfIfthe
theinterferences
interferencesof
ofthe
thediversity
diversityreception
receptionsignals
signalson
ontwo
twodifferent
differentways
waysare
arenot
not
relevant
to
each
other,
weighting
and
combining
should
be
done
to
the
signals
from
relevant to each other, weighting and combining should be done to the signals fromMM
different
differentways.
ways.

Internal Use Only

6. The frequently asked questions about

coverage planning Q&A
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

What is a blind zone under a tower?

How to solve the problem if there is a blind zone
under the tower?
What is weak coverage?
How to solve the problem of weak coverage?
What is overshooting?
How to solve the overshooting problem?
When is it called that there is not a serving cell?
What measures can be taken to solve the problem
that there is not a serving cell?

Internal Use Only

1. What is a blind zone under a tower?

AAblind
blindzone
zoneunder
underaatower
towerrefers
refersto
toaapart
partof
ofthe
theuser
userzone
zonewhich
whichneeds
needsto
tobe
becovered,
covered,
an
area
which
is
covered
by
the
first
null
or
the
second
null
under
the
vertical
an area which is covered by the first null or the second null under the verticalantenna
antenna
radiation
radiationpattern.
pattern.Compared
Comparedto
toany
anyother
otherarea
areawhich
whichisiseither
eithernear
nearor
orfar,
far,the
thesignal
signal
strength
of
the
blind
zone
under
a
tower
may
have
greater
attenuation
(20

30dB),
strength of the blind zone under a tower may have greater attenuation (20 30dB),and
andaa
weak
weakcoverage
coveragearea
areaisisformed.
formed.As
Asaaresult,
result,there
theremay
maybe
beaalarge
largenumber
numberof
ofsubscriber
subscriber
complaints,
and
the
KPIs
of
call
drop
rate
and
the
like
may
be
affected.
complaints, and the KPIs of call drop rate and the like may be affected.
The
Thelocation
locationof
ofthe
theblind
blindzone
zoneunder
underaatower
towerisisrelated
relatedto
tothe
theantenna
antennaradiation
radiationpattern,
pattern,
the
theantenna
antennaheight,
height,and
andthe
thetransmission
transmissionenvironment.
environment.

Null: It refers to the deep fading point between the

central lobe and the side lobe, or between two side
lobes.

-70dBm
-90dBm

-90dBm

A blind zone
under a tower

-80dBm

Internal Use Only

2. How to solve the problem if there is a blind zone under

the tower?
Choose
Chooseaanull
nullfill
fillantenna;
antenna;
Choose
an
electrical
Choose an electricaldowntilt
downtiltantenna;
antenna;
Adjust
the
antenna
downtilt
appropriately
Adjust the antenna downtilt appropriatelyso
soas
asto
toavoid
avoidthe
the
blind
zone
under
a
tower
in
a
dense
user
zone.
blind zone under a tower in a dense user zone.
Null fill: The shaped-beam should be used to complete the first lower null fill of
the side lobe of the vertical pattern of the antenna so as to reduce the deep
fading of the null.

An antenna without a null fill

An antenna with a null fill

Internal Use Only

3. What is weak coverage?

Concept

Causes

Weak
Weakcoverage
coveragemeans
meansthat
thatthe
thesignal
signallevel
levelisistoo
toolow
lowto
tokeep
keepaa
good
call
quality.
It
is
usually
believed
that
the
coverage
will
good call quality. It is usually believed that the coverage willbe
be
weak
weakififthe
thesignal
signallevel
levelisislower
lowerthan
than-90dBm.
-90dBm.IfIfthe
thecoverage
coverageisis
weak,
weak,there
therewill
willbe
bemany
manyproblems,
problems,for
forexample,
example,subscriber
subscriber
complaints,
high
call
drop
rate,
and
so
on.
complaints, high call drop rate, and so on.

For
Forexample,
example,the
thepower
powerof
ofthe
theset-top
set-topunit
unitof
ofthe
thebase
base
station
is
too
small;
the
site
planning
is
not
reasonable;
station is too small; the site planning is not reasonable;
the
theantenna
antennaheight
heightisistoo
toolow
lowaccording
accordingto
toits
itsoriginal
original
design;
the
inclination
is
too
large;
there
is
some
design; the inclination is too large; there is some
blocking
blockingbecause
becauseof
ofthe
theland
landforms
formsor
orthe
thebuildings.
buildings.
A weak coverage
area

A weak coverage
area

Internal Use Only

4. How to solve the problem of weak coverage?

At
Atthe
thenetwork
networkplanning
planningstage,
stage,more
moreattention
attentionwill
willbe
begiven
givento
to

the
thepossible
possibleweak
weakcoverage
coverageareas.
areas.The
Thefollowing
followingfactors
factors
should
shouldbe
betaken
takeninto
intofull
fullconsideration:
consideration:The
Thesite
sitelocation,
location,the
the
antenna
antennatype,
type,and
andthe
thereasonableness
reasonablenessof
ofthe
thedesigned
designed
engineering
parameters.
engineering parameters.

Increase
Increasethe
thepower
powerof
ofthe
theset-top
set-topunit
unitof
ofthe
thebase
basestation.
station.
Check
Checkthe
thedecreased
decreasedpower
powerproblems
problemscaused
causedby
bythe
the
equipment
equipmentfailures.
failures.

In
Inthe
theweak
weakcoverage
coverageareas,
areas,some
somebase
basestations
stationsor
orrepeaters
repeaters
should
be
added.
should be added.

Internal Use Only

5. What is overshooting?

Concept

Causes

Overshooting
Overshootingmeans
meansthat
thatthe
theactual
actualcoverage
coveragerange
rangeof
ofaa
cell
cellexceeds
exceedsthe
therange
rangewhich
whichhas
hasbeen
beendesigned
designed
beforehand
and
an
overlapping
area
is
formed
beforehand and an overlapping area is formedby
bythis
thiscell
cell
and
another
cell
which
is
far
from
it.
and another cell which is far from it.
Overshooting
Overshootingmay
mayresult
resultininfrequent
frequenthandovers,
handovers,an
an
increase
increaseof
ofinterferences,
interferences,the
theislanding
islandingeffects,
effects,and
andso
soon.
on.

Here
Hereare
arethe
thepossible
possiblecauses:
causes:The
Thetransmission
transmissionpower
power
of
the
base
station
is
too
large;
the
antenna
lobe
is
of the base station is too large; the antenna lobe istoo
too
large;
large;the
theantenna
antennaisistoo
toohigh;
high;the
theinclination
inclinationisistoo
too
small;
there
is
an
uneven
land
form;
and
so
on.
small; there is an uneven land form; and so on.
B
A
C

Cell A is an
overshooting
area.

Internal Use Only

6. How to solve the overshooting problem?

One
Oneshould
shouldbe
becautious
cautiouswhen
whenthe
thesite
sitelocation
location isisselected
selectedfor
foraa

highland
highlandor
oraamountain
mountainslope.
slope.

It
should
be
ensured
that
It should be ensured thatthe
theantenna
antennatype
typeand
andthe
theengineering
engineering
parameters
of
the
antenna
should
be
reasonably
selected
parameters of the antenna should be reasonably selectedor
ordesigned
designedat
at
the
network
planning
stage.
the network planning stage.

The
Thecoverage
coveragearea
areaof
ofthe
theovershooting
overshootingarea
areashould
shouldbe
becontrolled
controlled
through
throughthe
theadjustment
adjustmentof
ofengineering
engineeringparameters
parametersand
andthe
thetransmission
transmission
power
of
the
base
station.
power of the base station.

IfIfititis
isnot
notpossible
possibleto
tocontrol
controlthe
thecoverage
coverageat
atthat
thattime,
time,ititisissuggested
suggested
that
some
neighbor
cells
should
be
added
to
the
overshooting
that some neighbor cells should be added to the overshootingcell.
cell.
Control the coverage area of A.

Enhance the neighbor cell

relations between A and C.

A
C

Internal Use Only

7. When is it called that there is not a serving cell?

Concept

For
For22orormore
morecells,
cells,the
thesignal
signalstrength
strengthofofone
onecell
cellisisquite
quiteclose
closetotothat
thatofofanother
anothercell,
cell,ititisisnot
not
found
that
the
signal
strength
of
any
cell
has
a
big
advantage
over
other
cells.
The
handset
has
found that the signal strength of any cell has a big advantage over other cells. The handset has
frequent
frequentcell
cellreselections
reselectionswhen
whenititisisatatan
anidle
idlestate,
state,or
orthere
thereare
areping-pong
ping-ponghandovers
handoversduring
during
the
calls.
The
problems
mentioned
here
are
caused
by
the
fact
that
there
is
not
a
serving
cell.
the calls. The problems mentioned here are caused by the fact that there is not a serving cell.

Influence

There
Thereare
arefrequent
frequentcell
cellreselections
reselectionswhen
whenthe
thehandset
handsetisisatatan
anidle
idlestate.
state.
InInthe
cells
at
the
borders
of
LAC,
the
location
update
occurs
frequently
the cells at the borders of LAC, the location update occurs frequentlydue
duetotothe
the
frequent
frequentcell
cellreselections.
reselections.As
Asaaresult,
result,there
therewill
willbe
bean
anunnecessary
unnecessaryincrease
increaseofofsignaling
signaling
load
or
congestion.
Besides,
there
will
be
ping-pong
handovers
during
the
calls,
load or congestion. Besides, there will be ping-pong handovers during the calls,and
and
the
voice
quality
will
deteriorate.
the voice quality will deteriorate.
The
Thetransmission
transmissionrate
rateofofthe
thedata
dataservice
servicewill
willbe
beaffected.
affected.
Because
of
the
fluctuations
of
signals,
there
will
be
Because of the fluctuations of signals, there will bemore
moresubscriber
subscribercomplaints.
complaints.
There
are
interferences,
C/I
is
not
satisfactory,
and
the
voice
quality
deteriorates.
There are interferences, C/I is not satisfactory, and the voice quality deteriorates.

The engineering parameters of

The engineering parameters of

Causes

the
theantenna
antennaare
arenot
notdesigned
designedininaa
reasonable
reasonableway.
way.
The transmission power of the
The transmission power of the
carrier frequencies is too large or
carrier frequencies is too large or
too
toosmall.
small.
The configuration of the
The configuration of the
parameters
parametersisisnot
notreasonable
reasonable

For the 3 cells in this area, the

signal level of each cell is
almost the same, so there is
not an obvious serving cell.

Internal Use Only

8. What measures can be taken to solve the problem that

there is Adjust
not athe
serving
cell?
antenna directional angle or the antenna

Adjust
Adjustthe
thetransmission
transmissionpower
powerof
ofthe
thecarrier
carrier
frequencies
frequenciesof
ofthe
therelevant
relevantcells
cellsso
soas
asto
toensure
ensurethat
that
there
thereisisaaserving
servingcell
cellof
ofthe
thecoverage
coveragearea,
area,which
whichhas
has
relatively
strong
and
stable
signals.
relatively strong and stable signals.
When the serving cell of the area is made clear, it is
When the serving cell of the area is made clear, it is
suggested
suggestedthat
thatthe
thecell
cellreselection
reselectionparameters
parametersshould
should
be
adjusted
so
as
to
ensure
that
the
subscribers
be adjusted so as to ensure that the subscriberscan
can
reside
in
the
serving
cell
as
long
as
possible.
In
this
reside in the serving cell as long as possible. In this
way,
way,ititisispossible
possibleto
torelieve
relievethe
thefrequent
frequentcell
cell
reselections.
reselections.

Adjust the antenna directional angle or the antenna

downtilt
downtiltso
soas
asto
toensure
ensurethat
thatthere
thereisisaaserving
servingcell
cellof
of
the
coverage
area,
which
has
relatively
strong
and
the coverage area, which has relatively strong and
stable
stablesignals.
signals.

When
Whenthe
theserving
servingcell
cellof
ofthe
thearea
areaisismade
madeclear,
clear,ititisis
suggested
suggestedthat
thatthe
thehandover
handoverparameters
parametersof
ofthe
thecells
cellsshould
should
be
beadjusted
adjustedso
soas
asto
toreduce
reduceor
oreliminate
eliminatethe
theping-pong
ping-pong
handovers
during
the
calls.
handovers during the calls.