04 FO - NP2100 - E01 - 0 FDD-LTE Radio Network Planning

FDD LTE Network Planning
Procedures
FDD LTE Network Planning Procedures
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Overview ........................................................................................................... 1
2 Acronyms and Abbreviations ......................................................................... 1
3 Network Planning ............................................................................................. 2

3.1 Standard Process ............................................................................................... 2
3.2 Phase 1: Initiation ............................................................................................... 4
3.3 Phase 2: Planning .............................................................................................. 4
3.4 Phase 3: Execution ............................................................................................ 5
3.4.1 Analyzing Radio Environments .......................................................................... 5
3.4.2 Estimating the Network Scale ............................................................................ 6
3.4.3 Performing Propagation Model Calibration ........................................................ 9
3.4.4 Conducting Topology Design and Site Survey ................................................. 11
3.4.5 Conducting Network Simulation ....................................................................... 14
3.4.6 Preparing and Submitting Radio Network Proposal ......................................... 17
3.4.7 Planning Radio Parameters ............................................................................. 17
3.5 SOC and KPI Clarification ................................................................................ 19
3.5.1 SOC Clarification .............................................................................................. 19
3.5.2 Post-Bidding Clarification ................................................................................. 19
3.5.3 KPI Negotiation ................................................................................................ 19
3.6 Work Review and Information Backup ............................................................. 20
ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2016 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. I

FIGURES
Figure 3-1 Radio Network Planning Process ............................................................................ 3

Figure 3-2 Phase-by-Phase Deployment of eNodeBs .............................................................. 8
Figure 3-3 Propagation Model Calibration Process .................................................................. 9
Figure 3-4 Network Simulation Process ................................................................................. 14
Figure 3-5 File Structure of the Electronic Map ...................................................................... 15
TABLES
Table 2-1 Acronyms and Abbreviations .................................................................................... 1

Table 3-1 Folders and Their Contents in the Electronic Map File Structure ........................... 15
ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2016 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. II

1 Overview
Radio network planning designs a reasonable and feasible network topology that meets
the coverage and capacity requirements and other special requirements of the customer.
It is the foundation of network construction. Once the network topology is set up, it can
only be fine tuned in the subsequent network optimization stage. As a result, network
planning has a great impact on the network quality.
Radio network optimization is designed to improve the performance of a radio network,

enabling the network to offer good-quality services to meet the customer’s demands. It is
often achieved through network parameter adjustment based on the analysis results of
the network.
Network optimization is a continuous process. In the early stage of a network, the

network conditions change from time to time. For example, new subscribers are
registered or new base stations are deployed, so network optimization has to be done
whenever a network condition changes. When the network goes into its mature stage,
network optimization should focus on the analysis of network traffic and key performance
indexes. These indexes have a direct impact on the revenue of the investment and are
greatly concerned by the operator.
This document describes the processes of network planning and optimization phase by
phase, and details the tasks involved in each phase. It is a guide for network planning
and optimization engineers.
2 Acronyms and Abbreviations

For the purpose of this document, the acronyms and abbreviations listed in Table 2-1
apply.
Table 2-1 Acronyms and Abbreviations
Abbreviation/Acronym Full Name

CW Continuous Wave
DL Downlink
E-RAB E-UTRAN Radio Access Bearer
FTP File Transfer Protocol
GPS Global Positioning System
IM Instant Messenger
KPI Key Performance Indicator
PCI Physical Cell Identity
PLMN Public Land Mobile Network
ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2016 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. 1

PRACH Physical Random Access CHannel

RB Resource Block
RSRP Reference Signal Received Power
RSRQ Reference Signal Received Quality
SIM Subscriber Identity Module
SINR Signal-to-Interference plus Noise Ratio
SOC Statement of Compliance
SOW Statement of Work
TA Tracking Area
TAC Tracking Area Code
UE User Equipment
UL Uplink
UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System
3 Network Planning
This section describes the network planning process and the tasks of a network planning
engineer.
3.1 Standard Process

Figure 3-1 illustrates the standard radio network planning process.

Figure 3-1 Radio Network Planning Process
Start
Analyze the
demand
Estimate the Conduct pre-

planning
network scale simulation
Create the
survey plan
Conduct site Propagation Radio

survey model test environment test
Propagation Interference
model calibration analysis
No Are there
suitable sites?
Yes
Design network
topology
Conduct
network
simulation
Plan
parameters
No Do customer
demands are
met?
Yes
Submit a report
and end

3.2 Phase 1: Initiation

When receiving a network planning task, a network planning engineer should initiate the
network planning process.
The first thing the network planning engineer should do is to save the materials
requesting network planning. Such materials include pre-sale bidding documents, the
after-sales networking planning contract, and other evidences that require the initiation of
the network planning process, for example, email.
After that, the network planning engineer should carefully read the pre-sales bidding
documents and other related documents to analyze the demands or requirements. The
following information should be especially collected and analyzed:
 Basic and background information of the project
 Technical and time requirements for network planning
 Spectrum usage, network parameters, and service types
 Coverage range and coverage index requirements
 Capacity and traffic model
 KPI requirements
 Information of existing sites
 Requirements for electronic maps, simulation diagrams, and simulation tools
 Terminal information
 Requirements for the antenna feeder system
3.3 Phase 2: Planning

After demands are analyzed, the network planning engineer should create a plan and
submit it to the project team for internal review and to the customer for approval.
1. Draft a plan.
In this plan, the execution scheme should be given and tasks should be broken
down, such as spectrum scanning and analysis, propagation model calibration,
RF-related site survey, coverage and capacity planning, radio parameter planning,
network simulation, and negotiation with the customer. This plan should especially
describe the following:

 Schedule of each task: The local climate and customs must be considered in
the schedule of each task.
 Required devices and software: The devices may include UEs (with SIM cards),
scanners, CW transmitters, and CW receivers. The software may include Atoll,
CNP, and NetMax.
 Vehicles and human resources
2. Submit the plan to the project team for internal review.
Once the plan is created, it should be reviewed within the project team through
email, IM, or telephone. In addition, before the plan is submitted to the customer,
make sure that high-cost issues, such as vehicles, persons, and site survey, have
been fully discussed with the local representative office of ZTE, and agreements on
these issues have been reached within the project team.
3. Submit the plan to the customer for approval.
The reviewed plan is then submitted to the customer. When discussing the plan with
the customer, determine the work of ZTE, the customer, and the respective duties.
After all details are negotiated, the plan is finalized.
4. Confirm the SOW with the customer and the subcontractors.
The network optimization engineer should confirm the scope of work with the
customer and the subcontractors, and provide necessary training for them.
3.4 Phase 3: Execution
3.4.1 Analyzing Radio Environments

Radio environment analysis involves three aspects: radio propagation environment,
frequency and interference of the existing system, and spectrum scanning results.
 Radio propagation environment
To analyze the radio propagation environment, perform the following steps:
i. Obtain the existing site information, electronic map, and photos of the city and
the site.
ii. Analyze and classify radio environments and draw the boundaries between
different radio environments.
 Frequency and interference of the existing system

To analyze the frequency and interference of the existing system, perform the
following steps:
i. Collect the information about the frequency of the existing system and the
spectrums of other radio systems.
ii. Analyze the spectrum resources of the system.
iii. Analyze inter-system interference and prepare a report (where a solution is

included).
 Spectrum scanning results
To analyze the spectrum scanning results, perform the following steps:
i. Discuss with the customer whether spectrum scanning is necessary. If yes,

create a plan and submit it to the customer for approval.
ii. Schedule spectrum scanning, design routes, and prepare necessary resources
for scanning.
iii. Conduct frequency scanning tests.
iv. Analyze the spectrum scanning results and produce a report (where a solution
is included).
3.4.2 Estimating the Network Scale
3.4.2.1 Coverage Planning
In coverage planning, complete the following tasks:
1. Set link budget parameters.
For the parameters specified by the customer, adopt the specified settings if they
are within the normal range. Otherwise, clarify them with the customer.
For the parameters not specified by the customer, consult the R&D team and project
team to determine their settings.
2. Complete the link budget table.
Use the FDD LTE Link Budget Template and take the actual project situations into
account to prepare the link budget.
3. Calculate the coverage of an eNodeB.

In Step 2, the coverage radii of different types of topography have been worked out.
Calculate the coverage of each eNodeB based on the propagation model for
three-sector or omni-directional eNodeBs.
4. Determine the number of eNodeBs for meeting the coverage requirements.
The number of eNodeBs to meet the coverage requirements can be calculated

through the division of the actual area of each type of topography to be covered by
an eNodeB.
The actual area of each type of topography and the boundaries between different
types of topography should be provided by the customer. If the customer cannot
provide such information, work out the areas and the boundaries by using the
electronic map, Google Earth, or site survey result.
3.4.2.2 Capacity Planning
In capacity planning, complete the following tasks.
1. Set capacity parameters.
Currently, in capacity planning, the most important parameter is the average cell
throughput, which can be calculated through the following formula:
Average cell throughput = bandwidth * spectrum efficiency
where the bandwidth is a fixed value, and so the main task here is to determine
spectrum efficiency under different conditions, such as topography, band, moving
speed, and transmit power.
2. Determine the traffic model.
The traffic model is specified by the customer. However, if the traffic model provided
by the customer is found unreasonable, clarify it with the customer.
3. Calculate the capacity of an eNodeB.
You can calculate the capacity of each eNodeB by multiplying the average cell
throughput by the number of cells configured for the eNodeB.
4. Determine the number of eNodeBs to meet the capacity requirements.
You can calculate the number of required eNodeBs by dividing the total capacity,
which can be worked out with the traffic model, by the capacity of an eNodeB.

3.4.2.3 Network Scale
The LTE network scale refers to the number of eNodeBs to be deployed. To determine
this number, take both the coverage and the capacity requirements of the customer into
account.
The number of eNodeBs determined in coverage planning is a fixed number and does
not change with time, while that determined in capacity planning often changes over
years. Therefore, when determining the number of eNodeBs to be deployed, follow the
following principles:
 If the number of eNodeBs determined in capacity planning is larger than that

determined in coverage planning, the number of eNodeBs determined in coverage
planning is used in the first year, but in the following years, the number of eNodeBs
determined in capacity planning is used.
 If the number of eNodeBs determined in coverage planning is larger than that

determined in capacity planning, it is used as the number of eNodeBs to be
deployed. However, in practice, eNodeBs are deployed phase by phase: phase I
focuses on hot spot areas, phase II focuses on dense urban areas, and phase III
focuses on urban and other areas, as shown in Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-2 Phase-by-Phase Deployment of eNodeBs
Once the number of eNodeBs to be deployed is worked out, it should be submitted to the
production line and project team for review. They will give their opinions from the
perspectives of quote and bidding strategies.
If necessary, the final number of eNodeBs to be deployed should be adjusted.

3.4.3 Performing Propagation Model Calibration

Propagation model calibration calibrates the selected propagation model to meet the
specific requirements. It is a process of data collection, analysis, and processing. Data
collection and conversion can be done with calibration devices and software, while data
filtering, model calibration, test result analysis, and calibration result verification can be
done with simulation tools, such as CNP, Atoll, or Aircom.
The propagation model calibration process is shown in Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-3 Propagation Model Calibration Process
Propagation Model Calibration

Network Planning
Project manager/ Output Document
Customer/Input Test Engineer Engineer/Simulation
NQA
Engineer
Start
Network
Preparation for Data
information Test data
CW (work collection
collection table analysis
plan/resources) CW data
Test data is
No
passed or not
No
Yes
Propagation
modal
calibration
The report
passes review or
not
Yes
Propagation Propagation
Confirm modal calibration modal calibration
report report
Yes
End
To perform propagation model calibration, perform the following steps:
1. Select eNodeB sites for model calibration tests.
Perform the following steps to select the sites:
i. Analyze the environment of the planned area and divide it by topography.
ii. For each type of topography, select two to four sites for model calibration tests.
iii. Conduct site survey on the selected sites to get information such as height,
longitude, and latitude. Get necessary permits to these sites.

2. Design a detailed test route for each selected site.
When designing the routes, follow these principles:
 The field strength tests route should cover all roads.
 The routes should not overlap.
 The routes should be in a net structure and centered on the site.
3. Conduct model calibration tests.
Perform the following steps to conduct the tests:
i. Install transmission devices and antennas for model calibration tests.
ii. Set transmission parameters.
iii. Debug the receiver and receiving software.
iv. Conduct tests and record test data.
v. Export the test data after the tests.
 Note:
In the test, the test vehicle should move at an even speed in the range of 30 to 60
km/h, and the test should not be repeated on the same route.
4. Calibrate the propagation model.
Perform the following steps to calibrate the propagation model:
i. Prepare base station information table, test data, electronic maps, header files,
and model calibration software.
ii. Import and process test data.
iii. Select a propagation model and set its parameters.
iv. Conduct automatic model calibration.
v. Analyze the model calibration result and output a report.
vi. Assess the calibration result.
vii. Input the model to the model database.

3.4.4 Conducting Topology Design and Site Survey
3.4.4.1 Topology Design
Topology design is to design the topology of a radio network and it is an important part in
network planning.
In a pre-sale bidding project, topology design is a basis for the configuration of main
devices and other devices, such as transmission and power supply. It is also an
important part in the technical review conducted by the customer.
In an after-sales project, topology design is a basis for site survey and engineering.
The main tasks in topology design include:
 Divide the coverage area by radio environment.
 Identify the hot spot and other important areas.
 Plan eNodeBs deployment in each area according to the coverage and capacity
requirements.
 Output the base station design information table.
3.4.4.2 Site Survey
The purpose of a site survey is to find the proper site location according to topology
design.
The main tasks in a site survey include:
 Prepare survey tools.
 Collect the location information about the site.
 Collect the environment information about the site.
 Determine the site type to be used, such as indoor and outdoor.
 Collect the antenna system information of the existing network, such as the height,
direction, downtilt, and model of the antenna, the length and model of the feeder,
and whether the TMA is used.
 Complete the floor plan of the site.
 Take photos of the site and its surroundings.
 Output a site survey report and submit it for review and approval.

3.4.4.3 Site Selection
Site selection is to select proper sites and filter out the unqualified ones according to the
site survey result, test result, and pre-planning simulation result.
The main tasks involved in site selection include:
 Determine the site type.
 Determine the installation height of the device.
 Filter the sites according to the coverage and capacity requirements, radio
environment, and existing resources.
 Output the site selection information table, and submit it for review and approval.
3.4.4.4 Antenna System Design
The network planning engineer should provide suggestions on the settings of antenna
parameters according to the customer’s demands, ZTE’s marketing strategy, and the
project and radio environment, and submit them to related persons for antenna selection.
The antenna parameters include band, gain, polarization, downtilt, azimuth, horizontal
beam width, and vertical beam width. Before topology design, the selected antenna types
and their specifications must be obtained.
The tasks in antenna system design include:
 Collect the information of existing antennas and feeders.
 Select proper antennas and feeders, and give an antenna system solution.
 Decide the direction of the antenna.
 Determine the downtilt of the antenna.
 Output the antenna system design information table and solution, and submit them
for review and approval.
3.4.4.5 Joint Planning
In general, topology design focuses on the coverage requirements due to time limit, but
takes little account of the altitude of the eNodeB and the topography of the site. As a
result, the transmission requirements are neglected. In the case of microwave
transmission, which requires line-of-sight between eNodeBs, a number of relay eNodeBs
have to be added to meet the line-of-sight requirements. Consequently, the project cost is
increased.

To address such a problem, joint planning is introduced. This planning approach is

achieved by means of the following three methods:
 Provide a search ring of eNodeBs for flexible site selection in transmission design.
In addition to basic site information, such as longitude, latitude, and the number of
E1s required, the network planning engineer provides the transmission system
designers with a search ring, allowing the designer to adjust the locations of sites.
With minor adjustments, the transmission network is expected to be simplified and
the costs are expected to be saved. Such a case can be avoided: The eNodeB is
installed at the foot of a mountain, while the iron tower and transmission devices are
installed on the top of the mountain. A relay eNodeB is added only when no proper
location is available in the search ring.
 Introduce information feedback mechanism, allowing full communication between

the network planning engineers and the transmission system designer.
The transmission system designers design the transmission network after network
planning. Upon completion, they should submit the design to the project team as
well as the network planning engineers. The design should indicate the sites of
which locations are adjusted and those sites where relay eNodeBs have to be
added.
If the designers find the cost is too high, they can discuss with the network planning
engineers and give their suggestions. If necessary, network planning should be
redone to save the cost of the transmission network.
 Assign a chief engineer for network planning in the project team.
The chief engineer is assigned by the project manager. The chief engineer can be a
network planning engineer, transmission system designer, or site design engineer.
The duty of the chief engineer is to coordinate the work of network planning,
transmission design, and site design to render the network planning scheme
optimal.
3.4.4.6 Joint Survey
In the pre-sales stage, network planning and transmission system design are performed
based on the electronic map, so the actual site selection may differ from the planning one.
Therefore, in network planning, an approximate location, rather than an accurate one, is
given for each eNodeB.
Therefore, in the after-sales stage, site survey is also required before engineering. To
avoid the waste of human resources and conflict in site selection between different
aspects, joint survey is recommended to meet the network coverage and transmission
requirements.

3.4.5 Conducting Network Simulation

Network simulation is an important means to verify the planning result.
Figure 3-4 illustrates the network simulation process.
Figure 3-4 Network Simulation Process
To implement network simulation, perform the following steps:
1. Prepare for the simulation.
To conduct network simulation, make the following preparations:
 Learn the simulation requirements.
 Obtain or buy related electronic maps.
 Collect the information of the base stations involved in simulation.
 Prepare the propagation model.
 Collect antenna system information.

 Prepare simulation software and a laptop.
2. Start network simulation.
Perform the following steps to start network simulation:
i. Create a simulation project.
ii. Import the map.
Generally, the electronic map used for network simulation is in the format of
Planet/EET. The typical file structure for Planet/EET data is shown in Figure
3-5.
Figure 3-5 File Structure of the Electronic Map
The information in each folder is shown in Table 3-1.
Table 3-1 Folders and Their Contents in the Electronic Map File Structure
Folder Content Required/Optional

Clutter Topography and its type Required
Vector Vector information Required
Heights Heights of various objects Required
Text Remarks Optional

iii. Import base station information.
The base station information includes the site location, site name, RF
parameter settings of each cell (antenna azimuth, downtilt, model, gain, and
feeder length), and transmit power of each channel.
3. Set simulation parameters.
Simulation parameters involve the following aspects:
 Network mode and system parameters, such as frequency, bandwidth, and

mode
 Base station parameters
 Terminal parameters
 Propagation model parameters
As to the propagation model used for network simulation, if propagation model

calibration has been done, use the calibrated model. Otherwise, select a model
suitable for the topology of the site (obtained from the electronic map or
description) or similar topology and the band of the network.
For an electronic map with a precision of 5 m or higher precision, you can

achieve accurate results by using the ray tracing model. However, whether to
use the model depends on the project requirements and available resources
(including the dongle, simulation platform for the ray-tracing model, and time).
 Traffic model parameters
 Antenna parameters
4. Conduct network simulation.
In network simulation, complete the following operations:
i. Calculate the path loss.
ii. Spread traffic.
iii. Create the neighbor plan.
iv. Plan frequency.
v. Conduct Monte Carlo simulation.
5. Analyze simulation results and prepare a report.

Once network simulation is done, complete the following operations:
i. Output simulation diagrams.
Simulation diagrams directly reflect network performance.
In general, the following simulation diagrams should be output: RSRP

coverage diagram, RSRQ coverage diagram, best serving cell diagram,
downlink peak throughput, and uplink peak throughput.
ii. Collect simulation result statistics.
Collect all planning software support statistics of simulation results. With these
statistics, whether the network planning scheme meets the coverage and other
requirements of the customer can be easily determined.
iii. Analyze simulation results.
iv. Output a simulation report and submit it for review and approval.
3.4.6 Preparing and Submitting Radio Network Proposal

After network planning, prepare a detailed network proposal and submit it to the customer.
Before the proposal is submitted to the customer, it should be reviewed in the department
and the project team. This proposal should include:
 The customer’s requirements for the LTE network
 Traffic model and demand analysis
 Estimation of network scale, including coverage planning and capacity planning
 Network construction strategy analysis
 Suggestions on networking and the phase-to-phase network construction scheme
This proposal should also be attached with materials such as the test result of
propagation model calibration, the site survey table, the engineering parameter table, the
radio parameter configuration table, network topology, eNodeB distribution diagram, and
the simulation report.
3.4.7 Planning Radio Parameters
3.4.7.1 PCI
504 PCIs, numbered from 0 to 503, are available for the LTE system, and they are similar
to the physical scrambling codes of the UMTS system.

If the number of cells exceeds 504, one PCI can be assigned to more than one cell only if
the cells with the same PCI are far enough from each other, enabling the received signals
of one cell to be lower than the threshold level in the coverage areas of other cells with
the same PCI. If two or more antennas are used, avoid the PCI modes of neighboring
cells from being the same.
Meanwhile, a certain number of PCIs should be reserved for the following purposes:
 Future capacity expansion and indoor distribution system
 Coordination among boundary eNodeBs
3.4.7.2 Neighboring Cells
The neighbor planning result has a great impact on the KPIs of the network, such as the
handover success rate and call drop rate. Moreover, a poor result may lead to endless
and time-consuming neighbor cell optimization in the future network optimization.
Therefore, a good result of neighbor planning can not only provide a good quality network,
but also save a lot of human resources in the future.
Currently, the ZXPOS NetMAX (CNO), developed by ZTE, is often used in neighbor
planning.
3.4.7.3 TAC
TAC identifies the tracking area within the PLMN and manage the location of a UE. It
should be unique within the PLMN.
In TAC planning, it is required to consider the number of cells included in a TAC. Too
many cells may lead to a high paging cost and too few cells may lead to a high location
update cost. The binding relationship between the TAC and the cells depends on the cell
size, the cell type (high-speed or not), and the number of TAs in the TA list.
3.4.7.4 PRACH
The random access process takes place after downlink synchronization, and it is
designed to achieve uplink synchronization.
In the overlapped area of cells, if PRACH parameter planning is not done, the access
preambles sent by multiple cells to one UE may be the same. As a result, these cells
receive the same access preamble returned by the UE, thinking the UE will access them,
and sending MSG4 to the UE. Consequently, the UE fails to demodulate the MSG4 and
fails to access the cells.

3.5 SOC and KPI Clarification
3.5.1 SOC Clarification

SOC clarification plays an important role in pre-sales bidding because the customer often
assesses a bid on the basis of SOC clarification.
In SOC clarification, the network planning engineer should complete the following tasks:
 Discuss the SOC with related colleagues.
Before SOC clarification, communicate fully with the production line and the project
team regarding the SOC issues, especially KPIs.
 Clarify the issues related to network planning and optimization in bidding

documents.
 Output KPI clarification, which should be reviewed internally.
KPI clarification is the most important part in SOC clarification because it has a great
impact on the acceptance criteria in the future. Therefore, before KPI clarification is
submitted to the customer, review it carefully within the department and the project
team.
3.5.2 Post-Bidding Clarification

After bidding, prepare for the post-bidding clarification, which involves the following tasks:
 Establish a clarification team.
 Prepare for the clarification.
 Answer the customer’s questions according to related network planning materials.
 Answer the customer in written form, such as email.
3.5.3 KPI Negotiation

Before KPI negotiation with the customer, the KPIs should be determined based on the
bidding strategy and agreed by other project members.
KPI negotiation involves the following tasks:
 Determine the criteria and negotiation policy for each KPI within the project team.
 Prepare KPI documents.

 Participate in KPI negotiation.
 Modify and finalize the KPIs according to negotiation results.
3.6 Work Review and Information Backup

After returning to the department, the network planning engineer should hold a work
review meeting. At the meeting, the following should be addressed:
 Summary of the work that has been done
 Experience sharing and case study
 Problems found in the process
 Suggestions for future network optimization
Meanwhile, the network planning engineer should back up all the related materials
involving the following contents on proper servers:
 Bidding
 Network planning
 Work handover

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FDD LTE Network Planning

2 Acronyms and Abbreviations ......................................................................... 1

3 Network Planning ............................................................................................. 2

ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2016 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. I

Figure 3-1 Radio Network Planning Process ............................................................................ 3

Table 2-1 Acronyms and Abbreviations .................................................................................... 1

ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2016 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. II

Radio network optimization is designed to improve the performance of a radio network,

Network optimization is a continuous process. In the early stage of a network, the

2 Acronyms and Abbreviations

Table 2-1 Acronyms and Abbreviations

Abbreviation/Acronym Full Name

ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2016 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. 1

PRACH Physical Random Access CHannel

3.1 Standard Process

ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2016 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. 2

Figure 3-1 Radio Network Planning Process

Estimate the Conduct pre-

Conduct site Propagation Radio

ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2016 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. 3

3.2 Phase 1: Initiation

 Basic and background information of the project

 Technical and time requirements for network planning

 Spectrum usage, network parameters, and service types

 Coverage range and coverage index requirements

 Capacity and traffic model

 Information of existing sites

 Requirements for electronic maps, simulation diagrams, and simulation tools

 Requirements for the antenna feeder system

3.3 Phase 2: Planning

ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2016 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. 4

 Vehicles and human resources

2. Submit the plan to the project team for internal review.

3. Submit the plan to the customer for approval.

4. Confirm the SOW with the customer and the subcontractors.

3.4 Phase 3: Execution

3.4.1 Analyzing Radio Environments

 Radio propagation environment

To analyze the radio propagation environment, perform the following steps:

 Frequency and interference of the existing system

ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2016 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. 5

ii. Analyze the spectrum resources of the system.

iii. Analyze inter-system interference and prepare a report (where a solution is

 Spectrum scanning results

To analyze the spectrum scanning results, perform the following steps:

i. Discuss with the customer whether spectrum scanning is necessary. If yes,

iii. Conduct frequency scanning tests.

3.4.2 Estimating the Network Scale

3.4.2.1 Coverage Planning

In coverage planning, complete the following tasks:

1. Set link budget parameters.

2. Complete the link budget table.

3. Calculate the coverage of an eNodeB.

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4. Determine the number of eNodeBs for meeting the coverage requirements.

The number of eNodeBs to meet the coverage requirements can be calculated

3.4.2.2 Capacity Planning

In capacity planning, complete the following tasks.

1. Set capacity parameters.

Average cell throughput = bandwidth * spectrum efficiency

2. Determine the traffic model.

3. Calculate the capacity of an eNodeB.

4. Determine the number of eNodeBs to meet the capacity requirements.