The Telecommunications Handbook: Engineering Guidelines for Fixed, Mobile and Satellite Systems

23 Planning of Core Networks

Jyrki T. J. Penttinen and Jukka Hongisto

23.1 Introduction

This chapter generalizes the modern core network planning aspects by describing how LTE can be supported by the packet core network of LTE/SAE. This chapter concentrates on the 3GPP release 8 LTE/SAE architecture and Evolved Packet Core, and presents potential migration steps from the existing 2G/3G PS core towards fully compatible Rel-8 EPC.

23.2 General Planning Guidelines for Fixed Networks

The dimensioning of telecommunications networks is one of the principal tasks of operators to guarantee adequate quality level for end-users. The dimensioning is not a task to be done only once but the high quality networks require constant optimization and tuning of parameters.

The main division of the network planning can be done between fixed and mobile communications. Many of the tasks are actually common in both wired environment and radio interface as some of the most important high-level principles are to offer sufficient capacity with acceptable QoS (Quality of Service), or GoS (Grade of Service). The terminology of the planning items and parameters may vary depending on the network in question, but the basic principles are often similar.

Some of the common topics to be taken into account in the network dimensioning are the following. Estimated need for offered capacity. At the most detailed level, this item may be planned by taking into account daily, weekly, yearly and seasonal variations ...