Analytic method for coverage prediction in UMTS radio network planning process

One substantial element in the UMTS radio network planning process is the topology planning that identifies the node B sites and evaluates if the coverage and capacity requirements are met. The selection of the optimal sites is an iterative process of subsequently changing the network configuration and evaluating its quality. The latter task is commonly performed by quite time-consuming Monte Carlo simulations. In this paper we present an analytic method to determine the coverage area of a WCDMA network. This method yields slightly less accurate results in a considerably shorter time compared to a Monte Carlo simulation. Consequently, it should be used at the beginning of the planning process for a fast selection of cell sites. When a suitable solution is found, Monte Carlo or dynamic simulations should be used to validate the fine tuning of the site configuration. Although a lot of research focuses on the analytic modelling of WCDMA, few studies consider general WCDMA networks with arbitrary cell layout, spatial traffic distribution, service mix, and propagation losses. That however, is the prerequisite that makes an analytic model actually applicable in the planning process. We demonstrate the general applicability of our method by studying the impact of the network load and the shadow fading constant on the coverage area of an example network with irregular node B layout, heterogeneous spatial traffic distribution, and multiple services.