Radio Frequency Principles

Radio Wave Propagation

Objectives
Understand Learn various Explain Multi- Learn Cellular Describe
Radio models for Path, Fading Concepts Spectrum
Frequency Radio wave and Ecosystem
Principles propagation Interference (Different
Bands and their
uses)
 Radio Wave Propagation
• Radio Waves are a type of electromagnetic radiations and have wavelength higher than Infra-red light.
• Frequencies range from 3kHz to 300 GHz
• Travel at the speed of light (3x10⁸ m/s)
• Radio Waves occur naturally in the form of Cosmic rays from outer space and are also generated by
lightening.
• Man-made radio waves are used for fixed and mobile radio communication, broadcasting, radar and other
navigation systems, communications satellites, computer networks and innumerable other applications.
• Propagation characteristics vary with frequency of radio waves - higher wavelengths can propagate longer
distances beyond earth’s horizon whereas shorter waves are reflected off the ionosphere and can travel
around the world
• Very short wavelengths reflect very little and travel on a line of sight
 Spectrum Limitations
• Spectrum is a scarce resource and with growing
telecommunication utilities and applications, it has to be
optimally used.
• Each country manages the spectrum allocation in their
geographical areas as per best practices described by
international recommendations.
• Dense utilization of spectrum increases the interference and
effects network quality.
• Regular network planning and optimization is needed for
best performance of telecom networks and interference
control.
 Factors Affecting Network Planning

• Intended coverage area

• Location of network elements (MSC, BSC, BTS)
• Quality of calls
• Maximum congestion allowed (grade of service)
• Capacity of the network
• Cost of the infrastructure
• Future development of the network
Cellular Radio Network Planning
 Network Planning Steps
• Collection of all relevant information
o Demography, penetration forecast, geographical extension forecast, services to be
supported, market segmentation
o Leased lines and microwave frequency availability,
o connections with other networks (PSTN, Internet)
o Regulations and laws
o Numbering, addressing and routing principles
o Topographical maps
o Existing infrastructure.
• Network dimensioning based on coverage and capacity requirements.
• Selection of MSC, BSC and BTS sites.
• Survey of intended MSC, BSC and BTS sites.
• Use of a computer aided design system for coverage prediction, interference analysis,
microwave and frequency planning, etc.
 Radio Wave Propagation Models
• A radio propagation model, also known as the Radio Wave
Propagation Model or the Radio Frequency Propagation Model,
is an empirical mathematical formulation for the
characterization of radio wave propagation as
a function of frequency, distance and other conditions.
• A single model is usually developed to predict the behavior of
propagation for all similar links under similar constraints.
• Created with the goal of formalizing the way radio waves are
propagated from one place to another, such models typically
predict the path loss along a link or the effective coverage area
of a transmitter
• Examples – Okumara Model, Haka model etc.
 Multi-Path Propagation

d1< d2 < d3

d2
+

Tt
d1
(Direct path)

BTS
BTS
Time 0 Ts d3

Time 0 Tt Ts+Tt

Inter Symbol Interference

 Fading of RF Signals

BTS
BTS

Solution: Adaptive power control

 Spectrum Usage Chart
• Usage of Spectrum is defined as per international consortium.
• Most common uses of spectrum are as indicated in the figure below.
Spectrum Allocation – 2G GSM Bands
Spectrum Allocation – 3G UMTS Bands - FDD
Spectrum Allocation – 3G UMTS Bands - TDD
Spectrum Allocation – 4G (LTE & LTE Advanced) Bands
 BTS Configurations

f1,f2, f3
BTS
BTS BTS

f1 f2

Omnidirectional BTS f1, f2

2 sectorized BTS

f5, f6 BTS

BTS
BTS

f3, f4

3 sectorized BTS
Thank You !