GSM Frequency Planning

GSM Radio Network Planning and Optimization Chapter 6 GSM Frequency Planning
For internal use only
Table of Contents
Table of Contents...................................................................................................................1 List of Figures...................................................................................................................2 List of Tables.....................................................................................................................3 Chapter 6 GSM Frequency Planning...................................................................................4 6.1 Overview....................................................................................................................4 6.2 Frequency Division and C/I Requirement..................................................................5 6.2.1 Frequency Division..........................................................................................5 6.2.2 C/I...................................................................................................................5 6.3 Frequency Planning Principle....................................................................................9 6.4 Normal Frequency Reuse Technology.....................................................................10 6.4.1 C/I under 4 x 3 Frequency Reuse Pattern.....................................................10 6.4.2 10MHz Bandwidth 4 x 3 Frequency Reuse...................................................12 6.4.3 19MHz Bandwidth 4 x 3 Frequency Reuse...................................................13 6.4.4 6MHz Bandwidth 4 x 3 Frequency Reuse.....................................................13 6.4.5 4 x 3 Frequency Reuse Conclusion..............................................................14 6.5 Aggressive Frequency Reuse Technology...............................................................15 6.5.1 3 x 3 Frequency Reuse Pattern.....................................................................15 6.5.2 2 x 6 Reuse Pattern......................................................................................16 6.5.3 2 x 3 Frequency Reuse Pattern.....................................................................19 6.5.4 1 x 3 Frequency Reuse Pattern.....................................................................20 6.5.5 1 x 1 Frequency Reuse Pattern.....................................................................24 6.5.6 A + B Frequency Reuse Pattern....................................................................24 6.6 Concentric Cell Technology.....................................................................................26 6.6.1 Concept.........................................................................................................26 6.6.2 General Underlay Overlay.............................................................................27 6.6.3 Intelligent Underlay Overlay..........................................................................28 6.6.4 Characteristics of Concentric Cell Technology..............................................29 6.7 Multiple Reuse Pattern Technology.........................................................................30 6.7.1 Basic Principle...............................................................................................30 6.7.2 MRP Sequence Grouping.............................................................................33 6.7.3 MRP Space Grouping...................................................................................34 6.7.4 Characteristics of MRP Technology...............................................................35 6.7.5 Comparison between MRP and 1 X 3 Frequency Reuse Pattern.................36 6.8 Network Capacity Comparison................................................................................36
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page1 of 37
List of Figures
Figure 1.1Intra-frequency reuse of the omni-directional base station ..............................6 Figure 1.2Intra-frequency interference for the omni-directional base station...................7 Figure 1.3Normal 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern................................................................11 Figure 1.43 x 3 frequency reuse pattern.............................................................................15 Figure 1.52 x 6 frequency reuse pattern.............................................................................17 Figure 1.62 x 3 frequency reuse pattern.............................................................................19 Figure 1.71 x 3 frequency reuse pattern.............................................................................21 Figure 1.8A + B frequency reuse pattern............................................................................25 Figure 1.9Schematic diagram of concentric cell................................................................26 Figure 1.10Structure of general underlay overlay..............................................................28 Figure 1.11Structure of intelligent underlay overlay..........................................................28 Figure 1.12Layering aggressive frequency reuse..............................................................30 Figure 1.13Frequency planning under MRP (7.2MHz bandwidth).....................................32 Figure 1.14Frequency planning under MRP space grouping............................................34
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page2 of 37
List of Tables
Table 3.1Frequency planning under 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern (a)............................12 Table 3.2Frequency planning under 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern (b)............................13 Table 3.3Frequency planning under 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern (c)............................14 Table 4.1Frequency planning under 3 x 3 frequency reuse pattern.................................15 Table 5.1Frequency planning under 2 x 6 frequency reuse pattern.................................17 Table 6.1Frequency planning under 2 x 3 frequency reuse pattern.................................20 Table 7.11 X 3 frequency reuse space grouping (a)..........................................................21 Table 7.21 x 3 frequency reuse sequence grouping (a).....................................................22 Table 7.31 x 3 frequency reuse space grouping (b)..........................................................22 Table 7.41 x 3 frequency sequence grouping (b)...............................................................23 Table 7.5Frequency planning under 1 x 1 frequency reuse pattern.................................24 Table 8.1Frequency planning under A + B frequency reuse pattern................................25 Table 9.1Channel number grouping for 6MHz bandwidth concentric cell (a)..................27 Table 9.2Channel number grouping for 6MHz bandwidth concentric cell (b)..................27 Table 11.1A comparison between GUO and IUO................................................................29 Table 12.1Channel number allocation for each layer.........................................................30 Table 13.1MRP sequence grouping.....................................................................................33 Table 14.1Comparison of the network capacity under various frequency reuse pattern ................................................................................................................................................36
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page3 of 37
Chapter 6 GSM Frequency Planning

6.1 Overview
Frequency resource is scarce for the mobile communication, so how to maximize the spectrum utilization ratio is a great concern for many carriers, equipment providers, and scholars. And their research into this problem has accelerated the development of the communication technologies. By now, the mobile communication has experienced three phases: analog TACS/AMPS, GSM/CDMA IS95, and WCDMA/CDMA2000. The purpose to enhance the spectrum utilization ratio is to expand the network capacity based on the limited spectrum resource while ensuring the network quality. If not considering adding frequencies to the network, you can expand the capacity of a GSM network using the two methods. One is to increase the number of base stations in the network; the other is to use the frequency reuse technologies. This chapter mainly describes the GSM frequency reuse technologies, namely, frequency planning technologies. To expand the network capacity, you must reuse the limited frequency resources. Though frequency reuse is beneficial for network expansion, it brings into another problem. That is, it deteriorates the conversation quality. The more aggressive the frequencies are reused, the greater the interference will arise in the network. Therefore, how to seek a balance between network capacity and conversation quality is a demanding task in frequency planning. Currently, the 4 x 3, 3 x 3, 2 x 6, 1 x 3, 1 x 1, MRP, and concentric circles are the GSM frequency technologies in common use. For the 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, the frequency utilization ratio is relatively low, but the higher carrier-tointerference ratio (C/I) can be obtained, so you can enjoy better conversation quality. Compared with the 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, the 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern ensures a relatively high frequency utilization ratio, but the reuse distance is shorter, so interference is greater and the conversation quality is poorer. In this case, you should take some measures, such as the frequency hopping and DTX, against the interference. The frequency planning is a key technology for GSM network, so the quality of the frequency planning will determine the network quality. This chapter introduces the rules of frequency reuse based on the frequency reuse patterns and the network requirement. Meanwhile, it also provides
11/12/2010 All rights reserved Page4 of 37
examples to detail the frequency division, C/I, frequency reuse degree under each reuse pattern.
6.2 Frequency Division and C/I Requirement

6.2.1 Frequency Division
The GSM cellular system can be divided into GSM 900MHz system and DCS 1800MHz system in terms of the band to be used. The carrier spacing is 200 KHz.
I. GSM 900MHz
It has 124 channel numbers. The absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN) is 1124, and a protection band with 200 KHz in width is reserved at the two ends. According to the documents prescribed by the relative government department of China, China Mobile uses the 890909/936954MHz band, and the corresponding ARFCN is 195 (generally, the channel number 95 is for reservation only). For China Unicom, it uses the 909915/954960MHz band, and the corresponding ARFCN is 96124. For the bands defined for the carriers from other countries, they can be calculated by the following formulas:

Base station reception: f1 (n) = [890.2 + (n 1) x 0.2] MHz Base station transmit: f2 (n) = [f1 (n) + 45] MHz
II. DSC 1800MHz

It has 374 channel numbers. The ARFCN is 512885. The relationship between the frequency and the channel number (n) are listed in the following:

Base station reception: f1 (n) = [1710.2 + (n 512) x 0.2] MHz Base station transmit: f2 (n) = [f1(n) + 95] MHz
China Mobile uses the 17101720 MHz band, and the corresponding ARFCN is 512561. China Unicom uses the 17451755 MHz, and the corresponding ARFCN is 687736.
6.2.2 C/I
C/I stands for carrier-to-interference ratio. In the GSM system, frequency reuse will cause intra-frequency interference. The intra-frequency is related to both the reuse distance and the cell radius. Hereunder is an example. 6.2.2 shows the intra-frequency reuse of the omni-directional base station.
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page5 of 37
Figure 1.1 Intra-frequency reuse of the omni-directional base station Suppose that the coverage radius of all base stations is the same, the relationship of the intra-frequency reuse distance (D), the cell radius (R), and number of each frequency reuse cluster (N) can be expressed by the following equation:
q = D / R = 3N
Here,
N = i 2 + ij + j 2 (i and j are positive integers) q is the intra-frequency interference attenuation factor. For the directional cell, the physical meaning of the N stands for the number of base stations in the frequency reuse clusters.
If the intra-frequency cell and the service cell work at the same time, the MS locating in the center of the service cell will receive both the useful signals from this service cell and the interfering signals from the intra-frequency cells. In this case, the C/I can be expressed by the following equation:
C = I
I
i =1
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page6 of 37
Here, I k is the Kth interfering signal. This equation can also be expressed as:
C = I
(q
i =1
) r
Here,
q k is the intra-frequency interference attenuation factor of the Kth intrafrequency interference cell.
is the path loss slop according to actual geographical environment. In
moving environment, it ranges from 3 to 5. Generally, it is 4. As shown in 6.2.2, for the omni-directional base station with regular frequency reuse, there are 6 intra-frequency interference sources at the first layer, namely, the 6 intra-frequency reuse cells in orange. There are 12 intra-frequency interference sources at the second layer, namely, the 12 intra-frequency reuse cells in yellow. However, the 12 intra-frequency interference sources has only a little effect on the 6 interference sources at the first layer, so it can be neglected.
Figure 1.2 Intra-frequency interference for the omni-directional base station
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page7 of 37
If the radio propagation environment between the 6 intra-frequency reuse cells and the service cell is the keeps stable, the following three equations are present:
C 1 = I 6q r
q = (6
C qr = I 6
C r ) I
Based on the three equations, the relationship between the C/I and the number of the base station in the frequency reuse clusters can be expressed by the following equation:
C ( 3N ) r = I 6
When the MS locates at the edge of the service cell, it will receive the poorest signals form the service cell but the strongest interfering signals. In this case, the needed C/I can be expressed by the following equation:
C (q 1) r = I 6
If the cellular layout is improperly designed, the interfering sources will increase and the C/I will decrease. According to the previous equations, the more the cells in each cluster, the greater the C/I and the better the network quality are, but the frequency utilization ratio will be lower. In addition, the GSM interference is related to the traffic load. The intra-frequency interference reaches the greatest when the traffic load reaches the peak. Generally, the 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern is used in GSM frequency planning. For the areas where the traffic is great, you can use other frequency reuse patterns, such as 3 x 3 and 1 x 3. No matter which frequency reuse pattern you take, you must meet the requirement on interference-to-protection ratio. Apart from the intra-frequency interference caused by normal frequency reuse, there are other abnormal interferences. They are listed in the following:
Multipath signal interference (It occurs when useful signals fall outside the delay equalizer of the system.) Outside signal interference (It refers to the signals from the radar, illegal wireless equipments, and environment noises.)
In the GSM system, the requirements on the C/I are listed in the following:
For intra-frequency C/I, it must be equal to greater than 9 dB. In actual projecting, a margin of 3 dB is needed, namely, it is equal to or greater than 12 dB.
For adjacent-frequency C/I, it must be equal to or greater than -9 dB. In actual projecting, a margin of 3 dB is needed, namely, it is equal to or greater than -6 dB.
When the carrier offset reaches 400 KHz, the C/I must be equal to or greater than -41 dB.
6.3 Frequency Planning Principle

Generally, when planning the frequency for the network, you will divide the geographic area into smaller slices, but you must reserve a certain amount of channel number at the intersection area between slices if the frequency resource is adequate. The intersection area must be far away from the areas where the traffic is great and the areas where the networking is complex. Generally, you should begin the planning with the area where base stations are intensively distributed. If there are rivers or big lakes in the planning area, you must consider the refection effect of the surface. Generally, base stations irregularly distributed, so you cannot perform the frequency planning completely according to 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern or 3 x 3 frequency reuse pattern. Instead, you must make flexible adjustment according to actual conditions. No matter which reuse pattern you take, you must obey the following principles:
Generally, the intra-frequencies and adjacent channel numbers are allowed to appear within a base station. The frequency spacing between the BCCH and TCH must be greater than 400 KHz within a cell. The frequency spacing between the TCHs must be greater than 400 KHz within a cell. (When frequency hopping is used, you can meet this by properly setting the mobile allocation index offset.)
The adjacent base stations cannot use the same frequency. Considering the complexity of the antenna height and radio propagation environment, the base stations near each other cannot use the same frequency.
Generally, if using the 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, you must ensure that the number of frequency hopping channel numbers is at least twice that of the frequency hoping carriers.
Pay special attention to the intra-frequency reuse. The adjacent areas are not allowed to share the BCCH and the BSIC.
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page9 of 37
6.4 Normal Frequency Reuse Technology

6.4.1 C/I under 4 x 3 Frequency Reuse Pattern
The spectrum utilization ratio can be expressed by frequency reuse degree, which reveals the aggressiveness of the frequency reuse. The frequency reuse degree can be expressed by the following equation:
f reuse =
N ARFCN N TRX
Here NARFCN is the total number of the available channel numbers, and NTRX is the number of TRXs configured for the cell. For the n x m frequency reuse pattern, n indicates the number of the base stations in the reuse clusters, and m indicates the number of the cells under each base station. In this case, the frequency reuse degree can be expressed by the following equation:
f reuse = n x m
In actual planning, however, the allocated number of channel numbers will be greater than n x m, so the actual
f reuse
is usually greater than n x m.
Therefore, the smaller the f reuse , the more aggressive the frequency is reused and the higher the frequency utilization ratio is. As the aggressiveness of the frequency reuse grows, however, it will bring greater interference to the network. In this case, you must enable the technologies, including DTX and power control, to solve this problem. The more aggressive the frequency is reused, the lower the spectrum utilization ratio is, but the conversation quality is better at this time.
The purpose the frequency planning is to reach a balance between the frequency utilization ratio and the network capacity. Based on the assurance of the network quality, you must take measures to maximize the network capacity. In the GSM system, the 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern is in basic use. Here 4 indicates 4 base stations (each base station consists of 3 cells), and 3 indicates
the 3 cells under the control of each base station. Therefore, there are 12 sectors are available. And the 12 sectors makes up of a frequency reuse cluster, but the frequency in the same cluster cannot be reused. For the 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, the intra-frequency spacing is great, so it can meet GSM systems requirement on the intra-frequency interference protection ratio and adjacent frequency interference protection ratio. As a result, this frequency reuse pattern is good for the network quality and security. Under the 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, the frequency reuse aggressiveness is 12. For the aggressive reuse introduced hereunder, because the BCCH plays an important role in the network and you cannot use the apply the anti-interference measures, such as downlink power control and DTX, to the BCCH, you must apply the 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern or looser reuse patterns to the BCCH carriers. 6.4.1 shows the normal 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern.
Figure 1.3 Normal 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern Under this frequency reuse pattern, N is 4, so the following equation is present:
q = 3 N = 3 43.4 6
Under this frequency reuse pattern, each cell is a 120-directional cell. At this time, the number of the interference source is reduced by 2, sot the C/I in the poorest condition can be expressed by the following equation:
C/I =
1 = 20 dB (q + 0.7) 4 + q 4
In actual conditions, because the base station are irregularly distributed, the antenna height is different, and the effect from the radio environment, the C/I cannot reach a so high value.
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page11 of 37
6.4.2 10MHz Bandwidth 4 x 3 Frequency Reuse

Hereunder are several assumptions:

The available bandwidth is 10MHz. The channel number is 4594. If the channel numbers ranging from 8194 (14 channel numbers in total) are allocated to the BCCH, and the other channel numbers are allocated to TCH.
If the previous assumptions are present, the frequency planning under 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern is provided in 6.4.2. Table 3.1 Frequency planning under 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern (a) Frequency group number Channel number of each frequency group A1 B1 C1 D1 A2 B2 C2 D2 A3 B3 C3 D3
94 80 68 56
93 79 67 55
92 78 66 54
91 77 65 53
90 76 64 52
89 75 63 51
88 74 62 50
87 73 61 49
86 72 60 48
85 71 59 47
84 70 58 46
83 69 57 45
According to this table, the channel numbers in the first line are BCCH numbers, in which the channel numbers 81 and 82 are standby channel numbers. The frequency groups correspond to the cell numbers in 6.4.1. The channel number of BCCH of the cell A1 is 94. It is 80, 68 and 56 for other carriers, and so on. In a cluster which contains 12 cells, the frequency group for base station A is {A1, A2, and A3}; the frequency group for base station B is {B1, B2, and B3}; the frequency group for base station C is {C1, C2, and C3}; and the frequency group for base station D is {D1, D2, and D3}. Therefore, as listed in this table, no channel number is reused within a cluster. In addition, the intra-frequency and adjacent frequency are not available for the adjacent cells and the same cell. However, the drawbacks of this frequency reuse pattern are that the frequency reuse ratio is low and the capacity expansion needs a great amount of the frequency resources. Therefore, this reuse pattern is not used in the areas where the network capacity needs to be constantly expanded. If the bandwidth is 10MHz, the maximum base station configuration is S4/4/4 under the normal 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, and the frequency reuse degree is 12.5 (50/4 = 12.5).
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page12 of 37
Note: The maximum base station type mentioned in the chapter refers to the configuration type that most continuous base stations can reach. It does not include standalone base station.

For the 19MHz frequency (1 to 94) used by China Mobile, the 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern are used for the frequency planning. The channel numbers ranging from 79 to 94 (16 channel numbers in total) are allocated to the BCCH, and other channel numbers are allocated to TCH. No channel number is reserved for micro cells. In this case, the frequency planning solution is provided in 6.4.3. Table 3.2 Frequency planning under 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern (b) Frequency group number Channel number of each frequency group A1 B1 C1 D1 A2 B2 C2 D2 A3 B3 C3 D3
94 78 66 54 42 30 18 6
93 77 65 53 41 29 17 5
92 76 64 52 40 28 16 4
91 75 63 51 39 27 15 3
90 74 62 50 38 26 14 2
89 73 61 49 37 25 13 1
88 72 60 48 36 24 12
87 71 59 47 35 23 11
86 70 58 46 34 22 10
85 69 57 45 33 21 9
84 68 56 44 32 20 8
83 67 55 43 31 19 7
As listed in this table, the channel numbers ranging from 79 to 82 are standby channel numbers. For the 19MHz bandwidth, the maximum base station type can be S8/7/7 under 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern. The frequency reuse degrees are 11.75, 13.43, and 13.43, so the average value is 12.87.

For the 6MHz frequency (96 to 124) used by China Unicom, the 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern is used for the frequency planning. The channel numbers ranging from 111 to 124 (14 channel numbers in total) are allocated to the BCCH, and other channel numbers are allocated to TCH. No channel number is reserved for micro cells. In this case, the frequency planning solution is provided in
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page13 of 37
Table 3.3 Frequency planning under 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern (c) Frequency group number Channel number of each frequency group A1 B1 C1 D1 A2 B2 C2 D2 A3 B3 C3 D3
124 110 98
123 109 97
122 108 96
121 107
120 106
119 105
118 104
117 103
116 102
115 101
114 100
113 99
As listed in this table, the channel numbers ranging from 111 to 112 are standby channel numbers. For the 6MHz bandwidth, the maximum base station type can be S3/2/2 under 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern. The frequency reuse degrees are 9.67, 13.5, and 13.5, so the average value is 12.22.
6.4.5 4 x 3 Frequency Reuse Conclusion

The 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern is a basic technology applied in frequency planning. It is applicable to other frequency aggressive reuse technologies that are used for the BCCH. Theoretical analysis shows that when the base stations are regularly distributed and azimuths of the cells are consistent with each other, the interference can be reduced to the minimum. Therefore, if you intend to expand the network capacity, you can keep the base stations to be distributed as regular as possible and plan the azimuths of the cells along the same direction. In addition, you can also maintain the antennas at a similar height. However, sometimes you need to adjust the azimuth of the antenna to improve the coverage, which seems contradicts to the capacity expansion. Therefore, sometimes you must make find a balance between the coverage and capacity. If the network capacity needs to be further expanded, you can take the following measures:
Split a cell into smaller cells. At present, however, the average coverage radius of the macro cell base stations in urban areas is already shorter than 500m, so further cell splitting will meet difficulty in cost and technology.
Utilize new frequency resources. For example, you can employ the 1800MHz band to establish a DSC 1800MHz network. Under the current 900MHz network, use more aggressive frequency reuse technology to expand the network capacity.
At present, the aggressive frequency reuse technology works as the most economical and convenient way to expand the network capacity, so it is also the most popular with carriers.
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page14 of 37
The typical frequency reuse technology includes 3 x 3, 2 x 6, 2 x 3, 1 x 3, and 1 x 1.
6.5 Aggressive Frequency Reuse Technology

6.5.1 3 x 3 Frequency Reuse Pattern
The 3 x 3 frequency reuse pattern can be used in the areas with high traffic. That is, three base stations form a group, and each base station has three cells, so there are 9 cells, which form a frequency reuse cluster. However, the 9 cells use different frequencies. Compared with the 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, the intrafrequency reuse distance under the 3 x 3 frequency reuse pattern is small, so on-line interference is greater. 6.5.1 shows the 3 x 3 frequency reuse pattern.
Figure 1.4 3 x 3 frequency reuse pattern If the available bandwidth is 10MHz and the channel numbers are from 45 to 94, you can use normal 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern on BCCH. In this case, the frequency ranges from 81 to 94, so 14 channel numbers are available. For TCH, you can use 3 x 3 frequency reuse pattern. In this case, the frequency ranges from 45 to 80, so 36 channel numbers are available. For the frequency planning under 3 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, see 6.5.1. Table 4.1 Frequency planning under 3 x 3 frequency reuse pattern Frequency group number Channel number of each A1 B1 C1 A2 B2 C2 A3 B3 C3
80 71
79 70
78 69
77 68
76 67
75 66
74 65
73 64
72 63
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page15 of 37
frequency group
62 53
61 52
60 51
59 50
58 49
57 48
56 47
55 46
54 45
If 3 x 3 reusing the 10MHz band, you can configure the maximum base station type as S5/5/5, and the frequency reuse degree is 10. According to previous equations, because the number of base stations is 3 (N = 3), the intra-frequency interference attenuation factor is 3 (q = 3). In this case, the number of the intra-frequency interference sources is 2 at the first layer. If the radius of the cell is 4, the theoretical carrier-to-interference ratio (C/I) can be expressed by the following equation:
C/I =
1 = 16 .07 dB 2 q 4
In actual conditions, because base stations are irregularly distributed, the antenna height varies, and the effect from the radio environment, the value of C/I can not be as high as 16.07 dB. When the bandwidth is 10MHz, the base station type can be configured as S5/5/5 under 3 x 3 frequency reuse pattern. For 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, the maximum base station configuration type can only be configured as S4/4/4/. Therefore, network capacity under 3 x 3 frequency reuse pattern is greater than that under 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern when the bandwidth is the same. When the number of subscribers in a network is not great, you can use the 3 x 3 frequency reuse pattern to ease the pressure of network capacity. In actual conditions, however, because base stations are irregularly distributed, the antenna height is different, and the coverage area of each base station varies, the interference in the network will increase. In this case, if you intend to obtain better voice quality, you must take some anti-interference measures, such as using frequency hopping and DTX. The characteristic of the 3 x 3 frequency reuse pattern are as follows:

The adjustment for network structure is unnecessary. The frequencies can be easily grouped and the system capacity is great. Compared with 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, 3 x 3 frequency reuse pattern brings greater interference, but the overall interference can be controlled to a lower level.
If frequency hopping is used, adequate bandwidth is needed.
6.5.2 2 x 6 Reuse Pattern

The 2 x 6 frequency reuse pattern is developed from the 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern. Under the 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, you can add anther 2 cells to
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page16 of 37
each base station, so 2 base stations (each base station has 6 60-sectorized cells) has 12 cells, which form a frequency reuse cluster. In this case, a frequency reuse cluster contains 12 60-sectorized cells, and this is defined as 2 x 6 frequency reuse pattern. 6.5.2 shows the 2 x 6 frequency reuse pattern.
Figure 1.5 2 x 6 frequency reuse pattern
Under the 2 x 6 frequency reuse pattern, q = 3 N = 3 22.45 . Because each cell is 60-directional cell under 2 x 6 frequency reuse pattern, the interference source of each cell is reduced to 1 at the first layer. In this case, the theoretical C/I can be expressed by the following equation:
C/I =
1 =15 .6dB q 4
In actual conditions, because base stations are irregularly distributed, the antenna height is different, and the effect from radio environment, the value of C/I cannot be as high as 15.6 dB. If the available bandwidth is 10MHz, the channel numbers range from 45 to 94, you can also use 2 x 6 frequency reused pattern. Considering the characteristics of the 2 x 6 cellular structures, you can also use the 2 x 6 frequency reuse for BCCH. The frequencies are from 81 to 94, 14 channel numbers in total, and the others are TCH numbers. For the frequency planning under 2 x 6 frequency reuse pattern, see 6.5.2. Table 5.1 Frequency planning under 2 x 6 frequency reuse pattern Frequency group number A1 B1 A2 B2 A3 B3 A4 B4 A5 B5 A6 B6
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page17 of 37
Channel number of each frequency group
94 80 68 56
93 79 67 55
92 78 66 54
91 77 65 53
90 76 64 52
89 75 63 51
88 74 62 50
87 73 61 49
86 72 60 48
85 71 59 47
84 70 58 46
83 69 57 45
As listed in this table, when allocating frequency to the base station, you can select the frequency according to the regularity of {A1, A2, A3, A4, A4, A6} and {B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6}. Note that intra-frequency and neighbor frequency cannot be present within the same cell and adjacent cells. Under the 2 x 6 frequency reuse pattern, you can enhance the system capacity by adding new cells to the base station. Compared with 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, the maximum base station type can be configured as S4/4/4/4/4/4 under 2 x 6 frequency reuse pattern, so the capacity of a single base station is twice that of the base station under the 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern. Under this frequency reuse pattern, however, the intra-frequency reuse distance is further shortened, which increases network interference greatly. In addition, as the number of cells increases, the requirements on the half-power angle and other antenna indexes are higher. Moreover, you must add antenna feeders to the system if using the 2 x 6 frequency reuse pattern, which brings great difficulty to project implementation. Therefore, the 2 x 6 frequency reuse pattern is seldom used. For the 2 x 6 frequency reuse pattern, the frequency reuse degree is 12.5. And its characteristics are listed in the following:
Through add more cells to each base station, you can enhance the capacity of the base station greatly. The antennas with smaller half-power angle and good performance are needed and the requirement on antenna and base station address is strict. The signals radiated by antennas are more concentrated, which is good for indoor coverage. The BSS system must support 6 sectors. More antennas are needed under the 2 x 6 frequency reuse pattern than that under 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, so you must adjust and optimize the planning for antenna system and frequencies.
The times of handovers under the 2 x 6 frequency reuse pattern are more than that under the 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern. The intra-frequency reuse distance is small, so the interference within the network is great. Therefore, you must take anti-frequency measures, such as using DTX and frequency hopping.
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page18 of 37

Under 2 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, there are 2 base stations. Each one has 3 cells, so 6 cells form a frequency reuse cluster. The cells in the same cluster use the different frequencies, and the cells in different clusters use the same frequency group. This is defined as the 2 x 3 frequency reuse pattern. 6.5.3 shows the 2 x 3 frequency reuse pattern.
Figure 1.6 2 x 3 frequency reuse pattern Under 2 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, each intra-frequency cell is interfered by 3 cells. Because the number of base stations in each frequency cluster is 2 (N = 2), the intra-frequency interference attenuation factor (q) can be expressed by the following equation:
q = 3 N = 3 * 2 = 2.45
For regularly-arranged cells, the theoretical carrier-to-interference ratio (C/I) can be expressed by the following equation:
C/I =
1 = 10 .8dB 3 q 4
Even if the cells are regularly arranged, however, the value of C/I cannot meet the requirement of the network. Therefore, you must take anti-frequency measures, such as frequency hopping, power control, and DTX. For 10MHz bandwidth, the available channel numbers are from 45 to 94. If the 14 channel numbers (81-94) are BCCH numbers, and the others are TCH numbers, the frequencies are planned according to 6.5.3 under 2 x 3 frequency reuse pattern.
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page19 of 37
Table 6.1 Frequency planning under 2 x 3 frequency reuse pattern Frequency group number Channel number of each frequency group A1 80 74 68 62 56 50 B1 79 73 67 61 55 49 A2 78 72 66 60 54 48 B2 77 71 65 59 53 47 A3 76 70 64 58 52 46 B3 75 69 63 57 51 45
You can use looser 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern and allocate 14 channel numbers for BCCH. If the bandwidth is 10MHz, you can configure the maximum base station type as S7/7/7 under the 2 x 3 frequency reuse pattern. In this case, the frequency reuse degree is 7.14. The network capacity is great under the 2 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, but small intra-frequency reuse distance will cause great interference. In addition, the cell traffic cannot 100% reach the designated value. In actual conditions, therefore, you can use the looser 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern for BCCH and the 2 x 3 frequency reuse pattern for TCH. The characteristics of the 2 x 3 frequency reuse pattern are listed below:

The network capacity is relatively great. The adjustment for the network structure is unnecessary. The network capacity can be expanded without wide frequency band. Small intra-frequency reuse distance will cause great interference, so you must take anti-interference measures to ensure network quality. Radio frequency (RF) hopping technology must be used to support the equipments. The antennas must be directed to the same direction as much as possible.

1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern is also called fractional reuse. For 1 x 3 or 1 x 1 frequency reuse pattern, the reuse distance is quite small, so the interference in the network is quite great. Therefore, to avoid frequency collision, you must use RF hopping technology and set the parameters, including MA (mobile allocation), HSN (hopping sequence number), and MAIO (mobile allocation index offset). The ratio of number of the TRXs to that of the frequency hopping is FR LOAD (generally, it is smaller than 50%). Under the 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, the interference in the network can also
indicates the probability of the collision of intra-frequencies and neighbor frequencies. Emulation shows that probability of the collision is related to FR only. According to 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, the 3 cells of a base station form a frequency reuse cluster. The same-directional cells of each base station use the same frequency group. 6.5.4 shows the 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern.
Figure 1.7 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern For the 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, the number of base station is 1 (N = 1), so
q = 3 N =1.73 , and C / I =
1 = 4.8dB . 3 q 4
Because the value of C/I here is far lower than the protection value required by the system, you must take anti-interference measures, such as frequency hopping, power control, and DTX, to enhance the value of C/I. If the available bandwidth is 10MHz, the available channel numbers are from 45 to 94. Because RF hopping must be used under 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, considering the importance of BCCH, you can use 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern for BCCH and 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern for TCH. For BCCH, 14 channel numbers (81-94) are available; for TCH, 36 channel numbers (45-80) are available. The channel numbers used for TCH are divided according to two ways. They are space grouping and sequence grouping. For the 1 x 3 frequency reuse spacing grouping, see 6.5.4. Table 7.1 1 X 3 frequency reuse space grouping Frequency group number A Channel number 80, 77, 74, 71, 68, 65, 62, 59, 56, 53, 50, 47 (a) MAIO 0, 2, 4,6, 8, 10
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page21 of 37
B C
79, 76, 73, 70, 67, 64, 61, 58, 55, 52,49, 46 78, 75, 72, 69, 66, 63, 60, 57, 54, 51, 48, 45
1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
For the 1 x 3 frequency reuse sequence grouping, see 6.5.4. Table 7.2 1 x 3 frequency reuse sequence grouping (a) Frequency group number A B C Channel number 80, 79, 78, 77, 76, 75, 74, 73,72, 71, 70, 69 68, 67, 66, 65, 64, 63, 62, 61, 60, 59, 58, 57 56, 55, 54, 53, 52, 51, 50, 49, 48, 47, 46, 45 MAIO 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
Because the ratio of the number of carriers to that of frequency hopping is required to be 1 to 2, if the bandwidth is 10MHz, you can configure the maximum base station type as S7/7/7. In this case, the frequency reuse degree is 7.14. The 3 cells of the same base station use the same HSN, and the cells of different base stations use different HSNs. To avoid the interference from neighbor frequencies, you can configure a proper MAIO for the cells of the same base station. If the available bandwidth is 6MHz, the available channel numbers are from 96 to 124. In this case, you can use 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern for BCCH (the available channel numbers are from 111 to 124, namely, 14 in total). For TCH, you can use 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern (the available channel numbers are from 96 to 110, namely, 15 in total. For the 1 x 3 frequency reuse space grouping when the bandwidth is 6MHz, see 6.5.4. Table 7.3 1 x 3 frequency reuse space grouping (b) Frequency group number A B C Channel number 96, 99, 102, 105, 108 97, 100, 103, 106, 109 98, 101, 104, 107, 110 MAIO 0, 2, 4 1, 3 0, 2
When the bandwidth is 6MHz, you can configure the maximum base station type as S4/3/3 under 1 x 3 frequency reuse space grouping. In this case, the frequency reuse degree is 7.25/9.67/9.67, with 8.86 in average.
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page22 of 37
For the 1 x 3 frequency reuse sequence grouping, see Table 7.4 1 x 3 frequency sequence grouping Frequency group number A B C (b) MAIO 0, 2 0, 2 0, 2
Channel number 96, 97, 98, 99, 100 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 106, 107, 108, 109, 110
Because the ratio of the number of carriers to that of frequency hopping is required to be 1 to 2, if the bandwidth is 6MHz, you can configure the maximum base station type as S3/3/3. In this case, the frequency reuse degree is 9.67. For TCH, both the space grouping and sequence grouping have drawbacks. Generally, for the urban areas where base stations are regularly and densely distributed, you should better use sequence grouping. For the areas where base stations are fragmentary and irregularly distributed, you should better use space grouping. The characteristics of 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern are listed below:
The frequencies are more aggressively reused, so the network capacity is great. The network capacity under space grouping is a little greater than that under sequence grouping. When planning a network, you need to plan channel numbers for BCCH only. Re-planning for frequencies is unnecessary during network optimization. The efficiency for network planning is high. Wideband combiner must be used, but the cavity combiner with frequency selectivity is inapplicable. This frequency reuse pattern requires wideband repeater. The interference among intra-frequencies and neighbor frequencies increases as the frequency reuse distance decreases. RF hopping must be used, and the channel numbers participating frequency hopping is twice that of the number of carriers at least. In actual conditions, you cannot take anti-interference measures, such as RF hopping, DTX, and power control, for BCCH. Therefore, to ensure network quality, you can use the looser 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern for BCCH only.
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page23 of 37

One cell of one base station forms a frequency reuse cluster, and this is defined 1 x 2 frequency reuse pattern. Other cells and this cell use the same frequency group. If the available bandwidth is 6MHz, the available channel numbers are from 96 to 124. Because RF hopping must be used under 1 x 1 frequency reuse pattern, considering the importance of BCCH, you can use 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern for BCCH and 1 x 1 frequency reuse pattern for TCH. If 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern is used for BCCH, the available channel numbers are from 111 to 124, 14 in total. The channel numbers from 96 to 110 are used for TCH, 15 in total. For the frequency planning under 1 x 1 frequency reuse pattern, see 6.5.5. Table 7.5 Frequency planning under 1 x 1 frequency reuse pattern. Frequency group number A B C Channel number MAIO
96,97,98,99,100,101,102,103,104,105,106,107,108,109,110 96,97,98,99,100,101,102,103,104,105,106,107,108,109,110 96,97,98,99,100,101,102,103,104,105,106,107,108,109,110
0,2,4 6,8 10,12
If the bandwidth is 6MHz, you can configure the maximum base station type as S4/3/3/ under 1 x 1 frequency reuse pattern. In this case, the frequency reuse degree is 7.25/9.67/9.67, so the average value is 8.86. Therefore, the maximum base station configuration under 1 x 1 frequency reuse pattern is the same as that under 1 x 3 frequency reuse space grouping pattern, so is the network capacity.
6.5.6 A + B Frequency Reuse Pattern

The A + B frequency reuse pattern is developed from 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern. When the bandwidth is narrow but the capacity is great, you can use this frequency reuse pattern. In this case, you must use RF hopping. Under the A + B frequency reuse pattern, the frequencies can be divided into three groups. They are {f1}, {f2}, and {f3}. For frequency planning, see 6.5.6.
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page24 of 37
Figure 1.8 A + B frequency reuse pattern According to A + B frequency reuse pattern, you can increase frequency diversity gain by increasing the number of channel numbers participating frequency hopping within the cell, because the increase of the frequency diversity gain can improve the carrier-to-interference ratio. To avoid interference among intrafrequencies and neighbor frequencies, you can configure a proper MAIO for the cells within the same base station. The probability of the collision of the intrafrequencies and neighbor frequencies will decrease as the number of channel numbers participating frequency hopping increases among cells of different base stations. If the available bandwidth is 6MHz, the available channel numbers are 96 to 124. For A + B frequency reuse pattern, you must use RF hopping, but the BCCH does not participate in RF hopping. Therefore, in actual planning, to ensure good network quality, you can use looser 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern for BCCH and A + B frequency reuse pattern for TCH. If you use 4 x 3 frequency reuse for BCCH, the available channel numbers are 111 to 124, 14 in total, in which two channel numbers are standby ones. For TCH, the available channel numbers are 96 to 110, 15 in total. For the frequency planning under A + B frequency reuse pattern, see 6.5.6. Table 8.1 Frequency planning under A + B frequency reuse pattern Frequency group number A B C Channel number 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110 MAIO 0, 2, 4 1, 3 5, 7
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page25 of 37
When the bandwidth is 10MHz, you can configure the maximum base station type as S4/3/3 under A + B frequency reuse pattern. In this case, the frequency reuse degree is 7.25/9.67/9.67, so the average value is 8.86. In actual conditions, the irregular distribution of base stations and antenna height may deteriorate the performance of parts of the network. Therefore, the A + B frequency reuse pattern are not recommended in large networks.
6.6 Concentric Cell Technology

6.6.1 Concept
In the GSM network, concentric cell technology is used to divide the service area into two parts: overlay and underlay. In essence, the concentric cell technology concerns channel allocation and handover. When combining this technology with various frequency planning technologies, you can both expand network capacity and improve network quality. The underlay covers the traditional cells, and the overlay covers the areas near the base station. Generally, 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern is used for the underlay. For overlay, the frequency reuse patterns, such as 3 x 3, 2 x 3, or 1 x 3, are used. Therefore, all carriers can be divided into two groups, one for underlay, and the other one for overlay. The overlay and underlay share the same base station address, one set of antenna feeder system, and one BCCH, so you must set the BCCH on the underlay. 6.6.1 shows the schematic diagram of the concentric cell.
Overlay
Figure 1.9 Schematic diagram of concentric cell If the capacity of the overlay is great, you can group the channel numbers according to 6.6.1. In this case, the overlay has more channel numbers, which is beneficial for the base station to absorb nearby traffic volume.
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page26 of 37
Table 9.1 Channel number grouping for 6MHz bandwidth concentric cell (a)
Logical channel Underlay 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 (12) Overlay (18)
Channel number
78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 98 90 91 92 93 94 95
If traffic volume is evenly distributed, you can enhance the underlay capacity through grouping the channel numbers according to 6.6.1. In this case, the underlay can absorb more traffic volume. Table 9.2 Channel number grouping for 6MHz bandwidth concentric cell (b)
Logical channel
Channel number
Underlay 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 (24) Overlay (6 ) 90 91 92 93 94 95
6.6.2 General Underlay Overlay

General underlay overlay (GUO) aims to restrict the intra-frequency interference. To realize this purpose, you can reduce the overlay coverage area. That is, if the transmit power of the overlay carriers is lower than that of the underlay carriers, the coverage area of the overlay is smaller than that of the underlay. The handover between the overlay and underlay is related to the receiving level of the MS and the TA (timing advance) from the MS to the base station. You should allocate the channel numbers (such as BCCH number) with looser frequency reuse aggressiveness to the MSs in the underlay. For the MSs in the overlay, you should allocate the channel numbers with aggressive frequency reuse to them. In this case, you can expand the network capacity by using aggressive frequency reuse pattern in overlay. 6.6.2 shows the structure of the general underlay overlay.
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page27 of 37
Figure 1.10 Structure of general underlay overlay For general underlay overlay, the coverage area of the underlay is inconsistent with that of the overlay, so problems concerning traffic and handover control are often caused. The general underlay overlay is applicable to the areas near the base station where the traffic is concentrated. The more concentrated the traffic near the base station, the more apparent the effect of capacity expansion is. However, the transmit power of the carriers in the overlay is low, so it is hard for the base station to absorb indoor traffic volume. In this case, when the traffic volume is evenly distributed, the general underlay overlay has little effect on capacity expansion.
6.6.3 Intelligent Underlay Overlay

Intelligent underlay overlay (IUO) technology can ensure that the coverage areas of call carriers are the same. For an IUO, the transmit power of the carriers in the underlay and overlay is the same. For the structure of the IUO, see 6.6.3.
Figure 1.11 Structure of intelligent underlay overlay In an IUO, the frequencies of a base station are divided into two layers: one is regular layer, and the other one is supper layer. At the regular layer, the frequency reuse distance is large, so you can use looser frequency reuse pattern, such as 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern. At the supper layer, the frequency reuse distance is relatively small, so you can use aggressive frequency reuse patterns, such as 2 x 3 and 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern.
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page28 of 37
In an IUO, the interference at the supper layer is great, so designated equipments and handover algorithms on C/I must be provided. In an IUO, the conversation is first established at the supper layer, and then the BSC monitors the C/I of the channels at the supper layer without any stop. If the C/I is greater than the Good C/I Threshold, the conversation seizes a channel at the supper layer. If the C/I is smaller than the Bad C/I Threshold, the conversation seizes a channel at the regular layer. In addition, you can control the traffic volume at the supper layer and the regular layer by adjusting the handover threshold. For an IUO, the transmit power of the carriers at the regular layer is the same as that at the supper layer, so the network can absorb the traffic flexibly, which is beneficial for the expansion for actual network capacity. If the IUO technology is used, you must add the functions, including the estimation of intra-frequency protection C/I for downlink channels and the handover algorithms related to IUO, to the system.
6.6.4 Characteristics of Concentric Cell Technology

The characteristics of concentric cell technology are listed below:

Any change of the network structure is unnecessary. Special software and designated algorithms on channel allocation and handover are needed. The system has no special requirement on hardware. GUO is applicable to the areas near the base station where the traffic is concentrated. The overlay coverage of the GUO is small, so the intra-frequency reuse attenuation factor (q) is great, which increases interference in the network. The transmit power of the overlay carriers in the GUO is low, so it is hard for the carriers to absorb indoor traffic. The transmit power of the underlay carriers in the GUO is the same, so the carriers can absorb indoor traffic, which contributes to network capacity expansion and good conversation quality.
For the comparison between the GUO and IUO, see 6.6.4. Table 11.1 A comparison between GUO and IUO. Coverage area GUO Underlay Overlay Frequency reuse pattern 4x3 3 x 3/2 x 3/1 x 3 Transmit power High Low Logical channel allocation BCCH/TCH TCH Handover algorithm Power& Distance
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page29 of 37
IUO
Underlay Overlay
4x3 3 x 3/2 x 3/1 x 3
Same Same
BCCH/TCH TCH
C/I
6.7 Multiple Reuse Pattern Technology

6.7.1 Basic Principle
According to multiple reuse pattern (MRP), the carriers are divided into several groups. The carries in each group work as an independent layer, and each layer uses a different frequency reuse pattern. During frequency planning, you can configure the carriers layer by layer, with reuse aggressiveness increases layer by layer, as shown in 6.7.1.
Figure 1.12 Layering aggressive frequency reuse In this figure, the ellipse in the same color indicates a frequency group, in which the frequencies are reused, and the size of an ellipse indicates its coverage area. L1, L2L3 indicates frequency layers in the cell. As shown in this figure, the degree of frequency reuse aggressiveness is greater at upper layers. If the bandwidth is certain, the number of carriers is greater under the layering aggressive frequency reuse pattern than that under the frequency reuse pattern where the reuse degree is the same between layers. MRP has no special requirement on hardware. It is developed from the concept of carrier layering. That is, the available channel numbers are divided into multiple groups, and each group works as a carrier layer. According to the rules of the aggressive frequency reuse pattern, the channel numbers allocated for each layer are listed in 6.7.1. Table 12.1 Channel number allocation for each layer Layer BCCH Channel number n1
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page30 of 37
TCH 1 TCH 2 TCHm-1 Note: n1 n2 n3 n4 nm.
n2 n3 nm
For MRP, first you must divide an available band into several sub-bands. Generally, the sub-bands work as the bands for BCCH. The reasons are listed below:
BSIC decoding will not be affected by traffic. TCH numbers cannot affect separated BCCH numbers, which is helpful for the MS to decode the BSIC. The planning for adjacent cell list can be simplified. The separated BCCH numbers contributes the simplification of adjacent cell list, so the MS can capture the useful BCCH quickly.
Maximum gain can be obtained from power control and DTX. Downlink power control and DTX can be applied to TCH carriers only, so the separated BCCH numbers can maximize the function of downlink power control and DTX.
The re-planning for TCH numbers will not affect BCCH. When a TRX is added to the system, if not considering the isolation of combiner and adjacent frequency interference, you do not have to change the BCCH numbers.
After that, you must divide the remaining channel numbers into multiple TCH bands. For MRP, different frequency reuse patterns must be used for different TCH bands. According to the carrier allocation in the network, you can decide the average frequency reuse degree. According to the maximum number of carriers configured in each cell and the number of cells configured in the network, you can adjust the average frequency reuse degree to a proper value. In this way, you can effectively control network quality. The increase of the carries has little effect on the frequency allocation plan. The increased channel numbers affect other cells that have more carriers than the service cell has. For example, if a cell has four carriers, the cells that have been configured with more than four cells will be affected. MRP technology enables carriers to be configured flexibly. According to MRP, the frequencies of a cell can never be completely identical with that of the adjacent cells. Therefore, the MRP improves both the intra-frequency interference protection ratio and frequency hopping effect.
According to the requirements defined in GSM protocols, all the downlink timeslots of the BCCH carriers must transit with full power and the interference features of the BCCH are different from that of the TCH. Therefore, to ensure network quality and security, you are recommended to use 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern for BCCH. In this case, the channel numbers used for BCCH are equal to or more than 12. In actual conditions, they are from 12 to 15. If the available bandwidth is 7.2MHz, the available channel numbers are from 60 to 95, 36 in total, and they can be divided into 4 groups, as shown in 6.7.1.
Figure 1.13 Frequency planning under MRP (7.2MHz bandwidth) As shown in this figure, 12 channel numbers can be reused for BCCH. Traffic channels are divided into TCH1, TCH2, and TCH3. For TCH1, 9 channel numbers can be reused; for TCH2, 8 channel numbers can be reused; and for TCH3, 7 channel numbers can be reused. To ensure network security, you must finish BCCH number allocation first. To be specific, plan the 12 channel numbers according to 4 x 3 frequency reuse pattern
and allocate 1 BCCH number to each of the 12 cells. After that, you should allocate 1 carrier at the TCH3 layer to each cell, and then you should allocate the TCH2 and TCH1 numbers to the cells. In this case, you can configure four channel numbers for each cell of a base station (S4/4/4). The remaining 3 channel numbers can be configured for micro cells or mini-micro cells.
6.7.2 MRP Sequence Grouping

Because BCCH numbers and TCH numbers are selected in different ways, the MRP can be divided into two types. They are MRP sequence grouping and MRP space grouping, the first of which is introduced hereunder. If the available bandwidth is 10MHz, the channel numbers are from 46 to 94. In this case, you can plan the frequencies at the BCCH and TCH carrier layers according to the sequence of the channel numbers. If using the sequence planning, you should add 1 to 2 extra channel numbers to the BCCH numbers. For the MRP sequence grouping, see Table 13.1 MRP sequence grouping Carrier type BCCH TCH1 TCH2 TCH3 TCH4 TCH5 Note: ARFCN stands for absolute radio frequency channel number. ARFCN of the available channel number 8394 7482 6673 5865 5257 4651 Available numbers 12 9 8 8 6 6 channel
According to this table, the channel numbers can be divided into 6 groups. For BCCH, 12 channel numbers can be reused at the carrier layer. Traffic channels can be divided into 5 groups, from TCH1 to TCH5. For TCH1, 9 channel numbers can be reused; for TCH2 and TCH3, 8 channel numbers can be reused; and for TCH4 and TCH5, 6 channel numbers can be reused. Therefore, when the bandwidth is 10MHz, the base station type can be configured as S6/6/6. If the traditional 4/12 frequency reuse pattern is used, the maximum base station type can be configured as S4/4/4 only. For MRP sequence grouping, intra-frequency and neighbor frequency interference may exist within the frequency layer, and the interference between
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page33 of 37
frequency layers exist at the critical points of the frequencies.
6.7.3 MRP Space Grouping

6.7.3 shows the frequency planning under MRP space grouping. According to this figure, 37 channel numbers are available for the BCCH, 12 of which are allocated to the BCCH, and the remaining of which are allocated to TCH1, TCH2, TCH3, and MICRO. For MRP space grouping, neighbor frequency interference does not exist within the frequency layer, but exist between frequency layers. When the traffic is not busy, this frequency reuse pattern can reduce network interference.
Figure 1.14 Frequency planning under MRP space grouping If the available bandwidth is 10MHz, the available channel numbers are from 46 to 94. In this case, the frequencies can be allocated according to Carrier type BCCH TCH1 TCH2 TCH3 TCH4 TCH5 ARFCN of the available channel number 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86 88, 90, 92, 94, 47, 49, 51, 53 55, 57, 59, 61, 63, 65, 67, 69 71, 73, 75, 77, 79, 81 83, 85, 87, 89, 91, 93 Available numbers 12 9 8 8 6 6 channel
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page34 of 37
Note: ARFCN stands for absolute radio frequency channel number.
At the very beginning, not each cell needs the TRX of the last layer, so the TRX of the last layer can reuse the frequencies more aggressively. In addition, though interference increases after the MRP is enabled, the TRXs in the cells also increase. In this case, more the channel numbers will participate in frequency, which enhances frequency hopping gain. If both the channel numbers with a little interference and the channel numbers with great interference exist simultaneously within a cell, the frequency hopping technology will average the interference through mixing these channel numbers. In this case, the system can still decode the signals normally. When allocating the frequencies according to MRP, you must notice that the minimum frequency reuse degree at the TCH layer must be equal to or greater than 6. In actual conditions, however, the minimum average frequency reuse degree at the TCH layer ranges from 7 to 8. Therefore, when the frequency resource is adequate, you can reserve some channel numbers to for future use during frequency planning. Fixed MRP means that the channel numbers allocated to each TCH are fixed. They are independent of each other, as shown in 6.7.3. For MRP, you should plan the channel numbers layer by layer so that the TCH numbers can be easily adjusted. In this case, if interference is present at a TCH layer, you need to adjust the channel numbers allocated to that layer only.
6.7.4 Characteristics of MRP Technology

MRP technology can enables you to plan the frequencies flexibly according to traffic distribution. Compared with 3 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, MRP contributes to greater network capacity. Compared with 2 x 3 and 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, MRP has little effect against network quality. In addition, MRP technology is compatible with the technologies, such as frequency hopping, power control, DTX. Moreover, it has no special requirement on hardware and software. Generally, the advantages of the MRP are listed below:

The network capacity is great and frequency utilization rate is high. The channel configuration is flexible. The frequency reuse pattern is selected according to network capacity and traffic distribution. In the areas where the traffic is high, you can add carriers to these areas.
No two cells have the same channel numbers, so no intra-frequency cell exists in the system if the MRP is used.
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page35 of 37
Baseband hopping and RF hopping can be used. The base station type can be configures flexibly, which is good for network quality. The channels to be allocated are weighted, which enhances the network quality.
6.7.5 Comparison between MRP and 1 X 3 Frequency Reuse Pattern

In fact, 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern is a special kind of MRP. The configuration for the equivalent MRP is 12/3/3/3/3/3. The following is a comparison between MRP and 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern.
The network capacity under 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern is greater than that under MRP. For 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern, you need to plan a group of frequencies for TCH only. If you have to add new carriers to the system without adding new base stations, you do not have to re-plan the frequencies. Therefore, the frequency planning is simpler under 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern than that under MRP.
If the network is irregular in landforms and traffic distribution, you should better not use 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern. In most cases, a base station is interfered by many base stations nearby. If the 1 x 3 frequency reuse pattern is used, you will find it hard to position the interference source. Therefore, when adding new base stations to the network, you cannot eliminate the interference by adjusting some channel numbers only. If using MRP, however, you can easily solve this problem.
6.8 Network Capacity Comparison

For the comparison of the network capacity under various frequency reuse patterns, see Table 14.1 Comparison of the network capacity under various frequency reuse pattern
Bandwidth Frequency reuse pattern Frequency Base station Loadable reuse degree 6MHz 43 33 43 + 13 MRP(12, 9, 6) 26 12 9 7.5 9 12 configuration type 3/2/2 3/3/3 4/4/3 3/3/3 2/2/2/2/2/2 traffic volume 27.9 34.5 53.5 34.5 49.2 1188 1380 2140 1380 1968 1 1.16 1.8 1.16 1.66 Admissible subscribers Capacity ratio
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page36 of 37
IUO: 4 3 + 2 3 7.2MHz 43 33 43+13 MRP(12, 9, 8, 7) 26 IUO: 4 3 + 2 3 9.6MHz 43 3 3 43+13 MRP(12,9,8,7,6,6) 26 IUO: 4 3 + 2 3 Note: GoS = 0.02; a = 0.025 Erl.
9 12 9 7.5 9 12 9 12 9 7.5 8 12 9
4/4/3 3/3/3 4/4/4 5/5/5 4/4/4 3/3/3/2/2/2 5/5/5 4/4/4 5/5/5 7/7/7 6/6/6 4/4/4/4/4/4 7/7/7
53.5 34.5 62 81.9 62 60.1 81.9 62 81.9 123.6 104.1 126 123.6
2140 1380 2480 3276 2480 2404 3276 2480 3276 4944 4164 5040 4944
1.8 1 1.8 2.37 1.8 1.74 2.37 1 1.32 1.99 1.70 2.03 1.99
11/12/2010
All rights reserved
Page37 of 37

GSM Frequency Planning

Încărcat de

Informații document

Titlu original

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

GSM Frequency Planning

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

GSM Radio Network Planning and Optimization Chapter 6 GSM Frequency Planning

For internal use only

All rights reserved

For internal use only

All rights reserved

For internal use only

All rights reserved

For internal use only

Chapter 6 GSM Frequency Planning

For internal use only

6.2 Frequency Division and C/I Requirement

II. DSC 1800MHz

All rights reserved

For internal use only

All rights reserved

For internal use only

is the path loss slop according to actual geographical environment. In

Figure 1.2 Intra-frequency interference for the omni-directional base station

All rights reserved

For internal use only

For internal use only

6.3 Frequency Planning Principle

All rights reserved

For internal use only

6.4 Normal Frequency Reuse Technology

is usually greater than n x m.

For internal use only

All rights reserved

For internal use only

6.4.2 10MHz Bandwidth 4 x 3 Frequency Reuse

All rights reserved

For internal use only

6.4.3 19MHz Bandwidth 4 x 3 Frequency Reuse

6.4.4 6MHz Bandwidth 4 x 3 Frequency Reuse

All rights reserved

For internal use only

6.4.5 4 x 3 Frequency Reuse Conclusion

All rights reserved

For internal use only

The typical frequency reuse technology includes 3 x 3, 2 x 6, 2 x 3, 1 x 3, and 1 x 1.

6.5 Aggressive Frequency Reuse Technology

All rights reserved

For internal use only

If frequency hopping is used, adequate bandwidth is needed.

6.5.2 2 x 6 Reuse Pattern

All rights reserved

For internal use only

Figure 1.5 2 x 6 frequency reuse pattern

All rights reserved

For internal use only

Channel number of each frequency group

All rights reserved

For internal use only

6.5.3 2 x 3 Frequency Reuse Pattern

All rights reserved

For internal use only

6.5.4 1 x 3 Frequency Reuse Pattern

For internal use only

All rights reserved

For internal use only

All rights reserved

For internal use only

All rights reserved