3G Static Simulation Approach

Fast capacity prediction for a first rough planning of 3G networks 

Introduction

 

With this static/analytic approach the capacity of a given UMTS FDD network layout can be estimated based on the propagation conditions in a very fast way. This is very useful for a first rough network planning with a few iterations necessary to find a proper network layout that fulfills your needs.

 

Basic Simulation Principles

 

Starting with a fixed downlink load the coverage area is evaluated as well as the serving area for each cell. For the obtained coverage areas the cell capacity is evaluated using a distributed UE method, which means that for each prediction pixel a fractional UE is considerd. The fractional coefficient is determined by assigning the total available downlink power resources to all pixels according to their radio channel conditions. The resulting cell capacities are valid for the given downlink load and the procedure can be repeated for different loads to evaluate the dependencies between coverage and capacity.

Stati Approach Principle

Location Dependent Traffic

 

The traffic density can be defined either homogeneous or location dependent. This can be realized by loading a clutter map together with a table which translates the traffic or morph class to a traffic density (Erl./sqkm).
During the static capacity prediction the distributed UE per pixel (fractional UE) are weighted according to the traffic distribution. This enables for example that areas with poor radio channel conditions having a low expected traffic density do not decrease the cell capacity very much, despite these areas require considerable ressources to be connected. 

Traffic Map Rural

Output Maps

 

For each simulated downlink load output maps are provided concerning:

  • coverage

  • cell area

  • soft/softer handover areas

  • pilot channel evaluation (CPICH Ec/Io)

  • BS power

Coverage
BS power
Coverage Area 6W DL power
(64 kbps service)
Click to see the breath effect.
CPICH Ec/Io level
(30dBm CPICH TX power, 6W total DL power)

 

Statistical Output

 

Furthermore statistical information is given per cell concerning:

  • cell capacity

  • cell area

  • offered traffic per cell

Coverage and Capacity depending on the load: The cell throughput (green) is limited by the cell capacity for low loads (i.e. not enough power ressources available), and it is limited by the reduced coverage for high loads (i.e. part of the offered traffic cannot be handled as it is  not in the coverage area).

Coverage Capacity Diagram

 

Download an  application note to 3G Network Planning with a static simulator.

Comparison/Overview
Static  Sim.
Monte Carlo Sim.
Dynamic Sim.
Read more about the Monte Carlo Simulator
Read more about the Dynamic Simulator

 

Propagation Models

The important interaction between neighboring cells in terms of interference demands for advanced propagation models depending on the current environment. We provide a variety of propagation models for different scenarios and all these models interact with he network planning module.
Please have a look at our propagation pages.

Air Interfaces 

To get more information about the usage of the 3G static simulation approach you may have a look at the following links:

Demo Project


All possible results to be obtained with the 3G network simulators can be seen on the sample project page.