RF Network Design

Network Planning

1
 Introduction
The high level life cycle of the RF network planning process can be
summarised as follows :-

To help the operator

to identify their RF Comparative
design requirement Analysis Issuing of search ring
Optional Site Cand. assessment
Realisation Site survey, design,
approval
Discuss and agree RF Drive test (optional)
design parameters, RF Design
assumptions and requirement
objectives with the
customer Frequency plan
RF Design Neighbour list
Implementation RF OMC data
Coverage requirement
Optimisation
Traffic requirement
Various level of design RF Design
(ROM to detail RF
design)

2
 Comparative Analysis
This is an optional step

This is intended to :-
Help an existing operator in building/expanding their network
Help a new operator in identifying their RF network requirement,
e.g. where their network should be built

For the comparative analysis, we would need to :-

Identify all network that are competitors to the customer
Design drive routes that take in the high density traffic areas of
interest
Include areas where the customer has no or poor service and the
competitors have service

3
 Comparative Analysis

The result of the analysis should include :-

For an existing operator

All problems encountered in the customers network
All areas where the customer has no service and a competitor
does
Recommendations for solving any coverage and quality
problems

For a new operator

Strengths and weaknesses in the competitors network
Problem encountered in the competitors network

4
 RF Network Design Inputs

The RF design inputs can be divided into :-

Coverage requirements
Target coverage areas
Service types for the target coverage areas. These should
be marked geographically
Coverage area probability
Penetration Loss of buildings and in-cars

Capacity requirements
Erlang per subscriber during the busy hour
Quality of service for the air interface, in terms GoS
Network capacity

5
 RF Network Design Inputs

Available spectrum and frequency usage restriction, if any

List of available, existing and/or friendly sites that should be
included in the RF design
Limitation of the quantity of sites and radios, if any
Quality of Network (C/I values)
Related network features (FH, DTX, etc.)

6
 Coverage Design Inputs by BSNL

Coverage Thresholds
Indoor Coverage : Signal Level measured at street better than
65 dBm. Indoor coverage to be provided in commercial
complexes, hotels,technology parks etc.
In Car Coverage: Signal Level measured at street better than 75
dBm. In Car coverage to be provided in residential areas,
highways, tourist spots etc.
Outdoor Coverage : Signal level measured at street better than
85 dBm. All remaining areas to be covered with Outdoor
coverage.
These are general guidelines for planning , specific areas not
provided.

7
 Capacity Design Inputs by BSNL

Frequency spectrum available 6.2 MHz (31 channels).

Average traffic per sub for RF design : 50 mErlang.
Synthesizer frequency hopping can be used.
GOS: 2%
Existing network Database
Total No. of sites with configuration
Site details eg location(Lat-Long), Antenna height
,azimuth, etc.

8
 RF Network Design
There are 2 parts to the RF network design to meet the :-
Capacity requirement
Coverage requirement

For the RF Coverage Design

Digitised
CW Drive Databases Customer
Testing Requirements

RF
Propagation Coverage Link
Model Design Budget

9
 CW Drive Testing
CW drive test can be used for the following purposes :-
Propagation model tuning
Assessment of the suitability of candidate sites, from both coverage and
interference aspect
CW drive test process can be broken down to :-

Equipment required Power setting

Test Drive route planning
BTS antenna selection
Preparation Channel selection Test site selection

Propagation Transmitter setup Drive test

Test Receiver setup Transmitter dismantle

Data Measurement averaging

Processing Report generation

10
 CW Drive Testing - Test Preparation
The test equipment required for the CW drive testing :-
Receiver with fast scanner
Example : HP7475A, EXP2000 (LCC) etc.
The receiver scanner rate should conform to the Lee Criteria of 36 to
50 sample per 40 wavelength

CW Transmitter
Example : Gator Transmitter (BVS), LMW Series Transmitter (CHASE),
TX-1500 (LCC) etc.

Base Station test antenna

DB806Y (Decibel-GSM900), 7640 (Jaybeam-GSM1800) etc.

Accessories
Including flexible coaxial cable/jumper, Power meter, extended
power cord, GPS, compass, altimeter

11
 CW Drive Testing - Test Preparation
Base Station Antenna Selection
The selection depends on the purpose of the test
For propagation model tuning, an omni-directional antenna is
preferred
For candidate site testing or verification, the choice of antenna
depends on the type of BTS site that the test is trying to simulate.
For Omni BTS :
Omni antennas with similar vertical beamwidth
For sectorised BTS
Utilising the same type of antenna is preferred
Omni antenna can also be used, together with the special
feature in the post processing software like CMA (LCC)
where different antenna pattern can be masked on over the
measurement data from an omni antenna

12
 CW Drive Testing - Test Preparation
Test Site Selection

For propagation model tuning, the test sites should be selected so

that :-
They are distributed within the clutter under study
The height of the test site should be representative or typical
for the specific clutter
Preferably not in hilly areas

For candidate site testing/verification, the actual candidate site

configuration (height, location) should be used.

For proposed greenfield sites, a cherry-picker will be used.

13
 CW Drive Testing - Test Preparation
Frequency Channel Selection
The necessary number of channels need to be identified from the
channels available
With input from the customer

The channels used should be free from occupation

From the guard bands
Other free channels according to the up-to-date frequency plan

The channels selected will need to be verified by conducting a pre-test

drive
It should always precede the actual CW drive test to verify the exact
free frequency to be used
It should cover the same route of the actual propagation test
A field strength plot is generated on the collected data to confirm
the channel suitability

14
 CW Drive Testing - Test Preparation
Transmit Power Setting

For propagation model tuning, the maximum transmit

power is used
For candidate site testing, the transmit power of the test
transmitter is determined using the actual BTS link
budget to simulate the coverage
On sites with existing antenna system, it is recommended
that the transmit power to be reduced to avoid
interference or inter-modulation to other networks.
The amount of reduction is subject to the possibility if
separating the test antenna from the existing antennas

15
 CW Drive Testing - Test Preparation
Drive Route Determination
The drive route of the data collection is planned prior to the drive test
using a detail road map
Eliminate duplicate route to reduce the testing time

For propagation model tuning, each clutter is tested individually and the
drive route for each test site is planned to map the clutter under-study for
the respective sites.
It is important to collect a statistically significant amount of data, typically
a minimum of 300 to 400 data points are required for each clutter category
The data should be evenly distributed with respect to distance from the
transmitter
In practice, the actual drive route will be modified according to the latest
development which was not shown on the map. The actual drive route
taken should be marked on a map for record purposes.

16
 CW Drive Testing - Propagation Test
Transmitter Equipment Setup
Test antenna location
Free from any nearby obstacle, to ensure free propagation in both
horizontal and vertical dimension
For sites with existing antennas, precaution should be taken to avoid
possible interference and/or inter-modulation

Transmitter installation

A complete set of 360 photographs of the test location (at the test
height) and the antenna setup should be taken for record

17
 CW Drive Testing - Propagation Test
Scanning Receiver Setup - HP 7475A Receiver Example

HP 7475A Receiver

18
 CW Drive Testing - Propagation Test
Scanning Receiver Setup
The scanning rate of the receiver should always be set to allow at least 36
sample per 40 wavelength to average out the Rayleigh Fading effect.
For example: scanning rate = 100 sample/s
test frequency = 1800 MHz
therefore, to achieve 36 sample/40 wavelength, the max. speed is =

40 0.1667
18.52 m / s 66.67 km / h
36/100
It is recommended that :-
Beside scanning the test channel, the neighbouring cells is also
monitored. This information can be used to check the coverage overlap
and potential interference
Check the field strength reading close to the test antenna before
starting the test, it should approach the scanning receiver saturation

19
 CW Drive Testing - Propagation Test
Drive Test
Initiate a file to record the measurement with an agreed naming
convention
Maintain the drive test vehicle speed according to the pre-set scanning
rate
Follow the pre-plan drive route as closely as possible
Insert marker wherever necessary during the test to indicate special
locations such as perceived hot spot, potential interferer etc.
Monitor the GPS signal and field strength level throughout the test, any
extraordinary reading should be inspected before resuming the test.
Dismantling Equipment
It is recommended to re-confirm the transmit power (as the pre-set
value) before dismantling the transmitter setup

20
 Measurement Data Processing
Data Averaging
This can be done during the drive testing or during the data processing
stage, depending on the scanner receiver and the associated post-
processing software
The bin size of the distance averaging depends on the size of the
human made structure in the test environment
Report Generation
For propagation model tuning, the measurement data is exported into
the planning tool (e.g. Asset)
Plots can also be generated using the processing tool or using MapInfo
During the export of the measurement data, it is important to take care
of the coordinate system used, a conversion is necessary if different
coordinate systems are used.

21
 Propagation Model
Standard Macrocell Model for Asset
Lp (dB) = K1 + K2 log(d) + K3 Hm + K4 log(Hm) + K5 log(Heff)
+ K6 log(Heff) log(d) + K7 Diffraction + Clutter factor
where Lp, Diffraction, Clutter factor are in dB
d, Hm, Heff are in m
It is based on the Okumura-Hata empirical model, with a number of additional
features to enhance its flexibility
Known to be valid for frequencies from 150MHz to 2GHz
Applies in condition :-
Base station height : 30 - 200 m
Mobile height : 1 - 10 m
Distance : 1 - 20 km

An optional second intercept and slope (K1, K2) for the creation of a two-piece
model with the slope changing at the specified breakpoint distance.

22
 Morphology Class
Morphology Classification Definition
Dense Urban A mixture of 8-15 storey commercial bldgs/residential
apartments/shopping complexes and 15-25 storey skyscrapers. Bldgs are
densely packed. Major roads are at least 4 lanes wide and minor roads are 2
lanes wide. There is very little or no trees.
Urban A mixture of 4-6 storey shophouses densely packed and 6-15 storey
commercial bldgs/residential apartments/shopping complexes. Compared
to dense urban, the bldgs are not as tall or as densely packed. Major roads
are at least 4 lanes wide and minor roads are 2 lanes wide. There is very
little or no trees.
Dense Suburban Typically 4 storey shophouses densely packed. There are occasional 6 to
12 storey bldgs. Usually a busy town in between cities. Roads are 2 to 4
lanes wide. Light foliage.
Light Suburban Typically less than 4 storey shophouses lined along highway/main road.
The shophouses form 1 or 2 tier from the road and the houses are not
densely packed. Usually at the outer fringe of a town. Light to moderate
foliage.
Rural Along highway where there are isolated houses or open ground.

23
 Link Budget
Link Budget Element of a GSM Network

BTS Antenna Gain Max. Path Loss Fade Margin

LNA
(optional) Penetration Loss

Feeder Loss MS Antenna Gain,

Body and Cable Loss

ACE Diversity
Loss Gain
Mobile Transmit Mobile Receiver
Power Sensitivity
BTS Transmit BTS Receiver
Power Sensitivity

24
 Link Budget
BTS Transmit Power
Maximum transmit power
GSM900 and 1800 networks use radios with 46dBm maximum transmit power
ACE Loss
Includes all diplexers, combiners and connectors.
Depends on the ACE configuration
The ACE configuration depends on the number of TRXs and combiners used

No of Network ACE Configuration Downlink ACE

TRXs Loss (dB)
1 or 2 GSM900 2 antennas per cell, diplexer 1.0
1 or 2 GSM1800 2 antennas per cell, diplexer 1.2
3 or 4 GSM900 2 antennas per cell, diplexer + hybrid combiner 4.4
3 or 4 GSM1800 2 antennas per cell, diplexer + hybrid combiner 4.4

25
 Link Budget
Mobile Transmit Power
GSM900 : Typical mobile class 4 (2W)
GSM1800 : Typical mobile class 1 (1W)

Class GSM 900 (Watt/dBm) GSM 1800 (Watt/dBm)

1 - 1 / 30
2 8 / 39 0.25 / 24
3 5 / 37 4 / 36
4 2 / 33 -
5 0.8 / 29 -

Mobile Receiver Sensitivity

The sensitivity of GSM900 and GSM1800 mobile = -102 dBm

26
 Link Budget
Diversity Gain
Two common techniques used :-
Space
Polarisation

Reduce the effect of multipath fading on the uplink

Common value of 3 to 4.5 dB being used

BTS Receiver Sensitivity

Depends on the type of propagation environment model used, most
commonly used TU50 model
BTS :-
Receiver Sensitivity for GSM900 = -107 dBm

27
 Link Budget
Feeder Loss
Depends on the feeder type and feeder length
The selection of the feeder type would depends on the feeder length,
I.e. to try to limit to feeder loss to 3 -4dB.

BTS Antenna Gain

Antenna gain has a direct relationship to the cell size
The selection of the antenna type depends on :-
The morphology classes of the targeted area and coverage
requirements
Zoning and Local authority regulations/limitations

Common antenna types used :-

65, 90, omni-directional antennas with different gains

28
 Link Budget
Slow Fading Margin
To reserve extra signal power to overcome potential slow
fading.
Depends on the requirement of coverage probability and the
standard deviation of the fading
A design can take into consideration :-
both outdoor and in-building coverage, which utilises a
combined standard deviation for indoor and outdoor
(Default value = 9dB)
Only outdoor coverage (Default value = 7dB)
Pathloss slope used, 45dB/dec (Dense Urban), 42dB/dec
(Urban), 38dB/dec (Suburban) and 33dB/dec (Rural)
Cell Area Combined (outdoor & Outdoor slow fade margin
Coverage indoor) slow fade margin (dB)
Probability (dB)
(%) DU U SU RU DU U SU RU
85 2 3 3 4 1 1 2 2
90 5 6 6 6 3 3 4 4
95 9 9 9 10 6 6 7 7

29
 Link Budget
Penetration Loss
Penetration loss depends on the building structure and material
Penetration loss is included for in-building link budget
Typical value used for Asia-Pacific environment (if country specific
information is not available) :-
Dense Urban : 20 dB
Urban : 18 dB
Suburban : 15 dB
Rural : 9 dB

Body Loss
Typical value of 3dB body loss is used

MS Antenna Gain
A typical mobile antenna gain of 2.2 dBi is used

30
 Link Budget

Link Budget Example (GSM900)

UPLINK DOWNLINK
MS Transmit Power 33 dBm BTS Transmit Power 46 dBm
Cable Loss 0 dB ACE Loss Z
MS Antenna Gain 2.2 dBi Feeder Loss 2 dB
Body Loss 2 dB LNA Gain 0 dB
Penetration Loss W BTS Antenna Gain 18 dBi
Slow Fade Margin X Max. Path Loss Y
Max. Path Loss Y Slow Fade Margin X
BTS Antenna Gain 18 dBi Penetration Loss W
LNA Gain 0 dB Body Loss 2 dB
Feeder Loss 2 dB MS Antenna Gain 2.2 dBi
ACE Loss 0 dB Cable Loss 0 dB
Diversity Gain 4 dB Diversity Gain 0 dB
BTS Receiver Sensitivity -107 dBm MS Receiver Sensitivity -102 dBm

31
 Antenna
Antenna Selection
Gain
Beamwidths in horizontal and vertical radiated planes
VSWR
Frequency range
Nominal impedance
Radiated pattern (beamshape) in horizontal and vertical planes
Downtilt available (electrical, mechanical)
Polarisation
Connector types (DIN, N)
Height, weight, windload and physical dimensions

32
 Antenna
The antenna selection process
Identify system specifications such as polarisation, impedance
and bandwidth
Select the azimuth or horizontal plane pattern to obtain the
needed coverage
Select the elevation or vertical plane pattern to be as narrow
as possible, consistent with practical limitations of size, weight
and cost
Check other parameters such as cost, power rating, size,
weight, mounting capabilities, wind loading, connector types,
aesthetics and reliability to ensure that they meet system
requirements

33
 Antenna
System Specification
Impedance and frequency bandwidth is normally associated with the
communication system used
The polarisation would depends on if polarisation diversity is used
Horizontal Plane Pattern
Three categories for the horizontal plane pattern :-
Omnidirectional
Sectored (directional)
Narrow beam (highly directional)

Elevation Plane Pattern

Choosing the antenna with the smallest elevation plane beamwidth will give
maximum gain. However, beamwidth and size are inversely related
Electrical down tilt
Null filling

34
 Nominal RF Design

Link Budget
Propagation Coverage Traffic
model requirements requirements
Maximum
path loss
Nominal RF
Site radius Design Recalculate the site
(coverage) radius using the
Typical site Standard hexagon site number of sites from
layout the traffic requirement
configuration Friendly, candidate sites Repeat the nominal
Transmit Power Initial site survey inputs RF design
Antenna configuration Coverage site
(type, height, azimuth) count
Site type (sector, omni)

Traffic site Traffic > Cov.

Traffic Nominal site
requirements count Cov. > Traffic count

35
 Nominal RF Design

Calculation of cell radius

A typical cell radius is calculated for each clutter environment
This cell radius is used as a guide for the site distance in the
respective clutter environment
The actual site distance could varies due to local terrain

Inputs for the cell radius calculation :-

Maximum pathloss (from the link budget)
Typical site configuration (for each clutter environment)
Propagation model

36
 Nominal RF Design
There are different level of nominal RF design :-
Only using the cell radius/site distance calculated and placing
ideal hexagon cell layout
Using the combination of the calculated cell radius and the
existing/friendly sites from the customer
The site distance also depends on the required capacity
In most mobile network, the traffic density is highest within the CBD area
and major routes/intersections
The cell radius would need to be reduce in this area to meet the traffic
requirements

BASED ON THE SITE DISTANCE & THE COVERAGE REQUIREMENTS

CELL COUNT BASED ON COVERAGE IS CALCULATED.

37
 Nominal RF Design

Cell count based on traffic is derived based on capacity inputs:-

Capacity requirements
GOS
Spectrum availability
Freq. Hopping techniques

If the total sites for the traffic requirement is more than the
sites required for coverage, the nominal RF design is repeated
using the number of sites from the traffic requirement
Recalculating the cell radius for the high traffic density areas
The calculation steps are :-
Calculate the area to be covered per site
Calculate the maximum cell radius
Calculate the site distance

38
 Site Realisation

After completion of Nominal design based on cell count

( coverage & capacity requirements) , search rings for
each cell site issued.

Nominal design is done , with the existing network in

place(existing BTS). Existing site location remain
unchanged , azimuth , tilts as per the new design
requirements.

Based on the search ring form physical site survey is

undertaken.

39
 Site
Search Ring Form
Realisation
BSNL Circle:Haryana City / SSA:

Search Ring Form

Site Id: Site Name: Krishna Nagar

Morphology Type: Quasi Open , Industrial

Spheroid: WGS-84
Coordinates: (GPS) deg min sec
Site ID
Latitude: 18 o 39 49.3
' ''N Search Radius:50 m

Longitude: 73 o 47 ' 36.7 ''E Site Name

Site AGL (m): 30

Antenna Orientation(Deg)
Antenna Type: 65 deg Vertical polarised
Latitude/Longitude
Project name
Sector1 Sector2 Sector3
350 120 240

Issue Number and date

Ground height
Clutter environment
Preliminary configuration
Number of sector
Azimuth
Antenna type
Antenna height
Coverage Objectives: Krishna Nagar, Jotiba Nagar, Shambaji Nagar, Yamuna Nagar
Location Map & SR radius
Comments Search ring objective
Issue Date:
Name & signature of RF Coordinator
Revision No. : R1.1 Approvals

40
 Site Realisation
All parties Produce
Release of Suitable Y Candidates Y Arranged Y
Caravan agreed at Final RF
Search Ring Candidates? Approved? Caravan Design
N N
N
Problem Next
identifying candidate Caravan next
candidate candidate
N Exhausted
candidates
N Exhausted
Y candidates
Discuss Driveby, RF
alternative with suggest possible
customer alternative
Y

N Candidate Y
approved?

N N
Issue design Cell split Additional sites
change required required
Y Y

41
 Site Realisation

Candidate Assessment Report-Site Survey Forms

Site survey Forms for all suitable candidates for the search ring
For each candidates :-
Location (latitude/longitude)
Location map showing the relative location of the
candidates and also the search ring
Candidate information (height, owner etc)
Photographs (360 set, rooftop, access, building)
Possible antenna orientations
Possible base station equipment location
Information for any existing antennas
Planning reports/comments (restrictions, possibilities of
approval etc.)

42
 Site Realisation-Site Survey Form
TECHNICAL SITE SURVEY FORM
Date June 12, 2004
BSNL Circle Bihar
CITY / SSA
Site ID BHPAT-09 BSNL/ NBSNL Final RF Configuration Form
Site Name Patna 09
Owner Name
Address & Contact No. Base Station configuration
Construction Container/Room
Azimuth
Antenna height
Tower Type GBT / Rooftop Bldg. Hgt 10 m.

Tower Hgt 6 m. Antenna Ht 20 m.

26 21' 25.9" N 85 48 ' 31.2" E

Antenna type
Coordinate LAT LONG

GSM ANTENNA :
Down tilt
Antenna location
TYPE AZ M-TILT
SECTOR 1 AP909014-2 85 +1.9 Spheroid:

SECTOR 2 AP909014-2 185 +0.7 Feeder type and

SECTOR 3 AP909014-2 307 +1.3
length
BTS type
Candidate No.
Assess: Accept/ Reject Priority
Morphology/Clutter

Transmit power
Site Blockage if Any
Remark
Transceiver
configuration
Nokia Representative BSNL Survey Team Representative
Name: Name:
Signature: Signature:

43
 Traffic Engineering

Spectrum
Reuse factor
Available

Traffic
Requirement
Maximum number
of TRX per cell

Channel No of TCH Subscriber

Traffic offered
loading available supported

44
 Traffic Engineering

Traffic Requirement

The Erlang per subscriber

Grade of Service (GoS)

GoS is expressed as the percentage of call attempts that are
blocked during peak traffic
Most cellular systems are designed to a blocking rate of 1% to
5% during busy hour

45
 Traffic Engineering
Frequency Reuse
In designing a frequency reuse plan, it is necessary to develop a regular pattern on which
to assign frequencies
The hexagon is chosen because it most closely approximated the coverage produced by
an omni or sector site
Common reuse factor : 4/12, 7/21

46
 Traffic Engineering
Channel Loading
As the number of TRX increases, the control channels required increases
accordingly
The following channel loading is used for conventional GSM network
For services such as cell broadcast, additional control channels might be required

Number of TRX Control Channels Number of TCH

1 Combined BCCH/SDCCH 7
2 1 BCCH, 1 SDCCH 14
3 1 BCCH, 2 SDCCH 21
4 1 BCCH, 2 SDCCH 29
5 1 BCCH, 3 SDCCH 36
6 1 BCCH, 3 SDCCH 44
7 1 BCCH, 3 SDCCH 52
8 1 BCCH, 3 SDCCH 60

47
 Traffic Engineering
After determining the number of TCH available and the traffic
requirements, the traffic offered is calculated using the Erlang B
table
For example, for a 2% GoS and 3 TRX configuration, the traffic offered
is 14 Erlang
If the traffic per subscriber is 50mE/subscriber, then the total
subscribers supported per sector = 280

For a uniform traffic distribution network, the number of sites

required for the traffic requirement is :-rs
Total subscribe
Total sites
Subscriber supported per site

48
 Traffic Engineering
Erlang B Table
N 1% 1.20% 1.50% 2% 3% 5% 7% 10% 15% 20% 30% 40% 50%
1 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.05 0.1 0.11 0.18 0.25 0.43 0.67 1
2 0.15 0.17 0.19 0.22 0.28 0.38 0.5 0.6 0.8 1 1.45 2 2.73
3 0.46 0.49 0.54 0.6 0.72 0.9 1.1 1.27 1.6 1.93 2.63 3.48 4.59
4 0.87 0.92 0.99 1.09 1.26 1.52 1.8 2.05 2.5 2.95 3.89 5.02 6.5
5 1.36 1.43 1.52 1.66 1.88 2.22 2.5 2.88 3.45 4.01 5.19 6.6 8.44
6 1.91 2 2.11 2.28 2.54 2.96 3.3 3.76 4.44 5.11 6.51 8.19 10.4
7 2.5 2.6 2.74 2.94 3.25 3.74 4.1 4.67 5.46 6.23 7.86 9.8 12.4
8 3.13 3.25 3.4 3.63 3.99 4.54 5 5.6 6.5 7.37 9.21 11.4 14.3
9 3.78 3.92 4.09 4.34 4.75 5.37 5.9 6.55 7.55 8.52 10.6 13 16.3
10 4.46 4.61 4.81 5.08 5.53 6.22 6.8 7.51 8.62 9.68 12 14.7 18.3
11 5.16 5.32 5.54 5.84 6.33 7.08 7.7 8.49 9.69 10.9 13.3 16.3 20.3
12 5.88 6.05 6.29 6.61 7.14 7.95 8.6 9.47 10.8 12 14.7 18 22.2
13 6.61 6.8 7.05 7.4 7.97 8.83 9.5 10.5 11.9 13.2 16.1 19.6 24.2
14 7.35 7.56 7.82 8.2 8.8 9.73 10.5 11.5 13 14.4 17.5 21.2 26.2
15 8.11 8.33 8.61 9.01 9.65 10.6 11.4 12.5 14.1 15.6 18.9 22.9 28.2
16 8.88 9.11 9.41 9.83 10.5 11.5 12.4 13.5 15.2 16.8 20.3 24.5 30.2
17 9.65 9.89 10.2 10.7 11.4 12.5 13.4 14.5 16.3 18 21.7 26.2 32.2
18 10.4 10.7 11 11.5 12.2 13.4 14.3 15.5 17.4 19.2 23.1 27.8 34.2
19 11.2 11.5 11.8 12.3 13.1 14.3 15.3 16.6 18.5 20.4 24.5 29.5 36.2
20 12 12.3 12.7 13.2 14.0 15.2 16.3 17.6 19.6 21.6 25.9 31.2 38.2
21 12.8 13.1 13.5 14 14.9 16.2 17.3 18.7 20.8 22.8 27.3 32.8 40.2
22 13.7 14 14.3 14.9 15.8 17.1 18.2 19.7 21.9 24.1 28.7 34.5 42.1
23 14.5 14.8 15.2 15.8 16.7 18.1 19.2 20.7 23 25.3 30.1 36.1 44.1

49
 Traffic Engineering
If a traffic map is provided, the traffic engineering is done together with
the coverage design
After the individual sites are located, the estimated number of
subscribers in each sector is calculated by :-
Calculating the physical area covered by each sector
Multiply it by the average subscriber density per unit area in that region
The overlap areas between the sectors should be included in each sector
because either sector is theoretically capable of serving the area
The number of channels required is then determined by :-
Calculating the total Erlangs by multiplying the area covered by the average
load generated per subscriber during busy hour
Determine the required number of TCH and then the required number of TRXs
If the number of TRXs required exceeded the number of TRXs supported by
the available spectrum, additional sites will be required

50
 SWAP PLAN

Why do we need a swap plan?

To reduce mix of different vendor BTS within a large
city/ area
Reduce Inter MSC HO.
Better maintenance efficiency

Swap Strategy
No. of existing BTS sites with configuration known
No. of new sites with configuration known.

51
For Example BSNL UP(W) Circle

52
 UP(W) Circle Network Diagram
Haryan
a ur
ranp Uttaranchal
Saha

Muzaffarnagar

Bijnor
Nokia BTS
Me
NCR t eru
Nep Ericcsson BTS
Ghaziabad Moradabad
al
Delhi
Noida ur
Bulandshahr amp All DHQ on Nokia
R
Bareilly
Pilbhit
Haryan Budaun
rh
a Mathura ga
Ali
Etah

Agr
UP(E)
Mainpuri
Rajastha a
n
Eta
h wa

53
 UP(W) Circle Network Distribution
Major Cities /SSAs to be deployed on Nokia BTS
DHQ of all SSAs
Meerut
Agra
Mathura
Noida
Ghaziabad
Muzaffarnagar
Aligarh
Bulandshahar

SSAs except DHQs deployed on Ericsson BTS

Bijnor
Bareilly
Moradabad
Etah
Etawah
Rampur
Pilbhit
Badaun
Mainpuri
Saharanpur

54
 HW & Rly Plan for UPW
NH-58

Haryan
a Saharanpur
Uttaranchal

Muzaffarnagar
Bijnor
Meerut
Ghaziabad
Moradabad Nep
Noid
Delh al
a Rampur 69 Ericsson HW Site
i Bulandshahar Pilbhit
NH-02 Badaun Bareilly 56 Nokia HW Site
Haryan
a National HW
Aligarh
Etah Railways
Mathura
State Highway
Agra UP(E)
Mainpuri District Border
Rajastha
n
NH-91
Etawah NH-24
NH-03

55
 SWAP SUMMARY
Sl SSA PH-IV PLANNED SWAP EXISTING SWAP TOTAL TOTAL Highways GRAND
NO NOKIA NOKIA ERICSSON ERICSSON NOKIA ERICSSO Nokia TOTAL
WITH WITH NOKIA N
ERICSSON

A B C D E F G H
(A+D-B) (C-D+B) (E+F+G)

1 Agra 74 2 43 37 109 8 8 125

2 Aligarh 40 4 27 19 55 12 1 68
3 Badaun 16 10 11 3 9 18 1 28
4 Bareilly 45 11 27 17 51 21 2 74
5 Bijnor 39 32 16 3 10 45 0 55
6 Bulandshahar 27 3 17 12 36 8 1 45
7 Etah 17 12 10 3 8 19 3 30
8 Etawah 29 21 16 4 12 33 0 45
9 Ghaziabad 27 1 15 9 35 7 0 42
10 Mainpuri 22 17 12 2 7 27 0 34
11 Mathura 34 1 22 17 50 6 7 63
12 Meerut 68 5 30 26 89 9 11 109
13 Moradabad 73 35 33 16 54 52 9 115
14 Muzaffarnagar 48 10 17 13 51 14 3 68
15 Noida 12 0 8 6 18 2 0 20
16 Pilbhit 11 6 6 2 7 10 5 22
17 Rampur 20 13 11 3 10 21 0 31
18 Saharanpur 31 18 16 9 22 25 5 52
Total 633 201 337 201 633 337 56 1026

56
 UP(W) Circle 24volt BTS Distribution
Before Swap 24volts (40)
BTS status
Agra 9
Aligarh 2
Bareilly 5
Mathura 2
Meerut 3
Moradabad 6
Saharanpur 4 Out of 40 sites 31 have been
Bijnor 2
Bulandshahar 2
swapped to
Bijnor 16
Etah 1
Etawah 3 Moradabad 15
Pilibhit 1
Out of 40 sites 9 left as it is (No
Swap)
After Swap 24volts (40) BTS Agra - 1
status Moradabad 1
Agra 1 Saharanpur 1
Moradabad 16 Bijnor 1
Saharanpur 1 Bulandshahr 1
Bijnor 17 Etah 1
Etah 1 Etawah 3
Etawah 3
Bulandshahr 1

57
Advanced Network Planning Steps

58
 Parameter Planning

Parameter planning means creating a default set of BSS

parameters.
The most important parameters to plan for:
frequencies
BSIC
LAC
handover control parameters
adjacent cell definitions.

59
 BSS Parameter

Relevant BSS parameter for NW planning

frequency allocation plan
transmit power
definition of neighbouring cells
definition of location areas
handover parameters
power control parameters
cell selection parameters

60
 Handover Types
Intracell same cell, other carrier or timeslot
Intercell between cells (normal case)
Inter-BSC between BSC areas
Inter-MSC between MSC areas
Inter- PLMN e.g. between AMPS and GSM systems

intracell
intercell

inter-BSC

61
 Handover Criteria
1. Interference, UL and DL 9. MS Speed
2. Bad C/I ratio
10. Better Cell, i.e. periodic
3. Uplink Quality check (Power Budget,
4. Downlink Quality Umbrella Handovers)
5. Uplink Level 11. Good C/I ratio
6. Downlink Level
12. PC: Lower quality/level
7. Distance thresholds (DL/UL)
8. Rapid Field Drop
13. PC; Upper quality/level
thresholds (DL/UL)

62
 Location Area Design 1/2
Location updating affects all
mobiles in network
LocUp in idle mode
LocUp after call completion major road

Location updating causes Location area 2

signalling and processing load
within the network (international
LocUpdate !)
Avoid oscillating LocUpdate
Trade-off between Paging load Location area 1
and Location Update signalling

63
 Location Area Design 2/2

Different MSC can not use the same LAC.

Location areas are important input for transmission planners
should be planned as early as possible.

Never define location area borders along major roads!

Dual band or microcellular networks require more attention on
LAC planning
co-located DCS and GSM cells are defined to the same LAC
same MSC to avoid too much location updates which would
cause very high SDCCH blockings

64
Network Optimisation

65
What is network optimisation?

66
 Network Optimisation is:

Improving network quality from a subscribers point of

view.

Improving network quality from an operators point of

view.

67
What is network quality?

68
 Overall Network Quality
H/W Failure
Network Configuration
Network Traffic
Spectrum Efficiency
Coverage yes/no
Service Probability
Quality
O C NETWORK Call Set Up Time
P U Call Success Rate
Call Completion Rate
E S
R T SERVICES
Mail Box, Data, Fax, etc.
Customer Care
A O
T M Faulty H/W or S/W
O E MOBILE Mobile Quality
Misuse of Equipment
R R
H/W Costs
COST Subscription/Airtime costs
Additional Services Costs
Network Equipment Costs
Maintenance Costs
Site Leasing Costs
Transmission Link Costs

69
 Tools for Optimisation

Cell Planning
Tools
Prediction
Simulation

Network
Management
Network Measurement System
Tools
Network configuration
Propagation
BSS parameter data
Drive test
Network performance
70
 Performance Feedback
Network is under permanent change
==> detect problems and symptoms early!

OMC

Its far too late field tests

when customers
complain! customer
complaints

71
Optimize compared to what?

72
 Key Performance Indicators, KPI
KPIs are figures used to evaluate Network performance.
post processing of NMS data or
drive test measurements data

Usually one short term target and one long term target.
check the network evolution and which targets are
achieved
KPIs calculated with NMS data
network performance on the operator side.

KPIs from drive test

performance on the subscribers side

Usually turn key projects are evaluated according to

some predefined KPIs figures like drop call rate

73
 Network Performance Evaluation with

NMS
The most reliable KPIs to evaluate the network performance
with NMS are:
SDCCH and TCH congestion
Blocking percentage [%]
Drop call rate [%]
Handover failure and/or success rate
Call setup success rate
Average quality DL and UL

The targets are always defined by the customer but the

following figures can be considered as satisfactory results:
Item limit Target Lowest
acceptable
Dropped calls: <2 % 4%
Handover success >98 % 96 %
Good Qual samples (0..5) >98 % 95 %

74
 Drive Test Measurements
Evaluate network performance from the subscriber point of view
KPIs information:
DL quality, call success rate, handover success rate, DL
signal level
not statistically as reliable as NMS information

Added value of drive test measurement :

find out the geographical position of problems like bad
DL quality to look for a possible interference source in the
area
compare the performance of different networks
display the signal level on the digital maps to individuate
areas with lack of coverage eventually improve the
propagation model
verify the neighbour list parameter plan

75
 Optimisation Process

There are not strict processes for optimization because the activity
is driven by the network evolution.

76
 Optimisation Process: Young Network

Case
In a young network the primary target is normally the coverage.
In this phase usually there is a massive use of drive test
measurement
check the signal and
the performance of the competitors

MMAC
GPS
NMS
X

77
 Optimisation Process: Mature Network
Case
In a mature network the primary targets are quality indicators
drop call rate, average quality, handover failures.
Important use the information from NMS
a general view of the network performance.

Drive test measurements are still used

but not in a massive way
in areas where new sites are on air
where interference and similar problems are pointed out by
NMS data analysis.
Drop Call Rate (%)

3.5

2.5

2 Call Bids / 10000

Average
1.5 Busy Hour

0.5

0
Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed

78