RF Survey

2/5/10 Pankaj Malik

(MobileComm Tech.)
GSM Planning Steps
• Various steps are listed below
– CW survey
– Model Tuning
– Nominal Planning
– RF site Surveys
– Realized Planning
– Frequency Planning
• Implementation
• Optimization
– Drive Testing
– Performance Analysis

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Nominal Planning

• It consists of planning a set of sites on

planning tool so as to predict the
coverage of the target Area.

• Tool needs to be made intelligent so

as to predict the coverage as close as
possible to actual Coverage.

• Coverage plots are based on customer

intension of providing indoor and
outdoor coverage.

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Mumbai – Coverage
Expectation Boundary

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Coverage Maps – Reverse Link.

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Composite Coverage Plot

• Propagation models are used to predict coverage from a

particular site
• A composite coverage plot shows the overall coverage produced
by each sector in the field of view
• The color of each pixel corresponds to the signal level of the
strongest server at that point
• Such plots are useful for identifying coverage holes and overall
coverage extent

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Clutter Types

– Dense Urban
– Urban
– Sub Urban
– Rural
– Water
– Vegetation
– Industrial
– Forest

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What is a good site for radio planners?

A place that does not have high obstacles around

it and has a clear view for the main beam can be
considered a good radio site.

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Site Survey and Site Selection

When the pre-planning phase is nearing completion,

the site search process starts. Base
on Coverage plans, the coverage plans, the radio
planner starts identifying specific areas for
prospective sites.

The survey stage does not allow for mistakes.

Mistakes will incur delays, thus, making the project
more costly.
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RF surveys

• Each nominal has a search ring defined by

the RF Planner

• Candidates needs to be identified as close

as possible to the nominal within the search
ring

• Height, orientations & antenna placement

at site are the key RF parameter which are
based upon the coverage requirement in the
area

• Major obstructions and

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clutter type inPankaj Malik
various directions to be observed on(MobileComm
RF Tech.)
 SELECTION OF SITES
●
Prepare Initial Search Ring
Note the latitude and longitude from planning tool.
Get the address of the area from mapping software.
Release the search ring with details like radius of search
ring, height of antenna etc.

2/5/10 Pankaj Malik

(MobileComm Tech.)
 SELECTION OF SITES

●
Sharing site locations
If there are friendly sites available that can be used
(infrastructure sharing), then these sites are to be
given preference.
If these sites suite the design requirements, then visit
these sites first.

●
Select Initial Anchor Sites
Anchor Site selection if Sharing option is not available.

(Initial anchor sites are the sites which are very

important for the network buildup, Eg - Sites
that will also work as a BSC.)

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 SELECTION OF SITES

●
Enter Data In Propagation Tool
Enter the sites exact location in the planning tool.

●
Perform Propagation Analysis
Now since the site has been selected and the lat/lon of the
actual site ( which will be different from the designed site)
is known, put this site in the planning tool and predict
coverage.
Check to see that the coverage objectives are met as per
prediction.

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(MobileComm Tech.)
 SELECTION OF SITES
●
Reset / Review Search Rings
If the prediction shows a coverage hole ( as the actual site
may be shifted from the designed site), the surrounding
search rings can be resetted and reviewed.
●
Candidate site Visit( Average 3 per ring)
For each proposed location, surveys should carried out and
at least 3 suitable site candidates identified.
Details of each candidate should be recorded on a copy of
the Site Proposal Form for that site. Details must include:
•
Site name and option letter Site location (Lat./Long)
•
Building Height
•
Site address and contact number
•
Height of surrounding clutter
•
Details of potential coverage effecting obstructions or
other comments(A, B, C,...)

2/5/10 Pankaj Malik

(MobileComm Tech.)
 SELECTION OF SITES

●
Visit Site With All Disciplines( SA, Power, Civil etc )
A meeting at the selected site takes place in which all
concerned departments like RF Engineering, Site
acquisition, Power, Civil Engineer, Civil contractor and the
site owner is present.
Any objections are taken care off at this point itself.

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●
Locate Equipment On Site For Construction Drawing
Plan of the building ( if site located on the building) to be
made showing equipment placement, cable runs, battery
backup placement and antenna mounting positions.
Antenna mounting positions to be shown separately and
clearly.

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 ● Some more points

● Also check the power supply & tower earthing for

sharing sites.

● Proper access to site sould be available for material

moments.

● Check whether indoor/outdoor or both options availbale

for BTS installation.

● If proper height is not available, then check for dual

mount option for antenna considering the planned
azimuth.

● You may provide suggestion to planner regarding height

& Azimuth as per the feild conditions.

● Note down the Landmarks near the sites. (One of the

most accurate methods to determine antenna directions
2/5/10 Pankaj Malik
is to use an appropriate location map that shows roads
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and buildings)
 Equipment required for RF Survey

•– GPS
•– Digital Camera
•– Measuring Tape
•– Binoculars
•– Magnetic Compass

2/5/10 Pankaj Malik

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 GPS
The Global Positioning System(GPS) is a satellite-
based navigation System that sends & Receive
radio signals. A GPS receiver acquires these
signals & provide the information.
Using GPS we can determine
•Location

•Velocity

•Time

In order to get accurate coordinates for a location

the GPS must be placed2/5/10in an unobstructed
Pankaj Malik
location to sight as many satellites as possible.
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2/5/10 Pankaj Malik
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2/5/10 Pankaj Malik
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2/5/10 Pankaj Malik
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 Digital Camera

The camera is used to take photos of the sites to be

surveyed.

The photos will present

• Building and building entrance (from the street)
• 360-degree panoramic view
• BTS location
• Antenna locations
• Antenna directions (usually included in the panoramic
view)
• Tower (if existing)

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 Site
Location

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Tower Photos(For Sharing Site)

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Clutter Photos (Existing Tower)

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Panaromic Photos

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Panaromic Photos

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GPS & ACCESS

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 Measuring Tape
This tool is used to measure distances or
heights. Height measurements can be
performed by stretching out the tape from
the top of the building down to the ground.

The length of the tape must exceed the

building height

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 Binoculars

Binocular is used basically during Tx Survey

to check the microwave link clearance.

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(MobileComm Tech.)
 Magnetic Compass
se to check the Azimuth/Direction/Orientation of the GSM An
n of planning or survey data.

indicates the bearing of a certain direction in relation to a pa

away from magnetic object as it will cause the

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Malik to r
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 SURVEY REPORTS

The site Survey request report contain :

•Primary candidate for search and Secondary site

candidates .
•Addresses & Contact Details.

•Height of the building/green-field,

•Coordinates,

•Antenna Configuration (location, tilt, azimuth,

etc.)
•Maps,

•and a top view of the site with exact location of

the base station and the antennas (both radio and

transmission).
2/5/10 Pankaj Malik
(MobileComm Tech.)
Thank You

2/5/10 Pankaj Malik

(MobileComm Tech.)