Title: Application of GIS in planning
1Application of GIS in planning optimizing a
mobile radio network Nomaswazi Tinus, GIS
Analyst, MTN (SA)
2GSM DEFINITIONS
- GSM Global Systems for Mobile Communication
- 1st generation network
- Voice capability only
- GPRS General Packet Radio Service
- 2nd generation network
- Enables data capability to GSM network
- EDGE Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution
- 2.5 generation network
- 3G 3rd Generation network
- Even faster data speeds (up to 384kbps)
- Improved efficiency of voice calls
- Makes video calls possible
- HSDPA High Speed Downlink Packet Access
- Real broadband data experience
- Fastest commercially available data service in SA
3GSM EVOLUTION
4CELL PLANNING
- CELL
- Defines area of radio coverage for single base
station. - Each cell has unique ID on the network
- Group of cells form hexagonal structure basis of
network design - BSC (Base Station Controller)
- Positioned to optimize transmission node costs
- Supports a number of BTSs (Base Transceiver
Station) - Performs handover functions
-
5 CELL PLANNING
- OBJECTIVES
- Differing requirements for mature network
- as opposed to new network rollout
- Provide optimal coverage for network expansion
- Provide sufficient capacity to meet demand
(traffic forecasts and also license obligation) - Provide adequate quality/grade of service (GoS)
i.e. minimise drop call rate maximize call
setup rate
6SPATIAL DATA AVAILABILITY
- Network planning process highly reliant on
availability of accurate spatial data - Spatial data a pre-requisite for good network
design - Most planning tools have integrated functionality
to handle spatial data (Asset, Atoll, PlaNet) - Limited access to accurate data for Africa
(situation is improving) - MTN International highly dependant on
availability of global datasets such as GTOP030,
SRTM, LANDSCAN - SDI (Spatial Data Infrastructure) initiative
across Africa globally commendable
7DATA REQUIREMENTS FOR NETWORK PLANNING
- CLUTTER /LANDUSE
- Data aggregated to class categories to represent
physical and human environment - Various geographical landscapes/environments will
affect radio signal propagation in different ways - Measured data (from drive-testing) used to
predict relative signal level for each class
category
8DATA REQUIREMENTS FOR NETWORK PLANNING
- DEM (DIGITAL ELEVATION MODEL)
- Representation of physical landscapes as
height/terrain - Together with clutter used as basis for
prediction model for radio signal propagation - Model considers obstructions between transmitter
and receiver -
9DATA REQUIREMENTS FOR NETWORK PLANNING
- POPULATION
- Basis of estimations for traffic growth
capacity (equipment costs volumes) - Cell planning for urban (metro major metro) vs.
rural areas - Used as a measure to monitor compliance with
regulatory license conditions
- INCOME STATISTICS
- Marketing prioritization in service offerings
i.e. 3G rollout - Targeting Profiling of customers/subscribers
based on demographics - Used as measurement for Return on Investment
10DATA REQUIREMENTS FOR NETWORK PLANNING
- IMAGERY
- Useful aid in visualisation (site pre-planning,
positioning verification) - Available as scanned topographical maps, aerial
imagery or site photographs (rooftop sites in
metro areas)
11SPATIAL DATA LIMITATIONS
- Limitations in usage of spatial data
- Accuracy (scale, positional, resolution,
temporal) - Population income statistics outdated or
unavailable at sufficient resolution - Availability in suitable format (restriction to
deal only with certain vendors)
12SITE SELECTION
- CONSIDERATIONS
- Access to power
- Transmission links
- Access roads
- Site lease
- Existing masts i.e. site sharing with other
operator
- URBAN
- Focus on quality of coverage
- Environmental issues
- Impact on network
- RURAL
- Focus on providing wide area coverage
- Extended range sites
13SITE SELECTION
14NETWORK MONITORING OPTIMISATION
- Growth in network traffic necessitates
optimization of network to cater for - Low dropped call rate
- Adequate Grade of Service (GoS)
- High call setup success rate
- Network availability
- Involves monitoring of network to have
understanding of not only WHAT sites need
upgrading (equipment/infrastructure), but WHEN to
upgrade.
15NETWORK MONITORING OPTIMISATION
- Traffic analysis in terms of seasonal, week-ends,
day-time special occasions - Visual monitoring to detect trends and patterns
(graphs maps) - Presenting snapshots at different levels
national, regional, cell and site specific views - Targeted presentation of statistics content for
different end users departments
16 NETWORK MONITORING
Network counters for traffic
Network counters for congestion
Different network areas
17NETWORK MONITORING
18COVERAGE COMPLAINTS HELPDESK
- External email coveragecomplaints_at_mtn.co.za
- External Service Provider 0839001212 toll free
from 083 no.s - Dealer Helpdesk or 011 301 2583 for faxed
queries.
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