Bahir Dar University

Bahir Dar Institute of Technology (BiT)

Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering
(Communication Systems Engineering)

PLANNING AND SIMULATION OF LTE NETWORK FOR BAHIR

DAR CITY
Name ID No
1. Tigabu Alem BDU1301047
2. Muluken Getenet BDU1301036
3. Alemnew Ferede BDU1301043

Submitted to: Dr. Amare. K.

Submission date:13/07/2013 E.C
Abstract
This work deals with 4th Generation Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard for mobile
telecommunication. Planning these networks involves many complex tasks, therefore
advanced software tools are needed. The mostly used are Atoll. This paper is intended to give
a good understanding of LTE radio network planning and considering possible network
implementation in this rapidly growing city. In this paper planning the coverage estimation is
done with consideration of the real environment information appropriate propagation model is
also selected and the number of base stations required to cover a given metropolitan area is
determined. The analytical results are simulated using radio planning This simulation
described in the end of this paper is attempting to demonstrate the most important principles
of the planning process. The LTE technology provides low latency wireless broadband data
communications over long distances, a high data rate, high capacity, and good quality of
service. This term paper is planning and a simulation of the LTE network, in the 1900 MHz
band on a 20 MHz channel using Atoll software in Bahir Dar city, which covers an area of
approximately 195km2. So, the coverage planning based on the COST-231 propagation model
and the capacity planning based on a service and traffic models to be designed. Therefore, the
outcome of this radio network planning is a good solution for the current subscribers of Bahir
dar city and it is also giving a good approach for the challenging of the customer now and for
the future.

Key-words: LTE, Radio Network planning, Coverage, Capacity, COST-231 model.

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 Table Contents
Abstract ...................................................................................................................................... i
List of Figures .......................................................................................................................... iii
List of Tables ........................................................................................................................... iv
List of Abbreviations ................................................................................................................ v
1.Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1
2. Characteristics of LTE systems ............................................................................................ 2
3. Software used in this planning .............................................................................................. 4
4.Planning of LTE Radio Network for Bahir Dar City ............................................................. 4
5. Methodology ......................................................................................................................... 5
5.1. Coverage planning.......................................................................................................... 7
5.2. Link budget calculation .................................................................................................. 7
5.2. 1.Down Link Budget .................................................................................................. 7
5.2.2. Uplink Budget calculation ....................................................................................... 9
5.3. Planning Propagation Model .......................................................................................... 9
5.4. Capacity planning ......................................................................................................... 11
5.4.1. Single user Throughput ............................................................................................. 11
5. 5. Cell Capacity ............................................................................................................... 13
6. Simulation Results and Analysis using ATOLL Software ................................................. 15
7. Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 21
References ............................................................................................................................... 22

ii
List of Figures
Fig 1. Diagram illustrating the determination of the number of sites ....................................... 5
Fig 2. Diagram illustrating the determination of the number of sites to be deployed in zone .. 6
Figure 3. eNodeBs Placed on Bahir Dar Map......................................................................... 15
Figure 4. Coverage by transmitter .......................................................................................... 16
Figure 5. Coverage by signal level ........................................................................................ 17
Figure 6. coverage prediction property ................................................................................... 17
Figure 7. overlapping zone .................................................................................................... 18
Figure 8. geographic profile point analysis by site 5_2…………………………………… .18
Figure 9 reception level point analysis………………………………………………………19
Figure 10. interference level ................................................................................................... 20

iii
List of Tables

Table 1. The demographics data of Bahir dar City in 2013 E.C and future…………………..5

Table 2 Link budget calculation for B/dar city ......................................................................... 9

Table 3. LTE user type........................................................................................................... 12

iv
List of Abbreviations

BS Base Station

eNodeBs Enhanced Node Bsestation

EPC Evolved Packet Core

LTE Long Term Evolution

MIMO Multiple Input Multiple Output

MU-MIMO Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output

OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

PAPR peak-to-average power ratio

PL Path Loss

QoS Quality of Services

RAN Radio Access Network

RE Resource Element

RF Radio Frequency

SC-FDMA Single-carrier frequency division multiple access

SINR Signal to Interference plus Noise Ration

SU-MIMO Single-User Multiple Input Multiple Output

UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

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1.Introduction
Long-term evolution (LTE) is a cellular technology standard following after the third
generation UMTS networks. Therefore, LTE is considered 4th generation cellular network
(4G) with a bandwidth range of 5MHz-20MHz. LTE is fully IP based and focused on
delivering multimedia content with improvement of Quality of Service (QoS). The most
important technologies allowing LTE reach high data speed over the air interface within a
limited broad band are Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) [1].

Mobile data traffic globally multiplied fourteen times between 2010 and 2015 according to
Ericsson mobility report [2]. Long-term Evolution (LTE) standard is focused on maximum
data throughput to follow this trend. It is very complex system, which involves modern
technologies from various fields, starting with optical technology of the backbone network
followed by complex electronics for signal processing and control. Very important are the
technologies applied to maximize the frequency-band usage efficiency and increasing the data
throughput. This technology is rapidly expanding driven by the search for greater accessibility
and a better quality of service. These requirements have motivated the need for new
architectures for the emerging systems with issues related to quality of service, capacity and
coverage. The main aim of the LTE technology is to provide low latency wireless broadband
data communications over long distances. long-term evolution has an architecture that is based
on the IP protocol. It is deployed with the Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)
technique for downlink. While the uplink uses single carrier frequency division multiple access
(SC-FDMA). These techniques provide higher data rates (100 Mbps in downlink and 50 Mbps
in the uplink.) for users and their applications. Furthermore, the other features of this wireless
technology that increases the throughput over long distances is the Multiple Input and Output
System (MIMO). The increase in the number of transmission antennas increases the average
signal-to-noise ratio of reception, increase the capacity and consequently the radius of the cell
and the transmission data rates [3]. A simplified 4G LTE architecture is usually composed of
"Packet Core", "eNodeB" and the user. The competitive advantage of LTE is therefore its
ability to provide very high throughput and greater coverage to end users [4]. Several studies
on LTE network planning in various parts of the world exist in the literature and are specific
to a particular environment characterized by its habitat, urban morphology, terrain models and

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user density [5,6]. Very important are the technologies applied to maximize the frequency-
band usage efficiency and increasing the data throughput.

2. Characteristics of LTE systems

The radio access technology for LTE is orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)
in downlink and single-carrier frequency-division multiplexing (SC-FDM) in uplink which
provides higher spectral efficiency. The few characteristics system of LTE are the following.
A. Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)
OFDM divides frequency specter into multiple closely spaced orthogonal sub-carriers. Every
single subcarrier can have much lower symbol rate than one currier would have while
occupying the whole band. This efficiently eliminates the effects of multi-path. all the reflected
signals arrive during one symbol duration. To avoid any inter symbol interference, the guard
interval is implemented after every symbol. This extension of OFDM called Orthogonal
Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) is used in LTE for downlink. For uplink a
Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) was chosen for its better
power efficiency [7].
B. Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO)
Different approach of increasing the speed was needed. Multiple-Input Multiple-Output
(MIMO) is one of the solutions. This technology is already implemented in 3G but in LTE is
improved about so-called cross-polarization. This means that each of two signal waves are
polarized in a plane rotated 45 degrees from the horizontal and 90 degree to each other. Cross-
polarization helps the receiver distinguish more distorted and attenuated signals. Usage of
MIMO is negotiated with the eNB. When the receiver is no longer able to distinguish the data
streams, MIMO is switched off or used in different mode, where it helps to increase coverage
or cope with interference [8].
NETWORK PLANNING [1]
Any mistake in the process of planning the network results in increase of costs, degrades the
efficiency of the whole building process and also of the network performance. The goal of
network
planning is to establish a radio network with sufficient coverage and capacity to ensure
expected quality of service. All the resources must be used with the maximum efficiency.

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Therefore, the particular area must be carefully studied in terms of geographical character,
residential character and population density. Already existing networks must be taken in
account. Well planned network should also be prepared for possible future development.

2.1. Cell Site Planning

Cell site planning is the whole process of finding the accurate location for the eNodesB
sites and defining the size of its cells. One eNodeB typically serves three cells. Cell site
planning consists of many different interconnected tasks which can be divided in surveys,
coverage planning, capacity planning,
2.2. Coverage Planning
Coverage planning serves to identify spots with low signal and adjust the position or the power
of the eNodeB to efficiently cover the whole desired area. To calculate coverage, propagation
models are used.in this planning Empirical propagation models are typically based on COST-
231 model because They give general results about the signal fading as a function of frequency
and distance from the eNodeB. To reach higher accuracy with planning additional field,
measurement must be carried out to verify and adjust the results of the simulation. Choice of
frequency has also impact on coverage. Higher frequencies have higher path loss and therefore
maximum size of a cell is smaller.
2. 3. Capacity Planning
Capacity planning of LTE networks is usually based on measured data obtained from existing
network. Capacity of a cell is limited and one cell can handle only a limited number of
subscribers. Therefore, in areas with higher expected traffic (for example a city center) the cell
size must be smaller compared to suburban or rural areas. To ensure maximum data speed but
also to satisfy maximum users, the bandwidth is assigned dynamically
2.4. Frequency planning
In LTE technology Conventional Frequency reuse Scheme can be used. Then the whole
frequency band is assigned to each cell. That improves the capacity of each cell but results in
higher interference on the borders of the cells. according to the Shannon-Hartley theorem
degrades maximum possible data throughput. Therefore, in urban areas with high site density
it is recommended to use Soft Frequency reuse scheme

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3. Software used in this planning
To help the design of this planning there are various Radio network planning
tools. But in this planning, we have taken ATOOL Software by visualizing
coverage, capacity and interference in the network area. Therefore, the proper planning
software tools must be used for planning of LTE networks. Since the most popular RNP
software is Atoll [4,6]. Atoll is a multi-technology wireless network design and optimization
software tool suitable for many standards including GSM, UMTS and LTE. It supports multi-
technology simulation suitable for planning LTE networks along with other standards and It
includes various adjustable propagation models both empirical and deterministic.

4.Planning of LTE Radio Network for Bahir Dar City

Bahir Dar city which is the capital of the Amhara Regional State the geographical area of this
city found in North-Western, Ethiopia. the amount of Population that live in the year 2013 E.C
is 295,000 with an area of 195km2. Bahir Dar city is one of the leading tourist destinations in
Ethiopia, especially with a variety of attractions areas in the nearby Lake Tana and Blue Nile
River. Now currently, the city is more developing into a place of considerable affairs of
business, social, political and economic activities. So due to this the number of mobile
subscribers increases day to day in an outstanding rate. According to these phenomena efficient
radio network planning is obviously a big challenge with the optimal utilization of limited
resources. To plan and design this Radio network we have a number of steps. The first step is
to define the geographic area of the city, Demographics data include population density and
population growth in a particular area, distribution of age groups among the population and
proportion of household densities.
The required radio network plan can be sub-divided mainly into three sub-plans:
Those are, Coverage, capacity planning and spectrum efficiency, link budget calculation,
Parameter planning.

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Table 1. The demographics data of bahir dar City in 2013 E.C and future
Parameter type Amount value
Total population in the year 2013E.C 295,000
Growth rate in the year 2013 E.C 5%
Expected population in the year 2020 E.C 415,094
Composition of Age group 15 to 65 years old 177,000
Expected market penetration (by 10th year) 480,523
Geographic area of B/dar city 195km2
Current population density in the city 1,512.8/km2

To calculate the increasing rate of population in the expected year of 2020 E.C by using the
formula.

5. Methodology
In the methodology part we will do the first part is the number of sites determination to be
deployed
In this case, after the network deployment parameters have been chosen has two stages

Link
Start Budget

The interest of
Area of Cell surface area of
the zone
Propagation
Model

Number of site coverage

Fig 1. Diagram illustrating the determination of the number of sites

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 Start Model of
Traffic
Throughput
Throughput
of Single
of single Cell
User
Model of
Service

Number of
Subscribers Total Throughput
in the zone of the zone of Number of
of interest interest Capacity Sites

Number of Sites
to be deployed Number of
in the zone Site
Coverage

Fig 2. Diagram illustrating the determination of the number of sites to be deployed in zone
Un = U0 (1+fp )n
Where ,
𝑈𝑛 =Number of subscribers in the year n
U0 Number of subscriberes during the planning of year
fp =Subscriber growth factor
n=number of prediction years
Rate of population in the year from 2013-2020 E.C by 5% increment is calculated by
Un (2020 E.C) =295,000(1+0.05)7=415,094
And rate of population in the expected market penetration by 10th year is
Un=295,000(1+0.05)10=480,523

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In this section we will determine the number of sites necessary for the setting up of the LTE
radio access network.
5.1. Coverage planning
In the Coverage planning would include defining the following parameters, which are coverage
areas, service probability and related signal of the system. strength.
5.2. Link budget calculation
link budget of our planning calculation is used to determine the maximum allowable path loss
in the designing system. Here we have two link budget approaches in the downlink and uplink
system of budget calculation.
5.2. 1.Down Link Budget
In this budget calculation we will calculate The Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) by
adding the gain to the power emitted by the transmitter and then subtracting the losses due to
cable, connector and from human body.
EIRP=Pt+Gt-Lt,
Where Pt=43 dBm
Gt=20 dBi
Lt=-1 dB
dBm=dBw+30.
EIRP=43 dBm+20 dBi-1dB=62 dBm
Where Pt= Transmission power (dBm)
Gt: Antenna Gain (dB)
Lt=Transmission losses (dB)
Next, we determine the receiver Sensitivity (RS) is determined by summing the thermal Noise,
Noise Figure and Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio.
So, it is Calculated by the equation bellow
Rs=K*T*B+Nf+SIN
Rs=1.23*10-20 mWs/K ,
Where
K: Boltzmann constant

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 T: Temperature (K)
NB: Noise Figure (dB)
B: System Bandwidth (MHz)
SINR: Signal to Noise Interference plus Noise Ratio (dB)

Finally, the minimum signal reception strength can be formulated by adding the receiver
side losses such as body loss, cable loss, interference margin, receiver sensitivity and
subtracting
the antenna gain.
Minimal Signal Reception Strength=Rx+IM+LRx-GRx
Where the parameters
RS: Receiver Sensitivity (dBm)
IM: Interference Margin (dB)
LRx: Reception Loss (dB)
GRx: Reception Gain (dB)

The next step calculates maximum allowable maximum loss (MPL) for the downlink

MAPL= EIRP- Minimum Reception Signal Strength- penetration loss – FM

Where,
EIRP: Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (dBm)
FM: Fading Margin (dB)

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 Table 2 Link budget calculation for B/dar city
Parameter For Down link For Up link Remarks
Maximum transmit power 43 dB 26.5 dB A
Transmit antenna gain 20dBi 0dB B
Transmitter loss 2dB 1dB C
EIRP 62dBm 24dBm D=(A+B-C)
Channel Bandwidth 15MHz 15MHz E
Receiver Antenna gain 0dB 18dBi F
Receiver Loss 2dB 2dB G
Receiver noise figure 8dB 6dB H
Thermal noise -106dBm -118dBm I=KTB
Required SINR 5dB 5dB J
Receiver sensitivity -88dBm -105dBm K=(H+J+I)
Fade Margin 6dB 6dB L
Maximum Path loss 143dB 147dB M=(D+F-G-K-L)

5.2.2. Uplink Budget calculation

To calculate the uplink budget calculation of pass loss, we use the same procedure as we
calculated the pass loss in the downlink.

5.3. Planning Propagation Model

A radio propagation model is a mathematical formulation for the characterization of radio wave
propagation as a function of frequency, distance. Because wireless propagation model is
important model to design and predict coverage and link budget of the system. Most of these
models are a empirical propagation models and deterministic propagation models. empirical
formulas extracted from field measurements and some statistical prediction models as a design
requirement an empirical is simple and commonly used models for LTE planning is COST-
231 model. From a planning perspective, it is better to assume worst case scenarios so as to
avoid risking an inadequate coverage. Hence, the COST-231 model in frequency band of 1500-
2000MHz but in this planning we used at urban environment at a carrier frequency of
1900MHz. has been chosen in this design to develop the radio network planning tool [9].

9
From COST-231 model for the urban area path loss calculated
PL=A+B log(𝑑)+C
A== 46.3-33.9log(𝑓)-13.82log(ℎ𝑡𝑒 )-a(hre)
B=44.9-6.55log(ℎ𝑡𝑒 )
a(hre)= 3.2(log 11.75ℎ𝑟𝑒 )2 -4.97dB ,for fc≥300MHz.
Where,
C=3dB
hte=Transmitter antenna height(m)
hre=Receiver antenna height(m)
a(hre)=Correction factor for effective receiver antenna height
d=Radius of the cell(km)
PL at Lurban=143dB
f=1800MHz
hte=30m
hre=1.5m
Cell Radius Calculation(d)
The radius of the cell in this planning is calculated as
𝐿𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑎𝑛 −46.3−33.9 log(𝑓)+13.82 log(ℎ𝑡𝑒 )+a(ℎ𝑟𝑒 )
d=10 44.9−6.55 log(ℎ𝑡𝑒 )

a(hre)= 3.2(log 11.75ℎ𝑟𝑒 )2 -4.97dB

a(hre)=3.2(log 11.75 ∗ 1.5)2 -4.97dB=1.83
𝐿𝑢𝑟𝑏𝑎𝑛 −46.3−33.9 log(𝑓)+13.82 log(ℎ𝑡𝑒 )+a(hre)
d=10 44.9−6.55 log(ℎ𝑡𝑒 )

d=2.1467km
Next from Radius of the cell we can find the area of omnidirectional site of the system. Thus,
Area of cell=2.5981*d2=2.5981*(2.1467km)2
Area of cell=11.97km2
Number of eNode BS
For this radio network planning Design, the number of eNodeBS that cover the total area of
the system is the ratio of the area of the zone to the area of the cell.

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Then
𝑇𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝐵𝑎ℎ𝑖𝑟 𝑑𝑎𝑟 𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 195𝑘𝑚2
Number of eNodeBS = = =17 cell
𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 11.97𝑘𝑚2

5.4. Capacity planning

Capacity planning is performed based on the coverage maps and traffic estimates. Capacity
planning involves anticipating how users will use the network and the demand they place on
the system. Data density is the metric that is used in determining the capacity planning. Data
density is used for matching the base station capacity to the market requirements. Given a
certain demographics region, determining the required data density involves classifying users
of the systems on different categories. User categories depend on the load they place on the
system in terms of usage. Capacity would include the subscriber and traffic profile in the region
and whole area, availability of the frequency bands, frequency planning methods, and other
information such as guard band and frequency band division. Various demands that are placed
by the users on the system include browsing the web, e-mailing, VoIP, download or upload of
video content, etc.

The following steps are procedures for LTE Capacity Planning.

• Traffic model analysis: Specific customer requirements

• Throughput per user: can be calculated by traffic model and assumptions

• Network throughput per site: three times sector throughput at BH.

• Number of users per site: throughput per site / throughput per user

5.4.1. Single user Throughput

The daily traffic can be estimated as a percentage of the busy hour traffic. In this planning
design we assume the busy hour traffic is 10 % of the daily traffic. Let the three types of
customer packages are provided, golden service package, silver service package, and bronze
service package, each service has its own quality, the month service package, the DL and UL
peak data rates, and the package percentage, all of these characteristics are shown in the
following table. Traffic ratio of the UL and DL in terms of the total traffic is chosen to be 30%

11
for UL and 70% for DL. Then umber of subscribers must be specified in order to continue the
analysis, the subscriber’s number for Bahir Dar city urban clatter is considered to be 295000.

Table 3. LTE user type

Type of customer Monthly package service Package percentage
(GHZ)
Gold 20 20
Silver 15 30
Bronze 10 50
In order to get the total site, we must calculate total average throughput per subscriber must
be calculated in order to calculate the average throughput per site.

monthly service package∗8bit/byte∗BHratio

Avg. throughput/sub@BH DL+UL(Kbps)=
𝑛𝑜.𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑎𝑦𝑠∗𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑

For gold customer the average throughput in downlink and uplink is calculated as follows

8bit
20∗109 ∗ ∗10%
byte
Avg. throughput/sub@BH DL+UL(Kbps)= =148.15kbps
30∗3600

Similarly, for silver customer the the average throughput in downlink and uplink is calculated
8bit
15∗109 ∗ ∗10%
byte
as follows. Avg. throughput/sub@BH DL+UL(Kbps)= =111.11kbps
30∗3600

for bronze customer the average throughput in downlink and uplink is calculated as follows.

8bit
10∗109 ∗ ∗10%
byte
Avg. throughput/sub@BH DL+UL(Kbps)= =74.07kbps
30∗3600

Therefore, the average throughput for the downlink and uplink at busy hour for the three
customers are :

Gold customer=148.15kbps, Silver customer=111.11kbps,Bronze customer=74.07kbps.

ThetotalAvg.throughput/sub@BHDL+UL(Kbps)=∑ Avg. throughputsub@BH DLUL(Kbps)

*percentage of package=148.15*20%+111.11*30%+74.07*50%=100kbps.therfore the total
average throughput per subscriber in uplink and downlink is 100kbps.fromtese we assume that
30% from the total is uplink and 70% for downlink.

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Total throughput for Uplink channel/subscriber=100*30%=30kbps.

Total throughput for Downlink channel/subscriber=100*70%=70kbps.

5. 5. Cell Capacity
The bandwidth of 4G LTE system is between 5 to 20 MHz in the frequency range of 1500-
2000 MHz. For a bandwidth of 20 MHz in the 1900 MHz band, the uplink and downlink
throughput in asector of an eNodeB.

The throughput of peak average capacity per sector and per site for both uplink and downlink
can be calculated as follows. To calculate those parameters, first we consider a 2 ×20 MHz
LTE system with 4×4 MIMO configuration, 64QAM and code rate 1:

The number of resource elements (RE) in a sub-frame (a sub-frame is 1 msec).

One subframe=12 subcarriers*7 OFDM symbols*100 resource blocks* 2 slots

One subframe = 16,800 resource element

Then we calculate the data rate for 64 QAM with coding rate 1.

Peak throughput= 6 bit per 64QAM Symbol *16,800 RE symbol=100,800 bits

Peak througput in a sub frame=100,800/1 msec= 100.8 Mbps

❖ The Peak Throughput per sector for downlink (DL) communication can be calculated
as:

Peak throughput for 4 ×4 MIMO configuration DL=4*100.8 Mbps=403.2 Mbps.

We now we have to subtract the overhead related to control signaling as follows:

➢ Common channel overhead (adequate to serve 1 UE/sub frame) = 10%

➢ CP overhead = 6.66%
➢ Guard band overhead = 10%
➢ Pilot overhead (4 TX antennas) = 14.29%

The total DL overhead for the 20MHz channel is 14.29% + 10% + 6.66%+ 10% = 40.95%.

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The remaining from the overhead channel is 100%-40.95 = 59.05% = 0.5905
The total throughput DL=0.5905*403.2 Mbps=238.0896 Mbps.

❖ The Peak Throughput per sector for uplink (UL) communication calculation:
1 transmitter antenna (no MIMO), 64 QAM code rate 1bps (Note that typical s can
support only 16QAM), and we now have to subtract the overhead related to control
signaling as follows:
➢ Pilot overhead = 14.3%
➢ Random access overhead = 0.625%
➢ CP overhead = 6.66%
➢ Guard band overhead = 10%

The total UL overhead for the 20 MHz channel is 14.3% + 0.625% + 6.66%+ 10% =
31.585%

The remaining channel from the overhead channel is 100%-31.585 = 68.415% = 0.685

The total throughput for UL= 0.684*100.8Mbps=68.962 Mbps

The calculation of Peak Throughput per site for DL & UL as follows

Total throughput per site DL=3*DL Data Rate per sector=3*238.0896 Mbps=714.269 Mbps
Total throughput per site UL=3*UL Data Rate per sector=3*68.962Mbps=206.887 Mbps

Therefore, The total Average Throughput per site is

✓ Total throughput per site (Mbps) DL=714.269 Mbps
✓ Total throughput per site (Mbps) UL=206.887 Mbps

Now, the maximum number of subscriber’s per site for UL and DL communication is
calculated as follows.

Total Average throughput per site

Maximum Number of Subscriber per site =
Total Average Throughput per subscriber

714.269 Mbps
Maximum Number of subscribers per site for DL = = 10,203
70 Kbps

206.887𝑀𝑏𝑝𝑠
Maximum number of subscribers per site for UL = = 6896
30 𝐾𝑏𝑝𝑠

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6. Simulation Results and Analysis using ATOLL Software
Digital map is the following Fig.3 has been used for radio network planning in this stage. These maps
consisted of airport, main road, secondary road, street and water.

Figure 3. eNodeBs Placed on Bahir Dar Map

6.1. Coverage prediction

Coverage predictions have been performed by: transmitter, signal level and downlink
throughput. A signal level coverage prediction displays signal level of best server for each
pixel of the area studied. For a transmitter with more than one cell, the signal level is calculated

15
for the cell with the highest reference signal power. The following are the coverage prediction
by signal level, coverage by transmitter.

Figure 4. Coverage by transmitter

16
 Figure 5. Coverage by signal level

Figure 6. coverage prediction property

17
 Figure 7. overlapping zone

Figure 8. geographic profile point analysis by site 5_2

18
Figure 9 reception level point analysis

19
Figure 10. interference level

20
7. Conclusion
LTE networks are very complex and their planning takes in account many factors. All of the
tasks of site planning (coverage planning, capacity planning, frequency planning) are
interconnected and cannot be carried out separately.

The radio network planning of LTE needs for capacity, coverage and quality requirements.
The ultimate aims of study LTE radio network planning are to introduce relevant LTE features,
to define the basic models for radio propagation, to estimate coverage and network element
count. Obtained result of coverage and capacity analysis has been used in nominal and detailed
radio planning stage with Atoll taking sample place instead of exact Bahir Dar digital map as
input. Again, performance evaluation has been done using point analysis.

The radio network planning of LTE needs extensive assessment in terms of capacity, coverage
and quality requirements. The ultimate objectives of study LTE radio network planning are to
introduce relevant LTE features, to define the basic models for radio propagation, to estimate
coverage and network element count. Obtained result of coverage and capacity analysis has
been used in nominal and detailed radio planning stage with Atoll taking Bahir Dar digital map
as input. Again, performance evaluation has been done using point analysis tool. For initial
network deployment, it is evident that the planned network is satisfactory and it can be
considered as a standard radio planning platform for the rapidly growing city Bahir Dar.

21
References
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