The following figure shows the nominal radio network planning process.
Collect information for network dimensioning and initial site selection. Information sources include tender documents, project contracts, and customer requirements.
Radio network dimensioning includes link budgeting and capacity estimation. Site quantity and configurations can be obtained based on the input network requirements and a balance between coverage and capacity requirements.
To perform initial site selection, perform onsite surveys, import site information into a project in the U-Net (a simulation tool), determine a propagation model, roughly estimate coverage requirements, and pick out unsuitable sites and the sites that are impossible to acquire.
System simulations are performed based on initial site selection. Simulate services by traffic model, locate problematic areas, and take measures (such as site adjustment) to qualify simulation results.
In addition, communicate with the operator about cell/site naming rules in the nominal planning phase.
