8 4G Radio Network Planning and Optimisation
The 4G‐LTE (long term evolution) network evolved from a 3GPP perspective from Release 99 (March 2000) with UTRA in FDD and TDD (2.84 Mcps) modes. This was followed by Release 4 (March 2001) containing TD‐SCDMA and Release 5 (March 2002) that produced HSDPA with IMS. In 2005, Release 6 came up with HSUPA with MGMS. DL MIMO (multiple‐input multiple‐ output), optimised real‐time services, e.g. VoIP, Push‐2‐talk came in Release 7. It was as early as 2008 that Release 8 introduced LTE for the first time. Some of the important aspects covered were higher data rates, low latency, introduction of MIMO, etc. Releases 9, 10, 11, etc. (further to Release 8) continued the standardisation of the radio networks.
8.1 Basics of Radio Network Planning
The process remains similar to that discussed in previous chapters. However, as the network architecture has changed substantially (more simplified), apart from the fact that it is now a data‐oriented network, the radio network planning and its focus changes with respect to GSM/WCDMA networks.
8.1.1 Scope of Radio Network Planning
As shown in Figure 8.1, the scope of radio network planning will cover, from an equipment perspective, eNodeB planning and, from an interface perspective, the X2 interface, in addition to taking into consideration the Uu interface. First, let us consider an overview of LTE fundamentals.
Figure 8.1 Scope of 4G/LTE network planning.
8.1.2 LTE System Requirements
Some of ...