3G UMTS Network Planning and Optimization using Atoll- Case Study: North Morocco

3G UMTS Network Planning and Optimization using Atoll

Case Study: North Morocco

Project Report
Written and Presented by
BATCHANOU TATAP PERETS ARNAUD
FE20P032
[email protected]

EEF 689 RADIO NETWORK PLANNING

MASTERS 1
University of Buea

Course Instructor:
Dr. SITAMZE

ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021

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DEDICATION

To my Dad, Tatap Jean.

A Blessing given for the future,
A Legacy left behind.

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ABSTRACT
The cellular networks have experienced a rocket change from the first generation to the fifth.
Analog communications was quickly replaced by digital in the 80s, and nowadays we talk abot
mobile broadband and high connectivity in 5G systems. This is a proof that mobile
communications has increased its needs from subscribers, such as high data rates and high
media sharing. A lot of applications are being done today, from SMS and voice to VoIP, vide o
streaming and IoT. However, it is crucial to understand the previous generations as they serve
as backbone to the latter ones, and also because some areas around the globe have not yet fully
deployed the 4G and 5G technologies.

This project work has for goal to be a mastery guide in understanding the 3G UMTS system
and to plan and optimize the network for a case study of the country of Morocco. Several factors
need to be taken into consideration for proper radio network planning and optimization.

Keywords : 3G, UMTS, WCDMA, RNP, Atoll, Optimization

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LIST OF ACRONYMS

1G First Generation

2G Second Generation

3G Third generation

3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project

4G Fourth Generation

5G Fifth Generation

ACP Automatic Cell Planning

AMPS Advanced Mobile Phone Service

AMR Adaptive Multi Rate

ATM Asunchronous Transfer Mode

BCH Broadcast Channel

BER Bit Error Rate

BPSK Binary Phase Shift Keying

BS Base Station

BSC Base Station Controller

BSS Base Station System

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BTS Base Transceiver Station

CAMTEL Cameroon Telecommunications

CAPEX Capital Expenditure

CCCH Common Control Channel

CCH Common Channel

CDMA Code Division Multiple Access

CN Core Network

CPCH Common Packet Channel

CS Circuit Switch

DCH Dedicated Channel

DL Downlink

DSCH Downlink Shared Channel

DSSS Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum

DTCH Dedicated Traffic Channel

DTM Digital Terrain Model

EDGE Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution

ETSI European Telecommunications Standard Institute

FACH Forward Access Channel

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FDD Frequency Division Duplex

FDMA Frequency Division Multiple Access

GGSN Gateway GPRS Support Node

GIS Geopgraphic Information System

GMSC Gateway MSC

GPRS General Packet Radio Service

GSM Global Service Mobile

GUI Graphical User Interface

HLR Home Location Register

HSDPA High Speed Downlink Packet Access

HSPA High Speed Packet Access

HSUPA High Speed Uplink Packet Access

IMT International Mobile Telecommunications

IP Internet Protocol

ITU International Telecommunications Union

LAN Local Area Network

LTE Long Term Evolution

LTE-A LTE Advanced

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MAC Medium Access Controller

MAPL Maximum Allowable Path Loss

ME Mobile Equipment

MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output

MS Mobile Station

MSC Mobile Station Controller

NSS Network SubSystem

OFDMA Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access

OPEX Operational Expenditure

OSS Operations Support System

OVSF Orthogonal Variable Spreading Factor

PCCH Paging Control Channel

PCH Paging Channel

PS Packet Switch

PSTN Public Switched Telephone Network

QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation

QoS Quality of Service

QPSK Quadrature Phase Shift Keying

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RACH Random Access Channel

RAN Radio Access Network

RF Radio Frequency

RNC Radio Network Controller

RNP Radio Network Planning

RRM Radio Resource Management

RSCP Received Signal Code Power

SC-FDMA Single Carrier – Frequency Division Multiple Access

SGSN Serving GPRS Support Node

SMS Short Message Sent

SNR Signal-to-Noise-Ratio

TDD Time Division duplex

TDMA Time Division Multiple Access

TD- Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access

SCDMA

UARFCN UTRA Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number

UE User Equipment

UF Urban Factor

UL Uplink

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USIM UMTS Subscriber Identification Module

UTRAN UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network

VLR Visitor Location Register

WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access

WiFI Wireless Fidelity

WLAN Wireless Local Area Network

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1: 1G Analog Cellular Phone Standards……………………………………………...2

Table 1.2: Digital Cellular Phone Standards………………………………………………….4
Table 1.3: 2G Enhancements to support 2.5 capabilities……………………………………..4
Table 1.4: 3G Digital Cellular Phone Standards……………………………………………...5
Table 1.5: LTE Network Characteristics……………………………………………………...6
Table 1.6: Comparison of Different Network Technologies………………………………….7
Table 3.1: Geographic and Coverage Parameters of North Morocco……………………….28
Table 3.2: 3G UMTS Frequency bands FDD………………………………………………..30
Table 3.3: Coverage Parameters of the Okumura model…………………………………….33
Table 3.4: Coverage Parameters of the Hata model…………………………………………35
Table 3.5: Coverage Parameters of the COST-231 model…………………………………..36
Table 3.6: WCDMA Link Budget Table for a bit rate 12.2kbps voice……………………...42
Table 3.7: WCDMA Planning and Optimization report from Atoll…………………………..70

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1: Mobile Network Evolution……………………………………………………..1

Figure 1.2: The Evolution to 5G…………………………………………………………….2
Figure 1.3: 5G, the Connected Community…………………………………………………6
Figure 1.4: Cellular Technology Evolution…...…………………………………………….7
Figure 2.1: UMTS Radio Access Network………………………………………………...12
Figure 2.2: UTRAN Logical Architecture…………………………………………………14
Figure 2.3: DSSS Principle………………………………………………………………..15
Figure 2.4: Basic WCDMA system………………………………………………………..16
Figure 2.5: Basic Protocol Structure of UTRAN interfaces………………………………..16
Figure 2.6: Transport Channels……………………………………………………………18
Figure 2.7: Interleaving……………………………………………………………………21
Figure 2.8: WCDMA Spreading and Scrambling………………………………………….23
Figure 3.1: Radio Network Planning Methodology……………………………………….26
Figure 3.2: Map of Morocco………………………………………………………………29
Figure 3.3: Coverage Planning Flowchart…………………………………………………31
Figure 3.4: Capacity Planning Flowchart………………………………………………….32
Figure 3.5: WCDMA Uplink……………………………………………………………...38
Figure 3.6: WCDMA Downlink…………………………………………………………...39
Figure 3.7: Coverage Area Derivation…………………………………………………….43
Figure 3.8: Base station sites………………………………………………………………44
Figure 3.9: WCDMA Radio Network Optimization……………………………………....47

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LIST OF PICTURES

Picture 3.1: Morocco viwed from Google Earth (in red)…………………………………..28

Picture 4.1: Creating UMTS document in Atoll…………………………………………...49
Picture 4.2: Impprting Clutter Classes……………………………………………………..49
Picture 4.3: Importing a Map into Atoll……………………………………………………49
Picture 4.4: Defining Coordinate System………………………………………………….50
Picture 4.5: DTM of North Morocco………………………………………………………50
Picture 4.6: Selection of Clutter Type……………………………………………………...51
Picture 4.7: Defining the Computation Zone (in red)……………………………………...51
Picture 4.8: Adding a site…………………………………………………………………..52
Picture 4.9: Antenna configuration………………………………………………………...52
Picture 4.10: Horizontal Pattern of Antenna………………………………………………...53
Picture 4.11: Vertical Pattern of Antenna…………………………………………………...53
Picture 4.12: Voice Properties………………………………………………………………54
Picture 4.13: MS configuration with sensitivity…………………………………………….54
Picture 4.14: Setting Propagation Model……………………………………………………55
Picture 4.15: Defining New Prediction……………………………………………………...56
Picture 4.16: Coverage by Signal level (DL) for one site (with legend) …………………...56
Picture 4.17: Coverage by Transmitter (DL) (with legend) ………………………………...56
Picture 4.18: Overlapping zones (DL) (with legend) ...……………………………………..57
Picture 4.19: Service Area Analysis (Eb/Nt) (DL) (with legend) …………………………..57
Picture 4.20: Service Area Analysis (Eb/Nt) (UL) (with legend) …………………………..57
Picture 4.21: Adding sites according to hexagonal model ………………………………….58
Picture 4.22: Adding several hexagonal models in the Network Panel …………………….59
Picture 4.23: Zooming of tri sector sites in DTM …………………………………………..59
Picture 4.24: Configuring the Transmitters ………………………………………………...60
Picture 4.25: Prediction Setting …………………………………………………………….60
Picture 4.26: Coverage by several sites …………………………………………………….61
Picture 4.27: New ACP module …………………………………………………………….62
Picture 4.28: Zone selection in ACP module ……………………………………………….62
Picture 4.29: Cost control in ACP …………………………………………………………..63
Picture 4.30: Reconfiguration of Transmitters in ACP module …………………………….63
Picture 4.31: Setting UMTS RSCP Coverage in ACP module ……………………………..64

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Picture 4.32: Changes after Optimization in ACP module …………………………………64

Picture 4.33: Graph after optimization in ACP module …………………………………….65
Picture 4.34: Quality change after optimization in ACP module …………………………..65
Picture 4.35: Objectives achieved in ACP module …………………………………………66
Picture 4.36: Optimization Results in ACP module ………………………………………..66
Picture 4.37: Rolling back to initial state …………………………………………………...67
Picture 4.38: RSCP Coverage after rolling back …………………………………………...67
Picture 4.39: Coverage by Signal Level (DL) i) before and ii) after Committing ACP
Parameters ……………………………………………………………………………….68

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dedication……………………………………………………………………………………ii

Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………iii

List of Acronyms…………………………………………………………………………….iv

List of Tables…………………………………………………………………………………x

List of Figures………………………………………………………………………………..xi

List of Pictures……………………………………………………………………………….xii

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION…………………………………………...............................1
1.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………..1
1.2 Mobile Network Evolution…………………………………………………………..1
1.2.1 First Generation Mobile 1G…………………………………………………....2
1.2.2 Second Generation Mobile 2G…………………………………………………3
1.2.3 Third Generation Mobile 3G…………………………………………………...4
1.2.4 Fourth Generation Mobile 4G………………………………………………….5
1.2.5 Fifth Generation Mobile 5G……………………………………………………6
1.3 Problem Statement……………………………………………………………………8
1.4 Objectives…………………………………………………………………………….8
1.3.1 General Objectives……………………………………………………………..8
1.3.2 Specific Objectives……………………………………………………………..8
1.5 Literature Review and Related Works………………………………………………..8
1.6 Scope of Study………………………………………………………………………..9
1.7 Significance of Study…………………………………………………………………9
1.8 Advantages of 3G UMTS over 2G GSM………………....…………………………10
1.9 Assumptions made throughout Project……………………………………………...10
1.10 Applications of Project…………………………………………………………….10
1.11Report Lay out……………………………………………………………………..11
1.12Partial Conclusion…………………………………………………………………11

Chapter 2 : UNIVERSAL MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SYSTSEM………...12

2.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………...12
2.2 UMTS Network Architecture………………………………………………………12
2.2.1 UMTS Architecture Elements………………………………………………...12
2.2.2 UTRAN Interfaces ……………………………………………………………14

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2.3 UMTS Operation Modes and Multiple Access…………………………………….15

2.4 UMTS Transport Channels…………..……………………………………………..16
2.4.1 Logical Channels……………………………………………………………...17
2.4.2 Transport Channels……………………………………………………………17
2.4.3 Physical Channels……………………………………………………………..19
2.5 Fundamentals of the UMTS Technology ………………………………………….20
2.5.1 Source Coding/Decoding……………………………………………………...20
2.5.2 Channel Coding/Decoding……………………………………………………20
2.5.3 Interleaving/De- interleaving…………………………………………………..21
2.5.4 Spreading/Dispreading………………………………………………………..21
2.5.5 Scrambling…………………………………………………………………….22
2.5.6 Modulation/Demodulation…………………………………………………....23
2.6 UMTS Services and Features………………………………………………………24
2.7 Partial Conclusion…………………………………………………………………..25

Chapter 3: WCDMA RADIO NETWORK PLANNING………………………………...26

3.1 Introduction……………………………………………………………………….....26
3.2 WCDMA RNP Process………………………………………………..…………….26
3.2.1 Dimensioning………………………………………………………………....27
3.2.1.1 Site Survey of Morocco……………………………………………….27
3.2.1.2 UMTS Frequency bands……………………………………………....29
3.2.2 Pre-planning…………………………………………………………………..31
3.2.3 Detailed Planning……………..……………………………………………....33
3.2.3.1 Radio Propagation Models……………………………………………33
3.2.3.2 WCDMA Link Budget ……………………………………………….37
3.2.3.3 Capacity and Frequency Planning…………………………………….43
3.2.3.4 Radio Resource Management…………………………………............45
3.3 WCDMA Optimization……………………………………………………………...46
3.4 Partial Conclusion……………………………………………………………….......47

Chapter 4: PREDICTION, OPTIMIZATION AND RESULTS…………………………48

4.1: Introduction………………………………………………………………………..48
4.2: Atoll Planning Tool………………………………………………………………..48
4.3: WCDMA RNP and Optimization with Atoll, Case Study: North Morocco………48
4.3.1 Uploading the Map ……………………………………………………….....48

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4.3.2 Parameters Configuration and Coverage by one BTS………………………51

4.3.3 Coverage by several sites……………………………………………………58
4.3.4 Optimization using ACP Module……………………………………………61
4.4: Partial Conclusion…………………………………………………………………68

Chapter 5: CONCLUSION…………………………………………………………………69

5.1 General Conclusion………………………………………………………………….69

5.2 Recommendations…………………………………………………………………...71
5.3 Future Scope…………………………………………………………………….......71

REERENCES………………………………………………………………………………..72

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Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter gives some key elements needed as background information for the proper mastery
and success of the project. It lays the foundation, and highlights essentail points key to the
project such as introduction to mobile communications, the problem statement, project
objectives, scope and significance of study, applications of the project and much more.

1.2 MOBILE NETWORK EVOLUTION

Changes differentiate ages. The ability to communicate with people on the move has
evolved remarkably since Guglielmo Marconi first demonstrated radio’s ability to provide
continuous contact with ships sailing the English Channel. (Marconi won the Nobel Prize
in Physics in 1990 for his efforts). That was in 1897, and since then wireless
communications methods and services have been enthusiastically adopted by people
around the world [1].

Figure 1.1: Mobile Network Evolution [1]

The past few years have witnessed a phenomenal growth in the wireless industry, both in
terms of mobile technology and subscribers. Mobile network operators and vendors have
recognized the importance of efficient networks with equally efficient design processes.
This has resulted in services related to network planning and optimization coming into sharp
focus.

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With all the technological advances, and the simultaneous existence of 2G, 2.5G and
3G networks, the impact of network efficiency has become even more critical. Many new
designing scenarios have developed, and the inter-operability of the networks has to be
considered.[1]

Figure 1.2: The Evolution to 5G [6]

1.2.1 First Generation Mobile 1G

The first-generation mobile system started in the 1980s was based on analogue transmiss io n
techniques. At that time, there was no worldwide (or even Europe-wide) coordination for
the development of technical standards for the system. Nordic countries deployed Nordic
Mobile Telephones or NMTs, while UK and Ireland went for Total Access Communicatio n
System or TACS, and so on. Roaming was not possible and efficient use of the frequency
spectrum was not there. [1] Mobile communication was available before the 1G systems, but
typically on a small scale and targeting a very selected group of
people. [5] The reason behind the shift from 1G to 2G was to move from analog to digital.

Table 1.1: 1G Analog Cellular Phone Standards [1]

The main feature of the first generation mobile communication systems is that they use the
frequency reuse technology and adopt analog modulation for voice signals.

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However, the limitations are:

 Low utilization of the frequency spectrum.
 Limited types of services.
 No high-speed data services.
 Poor confidentiality and high vulnerability to interception and number embezzlement.
 High equipment cost.
 Large volume and big weight

1.2.2 Second Generation Mobile 2G

To solve these fundamental technical limitations of the analog systems, in the mid-1980s the
European commission started a series of activities to liberalize the
communications sector, including mobile communications. This resulted in the creation
of ETSI, which inherited all the standardization activities in Europe. This saw the birth
of the first specifications, and the network based on digital technology; it was called the
Global System for Mobile Communication or GSM. Since the first networks appeared at
the beginning of 1991, GSM has gradually evolved to meet the requirements of data traffic
and many more services than the original networks.[2], [9]

GSM and GPRS (General Packet Radio Services): As the requirement for sending data
on the air-interface increased, new elements such as SGSN (Serving GPRS) and GGSN
(Gateway GPRS) were added to the existing GSM system. These elements made it
possible to send packet data on the air-interface. This part of the network handling the
packet data is also called the 'packet core network'. In addition to the SGSN and GGSN,
it also contains the IP routers, firewall servers and DNS (domain name servers). This
enables wireless access to the Internet and the bit rate reaching to 150kbps in optimum
conditions.
GSM and EDGE (Enhanced Data rates in GSM Environment): With both voice and data
traffic moving on the system, the need was felt to increase the data rate. This was done by
using more sophisticated coding methods over the Internet and thus increasing the data
rate up to 384 kbps.

The movement from 2G to 3G was due to the need of higher data rates.

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Table 1.2: 2G Digital Cellular Phone Standards

Table 1.3: 2G Enhancements to support 2.5G capabilities

1.2.3 Third Generation Mobile 3G

In EDGE, high-volume movement of data was possible, but still the packet transfer on
the air-interface behaves like a circuit switch call. Thus part of this packet connection
efficiency is lost in the circuit switch environment. Moreover, the standards for developing
the networks were different for different parts of the world. Hence, it was decided to have a
network that provides services independent of the technology platform and whose network
design standards are same globally. Thus, 3G was born.

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In Europe it was called UMTS (Universal Terrestrial Mobile System), which is ETSI-driven.
IMT-2000 is the ITU-T name for the third-generation system, while cdma2000 is the name of
the American 3G variant. WCDMA is the air-interface technology for the UMTS. The main
components include BS (base station) or node B, RNC (radio network controller) apart from
WMSC (wideband CDMA mobile switching centre) and SGSN/GGSN. This platform offers
many Internet-based services, along with video phoning, imaging, etc. [1]

The main reason behind the switch from 3G to 4G was to go all-IP

Table 1.4: 3G Digital Cellular Phone Standards

1.2.4 Fourth Generation Mobile 4G

The 4G digital network standard is among the latest standards in the world today. It is
the evolution of the UMTS and CDMA technologies in 3G. The first 4G network release was
done by 3GPP release 8 in 2008, introducing the 4G LTE network. Two main categories are
involved here: LTE and LTE Advanced.

The fundamental reason for the transition to the All-IP is to have a common platform for all
the technologies that have been developed so far, and to harmonize with user expectations
of the many services to be provided. The fundamental difference between the GSM/3G and
All-IP is that the functionality of the RNC and BSC is now distributed to the BTS and a
set of servers and gateways. This means that this network will be less expensive and data
transfer will be much faster.[1]

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Table 1.5: LTE Network Characteristics

1.2.5 Fifth Generation Mobile 5G

Figure 1.3: 5G, the Connected Community

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The fifth generation is expected to be the future of mobile network communications, as it will
have capacities far greater than the 4G LTE and LTE-Advanced. The data rate will be over
1Gbps, and the speed up to 20 Gbps.

5G should be seen as a platform enabling wireless connectivity to all kinds of services, existin g
as well as future not yet-known services and thereby taking wireless networks beyond
mobile broadband. Connectivity will be provided essentially anywhere, anytime
to anyone and anything. [8]

Table 6: Comparison of Different Network Technologies[9]

Figure 1.4: Cellular Technology Evolution [4]

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1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The cellular systems are growing at an exponential rate.The evolution of mobile

communications has had a global impact today, and the 5G is currently being implemented in
China and South Korea, and it is forcing its way in all countries worldwide. However, new
network operators are being created regularly and most of them start with the 3G.
Telecommunications Engineers are working on how to install their new network in cities, and
they need a great mastery of the network planning and optimization.This project serves as a
solid ground for newly created operators worldwide, and also to solve the problem of planning
and upgrading of existing network systems.

1.4 OBJECTIVES
1.4.1 General Objectives

The ultimate objective of this work is to plan and optimize the 3G UMTS network for the
country of Morocco using the Atoll RNP software tool, providing coverage and capacity
planning.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

 Determine the number of node B needed to deploy the network in the given area.
 Insert the proper parameters in Atoll. For example, the antenna types, speed, device
types, etc.
 Import the Digital map successfully into software.
 Understand the 3G UMTS WCDMA technology perfectly well.
 Determine the cell range
 Determine the cell area
 Determine the number of node B required to cover the whole area
 Determine which propagation model best suits the present situation
 Optimize the network with ACP simulation tool
 Evaluate the performance of the planned, simulated network

1.5 LITERATURE REVIEW AND RELATED WORKS

The Radio Network Planning and Optimization of 3G UMTS WCDMA network has been
studied and carried out by several Engineers throughout the world. Many people have worked
on a simliar project and contributed to the global family of research on the topic.

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In [4] Tibebu Mekonnen performed dimensioning and planning of Multi RAT Radio Network
for Future Deployment in Bahir Dar City using the 3G UMTS network.

In [8] Jane Chiamaka Zikora, planned and optimized the 3G network with case study Ukraine
using Atoll RNP Software Tool.

Miguel Monteiro Antunes França Martin in [11], for his Master Thesis of December 2014, did
3G Radio Network Planning for a Mobile Network Operator, with case study being Cameroon.

In [15], S. A. Mawjoud worked on a short project work of the estimation of design parameters
for WCDMA network which support different data rate (Multimedia) services. The estimated
parameters include: Cell coverage range using path loss propagation model, average and
maximum path loss, throughput, capacity / km2, number of users per cells blocking capacity,
tracking efficiency. The parameters are computed for different data rates.

Lejalem Mitikie in [17] on her side worked on UMTS Coverage and Capacity Planning for
the case of Bole Sub City in Addis Ababa. It concerned carrying out Universal Mobile
Telecommunication System coverage and capacity planning taking Boles sub City of Addis
Ababa as a case study. Dimensioning and Prediction simulation output verifies that, the
intended planning and design work for the designated area can be achieved with 105 node B,
which is less by 8 NodeBs compared to the existing 3G radio network system.

More work was done in [19], [23] and [24]

1.6 SCOPE OF STUDY

This project work focuses on the essentials of coverage analysis in dimensioning 3G networks.
The scope of the project ranges from the mastery of the UMTS network, its WCDMA radio
network planning and simulation using Atoll. It does not address the core network dimensio ning
and the end-to-end service aspects such as IP backhaul and microwave transmission nor go into
details of capacity planning. [5]

1.7 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

This project work is a revealer of not only all the previous and next technologies, but also of
the UMTS technology. In a simplified way, its operation has been explained in detail, and also
the optimization under the planning tool is a good means to plan the network for many
Telecommunications companies.

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1.8 ADVANTAGES OF 3G UMTS OVER 2G GSM

 Better spectral efficiency
 Higher peak data rates – namely, up to 2 Mbit/s indoor and 384 kbit/s outdoor. This should
result in a choice of channels with a bandwidth of 5 MHz instead of 200 kHz
 supporting multimedia applications, meaning the transmission of voice, arbitrary data, text,
pictures, audio and video, which requires increased flexibility in the choice of data rates
 Backward compatibility to second-generation systems [2]
 Asymmetric uplink and downlink data rates to fit usual Packet-Switched (PS) traffic
characteristics, e.g. web browsing, ftp downloads. [12]
 Support of Quality of Service (QoS) differentiation, e.g. in terms of error rates and
delay.
 Dynamic adaptation of user data rates (“bandwidth on demand”).

1.9 ASSUMPTIONS MADE THROUGHOUT PROJECT

 The frequency used for UMTS planning is 2100MHz since it is the standard.
 Tri-sector sites were used instead of omni sites to improve the capacity of the network.
 Since we are using tri-sector cells, the optimization of one cell would represent that of all
the cells because they have the same parameters configuration.
 For coverage prediction, just a portion of the whole map was selected because using the
whole map for coverage got the software freezing and made it stop. So we assumed that
sample area represents the coverage of the whole map.
 For the purpose of understanding and also because the software tool freezes upon excess
load, one prediction was made for coverage with many sites.

1.10 APPLICATIONS OF PROJECT

 This project can be used by 3G operators such as CAMTEL for the deployment of their
network in areas not yet covered by the technology.
 Telecom companies such as SFR, Bouygues Telecom, NEXTELL and others can learn
though this project on how to deploy 3G services in desired areas.
 Operators still using the 2G GSM technology can use this work to learn how to deploy their
3G network at their convenience.

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1.11 REPORT LAYOUT

This project report is made up of five main chapters. In the first chapter, an introduction to the
3G UMTS project is given, highlighting the rise of mobile communications, project objectives,
and the problem statement.

Chapter Two has for goal to explain in a simple way what 3G UMTS is all about, giving all the
key aspects concerning its architecture, interfaces, channels, aire interface, multiple access
techniques, and Radio Access Bearer (RAB). It also gives a brief history on the evolution of
cellular technologies.

Chapter Three goes into the core matter by performing the WCDMA Radio Network Planning
process in full, giving emphasis on the power or link budget, and other parameters.

The next chapter is devoted to the work done using the software planning tool known as Atoll
for the case study of the country of North Morocco. Here the work done using the software,
together with the simulation and optimization of results obtained are performed.

Finally we have the conclusion, giving a summary of everything said and done, analysing the
results obtained, giving recommendations nd future work to be done. Finally we have the
references and appendix section.

1.12 PARTIAL CONCLUSION

We have seen the introductory elements of this project report. This gives us a good ground for
the next chapter in which we shall discuss with the aim to understand the 3G Universal Mobile
Telecommunications System.

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Chapter 2:UNIVERSAL MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATION

SYSTEM (UMTS)

2.1INTRODUCTION
In this chapter we shall depict the architecture of the 3G UMTS Network, giving the functio ns
of each elements, together with the air interface and other parameters. The basic purpose of
introducing the UMTS is to support integrated digital wireless
communications at the data rates up to 2 Mbit/s in the 2 GHz band. [6]

2.2UMTS NETWORK ARCHITECTURE

UMTS takes advantage of the existing GSM and GPRS networks, which serve as a core network
in the UMTS infrastructure. Figure 4 presents the UMTS radio access network architecture.

Figure 2.1: UMTS Radio Access Network [10]

2.2.1 UMTS Architecture Elements

There are three main elements of this architecture:

1. User Equipment (UE) which consists of:

 Mobile Equipment (ME), which is a radio terminal connecting a UMTS subscriber

through the radio interface Uu with the fixed part of the UMTS system.

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 UMTS Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), which is a smart card similar to

the SIM card used in the GSM system. The card contains the subscriber
identity, authentication algorithms, authentication and encryption keys etc.
2. UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), which is a system of base

stations and their controllers. It consists of two kinds of elements:

 Base stations called Nodes B (in accordance with the 3GPP), which perform physical layer

processing such as channel coding, data interleaving, rate

matching, modulation, etc. Briefly, a base station converts the data between
the Uu radio interface and the lub interface connecting a Node B with the Radio Network
Controller.
 Radio Network Controllers (RNCs), which control Nodes B connected to
them and manage radio resources assigned to them. In this sense the RNC
performs the data link layer processing and participates in the handover
procedures. The RNC is considered a service access point of UTRAN for
the core network. It is connected to a single MSC/VLR to route circuit-switched traffic and
to a single SGSN to route packet-switched traffic. [10]

3 Core Network (CN)

It is shared with GSM and GPRS. It therefore contains typical
elements both for circuit-switched and packet-switched systems, i.e.:
 Home Location Register (HLR) performing functions similar to those in the GSM and

GPRS systems,
 Mobile Switching Center/Visitor Location Register (MSC/VLR) handling the circuit-
switched traffic,
 Gateway MSC (GMSC) connecting the UMTS with external Circuit-Switched (CS)
networks,
 Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN) similar to that in GPRS and serving the packet-
switched traffic,
 Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) connecting the UMTS with external Packet
Switched (PS) networks

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Figure 2.2: UTRAN Logical Architecture [11]

2.2.2 UTRAN Interfaces

Below we list the UMTS interfaces and present their basic functions. They are as follows

 Cu Interface connects the hardware part of the UMTS terminal with the USIM
smart card. It conforms to a standard format of smart cards.
 Uu Interface is the radio interface between UMTS terminals and the base stations
(Nodes B). It is precisely defined to allow for functioning of terminals of different
brands. The novel contribution of the UMTS is this definition of the Uu interface.
 lub Interface defines communication between base stations and an appropriate
RNC.
 lur Interface is the interface between different RNCs. Let us note that there is no
equivalent of lur interface in GSM; however, in the UMTS the lur is necessary
to perform a soft handover with the participation of two base stations which are
controlled by two different RNCs. This interface is also used if a connection from
a base station is routed from the so-called Drift RNC to the Serving RNC, which
finally, through the lu interface, directs it to the core network.
 lu Interface connects the UTRAN with the core network and is functionally similar to the
A interface in GSM and the Gb interface in GPRS.

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2.3UMTS OPERATION MODES AND MULTIPLE ACCESS

WCDMA is mostly used as an abbreviation for radio access technology, while the expression
UMTS refers to the complete system, including the Core Network (CN). [2] UMTS is more
than a single technology or access method. Rather, it is a combination of certain
technologies and the drift is to find mechanisms by which these selected access methods can
work together. So that, the end-user is always able to experience adequate coverage and services
may have the suitable spectrum and platform for their functions. [3]

The main radio technology employed in UMTS is WCDMA whose variants Frequency
Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD) were selected by the Europe an
Telecommunications Institute (ETSI). However, likewise traditional Code Division Multip le
Access (CDMA), the spread spectrum forms the fundamental technique for WCDMA but
employing a different control channel and signaling, wider bandwidth, and a set of enhanced
futures for fulfilling the requirements of 3G systems, it is
significantly different from its equivalent. The fundamental technique used in WCDMA is the
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS).

Figure 2.3: DSSS principle

Its main principles are demonstrated in the Figure 2.4. To explain this technique, it will be
assumed that the radio signal is transmitted from the Base Station (BS) to the Mobile Station
(MS). At the BS, the transmitted signal, with rate R, is broadcasted by combining it with a
wideband-spreading signal. This combination creates a spread signal with bandwidth W.

On the mobile station side, the received signal is multiplied by the same spreading signal. So,
If the spreading signal, locally generated at the mobile, is synchronized with the spread signal,
the result is the original signal plus possibly some incorrect higher frequency components which
are not part of the original signal and, thus, can easily be filtered. On the other hand, if there is
any undesired signal at the mobile the spreading signal will affect it as the original signal at the
BS, spreading it to the bandwidth of the spreading signal.

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This basic process makes WCDMA more robust, flexible and resistant to interfere nce.
WCDMA also becomes more solid against congestion and concurrent interception. However,
to realize its efficiency WCDMA occupies a wider bandwidth compared with basic CDMA.

Figure 2.4: Basic WCDMA system

2.4 UMTS TRANSPORT CHANNELS

The UMTS radio interface has logical channels that are mapped to transport channels. These
transport channels are then again mapped to physical channels. Logical-to-transport channel
conversion happens in the medium access control (MAC) layer, which is a lower sublayer in
the data link layer (layer 2). [9]

Figure 2.5: Basic Protocol Structure of UTRAN interfaces [5]

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2.4.1 Logical Channels

The logical channels are divided into two groups: control channels and traffic channels. The
MAC uses the logical channels for data transport. The traffic channels carry the voice and
data traffic.

1. Control Channels
 BCCH-DL – this channel broadcasts information to the mobiles for system control,
system information about the serving cell and the monitored set (neighbor list). The
BCCH is carried by the BCH or FACH.
 PCCH-DL – the PCCH is associated with the PICH. The channel is used for paging and
notification information. The PCCH is carried by the PCH.
 DCCH-UL/DL – this channel carries dedicated radio resource control information, in
both directions. Together with the DTCH, the DCCH can be carried by differe nt
combinations of transport channels: RACH, FACCH, CPCH, DSCA or DCH.
 CCCH-UL/DL – this channel’s purpose is to transfer control information between the
mobiles and the network. The RACH and FACH are the transport channels used by the
CCCH.
 SHCCH-UL/DL – this channel is only used in UMTS TDD. It is a bi-directional channel,
used to transport shared channel control information. [9]
2. Traffic Channels
 DTCH-UL/DL – this is the bi-directional channel used for user traffic.
 CTCH-DL – this is a downlink-only channel, used to transmit dedicated user
information to a single mobile or a whole group of mobiles.

2.4.2 Transport Channels

The user data is transmitted via the air interface using transport channels. In the physical
layer these channels are mapped into physical channels. There are two types of transport
channels, common and dedicated channels. Dedicated channels are for one user only;
common channels are for all mobiles in the cell. [3]

1. Dedicated Transport Channels

 DCH-UL/DL, mapped to DCCH and DTCH – this channel is used to transfer user data and
control information, handover commands, measurement reports etc. to and from a specific
mobile. Each mobile has a dedicated DCH in both UL and DL

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2. Common Transport Channels

There are six common transport channels:

 BCH-DL – this channel transmits identification information about the cell and network,
access codes, access slots, etc. The BCH is sent with a low fixed data rate. The BCH must
be decoded by all the mobiles in the cell, therefore relative high power is allocated to
broadcast the BCH. The BCH is mapped into the PCCPCH (primary common control
physical channel).
 FACH-DL – this channel transmits control information to the mobiles that are in service on
the network. The FACH can also carry packet data. The FACH is mapped into the SCCPCH
(secondary control physical channel).
 PCH-DL – this is the channel carrying the paging signals within the location area, which
alert mobiles about incoming calls, SMS and data connections. The PCH is mapped into
the SCCPCH.
 RACH-UL – this channel is used by the mobile when accessing the network with access
bursts. Control information is sent by the mobile to the network on the RACH. The RACH
is mapped into PRACH (physical random access channel)
 Uplink common packet channel (CPCH)-UL – this channel is used for fast power control,
and also provides additional capacity beyond the capacity of the RACH. The CPCH is
mapped into the PCPCH (physical common packet channel)
 Downlink shared channel (DSCH)-DL – this channel can be shared by many mobiles and is
used for non-time-critical data transmission on the downlink, web browsing, etc. The DSCH
is mapped to the PDSCH (physical downlink shared channel).

Figure 2.6: Transport Channels [17]

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2.4.3 Physical Channels

The transport channels are mapped to physical channels.

 CPICH – this channel identifies the cell, used by the mobile for cell selection, and to
measure the quality of serving radio link and the adjacent cells. The CPICH enables the
mobile to select the best cell, and the CPICH plays a significant role in cell selection and
cell reselection.
 Synchronization Channel (SCH) – there is both a primary and a secondary SCH. These
channels are used by the mobiles to synchronize to the network.
 Common control physical channel (CCPCH) – there are two types of CCPCHs, the
primary and the secondary:
– PCCPCH continuously broadcasts the system identification (the BCH) and access
control information.
– SCCPCH transmits the FACH (forward access channel), and provides control
information, as well as the PACH (paging channel).
 PRACH – this channel is used by the mobile to transmit the RACH burst when accessing
the network.
 Dedicated physical data channel DPDCH – this channel is the user data traffic channel
(DCH)
 Dedicated physical control channel (DPCCH) – this channel carries the control
information to and from the mobile. The channel carries bidirectional pilot bits as well as
the transport format combination identifier (TFCI). On the DL channel is included transmit
power control and feedback information bits (FBI)
 PDSCH – this channel shares control information (DSCH) to all mobiles within the
service area of the cell
 PCPCH – this channel is for carrying packet data (CPCH).
 Acquisition indicator channel (AICH) – this channel is used to inform the mobile about the
DCH is must use to connect to the Node B
 Paging indication channel (PICH) – this channel indicates the paging group the mobile
belongs to. This enables the mobiles to be able to monitor the PCH when its group is
paged, and in the meantime the mobile can ‘sleep’ and preserve its battery.
 CPCH status indication channel (CSICH) – this DL channel carries information about the
status of the CPCH. Can also be used for DL data service

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 Collision detection channel assignment indication channel (CD/CA-ICH) – this DL

channel is used to indicate to the mobile if the channel assignment is active or
inactive. [9]

2.5 FUNDAMENTALS OF THE UMTS TECHNOLOGY

2.5.1 Source Coding / Decoding

The WCDMA system adopts the Adaptive Multi-rate (AMR) speech coding.

 A total of eight coding modes are available. The coding rate ranges from 12.2 Kbps to
4.75 Kbps.
 Multiple voice rates are compatible with the coding modes used by current mainstream
mobile communication systems. This facilitates the design of multi- mode terminals.
 The system automatically adjusts the voice rate according to the distance between the
user and the Node B, thus reducing the number of handovers and call drop.
 The system automatically decreases the voice rate of some users according to the cell
load, thus saving power and containing more users [17]

2.5.2 Channel Coding / Decoding

 A radio channel is an adverse transmission channel. When digital signals transmitted

over a radio channel, bit errors may occur in the transmission data flow due to various
reasons, causing image jumps and disconnection at the receive end.
 Ultimately, channel coding intends to increase the reliability of the channel, but it may
reduce the transmission of useful information data. Channel coding works by inserting
some code elements, usually referred to as overhead, into the source data code flow, for
error detection and correction at the receiving end.
 This is like the transport of glasses. To ensure that no glasses are broken during this process,
we usually use foams or sponge to package them. However, such packaging reduces the
total number of glasses. Similarly, over a channel with fixed bandwidth, the total
transmission code rate is fixed.
 As channel coding increases data amount, the useful information code rate is reduced .
Channel coding can enhance symbol correlation to recover signals in the case of
interference.
 WCMDA uses two code types: Voice service: Convolutional code (1/2 and 1/3) and Data
service: Turbo code (1/3). [25]
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2.5.3 Interleaving / De-interleaving

 Interleaving is used to damage symbol correlation and reduce the impact caused by fast
fading and interference of the channel. [24]

Figure 2.7: Interleaving

 Interleaving/de- interleaving is an important step of the combined channel error

correction system. The actual errors in the channel are usually burst errors or both burst
errors and random errors. If burst errors are first discretized into random errors, which
are then corrected, the system’s anti-interference performance can be improved. The
interleaver works to discretize long burst errors or multiple burst errors into random errors,
that is, discretizing the errors
 The interleaving technology rearranges the coded signals by following certain rules. After
de-interleaving, burst errors are dispersed over time, making them similar to random errors
that occur separately [17]
2.5.4 Spreading / Dispreading

Spread Spectrum is an information transmission mode. It modulates informa tio n

signals with spreading code at sending end and enables spectrum width of informa tio n
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signals much wider than bandwidth for information transmission. It dispreads at

receiving end with same spreading code, to resume data of transmitted information

2.5.5 Scrambling

 Downlink: The UE distinguish the cells in the WCDMA system by identifying the
scramble of each cell.
 Uplink: Users are distinguished directly based on scrambles
 OVSF codes have not good self-correlation, they are not good for distinguishing the multi-
paths signal.
 Scrambling is using good self-correlation codes to process with the signal after spreading,
and the final signal will be good self-correlation
 After scrambling, the chips are modulated to the higher frequency carrier then transmitted.

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Figure 2.8: WCDMA Spreading and Scrambling

2.5.6 Modulation / Demodulation

In the WCDMA radio networks, modulation characteristics are different in the uplink and
downlink directions. Both the uplink and downlink directions have a chip rate of 3.84 Mcps.
WCDMA use BPSK (Binary phase-shift keying) and QPSK (Quadrature phase-shift keying)
for data modulations in uplink and downlink respectively. In the uplink direction, dedicated
channels are multiplexed using complex coding schemes (also known as I/Q coding), while in
the downlink direction they are time multiplexed with respect to time. If time‐based
multiplexing is used in the uplink, then during the DTX, interference that
occurs will be audible, which is not the case in the downlink because transmission is continuo us
in the case of common channels.

Characteristics of WCDMA FDD

 Channel bandwidth: 5MHz  Handover: soft/hard handover

 Chip rate: 3.84Mcps  Support synchronous and
 Frame length: 10ms asynchronous Node B operation
 Voice coding: AMR (Adaptive Multi-  Satisfy the minimum performance
Rate) requirement of IMT2000
 Uplink and downlink modulatio n:  Compatible with GSM-MAP core
QPSK/QPSK network
 Coherence demodulation aided with  Comparatively steady version R99 has
pilot been released
 Fast closed loop power control:  Support open loop and closed loop
1500Hz transmit diversity mode

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 Support Common Packet  Support different fast power control

Channel(CPCH) and Downlink Share algorithms and open loop, out loop
Channel, adapt to Internet data access power control
mode  Fully support UE locating services
 Support macro diversity, selection
diversity of Node B location

2.5.7 Power Control

Efficient power control is very important for WCDMA network performance. It is needed to
minimize the interference in the system, and given the nature of the DS-CDMA (all signals are
transmitted using the same frequency at the same time), a good power control algorithm is
essential. Power control is needed both in the uplink and in the downlink, although for
different reasons. In the uplink direction, all signals should arrive at the base station’s receiver
with the same signal power.

The mobile stations cannot transmit using fixed power levels, because the cells would be
dominated by users closest to the base station and far away users couldn’t get their signals heard
in the base station. The phenomenon is called the near-far effect, this problem calls for uplink
power control. The mobile stations far away from the base station should transmit with
considerably higher power than mobiles close to the base station. The situation is different in
the downlink direction. The downlink signals transmitted by one base station are orthogonal.

Signals that are mutually orthogonal do not interfere with each other, possible power level,
which maintains the required signal quality. A mobile station close to the base station would
not suffer if the signals it receives have been sent using too much power. But other users,
especially those in other cells, could receive this signal as non-orthogonal noise, and therefore
unnecessary high power levels should be avoided.

2.6 UMTS SERVICES AND FEATURES

The main characteristics of third-generation mobile radio systems are:

 Support of all features currently being offered by different radio systems.

 Support of new services with high quality of service, the same as in the fixed network.
 High capacity, which will support high market penetration.
 High spectral efficiency.

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 Lightweight, small (pocket-sized) and inexpensive handheld equipment

for mobile telephone use.
 High security, comparable to that of the fixed network.
 High demands are being placed on the third-generation systems, e.g.:
 Services (voice and data, teleservices, bearer services, supplementar y
services).
 Different bit rates (low bit rates for voice; data rates up to 2 Mbit/s).
 Variable bit rates and packet-oriented services.
 Use of different sized cells (macro, micro, pico) for indoor and outdoor
applications, with seamless handover between indoor and outdoor base
stations.
 Operation in non-synchronous base station subsystems.
 Advanced mobility characteristics (UPT, roaming, handover, etc.).
 Flexible frequency management.
 Flexible management of radio resources

UMTS teleservices and applications include:

 Audio and video  Broadcast Services  Mobility services (e.g.,

transmission  Database inquiries navigation or
 Emergency call localization)
 Data transmission
broadcasts
 Directory services (e.g.,
 Teleshopping
 Short-message services
 Electronic mail
telephone book)
 Paging
 Emergency calls

 Tele action services  Teleshopping  Voice messages

(e.g., remote control)  Video monitoring

2.7 PARTAIL CONCLUSION

UMTS is no longer a mystery to us. We have seen in detail the main elements of the system.,
form the architecture, through the channels and the WCDMA technology. Now in the next
chapter we shall go into the radio network planning process.

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Chapter 3: WCDMA RADIO NETWORK PLANNING

3.1INTRODUCTION

In this chapter we shall comprehend the radio network planning process for UMTS networks.
This includes the WCDMA RNP process, link budget, radio propagation models, and cell area
calculations. The network planning process in UMTS networks is similar to that of the GSM
networks (as seen in Chapter 2) except for the fact that the number of parameters increases.
[26] The network planning process itself is not standard. Though some of the steps may be
common, the process is determined by the type of projects, criteria and targets. The process
has to be applied case by case. [16] The radio network planning deliverables are final BTS
configurations and site locations

3.2WCDMA RNP PROCESS

Figure 3.1: Radio Network Planning Methodology

Planning means building a network able to provide service to the customers wherever they are.
This work can be simplified and structured in certain steps.

1- Dimensioning
2- Preplanning
3- Detailed Planning

Achieving maximum capacity while maintaining an acceptable grade of service and good
speech quality is the main issue for the network planning. Planning an immature network with
a limited number of subscribers is not the real problem. The difficulty is to plan a network that

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allows future growth and expansion. Wise re-use of site location in the future network structure
will save money for the operator. [21]

3.2.1 Dimensioning

The dimensioning exercise is to identify the equipment and the network type (i.e. technology
employed) required in order to cater for the coverage and quality requirements, apart from
seeing that capacity needs are fulfilled for the next few years (generally 3-5 years). The
more accurate the dimensioning is, the more efficient will be network rollout. In practice,
network rollout very closely follows the output of network dimensioning/planning. For an
efficient network rollout, the equipment has to be ordered well before the planning starts (i.e.
after dimensioning), as the equipment orders are placed based on the dimensioning results.

Planning engineers should try to do very realistic/accurate dimensioning for each cell site.
The inputs that are required for the dimensioning exercise include: the geographical area to be
covered the estimated traffic in each region minimum requirements of power in each region and
blocking criteria path loss the frequency band to be used and frequency re-use.

With the above parameters, the radio planner can predict the number of base stations that will
be required for coverage in the specified area to meet the individual quality targets, and to meet
the expected increase in traffic in the next few years. [2]

3.2.1.1 Site Survey on North Morocco

Morocco is located in the northwest corner of Africa and is bordered by the North Atlantic
Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Algeria and Western Sahara are the land borders to the
south and east. Morocco is about the same size as California. The high Atlas Mountains separate
the mild coastline from the harsh Sahara.

Morocco is located within the latitude and longitude of 32° 00 N, 05º 00 W. Morocco is in
North Africa. Morocco is situated on the northern hemisphere. It is surrounded by two water
bodies that are the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. The capital city
of Morocco is Rabat. The latitude and longitude of Rabat, the capital city of Morocco is
34º 02' N, 06º 51 W'.

Morocco has the most extensive river system in North Africa. Moroccan rivers generally flow
south or westward to the Atlantic or southeastward toward the Sahara; the Moulouya (Muluya),
an exception, flows 560 km (348 mi) northeast from the Atlas to the Mediterranean. Principa l
rivers with outlets in the Atlantic are the Oumer, Rebia, Sebou (Sebu), Bou Regreg, Tensift,

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3G UMTS Network Planning and Optimization using Atoll- Case Study: North Morocco

Draa, and Sous (Sus). The Ziz (Zis) and Rheris are the main rivers flowing southward into the
Sahara. [28]

Picture 3.1: Morocco viewed from Google Earth (in red)

Table 3.1: Geographic Characteristics of North Morocco

Area 446,550 km2

Land Area 446, 300 km2
Capital Rabat
Perimeter 2,334 km
Longitude 7° 5’ 55.7’’ W
Latitude 31° 47’ 30.1’’ N
Clutter Type 63.8% urban
Population 37,193,030 inhabitants
Annual Growth Rate 5%
Topography Fertile northern coastal plain
Rich plateaus and Lowlands
Semi-arid area
Population Density 83 people per km2
Most Suitable Propagation COST-231 model
Model

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Figure 3.2: Map of Morocco

3.2.1.2 UMTS Frequency bands

Although there are many bands and frequencies available now for mobile telecommunicatio ns,
3G UMTS had a number of recognized bands that were widely used for carrying these services.

One of the advantages of the use of 3G UMTS was that spectrum around the globe was
coordinated well and this meant that mobile handsets could have a relatively limited number of
bands if they were to operate anywhere.

Although with the advent of 4G, 5G, etc. and a much greater number of users, spectrum
allocations have proliferated and been allocated according to local availability, the 3G bands
and allocations were much more coordinated.

The table below lists Frequency Division Duplex UMTS bands, compiled from 3GPP
25.101 (Rel 99, May 1999)

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Table 3.2: 3G UMTS Frequency bands FDD

UMTS uses wideband CDMA as the radio transport mechanism and the UMTS frequency
channels are spaced by 5 MHz. The UMTS signal bandwidth is normally considered to be 5
MHz but this figure includes the 0.58 MHz guard bands either side. Therefore, when the two
guard bands, one either side, are excluded this leaves and effective signal bandwidth of 3.84
MHz within the flat response area of the signal for the transmission itself.

It is also necessary to consider the roll-off factor for the signal of 0.22. This roll-off factor is
determined by the Root Raised Cosine filter specified by 3GPP. This means that the total signal
bandwidth increasing the skirts is 4.68 MHz.

It is also worth noting that the frequency bandwidth used for the TD-SCDMA variant of 3G
UMTS used in China is 1.6 MHz. [29]

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3.2.2 Pre-planning

The following steps will carried out during the planning process, for both coverage and capacity
planning:

Figure 3.3: Coverage Planning Flowchart

Although, in a real scenario, network dimensioning and pre-planning go hand in hand,

they have been separated in this chapter for the ease of understanding. Pre-planning can be
considered to be the next stage after dimensioning and it is at this stage that some concrete
plans related to coverage, capacity and quality are made.
The major target of the radio planner is to increase the coverage area of a cell and decrease
the amount of equipment needed in the network, so obtaining the maximum coverage at
minimum cost. Maximum coverage means that the mobile is connected to a given cell at
a maximum possible distance. This is possible if there is a minimum signal to noise ratio
at both the BTS and MS. Another factor attributing to the path length between the two
antennas (BTS and MS) is the propagation loss due to environmental conditions. [2]

The aim of coverage planning is to utilize the dimensioning results (the average
base station antenna height) and the configurations defined in the configuration planning
(based on the power budget calculations) to minimize the number of base station sites.

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Figure 3.4: Capacity Planning Flowchart [26]

Capacity and frequency planning begin by defining the planning thresholds, which depend on
the hardware and software features used in the radio network. When the thresholds have been
defined the rest of the capacity and frequency planning process is planning tool-based work at
the onset of the radio network deployment.

In the capacity planning phase, the final coverage plan including composite and dominance
information is combined with the user density information; in this way the capacity can be
allocated. Boundary conditions for capacity allocation are agreed with the customer earlier, i.e.
the maximum TRX number per base station.

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3.2.3 Detailed Planning

When the pre-planning phase is over, and the search for sites has begun, the detailed planning
process begins. This includes definition of the practical aspects of a site, such as antenna
locations and heights, and study of link performances and interference analysis. Along with
this, the all-important process of defining parameter settings takes place.
The detailed planning process is sometimes referred to as pre-launch optimization, and
radio network planning tools have an important role in this. Some data collected from drive
tests is also used.

3.2.3.1 Radio Propagation Models

There are many empirical outdoor propagation models such as Longley-Rice model, Durkin’s
model, Okumura model, Hata model etc. Longley-Rice model is the most commonly used
model within a frequency band of 40 MHz to 100 GHz over different terrains. Certain
modifications over the rudimentary model like an extra urban factor (UF) due to urban clutter
near the receiver is also included in this model. Below, we discuss some of the outdoor models,
followed by a few indoor models too. [14]

Okumura Model
 The Okumura model is based on measurements made in Tokyo in 1960, between 200
and 1920MHz [17–20]. While not representative of modern U.S. cities, the data and model
are still widely used as a basis of comparison.
 The model is empirical, being based solely on the measured data. The actual path
loss predictions are made based on graphs of Okumura’s results, with various
correction factors applied for some parameters.
 It is developed for macro cells.
 It is radio propagation models for urban areas

Table 3.3: Coverage Parameters of the Okumura model

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Applications of the Okumura model:

 It is ideal case are cities with urban structures but not tall building structures.
 Okumura’s model is considered to be among the simplest and best in terms of accuracy in
path loss for mature cellular and land mobile radio systems in clustered environments.
 It is practical and has become a standard for system planning in modern land mobile radio
systems in Japan.

Hata Model
 It is also known as the Okumura-Hata model.
 Hata established empirical mathematical relationships to describe the graphica l
information given by Okumura.
 Hata’s formulation is limited to certain ranges of input parameters and is applicable
only over quasi-smooth terrain.

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 Hata model is not suitable for microcell planning where antenna is below roof height
and its maximum carrier frequency is 1500 MHz It is not valid for 1800 MHz and
1900 MHz systems.

Table 3.4: Coverage Parameters of the Hata model

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Applications of Hata Model

 This model is suited for both point-to-point and broadcast transmissions

 Urban area version is applicable for high dense cities including tall buildings
 Sub-urban area version is applicable for places outside cities, rural areas. Open area
version is applicable where there are no obstacles.

COST-231 Model
 The COST 231 model is an enhanced version of the Hata model with the 1800-1900
MHz included.
 This model consists of three components: the Free Space model, taking the general
attenuation between Base Station (BS) and Mobile Terminal (MT) into account; one
over rooftops, accounting for the multiple diffraction on the rooftops of the buildings
in between the BS and the street where the MT is located; and the inside street one,
considering the propagation from the rooftop to the MT, where the walls form a
canyon.
 The second component, and this general approach, originated from the research group
led by Henry Bertoni, while the third is taken from Ikegami & co.
 The development of the COST 231 involved the measurement campaigns, performed
by several groups participating in the project, in Radio propagation modeling on 433
MHz several European cities. The model was finalized in 1991. Nowadays, the model
still needs improvements.
 COST 231 models are for propagation in the PCS band. Path losses experienced at 845
MHz are about 10 dB larger than those experienced at 955 MHz
 It contains corrections for urban, suburban and rural (flat) environments. Although its
frequency range is outside that of the measurements, its simplicity and the availability
of correction factors has seen it widely used for path loss prediction at this frequency
band

Table 3.5: Coverage Parameters of the COST-231 model

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COST-231 model can be used for urban towns with high frequency ranges.

3.2.3.2 WCDMA Link Budget

In WCDMA radio networks the link budget calculations need to be done individually for voice
and various data rates(e.g. 12.2 kbps, 64 kbps, 128 kbps, 384 kbps & HSPA) for a certain load
and for different applications.

The templates is the same for each radio bearer i.e. 12.2kbps speech, 64kbps data, 128kbps data,
384kbps data and HSPA. The data service link budgets are presented for Low Delay
Constrained Data (LCD) services. It is assumed that the Unconstrained Delay Data (UDD)
services have identical link budgets i.e. there is no difference between the packet switched and
circuit switched radio bearer link budget.

The WCDMA link budget calculations start from the uplink direction, because Uplink
interference is usually the limiting factor in CDMA systems. [5]

One of the main aims of calculating a link budget is to determine the maximum
allowed signal attenuation, called path loss, between the mobile and the base station. The
maximum path loss allows the maximum cell range to be estimated with a suitable
propagation model, such as Okumura–Hata. The cell range gives the number of base station
sites required to cover the target geographical area. The link budget calculation can also be used
to compare the relative coverage of the different systems. The propagation model used will be
the COST-231 Hata model [1]

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Figure 3.5: WCDMA Uplink

Link budget uses various parameters. Some of them are cited below:

1 Transmitting end: 2 Receiving end:

 Cell edge user throughput  UE Noise figure
 Transmitting power  Thermal Noise
 Transmitting antenna gain  Required SINR
 Cable loss  Receiver sensitivity
 TMA insertion loss
 Body loss

The gains and losses in propagation are defined below:

In WCDMA radio networks the link budget calculations need to be done individually for voice
and various data rates (e.g. 64 kbps, 144kbps, 384 kbps) for a certain load (50% in this example)
and for different applications. [2]

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Figure 3.6: WCDMA Downlink

…………………………………. eqn. 8

……………….. eqn. 9

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3G UMTS Network Planning and Optimization using Atoll- Case Study: North Morocco

…………… eqn. 10

……………………………. eqn. 11

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3G UMTS Network Planning and Optimization using Atoll- Case Study: North Morocco

……………………………………………………….eqn. 12

Link budget analysis was done for voice 12.2 kbps because voice is the most widely used input
by subscribers.

The aim of the link budget (LB) is to identify the maximum allowable path loss (MAPL)
between the transmitter and receiver for the UL and DL. Therefore, the cell radius can be
calculated for different terrain morphologies (i.e., dense urban, urban, suburban, and rural)
based on the appropriate propagation model.

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Table 3.6: WCDMA Link Budget Table for a bit rate 12.2kbps voice [8]

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As it was said before, link budget calculation for WCDMA considers more of uplink because
uplink interference is the limiting factor for CDMA systems. That’s why we are considering
the MAPL for uplink to get our radius. [8]

Cell Radius = 1.585 km

Figure 3.7: Coverage Area Derivation

Now that we have the cell radius, we can calculate the cell area for the case of 3-sector site. The
formula is:

9√ 3𝑅 2 9√ 3(1.585 𝑘𝑚)2
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 (3 − 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒) = = = 4.9 𝑘𝑚2
8 8

Total coverage area of North Morocco = 446,300 km2

Therefore, number of cells for total coverage = 446, 300 km2 / 4.9 km2 = 91,081.63

≈ 91,082 Node Bs

3.2.3.3 Capacity and Frequency Planning

 Capacity planning is typically done for the first time during the dimensioning phase and a
second time in parallel with the coverage planning. The aim of capacity planning is to
define the maximum and required number of transceivers at each base station or more
over the maximum and required capacity of the base station or base station site at each
physical location over a certain area. The exact capacity need can be defined based on the
monitoring of the radio network which gives the real information about traffic in the radio
network. Thus, the result of capacity planning is actually a specification for the frequency
planning: this specification defines the required input information—the number of

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transceivers and the required base station site configurations to achieve capacity—for
frequency planning at an element level.
 Capacity planning is strongly related to the coverage planning process due to the coverage
and capacity related base station site equipment like base station antenna line configura tio n
(antenna height, beam width, tilting).
 Capacity and coverage planning are also linked to each other due to the propagation
environment because frequencies can be reused more efficiently in a microcellular rather
than in a macro-cellular environment.
 Moreover, coverage planning defines the number of base stations required to cover a
certain area and this group of base stations also defines the maximum radio interface
capacity for this area when the maximum number of transceivers at each base station
is specified. This definition of the maximum number of transceivers derives from capacity
planning and it is based on the frequency reuse factor (the number of base stations before
the same frequency can be reused. Note that frequency reuse means only how often the
frequency is reused.) [2]
 The capacity has to be planned based on the maximum simultaneous usage .

Let’s consider an example of an area where there is a very high traffic density area in an urban
area of surface area 5 km2 and four base station sites (BTS1 and BTS2 having three sectors and
BTS3 and BTS4 having two sectors) of antenna height 25 m are needed to achieve good enough
coverage for this area, see Figure 3.1.

Figure 3.8: Base station sites [25]

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The antennas are implemented at rooftop level and thus the propagation environment is of a
macro cellular type. The traffic need for this area is as high as 100 Erl per busy hour. The
frequency band is 6.0 MHz and this means 30 frequency channels in the GSM when the
channel bandwidth is 200 kHz. The maximum number of transceivers at each base station
depends on the frequency reuse factor that moreover depends on the propagation environme nt
and the software features.

The value 15 (frequency reuse factor) can be used in this example because it is a typical value
for the radio network where antennas are implemented at rooftop level or above and when there
are no special software features implemented. When the number of frequency channels and the
frequency reuse factor are known, the maximum number of transceivers at each base station
can be calculated:

Maximum number of transceivers = frequency channels / frequency reuse factor =30/15 = 2.

These two transceivers represent a certain maximum traffic that has to be calculated in order to
be able to define the maximum traffic that can be provided by the ten base stations (each having
two transceivers). The calculation of the offered traffic by the two transceivers can be done by
using Erlang-B or Erlang-C formulas and tables.

3.2.3.4 Radio Resource Management (RRM)

For parameter planning in a WCDMA radio network, RRM and MM should be understood.
RRM and MM, as in GSM networks, consists of concepts such as radio resource control,
admission control, power control, handover control, etc. RRM is important from the perspective
of air‐interface resource utilization, offering optimum coverage, capacity and, above all,
guaranteeing the QoS. [8]

The radio resource management (RRM) is responsible for the efficient utilization of the radio
resources on the air-interface. It is used to optimize the used capacity, maintain planned
coverage and guarantee the quality of service. RRM can be broadly divided into handover
control, power control, admission control, load control and packet scheduling. Power control
and
handover control are connection-based functions while the rest are network-based functio ns.
Power control maintains the radio link level quality by adjusting the uplink and downlink

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power with the basic idea to get the quality requirements with minimum transmission powers
to achieve low interferences in the radio network. The basic functions are open loop, fast
closed loop and outer loop power control. The fundamental of power control is to achieve
the minimum signal to interference ratio that is required to achieve the desired link quality.
The active state mobility of the UE is controlled by the handover control by maintaining the
radio link quality and minimizing the radio network interference. The load control updates
the load information of the cells that are controlled by the RNC. This information is used by
the admission control and packet scheduling for controlling the radio resources. The admissio n
control feature decides if a radio access bearer should be admitted to the network or not,
thereby helping in maintaining the stability and achieve higher traffic capacity in the network.
For the NRT, the scheduling (including allocating and changing the bit rates of the bearer) of
the radio resources is carried out by the packet scheduler. [27]

3.3WCDMA OPTIMIZATION

The 3G traffic classes (conversational, interactive, streaming, background), QoS

provisioning mechanisms and the possibility for customer differentiation, together with the joint
management and traffic sharing between 2G and 3G networks, provide a challenging
‘playground’ on one hand for vendors, and on the other hand for service providers and network
operators. To be able to fully utilize the resources and to focus on the service provision rather
than trouble shooting, advanced analysis methods for optimization are required. [26]

The fundamental process of WCDMA radio network optimization is quite similar to that for
GSM. The process is, however, much more complicated and critical because of the presence
of data, both real-time and non-real-time, with four classes, each class having its own types
of application, with each application demanding a different quality aspect.
The process of optimization begins in the early phase of network planning, right after
pre-planning. It is slightly different from the network planning process, focusing more on
performance optimization by configuration changes (e.g. improving coverage by antenna
height adjustments or by changing antenna tilts) than on launching.

The optimization process starts with existing network data and the master plan made
during the initial phase of network planning. Present network data are needed to ascertain
whether there have been any deviations from the original plan during the implementa tio n
phase. The master plan will show the design targets (both short-term and long-term) for
coverage, capacity and quality. [2]

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Figure 3.9: WCDMA Radio Network Optimization

Network optimization can initially be seen as an involving task as a large number of variables
are available for tuning the impacting different aspects of the network performance. Even
after careful network planning, the first step of optimization should concentrate on planning
criteria. This is necessary as radio propagation is affected by so many factors (buildings,
terrain, vegetation, etc.) that propagation models are never fully accurate. Optimization takes
into account any difference between the predicted and actual coverages, both in terms of
received signal (RSCP) and the quality of the received signal (Ec/No ).

3.4PARTIAL CONCLUSION
All sections of the planning have been discussed. We have obtained our cell radius, cell area,
and consequently, the number of sites we need to install on the map in the case of tri-sector
sites. Now we shall proceed with simulation in Atoll, optimization using ACP, and analysis if
results obtained.

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Chapter 4: PREDICTION, RESULTS AND OPTIMIZATION

4.1INTRODUCTION
In this chapter we shall simulate the system using Atoll RNP software tool, optimize the results
for better performance and analyze the system.

4.2ATOLL PLANNING TOOL

Atoll is a 64-bit multi-technology wireless network design and optimization platform that
supports wireless operators throughout the network lifecycle, from initial design to densi-
fication and optimization. Atoll includes integrated single RAN – multiple RAT network design
capabilities for both 3GPP (GSM/UMTS/LTE) and 3GPP2 (CDMA/LTE) technology streams.
It provides operators and vendors with a powerful native 64-bit framework
for designing and optimizing current and future integrated multi-technology networks. Atoll
supports multi-technology HetNets, small cell planning, and Wi-Fi offloading.

Atoll 3.3 new Live module allows integrating live network measurement data such as KPIs and
UE/MDT (minimization of drive tests) traces with predictions and adds open-loop SON
capabilities to Atoll. Atoll’s integration and automation features help operators smoothly
automate planning and optimization processes through flexible scripting and SOA-based
mechanisms. Atoll supports a wide range of implementation scenarios, from standalone to
enterprise-wide server-based configurations.

With more than 6500 active licenses installed with 450+ customers in 115 countries, Atoll has
become the industry standard for radio network planning and optimization. [14]

4.3 WCDMA RNP AND OPTIMIZATION WITH ATOLL, CASE STUDY:

NORTH MOROCCO
4.3.1 Uploading the Map
 The first step is to open Atoll and create a new document based on an existing template.
The template of UMTS HSPA is chosen.
 Next the maps of North Morocco are imported into Atoll. They include the clutter classes,
the height, the vector, ortho and others. All maps are in index, in the. grc format.

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Picture 4.1: Creating UMTS document in Atoll

Picture 4.2: Importing Clutter Classes

Picture 4.3: Importing map into Atoll

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 The next step is to define the coordinate system for the map. That is done by going to the
Document section > then select properties, and the coordinate system chosen is WGS 84
UTM because it is universal. Since North Morocco is located in the northern hemisphe re
at longitude 7° West, we select WGS 84 / UTM zone 29N as projection, and WGS 84 as
datum. The degree format chosen is xx°xx’xx. xx’’S

Picture 4.4: Defining Coordinate system

 To display the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) of the map, we uncheck all the other items in
the Geo panel.

Picture 4.5: DTM of North Morocco

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4.3.2 Parameters Configuration and Coverage by one BTS

 Next Urban 3 sectors is chosen as clutter type for North Morocco. This is in line with the
population density of North Morocco. That is done in the panel above Geo, Network, Site
and Parameters.

Picture 4.6: Selection of Clutter Type

 To get the coverage by one BTS we first define a new computation zone from the Geo
Panel, which in this case is the whole map. This will give use the total coverage area to be
409,523.42 km2 . Definitely coverage by one BTS will not be enough for the whole map,
but this is done as an example of how all others should be done.

Picture 4.7: Defining the Computation Zone (in red)

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 Next inside the computation zone we have just defines, which is actually our zone of interest,
we strategically add a site. Since we are dealing with tri-sector sites, we can add a site
directly by clicking on the icon and dragging it to the place where we want to locate
our site.

Picture 4.8: Adding a site

 Now that we have added a site we can do the parameters configuration to get the best results.
First the antenna is selected to be 65deg 17-18dBi, 2100MHz 65 deg 18dBi 0Tilt.

Picture 4.9: Antenna Configuration

 We can also see the horizontal and vertical patterns of the antenna.

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Picture 4.10: Horizontal Pattern of Antenna

Picture 4.11: Vertical Pattern of Antenna

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 In the parameters panel we can also make various configurations on traffic: data speed,
mobility, MS configuration (note sensitivity), types of users and environment (rural, urban,
etc.)

Picture 4.12: Voice Properties

Picture 4.13: MS Configuration with sensitivity

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 Next the propagation model is set for each transmitter in the Network Panel. By right
clicking on each of the three transmitters for the site and going to properties, we choose the
COST-231 model and also set the cell radius. COST-231 model is chosen because it is in
line with the clutter type (urban) and frequency band (2100 MHz) being used. The cell
radius for the main matrix should be the same one we had when doing the link budget, and
that is 1.585 km. The cell radius for the extended matrix should be slightly greater than that
of the main matrix, and it is a personal choice. I chose 2 km.

Picture 4.14: Setting Propagation Model

 Now that all our parameters have been set, we need to predict the coverage by signal level
for the downlink for one site. To do this, we go to the Network Panel > Prediction > New
prediction > Coverage by Signal Level (DL).
 Then by selecting the prediction we right click on Calculate and the get the prediction by
signal level DL.

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Picture 4.15: Defining New Prediction

Picture 4.16: Coverage by Signal level (DL) for one site (with legend)

Picture 4.17: Coverage by Transmitter (DL) (with legend)

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Picture 4.18: Overlapping zones (DL) (with legend)

Picture 4.19: Service Area Analysis (Eb/Nt) (DL) (with legend)

Picture 4.20: Service Area Analysis (Eb/Nt) (UL) (with legend)

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4.3.3 Coverage by several sites

 We have seen coverage by one site for purpose of demonstration and simplicity. However,
just as was calculated from the link budget, the whole map can only be covered by a very
large number of sites, which is 91,082 Node Bs.
 The sites can either be added manually or automatically. Manually, the
Telecommunications and Network Engineer will have to place all the sites himself on the
map. It is clear that this method is very stressful especially if there are thousands of sites
just as in this case.
 The second method will be to add the sites according to the hexagonal model. To do so,
we go to Network > Hexagonal Model > New, then draw the computation zone or area in
which we want to add the site. That should be the whole map. Once that is done, the
software will automatically load all the 3-sector sites and it will cover the whole area, as
can be seen in the picture below.

Picture 4.21: Adding sites according to hexagonal model

Warning: Choosing the whole map at once as computation zone may not load the site as in our
present case, the area is too big and due to memory constraints, loading the sites might take a
long time or simply stop. Therefore, it is wise to create several hexagonal models in the network
Panel, in such a way that their total area adds up to the total surface area, like the pieces of a
puzzle. This is done in order to be able to load sites into the whole map.

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Picture 4.22: Adding several hexagonal models in the Network Panel

 Once that is done we can now zoom to have a better view of the sites we are from loading
into the map.
 Next, the sites need to be configured. The propagation models and cell radius most
especially need to be configured for all the transmitters. Since there are so many sites, it
would take a very long time to configure each one manually. So this is what is to be done:

Picture 4.23: Zooming of tri sector sites in DTM

 To configure the sites, we go to Network > Transmitters > right click on the Transmitte r
folder and select Properties. In the properties section, the propagation model was set to
COST Hata, and the cell radius of the main matrix set to 1585 m (as calculated from the
link budget), while the cell radius of the extended matrix was set to 2000 m. The resolut io n
for both main and extended matrices was set to 50m. Antenna configuration was done
automatically since we are dealing with Tri-sector sites.

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3G UMTS Network Planning and Optimization using Atoll- Case Study: North Morocco

Picture 4.24: Configuring the Transmitters

 Once this has been done, the final step would be to cover the map. That is done by going
to the Network Panel > Prediction > New Prediction > Coverage by Transmitter (DL) and
select interval of values in the parameters section.

Picture 4.25: Prediction Setting

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3G UMTS Network Planning and Optimization using Atoll- Case Study: North Morocco

 Once that is done we just need to right click on the newly created prediction and click on
calculate. We will have the prediction by transmitters.

Picture 4.26: Coverage by several sites

4.3.4 Optimization Using ACP Module

ACP module is an automatic optimization tool for GSM, UMTS, CDMA networks. It is used
to improve existing networks by tuning parameters that can be easily changed remotely. Some
of these parameters include antenna tilt and Power (BCCH for GSM, Pilot for UMTS).

To optimize a network still in the planning phase, we do it by:

Selecting antennas
Changing the antenna azimuth
Changing the mechanical down tilt of the antenna
Changing the antenna height
Selecting sites among a list of candidate sites

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ACP also performs combined GSM/UMTS/LTE optimization. Since we are using tri-sector
cells, the optimization of one cell would represent that of all the cells because they have the
same parameters configuration.

 We create an optimization setup by right clicking on ACP and taking “New”, we have
the template below which shows the ‘Technology Layers” we are working with. If we
have more than one, we tick the layer you want to optimize.

Picture 4.27: New ACP module

 Next is the selection of zones to be optimized which in our case is the specific are chosen
from the whole map.

Picture 4.28: Zone selection in ACP module

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 We highlight on “Cost Control” and select “Maximum Cost” because the optimization is
only based on quality useful when planning a network

Picture 4.29: Cost control in ACP

 Next, we select the transmitters/cells to be optimized by clicking the boxes of Antenna
type, Electrical tilt, Azimuth, Mechanical Tilt and Antenna height

Picture 4.30: Reconfiguration of Transmitters in ACP module

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3G UMTS Network Planning and Optimization using Atoll- Case Study: North Morocco

 Under “Objective”, we highlight “UMTS RSCP Coverage” to set the signal threshold
which is -85dBm

Picture 4.31: Setting UMTS RSCP Coverage in ACP module

 Now, we want to see the changes, we run the optimization to obtain the following

Picture 4.32: Changes after Optimization in ACP module

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3G UMTS Network Planning and Optimization using Atoll- Case Study: North Morocco

For the graph, we have

Picture 4.33: Graph after optimization in ACP module

 Clicking on “Quality” gives the quality and coverage improvements as shown below

Picture 4.34: Quality change after optimization in ACP module

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3G UMTS Network Planning and Optimization using Atoll- Case Study: North Morocco

 To see if our objective is achieved, we click the “Objective” Tab to have

Picture 4.35: Objectives achieved in ACP module

 By right clicking on Optimization and taking properties, Selected changes are displayed in
green, we can see the result as

Picture 4.36: Optimization Results in ACP module

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 To compare the coverage before and after optimization, we click on “Roll back to Initia l
State”

Picture 4.37: Rolling back to initial state

To obtain the following differences

Picture 4.38: RSCP Coverage after rolling back

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3G UMTS Network Planning and Optimization using Atoll- Case Study: North Morocco

 We now want to compare at the level of prediction, by taking the coverage by signal level
(DL) before and after we commit the recommended parameter from the ACP

i) ii)
Picture 4.39: Coverage by Signal Level(DL) i) before and ii) after Committing ACP
Parameters

4.4PARTIAL CONCLUSION

We see that after optimization, we have a better coverage of the network while minimizing cost.
Performing Optimization is key to the Telecommunications Engineer if he wants a greater QoS
while minimizing cost and equipment.

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CONCLUSION

5.1GENERAL CONCLUSION
The UMTS radio interface system planning has the same basic philosophy as the GSM but
varies in the detail mainly because of the change of radio propagation channel that is a wideband
type. The UMTS network has been seen in detail in every chapter, perfectly covering theory
and practice. The following issues were highlighted throughout the project:

 Coverage of the whole map of North Morocco was not easy because the software freezes
upon a heavy load. Therefore, just a portion of the map was used as a sample.
 The theoretical number of sites (91,081) was not the same as the number of sites as when
we cover the whole map (about 122,00). This may be due to the fact that the sites were
placed in a hexagonal manner and some sites were simply out of bounds of the coverage
area.
 The theoretical coverage area of Morocco (446, 300 km2 was quite different from the
practical coverage area in Atoll, if we select the whole DTM map as computation zone
(409,523.42 km2 )

We have seen before that coverage and capacity are interrelated (refer to the cell-breathing
concept). With the coverage increase, the average transmission power of the base station
increases.

In addition, the capacity decreases (both the UL and DL capacities are important
and the UL capacity decreases if the average path loss increases per user). An increase in
coverage means an increase in link performance. Eb /No decrease would result in coverage
increase as for a lower Eb /No , less power is needed, thereby covering more area.

Uplink coverage can be improved by decreasing the interference margin or by reducing the base
station noise figure or by increasing the antenna gain. [27]

The following report from the ACP Optimization module summarizes and gives in detail what
we have as results:

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Table 5.1: WCDMA Planning and Optimization report from Atoll

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5.2RECOMMENDATIONS
This project work can be recommended to 3G operators such as CAMTEL for the deployment
of their network in areas not yet covered by the technology. Telecom companies such as SFR,
Bouygues Telecom, NEXTELL and others can learn though this project on how to deploy 3G
services in desired areas. Operators still using the 2G GSM technology can use this work to
learn how to deploy their 3G network at their convenience.

5.3FUTURE SCOPE

 Addressing the core network dimensioning and the end-to-end service aspects such as IP
backhaul and microwave transmission will be a way of getting better results.
 Working on HSPA+, 4G LTE networks or 5G will also serve a long way to improvement
as many network operators have already evolved to these technologies.
 Performing link budget for data at different rates will help a long way to optimize the cell
radius because more parameters will be taken into consideration.
 Transmission planning is an aspect of planning that is sometimes neglected as compared to
the others. For future work, it could be performed to get the best results.

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