LTE Enterprise Network Planning Guide INTERNAL

2013-07-24 Page 2 of 39

Change History

Date Revision Version

CR ID Sec No. Change Description Author

2013-5-16 V1.0 AFI Completed an initial draft. Jing Guangxue

Keywords:

LTE, enterprise network, planning process, plan simulation, plan input and output

Abstract:

This document is a radio network planning guide for LTE private networks.


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Contents

1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 5

2 Planning Process ........................................................................................................................... 6

2.1 Radio Network Dimensioning .......................................................................................................................... 7

2.2 Nominal Planning Process ............................................................................................................................... 8

2.3 Detailed Planning Process .............................................................................................................................. 10

3 Pre-planning Information Input .............................................................................................. 12

3.1 Coverage Information .................................................................................................................................... 12

3.1.1 Coverage Area Division ........................................................................................................................ 12

3.1.2 Service Coverage Requirements ........................................................................................................... 13

3.1.3 Frequency Band Information ................................................................................................................ 13

3.1.4 Map Information ................................................................................................................................... 14

3.1.5 Key Area Information ........................................................................................................................... 14

3.2 Service and Capacity Information .................................................................................................................. 15

3.2.1 Service Type .......................................................................................................................................... 15

3.2.2 User Information ................................................................................................................................... 15

3.2.3 Network Load Planning ........................................................................................................................ 15

3.3 Engineering Information ................................................................................................................................ 16

3.3.1 Site Acquisition ..................................................................................................................................... 16

3.3.2 Frequency Scan Test ............................................................................................................................. 17

3.3.3 Feeder Selection .................................................................................................................................... 18

3.3.4 Azimuth and Downtilt Angle ................................................................................................................ 20

4 Detailed Planning Process ......................................................................................................... 21

4.1 Simulation Software Configuration ................................................................................................................ 21

4.1.1 Map ....................................................................................................................................................... 21

4.1.2 Cells ...................................................................................................................................................... 26

4.1.3 UE Configuration .................................................................................................................................. 29

4.2 System Simulation ......................................................................................................................................... 30

4.2.1 Preparations........................................................................................................................................... 30

4.2.2 Simulation Procedure ............................................................................................................................ 31

4.2.3 Traffic Map ........................................................................................................................................... 31

4.2.4 Result Analysis ...................................................................................................................................... 32


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4.3 Frequency Planning ........................................................................................................................................ 32

4.4 Neighboring Relation Planning ...................................................................................................................... 33

4.5 PCI Planning .................................................................................................................................................. 33

4.5.1 Collision-free Principle ......................................................................................................................... 34

4.5.2 Confusion-free Principle ....................................................................................................................... 34

4.5.3 MOD3 Principle .................................................................................................................................... 34

4.5.4 Planning Suggestion .............................................................................................................................. 36

4.6 PRACH Planning ........................................................................................................................................... 36

4.7 TA Planning .................................................................................................................................................... 36

4.7.1 Planning Principles ............................................................................................................................... 36

4.7.2 Planning Method ................................................................................................................................... 36

5 Post-planning Information Output ......................................................................................... 37

5.1 Nominal Planning Phase ................................................................................................................................ 37

5.2 Detailed Planning Phase ................................................................................................................................. 37

6 References ..................................................................................................................................... 39


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1 Overview Wireless network planning is an important preparation for network implementation. The

quality of a network plan directly affects network performance and network deployment and

maintenance costs. This document covers various phases of planning an LTE network and is

intended as a network planning/design guide.


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2 Planning Process The following figure shows a radio network planning process.

Figure 2-1 Radio network planning process

Information

collection

Nominal radio

network

planning

TA planningNeighbor

relation planningPID planning

Frequency

planning

Cell planning for

the radio

network

Detailed radio

network

planning

PRACH

configuration

planning

Nominal planning phase

Information collection: The collected information serves as a basis for network planning, and

is used for link budgeting, network dimensioning, and network simulation. Such information

includes continuous coverage of target service areas, coverage probability, performance


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requirements, user density, user behaviors, working frequency bands, digital maps, as well as

site distribution and engineering parameters.

Nominal planning: It refers to the preliminary planning before onsite surveys. It is

implemented through network dimensioning and system simulations.

Detailed planning phase

Engineering parameters and basic parameters of cells are planned in this phase.

During cell planning, the sites selected in the nominal plan are surveyed and validated, cell

engineering parameters for site construction are determined, and the cell parameters are

validated through simulations.

Cell planning is followed by planning of location areas (LAs), neighboring cells, and physical

cell identifiers (PCIs). LA planning mainly involves tracking area (TA) planning. Neighboring

cell planning involves configuring intra-/inter-frequency neighboring cells and inter-RAT

neighboring cells for each cell to ensure proper handovers. PCI planning determines the

physical cell ID of each cell.

2.1 Radio Network Dimensioning

Radio network dimensioning outputs a preliminary qualitative analysis and projected network

scale for business budgeting. Dimensioning results are used for communication and contract

formulation at the project's initial phase. The dimensioning includes coverage and capacity

estimation. The estimated number of sites must meet both coverage and capacity

requirements.

Huawei tool RND is used for private network dimensioning. Further manual processing is

required for trunking services and special scenarios. For details, see the Enterprise Network

Dimensioning Guide.


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2.2 Nominal Planning Process

The following figure shows the nominal radio network planning process.

Figure 2-2 Nominal radio network planning process

Collect network

information.

Dimension

a radio

network.

Ouput a radio

network

dimensioning

report.

Determine the

deployment goal, network

scale, and phase plans.

Obtain

available site

information.

Plan the

propagation

model.

Perform initial

site selection.

Import site

information.

Perform

system

simulations.

Output a nominal

radio network

planning report.

Site adjustment

needed?


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Collect information for network dimensioning and initial site selection. Information sources

include tender documents, project contracts, and customer requirements.

Radio network dimensioning includes link budgeting and capacity estimation. Site quantity

and configurations can be obtained based on the input network requirements and a balance

between coverage and capacity requirements.

To perform initial site selection, perform onsite surveys, import site information into a project

in the U-Net (a simulation tool), determine a propagation model, roughly estimate coverage

requirements, and pick out unsuitable sites and the sites that are impossible to acquire.

System simulations are performed based on initial site selection. Simulate services by traffic

model, locate problematic areas, and take measures (such as site adjustment) to qualify

simulation results.

In addition, communicate with the operator about cell/site naming rules in the nominal

planning phase.


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2.3 Detailed Planning Process

The following figure shows the detailed radio network planning process.

Figure 2-3 Detailed radio network planning process

Nominal Radio

Network Planning

Report

Survey sites.

Output a site survey

report.

Select sites.

Output a frequency

scan report.

Plan goals

achieved?

Output a detailed radio

network planning

report.

Perform frequency

scan tests.

Perform system

simulations.

N


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Frequency scan tests, also called electromagnetic background noise tests, are performed to

obtain the ambient electromagnetic interference of candidate sites.

Site surveys include access to candidate sites and detailed surveys of the candidate sites.

Select qualified sites from the candidate sites based on the site survey report and site

conditions (depending on availability of equipment room, transmission, and site resources).

Perform system simulations after all sites are determined. Compare simulation results with

those created in the nominal planning phase, discover problems, and adjust the radio network

plan accordingly.


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3 Pre-planning Information Input 3.1 Coverage Information

3.1.1 Coverage Area Division

Before radio network planning, target coverage areas must be divided due to differences in

radio propagation environments and population density. Target coverage areas are divided into

densely-populated urban areas, ordinary urban areas, suburban areas, rural areas, and

highways.

When dividing target coverage areas, consider radio propagation environments and local

terrain profiles. The following table lists a division guideline for your reference.

Table 3-1 Division of target coverage areas

Scenario Description Picture

Densely-populated

urban area

Characterized by densely

distributed clutters, such as tall

buildings (over 10 storeys). In

China, examples include

business centers and areas with

densely-distributed commercial

office premises in capital cities.

Ordinary urban

area

Characterized by buildings

separated by roads and green

fields or sparsely-distributed tall

buildings (over ten storeys). In

China, examples include most

areas in capital cities, downtown

of medium cities, and a few

developed towns in Southern

China.


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Scenario Description Picture

Suburban area Characterized by

sparsely-distributed low-rise

buildings. In China, examples

include urban fringes, most

towns, and ordinary industrial

zones.

Rural area Characterized by

sparsely-distributed houses. In

China, examples include most

rural areas and underdeveloped

towns.

3.1.2 Service Coverage Requirements

Service types that require continuous coverage: Plan the services that require continuous

coverage for each target coverage area. Service type selection directly affects coverage radius

and site quantity.

Generally, PS 512k services in densely-populated and ordinary urban areas and VoIP 12.2k

voice services in suburban and rural areas should be covered continuously. Communicate with

the operator about the service types that require continuous coverage.

Penetration loss: Determine whether to configure penetration loss indoors, outdoors, and in

vehicles.

Area coverage probability: The greater coverage probability is, the greater slow fading margin

is, and the more base stations are required. Communicate with the operator about the value of

area coverage probability.

Other KPIs: coverage probability, handover ratio, received level at cell edge

3.1.3 Frequency Band Information

Plan frequency bands and channel bandwidths for the project based on frequency resource

availability and service requirements.

At present, TD Tech has 1.4 GHz, 1.8 GHz, and 400 MHz TDD equipment and 800 MHz

FDD equipment.

Frequency bands of TDD enterprise networks in China:

Industry Available Frequency Band Channel Bandwidth

Public security system,

emergency command,

disaster rescue and relief

336-344 MHz 8 MHz


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Industry Available Frequency Band Channel Bandwidth

Army, armed police

forces, and public

security system

358-361 MHz 3 MHz, 1.5 MHz

379-380.5 MHz

Government departments,

including national

security, courts, and

procuratorates

380.5-382 MHz 1.5 MHz

Wireless access

communication of local

public networks

406.5-409.5 MHz 3 MHz

All industries 410-425 MHz 15 MHz

Aviation 425-430 MHz 5 MHz

Government

communication

1447-1467 MHz 20 MHz

All industries (such as

subway, airports, ports,

electricity, and oil)

1785-1805 MHz 20 MHz

All industries 2400-2483.5 MHz 83.5 MHz, divided into 13

22 MHz channels, which

overlap

Reserved 2500-2570 MHz -

3.1.4 Map Information

Digital maps (used for simulations), Mapinfo maps, and detailed paper maps of the planned

areas are required. Google Earth can be also used.

Digital maps: used during network simulations. Obtain height, clutter, and vector data, and

building height data if 3-dimensional digital maps are used. U-Net supports almost all types of

digital maps.

Google Earth: provides relatively clear satellite maps. If simulation precision requirements are

low, use the Hata model simulation. Satellite maps display 3-dimensional clutters and can

assist in network planning and optimization.

Mapinfo maps: used during drive tests. Mapinfo allows manual addition of map layers and is

widely used in network optimization.

Paper maps: used by engineers to get familiar with areas during engineering surveys

3.1.5 Key Area Information

Pay special attention to collecting information about key areas, such as the areas requiring

high video performance and the operator's office buildings.


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3.2 Service and Capacity Information

The service and capacity information of a project is clarified by the operator, or assumed by

network planning engineers based on experiences and project requirements.

3.2.1 Service Type

The following service type information is required:

PS service types and bearer information, from which average UL/DL throughput per user

for PS services is derived

The number of registered PTT groups, the number of activated groups in busy hours, and

activation duration

Average traffic volume per user for PTP services

3.2.2 User Information

Information about user behaviors in different types of coverage areas includes:

User count: total number of users per area

User classification: how users are classified (for example, Handset 650, car-mounted

terminals, USB Dongles, and CPEs) and the number of each class of users

User behavior: user behavior indicators (such as BHSA and penetration rate) of each class of

users

Geographical distribution of users: user density per area

3.2.3 Network Load Planning

To ensure reliable network operation, network load planning is not based on full load

conditions. Reserve certain capacity redundancy for the network to meet future scalability

requirements.

Recommended network load values for different project scenarios are as follows:

Target Coverage Area UL Load DL Load

Densely-populated urban area 50-75% 75-90%

Ordinary urban area 50-75% 75-90%

Suburban area 50-75% 75-90%

Rural area (extensive coverage) 40-50% 75-90%

Highway 40-50% 75-90%


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3.3 Engineering Information

3.3.1 Site Acquisition

Site Types

Two types of sites are available: omni-cell sites and sector-cell sites.

Omni-cell sites (O1): use omnidirectional antennas. To achieve the same coverage,

omni-cell sites use fewer devices than sector-cell sites.

Sector-cell sites (S111): use directional antennas. Compared with omni-cell sites,

sector-cell sites have higher antenna gains, greater cell coverage radius, and higher

capacity.

It is recommended to deploy sector-cell sites unless otherwise specified by the project.

Distance Between Sites

Plan site types and distance between sites based on network dimensioning results and project

coverage requirements.

Figure 3-1 Omni-cell site & 3-sector site

The following table presents site-specific formulas for calculating distance between sites (D)

and horizontal-plane half-power beamwidth (H-plane HPBW).

Site Type Theoretical Formula

Engineering Approximation Formula

H-plane HPBW

Omni-cell site D = sqrt(3) x R D = 1.73R Omni-directional

antenna

3-sector site D = 1.5 x R D = 1.50R 65

D

R

R

D


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Available Sites (Provided by the Operator) Import the information about available sites into U-Net, select sites, and perform

simulations.

Ensure that the distance between sites meets planning requirements.

After site locations are determined, perform onsite surveys to check whether the sites are

suitable for deployment.

It is recommended to deploy new sites for areas beyond the coverage of available sites.

Newly Deployed Sites Select sites based on the planned distance between sites and perform simulations.

Perform onsite surveys. For each newly deployed site, provide two or three candidate

sites from which the operator can choose.

3.3.2 Frequency Scan Test

Objective

Scan the frequency bands provided by the operator to see whether they are available. For

example, check whether the frequency bands are used or severely interfered from neighboring

bands. If any interference exists, quantify the interference and evaluate its impact on coverage

of a single site.

Test Equipment

The most important test equipment in an electromagnetic environment is a spectrum analyzer.

The following table lists the equipment required by a frequency scan test.

Table 3-2 Test equipment

Antenna TA17216509: 1710-1990 MHz, 9 dBi

Spectrum analyzer Portable spectrum analyzer

RF cable 5 m RF cable, 2.7 dB insertion loss

PC -

GPS -

North arrow -


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The following figure shows the physical connections of a test system.

Figure 3-2 Test system connections

ANT

SA

Equipment Configurations

The following table presents example configurations of a spectrum analyzer (1.8 GHz).

Configuration Item Value

Center Frequency 1795 MHz

SPAN 100 MHz

Attenuation 0 dB

RBW 100 kHz

Detector Mode Average/RMS

Sweep Time 1s

Test procedure

1. Determine the position of the antenna, and connect test equipment.

2. Configure the spectrum analyzer according to the values in the preceding table. Observe whether interference exists, and save the test data of each direction in the spectrum

analyzer.

3. Rotate the antenna repeatedly and observe whether interference exists. Scan frequencies in all eight directions (360) in the installation place of the antenna.

4. Fill in the following table and record test data.

Electromagnetic background test records for site XX.xls

3.3.3 Feeder Selection

Ensure that the power loss between the RRU RF port and the antenna port does not exceed 3

dB. If the power loss is greater than 3 dB, cell coverage is smaller, although cell functions are

not affected.


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The feeder length planning guidelines for a 1.8 GHz & 1.4 GHz project are as follows.

Frequency Band Cabling Length Between the RRU and Antenna

Feeder

1.8 GHz & 1.4 GHz 20 m 1/2" feeder

45 m 7/8" feeder

> 45 m 5/4" feeder

Performance indicators of typical feeders:

Electrical performance

DC resistance Inner conductor

Outer conductor

Standard capacitor

Impedance

Transmission rate

Maximum

attenuation

Power

(Ambient

temperature:

40C, inner conductor

temperature:

80C)

DC breakdown voltage

Peak power

Cut-off frequency

Shielding attenuation

Insulation resistance

VSWR


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3.3.4 Azimuth and Downtilt Angle

Azimuth Configurations

During nominal planning, configure antenna azimuth to 30/150/270, to avoid the waveguide effect caused by long and straight roads.

When tuning antenna directions, the recommended sector angle is within 12015, to prevent the forming of large overlapping coverage areas or weak coverage areas.

Downtilt Angle Configurations

Set the initial downtilt angle to 4-6 for densely-populated urban areas, 2-4 for ordinary urban areas, and 0-2 for suburban and rural areas.

It is recommended to set the downtilt angle to 3 or 6 for densely-populated and ordinary urban areas, to simplify future antenna and feeder adjustment.


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4 Detailed Planning Process 4.1 Simulation Software Configuration

U-Net is used for network plan simulation. For basic operations, refer to the Online Help.

This section describes some important operations.

4.1.1 Map

Choose Map > Clutter from Project Explorer. Right-click Clutter and choose Parameter

Manager. The following dialog box is displayed.

Figure 4-1 Setting map parameters

For digital maps

For whiteboard maps


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If digital maps are available, set the parameters on the Actual Value tab. For whiteboard maps,

set the parameters on the Default Value tab.

Penetration Loss

Penetration loss directly affects DL reference signal received power (RSRP). The larger the

penetration loss, the smaller the RSRP, and vice versa. Set penetration loss (PeneLoss) to 0

dB for outdoor coverage scenarios (such as high-speed railways and vehicle-mounted

terminals). The penetration loss settings for indoor scenarios (such as in a vehicle or boat) are

listed in the following table.

Table 4-1 Penetration loss settings for indoor scenarios

Target Coverage Area

Penetration Loss (dB)

700

MHz

800

MHz

900

MHz

1500

MHz

1800

MHz

2.1

GHz

2.6

GHz

Densely-popula

ted urban area

18 18 18 19 19 20 20

Ordinary urban

area

14 14 14 16 16 16 16

Suburban area 10 10 10 10 10 12 12

Rural area 7 7 7 8 8 8 8

Highway 7 7 7 8 8 8 8

The parameter values from the preceding table are typically recommended by network

planning engineers, who also explain parameter implications for the operator and request

approval from the operator. If digital maps, which contain various clutter classes such as parks

and trees, are available, configure penetration loss for each clutter class in the preceding

figure. It is recommended to set 0 dB for open areas.

To make penetration loss settings take effect, tick Indoor Coverage when configuring

coverage simulation parameters.


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Model Standard Deviation

To ensure that cell edge can be covered with a certain probability, a power margin must be

reserved to counteract shadow fading. The power margin is called shadow fading margin,

which can be calculated based on the slow fading standard deviation and cell edge coverage

probability. Due to randomness of radio channels, path loss does not take a fixed value over a

specified distance. Therefore, the signal receive level in a coverage area cannot be always

higher than a threshold. However, it can be ensured that the signal receive level is higher than

a threshold with a specified probability.

To set cell edge coverage probability, choose Predictions > New > Next. The following

dialog box is displayed.


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Figure 4-2 Setting edge coverage probability

Set cell edge

coverage probability

The following table lists recommended values for slow fading standard deviation. The values

can be modified based on scenario requirements during estimation.

Table 4-2 Slow fading standard deviation

Morph StdSlowFading

(dB)

Indoor Outdoor

Densely-populated urban area 11.7 10

Ordinary urban area 9.4 8

Suburban area 7.2 6

Rural area 6.2 6

High-speed railway 7.2 6


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The following table lists recommended values for cell edge coverage probability, which is

calculated based on cell coverage probability in link budgeting. The values can be modified

based on scenario and operator's requirements.

Table 4-3 Cell edge coverage probability

Densely-populated urban area 89%

Ordinary urban area 87%

Suburban area 74%

Rural area 72%

High-speed railway 93%

C/(I+N) Standard Deviation

To maintain coverage quality (user experiences) at a certain level, shadow fading margin is

also considered in the calculation of DL signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), which

indicates signal quality. However, if shadow fading margin is considered in both main service

signals and interference signals, the calculated SINR may deviate from actual values, because

shadow fading affects both useful power and noise power will be counted twice. The C/(I+N)

Standard Deviation parameter in U-Net can be used to truly reflect the impact of shadow

fading on SINR. When calculating DL SINR, shadow fading margin is not separately

considered for main service signals or interference signals. Rather, an SINR offset, which is

derived from the C/(I+N) standard deviation and cell edge coverage probability (for the

calculation of probability, see the calculation formula of shadow fading margin), is deducted

from the calculation results. The value of C/(I+N) Standard Deviation is directly related to

DL SINR, so take great care to set this parameter.

To set C/(I+N) standard deviation, choose Map > Clutter from Project Explorer. Right-click

Clutter and choose Parameter Manager.


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Figure 4-3 Setting C/(I+N) Standard Deviation

Setting C/(I+N) standard deviation is a demanding task for network planning engineers, who

should tune its value based on scenario requirements and estimation results. It is

recommended to set this parameter to a value 2-4 dB lower than model standard deviation.

4.1.2 Cells

Max Tx Power

In U-Net V3R6, only the Max Power parameter (maximum transmit power) is available.

Max Power indicates the total transmit power of an eNodeB. For example, if the transmit

power of a base station is 2x20 W, Max Power is set to 46 dBm. The value of Max Power is

not related to the number of antennas.


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Figure 4-4 Setting Max Power

Load

Load parameters include Target Load(DL), Target Load(UL), Actual Load(DL), Actual

Load(UL), and Neighbour Load.

Target Load(DL) and Target Load(UL) indicate DL and UL target loads, and range between

0 and 1. The values of the two parameters affect the maximum number of DL/UL RBs (that is,

maximum throughput) that can be scheduled in capacity simulations, but do not affect

coverage estimation.

Actual Load(DL) and Actual Load(UL) indicate actual DL and UL loads, and range

between 0 and 1. The values of the two parameters determine the maximum number of RBs

(that is, maximum throughput) that can be used for calculating peak throughput. The

calculation method is the same as that for target load. The values of the two parameters should

be consistent with capacity simulation results, which include actual load values.

Figure 4-5 Setting load parameters

Set Neighbour Load (as shown in the following figure, select Neighbor Load to set it)

during coverage estimation. Its value ranges between 0 and 100. The larger the value, the

greater interference from neighboring cells, and the smaller DL SINR in estimation (vice

versa). If Neighbor Load is not selected, this parameter takes the value of Actual Load(DL)

by default.


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To set Neighbour Load, right-click Predictions, choose New, and click Next. The following

dialog box is displayed.

Figure 4-6 Setting Neighbor Load

IoT

In coverage estimation, DL interference from neighboring cells can be directly obtained by

calculating noise power of neighboring cells. Calculating UL interference from neighboring

cells is more complicated, because it is related to UE location (distribution) and UE transmit

power, which are unknown at estimation time. The IoT (Interference overThermal) parameter

in U-Net is used to calculate UL interference. Actual IoT(UL) is used to calculate UL SINR

during coverage estimation. The larger the value, the smaller the SINR. Target IoT(UL) is

the target IoT convergence in capacity simulations. It is recommended to set Actual IoT(UL)

and Target IoT(UL) to the same value. The following table lists recommended IoT values,

which can be adjusted based on scenario requirements.


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Table 4-4 Recommended IoT values

Load IoT

0% load 0

50% load 3

100% 6

Figure 4-7 Setting IoT

4.1.3 UE Configuration

UE antenna configurations are related to service simulations, and not related to coverage

simulations.

Choose Traffic Parameters > Terminals > LTE. Double-click MIMO TerminalLTE or

Mobile TerminalLTE. The following dialog box is displayed.


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Figure 4-8 Setting UE parameters

4.2 System Simulation

4.2.1 Preparations

1. Huawei U-Net tool is available for plan simulation. For a medium-sized simulation (less than 300 sites), a PC with 512M or higher memory and 1G+ CPU frequency is required.

For a large simulation, it is recommended to use a high-performance server with 2G or

higher memory and 2G+ CPU frequency.

2. Verify that a digital map of the simulated area is available and correct. Typically, digital maps can be imported into U-Net and displayed. If the digital map cannot be displayed

or other error occurs, contact the digital map vendor.

3. All antenna files can be imported into U-Net.

4. Determine a propagation model.

5. Initial engineering parameter and cell parameters are available.

6. Traffic model information is available.

7. Identify the means and methods of evaluating simulation results. For example, when analyzing coverage and interference estimation results, locate problems and give handling suggestions.


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8. If a network plan is simulated in the Global Simulation Center of the network planning department, refer to the Global Simulation Center Operation Guide.

4.2.2 Simulation Procedure

Figure 4-9 Simulation Procedure

Create a project.

Configure the coordinate system.

Import the digital map.

Set the propagation model.

Import antenna information.

Set equipment and channel unit

parameters.

Import site information.

Set engineering and cell parameters.

Create a traffic map.

perform Monte Carlo simulation.

Evaluate simulation results.

Make coverage estimation.

The preceding figure takes U-Net as an example. For operation details and parameter settings,

see the U-Net Simulation Guide.

4.2.3 Traffic Map

Before performing a Monte Carlo simulation, perform traffic modeling and create a traffic

map. Perform traffic modeling involves configuring UEs (mobile phones), mobility type,

service environments, and service types.


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A traffic map can be created by environment, vector, cell coverage, or UE location.

Created by Description

Environment Traffic distribution can be configured based on geographical

environments (such as urban areas and suburban areas).

Vector Traffic distribution can be configured for special geographical

environments (such as railways and highways).

Cell coverage Cell traffic distribution can be obtained from live networks. In this

scenario, service load and traffic volume or throughput of each cell can

be configured.

UE location A map is created based on UE location.

4.2.4 Result Analysis

Determine simulation scope based on project requirements. For most projects, coverage

simulations are sufficient. For projects with definite service information (service model and

user distribution), it is recommended to perform service simulations.

After coverage and service simulations are completed, analyze simulation results. Check

whether RSRP, SINR, average cell edge throughput, and average cell throughput meet

requirements. View service indicators such as cell load, and UE access and retention.

If coverage performance does not meet requirements, take measures such as adjusting sector

azimuth and downtilt angle, changing site location, and adding sites.

If service performance does not meet requirements, check whether the cause is capacity

limitation and check parameter configurations. Modify parameter configurations or add sites.

4.3 Frequency Planning

The following covers three frequency solutions.

Solution 1: 1x3x3

Features: little interference, high sector throughput and edge user throughput, but low

spectrum efficiency

Applicable scenarios: rich spectrum resources, discontinuous frequencies, low capacity

requirements and high service rate requirements at the cell edge

Solution 2: 1x3x1 (recommended)

Feature: severe interference. If bandwidth per sector is the same, sector throughput and edge

user throughput are smaller than the 1x3x3 solution. If total bandwidth is the same, sector

throughput, edge user throughput, and spectrum efficiency are greater than the 1x3x3

solution.

Applicable scenario: scarce spectrum resources, high cell throughput requirements, low

throughput requirements at the cell edge


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Solution 3: SFR 1x3x1

Feature: Based on the 1x3x1 solution, the SFR 1x3x1 solution further supports inter-cell

interference coordination (ICIC). The solution compromises sector throughput for higher edge

user throughput. It features low sector throughput, high edge user throughput, and high

spectrum efficiency.

Applicable scenario: scarce spectrum resources, high-quality service experiences required by

edge users

Solution 2 (1x3x1) is recommended for two reasons:

1. TDD LTE supports intra-frequency networking. Adopting inter-frequency networking wastes resources. Therefore, solution 1 is not recommended.

2. Intra-frequency networks can meet the service requirements of most projects, and the effect of ICIC on live networks is limited. Therefore, solution 2 is recommended for

common projects.

4.4 Neighboring Relation Planning

Compared with other radio access technologies, LTE performs handover measurements based

on frequencies, not on neighboring cell lists. Specifically, a UE measures cells based on a

specified frequency, obtains the cells that operate with the frequency, processes measurement

results, and obtains candidate target cells for handovers. Then the network can select a target

cell for a handover. A neighboring cell list provides information (such as CGI) required by

handovers. Configure as many neighboring cells as possible for an eNodeB because the

number of neighboring cells does not affect measurement time or accuracy. The following

lists basic guidelines for planning LTE neighbor relations:

Geographically adjacent cells are neighboring cells.

Between a neighboring cell pair, each cell is the neighboring cell for the other. For

example, if sector B is set as the neighbor of sector A, sector A must be set as the

neighbor of sector B. However, unidirectional handovers are required in certain scenarios,

such as high speed environments. For example, if a handover is desired to be from sector

A to sector B, but not from sector B to sector A, add sector A into the blacklist of sector

B.

In densely-populated and ordinary urban areas, sites are near to each other. Configure as

many neighboring cells as possible for a cell. A maximum of 32 intra-frequency

neighboring cells can be configured for a cell.

In suburban areas where sites are far from each other, configure geographically adjacent

cells as neighboring cells to ensure timely handovers.

Neighboring cells are not prioritized in a list.

4.5 PCI Planning

A PCI uniquely identifies a cell within a certain coverage area. PCIs are planned to ensure:

1. The DL signals of intra-frequency cells with the same PCI do not interfere with each other.

2. UEs are properly synchronized.

3. Reference signals (RSs) of the correct serving cell are decoded.


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4.5.1 Collision-free Principle

If a PCI is allocated to two neighboring cells shown in the following figure, a UE in the

overlapped area can detect only one cell and is synchronized to only one cell during initial

cell searching. The cell may not be the better one, that is, PCI collision may occur.

Figure 4-10 PCI collision

Ensure that at least four layers of cells (refer to the empirical values in CDMA PN code

planning) and a distance of more than five times the cell coverage radius exist between the

cells with the same PCI.

4.5.2 Confusion-free Principle

As shown in the following figure, two neighboring cells have the same PCI (ID A). If a UE

requests to be handed over to a cell with ID A, the eNodeB is confused about which cell is the

target cell.

Figure 4-11 PCI confusion

To ensure reliable handovers, the confusion-free principle requires that the PCI of each cell in

a neighboring cell list, or in the neighboring cell lists of two cells that have one layer of cells

in between is unique.

4.5.3 MOD3 Principle

The position of RSs in a frequency domain is related to the PCI of the cell. By separating the

RS position of a local cell from that of its neighboring cells, interference between RSs is

reduced, which improves overall network performance. (Tests have indicated that a 3 dB

increase in SINR can be gained in a cell with 50% load.) RS position varies for PCI MOD3

(2/4 antenna) and PCI MOD 6 (single antenna). The following table lists a PCI plan, in which

PCI MOD 3 determines pilot position. The following figure shows RS position distribution.

Different colors indicate the positions of different RSs. Because the plan uses 2-path antennas,

the pilot position takes three values.


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Figure 4-12 Mapping Between PCI Values and MOD3

Planned PCI Value

Figure 4-13 PCI Planning Example


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4.5.4 Planning Suggestion

It is recommended that the PCIs of a site are allocated to the same PCI group, and that PCIs of

adjacent sites allocated to different PCI groups.

4.6 PRACH Planning

To be substantiated

4.7 TA Planning

The tracking area (TA) concept is introduced to LTE systems for UE location management.

TAs are similar to location areas (LAs) in 2G/3G systems.

TAs provide the following functions:

LAs are defined the same at the access layer and core layer.

When a UE is idle, the core network knows the TA of the UE.

When a UE in idle state needs to be paged, paging is initiated in all the cells in the TA to

which the UE belongs.

If a UE is registered in multiple TAs, the TAs form a TA list. When moving among the

TAs in a TA list, a UE does not need to perform TA updates.

4.7.1 Planning Principles

Set a TA for each cell in a TDD LTE enterprise network.

The reason is that a core network needs to know the location of UEs to dispatch PTT services

to correct cells in which the target group member locates.

4.7.2 Planning Method

Use the U-Net to plan tracking area codes (TACs) for a TDD LTE enterprise network.

Click the Data tab. Right-click Transceiver and choose Cells > Open Table from the

shortcut menu. The cell attribute window is displayed. Configure TACs for all cells.


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5 Post-planning Information Output 5.1 Nominal Planning Phase

Document Output Description

Radio Network Nominal Planning

Report

Deployment objectives and roadmap

Scenario-based coverage and capacity

solutions

Network dimensioning process

Nominal site planning

Suggestions for selecting antenna type

Simulation result evaluation

5.2 Detailed Planning Phase

The output is based on implementation results of the nominal plan. Details are provided in the

following table.


Radio Network Detailed

Planning Report.doc

Update and substantiate the following information based

on the implementation results of the nominal plan:

Deployment objectives and roadmap

eNodeB plan

Cell parameter plan

Simulation result analysis

Scenario-based coverage and capacity solutions


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Network Planning Parameters

(Engineering).xls Work out feasible engineering parameters, including:

eNodeB ID, name, latitude and altitude

Sector name, CellID, cell name

TRX ID, frequency

TAC, PCI

Antenna model, polarization, H-plane/V-plane

HPBW, gain, EiRP

Antenna height, azimuth, downtilt angle, altitude

Feeder model, length

Cell coverage target

Basic cell parameters (such as frequency, cell type,

subframe assignment, neighboring cell, power, and

common channels


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6 References L-RNPS-LTE U-NET V3R6 LTE Parameter Configuration Guide V2.0, Huawei

L-RNPS-LTE eRAN2.0 Radio Network Planning Guide, Huawei

TTR1.0 eBBU Enterprise Network Dimensioning Guide V1.0_IUS, TD Tech

TTR 1.0 XX Project Candidate Sites_Electromagnetic Background Test Report V0.2, TD

Tech

TTR1.0 eBBU Service Networking Solution (Video Monitoring) V1.0_IUS_Update, TD Tech

ELTE Enterprise Network Planning Guide

Documents

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