Practical verifications for coverage and capacity predictions and simulations in real-world cellular UMTS networks

This paper presents verifications for UMTS coverage and capacity in a live network using planning and performance tools applied to a real-world operational UMTS network. Case study results are presented and followed by comparisons between coverage predictions, capacity simulations, field measurements and system statistics. Tuned propagation models based on area clutter, population profiles, digital height maps and base station (BS) engineering elements are taken into account to match the outputs of the planning tool to the practical drive-test and UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) system Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) measurements. This work outcome addresses the importance of using planning tools for dimensioning coverage and capacity aspects in UMTS networks and draw some attention to network future optimization, load balancing and congestions relief in advance before system traffic statistics are being generated or afterwards as supplementary grounds for network optimization and maintenance that support statistics.

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