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Contents
1 Document Control ...............................................................................................................3 1.1 Revision History ..........................................................................................................3 1.2 Reviewers ...................................................................................................................3 2 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................4 3 Key Features and Functionality ...........................................................................................4 3.1 Propagation Modelling ................................................................................................4 3.2 Coverage Analysis ......................................................................................................9 3.3 Quick site/cell integration ......................................................................................... 10 3.4 Traffic Planning ........................................................................................................ 11 3.4.1 Traffic Definition ................................................................................................... 11 3.4.2 Traffic Spreading ................................................................................................. 13 3.5 Simulation and Analysis........................................................................................... 13 3.5.1 Monte Carlo Simulation ....................................................................................... 13 3.5.2 Output Arrays and Statistics ................................................................................ 14 3.5.3 Compound Arrays ................................................................................................ 15 3.5.4 Pixel Analyser ...................................................................................................... 16 3.5.5 Simulation Reports .............................................................................................. 17 3.6 Advanced Planning Algorithms ................................................................................ 17 3.6.1 Automatic Cell Planning ....................................................................................... 17 3.6.2 Neighbour Planning ............................................................................................. 18 3.6.3 Frequency Planning ............................................................................................. 18 3.6.4 BSIC Planning ..................................................................................................... 19 3.6.5 Scrambling Code Planning .................................................................................. 19 3.6.6 PN Code Planning ............................................................................................... 20 3.6.7 WiMAX Planners .................................................................................................. 20 3.7 Other Features ......................................................................................................... 21 3.7.1 Spreadsheet Data View ....................................................................................... 21 3.7.2 External web data support ................................................................................... 21 3.7.3 Reporting ............................................................................................................. 22 4 Supported Technologies .................................................................................................. 23 4.1 GSM/GPRS/EDGE .................................................................................................. 23 4.2 UMTS ....................................................................................................................... 24 4.3 HSDPA..................................................................................................................... 25 4.4 CDMA2000/EV-DO .................................................................................................. 26 4.5 Fixed WiMAX ........................................................................................................... 26 4.6 Mobile WiMAX ......................................................................................................... 27 4.7 DVB-H ...................................................................................................................... 27
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Document Control
1.1 Revision History
Revision Number 1 2 Date 03.07.04 05/10.05 Name D.Koster I. Dunn Revision Update to new template Removed references to Unlicensed functionally i.e GSM, Frequency planning, and GPRS. All functionality required for full CDMA2000 analysis remains. Updated screenshots. Added HSDPA feature and New Sim details Updated to include the new functionality introduced in 5.2 Added information on new features in 5.2.1 related to DVB-H and updated the pixel analyser screenshot Added features introduced in 6.0 and made changes Updated to v6.1 Modified 6.1 features
3 4 5
6 7 8
1.2 Reviewers
Reviewer P. Nahi Date Feedback
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Introduction
ASSET is a mu lt i- t ec h no l o gy p l an n i ng a nd an a ly s is t o ol aimed at providing cellular network planners with comprehensive and powerful capability in planning all the key cellular\mobile radio networks. This includes the main planning functions such as propagation modelling, measurement data analysis, coverage analysis, traffic planning and static simulation as well as more advanced processes including frequency planning, neighbour planning and automatic cell planning. All the key mobile/cellular technologies are supported; GSM/GPRS/EDGE, AMPS/TDMA, PMR/TETRA/iDEN, UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA, CDMA2000/EVDO, fixed & mobile WiMAX and DVB-H networks can be adequately planned and analysed. This document presents an overview of the features and functionalities provided in ASSET and details the key features available in the latest version.
The Standard Macro Cell model is a general purpose macro cellular propagation model that considers the different elements of propagation in the wireless channel through the definition of 7 parameters plus clutter losses. This makes it highly flexible and capable of modelling well-known models such as COST231 and Okumura-Hata. The Standard Macro Cell Model can be fully customised by the planners by defining appropriate values for the various parameters and can be typically calibrated to 8 dB standard deviation.
The Enhanced Macro Cell Model enriches the functionalities of the Standard Macro Cell Model with some additional options. The user is able to specify different parameters for LOS and NLOS areas, while additional algorithms are available for the diffraction calculation and the effective antenna height.
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Different algorithms for calculating the effective base station antenna heights in the two Macro Cell models include:
Absolute Average Relative Knife-Edge Based (only in Enhanced Macro Cell Model) Slope
The IEEE 802.16 SUI (Stanford University Interim) model is one of the recommended models for fixed access network planning. It is an empirical model and the pathloss values can be controlled by appropriately defining various parameters for different environment types.
The DVB-H standard suggests the use of the ITU-R P.1546-2 recommendation for the purpose of calculating the received signal strength of the DVB-H signal. The ITU-R P.1546-2 SLR model is included in ASSET.
For each different model type it is possible to define a loss for each clutter type to be included in the pathloss calculation. It is also possible to specify receiver heights which can be particularly useful for predicting signal levels and interference in tall buildings. For the Standard Macro Cell and the SUI models, height and separation can also be selectively included in the propagation model for each clutter type.
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The Clutter specific parameters and losses for the Standard Macrocell model
The two Macro Cell models and the SUI model also incorporate a choice of methods for calculating the loss associated with multiple knife edge diffraction. These include:
Epstein Peterson Bullington Deygout Japanese Atlas Giovaneli (only in Enhanced Macro Cell Model)
Model Tuning
The two Macro Cell propagation models can be tuned using measurement data in order to improve the accuracy of the pathloss predictions. Measurement data can be directly imported in a variety of formats, such as TEMS FMT, NEMO 4.x, MDB and Signia while other file formats can also be easily supported. Users are able to visualise the measurements on the map view along with the model error.
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The Model Calibration Utility allows the users to filter the measurements based on a number of factors, such as line of sight/non-line of sight propagation, signal strength limits, clutter exclusion, etc. It also allows the users to tune the model automatically. The results of the model analysis include calculations of average and RMS errors for varying level of detail, from individual data bins through groups defined by clutter category. The results are displayed in tabular form and can be exported into Microsoft Excel.
Model tuning
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Path Loss Predictions Path loss predictions are calculated using the propagation models defined by the users on per antenna basis. Users have the option to use multiple resolutions and models for the path loss predictions of each antenna, e.g. use high resolution closer to the antenna and a lower resolution further away. Multi-core predictions are also available enhancing the user experience both in terms of the system performance and responsiveness.
Coverage analysis using multi-resolution (high close to the site and lower for further distances)
Multiple machines can be used in order to significantly speed up the prediction file generation. Asset provides with a distributed predictions agent controlling the clients allowing for a flexible configuration of the distributed system.
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ASSET provides users with the capability of considering measured data in the path loss predictions in order to improve the prediction accuracy. The functionality allows the users to specify of the weight with which measurements will be considered. Furthermore, users have the option to interpolate predictions with measurements by defining a roll off factor.
(a) Model Correction using Measurement Data (a) Without Correction; (b) With Correction
(b)
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The coverage analysis can be generated using the GSM Best Server wizard or the technology specific Coverage wizard for the other technologies. As a quick alternative the coverage analysis can also be performed from the 2D view toolbar for single or multiple cells or sites.
The coverage can be displayed onto any mapping backdrop such as terrain height data, land usage information and scanned maps. It can also be overlaid using a stippling effect onto building information or roads.
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ASSET allows planners to create traffic forecasts through the definition of terminal types. A terminal type models the RF characteristics of the terminal and its geographical distribution within the network. The tool incorporates the facility for network capacity planning using user defined traffic forecasts or actual traffic information extracted from the BSC/RNC.
Dynamic Traffic Creation The terminals can be spread over the network using 4 different terrain features: clutter, open vectors, closed vectors and single points. The traffic can be specified in terms of terminal density or absolute number of terminals over these features.
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Planners can define technology specific terminals according to the network to be simulated. In order to facilitate the joint planning of GSM and UMTS networks, a joint GSM/UMTS terminal type is also supported. For terminal types used in the simulator it is also possible to specify the percentage or weights per clutter type which are thereafter considered in the terminal distribution. Terminals can also be specified as being located in building on per clutter type basis and thus allowing the user to generate specific indoor analysis results. In addition, the effect of terminal speed is also considered in the simulation through the specification of various parameters related to the speed of the mobile.
Live Traffic Import When network traffic statistics, extracted from the BSC/RNC are available, ASSET provides planners with the functionality to use this information in order to define the spread traffic distribution over the network. In this case the traffic information can be imported from files and spread over the coverage area of the cell to which that traffic is associated. In the case of 2G/2.5G networks, the data is first imported into the database and then spread over the network whereas in the case of 3G/3.5G networks the import and spreading operation are performed at the same time.
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For 3G networks, alternative option of defining the live traffic distribution in terms of radio bearer specific measurements is also supported. Files containing information about the bearers and their weighting in a given cell are imported into the tool. The bearer weighting is defined in terms of Erlangs. The tool converts bearer weighting into terminals per cell and spreads the terminals over the coverage area of the cell.
3.4.2
Traffic Spreading
After the traffic distribution is specified using one of the abovementioned methods, ASSET Traffic wizard is used to spread traffic over a given area and create a traffic raster. Traffic rasters can be displayed on the 2D view showing the exact traffic distribution for each terminal type. Traffic rasters can be scaled to project increase in system load over time or to carry out sensitivity analysis of nominal network. Furthermore if a coverage array is created, the traffic spread can be restricted to areas where the pilot power/signal strength is above a certain specified threshold.
Monte Carlo simulation provides planners with means of analysing the performance of multi-service networks. ASSET allows planners to simulate GSM/GPRS/EDGE, AMPS/TDMA, PMR/TETRA/iDEN, CDMA2000/EV-DO, UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA, Fixed & Mobile WiMAX and DVB-H networks. It also supports joint simulation of GSM and UMTS networks. After the configuration of the network elements and parameters (e.g. site/nodes/cells/sectors, terminal types, carriers, bearers, services, etc.) is completed, the simulator can be performed in order to generate an estimation of the network performance. The simulator generates random distributions (i.e. snapshots) of the network traffic and endeavours to serve the requested services. The performance of each snapshot is measured by calculating a number of key network performance indicators (e.g. signal strength, best server, SINR, etc.) on each pixel. The overall network performance is analysed by averaging the results across all snapshots based on Monte Carlo method. A passive scan is run for the terminal/service/bearer/carrier combination of interest and stable Coverage results can be produced with only 20 snapshots. As a quicker alternative to analyse the network reliably without running snapshots which are time consuming, ASSET gives the option of calculating the network traffic using user-definable uplink and downlink loads on per cell basis. The load values are given by the user in the site database. The tools also allows users to automatically write the load value on each cell after running snapshots.
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3.5.2
After the Monte Carlo simulator is run, the results of the calculated parameters for each pixel are stored in different arrays, which can be displayed on the 2D view using different colours and user defined thresholds. These arrays show the final probability or mean values and help planners validate the suitability of their network design. Arrays can also be saved in a format which will allow users to run the simulation again or use for future comparisons.
All arrays are produced on a per carrier basis. Most arrays have a dependency on terminal type because body loss and terminal antenna gain are always included in the link loss. Many arrays depend on whether the terminal is taken to be indoor or outdoor. Indoor arrays use the in-building parameters for the clutter type at each pixel (i.e.
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indoor loss and indoor shadow-fading standard deviation). Indoor terminals are always taken to be slow moving. Coverage arrays can be drawn even if no snapshots have been run, but the user should note that the arrays then refer to coverage in an unloaded system. To obtain coverage arrays for a loaded system the user must run some snapshots. Arrays for coverage tend to have a weak dependence on the number of snapshots run, and the arrays change little after a relatively small number of snapshots have been performed (10s of snapshots in most cases). This is because only a small number of snapshots are needed to get an idea of the average noise rise and average DL traffic power on each cell. Arrays for hard or soft blocking probabilities have a strong dependence on the number of snapshots run. This is because blocking is evaluated by reporting the proportion of snapshots that would block further connections. For example, if the user has run 1 snapshot then all blocking probabilities will be either 0% or 100%. If 5 snapshots have been run then all blocking probabilities will belong to the set {0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%}.
Arrays can also be used to create comprehensive statistical reports over clutter types, cells or vectors.
3.5.3
Compound Arrays
ASSET provides the capability to generate new arrays which are the result of performing mathematical operations between several ASSET arrays. The functionality allows the production of arrays as simple as a before and after difference array (Signal Strength 1- Signal Strength 2) or a show me the RSCP of the Best Server in the areas where the Ec/Io is over -6dB, to complex operations mixing output arrays from 2G and 3G networks. Operators available include +, -, >, >=, <, <=. It is also possible to chain operations using Boolean operators such as AND and OR. These expressions and the generated output arrays can both be saved for later use or analysis.
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3.5.4
Pixel Analyser
The pixel analyser is a separate window that can be placed alongside a map view in order to see detailed array information that has been accumulated during Monte Carlo simulations. The pixel analyser provides a strong capability for problem solving as it allows planners to perform analysis at pixel level in the 2D view. It is also possible to select a particular pixel using pixel select and transfer the values related to that pixel into Microsoft Excel using Grid Export for further analysis. In addition, users can also select to restrict the number of columns displayed in the analyser window.
The pixel analyser is also able to display signal strength and signal quality along vector segments in the form of a line graph.
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3.5.5
Simulation Reports
The Monte Carlo simulator produces analysis reports for 2G, 3G, joint GSM/UMTS and WiMAX simulations. Each snapshot of the Monte Carlo simulation process generates several outputs which are stored and processed to produce statistical reports. The reports allow planners to view the performance of the area as a whole and the performance of individual cells. The Monte Carlo simulator generates some or all of the following reports, based on the technology being simulated: Composite Report: The performance per Service and Contribution to failures. Cell Failure Report: Failures breakdown on a per Cell basis. Cell Downlink Performance Report: The downlink performance per cell/per carrier Cell Handover Report: The number and type of channels used per cell/per carrier. Cell Throughput Report: The throughput achieved per cell/per service. Cell Uplink Performance Report: The uplink performance per cell/per carrier. Cell Blocking Report per Service: The reasons for connection failure on a per cell/per service basis.
A powerful automatic planning feature based on a sophisticated optimisation algorithm is provided in order to aid the planners with their day to day activities. The feature allows for an automatic configuration of the power and antenna parameters speeding up the integration of new sites or cells in an existing network as well as quickly optimising the performance of the network in the most cost effective way.
Asset ACP
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3.6.2
Neighbour Planning
Based on the path loss predictions and on a series of user specific parameters such as signal thresholds and number of covering cells, ASSET neighbour planning algorithm generates neighbour relations between cells of the same or different technologies and frequencies. The user can perform automatic planning of neighbour relationships for GSM, UMTS (intra- and inter-carrier), GSM and UMTS, CDMA2000 (intra- and inter-carrier) and Mobile WiMAX. The results are presented in a detailed neighbour analysis page where the user has the option of editing\sanctioning any relationships and subsequently storing them in the database.
3.6.3
Frequency Planning
Apart from the manual frequency planning for 2G networks, ASSET provides users with a sophisticated automatic frequency planning tool (ILSA). Based on user specified criteria, ILSA uses an advanced heuristic algorithm for the calculation of the frequency plan which minimises the total interference in the network.
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3.6.4
BSIC Planning
The user is able to perform automatic BSIC planning for a selection of GSM cells. ASSET gives the option of defining user specific BSIC schemas in order to restrict the allowed BSICs to a specific set for each cell. Furthermore the user has the capability of using cells in read-only state so that only newly added GSM cells will be planned while existing assignments will remain unchanged. The BSIC planner uses a complex algorithm which takes into account the allocated BCCH carriers and high order neighbouring cells as well as re-use distance. The results are then reported in a detailed page so that the user can easily identify any potential problems in the BSIC allocations and apply the plan to the database.
3.6.5
The automatic assignment of Scrambling Codes is also available for UMTS networks. The Scrambling Code planner is using the same concept as the BSIC planner by making use of the neighbours and the re-use distance and allowing the definition of user-specific Scrambling Code schemas. The results are presented in a report page displaying all the related information giving the user the option of reviewing the results and applying the plan in the database.
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3.6.6
PN Code Planning
Similar to the UMTS Scrambling Code Planner, ASSET provides a PN Code Planner for the CDMA2000/EV-DO sectors. The planner uses user specified parameters such as code re-use distance, number of covering sectors and offset spacing in order to assign appropriately the primary codes to the selected sectors.
3.6.7
WiMAX Planners
Asset supports a number of different planners to enhance the usability of the Mobile WiMAX module. The WiMAX frequency planner allows users to automatically allocate carrier frequencies to WiMAX sectors using a proprietary algorithm based on re-use distance. The frequency planner can support both full and fractional frequency reuse scenarios. The PN code index planner allows users to automatically assign PN Indexes to WiMAX sectors based on re-use distance and neighbour relationships. Users can also define whether co-located sectors should be assigned the same segment number or different segment numbers. The automatic PUSC group assignment capability allows users to assign different PUSC groups to different WiMAX sectors based on the segment IDs assigned to each sector.
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All the planners share a unified reporting capability which allows users to filter and sort the outputs as well as export them in to Excel.
3.7.2 External web data support ASSET provides the capability of accessing data stored in an appropriately configured web server directly from the site database. This powerful functionality
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can be used for a variety of purposes which can significantly improve the planning process and user experience in general. As an example the site database window can display live performance data such as dropped calls or captured traffic. The site location can also be displayed in interactive web maps such as google maps.
3.7.3 Reporting The information contained in the site database is essential for both the planning process and the network management and maintenance. ASSET provides a very useful reporting feature allowing the user to decide for which parameters and also for which filters to generate reports.
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Site/Node reporter
Supported Technologies
ASSET supports all the key mobile and cellular technologies and allows for the modelling of technology specific parameters such as Site/Cell/Node parameters, Bearers, Carriers and Terminal Types for an accurate analysis of the planned network. The general approach followed for all supported technologies consists of 3 main parts; the definition of all network related parameters such as transmit powers, antenna configurations and available resources in the site database, the specification of all air interface characteristics, such as bitrates and KPIs requirements in the bearers and services and the definition of all terminal characteristics such as transmit power capabilities and supported services in the terminal types. The supported technologies are GSM/GPRS/EDGE, AMPS/TDMA, PMR/TETRA/iDEN, UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA, CDMA2000/EV-DO, Fixed & Mobile WiMAX and DVB-H.
4.1 GSM/GPRS/EDGE
ASSET provides a comprehensive and flexible modelling capability for GSM and GPRS networks. The user is able to define a desired frequency band with appropriate carrier spacing and UL-DL separation or use one of the default ones. The GSM channels are modelled using the carrier layers where the user has the option of specifying the available carriers to use as well as the frequency re-use pattern. The carrier layers are then associated to cell layers to be used by each GSM cell.
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GSM configuration
The interference and capacity analysis is possible by allocating specific carriers to each cell layer and by defining the exact channel to transceiver mapping. Frequency hopping is also supported in the tool. In order to allow for more detailed network analysis ASSET introduces the use of appropriately defined GSM+GPRS bearers, which are associated with Services and Terminal Types. The GSM+GPRS bearers model the various bitrates and the C/I requirements in the DL as well as AMR functionality. According to the capabilities of the serving cell in terms of achieved C/I and available TRXs and timeslots, the simulator provides accurate results on the expected KPIs as well as detailed reporting on the throughput and connection failure statistics.
4.2 UMTS
The UMTS modelling follows the same flexible and powerful approach of BearersServices-Terminal Types of GSM technology but extended in order to allow for the support of power control and soft(er) handover as well as both UL and DL analysis. The code and generally resource limitations of UMTS networks are modelled using the flexible method of UMTS Resources definition and
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consumption. Failure results due to resource limitations are also available after the simulation.
UMTS UL bearer
Finally the modelling and analysis of multiple carriers is also possible in ASSET by defining the attenuation between adjacent carriers.
4.3 HSDPA
ASSET enables users to define and simulate the performance of HSDPA networks. The HSDPA configuration in ASSET starts with defining HSDPA Resources (Codes), which account for the limited number of codes available for HSDPA operation (15 maximum codes). For the HSDPA Coding & Modulation schemes a default set is provided (e.g. 16QAM with 2/4 code rate) and the user has the option to define custom rates. The Air Interface and User bitrates are automatically calculated according to these parameters. The HS-SCCH power is also user-specific in terms of P-CPICH power percentage and calculated only for the time that the bearer is active.
HSDPA bearer
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The HSDPA traffic power is specified at the cell and can be fixed or dynamically allocated based on the remaining available UMTS cell power. The allocation algorithm is explained in the figure below. The supported MCS are also defined in the cell.
HSDPA link power = min (max HSDPA power, Available HSDPA power)
4.4 CDMA2000/EV-DO
CDMA2000 and EV-DO networks can be accurately planned and analysed in ASSET. The transmit powers of the various channels as well as the other essential network parameters such as Radio Configuration, Noise Rise limit and resource limits are defined on the BSs and sectors. The Bearers-Services-Terminal Types approached is used for the modelling of bitrates and Eb/Nt requirements and the simulator provides with detailed results in a series of specific arrays and reports. Default bearers for both CDMA2000 and EV-DO are available in ASSET while the user has the capability of adding more if needed.
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Coverage and capacity analysis is performed using the Monte Carlo simulator. The traffic model is based on Assets Bearers-Services-Terminal Type structure. Detailed outputs are generated in terms of arrays and reports.
4.7 DVB-H
DVB-H networks can be simulated using the ASSET UMTS Simulator. The SLR propagation model recommended by the ITU for DVB-H networks is supported in ASSET (described in section 3.1) and a new DVB-H specific output array (i.e. DVB-H C/I) is generated. The DVB-H parameters required for the simulation are the Guard interval, the Symbol time and the Terminal pass band and are specified by the user in the Array Settings. The UMTS Cell Pilot power is reused to represent the DVB-H downlink power.
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DVB-H parameters
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