4G/LTE Radio Planning and

Optimisation
Module Contents

© Informa Telecoms and Media

 4G/LTE Radio Planning and Optimisation

CONTENTS

Module 1 – LTE Air Interface 3

Module 2 – LTE Radio Network Planning 8

Module 3 – Maximising Performance and Efficiency 12

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Module 1 – LTE Air Interface

Aims and Objectives

• Explain why migration to LTE is important for operators and discuss key drivers towards
a mobile broadband strategy
• List the objectives outlined for the LTE E-UTRAN in terms of performance and principal
features
• Describe the architecture of an LTE network and its key elements, as well as its
reference points and roaming and interworking architecture
• Discuss the spectrum requirements for LTE and suggest how these might be met in
practice
• Describe the LTE protocol stack and explain the functions that take place at each layer
• Outline the principles of OFDM, OFDMA, and SC-FDMA
• Describe the modulation schemes that are used in LTE and discuss their characteristics
• Understand LTE timing and frame structures, and how different processes take place
including channel mapping, power control, cell search and synchronisation
• Discuss the antenna techniques used in LTE, including beamforming and the different
variations of MIMO technology
• List the logical, transport and physical channels used in LTE, and summarise their
functions
• Explain the functions that take place at the MAC, RLC, RRC and PDCP layers
• Discuss LTE connection states and system information, and describe the procedures of
LTE cell selection and reselection
• Understand the LTE random access procedures
• Describe how connections are established, including registration procedures and
security mechanisms
• Explain how handover takes place in LTE, and the range of measurements that assist in
the handover process

Section 1: Introduction to LTE, Architecture Overview and the Protocol Stack

Lesson 1 – Introduction to LTE (Long Term Evolution)

Drivers for Mobile Broadband
Typical Applications and Industry Trends
Network Requirements
LTE E-UTRAN Objectives

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Lesson 2 – Architecture Overview

SAE (System Architecture Evolution)
E-UTRAN
EPC (Evolved Packet Core)
LTE/SAE Reference Points
LTE Roaming Architecture
Non-3GPP Access to the EPC
Interworking with 2G/3G Networks

Lesson 3 – Spectrum Requirements for LTE

The Spectrum Challenge
WRC-07 (World Radio Conference 2007)
3GPP LTE Spectrum Bands
LTE FDD and TDD Deployments
Maximising Resources to Meet Future Demand

Lesson 4 – The OSI Seven-Layer Model

The OSI Seven-Layer Model

Lesson 5 – The LTE Protocol Stack

Services and Bearers in the E-UTRAN
General LTE Protocol Architecture
The Structure of the LTE Protocol Stack
User Plane Protocols
The Control Plane

Section 2: The LTE Physical Layer

Lesson 1 – OFDM Principles

The LTE Physical Layer
The Multipath Environment
ISI (Inter Symbol Interference) and Frequency Selective Fading
Minimising the Impact of ISI
Defeating ISI – The CP (Cyclic Prefix)
Spectral Efficiency
OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) – Making it Happen
PAPR (Peak to Average Power Ratio)
OFDM – Frequency Sensitivity

Lesson 2 – OFDMA Structure and Modulation

OFDM and OFDMA
LTE OFDMA Structure
Modulation Schemes for LTE
SC-FDMA (Single Carrier – Frequency Division Multiple Access)

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Lesson 3 – LTE Timing and Framing Structures

LTE Timing and Framing
LTE Physical Channels and Signals
Mapping Channels to the Resource Block
Channel Mapping on a 10 MHz Channel
Uplink Mapping of Physical Channels
Uplink Mapping of the Control Channel
Overall Picture of UL Mapping
Physical Channels and Modulation Schemes
Cell Search and Synchronisation
PSS and SSS in the Frame Structure
Cells Supporting Differing Bandwidths
LTE Power Control
PCFICH (Physical Control Format Indicator Channel)
PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel)
PHICH (Physical HARQ Indicator Channel)
Physical Channel Processing
HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request)

Lesson 4 – LTE Antenna Techniques

Introduction to MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) Techniques
Single User, Multiple User, and Cooperative MIMO
Beamforming
LTE Downlink Multiple Antenna Schemes
Reporting of UE Feedback

Section 3: LTE Protocols

Lesson 1 – LTE Logical, Transport and Physical Channels

Introduction to the LTE Layer 2 Protocols
MAC (Medium Access Control) Layer
LTE Channels and Channel Mapping
LTE Logical Channels
Traffic Channels
LTE Transport Channels
LTE Physical Channels
Channel Mapping

Lesson 2 – MAC Layer Functions

The MAC PDU (Protocol Data Unit)
Priority Handling
HARQ in LTE

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Lesson 3 – RLC Functions

RLC (Radio Link Control)
Transmission Modes of RLC
RLC Protocol Data Units
RLC Segmentation and Concatenation

Lesson 4 – PDCP Layer Functions

PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol)
User Plane Functions
Control Plane Functions
PDCP Frame Formats
Encryption and Data Integrity
ROHC (Robust Header Compression)
Compression Efficiency

Lesson 5 – RRC Layer Functions

RRC (Radio Resource Control)
Complete List of RRC Functions
Radio Resource Control States
LTE Mobility States Mapped to 2.5G and 3G
SRBs (Signalling Radio Bearers)
RRC Messages

Section 4: LTE Procedures

Lesson 1 – Connection States and System Information

LTE Connection States
LTE Procedures
System Information Broadcast
System Information Block Scheduling

Lesson 2 – Cell Selection and Reselection

PLMN and Cell Selection
Cell Reselection
IDLE Mode Location Management in LTE
Multiple Tracking Areas

Lesson 3 – Random Access

RA (Random Access) Procedure
Non-Contention Based Random Access

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Lesson 4 – RRC Connections, Security and Handover

Establishing RRC Connections
Attach Procedure
EMM (Evolved Mobility Management) State Machine
Security in LTE
Service Request and Initial Bearer Establishment
ESM (Evolved Session Management) State Machine
Connected Mode Mobility
Measurements for Handover
Measurement Scenarios

Section 5: LTE Advanced (LTE-A)

Lesson 1 – Introduction to LTE-A

The Capacity Problem
What is LTE-A?
LTE-A Key Features
3GPP Releases 10 to 13

Lesson 2 – CA (Carrier Aggregation)

Contiguous and Non-Contiguous Carrier Aggregation
CA Configurations
Bandwidth Class
Aggregated Channel Bandwidth and Transmission Bandwidth
CA Cell Types
CA Scheduling
Mobility for Carrier Aggregation
RRC Aspects
CA and Interference Reduction in HetNets

Lesson 3 – Relay Nodes, CoMP, and MIMO Enhancements

Relay Nodes
CoMP (Coordinated Multi-Point) Transmission
MIMO Enhancements
E-PDCCH (Enhanced PDCCH)

The module also contains a number of multiple-choice questions and assignments.

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Module 2 – LTE Radio Network Planning

Aims and Objectives

• Determine the optimum cycle for planning LTE radio systems

• Show which elements of LTE technology have most impact on the planning process
• Perform calculations using decibels
• List the modulation and coding schemes used by LTE and comment on the required
level of performance
• Show how OFDMA works and explain its advantages over existing communication
systems
• Discuss a range of propagation mechanisms and understand where extreme
propagation conditions might exist
• Explain the basic theories behind MIMO antenna technique and discuss how they can
improve performance
• Describe in detail the elements of the LTE link budget
• Perform a detailed link budget for LTE systems

Section 1: Introduction to Radio Planning

Lesson 1 – Radio Planning Lifecycle

High-Level Network Design Cycle
Factors Affecting the LTE Planning Process
Frequency Band
Allocated Spectrum and Channel Bandwidth
LTE Channel Parameters
Maximum Bit Rate per Channel
Equipment Performance
Coverage or Capacity

Lesson 2 – RF and Baseband Signals

The Electromagnetic Wave
Baseband Information

Lesson 3 – Decibels (dB) and Noise in RF Theory

The Decibel and Applications for RF Practice
Calculating Noise in RF systems

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Lesson 4 – Modulation Schemes for LTE

Principal Modulation Systems
Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK)
High-Level Modulation Schemes: QPSK and 8PSK
16QAM (16-state Quadrature Amplitude Modulation)
64QAM (64-state Quadrature Amplitude Modulation)
The Effect of SNR on Modulation
Adaptive Modulation Schemes

Lesson 5 – Multiple Access Schemes

Multiple Access in Radio Systems
FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access)
TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access)
CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access)
Multi-Carrier Transmission
OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing)
OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access)
Duplex Schemes

Section 2: Propagation Principles, Modelling, and Antennas

Lesson 1 – Propagation Basics

Refraction of the Radio Signal
Sub-Refraction
Super-Refraction
Extreme Cases – Ducting

Lesson 2 – Mechanisms of Propagation

Scattering
Diffraction
Attenuation Through Penetration
Fresnel Clearance
Multipath Propagation
Rayleigh Environment
Rician Environment

Lesson 3 – Interference and Frequency Reuse

Frequency Reuse Concepts
Frequency Reuse in LTE
Cell Size and Capacity
Cell Deployment in LTE

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Lesson 4 – Advanced Antenna Techniques for LTE

SISO (Single Input Single Output)
MISO (Multiple Input Single Output) – Transmit Diversity
SIMO (Single Input Multiple Output) – Receive Diversity
MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) – Spatial Multiplexing
Single User, Multiple User, and Co-operative MIMO
Beamforming
LTE Downlink Multiple Antenna Schemes
Reporting of UE Feedback

Section 3: Link Budgets

Lesson 1 – Defining a Link Budget Statement

Introduction to Basic Radio Systems
Typical Link Budget Requirements
LTE Link Budget Variables

Lesson 2 – Transmitter Power in LTE Link Budgets

LTE Transmit Power Capability For the UE
Additional Factors Affecting UE Power Output

Lesson 3 – eNB and UE Antenna Performance

Antenna Characteristics for the UE
Antenna Characteristics for eNB

Lesson 4 – Calculating Sensitivity

Sensitivity Calculation for the eNB and UE
Thermal Noise in Radio Systems
Type of Service and Impact on Noise Floor
Implementation Margin – UE and eNB
Receiver Noise Figure
Total Noise Floor
Cascaded Noise
Typical SNR for LTE Modulation and Coding Schemes
Duplex Gap and Duplex Distance, Effect on Receiver Sensitivity

Lesson 5 – System Gain and Maximum Path Loss

Calculating System Gain
Environmental Factors and Noise Rise
Shadow Margin (Slow Fading)
Building and Foliage Losses
Body Loss
Uplink and Downlink Noise Rise

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Lesson 6 – Path Loss Modelling

Propagation Modelling
Coverage from Link Budget
Typical Propagation Loss Models
COST 231 Propagation Model
The WINNER Model
Cell Range Calculations from MAPL

The module also contains a number of multiple-choice questions and assignments.

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Module 3 – Maximising Performance and Efficiency

Aims and Objectives

• Set optimisation goals and discuss how you can optimise the performance of the radio
network in practice
• List and expound upon a range of network performance KPIs
• Describe a range of antenna orientations, and state how these can be optimised
• Suggest the best ways to manage mobility in an LTE network
• Discuss Idle Mode and Connected Mode procedures in respect of mobility
• Discuss what LTE-Advanced can do to improve network performance and coverage
• Explain the benefits of Carrier Aggregation and how it can improve network performance
• Suggest how interference can be managed in an LTE network through the introduction of
LTE procedures such as relays and CoMP
• Explain what small cells and HetNets are, and how they can be configured to provide
optimum network coverage
• Discuss how interference can be managed in small cells
• Recognise a number of small-cell and HetNet scenarios, recognise the problems that
may be encountered during planning, and suggest solutions

Section 1: Network Optimisation

Lesson 1 – Optimising the Radio Network

Optimisation Goals and Performance KPIs
Cell Configuration Parameters
LTE Frequency Bands
Centre Frequencies and EARFCNs
SFN (Single Frequency Network) or Frequency Plan?
Interference Mitigation
Cyclic Prefix Length
Downlink/Uplink Switching in TDD Mode
Antenna Orientations and Optimisation
Transmit Diversity
Control Channel Configuration
SON Concepts
Configuration for eMBMS

Lesson 2 – Idle Mode Procedures and Mobility

Defining RRC Idle Mode
LTE IRAT Interactions
Idle Mode Functions
PLMN Selection
PLMN Selection Priorities

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Initial Cell Selection

Overall Reselection Process
LTE Measurement Rules
Inter-Frequency and IRAT Rules
Parameter Values
Detailed Reselection Criteria from an LTE Cell
Scaling Modifications for Mobility
Defining LTE Neighbours for UMTS
UMTS Measurement Rules with Priorities
Reselection from UMTS to LTE with Priorities
UMTS Measurement Rules without Priorities
Reselection from UMTS to LTE without Priorities
Defining LTE Neighbours for UMTS
GSM Measurement Rules
Reselection from GSM to LTE
PRACH Configuration Parameters
PRACH Resource Parameters
PRACH Procedure Control Parameters
PRACH Access Probe Procedure

Lesson 3 – Connected Mode Procedures and Mobility

Defining RRC Connected Mode
LTE IRAT Interactions
RRC Reconfiguration Message
Measurement Configuration
Measurement Gap Settings
LTE Measurement Reporting Configuration
LTE Measurement Report Trigger Events
IRAT Measurement Reporting Configuration
IRAT Mobility Triggers
LTE Speed Scale Factors
Measurement Reports
Measurement Report for UMTS Cells
Measurement Report for GSM/GERAN
Measurement Report for CDMA2000 Cells
Inter-eNB Handover Procedure
IRAT Handover Procedure
UMTS Measurement Settings
UMTS Event Triggers
UMTS Measurement Report
UMTS IRAT Handover Procedure
DRX (Discontinuous Reception) Procedures
Uplink Power Control
Timing Advance
CQI Reporting

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Section 2: LTE Advanced (LTE-A)

Lesson 1 – Introduction to LTE-A

The Capacity Problem
What is LTE-A?
LTE-A Key Features
3GPP Releases 10 to 13

Lesson 2 – CA (Carrier Aggregation)

Contiguous and Non-Contiguous Carrier Aggregation
CA Configurations
Bandwidth Class
Aggregated Channel Bandwidth and Transmission Bandwidth
CA Cell Types
CA Scheduling
Mobility for Carrier Aggregation
RRC Aspects
CA and Interference Reduction in HetNets

Lesson 3 – Relay Nodes, CoMP, and MIMO Enhancements

Relay Nodes
CoMP (Coordinated Multi-Point) Transmission
MIMO Enhancements
E-PDCCH (Enhanced PDCCH)

Section 3: Small Cells and HetNets

Lesson 1 – Introducing Small Cells and HetNets

Meeting the Demands of Coverage
What are Small Cells?
Cell Sizes and Types
Small Cell Use Cases
Macro Cells versus Small Cells
Reasons for Deploying Small Cells
Capacity Gains
Network Challenges
Backhaul Technologies
Backhaul Challenges
Outdoor Challenges
Integration of Wi-Fi into Small Cells
Home eNBs
Cell Detection and Small Cells
Heterogeneous Networks

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Lesson 2 –Small Cell Planning Considerations

Initial Design
Site Survey
Detailed Design
Requirements of an Indoor Antenna System
Relays and Repeaters

Lesson 3 – Small Cell Performance

Indoor Solutions
Outdoor Solutions

Lesson 4 – Managing Interference

Downlink Interference
Uplink Interference
Interference Summary

The module also contains a number of multiple-choice questions and assignments.

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