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 2

RF Design and Site Selection

 3

Agenda

 RF design process and options

 Morphology definitions
 Propagation models
 RF design tool configuration
 Coverage prediction
 RF System Design Process
4

The detailed RF design should provide the exact location of base sites, equipment configurations,
and system coverage

Detailed System Design Flow Chart (A)

 5

RF System Design Process

Detailed System Design Flow Chart (B)

 Site Selection
6

 Site selection is based on a number of criteria. It may not be possible to satisfy all these criteria at the
same time, but it is important to select the best sites available.
• Drive test sites should be selected to give a good representative sample of the system coverage area.
The exact number of sites required will depend on the size of the system coverage area and the
variability of the characteristics of the coverage area.
• All terrain and clutter types in the area should be represented in the drive test data for proper
prediction tuning.
• Typical terrain types are: Flat, Rolling Hills, Large Hills, Mountains
• Typical clutter types are: Water, Open Land, Forest, Commercial / Industrial, Low Density Urban,
Medium Density Urban, High Density Urban, City Center, Airport.
• City maps, topographical maps and aerial photographs can be useful in determining the terrain and
clutter types for an area. It may also be necessary to drive the area and observe building types and
density.
 7

Test Site Selection

 Site Availability
• Test sites must be available for use during the drive test.
• The site owner/supervisor should approve access to the site for as long as needed to complete the testing.
This may involve multiple visits to the site, possibly on short notice.
• Test sites must also be physically accessible to allow setup of the transmitter equipment and mounting of
the antenna. For this reason building top sites are preferred to tower sites.

 Site Visit
• Each site selected should be visited before testing to verify that is suitable for use.
• The inspection should be done by the same people who will be doing the site setup for the actual drive
test. Familiarity with the site should speed up the site setup during the drive test.
 Building Site Selection
8

 When inspecting a building site the rooftop should be checked for any obstructions that would interfere
with signal propagation. This could include objects on the rooftop itself or other nearby buildings or
structures.
 The antenna location should be selected and a sketch of the rooftop made to identify this location
relative to other objects nearby.
 Photographs should be taken of the location where the antenna will be mounted and in all directions
looking away from the site.
 9

Morphology definitions
Morphology Definition

• Morphology describes the density and height of man made or natural obstructions.

• Morphology is used to more accurately predict the path loss.

• Some morphology area definitions are Urban, Suburban, rural, open etc.

• Density also applies to morphology definitions like dense urban, light suburban, commercial etc.

• This basically leads to a number of sub-area formation where the link budget will differ and hence the cell

radius and cell count will differ.

 Morphologies classifications 10

 Dense urban (DU):

• Central business districts with skyscrapers or with buildings with having 10 to 20 stories and above,
the building separation (S) less than 10 meters.
• Clutter height higher than 30 meters.

 Urban (UR):
• Residential , office area, hotels, hospitals etc. with buildings having 5 to 10 stories and street width
less than 5 meters and building separation (S) less than 10 meters.
• Clutter height higher from 15 to 30 meters.

 Suburban(SU):
• Mix of residential and business communications with 2 to 5 stories shops and offices.
• The building separation is (S) less than 20 meters.
• Villages or high ways scattered with trees and houses, some obstacles near the MS but not very
congested.
 Morphologies classifications
11

Rural area:
 Parks or fields with small trees with height less than 12 meters and 20% house density of residential
area of 2 stories with wide roads, The building separation is (S) less than 20 meters.
 Clutter height higher than 3o meters.

Open areas:
 Clutter height higher than 3 meters open areas, parks, fields, paved areas.
Clutter Classes Image
12
 13

Features of Different Morphologies - Summary

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Propagation Models
 15

Propagation Model
 Propagation model is a model used to determine the maximum range of the communication
system which provides acceptable quality provided that the maximum allowable or permissible or
accepted path loss (MAPL) is determined as accurately as possible via link budget.
 Describes the average signal propagation, and it converts the maximum allowed propagation loss to
the maximum cell range. It depends on:
• Environment: urban, rural, dense urban, suburban, open, forest, sea…
• Distance
• Frequency
• atmospheric conditions
• Indoor/outdoor
The path loss can be obtained either by field measurements are time consuming and expensive while
the models are simple and efficient to use.
 Classification Of Propagation Models
16

Empirical
An equation based on extensive empirical measurements is created. Those models can be used only in the
environments similar to the examined one. The small changes in the environment characteristic can cause
enormous errors in the prediction of wave propagation.

Semi-Empirical Combination of empirical and deterministic

models (e.g. empirical COST Hata can be
combined with the theoretical knife edge
model).

Deterministic
Wave propagation is described by means of rays travelling between transmitted and receiving
antenna and coming in to reflections, scattering, diffractions, etc . Those methods, generally
based on ray optical techniques, give a very accurate description of the wave propagation but
require a large computation time.
 17

Okumara - Hata Propagation Model

Coverage evaluation will be based on the Okumara-Hata propagation model with the parameters
shown below.
 Propagation Models used in Different Tools 18

Statistical  to be tuned!
 Okumura-Hata
• The most commonly used statistical model
 Walfish-Ikegami
• Statistical model especially for urban environments
 Juul-Nyholm
• Same kind of a prediction tool as Hata, but with
different equation for predictions beyond radio
horizon (~20km)

Deterministic
 Ray-tracing
• Deterministic prediction tool for
microcellular environments
 Applicability of the Okumura-Hata and Walfisch-Ikegami 19

propagation models

Okumura-Hata Walfisch-Ikegami
Frequency Range 150 MHz to 1.0 GHz 800 MHz to 2.0 GHz
1.5 to 2.0 GHz

eNodeB Antenna Height 30 to 200 m Applicability of4the Okumura-Hata

to 50 m and
above roof-top Walfisch-Ikegami propagation
above roof-top models
UE Antenna Height 1 to 10 m 1 to 3 m

Range 1 to 20 m 30 m to 6 km
Applicable to Macrocells Macrocells
 Propagation Models – Okumura-Hata & Cost Hata Model
20

 In order to fit the Okumura-Hata model into the operation frequencies of 3G, some additional
measurements and adjustments were done in the framework of European Cooperation in the Field of
Scientific & Technical Research (COST)
 The validity range for the extended model:
• Frequency f: 150 MHz – 2000 MHz
correction
• Distance R: 1-20 km area type
factor [dB]
• BS height hBS: 10-200m dense urban areas -3
city center areas 0
• MS height hMS: 1-10m
suburban areas 12,27
 The correction factor c present in the model depends on area type rural areas 32,52

 2  f 
Correction 2  log 10    5.4
for suburban areas
  28 
4.78  log 2  f   18.33  log  f   44.94
Factor  10 10 for rural areas
 21

Propagation Models – Okumura-Hata & Cost Hata Model

L = A + B  log 10 (f) - 13.82  log 10 (h BS ) - a(h MS )  [44.9 - 6.55  log 10 (h BS )]  log(R)
+ Correction Factor  MorphoCorr ection

 R  .............
69.99 150 MHz  f  1500 MHz 
A= 
46.30 1500 MHz  f  2000 MHz 

26.16 150 MHz  f 1500 MHz 

B= 
33.90 1500 MHz  f < 2000 MHz 

a(h MS ) = [1,1  log 10 (f) - 0,7]  h MS - 1.56  log 10 ( f )  0.8

 Link Budget
Propagation Model: Modified Cost231-Hata
 f   hBS   hMS   d 
L  A  B log    13.82 log    a    s log    Lclutter
 MHz   m   m   km 
Frequency A B
150-1500 MHz 69.55 26.16
1500-2000MHz 46.3 33.9
3 DU
0 U

    f  
2

Clutter correction   2  lg     5.4 
Lclutter    
SU
    28   
Term Lclutter 
 4.78 lg  f   18.33 log  f
2
 40.94  RURAL

 
 4.78 lg  f   18.33 log  f
2
 35.94  ROAD

UE Height Correction Factors a(hMS)

3.2[lg(11. 75hMS )] 2  4.97 DU, U
a(hMS )  
[1.1lg( f )  0.7]hMS  [1.56 lg( f )  0.8] SU
 23

Link Budget Propagation Model: Modified Cost231-Hata

Slopes: 1 or 2 slopes model
• 1 slope for d ≥ 1km & 2 slopes for d < 1km
• 2 slope is an extension of 1 slope model for d < 1km
– If cell range > 1 km results are the same for 1 slope & 2 slope
models ( same formula used)
– If cell range < 1 km then 2-slope model provides better results
• Recommended: 2 slopes model for all clutter types

  hBS 
 44 .9  6.55 log , d  1km
  m 
s  
 
 47.88  13.9 log
 f  h 
  13.82 log BS   
1
, d  1km
  
   MHz   m   log50
 Propagation Models – Walfish-Ikegami
24

 Model for urban macrocellular propagation

• Antenna close to roof-top level
 Assumes regular city layout (“Manhattan grid”)
 Total path loss consists of two parts:

LOS NLOS
• line-of-sight loss • roof-to-street diffraction and scatter loss
• mobile environment losses
d

h
w
b
 25

Propagation Models – COST Walfish-Ikegami model

 This semi empirical model is the special adaptation of Walfish-Bertoni model, prepared especially for the typical
antennas placement in 3G (below the roof top).
 The validity range:
• Frequency: 800 MHz- 2000 MHz
• BS height: 4 – 50 m (above roof-top)
• MS height: 1 – 3 m
• Distance: 0.02 – 5 km
 Path loss with LOS between MS & BS

LLOS  42.6  20 log 10 ( f )  26 log 10 ( R)

 R  .............
LOS: Line-off-sight
 Propagation Models – Walfish-Ikegami
26

•Line-of-sight path (LOS)

• Use free space propagation
• Applicable for microwave & satellite links
•“Non-line-of-sight” path (NLOS)
• Heavy diffraction, refraction situations
• Great uncertainties in modelling
• COST Walfish-Ikegami model includes model for NLOS prediction
• Use ray-tracing models
• Needs detailed building databases (vectorial information)

“Manhattan grid”
model
 Propagation Models – COST Walfish-Ikegami model
28

Path loss without LOS between MS & BS (continue)

L1  L11  k a  k d  lg( d )  k f  lg( f )  9 lg( b)

 18 lg( 1  hBS  h), hBS  h

L11  
0, hBS  h
54, hBS  h


k a  54  0.8  ( hBS  h), d  0.5
hBS  h and




54  0.8  ( hBS  h)  d
0.5
, hBS  h and d  0.5

18, hBS  h

kd   h  h
18  15  BS , hBS  h

 h
 4  0.7 f
  925  1, Medium sized cities and suburban centres
  
kf  
 4  0.7 f  1, Metropolitan centres

  925 

Mean building spacing: b [m]

Mean building height: h [m]
 29

Coverage Area – Coverage Area in Dimensioning

 After cell radius has been determined, cell area can be calculated
 When calculating cell area, traditional hexagonal model is taken into account

R
R

Omni- or Bi-sector Tri-sector

6-sectored Site 2
A = 1,73 R2
2 A = 1,95 R3
A = 2,6 R1 2

Please note that for one hexagon the radius R is equal to the site length !!
 Exercise
30

Compare the UL & DL Path loss and Cell Range for the following services:
• DL: VoIP 12,2 Kbps
• 1024 Kbps, 2048 Kbps and 4096 Kbps
• UL: VoIP 12,2 Kbps
• 64 Kbps, 384 Kbps and 1024 Kbps

• For the path loss use the results and the assumptions from chapter 4: LTE Link Budget
• Building Penetration Loss, Shadowing Margin & Gain Against Shadowing are considered

• For Coverage assume:

• BTS Antenna Height: 30 m
• UE Antenna Height: 1,5 m
• Propagation Model: Modified Cost 231-Hata with 2 slopes
 Solution – DL
31

4096 kbps data:

VoIP 2048 kbps data:
L = 134.02 dB
12.2 kbps: 1024 kbps data:
L = 140.79 dB 1.43 km
L = 148.06 dB L = 144.52 dB
2.24 km
2.85 km
3.60 km
 Solution – UL 32

1024 kbps data:

VoIp 384 kbps data:
L = 128.37 dB
12,2 kbps data:
64 kbps: L = 132.46 dB 0.99 km
L = 135.24 dB
1.30 km
L = 138.14 dB 1.55 km
1.88 km
 33

Coverage Predictions
 Define Zones 34

Multiple zones can be defined and used for different purposes in prediction and MC
simulation
• Filtering Zone: The filtering zone is a graphical filter that restricts the objects displayed
on the map and on the Data tab of the Explorer window to the objects inside the filtering
zone. It also restricts which objects are used in calculations such as coverage predictions,
etc.
• Computation Zone: The computation zone is used to define which base stations are to
be taken into consideration in calculations and the area where Atoll calculates path loss
matrices, coverage studies, etc.
• Focus Zone and Hot Spot Zones: With the focus zone and hot spot zones, you can select
the areas of coverage predictions or other calculations on which you want to generate
reports and results.
• Printing Zone: The printing zone allows you to define the area to be printed.
• Coverage Export Zone: The coverage export zone is used to define part of the coverage
prediction to be exported as a bitmap.
 Define Zones 35

To define a zone, click the zone->Draw, an draw the polygon on the maps. It can
also be imported. The defined zone can be deleted, edited, and exported if
desired.
 Predictions 36

The following predictions are recommended

• Coverage by DL best RS signal level
• Coverage by DL best server (based on RS signal level)
• Coverage by number of servers
• Coverage by DL PDSCH & PDCCH C/(I+N)
• Coverage by UL PUSCH & PUCCH C/(I+N)
• Coverage by DL Peak RLC Channel Throughput
• Coverage by UL Peak RLC Allocated Bandwidth Throughput
• Coverage by UL Peak RLC Cell Capacity
• Coverage by Best Bearer (DL)
• Coverage by Best Bearer (UL)
• Coverage by DL PDSCH & PDCCH Signal Level
• Coverage by UL PUSCH & PUCCH Signal Level
 Create New Prediction
37

To create a new prediction, click Predictions->New, select the desired prediction study and
click OK.
The new study is added in the Predictions folder. Click the new study-> Calculate, the
prediction should be performed. Check the box on the left of the study to show the results.
 Coverage by DL Best Signal Level 38

Click Predictions->New->Coverage by Signal Level. Select Best Signal Level in Field of Display tab.

Shadowing and indoor

coverage can be set
 DL Signal Level and RSRP
39

S-Syn P-Syn

 In Atoll, the signal level is the total instantaneous Ref. DTX S-Syn
S-Syn
P-Syn
P-Syn
S-Syn P-Syn
power of RS signal when RS is transmitted. In case DTX Ref. S-Syn P-Syn
S-Syn P-Syn
the power offset is 0 between RS RE and other RE, S-Syn P-Syn

this signal level is 7.8 dB (10*log(12/2)) lower than Ref. DTX S-Syn
S-Syn
P-Syn
P-Syn

total carrier power. DTX Ref.

S-Syn
S-Syn
P-Syn
P-Syn
S-Syn P-Syn

 In LTE, RSRP is used, which is defined as the

average of power levels received across all
The signal level is calculated
Reference Signal symbols within the considered
only during RS active time
measurement frequency bandwidth. Since in
10Mhz bandwidth there are 100 REs ( 2 RE/FB *
50 FBs) used for RS. Hence, the RSRP is
2 Res used for RS per
10*log(100) = 20 dB lower than the signal level.
FB during RS active time
Note: RSRP and RSRQ prediction are available since
V2.8.1. 1 Frequency Block (FB)
includes 12 subcarriers
 Settings 40

Name the prediction study,

define the resolution

Depending on the prediction,

settings on terminal, mobility
service, and MC simulation results
may be needed.

Define display type and field

 Settings 41

To customize the display legend, you can work on the window manually, or click Actions-
>Shading to re-define it automatically.
 Statistics 42

Select a prediction, right click and then

generate Histogram or report.
 Coverage by Best Server (based on RS signal level) 43

Click Predictions->New->Coverage by Transmitter.

Margin is changed here

Coverage by Number of Servers (based on RS signal level)
44

Click Predictions->New->Coverage by Transmitter. Since there is no SHO in LTE, the areas with
3 or more servers may subject to strong interference.

LTE does not support SHO, any

locations with 3 or more servers
indicates potential interferences
Coverage by DL PDSCH & PDCCH C/(I+N)
45
 Coverage by UL PUSCH & PUCCH C/(I+N)
46

Atoll practices power control such that

the max SINR is equal to the required
SINR for highest MCS plus a margin.
 Reference Signal C/(I+N) and RSRQ 47

In Atoll, the coverage by RS C/(I+N) can also be calculated. If the power offset between RS
and PDSCH is 0 dB, it is found that the RS C/(I+N) is always 3 dB lower than the PDSCH
C/(I+N) since there is no Tx diversity for RS.

In LTE,
RSRQ = N*RSRP/RSSI,
where N is the number of FBs. Since the RS CINR is calculated only on symbol duration
when RS is active, we have
RS CINR = RSRP/(I+N of one subcarrier) = RSRP/RSSI*(N*12).
By comparing these 2 formulas, we have
RSRQ = RS CINR/12 = RS CINR (dB) – 10.8 dB.

Note: RSRP and RSRQ prediction are available since V2.8.1.

 48

Coverage by DL Peak RLC Channel Throughput

Coverage by UL Peak RLC Allocated Bandwidth Throughput 49

Note: the allocated bandwidth

throughput is the max throughput for a
UE in UL if there is sufficient frequency
blocks.
Due to the limited power at UE, one UE
does not use all UL RBs typically. Hence,
the allocated BW throughput is different
from the cell capacity.
 Share Prediction Studies in Projects 50

It might be necessary to run same coverage prediction studies (such as RS signal level,
CINR) and use the same settings (such as required cell edge probability, service for the
prediction, legend) for different markets. In this case, the predictions can be shared so
save time and maintain the consistence cross markets.
The following is an example list of pre-defined coverage prediction studies (*.cfg) for Tx
diversity and EPA05 mobility. We show how to import this list into a project in next page.
 Import Prediction Studies into Project 51

Click Tools->User Configuration->Import and select the *.cfg file (in previous page for
instance). Enable the 1st check box if you want to remove all of the existing predictions.
Click OK and the list is imported.
 Run Imported Predictions 52

The imported predictions are empty and locked. To run the predictions, we have 2 options
• Click each prediction ->Calculate to run individual prediction
• Click Predictions->Unlock Studies to unlock all predictions, and then click Predictions-
>Calculate to run all predictions

A key indicates a
prediction is
locked
 Summary •53

 RF design process and options

 Morphology definitions
 Propagation models
 RF design tool configuration
 Coverage prediction
 •54

“HAPPY LEARNING”

MobileComm Professionals, Inc.

www.mcpsinc.com
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