Frequency Hopping - optimal introduction into the PCC network

Today operators more and more face the challenge to further increase the capacity of their
network and to improve the quality of service.
In both fields frequency hopping can contribute as it can diminish the effects of
- fading
- multipath propagation
- cochannel interference

It improves
- the S/N ratio for noise limited systems (especially with Antenna Diversity) in rural and
suburban areas, thus allowing to
- decrease the cell size and
- improve service quality and
- the C/I ratio for interference limited systems in urban areas, allowing to increase
frequency reuse and system capacity.

The Siemens BSS supports Baseband and Synthesizer Frequency Hopping with cyclic or
random hopping patterns, respectively.
• Baseband Frequency Hopping
Baseband Frequency Hopping is used as the standard frequency hopping scheme, as it can be
used with 2 and more carriers per cell and allows the hopping of the non-BCCH channels on
the BCCH-carrier (except timeslot 0). The maximum number of hopping frequencies equals
the number of TRXes in the cell. From network planning view Baseband Frequency Hopping
is an easy to integrate solution.
• Synthesizer Frequency Hopping
Synthesizer Frequency Hopping allows the ‘arbitrary’ hopping of all non-BCCH carriers. The
number of hopping frequencies can be chosen freely and does not depend on cell parameters
like the number of TRXes. As the BCCH carrier may not hop there are different propagation
characteristics and reuse factors comparing the BCCH carrier and the other carriers in a cell.
Thus the frequency hopping gain (S/N, C/I and counteract fading) applies only to those
carriers, that do not carry BCCH information. The disadvantage of Synthesizer Hopping is
the far more complicated network planning and integration.

Both frequency hopping methods have different hardware requirements:

• Baseband Frequency Hopping can only be implemented in cells with at least 2 TRXes. The
advantage of Baseband Frequency Hopping is that all RF parts operate at fixed
frequencies. Therefore all types of combiners can be used.

• Synthesizer Frequency Hopping can only be used in combination with the wideband
combiners HYCOM and DUCOM as narrowband filter combiners can not be retuned fast
enough. The TPU 2 is mandatory for all carriers except the BCCH carrier, as it includes an
additional synthesizer. The BCCH carrier can either be equipped with the standard TPU or

Mathias Pfeiffer, MN VT 13, 23.4.98

 the TPU 2 - mixed configuration within the cell is possible. The power amplifiers must
support quick power ramping, therefore certain old devices can not be used.

A very important question is, how many frequencies should be used by the hopping
algorithm. In theory a high number of frequencies is preferable as the effects of interference
on one frequency are averaged out. Calculations show that the optimal gain is achieved with 4
to 6 frequencies. Increasing the number of frequencies above the value of ‘6’ will not provide
a significant contribution but will make frequency planning and administration more difficult.

In the following a strategy is discussed how the two frequency hopping procedures can be
used in an already existing network partially equipped with standard TRXes. The main
constraints are the optimal benefit for network performance and cost efficiency.

• Cells with 1 TRX: as explained above frequency hopping is not possible at all.
• Cells with 2 TRXes: When using Synthesizer Frequency Hopping one carrier can hop
using as many frequencies as desired, the other one can not hop. When using Baseband
Frequency Hopping both carriers may perform frequency hopping with 2 frequencies.
The alternative used depends on the special conditions in the individual cell.
• Cells with 3 TRXes: Synthesizer Frequency Hopping offers the better results.
• Cells with 4 TRXes: Synthesizer Frequency Hopping offers slightly better results; the
disadvantages however should not be neglected.
• Cells with 5 TRXes: Baseband Frequency Hopping is used as a filter combiner FICOM has
to be used.
• Cells with 6 TRXes: Baseband Frequency Hopping is used as a filter combiner FICOM has
to be used.

As there is no restriction in using both Baseband and Synthesizer Frequency Hopping in one
network both schemes should be used in the network and the decision on the scheme used
should be made individually for every cell.

This proceeding together with careful radio network planning allows to optimise the network
quality to a very high degree.

Mathias Pfeiffer, MN VT 13, 23.4.98