Planning and Design of

GSM/CDMA Networks

Planning and Design of

GSM/CDMA Networks
A good geographical coverage is the basis

for providing network services.

Careful network planning is thus a primary
aspect of implementing GSM/CDMA
networks
Network planning is an ongoing process
requiring inputs from a lot of competence
areas, such as transmission, access
systems, data communications, mobile
switching, intelligent network, site
acquisition, etc.

GSM network architecture

elements

Mobile station (MS)

Base-station subsystem (BSS)
Network and Switching Subsystem
(NSS)
Operation and Support Subsystem
(OSS)

Radio Frequency Spectrum

Planning
GSM 900 and 1800 bands as
standard

Radio Frequency Spectrum

Planning
The general process for RF Spectrum assignment
follows the steps listed below.
1. Preparation of an ordered list of stations to be
assigned;
2. Assign first frequency to first station using
database lookup and analytical techniques to
resolve interference problems;
3. Select next station to be assigned using selection
procedures. These include assignment grids,
sub-allocation plans etc.;
4. Apply frequency-selection method including
database look up ;
5. Repeat until all frequencies are assigned.

Site Engineering
Collecting information regarding rules and

regulations
Key information concerning demography,
income level, penetration forecast,
geographical extension forecast, services
to be supported, market segmentation, etc
Availability of leased lines, microwave freq
availability, required connections with
other systems, etc

Site Engineering
Numbering, addressing and routing
principles.
Topographical maps.
In urban areas cells are usually
smaller than in the countryside.
The maximum theoretical distance
from a BTS to the edge of the cell is
35 KM.

Network Design
Several requirements in the stages of
network design.
1. Costs of building the network
2. Capacity of the network
3. Coverage and location of the network
elements
4. Maximum congestion allowed (grade of
service)
5. Quality of calls.
6. Further development of the network

Switching network planning

The switches need to be
dimensioned in accordance with the
estimated, needed capacity.
There is a need to create rules for
routing, protection, synchronization
and switch management.
Future plan for expansion

Cellular transmission
network planning
Cellular transmission network refers to the

usage of microwave links in the GSM

network, for instance between the BTS and
the BSC.
Usually the main alternative is to use
leased lines i.e. to utilize the already
existing fixed infrastructure.
A network layout diagram and a
management network diagram must be
drawn to identify how the network is to be
implemented

Congestion Handling
Dimensioning Cells
A cell is the basic construction block
of a GSM network. One cell is the
geographical area covered by one
BTS

Dimensioning Cells
Inputs for dimensioning include
1. Geographical area to be covered
2. Estimated traffic in each region
3. Minimum requirements of power in
each region and blocking criteria
4. Path loss
5. Freq band to be used and the freq
reuse

Erlangs
Erlangs is the measuring unit of
network traffic.
One Erlang equals the continuous
use of a mobile device for one hour.
Formula

Erlangs = (Calls per hour) * (avg. Conv.

Time)
3600 Seconds

Congestion Handling
The more traffic on available
resources, the more chance that
there will be congestion.
Network planners should carefully
analyze the traffic volume on the
installed traffic channel capacity

QoS
Quality of service experienced by the
subscribers has to be high.
Therefore it is important to reduce
the number of dropped calls and the
degree of interference in the air in a
cost efficient way.

Network Optimization
The increase in the number of subscriber

requires network expansion at the right

times and places.
Therefore excess network capacity should
be avoided
At the same time it is necessary to offer
sufficient grade of service to the
subscribers
Present and future demand for basic and
supplementary services must be satisfied.

Network Optimization
Hence the network should be large
enough (sufficient coverage and
quality) and small enough (cost
efficient) at the same time

Radio Network Planning

Process

Radio N/w Planning Process

Network Requirements

Collection of I/P parameters such as

n/w requirements of capacity,
coverage and quality
These inputs are then used to make
the theoretical coverage and
capacity plans

 Coverage Defining coverage areas,

service probability and related signal
strength
Capacity Includes
the subscriber and traffic profile in
the region and whole area
Availability of freq bands

 Freq planning methods and

information such as guard band and
freq band division
Information on radio access system
and the antenna system
performance associated with it

Preplanning Process
Site-Survey and site selection
C/I Analysis and Freq Plan
Parameter planning
Radio Network Plan