ASTRIX 5 Radio Planning System

White Paper Version 1.2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION

p. 4

2 ASTRIX RADIO PLANNING PRODUCT FEATURES

2.1 Introduction
2.2 Seamless map handling
2.3 Antenna modelling
2.4 Propagation loss predictions
2.5 Automatic propagation model tuning tool
2.6 Efficient processing
2.6.1 Multithreading Support
2.6.2 Multiple resolution coverage files
2.6.3 Official coverage files
2.6.4 Raster export of calculated layers
2.7 Flags and filters
2.8 Combined coverage
2.9 Neighbours relations management
2.10 Automatic neighbourhood planning tool
2.11Interference analysis
2.11.1Cell/Channel selection
2.11.2Hopping/Non-hopping
2.12 Interference matrix calculation
2.13 Model tuning tool
2.14 Statistics module
2.15 Traffic analysis
2.16 Dual-band functionality

p. 5

ASTRIX 3G PLANNER (UMTS)

3.1 Introduction
3.2 UMTS calculations
3.3 UMTS planning tools

p. 9

ASTRIX 4G PLANNER (LTE)

4.1 Introduction
4.2 LTE calculations
4.3 LTE Planning tools

p.6
p. 7

p. 8

p. 10

p. 11
5 ASTRIX FREQUENCY PLANNER (AFP)
p. 12
6 RADIO LINK TOOL
6.1 Functional overview
p.13
7 ASTRIX PUBLISHER
8 DOCUMENTATION
9 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CONFIGURATION CONTROL
10 COMPANY INFORMATION

p.14
p.14
p.14

INTRODUCTION
ASTRIX Radio Planning system is essential for efficient planning, maintenance and optimisation of
cellular radio networks. ASTRIX has been developed by Teleplan Globe, who is an independent
supplier of software solutions.
The main modules of the ASTRIX software are as follows:
ASTRIX Basic 2G Planner. Main module for the ASTRIX solutions package for network planning.
The main user interface is the geographical map of the planning area with the network
elements presented.
ASTRIX Professional 2G Planner (GSM). This is the module where 1G and 2G radio planning
operations and calculations are performed. The Professional version includes support for using
a database and possibility to use ASTRIX Publisher with 3rd party integrations.
ASTRIX 3G Planner (UMTS): This UMTS module allows for planning of 3G networks, and
simultaneous views of e.g. GSM networks and UMTS networks. This allows the user to plan
mixed mode networks, to have data consistency across the networks, to plan with site re-use
and to optimise network performance.
ASTRIX 4G Planner (LTE). This LTE module allows for planning of 4G networks and simultaneous
views of e.g. GSM, UMTS and LTE networks.
ASTRIX Frequency Planner (AFP). This Automatic Frequency Planning module allows for
advanced automated frequency planning processes. The tool is based on the Telenor R&D
developed optimisation algorithm for Automatic Frequency Assignments.
ASTRIX Radio Link Tool (RLT). This module is used for planning microwave networks. The user
interface is the same as for the ASTRIX Radio Coverage, but the functionality is tailored to radio
link planning requirements of mobile communication operators.

2 ASTRIX RADIO PLANNING PRODUCT

FEATURES
2.1 INTRODUCTION
ASTRIX has all the functionality of an advanced radio
planning tool. GSM functionality is an integrated part of
the ASTRIX 2G module and allows simultaneous view of
e.g. GSM900/1800 networks and UMTS networks. This
allows the user to plan mixed-mode networks, to have
data consistency across the networks and to plan with
site re-use.

Figure 1 ASTRIX main window

Figure 2 Examples of ASTRIX map layers

2.2 SEAMLESS MAP HANDLING

ASTRIX uses an integrated GIS (Geographical
Information System) as the basis for map handling.
The GIS system provides advanced map features for
best possible views and management of maps. The GIS
system supports dynamic map resolution and various
map formats.
The solution is designed to avoid the large growth of
coverage file sizes when working with high-resolution
map data (less than 1m).

The following map layers are supported:

Raster/grid ground heights
Raster/grid clutter
Vector/linear features
Ortho photo
Raster/grid building heights
Demographic data

2.3 ANTENNA MODELLING

The effect of the physical environment on the antenna
radiation patterns is a neglected part of many radio
planning tools.
ASTRIX takes into account a number of antenna issues:
ASTRIX handles mechanical tilt and/or electrical tilt
correctly in side and back lobes.
Mast concept, with the possibility to have antennas
at a position other than the site position
Measured side lobes and back lobes
Effects of wall mounting on the back-lobe
True over-the-roof propagation angles in urban areas

ASTRIX provides full flexibility for creating, editing and modelling of antenna
elements and combined antenna structures.

2.4 PROPAGATION LOSS PREDICTIONS

The default propagation model in ASTRIX is based on
industry standards: Okumura-Hata, COST231-Hata,
COST231-Walfisch, Walfisch-Bertoni, Blomqvist-Ladell
and a general model. Added to these models are
a number of correction factors which have been
developed to improve accuracy in hilly terrain. There are
several diffraction methods, effective antenna height
and LOS correction methods optimised for handling
mountainous and water/sea areas.

Special care has been made to make the algorithm

robust in handling uncertainties and inconsistencies
in measurements, and problems caused by mutual
dependencies between model coefficients and by
insufficient measurement data. In the latter case,
the algorithm will make a minimum modification to
existing model coefficients.
Correction layer: ASTRIX offers a unique and advanced
algorithm that combines calculated coverage
predictions with drive test measurements to calculate
significantly improved measurement based predictions.
Using drive test measurements to produce a correction
layer on top of normal coverage predictions the
accuracy is improved to a standard deviation of 5 to 6
dB - close to the theoretical limit. The Teleplan unique
algorithm fills gaps between measurement tracks in
an intuitively correct way.

2.5 AUTOMATIC PROPAGATION MODEL TUNING TOOL

ASTRIX includes a sophisticated propagation model tuning
tool. The tool can be used to analyse the agreement between
predicted and measured signal levels. The tool also includes
algorithms and features for automatic tuning of propagation
model coefficients.

Measurement Tuning Tool

To exclude spurious data, measurements can be filtered based

on signal level, distance, angle, samples, and morphology type.
The profile with morphology information from transmitter to
each measurement point is found directly. The histogram of the
error, the mean error, the median error, the RMS and the 10 %
and 90 % values are presented for all loaded measurements or
for the current measurement.
For the automatic tuning, the user can select which model
coefficients to tune and set limits or constraints to resulting
allowable model coefficient values. The optimisation algorithm
will then calculate new estimates of the selected coefficients
within the defined constraints.

Initial
prediction

Difference layer
showing initial
prediction and
drive measurements

Meassurement Tunning Tool

Corrected
prediction

2.6 EFFICIENT PROCESSING

ASTRIX employs several strategies to achieve efficient
processing, as described below.
To exclude spurious data, measurements can be
filtered based on signal level, distance, angle, samples,
and morphology type. The profile with morphology
information from transmitter to each measurement
point is found directly. The histogram of the error,
the mean error, the median error, the RMS and the
10 % and 90 % values are presented for all loaded
measurements or for the current measurement.
For the automatic tuning, the user can select which
model coefficients to tune and set limits or constraints
to resulting allowable model coefficient values.
The optimisation algorithm will then calculate new
estimates of the selected coefficients within the defined
constraints.

2.7 FLAGS AND FILTERS

Flag groups can be defined as global (available to all
users), for a project, or private (for one user only) in a
full flexible and dynamic way. Groups of flags can be
defined and flags can be assigned to cells. The flags
can be used as a filter when making queries to the
database, when viewing cells in the map or when
selecting cells for use in calculations.

2.6.1 Multithreading Support

ASTRIX coverage calculation engine, RADIX, supports
multithreading, multi-platform (Unix/Linux/Windows)
and double parallel processing functionality. The parallel
processing calculation engine is utilising multithreading
when calculating.

2.8 COMBINED COVERAGE

The combined coverage results are automatically stored
in files. This permits the user to access the results at
later times for further analysis, post-processing and
exporting, without having to perform new calculations.
Different combined coverage calculations with different
network parameters can be stored under different
names. Previous calculations can thus be retrieved
without losing the current result. It is possible to
compare different named calculations and show
differences in coverage graphically on top of the map.

2.6.2 Multiple resolution coverage files

Multiple resolution coverage files resolve size problems
related to high resolution maps. High resolution maps
typically introduce demanding work environment in
terms of processing time, memory and disk storage
space. The ASTRIX multi-resolution concept permits
calculations over large areas by reducing the resolution
when moving away from the site.
2.6.3 Official coverage files
The concept of official coverage files makes it easy to:
Get an updated coverage map at any moment for
any given state and project, without recalculating
coverage files.
Have just one coverage file to be used by all
planners simultaneously. This keeps the overall disk
space requirements at a reasonable level, and
reduces the need to recalculate large coverage files
when modifications are done to the plan.
2.7 RASTER EXPORT OF CALCULATED LAYERS
Calculated coverage can be exported to the GSM
Association/Coversoft coverage file format.
Other calculated layers, i.e. cell coverage, Best Server,
C/I and several UMTS layers, can be exported to the
following formats:
Google Earth
ESRI ASCII-GRID format
MapInfo TAB/TIFF format

2.9 NEIGHBOUR RELATIONS MANAGEMENT

Neighbour data can be imported from the operations
and maintenance centre (OMC) via the import tool.
A relation editor is available to add, delete and edit
neighbour relations graphically in the map.
2.10 AUTOMATIC NEIGHBOUR PLANNING TOOL
ASTRIX offers an advanced Automatic Neighbour
Planner tool. By searching coverage data, measurement
and network statistics, the tool can plan and suggest
neighbours based on parameters as: Co Site, Distance,
Border Counter, Geometrical (Delaunay Triangulation)
and overlap areas.

measurements as coloured tracks in the map, as 2D

graphs or as numeric displays.

2.11 INTERFERENCE ANALYSIS

The interference analysis module is used to calculate
the interference raster based on the frequency plan and
the predicted coverage. Several options are available.
Different calculation results can be stored under
different names. Previous calculations can be retrieved
without losing the current result. It is also possible to
compare different named calculations.
2.12 INTERFERENCE MATRIX CALCULATION
The interference matrix module calculates the pair-wise
frequency re-use restrictions between cells in a cellular
network. The results can be exported and used as input
to automatic frequency planning algorithms.
The interference relations and separation relations can
also be created and edited with the graphical relation
editor, also used for the neighbour editing.
Various options exist for the calculation:
Up-/Down-link. It is possible to base the calculation
on up-link, down-link or worst-case interference
probability.
Asymmetric/Symmetric. The interference between
cells A and B can be recorded asymmetrically for A to
B and B to A or symmetrically (worst case of the
two).
Traffic-/Area weighting. The interference
probability of a cell can be weighted with traffic
raster, or assume uniform traffic across the coverage
area.
Thresholds. It is possible to set thresholds
for acceptable co-channel and adjacent channel
interference.
Unit selection and partial calculation. Various options
exist for selecting cells to be part of the calculation
and for partial calculation of the interference matrix.
2.13 MODEL TUNING TOOL
The model tuning tool is used to analyse drive tests and
CW measurements. The tool can present network

The module can establish automatic or manual links between measured BCCH/
BSIC pairs and planned cell identities (CI), if such data are present in the plan.

2.14 STATISTICS MODULE

ASTRIX generates area and demographic statistics for
coverage, interference, GPRS and UMTS (per services,
carriers, etc.).
Filters for different thresholds, morphology types
and inside of polygons can be specified. Aggregated
statistics as well as per cell, per morphology type or per
polygon statistics can be calculated.
The statistics may be exported directly to Microsoft
Excel or ASCII text files.
2.15 TRAFFIC ANALYSIS
The traffic analysis module permits the calculation of
traffic density maps based on
Measured or estimated traffic in the network
Best server plot
Morphology map (Clutter)
Demographics
Live traffic per cell can be imported from the operations
and maintenance centre, scaled with the expected
traffic growth, and used to predict the number of
transmitters on each cell in the future network.
2.16 DUAL-BAND FUNCTIONALITY
ASTRIX currently supports dual-band functionality which
includes:
Working with multiple systems in one plan
Prediction of different systems in one plan
Combined coverage and dominance plots based on
dual-band functioning

3 ASTRIX 3G PLANNER (UMTS)

3.1 INTRODUCTION
The UMTS network planning functionality in ASTRIX
is based on a combination of analytical calculations
and simulations using a number of different network
parameters. Calculation- and simulation results can be
presented in a number of plots and statistical reports.
The UMTS module allows simultaneous view of e.g.
GSM networks, together with the UMTS network. This
allows the user to plan mixed mode networks, to have
data consistency over the network, and to plan with
site re-use.
3.2 UMTS CALCULATIONS

Pilot interference calculations

Pilot reception calculations CPICH RSCP
Multiple combined coverage calculations, 10 levels
Ec/Io calculations relative to load
Pilot pollution detection and out of cell ratio
calculations
Capacity and coverage vs. population statistics tools

3.3 UMTS PLANNING TOOLS

Automatic scrambling code planning

Scrambling code conflict detection
HSDPA support
Drive test analysis tools

4 ASTRIX 4G PLANNER (LTE)

4.1 INTRODUCTION

The LTE planning functionality in ASTRIX is developed

in close cooperation with ASTRIX customers, research
institutes and system vendors. The LTE module allows
simultaneous view of 2G, 3G and 4G networks. This
allows the user to plan mixed mode networks, to have
data consistency throughout its networks, and to plan
with site re-use of existing infrastructure.
4.2 LTE CALCULATIONS
RSRP
RSSI
RSRQ
LTE Inter Cell Counter
Out of Cell Ratio Calculations
C/(I+N) calculations
Terminal Noise figure
Offered bit rate per RB
4.3 LTE PLANNING TOOLS

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Automatic PCI planning

Automatic assignment of RSI
PCI and RSI conflict detection
Capacity and Coverage vs population maps
Throughput based on various network configurations
Capacity vs population density
Drive test analysis tool

5 ASTRIX FREQUENCY PLANNER (AFP)

ASTRIX Frequency Planner
ASTRIX Frequency Planner is based on an optimization
algorithm developed at Telenor Research Lab that
supports the Frequency Assignments work processes.
After Teleplan Globe acquired the algorithm from
Telenor, it was integrated in the ASTRIX Radio Planning
System as an automatic frequency planning module.
Functionality highlights
Full user flexibility in defining constraints and
weighting of : C/I, C/A, Traffic and Neighbour
Statistics.
Handling and management of several frequency
plans simultaneously.
Supports non hopping, baseband hopping and
synthesized hopping
BSIC and HSN planning.
Full user flexibility for adjusting Co and Adjacent
penalties for traffic and handover statistics.
Supports full network retune and partial planning of
new cells and TRXs.
Visually view proposed changes to analyze, accept or
retune.
Adjust, tune and manage matrixes by exchange with
third party systems
Why ASTRIX Frequency Planner
Proven AFP solutions chosen by Telenor Operators
around the world for over 10 years
20 years experience in delivering Radio Planning and
GIS software to the Telecommunication industry.

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6 RADIO LINK TOOL

6.1 FUNCTIONAL OVERVIEW
The ASTRIX Radio link tool is used for planning
microwave networks. The user interface and database
support are the same as in the main module, but the
functionality is tailored to the radio link planning needs
of mobile communication operators.
The functionality of the radio link tool includes:
Creation of radio links
Site sharing
- The sites created in any part of the ASTRIX system
can be shares with the other modules. This facilitates
the planning tasks and data consistency checks.
Map analysis
- Terrain profile, between terrain points, between
cells, from one cell to any point in the terrain
stepwise or continuously.
- Terrain height tracking, morphology tracking, peak
height search
- Line-of-sight (LOS) analysis
Calculation of the LOS is made from each transmitter
to a receiver with given height in a selected area.
- Demographic analysis
Link profile analysis
The link profile is presented graphically with Fresnel
zone, earth curvature, and morphology heights. Link
fading and performance data are calculated on the
basis of relevant ITU recommendations.

12

Performance predictions
- Link budget
- Diversity
Space and frequency diversity improvement is

calculated, based on ITU-R P 530-11

- Parameters based on performance objectives in
G.821 and G.826. Support for both calculation and
management of objectives
- Fading and fading probabilities based on ITU-R P
530-11 and ITU-R P 530-8
Interference
Co- and adjacent channel interference.
Precipitation
Calculation of unavailability due to rain in 0.001% of
the time.
Support for frequency and channel plans
Creation of channel plans based on ITU
recommendations. Fill in channels based on channel
arrangements (for example co-channel re-use).
Unavailability due to poor link connection.
Support for hop chains
Create hop chains by selecting more hops. Some
calculations can be carried out for the chain, as for
example total length and total unavailability due to
rain.
Reflection protection
Calculation of optimum space between space
diversity antennas, calculation of wavelength
difference based on ITU-R P 530-11. Detection of sea
path reflections.
Site candidate search
From an arbitrary point or site in the map, find other
sites which can be candidates for a hop to that point
or site. The selection may be based on criteria, as for
example line of sight. The result is a list of candidate
hops with distance, direction and other data. Each
item in the list can be opened into the hop profile
window.

7 ASTRIX PUBLISHER
ASTRIX publisher is a service oriented application
designed to enable third party tools and systems
to integrate and exchange coverage files and cell /
site data with the radio planning system. The ASTRIX
Publisher can offer tools for integration, collaboration
and automation of coverage maps and cell and site
data exchange. It can publish coverage maps in open
and standard formats and it can integrate for cell and
site data exchange with other systems. It will typically
be used for integrations and data exchange with i.e
help desk applications, web applications, marketing
tools, billing systems, and OSS solutions. Integrations
are done through described web services. This can be
performed real time for applications that need updated
coverage maps in i.e. Network Management Centres or
as scheduled tasks for nightly updates for i.e. customer
care systems.
ASTRIX Publisher can exchange Cell / Site data and
Coverage Maps for:
Automation
Collaboration
Integrations
Publishing
Additionally the ASTRIX Publisher can automate
coverage calculations with an internal propagation
calculation engine. This is to enable automated updates
to be produced, managed and published to third party
systems. This is for i.e updating coverage maps after
changes are performed in the network, on a real time
basis without involving manual coverage updates by.

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8 DOCUMENTATION
The software is delivered with a complete set of User
Manual, System Manual, Installation Guide, and Release
Notes. All documentation can be delivered in both
electronic and printed form.

9 QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CONFIGURATION

CONTROL
Teleplan Globe is certified according to ISO 9001. The
ASTRIX software is developed according to Teleplan
Globes Quality Assurance Procedures.
10 MARIA GIS SYSTEM
ASTRIX radio planning tool is using the Teleplan Globe
developed Maria GIS. Through the Maria GIS system
ASTRIX offers advanced GIS functionality integrated
in the product. It supports i.e. WMS map services, 3D
visualisation and several open standards for digital map
exchange.

11 COMPANY INFORMATION
Teleplan AS was established in 1959 and is a leading
independent consultancy and systems engineering
house. Teleplan Globe is part of the Teleplan family of
companies.
Teleplan has provided a wide range of services to
private organisations, public civilian authorities, and to
military authorities in NATO member countries. Teleplan
has considerable experience in design and development
of systems for radio planning, communications,
information management, command and control,
and electronic warfare. Teleplan has a long history
of providing consultancy services within the fields of
telecommunication.
Contact details are as follows:
Teleplan Globe AS
P.O. Box 69
Fornebuveien 31
NO-1324 Lysaker
Norway
Tel: (+47) 67 12 70 00
Fax: (+47) 67 12 72 70
Web: http://www.teleplanglobe.no
Email: sales.teleplanglobe@teleplan.no

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NOTES

15

Teleplan Globe AS
Fornebuveien 31
P.O.Boks 69
NO-1324 Lysaker
Norway

T:+4767127000
F:+4767127270
E: info@teleplan.no
www.teleplanglobe.no