mp-Lab Solution Suite – LTE Network Planning

The mp-Lab Solution Suite supports the planning of any LTE-FDD or LTE-TDD network. You can model your actual network environment by importing geographic data, assigning propagation models, and creating base stations based on the imported geographic data.

Then, you can plan the parameters such as the neighboring cells, and EARFCNs of the network, predict the network coverage range and evaluate the network capacity to meet your network planning requirements.

LTE Features

RSCP Simulation

RSRP is used to measure the coverage of the LTE cell on the downlink of the transmission channel. The UE will send RRC measurements reports that include RSRP values in a binned format. The reporting range of RSRP is defined from −120 dBm to −40 dBm with 1 dB resolution. The main purpose of RSRP is to determine the best cell on the DL interface named Best Server and select this cell as the serving cell for either initial random access or intra-LTE handover.

RSRQ Analysis

Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) is defined as the ratio N×RSRP/(EUTRA carrier RSSI), where N is the number of RB’s of the EUTRA carrier RSSI measurement bandwidth. The measurements in the numerator and denominator shall be made over the same set of resource blocks.

SNIR calculations

The Required SINR is the main performance indicator for LTE and the accurate knowledge required SINR is central to the authenticity of the throughput and thus the process of dimensioning. Required SINR depends upon the following factors:

  • Modulation and Coding Schemes (MCS)
  • Propagation Channel Mode
  • Higher the MCS used, higher the required SINR and vice versa. This means that using QPSK ½ will have a lower required SINR than 16-QAM ½.

In LTE the SNIR PDSCH required replaces the Eb/N0 required of the UMTS Rel.99. The required SINR can be estimated by two different methods:

  • By using the Throughput vs. average SNIR tables. These tables are obtained as an Output of link level simulations. For each type of propagation channel models and different antenna configurations.
  • By using the Alpha Shannon formula. Alpha-Shannon formula provides an approximation of the link level results. Thus, in this case, no actual simulations are needed, but factors used in Alpha-Shannon formula are needed for different scenarios

DL Peak throughput plots

Per definition Peak throughput represents a theoretical upper bound on what can be achieved on the channel in terms of throughput or capacity. It is an ideal case since it assumes no frame erasures and should not be thought of as a sustainable throughput.The peak throughput depend on:

  • Bandwith configuration (1.4; 3; 5..20MHz)
  • SNIR conditions (depends on the path loss attenuations, transmitted power…)
  • MCS (Modulation Coding Scheme) achieved
  • N°PRB allocated to PDSCH channels

LTE-FDD Prediction

The mp-Lab Solution Suite supports the planning of an LTE-FDD network. You can model your actual network environment by importing geographic data, assigning propagation models, and creating base stations based on the imported geographic data. Then, you can plan the parameters such as the neighboring cells, and EARFCNs of the network, predict the network coverage range, and evaluate the network capacity to meet your network planning requirements.

With mp-Lab Solution Suite, different network systems correspond to different project templates. Based on your license modules and your appropriate project template, mp-Lab workspace is set-up. If multiple network systems are involved, The end user of our solution is in need to select the required templates. For example, If you need to create a project for a GSM/UMTS hybrid network, you have to create project based on templates for both the GSM and the UMTS networks.

mp-Lab Solution Suite for LTE Planning & Optimization Network

mp-Lab Solution Suite supports mixed configurations with varied network technologies, multi-sectoral and multi-carrier modelisation can be defined for any station defined in the draft. The solution is:

  • A multitude of advanced functionalities for simple and complicated LTE stations configurations (TDD & FDD)
  • Different propagation models available for planning and design LTE TDD & FDD networks as:
    • Free Space Model
    • Okumura Hata Model
    • Cost 231 Hata model
    • ITU-R P. 526 Model
    • Standart propagation Model (SPM)
  • Several libraries integrated for antennas definitions for a wide range of radio planning: Kathrein, RFS, …
  • Library module leads to add, create, modify any component, … even any new component not available at the antenna or equipment manufactures.
  • Prediction management parameters and display per layer and global:
    • Radio Global Propagation Parameters
    • Model Propagation Parameters.
    • Interference simulation Parameters.
    • Forward fundamental, pilot Channel, Syncro and Paging channel simulation Parameters.
    • Best Server simulation Parameters
    • Layer and Display Parameters.
    • Traffic Map and Monte Carlo Parameters.

Possible deployment architecture

mp-Lab Solution Suite – LTE module is an integrated solution for the most select planning, design and optimization of 3rd Generation radio network access. It enables:

  • OPEX Reduction
  • Spectrum cost reduction and better spectrum occupancy.
  • Engineering productivity enhancement by up to 60%.
  • Significant return on investment on site survey costs.
  • Radio investment leverage
  • Latest 4G Technologies supported (TDD & FDD)
  • Accelerate rollout and upgrade Quality of Services
  • Total cost of ownership reduction