Introduction to Radio Network Planning Siemens

MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
1
Contents
1 Course Objectives 3
2 Radio Network Planning Objectives 5
3 Radio Network Planning Constraints 7
4 Radio Network Planning Steps 9
4.1 Customer Requirement Analysis 10
4.2 Provision of Digital Maps 10
4.3 Tuning of Radio Wave Propagation Models 11
4.4 Nominal Cell Plan 12
4.5 Site Survey and Site Selection 13
4.6 Final Cell Plan 14
4.7 Determination of Database Parameters 16
4.8 Rollout of Equipment and Initial Tuning 17
4.9 Acceptance and Optimization Cycles 18


Introduction to Radio Network Planning
Siemens Introduction to Radio Network Planning


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
2
Introduction to Radio Network Planning Siemens


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
3
1 Course Objectives
Due to the fast growing GSM network, the efficient basic planning process continues
to have an important role. For existing GSM network systems which are influenced by
changing and increasing usage, the continuous optimization is an additional
permanent challenge.
Accordingly, in addition to the introduction to the basics of radio network planning and
its system and hardware dependencies, this course offers in a supplementary
chapter detailed possibilities for network optimization. Subjects such as planning and
optimization of coverage, capacity, allocation of frequencies and network IDs will be
explained.
After the course the participants will know about and understand the background of
radio network planning. The participant will be able to make sound decisions for the
possible usage of software tools. This course teaches knowledge and techniques
which are relevant for planning and which are independent of certain planning tools.

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Fig. 1 Course objectives

Siemens Introduction to Radio Network Planning


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
4


Introduction to Radio Network Planning Siemens


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
5

2 Radio Network Planning Objectives

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Fig. 2 Radio network planning objectives

Siemens Introduction to Radio Network Planning


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
6

The objectives of Radio Network Planning are:
Provision of sufficient coverage (radio aspect):
An important requirement in cellular networks is the contiguous coverage of the
service areas without noticeable holes. Furthermore an adequate depth of
coverage (i.e. outdoor or indoor, 2 W or 8 W mobiles) is necessary to meet the
operators marketing plans.
Provision of satisfactory network capacity (traffic aspect):
The operator has to provide traffic in the busy hour with only a low probability of
blocking (congestion) in order to avoid complaints of the subscriber.
Provision of good network quality (frequency aspect):
Since the number of frequencies a network operator can use is limited the
frequencies must be re-used. In order to receive a good quality radio network
planning is trying to separate the cells with equal frequencies as much as
necessary.
Accommodation of network growth (forecast development):
This includes extension of coverage to new areas for the case that an operator
does not start with country-wide coverage and expansion of the network capacity
so that the quality of service is maintained at all times. A provident planning is an
important issue since network operators start with only a few subscribers.
A cost effective design:
Cost effectivity means lowest possible cost over the life of the network while
meeting the quality targets.


Introduction to Radio Network Planning Siemens


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
7

3 Radio Network Planning Constraints

Marketing
requirements
Radio
fundamentals
GSM system
Specifications
Budget
Manufacturer
Specifications
License
conditions
Radio
Network
Planning

Fig. 3 Radio network planning constraints

Siemens Introduction to Radio Network Planning


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
8

The objective of radio planning is a technical realization of the marketing
requirement, taking into account of the following constraints:
Technical requirements from the license conditions
GSM system-specific parameters (e.g. GSM Rec. 45.005)
Manufacturer-specific features and parameters
Radio communication principles and fundamentals
Budgetary factors.

A license from a regulatory authority could be associated with technical requirements.
An example of this could be:
Coverage requirement:
MS class 2 coverage of 75% of the population 12 months from commercial launch
MS class 2 coverage of 95% of the population 36 months from commercial launch
Quality of coverage
Service to be available in 90% of the declared area and for 90% of the time
GOS (Grade Of Service)
Endeavour to achieve 5% or better
Frequency allocation:
50 frequencies in the frequency band 1800 MHz




Introduction to Radio Network Planning Siemens


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
9

4 Radio Network Planning Steps
Requirement
analysis
Provision of
digital maps
Tuning of the
propagation
model
Nominal
cell plan
Site survey
Final
cell plan
Determination
of DB
parameters
Rollout of
equipment
Initial tuning
Acceptance
Optimization
cycles

Fig. 4 Radio network planning steps


Siemens Introduction to Radio Network Planning


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
10

4.1 Customer Requirement Analysis
Network planning follows a very simple principle, the GIGO principle:

Garbage In results in Garbage Out.

Therefore a planning process can only be started when there are clear requirements
what the network should offer. This includes:
Network coverage:
Which areas shall be covered?
What is the coverage probability, i.e. the probability to have sufficient signal
strength at a certain place?
Where can the BTS be located?
Network capacity:
How many subscribers are expected to use the network?
How often and how long do the subscribers use the network?
Which services do the subscribers use?
How is the geographical and the time distribution of the traffic?
What is the blocking probability for the subscribers?
Network quality:
Which interference levels can be accepted?
Which frequencies are available?
Which features can be used?

4.2 Provision of Digital Maps
Digital terrain databases are an essential input for all further planning activities. They
should not only contain roads and buildings, but also contain information about
terrain height and morphology.



Introduction to Radio Network Planning Siemens


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
11

4.3 Tuning of Radio Wave Propagation Models
The propagation of radio waves is described with mathematical formalisms either in
empirical or semi-empirical manner. These propagation models are developed for
very precisely defined environments and do normally not correspond to real
surroundings. Therefore propagation models bear the danger that cells are not
planned accurately that a mobile at the edge of the cell may have no coverage.
The planner places a test transmitter at certain sites and collects measurement data.
These data are now compared with the theoretical predicted values and the models
can be tuned to fit real environments.

Test
BTS
Set-up of a test transmitter
Collecting measurement data
Analysis of predicted versus
measured data
Adaptation of standard model
to local environment

Fig. 5 Tuning of radio wave propagation models



Siemens Introduction to Radio Network Planning


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
12

4.4 Nominal Cell Plan
The nominal Cell plan includes:
a design of the sites that meets coverage and capacity targets (which is
calculated with the help of a computer tool)
a feasibility verification of meeting service requirements
the possibility of a frequency plan for the design
an estimation of equipment requirements and costs
a development of implementation and resource plans (including personnel
requirements)
a radio plan that will provide input to fixed network planning


Fig. 6 Nominal cell plan



Introduction to Radio Network Planning Siemens


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
13

4.5 Site Survey and Site Selection
Once the nominal cell plan has been provided the radio network planner has to
search for site candidates (towers, high buildings, poles, etc.) and to evaluate the
sites concerning building height, obstacles, etc.
Afterwards he has to evaluate this site with the prediction tool and by measurements
after having installed a test transmitter.
Then he selects the candidate site if:
it is appropriate due to the RF capabilities
a contract for renting the location can be signed to a low price
the security aspects are met
the technical assessment is positive (power supply, construction, antennas, etc).

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Fig. 7 Site survey and site selection


Siemens Introduction to Radio Network Planning


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
14

4.6 Final Cell Plan
In order to provide the final cell plan cellular radio network planning tools are used.
Such Radio network planning tools are used for:
Coverage Planning (Measurement data input, Prediction of coverage and traffic
model tuning)
Interference analysis and automatic frequency allocation
Production of coverage plots
Parameter planning and optimization: O&M interface (parameters, statistics).
They are essential for effective optimization and for planning network growth.

Graphical user interface
Use digital map information
User definable propagation models
Tuning of propagation models by radio survey analysis
Traffic analysis and calculation
Interference analysis
Handover considerations
Automatic frequency planning

Fig. 8 Cellular radio network planning tools




Introduction to Radio Network Planning Siemens


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
15

The final cell plan includes:
Coverage predictions with tuned model
Usage of contracted sites (check site acquisition)
Determination of antenna configuration
Capacity calculation
Required TRX per cell
Frequency planning and assignment
Graphical presentation (e.g. C/I plot)
Documentation.

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Fig. 9 Final cell plan


Siemens Introduction to Radio Network Planning


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
16

4.7 Determination of Database Parameters
Determination of parameters such as:
Cell Parameters (CI, BSIC, LAC)
Neighbour List (Adjacent Cells)
Handover Parameters
Power Control Parameters


Fig. 10 Definition of database parameters



Introduction to Radio Network Planning Siemens


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
17

4.8 Rollout of Equipment and Initial Tuning
At this stage of the planning process the rollout of the radio network equipment can
start. But the job of the planner is by no means done yet, because once the
equipment is installed and powered on, the basic commissioning test will be
performed. Drive tests will check
the DB parameters,
if the receive level and quality meet the requirements,
if call setup procedures as well as handovers work properly.
Furthermore OMC performance measurements are carried out to reveal
shortcomings of the system.
A visual check of the site construction follows.
In case of shortcomings first corrections are made, like:
Changes of installation (e.g. Alignment of antennas)
Changes of DB (e.g. addition of neighbour relationships, change of frequencies).

Drive Tests to check:
RXLEV, RXQUAL
Handovers
Call setup procedures
DB settings
OMC statistics analysis
Visual check of site construction
Changes of installation
(Alignment of antennas (tilt, azimuth))
Changes of DB
(add neighbours, change Frequencies, etc)

Fig. 11 Initial Tuning

Siemens Introduction to Radio Network Planning


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
18

4.9 Acceptance and Optimization Cycles
If all requirements are met the sites are accepted and released for the subscriber.
Now different input from performance measurements, refined traffic models,
customer needs, network expansion decisions, feature changes a.s.o. will lead to the
endless optimisation cycle.



Introduction to Radio Network Planning Siemens


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
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Siemens Introduction to Radio Network Planning


MN1790EU02MN
2006 Siemens AG
20