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Figure 5.1. WCDMA Radio Network Planning Process
Figure 5.1. WCDMA Radio Network Planning Process
For a calculated cell range R, the site area which is also a function of the base station
sectorisation configuration can be calculated. For a hexagonal cell, covered by omni
directional antenna, the relationship between the coverage and the cell range R is 2.6 R2.
In the example above, the maximum pathloss is 154.2 dB. Assuming:
- coverage probability in suburban area: 95%
- log-normal fading margin: 7 dB
- soft handover gain: 3 dB
- the calculated allowed propagation loss for cell range is 141.9 dB.
According to equation (2) the cell range for carrier frequency of 1950 MHz is 2.3 km.
5.4. Planning tools
The third generation planning process does not differ very much from second generation
one. In third generation system the most important issues are detailed interference
calculations and capacity planning than coverage predictions typical for second generation
system.
However the fundamental role that is the selection of base station position and
configuration including antenna selection and antenna configuration in order to meet the
quality of service, capacity and service requirements at minimum cost is achieved.
The tool must have knowledge of the radio resource algorithms to perform operations and
make decisions like real network. The planning tool used in WCDMA system is a static
simulator based on average conditions like site and sector positions, information about
traffic layer and traffic information. Information about user density can be taken at the ealier
system deployment from the operators second generation networks and later from the third
generation networks. The input for the network planning tool is taken from the dynamic
simulator which includes the traffic and mobility models which are used to test the real time
radio resource management algorithms. Testing of RRM algorithms requires accurate
modelling of WCDMA link performance and therefore a time resolution of 1.5 kHz is used.
5.5.Network optimisation
Network planning is a process aimed at overall network quality improvements perceived by
subscriber. Another task of the optimisation process is to ensure that the network resources
are utilised efficiently. Optimisation includes the analysis of the network and results in
improvements in the network configuration and performance.
The network growth requires continuous cooperation of planning and optimisation tools.
The first step of the optimisation process is to define the key performance indicators. The
key performance indicators are used to analyse the performance of radio resource
management algorithms and their parameters. The definition of key performance indicators
includes field measurement data, measurements in the network management system and
collection of any information which can be used to determine the quality of service in the
network. The network quality analysis is designed to give an operator a view of network
quality and performance. When the quality of service criteria are specified, the data
collection process starts and survey report is generated.
Since in third generation system there are a variety of new services and bit rates, an
automatic optimisation process is required. Automatic adjustment provides faster response
to the changing traffic conditions in the network comparing to the manual optimisation
process.