Fundamentals of RF Engineering A strong understanding of RF engineering fundamentals is required to optimize the performance of cellular networks.

This course presents the fundamentals of RF engineering for new engineers who need to be grounded in the fundamentals and existing engineers who need to fill in any gaps they may have in their understanding. This course illustrates the network architecture and highlights the importance of several aspects of RF engineering. The RF propagation mechanisms that affect the RF signal path from the transmitter to the receiver are discussed. Coverage is discussed using the link budget examples for 2G and 3G systems. Traffic engineering is described from the perspective of Erlang-B and backhaul provisioning. Deployments of GSM and CDMA/WCDMA/EV-DO networks are considered. Finally, tools useful for network planning/design, deployment, and optimization are reviewed. Learning Objectives After completing this course, the student will be able to: Sketch the network architecture for 2G, 2.5G, and 3G Outline KPIs that quantify RF performance Discuss the roles of various RF components Describe RF propagation mechanisms Explain various components of the link budget Summarize how Erlang-B can be used for capacity provisioning Discuss the influence of vocoders and high-speed data on traffic engineering Contrast TDMA deployment with CDMA deployment Describe issues with equipment sharing between 2G/2.5G and 3G Explain how tools can be used during various stages of the cellular network (e.g., design, deployment, and optimization) Intended Audience This fundamentals course is intended for new or experienced RF engineers who need familiarity with the fundamentals of RF engineering. Course Length 2 Days Instructor Led Course Outlines / Knowledge Knuggets 1. Overview of GSM/GPRS/UMTS 1.1. GSM, GPRS, UMTS architecture 1.2. Evolution from GSM/GPRS to UMTS 2. Introduction to Cellular RF Engineering 2.1. Stages of technology deployment 2.2. Planning, design, engineering, optimization

2.3. Radio and core, backhaul, network economics- CapEx/OpEx, KPIs 2.4. Importance of RF engineering 3. Review of RF Components 3.1. Baseband and RF processing 3.2. Antennas (basic principles, omni and sectorized) 3.3. Feeders, jumpers, duplexer and diplexer 3.4. HPA, LNA, TMA, repeaters 4. RF Propagation Fundamentals 4.1. RF Terms (RSSI, SIR, dB, dBm) 4.2. Distance-based path loss, long-term fading, and short-term fading 4.3. Propagation models (e.g., Hata-Okumara and COST-231) 4.4. Spectrum for network deployment 5. WCDMA and HSPA Fundamentals 5.1. UTRAN architecture 5.2. PHY layer functions 5.3. Handover 5.4. HSPA 6. Coverage and Link Budget Fundamentals 6.1. Significance of link budget 6.2. 2G/ 2.5G and 3G link budget (components of the link budget with numerical examples) 6.3. Influence of carrier frequency 6.4. Challenges of an overlay network 7. Capacity and Traffic Engineering 7.1. Voice calls and Erlang-B model (trunking and GoS) 7.2. Influence of AMR and high-speed data 7.3. Backhaul provisioning 7.4. RF technology factors impacting capacity 8. Deployment Considerations 8.1. GSM vs. WCDMA 8.2. 2G/2.5G and 3G-specific features for enhanced RF performance (e.g., handover and power control) 8.3. Cell-site planning/sharing 9. Tools for Deployment and Optimization 9.1. Network planning/design tools 9.2. Troubleshooting/KPI monitoring tools 9.3. Drive-testing and post-processing 9.4. RF optimization approaches