gsm user guide

7/27/2019 GSM User Guide

1/278

GSM User Guide

December 10, 2003

GSM 1.1.1

Cover Page


2/278

Copyright 2002, 2003

Metapath Software International (US), Inc.

A Marconi Company

Notice

This document contains confidential and proprietary information of Metapath Software International

(US), Inc., a Marconi company (MSI or Marconi) and may not be copied, transmitted, stored in

a retrieval system, or reproduced in any format or media, in whole or in part, without the prior written

consent of Marconi. Information contained in this document supersedes that found in any previous

manuals, guides, specifications data sheets, or other information that may have been provided or

made available to the user. This document is provided for informational purposes only, and Marconi

does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, quality, validity, completeness or suitability

for any purpose the information contained in this document. Marconi may update, improve, and

enhance this document and the products to which it relates at any time without prior notice to the user.

MARCONI MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, WITHOUT

LIMITATION, THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR

PURPOSE, WITH RESPECT TO THIS DOCUMENT OR THE INFORMATION CONTAINED

HEREIN.

Trademark Acknowledgement

Marconi, Metapath, Ceer, PlanetNOVA, Ceos, Planet, and deciBel Planner are trademarks or

registered trademarks of the Marconi group of wireless telecommunication companies which include

MSI, Metapath Software International Limited, and Northwood Technologies, Inc. WaveSight is atrademark of Wavecall. This document may contain other trademarks, trade names, or service marks

of other organizations, each of which is the property of its respective owner.


3/278

Contents

i

MARCONI

WIRELESS

PRODUCTS

List of products 2

CONTACTING

MARCONI

Getting technical support 6

Send us your comments 7

INTRODUCTION Whats new in the GSM module 102-Sector C/I tool 10Improvements to the QoS Analyzer 10Support for multiple resolutions of grids in projects 10Enhanced Planet DMS frequency plan import capability 10Support for third-party tools 11

Using this documentation 11

Online Help 11Planet EV documentation library 13

Notational conventions 14Organization of this user guide 16

CHAPTER1Overview of the

GSM Module

Overview of supported technologies 18

Workflow for GSM planning 18

Suggested reading 19

CHAPTER2Creating a GSM

Project

Understanding GSM projects 22

Workflow for creating GSM projects 22

Gathering project information 22

Creating a GSM project 23

To create a GSM project using the Project Wizard 23To create a GSM project manually 23

Migrating a PCS/cellular project 25

Contents


4/278

ContentsGSM User Guide

ii

Opening a GSM project 25

To open a GSM project 25

Creating a default project settings file 25To create a default project settings file 26

CHAPTER3Importing Planet

2.8 or Planet DMS

Data

Understanding PCAE 28

Workflow for importing Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMSdata 28

Determining the location and version of the data 29

Creating a PCAE project 29

To create a PCAE project from Planet 2.8 data 29

To create a PCAE project from PlanetDMSdata 30Opening a PCAE project 32To open a PCAE project 33

Understanding the PCAE Project window 34

Working with the tree view 34Understanding the tree view hierarchy 35

Converting Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMSfiles 35

To convert Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMSfiles individually 35To convert Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMSfiles as a batch 36

To set vector color profiles 37Understanding the converted files 37Height and clutter files 37Vector attributes 38Survey data files 38

Viewing Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMSfiles 38

To view a file using the PCAE Project window 38Viewing with multiple Map windows 39

To work with multiple Map windows 39

Saving the project as a PlanetEV

project 39To save a PCAE project as a PlanetEVproject 39Differences between PCAE and PlanetEVfiles 40

Closing a PCAE project 40

To close a PCAE project 40Defining and importing GSM-specific settings 41

To define technologies, bands, and carriers 41To import carrier groups, carrier types, and MALs 42


5/278

Contents

GSM User Guide

iii

CHAPTER4Defining Network

Technologies and

Services

Understanding network technologies and services 46

Technology options 46Data Services 53Workflow for defining network technologies and services 53

Defining the technologies in your network 53

To choose technologies 54To define colors for each technology 55To define network operators 55

Defining GSM settings 56

To define general settings for GSM 56

To define noise settings for GSM 57To define GPRS settings 57To define EGPRS settings 58To define HCL settings for GSM 59

Defining IS-136 settings 61

To define general settings for IS-136 62To define noise settings for IS-136 62To define HCL settings for IS-136 62

Defining AMPS settings 64

To define general settings for AMPS 64To define noise settings for AMPS 65To define HCL settings for AMPS 65

Defining NAMPS settings 67

To define general settings for NAMPS 67To define noise settings for NAMPS 67To define HCL settings for NAMPS 68

Defining iDEN settings 69

To define general settings for iDEN 69

To define noise settings for iDEN 70To define HCL settings for iDEN 70Defining user-defined technology settings 72

To define general settings for a user-defined technology 72To define noise settings for a user-defined technology 73To define HCL settings for a user-defined technology 73


6/278


iv

Defining data services 75

To add a service 75

To remove a service 76Exporting and importing GSM network settings files 76

To export a GSM network settings file 76To import a GSM network settings file 77

CHAPTER5Defining Network

Configuration

Understanding network configuration 80

Spectrum allocation 80Carriers 81

Carrier groups 81Carrier types 81MALs 82Transceivers 82

Workflow for defining network configuration 83

Allocating spectrum and assigning carriers for supported

technologies 83

To define frequency ranges and starting carrier numbers 83To create carriers 85

To update carrier definitions 85To remove bands 86To export a band configuration 86To import an existing band configuration 86

Viewing carriers 87

To view carriers 87Defining carrier groups 88

To change view style 88To create carrier group names automatically 90

To create carrier group names manually 91To view details on carriers and carrier groups 92To delete a carrier group 93To rename a carrier group 93To assign carriers to carrier groups 94To view the groups to which a carrier is assigned 95To import an existing carrier group plan 95


7/278

Contents

GSM User Guide

v

Filtering carrier display 96

To filter carrier display 96

Defining carrier types 98To change view style 98To create carrier types 99To view details on carriers and carrier types 99To delete a carrier type 99To rename a carrier type 100To assign carriers to carrier types 100To view the types to which a carrier is assigned 101To import an existing carrier type plan 101

Defining mobile allocation lists 101To change view style 102To create mobile allocation list names automatically 102To create mobile allocation list names manually 104To view details on carriers and mobile allocation lists 104To delete a mobile allocation list 104To rename a mobile allocation list 105To assign carriers to mobile allocation lists 105To view the mobile allocation lists to which a carrier is assigned 106

To import an existing mobile allocation list plan 106Defining transceivers 107

To add a row 107To modify the number of time slots required 108To remove the last row in the table 108

CHAPTER6Configuring and

Placing Sites

Understanding sites and sectors 110

Workflow for configuring and placing sites 110

Creating sites 111To create a site based on an existing placed site 111To create a new site 112To create a site from a site configuration file 113

Defining technology sector settings 114

To define technology sector settings 115Defining hierarchical cell layers settings 116

To define sector-specific HCL settings 116


8/278


vi

Defining packet data settings 117

To define packet data settings 117

Defining frequency hopping settings 118Discontinuous transmission (DTX) 118Downlink power control (DLPC) 119To define frequency hopping settings 119

Defining traffic settings 120

Traffic 120BCCH and TCH allocation 121To define traffic settings 122

Defining carrier settings 124

Non-hopping transceivers 124Baseband hopping transceivers 124Synthesized hopping transceivers 125Choosing the correct carrier settings 125To define carrier settings for non-hopping GSM transceivers 126To define carrier settings for other non-hopping transceivers 128To define carrier settings for baseband hopping transceivers 130To define carrier settings for synthesized hopping transceivers 132To change the hopping type in a sector 134

Defining frequency planning settings 134To define frequency planning requirements manually 135To import frequency planning requirements 136To define frequency planning exceptions 139To define illegal carriers for a group of sites 140

Editing placed sites and sectors 141

To edit a placed site 141Saving GSM sector settings 142

To save GSM sector settings 142

To import GSM sector settings 142Editing site configuration files 143

To view or edit a site configuration file 143To import sector settings into a site configuration file 143

Viewing frequency assignment information 144

To view sector information 144Viewing carrier allocation information for sectors 145

To view carrier allocation information for a sector 146


9/278

Contents

GSM User Guide

vii

Calculating carrier requirements 147

To generate a Traffic Analysis and Dimensioning report 147

To update the carrier requirements for your project 149

CHAPTER7Generating and

Viewing Analysis

Layers

Understanding analysis layers 152

Best server analysis 152Interference analysis 154Traffic settings 156Service quality metrics 156Service coverage 158

Required mobile power analysis 159Workflow for generating and viewing analysis layers 159Defining default analysis settings and analysis layers 160

To define default analysis settings 160To define the default analysis layer list 160

Creating a new analysis 161

To create a new analysis 161To define the analysis layers to use in an analysis 161

Defining analysis settings 162

To define Analysis Settings 162To specify the technologies to be analyzed 163To define settings for best server analysis 164To define general interference analysis settings 166To define interference analysis settings for GSM 167To define interference analysis settings for other technologies 168To define BER settings 169To define FER settings for GSM 170To define FER settings for other technologies 171

To define SQE settings for iDEN 172To define traffic settings 172To define coverage settings 175To define required mobile power settings 176To define the analysis area 177

Generating an analysis 179

To run an analysis 179


10/278


viii

Viewing analysis layers 179

To view analysis layers 179

Modifying analysis settings 180To modify analysis settings 180

Using the Curve Editor 180

CHAPTER8Using the 2-

Sector C/I Tool

Understanding the 2-Sector C/I Tool 184

C/I result layers 184C/I statistics 184C/I histogram 186

Cumulative Distribution Function graph 186Workflow for 2-sector C/I analyses 187Using the 2-Sector C/I Tool 188

To perform a 2-sector C/I analysis 188To view results 190

CHAPTER9Frequency

Planning

Understanding frequency planning 194

Workflow for frequency planning 194

Importing a frequency plan 194To import a frequency plan from switch data 195To import a frequency plan from Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMS 196

Working with frequency plans 198

To open a frequency plan 198To save a frequency plan 198To view a frequency plan 199To apply a frequency plan to a project 199To export a frequency plan 200

Viewing sector-to-sector interference in a Map window 200To view interferers for a sector based on an interference matrix 200To view interferers for a sector based on a frequency plan 201


11/278

Contents

GSM User Guide

ix

CHAPTER10Automatic

Frequency

Planning

Understanding automatic frequency planning 204

Interference matrix and neighbor list 204Cost 204Optimization method 205

Workflow for automatic frequency planning 206

Defining general settings 207

To choose the AFP tool 207To choose an interference matrix and neighbor list 208To minimize cost and specify carrier usage 209

Defining advanced settings 210

To define advanced frequency planning settings 210Setting constraints based on carrier type 211To choose a carrier type 212To define cost factors 213To define carrier separations 213To define affected area and traffic thresholds 214To define violation costs 214

Running the Automatic Frequency Planning tool 216

To run the Automatic Frequency Planning tool 216

Applying a frequency plan to sectors 218To apply frequency plan options to sectors 218

CHAPTER11Using the QoS

Analyzer

Understanding the QoS Analyzer 220

The effect of AMR codecs 220Inputs for QoS analysis 221Assumptions of QoS analysis 221Interpreting QoS analysis results 222

Workflow for QoS analysis 224Creating a QoS analysis 225

To create a QoS analysis 225


12/278


x

Defining QoS analysis settings 227

To open the QoS analysis settings dialog box 227

To define interference matrix settings for a QoS analysis 227To define traffic and AMR settings for a QoS analysis 229To define codecs for a QoS analysis 230To define advanced QoS analysis settings 232

Running a QoS analysis 233

To run a QoS analysis 234Working with QoS analysis results 235

To view QoS analysis results 235To choose which columns are displayed 237

To export QoS analysis results 237Working with exported QoS analysis results 238

Understanding the exported data 238Modifying the Excel macros 241

Working with QoS analyses 243

To modify QoS analysis settings 243To delete a QoS analysis 244To rename a QoS analysis and change the description 244To save a QoS analysis 245

To open a QoS analysis file 245

APPENDIX A 247Site Table Format

APPENDIX B 255GSM File Types

INDEX 257


13/278

1

Marconi Wireless

Products

This chapter contains the

following section:

List of products

The Marconi Wireless Product portfolio provides a

range of products for planning and maintaining

wireless networks.

This section describes the products that are available

as part of the portfolio. For additional details about

any of these products, see Marconis Wireless

Network Planning web site at

http://wnp.marconi.com/main.html.
http://wnp.marconi.com/main.htmlhttp://wnp.marconi.com/main.htmlhttp://wnp.marconi.com/main.html


14/278

2

Marconi Wireless ProductsGSM User Guide

List of products

The following table describes Wireless Network Planning products. The table

does not describe PlanetEVmodules and extensions or PlanetDMS

packages. For more information about modules, extensions, and packages, seethe introductory chapters in the User Guide for the specific product or the

Wireless Network Planning web site at http://wnp.marconi.com/main.html.

Product Family Description

PlanetEV A Windows-based wireless network planning and

analysis tool. PlanetEVenables you to add modules and

extensions to support the technologies in your network

and the planning functions that you require. Depending

on the module that you choose, PlanetEVprovidessupport for the following technologies:

GSM (GPRS, EGPRS, IS-136, AMPS, NAMPS, and

iDEN)

CDMA (IS-95A, IS-95B, and cdma2000)

Fixed Wireless (MDS, MCS, WLL, and LMCS)

PlanetDMS A UNIX-based wireless network planning and analysis

tool. Depending on the package that you choose,

PlanetDMSprovides support for the followingtechnologies:

GSM

TDMA (IS-136 and IS-54)

GPRS

W-CDMA (UMTS)

CDMA (IS-95A and IS-95B)

PlanetDMSfor

Windows 2000

The Windows equivalent of PlanetDMS. It runs on an X

Server simulator. This product is subdivided into

packages to enable you to choose only the functions that

you need.
http://wnp.marconi.com/main.htmlhttp://wnp.marconi.com/main.html


15/278


3

PlanetNOVA A UNIX-based data tracking, storing, and analysis tool

that enables you to understand how customers use and

interact with wireless services. PlanetNOVA canmaintain the following information:

subscriber data, including call detail records and

usage data records

network performance data

business data, including billing and provisioning

information

marketing data

Ceos Mediation

Manager

A UNIX-based data mediation tool that enables you to

collect, correlate, assemble, and distribute voice and data

usage records from multiple types and brands of network

equipment in any format, in real-time.

Product Family Description


16/278

4



17/278

5

Contacting

Marconi


following sections:

Getting technical support Send us your comments

Marconi is committed to providing fast, responsive

technical support. This section provides an extensive

list of contacts to help you through any issues you

may have.

We also welcome any comments about our

documentation. Customer feedback is an essential

element of product development and supports our

efforts to provide the best products, services, and

support we can.


18/278

6

Contacting MarconiGSM User Guide

Getting technical support

You can get technical support by email, fax, phone, or through the Wireless

Network Planning web pages at

http://www.marconi.com/html/products/wnpproductsupport.htm. Email is thebest way of getting technical support.

Marconi UK

(UK and all other locations, other than those listed below)

Email: [email protected]

Hot-line: +44 (0)207 898 8811

Fax: +44 (0)207 898 8810

Marconi North America

Email: [email protected]: +1-877-777-7441

Fax: +1-972-669-6388

Marconi Latin America


Hot-line: +55 11 5185 7409

Fax: +55 11 5185 7447

Marconi France


or [email protected]: +33 (0)1 55 38 80 50

Fax: +33 (0)1 55 38 80 51

Marconi Hong Kong


Hot-line: +852 2919 8436

Fax: +852 2845 1997

Marconi China

Email: [email protected]: +86 21 5101 6387

Fax: +86 21 5101 6230

Web support is also available. A Technical Assistance Center (TAC) Analyst

will provide you with information on participating in an online technical

support session.
http://www.marconi.com/html/products/wnpproductsupport.htmhttp://www.marconi.com/html/products/wnpproductsupport.htmhttp://www.marconi.com/html/products/wnpproductsupport.htmhttp://www.marconi.com/html/products/wnpproductsupport.htm


19/278


7

When you call for technical support, ensure that you have your product ID

number and know which version of the software you are running. You can

obtain this information using the About command from the Help menu.

When you request technical support outside of regular business hours, a TAC

Analyst will respond the next working day by telephone or email, dependingupon the nature of the request.

Send us your comments

Feedback is important to us. Please take the time to send comments and

suggestions on the user documentation you received with your Wireless

Network Planning product. Send your comments to the Technical

Publications Manager at

[email protected] can also complete the online survey. To complete the online survey, open

the online Help, click Send Us Your Comments, and then click the link to the

online survey.


20/278

8



21/278

9

Introduction


following sections:

Whats new in the GSMmodule

Using this documentation

This manual provides the necessary information to

plan networks that contain GSM and some other

TDMA and FDMA technologies.

This chapter details how to use the documentation

and how you can provide feedback on the

documentation.


22/278

10

IntroductionGSM User Guide

Whats new in the GSM module

PlanetEVGSM module 1.1 contains the following new and improved

features:

2-Sector C/I tool

improvements to the QoS analyzer

support for multiple resolutions of grids in projects

enhanced Planet DMS frequency plan import capability

support for third-party tools

2-Sector C/I tool

The 2-Sector C/I tool analyzes the interference between two sectors, ignoring

all others. It produces an analysis layer for each sector, showing the areas

where the other sectors signal causes interference. The tool also produces

comparative C/I performance statistics for both sectors and histograms of C/I

versus coverage area.

Improvements to the QoS Analyzer

The QoS Analyzer results display is enhanced so that you can more easily

view the RxQual and C/I statistics for each cell.

You can export analysis results to a text file or to a spreadsheet that providesmacros for additional interpretation of the statistical data.

You can store default values for the parameters on each panel of the Settings.

You can edit the table that determines the dropped call rate from RxQual.

Support for multiple resolutions of grids in projects

You can now use signal strength files of different resolutions in your analyses.

You can also define the output resolution for the analysis. The default output

resolution is the same as the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) resolution.

Enhanced Planet DMS frequency plan import capability

You can now import frequency hopping information from Planet DMS

frequency plans. This information includes the frequency hopping type,

mobile allocation list (hopset), and mobile allocation index offset for each

sector.


23/278


11

Support for third-party tools

Architectural enhancements to the GSM module enable the integration of

third-party applications, such as automatic frequency planning and automatic

cell planning tools.

Using this documentation

Before using this documentation, you should be familiar with the Windows

environment. It is assumed that you know how to access ToolTips and

shortcut menus, move and copy objects, resize dialog boxes, expand and

collapse folder trees, and that you are familiar with the basic functions of

MapInfo Professional. MapInfo Professional functions are not documented

in this User Guide. For information about MapInfo Professional, see the

MapInfo online Help and User Guide.

All product information is available through the online Help. You access

online Help using the Help menu or context-sensitive Help from within a

dialog box by pressing the F1 key. If you want to view the online Help for a

specific panel or tab, click in a field or list box to activate the panel or tab

before you press F1. The following sections describe the structure of the

online Help.

Online Help

From the Help menu, you can access online Help for Wireless NetworkPlanning software and for MapInfo Professional. This section describes the

structure of the Wireless Network Planning online Help.

The online Help provides extensive help on all aspects of software use. It

provides

help on all dialog boxes

procedures for using the software

an extensive PlanetEVdocumentation library in PDF format

basic exercises to familiarize you with the software, to be used inconjunction with the data set available from the Wireless

Network Planning software download area

User Guides

The following sections provide details about the resources available through

the online Help.


24/278

12


Resource Roadmap

When you first use the online Help, start with the Resource Roadmap. It

describes the types of resources available in the online Help and explains how

best to use them. It includes a step-by-step guide that walks you through the

available resources.

Printing

You have two basic options for printing documents:

If you want a good quality print of a single procedure or section,

you can print from the Help window. ClickPrint in the Help

window.

If you want a high quality print of a complete User Guide, use

Acrobat Reader to print the supplied print-ready PDF file

contained in the PlanetEVdocumentation library. Open the PDFfile and choose FilePrint.

Library Search

You can perform a full-text search on all PDF files contained in the PlanetEV

documentation library if you are using the version of Adobe Acrobat Reader

supplied with the software or if you have a version of Acrobat Reader that

supports full-text searches. The first time you perform a search, you must

choose which index to use.

Tutorials

Tutorials are designed to enable you to quickly explore product functionality

and to familiarize you with the software interface. They come with a data setthat enables you to work through each lesson. The data set must be installed

separately.

Tutorials are not available with all products.

How To Help

How To Help provides detailed procedures for performing all required

product functions. The organization of this section reflects a typical network

planning workflow.

You can perform a search on all online Help topics by clicking theSearch tab in the Help window. Type a keyword, and click List Topics to

display all Help topics that contain the keyword. The online Help duplicates

the information found in the User Guide PDF files in order to provide more

complete results. It does not duplicate the information in the Technical Notes,

Release Notes, Glossary, or newsletters.


25/278


13

The procedures in this section are also available in the User Guides.

Whats This? Help

Whats This? Help provides detailed explanations of all dialog boxes.

User Guides

All User Guides for the Wireless Network Planning software are easily

accessible as part of the online Help.

Planet EVdocumentation library

PlanetEVcomes with an extensive library of User Guides and Technical

Notes in PDF format. Depending on which modules you have installed, the

PlanetEVdocumentation library may contain additional documents. The

following table provides details about the documentation supplied with

PlanetEVand PlanetEVmodules.

Planet EV

Planet EV User Guide Plan and analyze simulated wireless

communication networks.

Grid Analysis User Guide Perform operations on spatial data that is

stored in grids, and display, analyze, and

export digital elevation models (DEM) and

other grid-based data.

Data Manager User Guide Learn how to configure and use the Data

Manager.

The Data Manager enables users to work

with centralized PlanetEVdata stored in an

Oracle or Microsoft SQL database.

Installation Guide Install Wireless Network Planning software.

CRC-Predict Technical Note Understand the CRC-Predict propagation

model.

Planet General Model

Technical Note

Understand the Planet General model and

learn more about the parameters of the

model.

Glossary Search for commonly used technical terms.


26/278

14


Notational conventions

This section describes the textual conventions and icons used throughout this

documentation.Textual conventions

Special text formats are used to highlight different types of information. The

following table describes the special text conventions used in this document.

Release Note Learn about new features and known issues

with the current release of software.

MapInfo Professional Users

Guide

Learn about the many features of MapInfo

Professional, as well as basic and advancedmapping concepts.

Planet EV Modules

GSM User Guide Plan and analyze GSM networks.

This guide is only available if you have

installed the GSM module.

cdma2000 User Guide Plan and analyze CDMA networks.

This guide is only available if you haveinstalled the cdma2000 module.

Fixed Wireless User Guide Plan and analyze fixed wireless networks.

This guide is only available if you have

installed the Fixed Wireless module.

bold text Bold text is used in procedure steps to identify a user

interface element such as a dialog box, menu item, or

button.

For example:

In the Select Interpolation Method dialog box,choose the Inverse Distance Weighting option, and

clickNext.

courier text Courier text is used in procedures to identify text that

you must type.

For example:

In the File Name field, type Elevation.grd.


27/278


15

Icons

Throughout this documentation, icons are used to identify text that requires

special attention.

bright blue text Bright blue text is used to identify a link to another

section of the document. Click the link to view the

section.

Menu arrows are used in procedures to identify asequence of menu items that you must follow.

For example, if a step reads Choose FileOpen,

you would click File and then click Open.

< > Angle brackets are used to identify variables.

For example, if a menu item changes depending on the

chosen unit of measurement, the menu structure

would appear as Display .

This icon identifies a workflow summary, which explains a

series of actions that you will need to carry out in the specified

order to complete a complex task.

This icon identifies a cautionary statement, which contains

information required to avoid potential loss of data, time, or

resources.

This icon identifies a tip, which contains shortcut information,

alternative ways of performing a task, or methods that save

time or resources.

This icon identifies a note, which highlights important

information or provides information that is useful but not

essential.


28/278

16


Organization of this user guide

This user guide is organized according to the workflow that you would

typically follow to plan and analyze a network. Each chapter in this guide

provides details about how to perform a step in the planning process.Before you begin, you should read the Understanding... sections in each

chapter for an overview of the planning process.


29/278

17

Chapter 1: Overview of the GSM Module

1.Overview of the GSM

Module


following sections:

Workflow for GSM planning Suggested reading

The GSM module extends the functionality of

PlanetEVby enabling you to configure and plan that

contain GSM and some other TDMA and FDMA

technologies.


30/278

18

Chapter 1GSM User Guide

Overview of supported technologies

The PlanetEVGSM module supports networks containing any combination

of the following technologies:

GSMGlobal System for Mobile Communications (GSM), anopen, non-proprietary Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)

system that is constantly evolving. One of its great strengths is

international roaming capability, which provides seamless and

standardized same number contact ability in more than 170

countries. GSM support includes GPRS and EGPRS

IS-136a widely-used TDMA technology. Many IS-136

networks are being upgraded to support GSM

AMPS and NAMPSanalog Frequency Division Multiple

Access (FDMA) technologies

iDENa Motorola proprietary TDMA technology

user-definedalmost any FDMA or TDMA technology that is

not explicitly supported in the GSM module

You can purchase optional extensions to the GSM module. If you have

purchased the Automatic Frequency Planning Tool, you can perform

automatic frequency planning. If you have purchased the Quality of Service

(QoS) Analyzer, you can perform QoS analysis for your network. This

manual includes information for these optional tools.

Workflow for GSM planning

The workflow outlined in this section shows the typical order of steps only.

Depending on your work practices, you may not complete the steps in the

same order.

If you have an existing Planet 2.8 or Planet DMS project, and you want

to import the information for use with the GSM module in Planet EV,

see Chapter 3: Importing Planet 2.8 or Planet DMS Data on page 27.

Step 1 Create a project. See Chapter 2: Creating a GSM Project onpage 21.

Step 2 Define network technologies and services. See Chapter 4:Defining Network Technologies and Services on page 45.

Step 3 Define network configuration. See Chapter 5: Defining NetworkConfiguration on page 79.


31/278

Overview of the GSM ModuleGSM User Guide

19

Step 4 Configure and place sites. See Chapter 6: Configuring andPlacing Sites on page 109.

Step 5 If you want to use a traffic map to define the traffic settings for

your analysis, create a traffic map that covers the same area asyour analysis. See Chapter 9, Working with Traffic Maps, in the

Planet EV User Guide.

Step 6 Generate analysis layers. See Chapter 7: Generating andViewing Analysis Layers on page 151.

Step 7 Optionally, you can use other tools, such as the 2-Sector C/I Toolor Frequency Planning. For information about the 2-Sector C/I

Tool, see Chapter 8: Using the 2-Sector C/I Tool on page 183.

For information about Frequency Planning, see Chapter 9:Frequency Planning on page 193. Also, you can also use any

extensions you have purchased. If you have the Automatic

Frequency Planning Tool installed, see Chapter 10: Automatic

Frequency Planning on page 203. If you have the Quality of

Service (QoS) Analyzer installed, see Chapter 11: Using the

QoS Analyzer on page 219.

Suggested reading

Andersson, Christoffer. GPRS and 3G Wireless Applications. New York: JohnWiley & Sons, Inc., 2001.

Steele, Raymond & Lee, Chin-Chun & Gould, Peter. GSM, cdmaOne and 3G

Systems. Chichester: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2001.

Bates, Regis J. Bud.GPRS (General Packet Radio Service). New York:

McGraw-Hill, 2002.

Halonen, T. & Romero, J. & Melero, J.. GSM,GPRS and EDGE Performance.

John Wiley 2002.

Mouly, Michel & Pautet, Marie-Bernadette. The GSM System for Mobile

Communications. ISBN 2-9507190-0-7
http://planet%20ev%20user%20guide.pdf/http://planet%20ev%20user%20guide.pdf/


32/278

20



33/278

21

Chapter 2: Creating a GSM Project

2.Creating a GSM

Project


following sections:

Understanding GSM projects Workflow for creating GSM

projects

Gathering project information

Creating a GSM project

Migrating a PCS/cellular

project

Opening a GSM project

Creating a default project

settings file

When you have installed the GSM module, you are

ready to create a GSM project.

When you have created a project, you can define

network settings and carrier settings, as described in

the following chapters.


34/278

22


Understanding GSM projects

A GSM project defines which elevation, clutter, and site files to use for

analyses. You need to create a project before you can define network and

carrier settings, place sites, or generate analysis layers.

Workflow for creating GSM projects

Step 1 Gather technical information to support the project. SeeGathering project information.

Step 2 Create the GSM project or open an existing GSM project.

See Creating a GSM project on page 23. See Opening a GSM project on page 25.

Gathering project information

Before you create a GSM project, it is recommended that you

have technical information about site locations and sectors

collect manufacturers electronic antenna patterns

obtain a numeric elevation grid (.grd) file or, if possible, a

30-meter digital elevation map (DEM)

optionally, obtain clutter files for the analysis

If required, you can convert survey data into MapInfo tables. For information

on converting survey data, see Chapter 6, Working with Surveys, in thePlanet EV User Guide.

The results of network analyses will be more accurate and complete if you

start with as much information as possible. At a minimum, you must supply a

numeric elevation grid (.grd) file that shows the elevation of the terrain for

your project.

It is recommended that project areas be no larger than

250 km x 250 km (approximately 150 miles x 150 miles) to avoid using

excessive hard disk space.
http://planet%20ev%20user%20guide.pdf/http://planet%20ev%20user%20guide.pdf/http://planet%20ev%20user%20guide.pdf/http://planet%20ev%20user%20guide.pdf/


35/278

Creating a GSM ProjectGSM User Guide

23

Creating a GSM project

You have two options for creating a project:

use the Project Wizard

use the Project Settings dialog box to create a project manually

The following sections explain how to create a project. For more information

on working with projects, see Chapter 1, Getting Started with PlanetEV, in

thePlanet EV User Guide.

To create a GSM project using the Project Wizard

1 Start PlanetEV.

By default, the Project Wizard opens when you start PlanetEV. To use the

wizard at any other time, choose File New Project Using Wizard.

2 ClickNext on the first page of the Project Wizard.

3 From the Project Type list, choose GSM and clickNext.

4 In the GSM dialog box, choose a default settings file and clickOK.

5 Follow the pages of the Project Wizard and supply the appropriate

information to create your project.

6 ClickFinish.

7 In the Project Settings dialog box, clickOKto save your GSM project.

8 In the Save Project As dialog box, type a file name and clickSave.

To create a GSM project manually

Instead of using the Project Wizard to create a project, you can bypass the

wizard and define project files and folder locations in the Project Settings

dialog box.

1 Choose FileNew Project.

2 In the Select Project Type dialog box, choose GSM and clickOK.

3 To specify a project folder, clickBrowse next to the Project Folder box,navigate to the folder that you want to use, and clickOK.

You can also click Create to create a new folder.

4 To specify an elevation file, clickBrowse next to the Elevation Grid Filebox, navigate to the file that you want to use, and clickOpen.


36/278

24


5 If you want to specify a clutter file, enable the Use Clutter Grid Filecheck box, clickBrowse next to the Clutter Grid File box, navigate to

the file that you want to use and clickOpen.

6 ClickBrowse next to the Site Table box and do one of the following inthe Select Site Table dialog box:

To create a new site table, choose , clickOK, and

then, when prompted, clickYes orNo to identify the coordinate

system that you want the site table to use. In the New MapInfo

Table dialog box, type a name for the new site table and click

Save.

To load an existing table, choose the table from the list and click

OK, or clickOpen Table, navigate to the required site table, and

clickOpen. If the site table has not been modified to reflect thesite structure of PlanetEV, new columns are added to the

existing table.

7 If you have a previously saved workspace (.wor) file that displays thefiles that you just specified, enable the Use Workspace check box, click

Browse next to the Workspace box, navi gate to the file that you want to

use and clickOpen.

For more information about workspaces, see Creating and using

workspaces in Chapter 1, Getting Started With PlanetEV, in the

Planet EV User Guide.8 Click one of the following buttons:

OKsaves the new project. In the Save Project As dialog box,

type a File Name and clickOK.

Save Project Assaves the existing project with new settings

The Project Explorer opens, docked at the left edge of the screen. For

details about the Project Explorer, see Chapter 1, Getting Started with

Planet EV, in thePlanet EV User Guide.

To open the Project Settings dialog box once a project is open, choose

Analysis Project Settings or right-click on the Map window and

choose Planet EV Project Settings. To open the Project Settings dialog box

from the Project Wizard, click Project Settings on the first page of the wizard.
http://planet%20ev%20user%20guide.pdf/http://planet%20ev%20user%20guide.pdf/http://planet%20ev%20user%20guide.pdf/http://planet%20ev%20user%20guide.pdf/http://planet%20ev%20user%20guide.pdf/


37/278

Creating a GSM ProjectGSM User Guide

25

Migrating a PCS/cellular project

If you created a project using the cellular project type available in deciBel

Planner, you can upgrade the project for use with the GSM module. To

upgrade the project, contact your local Technical Assistance Center (TAC).For information on contacting a TAC, see Contacting Marconi onpage 5.

Opening a GSM project

You can open only one project at a time. Only projects that you have recently

worked with appear in the Open Planet EV Project dialog box.

To open a GSM project

1 Choose FileOpenProject.2 If you want to see the paths in the Most Recently Used Projects list,

enable the Show Path check box.

3 In the Open Planet EV Project dialog box, do one of the following:

Choose a project from the Projects list and clickOpen.

ClickBrowse, navigate to the project that you want to open, and

then clickOpen.

Creating a default project settings fileWhen you create a project using the Project Wizard, you are prompted to

choose a default settings (.gsm) file. You can create a custom default settings

file to add to the list of default settings files provided with the GSM module.

A default settings file contains default GSM network, sector, and analysis

settings. When you open a project, the values contained in the GSM settings

file are loaded in the GSM Network Settings dialog box, the GSM Sector

Settings dialog box, and the GSM Analysis Settings dialog box.

Before you create a default settings file, you must first define the network,sector, and analysis settings. You must then export the network settings to a

network settings (.gns) file, and export the GSM sector settings to a sector

settings (.gss) file. For more information, see the following sections:

To define custom network settings, see Chapter 4: Defining

Network Technologies and Services onpage 45. To export the


38/278

26


settings to a network settings (.gns) file, see To export a GSM

network settings file onpage 76.

To define custom GSM sector settings, see Chapter 6:

Configuring and Placing Sites onpage 109. To export thesettings to a sector settings (.gss) file, see Saving GSM sector

settings onpage 142.

To define custom analysis settings, see Defining default

analysis settings and analysis layers onpage 160. An analysis

settings (.nas) file is created automatically.

To create a default project settings file

1 Copy your exported network settings (.gns) file and GSM sector settings

(.gss) file to the Planet EV\Global\GSM\DefaultSets folder.2 Copy the DefaultAnalysisSettings.nas file from the folder of the project

where you defined your default network analysis settings to the

Planet EV\Global\GSM\DefaultSets folder.

3 In the Planet EV\Global\GSM\DefaultSets folder, copy any one of theexisting default project settings (.gsm) files and rename it.

You must retain the .gsm extension. This will become the new default

project settings file.

4 Open Notepad or any other ASCII text editor.5 Open the new default project settings file, and edit the parameters to refer

to your settings files. For example,

[Network Settings]

Default Settings File=myNetworkSettings.gns

[Sector Settings]

Default Settings File=mySectorSettings.gss

[Analysis Settings]

Default Settings File=DefaultAnalysisSettings.nas

6 Save the file.


39/278

27

Chapter 3: Importing Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMSData

3.Importing Planet 2.8

or Planet DMSData


following sections:

Workflow for importing Planet2.8 or Planet DMS data

Determining the location and

version of the data

Creating a PCAE project

Opening a PCAE project

Understanding the PCAE

Project window

Converting Planet 2.8 or

Planet DMS files

Understanding the converted

files

Viewing Planet 2.8 or Planet

DMS files

Viewing with multiple Map

windows

Saving the project as a Planet

EV project

Closing a PCAE project

Defining and importing GSM-

specific settings

If you have a Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMSproject that

uses AMPS/TACS, GSM/TDMA, or IS-136

technology, you can use the Planet Coverage

Analysis Extensions (PCAE) to convert the data for

use with the GSM module. This chapter describes the

steps required.


40/278

28


Understanding PCAE

The Planet Coverage Analysis Extension (PCAE) tool enables you to convert

Planet files to PCAE format. You can then display or manipulate the files.

When you open a Planet project, PCAE displays the Planet files in an easy-to-use tree view. You can convert files individually or as a batch by selecting

them in the PCAE window. Optionally, you can save the converted files as a

PlanetEVproject.

This chapter explains how to use PCAE to convert files, view files, and save

files as a PlanetEVproject. PCAE has additional capabilities. For more

information on working with PCAE, see Chapter 2, Working with Planet 2.8

or PlanetDMSData, in thePlanet EV User Guide.

Workflow for importing Planet 2.8 or Planet DMS dataStep 1 Determine the location and version of Planet 2.8 or Planet DMS

data. See Determining the location and version of the data on

page 29.

Step 2 Create a PCAE project. See Creating a PCAE project onpage 29.

Step 3 Open the PCAE project. See Opening a PCAE project on

page 32.

Step 4 Convert and view files. See Converting Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMS files on page 35 and Viewing Planet 2.8 or Planet DMS

files on page 38.

Step 5 Save the PCAE project as a Planet EVproject. See Saving theproject as a Planet EV project on page 39.

Step 6 Close the PCAE project. See Closing a PCAE project on

page 40.

Step 7 Define and import GSM-specific settings. See Defining andimporting GSM-specific settings on page 41.

Step 8 If required, import a frequency plan from Planet 2.8 orDMS. SeeChapter 9: Frequency Planning on page 193.
http://planet%20ev%20user%20guide.pdf/http://planet%20ev%20user%20guide.pdf/http://planet%20ev%20user%20guide.pdf/


41/278

Importing Planet 2.8 or Planet DMSDataGSM User Guide

29

Determining the location and version of the data

The Planet Coverage Analysis Extension (PCAE) tool converts data stored in

Planet 2.8 for Windows NT or Solaris

PlanetDMS3.1 for Windows 2000 or Solaris

PlanetDMS3.2 for Solaris

Solaris computers must have an active FTP server. PCAE uses FTP to access

the Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMSdata.

To create a project from PlanetDMSdata, you must connect to an Oracle

database to retrieve some of the data. Your computer must have a compatible

version of the Oracle client software installed. This is not provided with

PlanetEV. The Oracle client software must be configured to connect to the

Oracle database containing the PlanetDMSdata before you attempt to accessthe data.

Creating a PCAE project

The PCAE Project Wizard guides you through the process of creating a PCAE

project.

To create a PCAE project from Planet 2.8 data

1 Choose ToolsPlanetImport Project [PCAE]New Project.

The PCAE Project Wizard opens.

2 Choose the Planet 2.8 option and clickNext.

3 Choose the Windows NetworkorUNIX Machine option thatcorresponds to the type of computer on which the Planet definition (.def

or _def) file resides and clickNext.

4 If you chose the UNIX Machine option in the preceding step, type yourlogin information in the dialog box and clickNext.

5 ClickBrowse, locate the Planet definition (.def or _def) file and thenclickOpen.

6 ClickNext.

7 In the PCAE Project box, type a name for the PCAE project, or acceptthe default.

The name you type must not contain any of the following characters:

: / * ? " < > |


42/278

30


8 ClickNext.

The PCAE Project Wizard displays the name of the root data directory

($PLANET_DATA) as defined in the Planet definition file. The files

associated with the project should be contained in this folder or itssubfolders.

9 Do one of the following:

If the displayed $PLANET_DATA directory is correct, choose

the Yes option, and clickNext.

If the displayed $PLANET_DATA directory is not correct,

choose the No option, clickNext, navigate to the correct

directory and clickOK.

You are asked whether you want to verify the data paths specified in theproject definition file. If you choose to do this, PCAE checks that the

specified paths exist. It does not check the validity of the data.


To verify the data paths, choose the Yes option, and clickNext.

To proceed without verification, choose the No option, and click

Next.

If you choose Yes, the Project Editor opens. For information about this

tool, see Using the Project Editor, in Chapter 2, Working withPlanet 2.8 or PlanetDMSData, in thePlanet EV User Guide. When you

finish using the editor, close it and continue with the steps that follow.


To open the new PCAE project immediately, choose the Yes

option, clickFinish, specify a folder to store your converted

files, and clickOK.

To close PCAE without opening the project, choose the No

option and clickFinish.

To create a PCAE project from Planet DMS data

1 Choose ToolsPlanetImport Project [PCAE]New Project.

The PCAE Project Wizard opens.

2 Choose the Planet DMS option and clickNext.


43/278


31

3 In the Oracle Login dialog box, enter your login information and clickOK.

A list of available workspaces is displayed.

Planet workspaces marked with a red X are closed to modification, but

they are available for PCAE to read and convert.

4 Choose your Planet workspace and clickNext.

5 Choose the Windows NetworkorUNIX Machine option thatcorresponds to the type of computer on which the Planet definition (.def

or _def) file resides, and clickNext.

6 If you chose the UNIX Machine option in the preceding step, type your

login information in the dialog box and clickNext.

7 ClickBrowse, locate the Planet definition (.def or _def) file and clickOpen.

8 ClickNext.

9 In the PCAE Project box, type a name for the PCAE project and clickNext.

The PCAE Project Wizard displays the name of the root data directory

($PLANET_DATA) as defined in the Planet definition file. The files

associated with the project should be contained in this directory or its

subdirectories.


44/278

32



If the displayed $PLANET_DATA directory is correct, choose

the Yes option, and clickNext.

If the displayed $PLANET_DATA directory is not correct,choose the No option, clickNext, navigate to the correct

directory and clickOK.

You are asked whether you want to verify the data paths specified in the

project definition file. If you choose to do this, PCAE checks that the

specified paths exist. It does not check the validity of the data.


To verify the data paths, choose the Yes option, and clickNext.

To proceed without verification, choose the No option, and clickNext.

If you choose Yes, the Project Editor opens. For information about this

tool, see Using the Project Editor,in Chapter 2, Working with

Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMSData, in thePlanet EV User Guide. When you

finish using the editor, close it and continue with the steps that follow.


To open the new PCAE project immediately, choose the Yes

option, clickFinish, specify a folder to store your convertedfiles, and clickOK.

To close PCAE without opening the project, choose the No

option and clickFinish.

Opening a PCAE project

You can open a PCAE project to convert and view the Planet files that it

contains. The directory structure of the Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMSfiles is

maintained in the PCAE output folder.

You must have read permission to convert any files that reside on a

network.


45/278


33

To open a PCAE project

1 Choose ToolsPlanetImport Project [PCAE]Open Project.

The Open PCAE Project dialog box opens. The projects are listed in a tree

view. You can expand a project to view information about it.

2 In the Open PCAE Project dialog box, choose a project, and clickOpen.

3 If the Select Output Folderdialog box opens, navigate to the folder

where you want to save your converted files, and clickOK.

The Project window opens. You are ready to convert and view Planet

files.


46/278

34


Understanding the PCAE Project window

PCAE provides a Project window from which you can convert and view

Planet files.

The Project Files tree view presents the Planet project files as a hierarchy,

much like the Project Explorer.

Working with the tree view

The tree view makes the large number of files in a Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMS

project more manageable by organizing them into branches that can beexpanded and collapsed.

This monochrome icon indicates that the file has not been converted from

Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMSformat. Conversion occurs automatically the first

time you enable the check box beside the file name.

This color icon indicates that the file has been converted to PCAE format.

The Select Output Folder dialog box opens only the first time you open

a PCAE project. If you want to change the output folder later, chooseTools Planet Import Project [PCAE] Change Output Folder.


47/278


35

This icon indicates that there was an error during file conversion.

When Display mode is selected, enabling the check box next to a file name

selects the file for immediate display. PCAE converts the file if necessary.

When Batch mode is selected, enabling a check box selects the file for batch

conversion. PCAE converts the selected files when you click Convert, but it

does not display the converted files.

Understanding the tree view hierarchy

The PCAE tree view organizes Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMSproject files into the

following main branches:

Converting Planet 2.8 or Planet DMS files

Site, antenna, and model files are converted automatically when you create

the project. For other files, conversion occurs the first time you enable the

check box beside a file name in the tree view. The converted file is stored in

the location you specified in the Select Output Folderdialog box.

To convert Planet 2.8 or Planet DMS files individually


2 In the Open PCAE Project dialog box, choose a PCAE project and click

Open.

Network the site table, equipment information, and

service information

Mapping geographical information including Digital

Elevation Model (DEM), clutter, vector, and

user-defined vector files

Analysis surveys, traffic files, and coverage arrays

Each time you open a project, PCAE determines whether any of the

Planet 2.8 or Planet DMS files have been updated since they were

converted. PCAE removes out-of-date converted files, marking the file name

with the monochrome icon in the Project window tree view. You can enable

the check boxes beside the file names to convert the files again. PCAE cannot

determine whether data stored in a Planet DMS database has been updated.


48/278

36


3 In the Projectwindow, enable the check box of the file that you want toconvert.

If the file is a height or clutter file that contains non-contiguous tiles, you

have the option of using the Tile Tool. For information about the TileTool, see Using the PCAE Tile Tool, in Chapter 2, Working with

Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMSData, in thePlanet EV User Guide.

If the file is a vector file and you have not converted any vector files in

this project before, the Vector Color Profile dialog box opens. You use

this dialog box to define the colors used in Map windows for the various

types of vector information. Similarly, the User Vector Color Profile

dialog box opens when you perform the first conversion of a user vector

file in a project. For information about using these dialog boxes, see To

set vector color profiles onpage 37.

PCAE converts the file and displays it in a Map window.

To convert Planet 2.8 or Planet DMS files as a batch

If you want to convert a large number of files, using batch mode is more

efficient than converting files individually.


2 In the Open PCAE Project dialog box, choose a PCAE project and click

Open.

3 In the Projectwindow, in the Mode section, choose the Batchoption.

4 Enable the check box of each file that you want to convert and click

Convert in the Modesection.

You can select all of the files in a node such as Height or Vector by

enabling the check box at the node name.

5 In theConfirm dialog box, clickYes.

If you have not previously converted any vector files for this project, the

Vector Color Profile dialog box opens. Similarly, if you have notpreviously converted user vector files in this project, the User Vector

Color Profiledialog box opens. You use these dialog boxes to define the

colors used in Map windows for the various types of vector information.

For information about using these dialog boxes, see To set vector color

profiles onpage 37.


49/278


37

6 In the Information dialog box, clickOK.

The check boxes you enabled in Batch mode are now cleared. You can

select files for viewing by enabling their check boxes.

To set vector color profiles

If you are converting a vector or user vector file for the first time, the Vector

Color Profile dialog box opens. You can use this dialog box to define the

colors used in Map windows for the various types of vector information.

In the Vector Color Profile dialog box, do one of the following:

To accept the default color scheme, clickOKto close the Vector

Color Profile dialog box. To change a color, double-click it and define the color you want

using the Windows Color dialog box.

Understanding the converted files

There are some differences between PCAE files and the original Planet 2.8 or

PlanetDMSfiles.

Height and clutter files

Multiple resolutions

Many Planet 2.8 and PlanetDMSprojects contain height and clutter data

layers in multiple resolutions. Typically, a low-resolution layer covers the

entire project area, and higher resolution layers provide detailed views of

smaller areas within the project area. By default, PCAE creates one grid for

each resolution, each large enough to cover the entire project area. You can


50/278

38


use the PCAE Tile Tool to create user-defined grids, each of which contain a

subset of the available data at a specific resolution.

Planet user edits

PCAE places Planet user-created height or clutter areas in a User node underthe Height node. User-defined grids created with the PCAE Tile Tool appear

in the Height node.

Vector attributes

Some vector files have an associated attribute file. For example, the attribute

file might contain the heights of buildings. If an attribute file is available, it is

automatically included in the conversion.

Survey data filesPCAE converts radio survey measurement data to a MapInfo point table. If

the site table is available, PCAE also creates a MapInfo point table that stores

metadata about each survey, such as the sector that was used. You can find the

metadata table in the same folder as the converted site table. It has the same

name as the site table file, with _survey appended. For information about

viewing this file, see Viewing information about surveys in Chapter 2,

Working with Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMSData, in thePlanet EV User Guide.

Viewing Planet 2.8 or Planet DMS filesAs described in Understanding the PCAE Project window onpage 34, you

can view any file by enabling its check box in the PCAE Project window. This

capability is useful for viewing Planet analysis files, which are not included

when you save your converted Planet project as a PlanetEVproject.

When you display a file using PCAE, a new Map window opens if necessary;

otherwise, the file is displayed in the currently active Map window.

To view a file using the PCAE Project window

1 Choose Tools PlanetImport Project [PCAE] Open Project.


3 In the Projectwindow,enable the check box beside the file you want toview.

When the file is displayed in a Map window, you can display or manipulate it

in PlanetEVin the same way as other files of its type.


51/278


39

Viewing with multiple Map windows

You can create multiple maps with different layers for comparison.

To work with multiple Map windows1 Choose Tools PlanetImport Project [PCAE] Open Project.


3 In the Projectwindow, enable the tree view check boxes for the files youwant to display.

4 Do any of the following:

To create a duplicate of the current Map window, in the Project

window, clickClone.

To make a Map window active, click anywhere inside it.

To change the display in the active Map window, in the Project

window, enable or clear tree view check boxes.

5 Close the Project window.

Saving the project as a Planet EVproject

You can save your PCAE project as a PlanetEVproject. Only the site table,

flags, DEMs, clutter, antenna, and model files (Planet General Model only)are saved in the PlanetEVproject.

To save a PCAE project as a Planet EVproject

1 With a PCAE project open, choose ToolsPlanetImport Project [PCAE]Save As Planet EV Project.

The Create Planet EV Project Wizard opens.

2 Choose the elevation (height) file that you want to use, and clickNext.

A PlanetEVproject can have only one elevation file.


If you do not want to use a clutter file, enable the

Do Not Use Clutter check box.

Choose the clutter file you want to use.

A PlanetEVproject can have only one clutter file.


52/278

40


4 ClickNext.

5 In the Directory tree view, choose the folder where you want to save the

PlanetEVproject, and clickNext.

6 In the Project Name box, type a name for the project, and clickFinish.

The PCAE project is saved as a GSM project in PlanetEV.

Differences between PCAE and Planet EVfiles

The data converted to PlanetEVformat differs from the original PCAE data

as follows.

Site names

The underscore (_) character replaces any of these characters:

\ / : ? * < > | ( ) @ Site names that would become duplicates because PlanetEVis

not case-sensitive are modified by adding an underscore and a

sequential number. For example, if there are sites named

Site_A and Site_a, Site_a is renamed Site_a_2.

Planet EVsite table columns

During translation to PlanetEVformat, columns required by PlanetEVare

added to the site table, and columns that are not needed are removed. Some

columns are renamed from the Planet name to the PlanetEVname.

Antenna Tilt values

Tilt values are positive for uptilt, negative for downtilt. This is the opposite of

the values in Planet and PCAE.

Closing a PCAE project

Closing a project closes all of the project files you have open.

To close a PCAE project

Choose ToolsPlanetImport Project [PCAE]

Close Project.


53/278


41

Defining and importing GSM-specific settings

When you save the PCAE project as a PlanetEVproject, you need to define

settings for technologies, bands, and carriers. When you define these settings,

you can import settings for carrier groups, carrier types, and hopsets, whichare known as mobile allocation lists (MAL) in the GSM module.

The GSM-specific settings that you define must be the same as in the original

PlanetDMSproject.

To define technologies, bands, and carriers

1 To open the project, choose FileOpen Project.

2 ClickBrowse and navigate to the folder where you saved the PlanetEVproject.

You specified this folder when you saved the project, as described in

Saving the project as a Planet EV project onpage 39.

3 Choose the project (.dbp) file and clickOpen.

4 Choose AnalysisNetwork Settings.

5 On the Network Technologies panel, choose the technologies that areappropriate for the imported project:

GSM

IS-136

AMPS

For information on how to choose technologies, see To choose

technologies onpage 54.

6 Create bands for the project.

Bands are used to allocate spectrum for each technology in your project.

You must allocate spectrum the same way it is allocated in the original

PlanetDMSproject. For information on how to create bands, see To

define frequency ranges and starting carrier numbers onpage 83.

7 Define carriers for the project.

The carriers must be the same as the carriers in the original PlanetDMS

project. For information on how to create carriers, see To create carriers

onpage 85.


54/278

42


To import carrier groups, carrier types, and MALs

After you define technologies, bands, and carriers, you can import carrier

groups, carrier types, or MALs from your Planet 2.8 or PlanetDMSproject.

This procedure is optional.1 Choose AnalysisNetwork Settings.

2 In the GSM Network Settings dialog box, choose Configuration in thetree view.

3 On the GSM Network Settings: Configuration panel, in the Import

Planet Project Files section, choose the technology that you want to

import information for from the Technology list.

4 ClickValidate Carriers.

5 In the Open Carrier Name File dialog box, navigate to the .names filethat contains the carrier configuration from the original PlanetDMS

project, and clickOpen.

The .names file is stored in a folder called ImportGSMdata that was

created when you saved your PCAE project as a PlanetEVproject.

The configuration that you defined in To define technologies, bands, and

carriers onpage 41 is checked against the .names file. Results are

displayed in the Results box. If there are discrepancies, you must modify

the configuration that you defined and try again to validate the carriers.


55/278


43

6 From the File Type list, choose one of the following options:

Carrier group

Carrier type

Hopset

7 ClickImport.

8 In the Open window, navigate to the file that you want to import, and

clickOpen.

Depending on the type of file that you chose in Step 6, you are prompted

to open a .groups file, a .types file, or a .hopset file.

These files are stored in a folder called ImportGSMdata that was created

when you saved your PCAE project as a PlanetEVproject.

9 ClickOK.


56/278

44



57/278

45

Chapter 4: Defining Network Technologies and

Services

4.Defining Network

Technologies andServices


following sections:

Understanding networktechnologies and services

Workflow for defining network

technologies and services

Defining the technologies in

your network

Defining GSM settings

Defining IS-136 settings

Defining AMPS settings

Defining NAMPS settings Defining iDEN settings

Defining user-defined

technology settings

Defining data services

Exporting and importing GSM

network settings files

Network technologies and services are associated

with a project. Once you have created a project, you

can define network technologies and services for it.


58/278

46


Understanding network technologies and services

The following sections explain the options that you have for defining network

technologies and services for your project.

Technology options

The Network Technologies panel enables you to define which technologies

you have in your network.

The following technology options are available:

GSMcan include GPRS and EGPRS

IS-136

AMPS

NAMPS

iDEN

user defined, such as other FDMA/TDMA technologies

For each technology, the settings that you can define are divided into the

following categories:

general

noise

HCL

For GSM only, you can also define settings for GPRS and EGPRS.

The following sections explain the contents of each category.

General

General settings consist of

carrier configuration, which includes

carrier spacing

time slots per transceiver

carrier separation between adjacent channels

interference

Carrier spacing and time slots per transceiver are fixed based on technology

type. The carrier spacing, which is the carrier spacing between adjacent

carriers in kHz, is used when you create carriers. For more information on

creating carriers, see To create carriers onpage 85.


59/278

Defining Network Technologies and ServicesGSM User Guide

47

Carrier separation between adjacent channels enables you to create adjacent

carriers whose carrier numbers differ by more than one. For example, a carrier

separation of 1 will generate carrier numbers such as 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. A carrier

separation of 2 will generate carrier numbers such as 1, 3, 5, etc. In this case,

carriers 1 and 3 will be adjacent. This value is only used to support the carriernumbering scheme of iDEN or of a user-defined technology. iDEN uses only

odd carrier numbers (1, 3, 5, 7...), which gives it a carrier separation between

adjacent channels of 2.

The interference settings enable you to specify the minimum interference

ratios required for service. You can specify the minimum C/I (co-channel

carrier-to-interference ratio) and the minimum C/A (adjacent channel

carrier-to-interference) required for acceptable service. These values are used

to calculate the adjacent channel interference rejection factor (IRF), which is

the amount of isolation the technology filter provides to adjacent channelinterference. It is given by .

Noise

Noise settings are available on the Noise tab, and enable you to specify in

detail the effect of noise in your environment. Values calculated for Rx

sensitivity can be used when you create analysis layers. For more information

on creating analysis layers, see Chapter 7: Generating and Viewing Analysis

Layers onpage 151.

Equation 4.1 shows the calculation for Uplink Thermal Noise Floor for the

GSM module. Equation 4.2 shows the calculation for Downlink Thermal

Noise Floor for the GSM module. The sections following the equations

explain the equation elements.

Equation 4.1 Uplink Thermal Noise Floor

Equation 4.2 Downlink Thermal Noise Floor

where

is a read-only, calculated field. The Thermal Noise Floor is

the amount of noise power generated by the mobile device itself. The

temperature of the device causes the random motion of electrons in the device

that produces this noise power. It is typically referred to as the kTBF factor.

is a read-only value equal to -144 dBm/kHz. It is referred

to as the factor, where is Boltzmanns constant , and

C/Imi n C/Ami n

Thermal Noise Floor Thermal Noise Density 10log10( ) B( ) BTS Noise Figure+ +=

Thermal Noise Floor Thermal Noise Density 10log10( ) B( ) Mobile Noise Figure+ +=

Thermal Noise Floor

Thermal Noise Density

kT k k 1.38 1023

J/K=


60/278

48


is the ambient temperature in Kelvin, which is assumed to be 290K.

Equation 4.3 shows the calculation for Thermal Noise Density.

Equation 4.3 Thermal Noise Density calculation

is the Noise Equivalent Bandwidth in kHz. For digital technologies this

value is equal to the technologys channel symbol rate. This value is used to

calculate the thermal noise density for both downlink and uplink. You can

type a value in this box specific to your network.

is the thermal noise for the base transceiver station (BTS) in

dB. You can type a value in this box specific to your network.

is the noise figure for the mobile device in dB. You can

type a value in this box specific to your network.

For example, for a GSM uplink, assuming B=200 kHz and BTS Noise

Figure=5 dB (typical noise figure for the BTS), the equation for Uplink

Thermal Noise Floor is:

Equation 4.4 Uplink Thermal Noise Floor calculation

For a GSM downlink, assuming B=200 kHz and Mobile Noise Figure=8 dB

(typical noise figure for the mobile), the equation for Downlink Thermal

Noise Floor is:

Equation 4.5 Downlink Thermal Noise Floor calculation

The Thermal Noise Floor and the Required C/N are used to calculate the Rx

Sensitivity, as shown in Equation 4.6and Equation 4.7.

T

Thermal Noise Density 10log10= kT( ) 10log10 1.38 1023

J K 290K ( )=

= 10log10( ) 4 10 21 W/Hz( )

-204 dBW/Hz -174 dBm/Hz -144 dBm/kHz===

B

BTS Noise Figure

Mobile Noise Figure

Uplink Thermal Noise Floor Thermal Noise Density 10log10 B( ) BTS Noise Figure+ +=

= 144 dBm/kHz 10log10 200( ) 5+ += 116 dBm

Downlink Thermal Noise Floor Thermal Noise Density 10log10 B( ) Mobile NF+ +=

= 144 dBm/kHz 10log10 200( ) 8+ +

= 113 dBm


61/278


49

Equation 4.6 Uplink Rx Sensitivity

Equation 4.7 Downlink Rx Sensitivity

where

is a read-only, calculated field that represents the minimum

signal level that the BTS needs to receive in order to provide acceptable voice

quality. It is calculated using the uplink thermal noise floor and required C/N.

For GSM technologies, the C/N definition is more complex due to the

availability of a wide range of AMR codecs and the individual C/N

requirement for each codec. In practice, it is appropriate to use a single C/N

requirement that represents a worst-case scenario. This is typically theEnhanced Full Rate (EFR), non-AMR codec that is used as a reference.

is a read-only, calculated field that represents the

minimum signal level that the mobile needs to receive in order to provide

acceptable quality. It is calculated using the downlink thermal noise floor and

required C/N.

is the thermal noise floor for the uplink. The

calculation is shown in Equation 4.1.

is the thermal noise floor for the downlink. The

calculation is shown in Equation 4.2.

is the required carrier-to-noise ratio. You can type a value in this

box specific to your network.

GPRS and EGPRS

If you enable GPRS or EGPRS as part of your network, you must define the

minimum required C/I for each GPRS or EGPRS coding scheme, or accept

the defaults. Default values are provided based on the frequency hopping

TU50 mobility model at 10% Block Erasure Rate (BLER). As part of theprocess of defining and placing sites, you can specify the maximum supported

coding scheme for GPRS and EGPRS on a per-sector basis. For more

information on defining and placing sites, see Chapter 6: Configuring and

Placing Sites onpage 109. Coding schemes are used when you create service

coverage analysis layers. For more information, see Service coverage on

page 158.

Uplink Rx Sensitivity Uplink Thermal Noise Floor Required C/N+=

Downlink Rx Sensitivity Downlink Thermal Noise Floor Required C/N+=

Uplink Rx Sensitivity

Downlink Rx Sensitivity

Uplink Thermal Noise Floor

Downlink Thermal Noise Floor

Required C/N


62/278

50


Coding schemes determine the data rate of a particular data channel. The data

rate of a data channel is directly affected by the amount of error correction

applied to the transmitted data. The greater the error correction, the lower the

data rate, and vice-versa.

It is important to note that the data rate represents the channel performance

and not the perceived performance from an end-user. Since all mobile users

share a certain amount of time slots available for packet transmission, the user

data rate is highly influenced by the loading of the serving cell.

The coding schemes are designed to vary depending upon the error rate

experienced on the link. For example, if there is a high amount of interference

(as indicated by a low C/I ratio), a lower data rate coding scheme is used. The

packet switched traffic calculations use these coding schemes as an input

because the coding schemes affect the resources required to support the level

and quality of traffic required.

Four coding schemes are available for GPRS, as shown in the following table.

Nine coding schemes are available for EGPRS, as shown in the following

table.

Coding

scheme

Code

rateModulation

Data rate

(kbps)

CS-4 1.0 GMSK 21.4

CS-3 0.75 GMSK 15.6

CS-2 0.66 GMSK 13.4

CS-1 0.5 GMSK 9.05

Coding

scheme

Code

rateModulation

Data rate

(kbps)

MCS-9 1.0 8-PSK 59.2

MCS-8 0.92 8-PSK 54.4

MCS-7 0.76 8-PSK 44.8

MCS-6 0.49 8-PSK 29.6

MCS-5 0.37 8-PSK 22.4

MCS-4 1.0 GMSK 17.6


63/278


51

HCL settings

HCLs enable you to use information in addition to strongest received signal

strength to determine which server is the best server for a cell. You can use

HCLs for all technologies.

By enabling HCLs, you can define a priority for a cell that causes it to be

considered before or after other cells without considering whether it has astronger signal. This enables you, for example, to balance traffic by increasing

the coverage area for a server with a weaker signal and less traffic and

decreasing the coverage area for a server with a stronger signal but with more

traffic.

HCLs also enable you to manage and prioritize coverage for microcells and

macrocells in your network. For example, a microcell covering a portion of

the macrocell area may provide a weaker signal but still be the preferred

server. Therefore, the best server can be determined using criteria other than

only signal strength. For example, a microcell can have a priority=1, the

macrocell a priority=2 as long as the signal strength is > -75 dBm. Therefore,

if the signal strength > -75 dBm, the microcell is the best server regardless of

the macrocells signal.

You enable and define HCL settings at the netwo

gsm user guide

Documents