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Radio network planning refers to planning the cBSS network according to the network
construction target, network evolution requirements, cost requirements, types of optional
equipment. Radio network planning specifies the number of NEs required by network
construction, configuration parameters, and engineering parameters before the cBSS network
construction. Radio network planning is directly related to the performances, construction costs,
and maintenance costs of future networks.
Radio network dimensioning (RND), the first activity in the pre-planning phase, is conducted
before the first round of bidding for a commercial network. Table 1-1 describes the tasks
involved in preliminary radio network planning.
NOTE
l During the pre-sale planning phase, optional planning tasks can be omitted to ensure the planning
progress.
l During the post-sale planning phase, all planning tasks must be conducted to ensure accuracy.
Final radio network planning is detailed and specific planning on radio networks. Compared
with preliminary network planning, final network planning differs only in the fact that system
simulation, site survey and selection, and noise test are mandatory during final network planning
but they are optional during preliminary network planning. Table 1-2 describes the tasks
involved in network planning.
2 Site survey and If some sites are unqualified or inaccessible, define the
selection Search Ring (by default, one fourth of the coverage radius)
of the sites based on the preliminary network planning and
re-select sites.
As shown in Figure 1-2, network planning is dynamic and cyclic. The whole process, from
providing a specific requirement, to preparing the network planning scheme, and to a planning
report, is cyclic and adjustable. For example, after system simulation, the previous network
planning scheme can be improved, and then after the site survey and selection, the previous
scheme can be further improved.
Related information is collected in the initial phase of network planning. The collected
information is used for network dimensioning, network simulation, and network construction
policies. The collected information can be used for the input of network planning or for reference.
Before network planning, the on-site owner needs to communicate with the customers or the
persons from the Marketing Department to get aware of the network planning requirements. The
on-site owner also needs to analyze expected planning output, destination information, network
construction target, network scale limitation, and construction phase planning after the
communication.
The following information is required in the preliminary radio network planning phase:
If the existing network is expanded or migrated, the following information is required: recent
network optimization report, configuration of the existing network, drive test documents of the
existing network, traffic measurement data of the existing network, and customer complaints
against the existing network.
Area Division
Area division is the first step in network planning. By performing area division, the target
coverage area is divided into different sub-areas based on the radio propagation environments,
coverage rates, and traffic distribution.
The target coverage area, however, generally does not have obviously marked sub-areas. In
different sub-areas, such as urban areas and rural areas, the radio propagation environments,
coverage rates, and traffic distribution are different. Thus, the quantity of BTSs differs in two
areas with the same size. Generally, areas are divided into the following types:
l Dense urban areas
l Urban areas
l Suburban areas
l Rural areas
Some special coverage areas can be divided into scenic spots, forests, grassland, or other types
of terrain. Area scenario division directly affects network planning. Therefore, site survey at the
early stage of network planning is necessary for the collection of information about the radio
propagation environment. The results of site survey are the basis of scenario division.
Table 1-3 describes the basis of area division.
Dense urban Areas that have very dense population, prosperous economy, large traffic,
areas comparatively dense and tall buildings in the center of a city, and shopping
centers with full vitality
Urban areas Areas that have less dense population, less prosperous economy, large call
traffic, dense buildings in the center of a city, and shopping centers with
vitality
Suburban Areas that have moderate population, developing and promising economy,
areas moderate traffic, less dense buildings in the center of an area, and shopping
centers with a moderate scale
Rural areas Areas that have small population, developing economy, and less traffic
Input of RND
Table 1-4 describes the input of RND.
Service type Based on the requirements of network operators, determine the services that
require continuous coverage. Therefore, the cell radius is estimated based on
the service type, and the network is dimensioned based on the cell radius.
Dense urban areas and urban areas have high requirement for the service rate
of continuous coverage, and therefore the cell radius is relatively small.
Suburban areas and rural areas have low requirements for the service rate of
continuous coverage, and therefore the cell radius is relatively large.
NOTE
Services are classified into voice service and data services of different rates. Voice
service and data service should be analyzed separately.
Cell target The cell target load, indicated by percentage, is determined by the network
load construction target. It is subject to the following factors:
l Uplink target load: If a low value is set, the dimension of the cell radius is
large and fewer sites need to be planned. Therefore, the initial investment
cost can be reduced. But when the number of subscribers increases, the
radius of the cell is shortened, resulting in blind areas. For dense urban
areas and urban areas, the uplink target load should be high enough to
satisfy the requirements for capacity. For suburban areas and rural areas,
the uplink target load can be relatively low to expand the network coverage
and to reduce the initial investment cost. The typical value of the uplink
target load is 50%–60%.
l Downlink target load: The value of the target load can be set relatively
high, because the actual value is relatively high. The typical value is 90%.
Number of Refers to number of the mobile subscribers within the coverage of radio
subscribers network services.
Input of
RND Description
Propagation Used to predict the impact that terrain and human actions have on path loss.
model An appropriate model can ensure the accuracy of dimensioning. The
propagation model is selected on the basis of scenarios and geographical
environments.
Planning area Areas within the coverage of radio signals. The size of this area is determined
by the requirements of the operator.
Maximum Refers to the maximum number of available carriers in each sector of a BTS.
number of
available
carriers every
sector
Related Includes the transmit power, height of antennas, antenna gain, type of feeders,
parameters of and length of feeders.
devices and
terminals
Target Refers to the coverage rate, system blocking rate, and frame error rate.
network
quality
RND
Coverage and capacity are considered during the RND phase, of which the procedure is described
in Table 1-5 and shown in Figure 1-3.
Carry out capacity dimensioning of the Figure 1-4 shows the capacity dimensioning
network configuration that meets the process. The number of required BTSs and the
capacity requirement. number of required carriers are calculated
according to the traffic model and the capacity that
each type of BTS has. After capacity dimensioning,
the CE configuration is required for each BTS. The
detailed configuration of channel resources
depends on BTS coverage and the number of
subscribers that a BTS supports.
Carry out the coverage dimensioning Figure 1-5 shows the coverage dimensioning
and calculate the site coverage radius process. During coverage dimensioning, the three
according to the specific network should be taken into consideration: scenario type of
capacity (CDMA network load) and the planning area, frequency scope, and network
customer requirements. evaluation software. According to the principle of
balancing between uplink and downlink, the
maximum of allowed loss is calculated. The
number of required BTSs can be calculated
according to the coverage radius of a single site and
the coverage area.
Output of RND
Table 1-6 describes the output of RND.
1 Results of the link budget, such as site scale of each scenario, cell radius, and
required number of BTSs that meets the coverage requirement
3 Results including site scale of each scenario, cell radius, system resource
requirements, number of BTSs, site type, and number of carriers, to meet the
coverage and capacity requirements
4 The Radio Network Dimensioning Report, which is used for future reference
Method Description
Referring to the The propagation model parameters are valued by referring to the
similar model calibrated model parameters in a similar radio environment. This
method is commonly used in the phase of network dimensioning.
Antenna Selection
This describes how to select appropriate antennas for a target network coverage area.
The antenna functions as the interface between the radio transceiver and the outside propagation
medium. One antenna can function as a receiver and a transmitter. Network coverage is achieved
by means of the antenna, so the selection of antenna types has a direct impact on the coverage
quality and interference control.
The specifications of the antenna performance include the working band, gain, polarization
mode, beamwidth, preset tilt angle, tilt method, tilt adjustment range, front-to-back suppression
ratio, secondary lobe suppression ratio, and zero-point filling. The gain, horizontal beamwidth,
and vertical beamwidth are interrelated according to the structure of the antenna.
Table 1-8 describes the requirements for the antenna type selection in different scenarios.
Scenari
o Sector Antenna Type Selection
Scenari
o Sector Antenna Type Selection
When the 1X and 1xEV-DO networks are under co-site construction, there are two modes of
antenna systems: sharing antenna system and not-sharing antenna system. Select the antenna
system based on actual network resources for final network planning. The mode of sharing
antenna system can save the space and the cost. But the two network systems may be mutually
interfered, and certain loss is caused. Thus, forward and reverse coverage is affected. If 1X and
1xEV-DO networks do not share the antenna system, no loss is caused, and accordingly forward
and reverse coverage is not affected. But a large space is required.
l Dimensioning results, including network scale of each scenario and cell radius
l Available site resources
1 Select or Before selecting the initial sites, you should have a good understanding
add a site of the terrain and buildings in the planning area to avoid selecting
unnecessary or redundant sites. Site survey is optional in the
preliminary network planning phase.
The co-site construction of 1X and 1xEV-DO is recommended to avoid
the near and far effect.
2 Design the At the preliminary planning phase, consider the following two cases
antenna when setting the antenna azimuth angle:
azimuth l Set the initial azimuth angle with reference to the antenna tilt angle
angle. in the existing network if the co-site ratio is high in the preliminary
planning phase.
l Set the initial antenna direction with reference to the standard
direction (clover-shaped) if the co-site ratio is low in the preliminary
planning for the existing network or the emerging network. Slight
adjustment can be allowed in a specific situation. The 3-sectored
antenna azimuth angle must be consistent as possible in all BTSs in
the city. Adjust the antenna azimuth angle in the direction of a key
coverage area and adjust the major lobe in the direction of a heavy
traffic area (rather than a straight street) for the interconnection of
the urban area and the suburban area, trunk road, and single site in
the rural area.
3 Design the Consider the following two cases when setting the antenna tilt angle:
antenna tilt l For the existing network, set the initial tilt angle with reference to
angle. the antenna tilt angle in the existing network if the co-site ratio is
high in the preliminary planning phase.
l For the existing network or the emerging network, if the co-site ratio
is low, set the tilt angle to degrees to degrees in the dense urban
areas, to 2 degrees to degrees in the urban areas, and degrees to
degrees in the suburban areas and rural areas.
4 Predict the After the initial site selection, verify the quality of the network
coverage. coverage through coverage dimensioning.
Evaluate the coverage quality by observing the distribution of the pilot
level and receiving level in the dimensioning results.
l For plots, adjust the antenna direction and the tilt angle if the
coverage level does not satisfy the requirements.
l For large areas where the coverage level does not satisfy the
requirements, add sites to increase the coverage if the distance
between sites is extremely far. If the distance between sites is not
extremely far, check whether the setting of parameters for the
coverage prediction is proper.
The output of initial site selection specifies the number of sites, site types, site locations
(longitude and latitude), and engineering parameters of each site (antennal model, azimuth, tilt,
and gain). The output is used for preliminary network planning.
System Simulation
System simulation refers to performing Monte Carlo simulation based on the results of initial
site selection and the traffic model. The simulation results are used to locate the radio coverage
problem, and to check whether the network scale and the cell configuration meet the network
construction requirements. Through adjusting site parameters, you can solve the radio coverage
problem, and output engineering parameters for site construction, and cell parameters required
by network construction.
The system simulation process in the preliminary planning phase is the same as that in the final
planning phase. The differences between the preliminary planning phase and the final planning
phase are as follows:
l In the preliminary planning phase, as the time and the cost are limited, a site does not go
through a field survey. The site is not available unless it is confirmed by the customer.
Therefore, the estimated values of engineering parameters are used in the preliminary
planning phase.
l In the final planning phase, each site goes through field survey and should be confirmed
as available. The engineering parameters must be confirmed. For example, the type and the
length of feeders must conform to the actual requirements. If the system simulation results
in the final planning phase do not meet the requirements, it is difficult to take corrective
measures, if required.
2 Propagation model
3 Scenarios, channel types, service types, traffic model, antenna parameters, and
network parameters
Procedure of Simulation
System simulation refers to using planning simulation software and simulating the actual
network environment to achieve network coverage and QoS prediction.
When the initial site selection and pilot coverage prediction satisfy the requirements, the system
simulation conducts the Monte Carlo simulation according to the corresponding service type,
traffic model, number of subscribers, and subscriber distribution. Usually, the system simulation
takes a long time.
Locate the problematic areas through system simulation. Export engineering parameters and cell
parameters by adjusting the sites or taking other measures to satisfy the requirements of site
construction.
Figure 1-6 shows the simulation process by illustrating Huawei network planning software U-
NET.
Different from a simple network coverage prediction, the simulation focuses on the detailed
analysis of the traffic model, subscriber behavior, and subscriber distribution in the network.
These parameters are closely related to network capacity.
The analysis of simulation results focuses on coverage prediction and Monte Carlo simulation
so that you can check whether the RX and the Ec/Io satisfy the requirements. In addition, the
simulation results also concern the access success ratio, pilot pollution, soft handoff ratio, uplink
and downlink load analysis, and the access failure from which the causes and solutions can be
found out.
Through the analysis of simulation results, you can determine whether the network scale and
cell configuration achieve the network construction objective.
Noise Test
A noise test is performed to check the interference and noises in the operating band, and thus
appropriate measures can be taken to ensure smooth running of the network.
The noise test is optional, because the electromagnetic environment of each band is different. If
required, on-site noise test must be performed by using an electric logging device or a YBT250
tool.
If strong noise interference exists over a frequency band, you must clear the noise or apply for
new frequencies. In the phase of site selection, you must conduct noise tests in the areas that
have heavy traffic or important landmarks to ensure that strong noise interference does not and
will not exist. In this way, the network performance is guaranteed.
After a noise test is complete, the Noise Test Report should be provided for future reference.
Survey tools and personnel cooperation: a GPS and a compass The project designers and the
engineers of the operator should participate in the site survey.
For each recommended site, collect network planning information and environment information
to confirm that the site meets the construction requirements. The information required for a site
survey is as follows:
l Site information: site location (latitude and longitude), height, azimuth angle, site type,
space of the equipment room, antenna installation (mode and location), transmission
If the survey results of a site meet the construction requirements, the site can be selected. From
the aspects of height, antenna space availability, and equipment room availability, you can
conduct a simple survey and select one or two candidate sites.
After the final site is confirmed, the Site Survey Report should be provided. The site survey
report includes survey records of all sites, detailed description of the related items, subsequent
preparations, and selected sites.
System Simulation
System simulation refers to performing Monte Carlo simulation based on the results of initial
site selection and the traffic model. The simulation results are used to locate the radio coverage
problem, and to check whether the network scale and the cell configuration meet the network
construction requirements. Through adjusting site parameters, you can solve the radio coverage
problem, and output engineering parameters for site construction, and cell parameters required
by network construction.
The system simulation process in the preliminary planning phase is the same as that in the final
planning phase. The differences between the preliminary planning phase and the final planning
phase are as follows:
l In the preliminary planning phase, as the time and the cost are limited, a site does not go
through a field survey. The site is not available unless it is confirmed by the customer.
Therefore, the estimated values of engineering parameters are used in the preliminary
planning phase.
l In the final planning phase, each site goes through field survey and should be confirmed
as available. The engineering parameters must be confirmed. For example, the type and the
length of feeders must conform to the actual requirements. If the system simulation results
in the final planning phase do not meet the requirements, it is difficult to take corrective
measures, if required.
Item Input
2 Propagation model
3 Scenarios, channel types, service types, traffic model, antenna parameters, and
network parameters
Item Input
Procedure of Simulation
System simulation refers to using planning simulation software and simulating the actual
network environment to achieve network coverage and QoS prediction.
When the initial site selection and pilot coverage prediction satisfy the requirements, the system
simulation conducts the Monte Carlo simulation according to the corresponding service type,
traffic model, number of subscribers, and subscriber distribution. Usually, the system simulation
takes a long time.
Locate the problematic areas through system simulation. Export engineering parameters and cell
parameters by adjusting the sites or taking other measures to satisfy the requirements of site
construction.
Figure 1-7 shows the simulation process by illustrating Huawei network planning software U-
NET.
Different from a simple network coverage prediction, the simulation focuses on the detailed
analysis of the traffic model, subscriber behavior, and subscriber distribution in the network.
These parameters are closely related to network capacity.
The analysis of simulation results focuses on coverage prediction and Monte Carlo simulation
so that you can check whether the RX and the Ec/Io satisfy the requirements. In addition, the
simulation results also concern the access success ratio, pilot pollution, soft handoff ratio, uplink
and downlink load analysis, and the access failure from which the causes and solutions can be
found out.
Through the analysis of simulation results, you can determine whether the network scale and
cell configuration achieve the network construction objective.
Cell parameters vary slightly with network types. Table 1-13 describes the cell parameters and
planning methods.
Neighboring l Neighboring cells should be firstly configured for the sectors in the local
cell list (intra- BTS.
frequency l The geographically adjacent cells should be configured to neighboring
neighboring cells.
cell, inter-
frequency l Neighboring cells should be mutually related. In some special
neighboring situations, a single neighboring cell is required.
cell, and inter- l In dense urban areas and urban areas, necessary neighboring cells
system should be configured, and on the other hand, excessive neighboring cells
neighboring should be avoided.
cell) l In suburban areas, the geographically adjacent cells should be
configured to neighboring cells to ensure timely handoff and to avoid
call drop.
l The neighboring cells with the strongest signals should be arranged in
the front of the neighboring cell list to avoid interference.
l The hard handoff of neighboring cells should be carried out in the places
with light traffic as possible.
Cell
Parameter Planning Method
Cell channel Power distribution proportion of common channels (such as pilot channel,
power matching synchronization channel, and paging channel) and traffic channels.
Handoff You must set the values of these parameters according to the actual
parameter network situations.
planning and
access
parameter
planning
Subnet NOTE
This parameter is planned for the 1xEV-DO system only.
l The entire network should be planned globally. The subnet locations
should be unique in the entire network. Different operators are assigned
different network segments.
l The value of a subnet cannot be set extremely large. The maximum
value of a subnet depends on the CC channel capacity. The value of a
subnet cannot be set extremely small. The minimum value of a subnet
depends on the AC channel capacity. The calculation of the CC channel
capacity and the AC channel capacity is omplex. You can get the
calculation results from simulation results. Usually, one subnet is
configured for an AN.
l The subnet planning should comply with the geographical position and
the action of MSs. This can reduce the location updates of MSs at the
border of a subnet.
l A subnet cannot cross multiple ANs.
After the final radio network planning is complete, the Radio Network Planning Report, Radio
Network Planning Engineering Parameters Table, and Radio Network Planning Cell
Parameters Table should be provided. Table 1-15 describes the topics of the reports.
Radio Network Planning l Number, name, longitude and latitude of the BTS
Engineering Parameters Table l Sector name, cell ID, and cell name
l TRX ID and frequency
l LAC, RAC, and PN code
l Color code and subnet (1xEV-DO)
l Antenna type, polarization mode, horizontal and vertical
half power angle, and gain
l Height, azimuth angle, and azimuth angle of the antenna
l Power amplifier type, and combining and dividing mode
l Type and length of the feeder
l Cell coverage target
The tool can calculate the following dimensioning results based on the existing and preset
relevant data:
l Required number of BTSs that meet the coverage and capacity requirements
l Coverage and capacity limitation
l CE limitation
l Throughput of the entire network, such as total forward throughput and total reserve
throughput
l Required number of BTSs that meet the coverage requirements
l Forward and reverse coverage limitation
l Coverage radius and coverage area of a single BTS
l Required number of BTSs that meet the capacity requirements
l Forward and reverse capacity limitation
Genex U-Net
The Genex U-Net, which is independently developed by Huawei, is a tool of radio network
planning. Running on the Windows 2000 and Windows XP operating systems, the Genex U-
Net supports 2G and 3G technologies and supports incumbent networks such as GSM/TDMA,
GPRS-EDGE, WCDMA, and CDMA. In addition, it has the advantages of flexible user interface
and easy operation.
Being a kind of simulation software of radio network planning, the Genex U-Net provides the
global support for initial network design, dense network planning construction, and network
optimization.
l Used before the network construction. The Genex U-Net is used for nominal network
planning, model calibration, prediction and simulation, and site analysis to ensure good
effect of the network construction.
l Used in network construction and expansion. The Genex U-Net performs parameter
planning and simulation. In addition, this tool can analyze the network coverage and
performance under different parameter configurations. In this way, reasonable parameters
can be configured to ensure optimal network performance.
l Used in network optimization. The Genex U-Net is used for network adjustment and
optimization.
Genex Apus
The Genex Apus, which is independently developed by Huawei, is a kind of Genex software.
The Genex Apus is used in the network planning phase. The main functions are neighboring cell
planning and PN planning.
The Genex Apus has two modules: neighboring cell planning and PN planning. The module of
neighboring cell planning implements automatic neighboring cell planning. The module of PN
planning implements automatic planning for PN codes. The following describes the two
functions on the whole.