AMPHIGEAN LTE WORKSHOP SERIES LTE Radio Network Planning Conversion DURATION: 2 DAYS

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1 AMPHIGEAN LTE WORKSHOP SERIES LTE Radio Network Planning Conversion DURATION: 2 DAYS Audience This workshop is aimed at planning engineers with experience of planning 2G and 3G networks and optimisation engineers who need to understand the considerations for LTE planning. Some knowledge of planning principles and experience of using planning software tools is assumed. Is This Content For Me? Are you involved in planning, performance monitoring or optimisation of LTE access networks? Are you managing technical projects that are impacted by the wireless link functionality of this new technology? If any of this applies to your role, or if for any other reason you need to understand the considerations and approach for planning LTE networks in both greenfield and overlay environments then this workshop is for you. The Amphigean Approach Amphigean workshops are always led by knowledgeable training professionals whose skill and knowledge base is much greater than the bounds of the workshop content. This enables them to take a flexible and responsive approach in each session, adapting to the specific needs and questions from the group. Our workshops are highly interactive, making use of discussions, exercises and demonstrations throughout. We always aim to create a varied and effective learning environment based very much on a two-way information exchange. There are no time fillers in our workshops; you can expect to work hard, but in return you will learn and retain the things you need to know. Workshop Structure Module 1 Introduction to Planning Principles Module 2 LTE Wireless Link Structure Review Module 3 4G Traffic Considerations Module 4 4G Coverage Predictions Module 5 Planning Practicalities Module 6 Software Tools for Planning Module 7 Optimizing Coverage and Capacity Page 1 of 5

2 Module 1 Introduction to Planning Principles This module covers planning and optimisation strategy in general as applied to a 4G OFDMA-based technology. In particular, it considers the potential impact of the requirements of coverage likely to be set for 4G licences, the impact of 4G services, expected 4G performance and the impact of SON. Cell planning workflows Initial plan targets and Requirements Constraints on cell size Coverage planning considerations Cost considerations The relationship between planning and optimisation 4G performance criteria SON (Self-Optimising Network) principles Module 2 LTE Wireless Link Structure Review It is essential that planning engineers have a general understanding of the structure and behaviour of the technology that they are planning. Such knowledge better enables them to understand likely real-world coverage and service capabilities as well as likely interference effects. This module reviews the key concepts of the LTE wireless link including protocols structure and functions, channel types and functions and overall physical layer structure and characteristics. Technical standards overview RAN architecture and enb functions Key wireless link protocols EPS bearer concept FDD and TDD modes OFDM principles OFDM benefits Review of the LTE physical layer Logical, transport and physical channel concepts MAC layer functions Scheduling functions RLC and PDCP functions RRC signalling concepts Idle mode operation Connected mode operation Requirements for handover Page 2 of 5

3 Module 3 4G Traffic Considerations LTE is an extremely flexible technology, much more so than anything that has come before. It can be implemented for mobile or for fixed wireless broadband access, as a backhaul technology, for domestic broadband access, or even for multimedia broadcast. This flexibility is based on an All-IP approach in the network combined with a highly configurable OFDM-based wireless link. This module considers the type and mix of traffic likely to be carried on a 4G cell and then investigates how this can be incorporated into the planning process. Core network connectivity LTE Device types Traffic types QoS in LTE Packet data characteristics Subscriber Profiles Associating users, services and devices Area classification Defining traffic in a planning tool Creating traffic maps Module 4 4G Coverage Predictions Coverage prediction is typically the core function for planning engineer. It is critical that this task is performed to provide an output with a high degree of confidence such that the network design is both cost effective and high quality in terms of coverage and capacity enabling an operator to compete effectively in their market place. This module combines information from modules 2 and 3 and then adds information on suitable coverage prediction models and approaches. The module includes the calculation of typical 4G link budgets. This is backed up with exercises.. 4G propagation model considerations Microcellular propagation modelling options Wideband channel effect Link budget required inputs Incorporating and interference margin Estimating link margins A logical approach to the link budget Calculating EIRP and MRIL Using and tuning empirical path loss models Defining LTE radio measurements Assessing LTE radio measurements Coverage prediction with a planning tool Page 3 of 5

4 Module 5 Planning Practicalities This module provides a brief summary of practical planning considerations including physical configurations for sites, use of HCS in 4G and femtocells. Consideration is given to the requirements, implications and benefits of very small cells as well as the requirement for very large cells. The importance of licenced spectrum bands and the contrasting attributes of different potential bands are also discussed. The module also highlights the needs for, and methods for, calculation of radiation exposure limits. Bid planning Rollout planning Development planning LTE Spectrum Typical spectrum licences Frequency band attributes LTE RAN architectures Consideration for existing site reuse LTE co-site issues Hierarchical cell architectures for 4G Using femtocells Small-cell concepts Distributed enbs Very large LTE cells Coverage in public places and on public transport Esuring compliance for radiation exposure limits Module 6 Software Tools for Planning Planning modern telecommunications networks of all kinds relies heavily on the use of sophisticated software tools. In no discipline is this truer than in radio coverage planning. The core of any planning tool is a calculation engine for propagation prediction but modern tools, especially those aimed at 4G planning, contain much more functionality than basic coverage prediction. This module provides a review of the types of tools available to the planner or optimiser and outlines their applications and their limitations. LTE Planning and measurement tools Planning approach and tool applicability Monte Carlo simulations Managing traffic and demographics Radio configuration settings Configuring simulations Comparison of simulation types Typical simulation outputs Propagation model tuning Considerations for handover to LTE from UMTS and GSM/GPRS Page 4 of 5

5 Module 7 Optimizing Coverage and Capacity Achieving an optimal balance between coverage and capacity and ensuring that the solution is cost effective is a critical requirement of the planning process. This module looks at a mix of features and techniques that may be applied to LTE networks in order to enhance coverage and quality performance. Link budges variables Antenna selection Antenna variables LNAs and repeaters (cell enhancers) Design considerations for repeaters Load balancing Interference mitigation in LTE The impact of MIMO Using automatic cell planning tools for coverage optimisation Amphigean Limited Pixel Mill Business Centre, 44 Appleby Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6ES W: T: +44 (0) E: [email protected] Registered in England & Wales No Registered Office: Pixel Mill Business Centre, 44 Appleby Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 6ES Page 5 of 5