Atoll 2 7 1 Technical Overview

AT271_TO_E0
Version 2.7.1
Technical
Overview
Forsk 2006
AT250_CAL_E1
AT271_TO_E0
Atoll Technical Overview
Contact Information
Forsk (Head Office) 7 rue des Briquetiers
31700 Blagnac
France
www.forsk.com
sales@forsk.com
support@forsk.com
+33 (0) 562 74 72 10
+33 (0) 562 74 72 25
+33 (0) 562 74 72 11
Web
Sales and pricing information
Technical support
General
Technical support
Fax
Forsk (USA Office) 200 South Wacker Drive

Suite 3100
Chicago, IL 60606
USA
sales_us@forsk.com
support_us@forsk.com
+1 312 674 4846
+1 888 GoAtoll
(+1 888 462 8655)
+1 312 674 4847
Sales and pricing information

Technical support
General
Technical support
www.forsk.com.cn
enquiries@forsk.com.cn
+86 20 8553 8938
+86 20 8553 8285
Web
Information and enquiries
Telephone
Fax (Guangzhou)
Fax (Beijing)
Forsk (China Office) Suite 302, 3/F, West Tower,

Jiadu Commercial Building,
No. 66 Jianzhong Road,
Tianhe Hi-Tech Industrial Zone,
Guangzhou, 510665
Peoples Republic of China
+86 10 6513 4559
Fax
Atoll 2.7.1 Technical Overview Release AT271_TO_E0

Copyright 1997 2008 by Forsk
The software described in this document is provided under a licence agreement. The software may only be used or
copied under the terms and conditions of the licence agreement. No part of this document may be copied,
reproduced or distributed in any form without prior authorisation from Forsk.
The product or brand names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective registering parties.
About Technical Overview

Atoll is a comprehensive Windows-based multi-technology and user-friendly radio planning environment that
supports wireless telecom operators during the whole network lifetime, from initial design to densification and
optimisation. Atoll supports the following technologies:
o
o
o
o
o
o
GSM/GPRS/EDGE/TDMA
UMTS/HSPA
cdmaOne/CDMA2000 1xRTT and 1xEV-DO (Rel.0 and Rel.A)
TD-SCDMA
WiMAX BWA
Microwave links
This document is an overview of Atoll from a technical point of view. The first two sections present the configuration
and the general features in Atoll. The three sections that follow detail the more specific features related to
GSM/GPRS/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA and cdmaOne/CDMA2000 networks.
Forsk 2008
AT271_TO_E0
Document History
Date
Atoll Version
Comments
29 August 2000
th
Atoll 1.8
Initial document version
th
Atoll 1.9
Atoll 1.9 features addition
th
4 August 2002
Atoll 2.1
th
Atoll 2.2
New document format and Atoll 2.2 features addition
12 October 2001
19 November 2003
th
10 August 2004
Atoll 2.3
th
Atoll 2.3.1
Atoll 2.3.1 features addition
st
1 August 2005
Atoll 2.4.0
th
Atoll 2.4.1
Atoll 2.5.0
15 January 2005
18 November 2005
th
13 April 2006
th
14 August 2006
st
21 September 2006
th
10 October 2006
th
15 February 2007
Atoll 2.5.2
New chapter about the WiMAX 802.16d module
Atoll 2.5.2
Atoll 2.6.0
WiMAX chapter updated for 802.16e
th
Atoll 2.6.0
th
Atoll 2.6.1
st
Atoll 2.7.0
th
Atoll 2.7.1
12 March 2007
30 August 2007
1 March 2008
27 August 2008
Atoll 2.5.1
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Forsk 2008
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1
1.1
1.2
1.3
2
2.1
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.2
2.2.1
2.2.2
2.2.3
2.2.4
2.2.5
2.2.6
2.2.7
2.2.8
2.3
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.3
2.3.4
2.3.5
2.3.6
2.3.7
2.4
2.4.1
2.4.2
2.4.3
2.4.4
2.4.5
2.5
2.5.1
2.5.2
2.6
2.6.1
2.6.2
2.6.3
2.7
2.7.1
2.7.2
2.7.3
2.8
2.9
2.9.1
2.9.2
2.9.3
2.10
2.10.1
2.10.2
2.10.3
2.11
Forsk 2008
Atoll Configuration....................................................................... 13
Atoll Modular Configuration.............................................................................................................. 13
Software Architecture ...................................................................................................................... 13
Hardware and System Environment ................................................................................................ 14
General Features ........................................................................ 17

User Interface .................................................................................................................................. 17
The Different User Interface Windows ....................................................................................... 17
Object-oriented User Interface ................................................................................................... 19
Object Parameters Real-time Display ........................................................................................ 19
Geographic Information System (GIS) Features.............................................................................. 20
Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 20
High Performance Display System............................................................................................. 20
Data Types................................................................................................................................. 20
GIS File Formats ........................................................................................................................ 29
Worldwide Database Coordinate Systems ................................................................................. 29
Unit Systems .............................................................................................................................. 30
Integrated Cartography Editors .................................................................................................. 30
Multi-Resolution Geographic Database...................................................................................... 31
Radio Propagation Modelling........................................................................................................... 32
Intelligent Calculation Engine ..................................................................................................... 32
Multi-Resolution Support ............................................................................................................ 32
Integrated Propagation Model Library ........................................................................................ 33
Open Interface to External Propagation Models......................................................................... 35
Propagation Model Calibration ................................................................................................... 35
Real-time Transmitter-to-Point Prediction .................................................................................. 35
Link Budget Analysis Tool .......................................................................................................... 36
Data Management ........................................................................................................................... 36
Flexible and Multi-Technology Database Model......................................................................... 36
External Database Import Tool................................................................................................... 37
Flexible Data Export/Import Tool................................................................................................ 37
Powerful Data Management Functions ...................................................................................... 37
Multi-user Support...................................................................................................................... 40
Atoll Management Console.............................................................................................................. 43
Overview .................................................................................................................................... 43
Multi-level Environment Database Administration ...................................................................... 43
Outputs: Reporting, Printing and Exporting...................................................................................... 44
Reports Generation.................................................................................................................... 44
Printing up to A0 Format ............................................................................................................ 45
Exporting .................................................................................................................................... 45
Measurements Module (optional) .................................................................................................... 45
Continuous Wave (CW) Measurements ..................................................................................... 45
Test Mobile Measurements ........................................................................................................ 47
Measurement-based pathloss propagation matrices.................................................................. 49
Microwave Link Module ................................................................................................................... 50
The Development Toolkit ................................................................................................................. 51
Propagation Model API .............................................................................................................. 52
Automatic Frequency Planning API............................................................................................ 52
General API................................................................................................................................ 52
Atoll Configuration Scalability .......................................................................................................... 54
Stand-alone Configuration ......................................................................................................... 54
Multi-user: workstation based..................................................................................................... 54
Multi-user: Citrix Metaframe based ............................................................................................ 54
Advanced Computing Capabilities ................................................................................................... 55
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3
3.1
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.2.4
3.2.5
3.2.6
3.2.7
3.2.8
3.3
3.3.1
3.3.2
3.3.3
3.3.4
3.3.5
3.3.6
3.4
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.4.3
3.4.4
3.4.5
3.5
3.5.1
3.5.2
3.5.3
3.5.4
3.5.5
3.5.6
3.5.7
3.5.8
3.6
3.6.1
3.7
3.7.2
3.7.3
3.7.4
3.8
3.8.1
3.8.2
3.8.3
3.9
3.10
4
4.1
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
4.2.4
4.2.5
4.2.6
4.2.7
4.3
4.3.1
4.3.2
GSM/GPRS/EDGE/TDMA Features ........................................... 59

Overview.......................................................................................................................................... 59
Network Database ........................................................................................................................... 59
Overview .................................................................................................................................... 59
Antennas .................................................................................................................................... 60
Sites ........................................................................................................................................... 60
Transmitters (or Cells)................................................................................................................ 61
Site Templates ........................................................................................................................... 62
Subcells ..................................................................................................................................... 63
Equipment .................................................................................................................................. 63
Repeaters................................................................................................................................... 65
Carrier Modelling ............................................................................................................................. 66
Overview .................................................................................................................................... 66
Support of Multi-Band Networks................................................................................................. 66
Support of Hierarchical Cell Structure (HCS) and Concentric Cells (CC)................................... 66
Support of Frequency Hopping ..................................................................................................68
Downlink Power Control modelling............................................................................................. 68
Frequency Plan Analysis Tools ..................................................................................................68
Traffic Modelling and Analysis ......................................................................................................... 69
Overview .................................................................................................................................... 69
Service and User Modelling ....................................................................................................... 70
Traffic Data................................................................................................................................. 72
Traffic Analysis (Traffic Spread and Capture) ............................................................................ 72
Network Dimensioning ............................................................................................................... 73
Service Planning: Prediction Studies ............................................................................................... 75
Prediction Study Definition ......................................................................................................... 75
Prediction Study Types .............................................................................................................. 75
Prediction Studies per TRX ........................................................................................................ 77
Prediction Studies for a Multi-Layer Network ............................................................................. 78
Prediction Study Reports ........................................................................................................... 79
Prediction Study Graphical Comparison .................................................................................... 79
Prediction Study Export.............................................................................................................. 80
Point Analysis Tool..................................................................................................................... 81
Neighbour Planning ......................................................................................................................... 82
Neighbour List Generation ......................................................................................................... 82
Mutual Interference Histogram Matrix .............................................................................................. 84
Interference Matrix Generation................................................................................................... 84
Interference Matrix Analysis ....................................................................................................... 85
Interference Matrix Export .......................................................................................................... 86
Automatic Frequency Planning Module (optional) ........................................................................... 86
Overview and Principles............................................................................................................. 86
AFP Parameters......................................................................................................................... 87
AFP Outputs............................................................................................................................... 89
Interactive Frequency Planning ....................................................................................................... 89
GSM/UMTS Co-planning ................................................................................................................. 89
UMTS HSPA Features ................................................................ 93

Overview.......................................................................................................................................... 93
Network Database ........................................................................................................................... 93
Antennas .................................................................................................................................... 93
Sites ........................................................................................................................................... 94
Transmitters ............................................................................................................................... 94
Cells ........................................................................................................................................... 95
Site Templates ........................................................................................................................... 96
Equipment .................................................................................................................................. 96
Repeaters................................................................................................................................... 97
Traffic Modelling .............................................................................................................................. 99
Overview .................................................................................................................................... 99
Service and User Modelling ....................................................................................................... 99
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Table of Contents
4.3.3
4.3.4
4.4
4.4.1
4.4.2
4.4.3
4.4.4
4.4.5
4.5
4.5.1
4.5.2
4.5.3
4.5.4
4.5.5
4.5.6
4.5.7
4.5.8
4.6
4.6.1
4.6.2
4.6.3
4.7
4.7.1
4.7.2
4.8
4.8.1
4.8.2
4.8.3
4.8.4
4.9
4.9.1
4.9.2
4.9.3
5
5.1
5.2
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
5.2.4
5.2.5
5.2.6
5.2.7
5.3
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.3.3
5.3.4
5.4
5.4.1
5.4.2
5.4.3
5.4.4
5.4.5
5.4.6
5.4.7
5.5
5.5.1
5.5.2
Forsk 2008
Traffic Data............................................................................................................................... 103

Generation of Realistic User Distributions................................................................................ 103
UMTS Monte Carlo Simulation ...................................................................................................... 103
Overview .................................................................................................................................. 103
Simulation Definition ................................................................................................................ 103
Power Control Simulation Algorithm......................................................................................... 103
Monte Carlo Simulation Management ...................................................................................... 106
Monte Carlo Simulation Analysis and Reports ......................................................................... 107
UMTS Prediction Studies............................................................................................................... 110
Prediction Study Definition ....................................................................................................... 110
Prediction Study Types ............................................................................................................ 110
Prediction Study Generation .................................................................................................... 110
Prediction Study Reports ......................................................................................................... 114
Prediction Study Graphical Comparison .................................................................................. 114
Prediction Study Export............................................................................................................ 115
Point Analysis Tool................................................................................................................... 115
HSPA ............................................................................................................................................. 116
Overview .................................................................................................................................. 116
HSPA Modeling........................................................................................................................ 116
HSPA Studies .......................................................................................................................... 116
Neighbour and Scrambling Code Planning .................................................................................... 117
Neighbour List Generation ....................................................................................................... 117
Scrambling Code Planning....................................................................................................... 119
Automatic Cell Planning Module (Optional) ................................................................................... 122
Overview and Principles........................................................................................................... 122
ACP Optimisation Organisation................................................................................................ 122
ACP Parameters ...................................................................................................................... 123
ACP Optimisation Results ........................................................................................................ 123
GSM/UMTS Co-planning ............................................................................................................... 124
GSM/GPRS/EDGE and UMTS Project Sharing ....................................................................... 124
GSM/GPRS/EDGE and UMTS Prediction Study Comparison ................................................. 125
Inter-Technology Neighbour Generation .................................................................................. 126
cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Features ................................................ 131

Overview........................................................................................................................................ 131
Network Database ......................................................................................................................... 131
Antennas .................................................................................................................................. 131
Sites ......................................................................................................................................... 132
Transmitters ............................................................................................................................. 132
Cells ......................................................................................................................................... 133
Site Templates ......................................................................................................................... 134
Equipment ................................................................................................................................ 135
Repeaters................................................................................................................................. 135
Traffic Modelling ............................................................................................................................ 136
Overview .................................................................................................................................. 136
Service and User Modelling ..................................................................................................... 136
Traffic Data............................................................................................................................... 141
cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Monte Carlo Simulation.............................................................................. 141
Overview .................................................................................................................................. 141
cdmaOne Power Control Simulation Algorithm ........................................................................ 141
CDMA2000 1xRTT Power Control Simulation Algorithm ......................................................... 143
CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Monte Carlo Simulation Algorithm ........................................................ 145
cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Prediction Studies ...................................................................................... 151
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5.5.3
5.5.4
5.5.5
5.5.6
5.5.7
5.5.8
5.6
5.6.1
5.6.2
6
6.1
6.2
6.2.1
6.2.2
6.2.3
6.2.4
6.2.5
6.2.6
6.3
6.3.1
6.3.2
6.4
6.4.1
6.4.2
6.4.3
6.4.4
6.4.5
6.4.6
6.5
6.5.1
6.5.2
6.5.3
6.5.4
6.5.5
6.6
6.6.1
6.6.2
6.6.3
6.6.4
6.6.5
6.7
6.7.1
6.7.2
6.7.3
6.7.4
6.7.5
6.7.6
6.7.7
6.7.8
6.8
6.8.1
6.8.2
6.9
6.9.1

Neighbour and PN Offset Planning................................................................................................ 158
PN Offset Code Planning ......................................................................................................... 160
WiMAX BWA Features.............................................................. 165

Overview........................................................................................................................................ 165
Network Database ......................................................................................................................... 166
Antennas .................................................................................................................................. 166
Sites ......................................................................................................................................... 166
Transmitters ............................................................................................................................. 167
Cells ......................................................................................................................................... 168
Site Templates ......................................................................................................................... 169
Equipment ................................................................................................................................ 169
Carrier Modelling ........................................................................................................................... 171
Overview .................................................................................................................................. 171
Support of Multi-Band Networks............................................................................................... 171
Network Level Parameters............................................................................................................. 172
Overview .................................................................................................................................. 172
Frame Structure ....................................................................................................................... 172
Channel Configuration (WiMAX 802.16d) ................................................................................ 173
Frame Configurations (WiMAX 802.16e) ................................................................................. 173
Permutation Zones (WiMAX 802.16e)...................................................................................... 173
MIMO Configurations ............................................................................................................... 173
Traffic Modelling ............................................................................................................................ 174
Overview .................................................................................................................................. 174
Service and User Modelling ..................................................................................................... 174
Traffic Data............................................................................................................................... 177
Subscriber Database................................................................................................................ 177
WiMAX Monte Carlo Simulation..................................................................................................... 179
Overview .................................................................................................................................. 179
Scheduling and Radio Resource Management ........................................................................ 179
WiMAX Prediction Studies ............................................................................................................. 184
Co-existence of Network Modelling.......................................................................................... 194
Neighbour and Preamble Index Planning (WiMAX 802.16e) ......................................................... 195
Preamble Index Planning ......................................................................................................... 196
Frequency Plan Analysis Tool ....................................................................................................... 198
Frequency Channel Search Tool.............................................................................................. 198
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Forsk 2008
Introduction
Introduction
Atoll is a comprehensive Windows-based multi-technology and user-friendly radio planning environment that
supports wireless telecom operators during the whole network lifetime, from initial design to densification and
optimisation. Atoll supports the following technologies:
o
o
o
o
o
o
GSM/GPRS/EDGE/TDMA
UMTS/HSDPA
cdmaOne/CDMA2000 1xRTT and 1xEV-DO (Rel.0 and Rel.A)
1
TD-SCDMA
WiMAX and Broadband Wireless Access (BWA)
Microwave links
In addition to its engineering capabilities, Atoll is an open, scalable and flexible technical information system that
integrates easily with other IT systems, increases productivity and shortens lead times. Atoll supports a full range of
implementation scenarios, from standalone to enterprise-wide server-based configurations using distributed and
parallel computing. Atoll is available and supported worldwide through a network of selected distributors who can
provide local technical and commercial support.
Atoll highlights are:
o
o
Advanced network design features: high-performance propagation calculation engine, multilayered and hierarchical networks supported, traffic modelling, automatic frequency/code
planning and network optimisation. Atoll allows planning of integrated multi-technology
networks (GSM/GPRS/EDGE, UMTS, cdmaOne/CDMA2000).
Open and flexible architecture: Atoll supports multi-user environments through an innovative
database architecture that provides data sharing, data integrity management and easy
integration with other IT systems. Atoll enables integration of 3rd party or proprietary modules
through a set of programming interfaces (API).
Distributed and parallel computing: Atoll allows the distribution of calculations over multiple
workstations and supports parallel computing on multi-processor servers, thus dramatically
reducing prediction times and getting the most out of your hardware
State-of-the-art GIS features: Atoll supports both, multi-format and multi-resolution, geographic
data and integration with GIS tools. Large, dense urban and countrywide databases are
supported and displayed interactively with multiple layers including engineering and prediction
studies. Atoll also features an integrated raster and vector editor.
This document is an overview of Atoll from a technical point of view. The first two sections present the configuration
and the general features in Atoll. The following four sections detail the more specific features related to
GSM/GPRS/EDGE, UMTS/HSDPA, cdmaOne/CDMA2000, and WiMAX/BWA networks.
Forsk 2008
TD-SCDMA description will be given in future versions of this document

AT271_TO_E0
List of Abbreviations
ACK
AFP
API
ASCII
BCCH
BSIC
BTS
BWA
CC
CDMA
C/I
COM
CPICH
CW
DL
DRC
DTX
Eb/Nt
Ec/Io
Ec/Nt
EDGE
EIRP
EDGE
FCH
FWA
GIS
GPRS
GSM
GUI
HSDPA
HSUPA
HCS
HSN
IEEE
ITU
KPI
LOS
MAIO
MAL
MUG
NLOS
OLE DB
OMC
OVSF
PDA
PN
RC
RDBMS
SDK
SPM
SCH
TCH
TDMA
TMA
TRX
UL
UMTS
W-CDMA
WiMAX
3G
10
Acknowledgment
Automatic Frequency Planning
Application Programming Interface
American Standard Code for Information Interchange
Broadcast Control CHannel
Base Station Identification Code
Base Transceiver Station
Broadband Wireless Access
Concentric Cell
Code Division Multiple Access
Carrier-to-Interference
Component Object Model
Common PIlot CHannel
Continuous Wave
Downlink
Data-Rate-Control
Discontinuous Transmission
Energy per bit to total noise spectral density ratio
Energy per chip to noise spectral density (including useful signal) ratio
Energy per chip to total noise spectral density ratio
Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution
Effective Isotropic Radiated Power
Enhanced General Packet Radio System
Fundamental Channel
Fixed Wireless Access
Geographic Information System
General Packet Radio Service
Global System for Mobile communications
Graphical User Interface
High-Speed Downlink Packet Access
High-Speed Uplink Packet Access
Hierarchical Cell Structure
Hopping Sequence Number
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers
International Telecommunication Union
Key Performance Indicator
Line Of Sight
Mobile Allocation Index Offset
Mobile Allocation List
Multi-User Gain
Non Line of Sight
Object Linking and Embedding Database
Operation and Maintenance Centre
Orthogonal Variable Spreading Factor
Personal Digital Assistant
Pseudo Noise
Radio Configuration
Relational Database Management System
Software Development Kit
Standard Propagation Model
Synchronisation CHannel (UMTS context) ; Supplemental Channel (CDMA2000 context)
Traffic CHannel
Time Division Multiple Access
Tower Mounted Amplifier
Transceiver
Uplink
Universal Mobile Telecommunication System
Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access
Wireless Interoperability for Microwave Access
Third Generation
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Forsk 2008
Chapter 1
Atoll Configuration
12
AT271_TO_E0
Forsk 2008
Chapter 1: Atoll Configuration
Atoll Configuration
1.1
Atoll Modular Configuration

Atoll has an open architecture, with a core module around which additional modules can be installed. Figure 1-1
shows the recommended configuration for each technology. In addition to the modules developed by Forsk,
additional products are available from 3rd party partners specific applications: 3D ray-tracing propagation models,
optimisation tools, application tools etc.
Figure 1-1: Atoll Technology Matrix
1.2
Software Architecture
Atoll is built around an object-oriented architecture which complies with the Microsoft COM (Component Object
Model) standard. An Atoll configuration is made of several COM binary components -called Atoll extensions- which
communicate with each other through a standardised abstract interface. This configuration is depicted in Figure 1-2.
Figure 1-2: Atoll Object Oriented Architecture

When a new Atoll extension is installed, it is automatically integrated in the configuration, and does not require any
modification in the other installed extensions.
All Atoll optional modules -3G, microwave, measurements, AFP- are implemented as extensions, as well as
propagation models, prediction studies, and data access functions.
This type of architecture provides many advantages, including:
o
o
o
Forsk 2008
Better evolution capabilities, as new modules can be implemented as external extensions,

Easier maintenance and better software quality,
Integration of proprietary or 3rd party modules through public Application Programming
Interfaces (API).
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13
1.3
Hardware and System Environment

Atoll runs under Windows 2000 Professional and Windows XP.
Atoll can be configured to work in following configurations:
o
o
Stand-Alone
Multi-user: workstation based
Hardware/Software
Minimum
Recommended
Processor
Intel Pentium III
Intel Pentium IV or Xeon
RAM
512 MB
2 GB
Hard disk space
10 GB free hard disk space
More than 10 GB
(according to the geographic
database)
Graphics
1280 x 1024 with 64000 colours
Higher
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 2000 SP4 or XP SP1 (SP2 supported)
Additional Software
Microsoft Office 2000 or XP
Ports
1 Parallel port (25 pins) or 1 USB port required to plug-in the licence key
Multi-user: Citrix Metaframe based:
Hardware/Software
Recommended
Processor
Xeon (or equivalent) dual processor

(Thus, each server would lodge 4 to 6 users with 2 or 3 users per
perocessor.)
RAM
1 GB per user
Hard disk space
150 to 200 GB
(user projects)
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 2003/2000 Server
Application Server
Citrix Metaframe XP 1.0 FR3
For multi-user environments, the installation of one of the following Relational Database Management Systems is
required:
o
o
o
o
14
Oracle 8.1.7 and above,

Sybase Adaptive Server V11.5 and above,
Microsoft SQL Server v7 and above,
Microsoft Access.
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Forsk 2008
Chapter 2
General Features
16
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Forsk 2008
Chapter 2: General Features
General Features
2.1
User Interface
2.1.1
The Different User Interface Windows
2.1.1.1
Overview
Atoll is based on a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that complies with the Microsoft Windows standard. The user
interface is made of several windows:
o
o
o
o
The Explorer window,

The Map window,
The Panoramic window,
Additional windows
An Atoll User Interface overview is presented in Figure 2-1.
Explorer Window
Map Window
Panoramic Window
Figure 2-1: Atoll User Interface - Main Windows
2.1.1.2
Explorer Window
The Explorer window manages all kinds of data. It comprises three tabs:
o
o
o
The Data Tab manages network data and prediction studies,

The Geo Tab manages geographic data,
The Modules Tab manages propagation models, Automatic Frequency Planning Modules and
any third party module (e.g. Automatic Cell Planning Tools ).
Figure 2-2 presents the Explorer window.
Forsk 2008
AT271_TO_E0
17
Figure 2-2: The Explorer Window

Note that in the Data Tab, data are stored by type in folders. For example, sites and antennas are respectively
located in the Sites and Antenna folder. Within each folder, the user can create groups, selections, filters and lists
which can be defined either by a graphic selection or by a flag value. This feature is essential when managing a
large amount of data. It is detailed in section 2.4.4 of this document.
2.1.1.3
Map Window
The Map window displays the Explorer window objects (network data, geographic data and predictions studies) as
multiple layers. The display properties (such as layers order, style, colour, transparency, scale, zoom level ...) are
user-defined. Numerous Map windows can be opened simultaneously, allowing the user to work with multiple views
(e.g. having different zoom levels) of the same project.
2.1.1.4
Panoramic Window
The Panoramic window displays all the area covered by the project geographic data and highlights the area
displayed in the Map window. An example of a Panoramic window is presented in Figure 2-3.
2.1.1.5
Additional Windows
Additional windows are displayed on the screen when requested by the user. These windows are:
o
o
o
o
The Event Viewer window which provides information when running an analysis,
The Legend window which shows the legend,
The Point Analysis window which displays real-time profile and point-to-point predictions,
The Measurement windows (CW Measurements window and Test Mobile Data window) which
present measured data information.
Figure 2-3 shows the different additional windows.
18
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Legend Window
Event Viewer Window
Point Analysis
Window
Test Mobile
Data Window
Figure 2-3: Additional Windows
2.1.2
Object-oriented User Interface

Atoll has an object-oriented user interface that allows:
o
o
o
2.1.3
Selecting any object either graphically on the map or through the Explorer window,
Access to all functions available for a given object type by simply right-clicking on it,
Interactive modification of object parameters (site location, sector azimuth, cell colour ) by
using the Map window.
Object Parameters Real-time Display

Atoll has the capability to display the parameters related to the object located under the mouse cursor in real time.
This parameter list is user-definable. This feature is shown in Figure 2-4.
Atoll also enables to define object display attributes (colour, style) according to the values of a selected
parameter. An example is shown below, where antennas are displayed using a symbol based on antenna
beamwidth:
Figure 2-4: Transmitters displayed according to antenna beam width
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2.2
Geographic Information System (GIS) Features
2.2.1
Introduction
Atoll includes a Geographic Information System (GIS) that allows managing of any digital geographical data type.
These geographic data may be stored either locally on each workstation or on a shared server. The Atoll GIS is
optimised for RF planning applications.
2.2.2
High Performance Display System

A dynamic loading mechanism allows supporting large databases while maintaining high level performance for
display. This feature is based on the fact that a very high resolution object, when viewed on a large scale, does not
require a lot of information. This is particularly true when objects are smaller than the pixel display size. In other
radio planning tools, the entire initial object definition is stored in memory. Therefore, loading and moving high
resolution environments on a large scale may be slow. On the contrary, the Atoll GIS discards unnecessary
information and dynamically re-samples a lighter object. Hence, loading and moving high resolution objects is much
faster and user-friendly. For example, this feature makes displaying and using the map of an entire country
convenient even if the corresponding geographic database is large.
2.2.3
Data Types
Atoll supports the following data types:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Terrain elevation data (up to 1m resolution),

Clutter class data (up to 255 classes),
Clutter height data,
3D Building data,
Traffic data,
Raster images (e.g. satellite photos, aerial shots, scanned maps),
Vector data,
Population data,
Text Data,
Any data type (as long as its format is one of those described in section 2.2.4).
Geographic data are managed through the Explorer window Geo tab as presented in Figure 2-5. Geographic data
are displayed as layers in the Map window. Any number of layers may be managed and displayed simultaneously.
Atoll supports transparency level selection for clutter, traffic and population data. An example of a two-layer overlay
is presented in Figure 2-6.
Figure 2-5: Geographic Data Management
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Figure 2-6: Clutter and Terrain Elevation Overlay
2.2.3.1
Terrain Elevation Data

Atoll supports 16-bit Terrain Elevation maps. Each Terrain Elevation map is a geo-referenced matrix that contains
the altitude value (in m) for each pixel. In a multi-resolution case, the user can specify the priority for each map.
When a point is covered by different Terrain Elevation map, Atoll uses the map with the highest priority level. Figure
2-7 shows an example of a Terrain Elevation map.
Figure 2-7: Terrain Elevation Map Example
2.2.3.2
Clutter Class Data

Atoll supports 8-bit colour-coded clutter data. This corresponds to a maximum of 255 different classes. Each clutter
class represents a land usage type. Figure 2-8 gives an example of a Clutter map.
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Figure 2-8: Clutter Classes Map

General parameters (average height and slow fading standard deviation) are to be assigned to each clutter class as
presented in Figure 2-9. Atoll also allows the user to define an indoor loss on a per clutter class basis, in order to
model building penetration loss. Propagation model specific parameters may be entered at the propagation model
level. This allows different propagation models to be used in the same project. Multi-layers Clutter maps are
supported with the same priority mechanism as for the Terrain Elevation maps.
Figure 2-9: General Clutter Parameters
2.2.3.3
Clutter Height Data

Atoll supports 16-bit Clutter Height maps. Each Clutter Height map is a geo-referenced matrix that contains the
clutter height value (in m) for each pixel. Figure 2-10 shows an example of a Clutter Height map. The clutter height
data is optional. When not available, Atoll uses the clutter height information, which is specified through the clutter
class map, as explained in section 2.2.3.2.
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Figure 2-10: Clutter Height Map
2.2.3.4
Traffic data
Atoll supports the following traffic data types:
o
o
o
o
Traffic Raster Map,

Traffic Vector,
Live Traffic Data,
Traffic Density Map.
Different traffic layers, whatever the type, may be overlaid to describe the traffic. Furthermore, a clutter weighting
function and an indoor/outdoor ratio can be applied to each layer in order to spread the traffic according to the
clutter.
2.2.3.4.1
Traffic Raster Map

Atoll supports traffic raster maps. Each Traffic Raster map is a geo-referenced matrix that containing traffic
information (e.g. service, user density, user mobility) for each pixel. The exact content of the traffic information
depends on the technology. Sections 3.4, 4.3 and 5.3 further describe GSM/GPRS/EDGE, UMTS and
cdmaOne/CDMA2000 raster traffic respectively. Figure 2-11 provides an example of a traffic raster map.
Figure 2-11: Traffic Raster Map
2.2.3.4.2
Traffic Vector
Atoll can work with traffic data in a vector format (lines, polygons and vectors). Here, the traffic information (e.g.
service, user density, user mobility) is an attribute of the vector. The exact content of the traffic information
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depends on the technology. Sections 3.4, 4.3 and 5.3 further describe GSM/GPRS/EDGE, UMTS and
cdmaOne/CDMA2000 raster traffic respectively. Figure 2-12 provides an example of traffic vectors.
Figure 2-12: Traffic Vector
2.2.3.4.3
Live Traffic Data

Atoll can manipulate live traffic data. The corresponding traffic map associates different data types to each sector
depending on the modelled technology:
o
o
UMTS and cdmaOne/CDMA2000 networks: either data throughput per service or number of
users per service (as shown in Figure 2-13),
GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks: either Erlang values per circuit-switched service (as depicted in
Figure 2-14) or data throughput per packet-switched service.
Furthermore, for each sector, traffic is spread within the sector according to the clutter weighting function, if
specified.
Number of Users
per Sector and per
Service
Figure 2-13: Live Traffic Data (UMTS case)
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Figure 2-14: Live Traffic Data (GSM/GPRS/EDGE case)
2.2.3.4.4
Traffic Density Map

Atoll supports traffic density maps. A traffic density map is a geo-referenced matrix that contains traffic density
2
information for each pixel. Circuit-switched traffic density maps are expressed in Erlangs/km while packet-switched
2
traffic density maps are specified in kbits/s/km . Figure 2-15 presents an example of a traffic density map.
Figure 2-15: Traffic Density Map
2.2.3.4.5
Multi-Layer Traffic Data

Different traffic maps, whether raster, vector or live data, can be overlaid. Figure 2-16 shows an example of such a
situation.
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Live Traffic Data
Traffic Vector Map
Traffic Raster Map
Figure 2-16: Traffic Maps Overlay
2.2.3.4.6
Cumulated Traffic Maps

Different traffic maps, whatever their type (traffic raster map, traffic vector, live traffic data or traffic density map),
can be combined on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Traffic map addition may be based on various criteria: service type (e.g.
circuit switched or packet switched), mobility type or/and terminal type. The newly created aggregated traffic map
may then be handled as any other traffic map.
By using this feature, the user may, for example, sum up live network traffic (existing customers) with additional
expected traffic (predicted customer base growth). The cumulated traffic map created may then be used as a basis
for dimensioning/predicting/analysing potential network extension.
2.2.3.5
Raster Images
Atoll supports raster images such as scanned maps, aerial photos and satellite photos. An aerial photo example is
displayed in Figure 2-17.
Figure 2-17: Raster Image

The raster image opacity and contrast can be tuned by the user.
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2.2.3.6
Vector data
Atoll supports vector data such as:
o
o
o
o
Multi-layered linear objects: roads, railways, airports, rivers, coastlines ...,

Liner objects or 2D polygons for traffic spreading as described in section 2.2.3.4,
2D polygons: vector land use data,
3D urban vector data, including building contours and heights. This information may be used
with ray-tracing propagation models.
Figure 2-18 provides an example of 3D urban vector data overlaid on terrain elevation data.
Figure 2-18: 3D Building Data Overlaid on Terrain Elevation Data
2.2.3.7
Population Data
Atoll supports population data such as population figures or population densities. These data may either be in a
raster or a vector format. Figure 2-19 provides an example of a population density map.
Figure 2-19: Population Density Map

Population information may then be used in conjunction with prediction studies when generating reports. For
example, the report presented in Figure 2-20 gives the population covered by the network for a particular region
(population figures and percentages) with a per-service break-up. Refer to section 2.6.1 for further details about
reports generation.
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Figure 2-20: Population Related Report
2.2.3.8
Text Data
Atoll is capable of handling text data. Figure 2-21 provides an example where area names are displayed on the map
window. Other text data examples could be region names, street names, river names, site names and so on.
Figure 2-21: Text Data Display
2.2.3.9
Other Data Types

Atoll is capable of importing any data type (raster or vector) as long as it is compatible with the import format
described in section 2.2.4. Data name, type and supported formats are to be specified by the user. Like any other
geographic layer, statistical functions are available for this data type. Figure 2-22 gives an example of an income
map providing raster information about the average annual salary (in $ per year).
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Figure 2-22: Annual Revenue Map (example of an other data type map)
2.2.4
GIS File Formats

Atoll is capable of working directly with numerous file formats without conversion. The different supported formats
are:
o
o
o
o
BIL, TIFF, BMP, PlaNET format, Istar, Erdas Imagine, Vertical Mapper grc, grd and raw binary
files for raster data (Terrain Elevation Maps, Clutter Data, Traffic Raster Data, Scanned Maps,
Population Data),
ECW compressed image format,
ArcView TXT grid format,
PlaNET format, DXF, MIF&TAB (MapInfo), ArcView Shapefile/PRJ for vector data, population
data and text data.
Web Map Service (WMS) is supported by Atoll GIS. The maps can be located on WMS servers either on the
Internet or on internal servers.
Figure 2-23 Elevation Contour Map via WMS
2.2.5
Worldwide Database Coordinate Systems

Atoll has more than 1000 coordinate systems in its database. All standard coordinate systems are supported, as
well as many regional or local systems. If necessary, the user can also create its own coordinate system.
Atoll works simultaneously with two coordinate systems:
o
o
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The Projection (or Main Coordinate System). This is the actual geographic database
coordinate system.
The Display (or Secondary Coordinate System). All geographic coordinates are displayed and
entered according to this coordinate system. If the selected Display Coordinate System differs
from the Projection Coordinate System, Atoll makes the relevant conversion between the two.
This feature allows easy integration of external data such as survey data or GPS coordinates.
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Figure 2-24 depicts the Atoll Coordinate System Settings window.
Figure 2-24: Coordinate Systems Settings
2.2.6
Unit Systems
The following units are available in Atoll:
o
o
o
o
o
o
2.2.7
Radiated power: ERP and EIRP

Antenna gain: dBi and dBd
Transmission: dBm, W, kW
Reception: dBm, dBv, dBv/m
Distances: meters, kilometres and miles,
Heights and Offsets: meters and feet.
Integrated Cartography Editors

Vector, clutter and traffic data can be edited within Atoll.
2.2.7.1
Vector Data Editor

Atoll incorporates a vector data editor. The user can create, edit and delete polygons, lines and points. Additional
operations (split, combine or intersect) are available for polygons. The created objects may be stored locally or
integrated into a reference geographic database. The vector data editor is presented in Figure 2-25.
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Figure 2-25: Vector Data Editor
2.2.7.2
Clutter Data Editor

Clutter data may be edited in Atoll. The user can create, edit and delete existing/new clutter data. These
modifications may be kept locally or integrated into a reference geographic database. Figure 2-26 shows the clutter
editor dialog.
Figure 2-26: Clutter Editor
2.2.7.3
Traffic Data Editor

Atoll incorporates a traffic data editor. The user can create, edit and delete existing/new traffic data. Both traffic
vector format (a traffic value is associated to a line, a polygon or a point) and traffic raster format (a traffic density
value is associated to each pixel) may be modified. These modifications may be kept locally or integrated into a
reference geographic database. Figure 2-26 shows the clutter editor dialog.
2.2.8
Multi-Resolution Geographic Database

Atoll supports multiple resolutions for the geographic database. This allows, for example, the integration of highresolution urban data (up to 1m resolution) into a medium-resolution regional or country-wide database. Figure 2-27
provides an example of a multi-resolution terrain elevation data case.
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Regional Database
Resolution: 50 m
Urban Database
Resolution: 20 m
Microcell Database
Resolution: 1 m
Figure 2-27: Multi-Resolution Geographic Database
2.3
Radio Propagation Modelling
2.3.1
Intelligent Calculation Engine

Atoll is built around a grid-based calculation engine. The propagation model(s), calculation radius and calculation
resolution may be defined for each transmitter (sector) as well as for any group/selection of transmitters. The
calculation engine achieves a high level of performance thanks to the following features:
o
o
o
2.3.2
Incremental prediction updates: before calculating pathloss matrices, Atoll detects differences
between the current network configuration and the previous one. Only relevant pathloss
matrices and corresponding prediction studies (coverage, interference, traffic...) are accordingly
updated.
Support of large networks: Atoll has a dynamic data extractor. This engine only loads and
unloads the required data (geographic data and pathloss matrices) during the calculation
process. This calculation architecture prevents memory saturation when working with large
networks.
Multi-resolution geographic database: multi-resolution geographic database is supported (refer
to section 2.2.8). Atoll generates composite path profiles during the prediction process.
Multi-resolution prediction: Atoll is capable of dealing with different calculation resolutions for
transmitters. Each transmitter may also have two different calculation resolutions and radii.
Interference calculation performance enhancement: cut-off values may be specified so that
interference calculation is not performed for meaningless values. Absolute cut-off value (e.g. 120 dBm) and/or relative cut-off value (e.g. 20 dB below the desired received signal strength)
may be given. Taking advantage of this functionality reduces interference calculation time.
Multi-Resolution Support
Calculation resolution and calculation radius are defined at the transmitter level. This enables adapting the path loss
accuracy to the transmitter location. For example, predicting coverage for a rural area populated with few
subscribers may require less accuracy than predicting coverage for an urban area.
In Atoll each transmitter (sector) can support two pathloss matrices. Each of the two pathloss matrices has the
following parameters: propagation model, calculation radius and resolution (bin size). This feature allows generating
a high-resolution matrix in the transmitter service area and a lower-resolution matrix that will be used to evaluate
interference far from the transmitter. This is depicted in Figure 2-28 while Figure 2-29 presents the corresponding
dialog window.
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Figure 2-28: Multi-Calculation Resolution
Figure 2-29: Multi-Resolution Matrix Dialog Window

Each propagation model may use its own set of cartographic data. Figure 2-30 shows a signal strength prediction
plot for the following case:
o
o
The near propagation model is using 1000 meters and the resolution is 10 meters.
The far propagation model is using 15000 meters and the resolution is 100 meters.
100 m Resolution
10 m Resolution
Figure 2-30: Example of dual resolution per transmitter.
2.3.3
Integrated Propagation Model Library

Atoll includes numerous propagation models for frequencies ranging from 30 MHz to 6000 MHz for mobile
applications and up to 60 GHz for microwave links and point to multipoint systems. Atoll includes the following
propagation models in its default library:
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Okumura-Hata and Cost-Hata: These models use a modified Deygout diffraction method. A
different formula may be defined and edited for each clutter class. The corresponding dialog
window is depicted in Figure 2-31.
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Figure 2-31: Hata Models Formula Definition
Standard Propagation Model (SPM). This is a general model based on the Hatas empirical
formula with optional modifications for diffraction and clutter effects. The following diffraction
methods are supported: Deygout, Epstein-Peterson, Deygout with correction and Millington.
Several effective antenna height algorithms are available including: Base Height, Spot Height,
Average, Slope, Profile and Absolute spot height. Note that an automatic tuning function is
available for this model. The Standard Propagation Model Properties window is presented in
Figure 2-32 and an example of signal level calculation in Figure 2-33.
Figure 2-32: Standard Propagation Model Properties
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Figure 2-33: SPM signal level prediction using building database and indoor clutter loss
o
o
o
o
2.3.4
WLL: A propagation model which has been developed for Wireless Local Loop applications.
Line Of Sight (LOS) and Non Line Of Sight (NLOS) conditions are supported, as well as the
definition of receiver height for each clutter class.
Erceg-Greenstein (SUI): This model is particularly suitable for propagation loss calculations
between 1900 and 6000 MHz over distances between 100 m and 8 km. The propagation model
is suitable for WiMAX (IEEE 802.16d and 802.16e). This model uses the terrain profile,
diffraction, and reflection mechanisms in order to calculate propagation.
Sakagami Extended: This is an SPM like calibratable propagation model and it is valid for
frequencies higher than 3 GHz.
Other propagation models: Vienna 93, IUT 370-7, IUT 526-5, ITU 529, ITU 1546-2 and modified
Longley-Rice.
Open Interface to External Propagation Models

Atoll open architecture supports integration of external propagation models. An Application Programming Interface
(API) and a Software Development Kit (SDK) facilitate a full and easy integration of external propagation models
within Atoll. The SDK is a set of development tools for the Microsoft C++ development environment. Please refer to
section 2.9.1 for further information.
2.3.5
Propagation Model Calibration

Atoll is capable of importing and post-processing measured data. The Standard Propagation Model (SPM) may be
calibrated automatically thanks to the Measurement Module. Please refer to section 2.7 for further information.
2.3.6
Real-time Transmitter-to-Point Prediction

Atoll includes a transmitter to point prediction tool that provides the user with a real-time prediction between a
selected transmitter and the mouse pointer. Once activated, the Point Analysis window presents the path profile as
well as miscellaneous propagation parameters such as: distance, altitude, clutter type, received signal strength,
shadow margin, loss per diffraction, Fresnel zone etc.
Figure 2-34: Point Analysis Window
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2.3.7
Link Budget Analysis Tool

Atoll offers an integrated link budget analysis tool. For each transmitter, the user can view the link budget statistics
(distance, power, EIRP, receiver gain, path loss, shadowing margin and signal level) for the selected receiver
location. Figure 2-35 shows a link budget example.
Figure 2-35: Link Budget Analysis Tool
2.4
Data Management
2.4.1
Flexible and Multi-Technology Database Model
2.4.1.1
Project Template
Atoll database is made up of a set of tables that describes the network. When starting a new project, the user
selects a template and Atoll generates a database structure accordingly. Templates define not only the data
structure but also the default settings and initialisation parameters such as frequency bands, antenna database,
propagation model parameters Templates may be edited, created or deleted by the user. The default template
list is shown in Figure 2-36.
Figure 2-36: Default Template List
2.4.1.2
Database Structure
For each project, the database is initialised according to the selected template. A basic configuration includes the
following tables:
o
o
o
o
The configuration table,

The antenna table,
The site table
The transmitter table.
Additional tables may be created according to the selected template.
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2.4.1.3
Database Structure Customization

User-defined fields/flags may be integrated in the database structure. Any table may be customised in this manner.
This feature facilitates a smooth migration of a previously used database. A customisation example is presented in
Figure 2-37.
Figure 2-37: Database Structure Customisation

Note that new fields may also be added to a template. This enables their automatic integration to new projects
based on that template.
2.4.2
External Database Import Tool

Atoll enables the import of external databases (sites, antennas ). This may be performed in three different ways:
o
o
o
o
2.4.3
Direct import of ASCII or csv format files,

Full database import/export using XML files,
Direct import of PlaNET format files,
Import through a user-defined tool. This tool may be developed using the Atoll Developer
Toolkit. Refer to section 2.9 for further details.
Flexible Data Export/Import Tool

A flexible user-configurable Export/Import tool extends the import/export capabilities of Atoll presented in section
2.4.2. Any Atoll database table can be exported/imported to/from an ASCII format file. This functionality includes
parameter tables (e.g. sites, transmitters, antennas, terminals, traffic ) as well as output tables (e.g. UMTS Monte
Carlo simulations, GSM/GPRS/EDGE traffic capture ). This export capability enables, for example, external
archiving and/or further processing of simulation results in a third party software.
2.4.4
Powerful Data Management Functions

A set of data management features allows the user to easily manipulate large amounts of data.
2.4.4.1
Site/Transmitter Creation and Editing

Different options are possible when creating a site/transmitter:
o
o
o
Placing the site/transmitter directly on the map using the station drop tool. This allows the
creation of multi-sectored stations in a one-step operation,
Entering the parameters in the site/transmitter window,
Importing external data (ASCII or Excel format).
Atoll is capable of listing all the sites/transmitters along with all their parameters in a single table. An extract from a
Transmitter Table is presented in Figure 2-38. Such a table provides convenient editing of the site parameters.
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Figure 2-38: Transmitters Table (extract only)
2.4.4.2
Site/Transmitter Selection
Sites/transmitters may be selected either graphically on the map window or through the Explorer window. A Find
Site tool is also available in Atoll enabling an easy access to a particular site.
2.4.4.3
Site/Transmitter Grouping
Sites/Transmitters may be grouped by any of their parameters. Grouping can be performed in two different ways:
o
o
Directly through the Site/Transmitter folder,

Through a query function as shown in Figure 2-39. In this case, multiple grouping criteria may
be combined.
Figure 2-39: Transmitter Grouping Query Function

Figure 2-40 gives an example of a GSM transmitter folder grouped in three different ways.
Figure 2-40: Transmitter Grouping Example
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2.4.4.4
Site/Transmitter Filtering
Sites/Transmitters may be filtered by any of their parameters. Only the filtered sites/transmitters will be taken into
account in coverage study predictions. Filtering can be performed in three different ways:
o
o
o
Graphically, using a user-drawn polygon as shown in Figure 2-41,

Directly, using the site/transmitter table as presented in Figure 2-42,
Through a query function, in a similar manner to the Grouping option (refer to section 2.4.4.3).
In this case, multiple filtering criteria may be combined.
Filtered Sites
User-Drawn
Multiple Polygons
Figure 2-41: Site Filtering Using a User-Drawn Polygon
Figure 2-42: Site Filtering Through Table (Extract Only)
2.4.4.5
Site/Transmitter Sorting
Sites/Transmitters may be sorted by any of their parameters. Sorting can be performed in two different ways:
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Directly, by using the site/transmitter table in a similar way to the Filtering option (refer to
section 2.4.4.4),
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2.4.4.6
Through a query function, in a similar way to the Grouping option (refer to section 2.4.4.3). In
this case, multiple sorting criteria may be combined.
Site Lists
Static site lists may be created, edited and deleted in Atoll. Import and Export functions are also available. Figure 243 shows the dialog window of the site list management.
Figure 2-43: Site List Management
2.4.4.7
User Configuration
Project configuration may be exported and/or imported. This enables sharing a user-defined project configuration
among different projects from the same user or from different users. A user configuration file is made up of the
following information (or only a subset of it):
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Geographic Data Set: geographic data location paths and display properties,
Computation Zone: polygon defining the computation zone,
Folder Configuration: the way folders are configured in the Explorer window,
Automatic Neighbours Allocation Parameters
Automatic Scrambling Code Allocation Parameters ( UMTS projects only).
Study Definition: all study prediction parameters (calculation resolution, display properties),
Macros: location path for any macros/add-ins used in the given project.
Figure 2-44 shows the dialog window of the User Configuration Export function.
Figure 2-44: User Configuration File Export
2.4.5
Multi-user Support
2.4.5.1
Overview
Atoll supports multi-user configuration by using a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). Supported
RDBMS are:
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o
o
o
o
Oracle 8.1.7 and above,

Sybase Adaptive Server V11.5
Microsoft SQL Server,
Microsoft Access.
A typical multi-user configuration is presented in Figure 2-45. It includes:
o
o
Several Atoll workstations and

An RDBMS typically installed on a Windows or UNIX server.
Figure 2-45: Example of Multi-User Configuration

Note that geographic database may be stored on the same server (as shown in Figure 2-45) or locally on each
workstation.
2.4.5.2
Shared Data Type

The following information may be shared between users:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
2.4.5.3
Units and coordinate systems,

Radio data (sites, antenna, transmitters ),
Resources (frequencies ),
Traffic data structure,
Propagation models,
Neighbours,
Geographic Data paths and descriptions,
Prediction Study list and definition,
Folder configuration
Computation zones,
Path loss matrices,
Coverage plots.
User Management
User privileges are defined on the database side and taken into account by Atoll thanks to the OLE DB connection
between the reference database and the Atoll documents. Atoll manages access to the database at the field level.
This means that different user rights may be specified for different fields of a single record. For example, it is
possible to give one user the right to modify transmitter radio parameters (antenna type, azimuths ) while not
allowing him to modify frequency channel allocations.
2.4.5.4
Database Management
Atoll includes a database management system. This function enables users to control data integrity and to
consolidate work between users.
Users work with local workspaces (Atoll projects) linked to a reference database. Local workspaces are typically
initialised by uploading the reference database. Atoll does not require a permanent connection between the local
workspaces and the reference database. This enables users to:
o
o
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Easily manage multiple what if scenarios and

Work in a non-connected mode (e.g. in the field with a laptop) with an automatic
synchronisation with the reference database at reconnection.
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Data exchange between the local workspaces and the reference database are dealt by:
o
o
The Archive function: updating the reference database with the modifications,
The Refresh function: refreshing the Atoll document with the reference database.
When using the Archive function Atoll automatically generates the list of modifications, which then may or may not
be committed. Figure 2-46 gives such an example. In addition details of each modification may be edited as shown
in Figure 2-47. Change report can be generated when refreshing from the central database to see what are the
changes made by other users since the last project update.
Figure 2-46: Database Archive: Automatic Changes List Generation (extract only)
Figure 2-47: Database Archive: Detailed Changes Display
2.4.5.5
Conflict Detection and Resolution

Atoll is capable of automatically detecting conflicts between users. This is the case when different users want to
modify the same data. Atoll also includes a set of functions that allows the user or administrator to resolve the
conflict. Figure 2-48 gives a conflict management example.
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Figure 2-48: Multi-User Conflict Detection and Resolution
2.5
Atoll Management Console
2.5.1
Overview
The Atoll Management Console facilitates the manipulation of Atoll databases, project templates and administration
configuration files. This tool enables the administrator to:
o
o
o
Administrate and consolidate data in a multi-level environment where regional and nationwide
databases are involved as presented in section 2.5.2,
Upgrade Atoll databases between different Atoll versions through a simple and fast user
interface,
Define a set of properties (e.g. permission to access some data only, permission to save
changes, etc) for any windows user group.
These different functionalities are available through easy-to-use stepwise procedures that has been simplified using
GUI wizard. Such a GUI wizard example is presented in Figure 2-49.
Figure 2-49: Atoll Management Console GUI Wizard Example
2.5.2
Multi-level Environment Database Administration

The Atoll Management Console enables data administration in an Oracle or MS SQL server database multi-level
environment. It brings an additional level of data integrity control and security. A typical scenario, that includes a
Nationwide database (the master database) and several Regional databases, is depicted in Figure 2-50.
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Figure 2-50: Multi-Level Environment Database Management

Each Regional database remains managed as described in section 2.4.5. In a particular region, users works with
local workspaces (Atoll projects) linked to their Regional database.
All regional databases are linked to the Nationwide database. Regional databases are typically initialised by
uploading the relevant portion of the Nationwide database using the Atoll Management Console filtering/selecting
capabilities.
Data exchange between Regional databases and the Nationwide database are dealt by:
o
o
The Archive function: updating the Nationwide database with the regional modifications,
The Refresh function: refreshing the selected Regional databases with the Nationwide
database. The corresponding dialog window is shown in Figure 2-51.
Figure 2-51: Atoll Management Console Refresh Function
2.6
Outputs: Reporting, Printing and Exporting
2.6.1
Reports Generation
Atoll is capable of generating reports for a particular user-defined zone: the focus zone. This report contains
statistical information (surface, traffic and clutter information) related to the selected prediction plot. Custom reports
are also available using the Atoll macros/scripting capabilities. Figure 2-52 gives an example of a focus zone report
for a displayed Pilot Reception Analysis (Ec/Io) plot.
Figure 2-52: Focus Zone Report

Note that typically the focus zone is different from the calculation zone. Atoll distinguishes focus zone (report zone)
from calculation zone (zone for which the prediction study calculation is performed). This enables the user to
exclude undesired sites from the report results. This may be the case, for example, for sites located at the border of
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the calculation zone. Figure 2-53 gives an example of such a situation where the user does not want to include
border sites in his report.
Computation Zone
(Prediction Study Calculation Area)
Focus Zones
(Report Zone)
Figure 2-53: Computation Zone and Focus Zone
2.6.2
Printing up to A0 Format
Atoll supports all plotters/printers which have a driver for Windows NT 4.0, 2000 or XP. All formats up to A0 are
handled. The area to be printed can be graphically defined in the map window. Other parameters such as legend
position, legend content, scale... are also user-definable. Atoll prints the layers which are defined as visible and
displayed in the Map window. Multiple transparency levels are supported.
2.6.3
Exporting
Atoll includes numerous export functions enabling a smooth interface with other software tools. Reports may be
exported in ASCII, Excel and Access formats. Coverage prediction studies may be exported in raster image formats
(BIL, TIF, and BMP) as well as in vector formats (MapInfo and ArcView).
2.7
Measurements Module (optional)

Thanks to the Measurements Module, Atoll is capable of processing two different measured data types:
o
o
2.7.1
Continuous Wave (CW) Data. A continuous wave transmitter is set up for the data collection
campaign. Drive tests are then performed by collecting signal strength data coming from this
transmitter. Such a set of data is typically used for propagation mode calibration,
Test Mobile Data. A test mobile is used on a live network (or a live site at least). Test calls are
performed and all relevant information is recorded. This typically includes signal strength and
signal quality values for the best server and any neighbour as well as all messages exchanged
between the mobile and the network. Such a set of data is typically used for radio network
optimization purposes.
Continuous Wave (CW) Measurements

CW measurements may be imported, post-processed, analysed, displayed and used for propagation model tuning
in Atoll.
2.7.1.1
CW Data Import
Atoll allows importing Continuous Wave (CW) measured data. Different survey paths can be simultaneously loaded
into a project. During the import process, the corresponding transmitter ID and frequency are assigned to each of
the survey files. Formats supported are: Excel, ASCII, Planet as well as any ASCII or csv based formats (such as
Grayson, Chase ). Furthermore, Atoll is capable of saving the file import characteristics for future convenient
reuse.
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2.7.1.2
Post-processing and Analysis

Imported data may be post-processed in Atoll. This post-processing includes graphic filtering by range, signal
strength, clutter types, number of measures and antenna azimuths. This is presented in Figure 2-54.
Figure 2-54: CW Data Post-Processing

Atoll is also capable of generating a comprehensive report on the measurement/prediction comparison. This report
includes the distribution standard deviation, mean deviation, repartition law and other statistical information.
Statistics are also provided per clutter type. Figure 2-55 shows an example of a visual comparison between
measured and predicted data.
Figure 2-55: Prediction/Measurement Comparison

In oder to smooth the fading effects a feature is provided for measurements smoothing. This feature uses a sliding
window to reduce the vaiation of the measured values.
2.7.1.3
Propagation Model Calibration

The CW data may be used either for a manual tuning of the propagation models through the propagation model
editor, or for an assisted calibration or an automatic optimisation using the automatic propagation model calibration
routine. This module optimises the propagation model parameters using a Minimum Root Mean Square algorithm.
The Automatic Calibration window is shown in Figure 2-56. for each selected parameter (K coefficients in the
propagation formula).
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Figure 2-56: Automatic Propagation Model Calibration
Figure 2-57: Figure 2-1 Assisted model calibration
2.7.2
Test Mobile Measurements

Test mobile data from any supported technology (GSM/GPRS/EDGE, UMTS, and cdmaOne/CDMA2000) may be
imported, filtered, analyzed and displayed in Atoll.
2.7.2.1
Test Mobile Data Import

Atoll is capable of importing test mobile data files. Any number of survey paths can be simultaneously loaded into a
project. The following formats are supported: TEMS (fmt and pln), csv, txt, and dat. Typically, this file structure is
user-specific. The Data Import feature is flexible enough to deal with these specificities and import any file structure
type (generic or proprietary). Atoll also has the option to save a specific user file structure (configuration) for future
reuse. Figure 2-58 presents the Data Import interface window.
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Figure 2-58: Mobile Data Import Interface Window
2.7.2.2
Serving Cell and Neighbours Decoding

Serving cells and neighbours are identified during the test mobile data import. This is achieved through decoding
BSIC/BCCH (for GSM/GPRS/EDGE projects), scrambling codes (for UMTS projects) or PN offsets (for
cdmaOne/CDMA2000).
2.7.2.3
Call Events Decoding

Atoll is capable of decoding call events. The decoding is performed automatically during the file import phase.
Figure 2-59 gives an example of a pln file (TEMS) imported in Atoll, having its call events decoded.
Figure 2-59: Call Events Decoding - Imported File (Extract Only)
2.7.2.4
Test Mobile Data Filter

Imported test mobile data may be filtered by clutter type, distance or serving cell. In addition, any user-defined filter
parameter may be defined through a query function.
2.7.2.5
Test Mobile Data Display

Atoll is capable of displaying any parameter from the test mobile data. Parameter information may be presented in
three different ways:
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o
o
o
On the Map window: the link to its serving cell (and its neighbours if available) is drawn in realtime as the mobile moves along the drive test path,
In the Test Mobile Data table: all parameters may be visualized,
On the Measurements window: a plot shows any user-specified parameter for the considered
test mobile data.
Note that these three display modes are linked interactively. As the cursor is moved along the data plot, the mobile
follows its drive test path and the relevant line in the test mobile data table is highlighted. An example of this feature
is presented in Figure 2-60.
Map Window
Serving Cell
Test Mobile
Test Mobile
Data Table
Corresponding Line
Measurements
Window
Corresponding
Parameter Values
Figure 2-60: Test Mobile Data Display (Live Interaction)
2.7.2.6
Drive Test Path Export

Exporting the drive test path is possible in the following formats: MapInfo, ArcView and Atoll.
2.7.3
Measurement-based pathloss propagation matrices

Drive Tests and CW measurements can be used to improve the accuracy of the pathloss matrices of individual
transmitters. Atoll will apply a global correction and a local correction based on number of measurement points to be
taken into account and the distance to the pixel to be tuned. The interpolation is based on the points located inside
of a predefined ellipse. The ellipse is oriented towards the transmitter. A weighting factor is applied based on ellipse
radius and distance to the measurement point.
There is a catalogue to store tuning paths. Tuning paths can be activated/deactivated, stored externally and shared
among users.
Figure 2-61 Pathloss tunning effect on propagation coverage ( the obove pictures show the coverage before and
after tunning)
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2.8
Microwave Link Module

Comprehensive analysis features in Atoll microwave link module enable the study of simple, multi-hop, and point-tomultipoint microwave links in any network.
Atoll's Microwave Links module can define and model frequency bands and sub-bands, antennas, radio equipment,
feeder equipment, passive repeaters, simple, multi-hop, and point-to-multipoint links. It is possible to define and set
target performance objectives in terms of link classes and performance objectives, describing the quality and
availability targets. Link budgets can be calculated over a single link, over multiple connected links (multi-hop links),
or over a hub with several links (point-to-multipoint links). End-to-end reliability analyses, interference analyses and
frequency planning are some of the features which are included in the module. Atoll also enables users to design
their microwave link networks taking into consideration future growth and enhancements.
Any microwave link is considered operational when it globally satisfies the required quality and availability criteria
set by the operator. Any microwave link is assessed generally in terms of the link's robustness, i.e., the data
transmission should undergo the least possible errors, the link should suffer the least number of failures (usually
measured per year) and the duration of these failures should also be as short as possible. All these criteria are
described in detail in the ITU standards and recommendations. Atoll follows these standards and enables the user
to set in-depth quality and availability targets for the network being designed.
The Microwave Link Module performs the microwave link planning according to the ITU 530-5, 530-8 and 530-10
recommendations. There are additional quality and availability analysis methods such as Vigants-Barnet, KQ-factor
and Crane. This module is fully integrated into the Atoll environment and works with the standard Atoll database.
Microwave module is available as a stand-alone product and as integrated module into another type of project.
Figure 2-62 and Figure 2-63 represents an example of microwave links project as mentioned above.
Figure 2-62: Microwave Link Planning
Figure 2-63: Microwave Module in GSM Project
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Thanks to this module, the user is able to:
o
o
o
o
o
Design links using existing or new sites. A Line of site area function calculates and displays
the area where new sites can be placed and meet user-defined Fresnel zone clearance
criterion,
Set link parameters: equipment, antennas, frequencies, polarisation, etc.,
Analyse the link profile using cartographic data (terrain elevation and clutter),
Calculate the link availability and quality according to the methods mentioned above taking
climate into account (parameters such as rain zone or vapour density),
Perform interference analysis and frequency planning over a microwave link network.
The Link Profile Analysis window is presented in Figure 2-64.
Figure 2-64: Link Profile Analysis
Figure 2-65: MW Interference Analysis

The technical presentation of this product is available in a separate document.
2.9
The Development Toolkit

Atoll development toolkit allows adding customised functions to Atoll. It is based on a set of Microsoft COM
(Component Object Model) interfaces that allows communication between Atoll and external modules. Figure 2-66
shows the Atoll window interface for macros/add-ins.
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Figure 2-66: Add-ins/Macros in Atoll

The Development Toolkit is made of the three following Application Programming Interfaces (API):
o
o
o
2.9.1
The Propagation Model API,

Automatic Frequency Planning API,
The General API.
Propagation Model API

The Propagation Model API is a dedicated API. External propagation model(s) may be integrated into Atoll as has
already been done by different customers. Figure 2-67 shows the Propagation Models library once a new model has
been imported.
Added Propagation Model

Figure 2-67: Added Propagation Model
2.9.2
Automatic Frequency Planning API

The Automatic Frequency Planning API is a dedicated API. Please refer to section 3.8 for further information on the
Atoll AFP module. External AFP modules may be added to Atoll.
2.9.3
General API
Generic access to network data and pathloss matrices is provided to the developer. Therefore, users may add their
own function(s) into the Atoll user interface. The General API enables the integration of a wide range of applications
such as optimisation tools or interfaces to other applications and configuration tools. The General API allows task
automation in Atoll. Figure 2-68 provides an example of a customized toolbar added for OMC Export/Import
functions. Figure 2-69 shows an example of a customized interface window.
Data can be exported and processed by a third party application by a click of a button in Atoll interface. The AddIn
for Google Earth takes the site information from Atoll and imports it into Google Earth (see Figure 2-70). The API
supports the integratoin of custom AddIns in the Explorer Window as shown in the Figure 2-71.
Added Toolbar for OMC

Export/Import Functions
Figure 2-68: General API: Export to OMC Example
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Figure 2-69: General API: Export to OMC Interface Window Example
Figure 2-70 Custom AddIn: Site/Transmitters/Coverage export to Google Earth
Figure 2-71 Custom AddIn: FCC contour.
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2.10
Atoll Configuration Scalability

Atoll may follow three different configurations depending on the requirements:
o
o
o
2.10.1
Stand-alone,
Multi-user: workstations based,
Multi-user: Citrix Based
Stand-alone Configuration
Atoll may be installed on a stand-alone machine. Such a configuration is depicted in Figure 2-72.
Figure 2-72: Stand-Alone Configuration

Geographical data and pathloss data are stored in a user-defined directory and may be shared between different
users. The Atoll document contains the network data and parameters, the links to geographic data and propagation
matrices as well as the prediction studies. The pathloss data may also be stored externally.
2.10.2
Multi-user: workstation based

Refer to section 2.4.5 for further information on this deployment configuration.
2.10.3
Multi-user: Citrix Metaframe based

Atoll provides the possibility to use the Citrix Metaframe Access Suite. An example of such a configuration is
proposed in Figure 2-73. All data are stored on the server(s) or on storage devices if required. Computations are
performed at the server(s) level. Users have a remote access to the servers.
Figure 2-73: Multi-user: Citrix Based Configuration
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2.11
Advanced Computing Capabilities

Atoll incorporates the following advanced computing capabilities:
o
o
o
o
Support of dual-processor and quad-processor workstations. Calculations are performed on all

processors, doubling or quadrupling the performance respectevly.
Background Calculation. While calculations are being run, the user may continue to work with
Atoll.
Support of batch calculation. This feature may be used, for example, for an automatic daily
creation and export of the up-to-date coverage plot for an entire region. Another example would
be the propagation matrices calculation for a country-wide network.
Support of distributed computing for propagation calculations. Computations may be performed
over a network of PCs (as shown in Figure 2-74) or on a dedicated server (as presented in
Figure 2-75).
Figure 2-74: Distributed Computing (over a network of PCs)
Figure 2-75: Distributed Computing (on dedicated servers)
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Chapter 3
GSM/GPRS/EDGE/TDMA Features
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Chapter 3: GSM/GPRS/EDGE/TDMA Features
GSM/GPRS/EDGE/TDMA Features
3.1
Overview
Atoll enables radio design of GSM/GPRS/EDGE/TDMA multi-band networks. The modelling can be done for both
Idle and Dedicated modes. Atoll is capable of analysing traffic, calculating the required number of TRXs, performing
frequency planning, predicting radio coverage per service, evaluating the network quality (Key Performance
Indicators), generating neighbour lists and co-planning with a UMTS network.
The following network features are supported by Atoll:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Multi-band networks (e.g. GSM 900-GSM 1800 dual band),

Hierarchical Cell Structure networks (e.g. microcells, macrocells, umbrella cells),
Idle mode and Dedicated mode,
Traffic Overflow from one network layer to another one (e.g. traffic overflow from microcell to
macrocell),
Concentric Cells (e.g. inner and outer cells),
Multi-technology networks: GSM, GPRS and EDGE equipment may be mixed/overlaid in the
same network,
Frequency hopping (base band frequency hopping and synthesised frequency hopping),
Circuit-switched and packet-switched traffic,
Half rate, Full rate, Enhanced Full rate and AMR (Adaptive Multi-Rate) codec,
Automatic Frequency Planning (through the Atoll optional AFP tool or through a fully integrated
external third party AFP module).
Intermodulation interference modelling: 3rd oder interferences are taken into account for C/I
and C/(I+N) calcualtions.
An overview of the GSM/GPRS/EDGE modelling in Atoll is depicted in Figure 3-1.
Figure 3-1: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Network Modelling In Atoll
3.2
Network Database
3.2.1
Overview
The network database allows modelling the radio infrastructure of GSM/GPRS/EDGE/TDMA networks. It is made up
of the following elements: antennas, sites, transmitters (or cells), subcells, RF equipment and repeaters. Figure 3-2
presents the links between sectors, transmitters, subcells and TRXs in Atoll.
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Figure 3-2: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Network Database Overview
3.2.2
Antennas
An antenna is defined in Atoll by the following parameters:
o
o
o
o
Maximum Gain,
Horizontal and Vertical Patterns,
Beamwidth,
Frequency Range (minimum and maximum values).
A default set of antennas is available in Atoll. Additional antennas may be created either by importing external ASCII
or Excel files, or by directly entering the parameters in the antenna properties window. Figure 3-3 presents the
Antenna Properties window. Atoll also supports 3-D antenna pattern import.
Figure 3-3: Antenna Properties Window

The secondary antennas can be also added to a transmitter. These antennas are displayed and managed in the
same manner as main antennas on the screen.
3.2.3
Sites
A site represents a physical location where Base Stations are installed.
Site parameters are:
o
o
o
Geographic coordinates,
Altitude (automatically extracted from the Terrain Elevation map or manually specified by the
user),
Additional user-defined parameters such as address, owner, deployment phase, ...
An example of a Site Properties window is shown in Figure 3-4.
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Figure 3-4: Site Properties Window
3.2.4
Transmitters (or Cells)
3.2.4.1
Transmitter Definition and Parameters

The transmitter main parameters are:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
The site where the transmitter is installed,

X coordinate relative to the site position,
Y coordinate relative to the site position,
HCS layer,
Antenna,
Height,
Azimuth,
Antenna Mechanical Tilt,
Remote Electrical Tilt,
Noise Figure,
Transmission losses,
Reception losses,
Propagation Model(s): two different propagation models may be specified. Please refer to
section 2.3.2 for more details,
Tower Mounted Amplifier (TMA) type,
Feeder type,
Transmission feeder length,
Reception Feeder length,
Base Station Type,
Equipment used for voice and data,
Receiver Antenna Diversity Gain,
BSIC,
TRX Types supported by the transmitter, detailed in section 3.2.4.2,
Neighbours,
User-defined flags and parameters,
Active/inactive (to be included in predictions or not).
An example of a Transmitter Properties window is shown in Figure 3-5.
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Figure 3-5: Transmitter Properties Window
3.2.4.2
TRXs (or Transceivers)

A TRX is characterized by the following parameters in Atoll:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Name,
Frequency domain,
Discontinuous Transmission supported (or not),
Number of shared (both circuit-switched and packet-switched) Time Slots,
Number of circuit-switched Time Slots,
Number of packet-switched Time Slots,
Minimum C/I ratio,
Power Offset (in the downlink),
Frequency Hopping Mode,
Reception Threshold,
Automatic Frequency Planning parameters such as maximum Mobile Allocation List (MAL)
length, allocation mode (free or group-constraint), AFP weight, Hopping Sequence Number
(HSN) domain,
The following three TRX types are available in Atoll:
o
o
o
BCCH TRX. This supports the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) TRX. At least one time slot
must be assigned to the BCCH channel.
TCH TRX. This is the default traffic carrier. All time slots may be used for traffic.
TCH_INNER TRX. This is typically used in case of concentric cells. All time slots may be used
for traffic.
Additional TRXs may be created by the user.
3.2.4.3
EDGE Transmitter Specific Parameters

An EDGE transmitter contains the following additional specific parameters:
o
o
3.2.5
Number of time slots dedicated to packet-switched data transmission,

EDGE equipment is modelled through a dedicated table. This table allows the definition of
coding scheme parameters and associated throughput versus C and C/I charts. The
corresponding Atoll dialog window is shown in Figure 3-7.
Site Templates
A Site Template is made up of a transmitter or a group of transmitters located on the same site. Site templates
can be created, edited and deleted in Atoll. Building a network is facilitated by working with site templates rather
than single transmitters. The default GSM/GPRS/EDGE project site templates are: GSM 900 Rural, GSM 900
Suburban, GSM 900 Urban, GSM 900 Urban Micro, GSM 1800 Urban, GPRS 900 Rural, GPRS 900 Urban, GPRS
1800 Urban, EDGE 900 Rural, EDGE 900 Urban and EDGE 1800 Urban.
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3.2.6
Subcells
A subcell is a group of TRXs sharing the same radio characteristics. A subcell is defined by a transmitter-TRX type
pair. Figure 3-2 gives an example of two different subcells per transmitter: the first subcell contains one BCCH TRX
while the second subcell contains two TCH TRXs. An extract of a subcell list is provided in Figure 3-6.
Figure 3-6: Subcell List (extract only)
3.2.7
Equipment
3.2.7.1
Overview
Atoll provides the option to define various radio equipment. Base Station, feeder and Tower Mounted Amplifier may
be defined. These parameters may be used for calculating transmitter parameters such as transmission losses,
receiver losses, noise figure, receiver diversity gain...
3.2.7.2
Base Station
A noise figure value is specified for each BTS type.
3.2.7.3
Feeder
A feeder loss per meter, a connector transmission loss and a transmitter reception loss is specified for each Feeder
type.
3.2.7.4
Tower Mounted Amplifier (TMA)

A noise figure, a reception gain and a transmission loss is specified for each Tower Mounted Amplifier (TMA).
3.2.7.5
GPRS/EDGE Equipment
GPRS/EDGE equipment enables the management of specific equipment for GPRS and EDGE networks.
Thresholds associated with coding schemes are defined in these equipment.
GPRS/EDGE equipment is described by coding schemes with C and C/I thresholds, maximum throughput and the
relation for each coding scheme between C and C/I as function of throughput.
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Figure 3-7: EDGE Equipment Properties
3.2.7.6
Codec equipment
Codec Equipment enables the management of specific voice codec equipment for GSM/TDMA networks. Codec
equipment defines the relation between C and C/I and quality indicators such as BER, FER, MOS for ideal and nonideal link adaptation.
Figure 3-8: Codec Equipment
3.2.7.7
TRX Equipment
TRX equipment enables the management of the capabilities of hardware in term of coding schemes. For each TRX
(which can be assigned from the cell type up to the TRX level), it is possible to impose a maximum of coding
scheme in case of GPRS only (CS), or a in case of EDGE (MCS).
Figure 3-9: TRX Equipment
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3.2.8
Repeaters
A repeater is a transmitter that amplifies the signal received from the donor transmitter. Its objective is to extend the
range. Atoll models RF repeater; optic fibre repeater, microwave repeater and remote antennas.
The RF repeater parameters are:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Donor Transmitter,
Antenna,
Height,
Mechanical Downtilt,
Azimuth,
Total Gain,
Equipment,
Amplifier Gain,
Feeder Type,
Feeder Length,
Propagation Model.
Figure 3-10 presents the Repeater properties window while Figure 3-11 gives an example of a best server
prediction plot with a repeater.
Figure 3-10: Repeater Properties Window
Donor Transmitter
RF Repeater
Figure 3-11: RF Repeater Coverage Plot
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3.3
Carrier Modelling
3.3.1
Overview
Atoll supports multi-band networks, Hierarchical Cell Structure, Concentric Cells and Frequency Hopping (baseband
hopping and synthesised hopping).
3.3.2
Support of Multi-Band Networks

Atoll supports multi-band networks. A frequency band is characterized by its frequency, channel width (200 kHz for
GSM), first channel, last channel, number of columns, excluded channels and multiplexing factor (8 for GSM). In
Atoll, frequency bands may be user-defined. The following default frequency bands are available: GSM 900, GSM
1800, GSM 1900 and GSM 850 as presented in Figure 3-12.
Figure 3-12: Atoll Default Frequency Bands

The frequency bands available may be divided into domains that can then be dedicated to BCCH and to different
layers of the network. The frequency domains may be split into frequency groups. This allows an easy
implementation of the desired frequency-reuse pattern (3*9, 4*12 ). Figure 3-13 gives an example of a
domain/group allocation.
Figure 3-13: Frequency Domains and Groups
3.3.3
Support of Hierarchical Cell Structure (HCS) and

Concentric Cells (CC)
3.3.3.1
Hierarchical Cell Structure

Multi-layer networks may be modelled in Atoll. Different layers, with different priority levels, may be assigned to each
transmitter. Figure 3-14 illustrates the multi-layer concept.
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Layer 1 (Micro)
Layer 2 (Macro)
macrocell A
Layer 3 (Umbrella)
Figure 3-14: Hierarchical Cell Structure (HCS) Concept

Once multiple layers are defined, Atoll has the capability to:
o
o
o
o
o
3.3.3.2
Spread the traffic demand between the different layers according to their priorities (refer to
section 3.4.4)
Dimension the network (calculating the required number of TRXs) by taking into account the
different layers and their respective priorities (refer to section 3.4.5),
Calculate the service area on a per-layer basis (refer to section 3.5.4),
Generate reports for each layer or for the entire network (refer to section 3.5.5),
Perform Automatic Frequency Planning by including the different layer hierarchical structure
(refer to section 3.8).
Concentric Cells
Atoll supports concentric cell structures. A concentric cell is modelled as a transmitter that includes a BCCH TRX
and two TRX groups that define the outer and inner zones of the cell. A power offset is specified for the inner group.
This implies additional capacity close to the transmitter. Figure 3-15 presents this concept while Figure 3-16 gives
an example of a cell type supporting concentric cells.
outer zone
inner zone
Figure 3-15: Concentric Cells Principle
Figure 3-16: Concentric Cells Definition (Extract Only)
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3.3.4
Support of Frequency Hopping

Atoll supports no frequency hopping, baseband frequency hopping and synthesised frequency hopping at the
TRX group level. In case of synthesised hopping, Mobile Allocation List (MAL), Hopping Sequence Number (HSN)
and Mobile Allocation Offset Index (MAIO) should be defined for each sector or zone of concentric cell.
3.3.5
Downlink Power Control modelling

Atoll models the Downlink Power Control effect on interference. An average power control gain parameter is
available for each subcell. This parameter models the average reduction in interference due to power control in
downlink. Interference generated by a subcell is reduced by the value of this parameter during C/I calculations.
3.3.6
Frequency Plan Analysis Tools
3.3.6.1
Frequency Plan Audit Tool

There is a Frequency Plan Audit tool available in Atoll. When launched, this tool checks:
o
o
o
o
The definition of a unique BCCH TRX per transmitter,

The consistency between TRXs and related cell types,
In case of non hopping or baseband hopping: the definition of a unique frequency per TRX,
In case of Synthesised hopping: the definition of a frequency list per TRX, respecting the
maximum MAL lengths, the MAIO to be less than the number of MAL frequencies.
The following optional checks may be performed:
o
o
Domain constraints (frequency, HSN, BSIC and/or compliance with the allocation strategy
free or group constrained)
Separation constraints (co-site, co-cell, between neighbours and exceptional pairs).
Figure 3-17 presents the Frequency Plan Audit tool dialog window.
Figure 3-17: Frequency Plan Audit Tool
3.3.6.2
Frequency Channel Search Tool

A Search Channel tool is available in Atoll. This feature enables the user to easily highlight the transmitters
assigned to a specific channel as well as its adjacent ones. The search may be limited to BCCH channels or TCH
channels or involve all types of TRXs. BSIC or BCCH channel/BSIC combination may also be located in the same
manner. The Frequency Channel Search Tool dialog window is depicted in Figure 3-18.
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Figure 3-18: Frequency Channel Search Tool
3.3.6.3
Sector to sector interference tool

To facilitate interference studies Atoll offers sector to sector interference tool. This tool allows the user to analyse
the possible amount of interference between a pair of particular sectors.
Figure 3-19: Sector to Sector Interference Tool
3.4
Traffic Modelling and Analysis
3.4.1
Overview
Atoll models GSM, GPRS and EDGE technologies, circuit-switched and packet-switched services, different mobile
types (e.g. 900 MHz only, 900-1800 MHz ), multi-layer networks (e.g. microcells, macrocells) and concentric
cells. Traffic data may be entered in a raster format, vector format or as live data. Based on the user-specified traffic
distribution and a coverage by transmitter study, Atoll derives the traffic offered to each transmitter (Traffic
Analysis feature). The required number of timeslots (and TRXs) may then be estimated for each transmitter in the
network (Dimensioning feature).
Figure 3-20 presents an overview of traffic modelling and analysis in Atoll.
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Figure 3-20: Traffic Modelling and Analysis Overview
3.4.2
Service and User Modelling

Service and User behaviours are modelled in Atoll through different tables that provide information about:
o
o
o
o
The Terminals compatible with the network,

The Mobility Type,
The Services available in the network,
The User Profiles that describe the way users use terminals and services.
The GSM/GPRS/EDGE traffic modelling structure is depicted in Figure 3-21.
Figure 3-21: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Structure Database
3.4.2.1
Terminals
The terminal table describes the terminals that may be used in the network (900 MHz only mobile phones, 900-1800
dual bands mobile phones, PDA).
The following parameters model a terminal:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Number of timeslots supported per connection,

The frequency band(s) supported,
The terminal technology (GSM, GPRS or EDGE),
GPRS equipment,
Codec equipment,
Max and min coding schemes,
Noise figure.
An example of a Terminal Properties window is given in Figure 3-22.
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Figure 3-22: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Terminal Properties Window

Note that both, full rate and half rate, decoders may be modelled in Atoll.
3.4.2.2
Services
The Service table describes the services available in the network. Both, circuit-switched and packet-switched,
services are supported.
Service parameters are:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Service type (circuit-switched or packet-switched),

Maximum Blocking rate: probability of calls being blocked,
Maximum Packet Delay: it is the maximum acceptable delay before the data transfer starts (for
packet-switched services only),
Minimum troughput (for packet-switched services only),
Required Availability: it is the percentage for which the minimum acceptable data rate is
assured (for packet-switched services only),
Maximum number of timeslots (for packet-switched services only).
Two examples of a Service Properties window are presented in Figure 3-23: voice only service and web browsing
service.
Figure 3-23: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Service Properties Window
3.4.2.3
User Profiles
The User Profile table models the behaviour of the different user categories. Each user profile contains a list of
services and their associated parameters describing how the services are accessed by the user.
Parameters for circuit-switched services are:
o
o
o
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The average number of calls per hour,

The average duration of each call,
The Terminal used by the user when requiring access to this Service.
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Parameters for packet-switched services are:
o
o
o
The average number of sessions per hour,

The data volume transferred on the downlink during each session,
The Terminal used by the user when requiring access to this Service.
Figure 3-24 shows the default Business User Profile window.
Figure 3-24: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Default Business User Profile Window
3.4.3
Traffic Data
Refer to section 2.2.3.4 for further information about traffic data cartography.
3.4.4
Traffic Analysis (Traffic Spread and Capture)

Whatever the traffic data type, raster map, vector map and/or live data, there is a need to identify the portion of
traffic offered to each transmitter in the network. Atoll is capable of performing this analysis for GSM/GPRS/EDGE
traffic. Once obtained, the offered load distribution can then be used as input to network dimensioning (refer to
section 3.4.5). Figure 3-25 presents an overview of the traffic analysis process.
Figure 3-25: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Traffic Analysis Overview
o
o
o
o
72
GSM/GPRS/EDGE Traffic Distribution: Atoll can take any combination of traffic raster maps,
vector maps and live network data as input.
Traffic Spreading: traffic is spread by mobility type (e.g. typically slow mobiles would be
allocated to microcells rather than umbrella cells), frequency band (e.g. 900 MHz, 1800 MHz,
dual band mobiles .) and technology (e.g. GSM, GPRS, EDGE ).
Coverage by Transmitter Prediction Study: a coverage prediction study is generated for the
traffic capture. A prediction is generated per cell layer (e.g. micro, macro, umbrella ).
Offered Traffic Capture: for each layer the traffic is captured per transmitter based on the
coverage prediction study.
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Traffic Distribution: the result is a distribution of traffic per transmitter, according to service,
terminal type, mobility and service type (circuit-switched or packet-switched).
Figure 3-26 provides an example of traffic analysis results.
Figure 3-26: Traffic Capture Results (Extract Only)
3.4.5
Network Dimensioning
3.4.5.1
Required Number of TRXs Calculation

From the traffic distribution obtained in section 3.4.4, Atoll is capable of determining the number of TRXs required
for each transmitter in order to meet the user-specified quality of service. The dimensioning calculation takes into
account:
o
o
The different service types: circuit-switched or/and packet-switched,

The different network layers: in case of multi-layer network, traffic overflow from a higher priority
layer (e.g. microcell) to a lower priority cell (e.g. macrocell) is modelled in Atoll.
Atoll gives the user the following options when performing the dimensioning:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Erlang B or Erlang C traffic queuing model (for circuit-switched traffic type),

Maximum TRXs per transmitter,
Key Performance Indicators (KPI): minimum data rate, blocking probability and delay (or any
combination of these three KPIs),
Minimum and maximum numbers of packet-switched dedicated timeslots,
The preferred timeslot type when assigning packet-switched traffic (e.g. BCCH, TCH,
TCH_INNER ),
For packet-switched data, the transmitter load influence on the network performance (data
throughput, delays and blocking rate) is modelled through user input charts.
The corresponding Dimensioning Directive Dialog window is depicted in Figure 3-27.
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Figure 3-27: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Dimensioning Directives Dialog Window

Dimensioning results are presented in a table and contain the following information per transmitter and per TRX
type (e.g. BCCH, TCH, TCH_INNER ):
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
The required number of TRXs,

The required number of shared timeslots,
The required number of packet-switched only timeslots,
The required number of circuit-switched only timeslots,
The traffic load,
The maximum number of TRXs supported,
The traffic overflow target rate,
The packet-switched traffic demand,
The average number of timeslots used for packet-switched,
The circuit-switched traffic demand,
The average number of timeslots used for circuit-switched usage,
The actual blocking rate.
Figure 3-28 gives an example of dimensioning outputs.
Figure 3-28: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Cell Dimensioning Outputs (Extract Only)

Atoll can also calculate the performance (KPI) of an existing configuration. A similar table as above will provide the
performance details.
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3.5
Service Planning: Prediction Studies
3.5.1
Prediction Study Definition

In Atoll a prediction study is a plot displaying user-specified information about the expected network behaviour.
Examples of GSM/GPRS/EDGE prediction studies are coverage by transmitter, coverage by C/I levels, EDGE
coding schemes For each pixel, Atoll calculates the required information. This data is then graphically
represented by a colour according to a user-defined legend. Different display options are available in Atoll
depending on the data shown and on the users choice (unique, discrete values or interval values). The prediction
studies can be stored internally or externally of the Atoll document. Sharing the prediction studies is also possible.
3.5.2
Prediction Study Types

GSM/GPRS/EDGE prediction studies available are listed in Table 3-1. For each prediction study type, the
parameters, which may be displayed, are presented in the same table.
Prediction Study Type
Display Parameters
Coverage By Transmitter
Transmitter
Required TRX
Cell Type
Coverage By Signal Level
Best Signal Level

Pathloss
Reliability Level
Overlapping Zones
Number of Servers
Coverage By C/I Level
Transmitter
Minimum C/I Level
Maximum C/I Level
Interfered Zones
Transmitter
GPRS/EDGE Coding Schemes
Coding schemes
Best coding schemes
RLC/MAC throughput/timeslot
Throughput/timeslot (best, average)

BLER (%)/ Max BLER(%)
Application throughput/timeslot
Throughput/timeslot (best, average)

BLER (%)/ Max BLER(%)
Circuit quality indicators
BER, FER, MOS

Max BER, FER, MOS
Table 3-1: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Prediction Study Types

Examples of GSM/GPRS/EDGE prediction studies are shown in Figure 3-29 to Figure 3-34.
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Figure 3-29: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Coverage by Transmitter (Transmitter Identity)
Figure 3-30: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Coverage by Signal Level (Signal Strength in dBm)
Figure 3-31: EDGE Coding Scheme Prediction Study (Best Coding Scheme)
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Figure 3-32: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Coverage by Signal Level Prediction Study (Reliability Level in %)
Figure 3-33: GSM/GPRS/EDGE C/I Coverage Prediction Study (Maximum C/I ratio in dB)
Figure 3-34: EDGE Prediction Study (Throughput/Timeslot in kBits/s)
3.5.3
Prediction Studies per TRX

Prediction studies per TRX are available for the following plots:
o
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C/I Prediction Study,

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o
o
Interfered Zones,
EDGE Studies.
In this case, the relevant prediction is generated for each TRX of all the transmitters. Each prediction is a
geographic item in itself. Atoll provides the option to compare the different predictions by overlaying the desired
ones. Figure 3-35 is an example of a C/I prediction study generated with detailed results.
A plot
generated for
each TRX
Figure 3-35: C/I Prediction Study (Results given per TRX)
3.5.4
Prediction Studies for a Multi-Layer Network

Atoll supports multi-layer networks as detailed in section 3.3.3.1. For each prediction study, two different plot types
may be generated and displayed as multi-layered graphical objects:
o
o
A plot computed for each layer independently (Figure 3-36 to Figure 3-39),
A plot where, for each bin, the signal considered is the one with the highest HCS priority. In this
situation, a pixel covered by different HCS layers, is attached to the highest priority layer.
The following example illustrates the first case where a plot is generated per layer:
o
o
o
o
Figure 3-36 is the coverage plot for the Micro layer only,
Figure 3-37 is the coverage plot for the Macro layer only,
Figure 3-38 is the coverage plot for the Umbrella layer only,
Figure 3-39 is the multi-layered coverage plot (micro, macro and umbrella layers overlaid).
Figure 3-36: Micro Layer Coverage Plot
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Figure 3-37: Macro Layer Coverage Plot
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Figure 3-38: Umbrella Layer Coverage Plot
3.5.5
Figure 3-39: All Layers Coverage Plot
Prediction Study Reports

For each prediction study, a report may be generated with various detail levels as selected by the user. Reports are
spreadsheet-like tables that may be printed directly from Atoll or exported to any desktop tool. An example of such a
report is given in Figure 3-40.
Figure 3-40: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Prediction Study Report
3.5.6
Prediction Study Graphical Comparison

Graphical comparison (difference, intersection or union) between two prediction studies can be performed. As
examples, this functionality may be used:
o
o
o
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To compare uplink coverage and downlink coverage plots for one service. The user can
determine which zones are uplink/downlink limited for that particular service.
To compare service area coverage plots between two different services. The user can assess
the areas where one service (e.g. Mobile Internet Access) is provided while the other one (e.g.
Video Conferencing) is not.
To compare service area coverage plots between two networks deployment scenarios (with
different technologies). Figure 3-41 illustrates such a case by comparing a GSM and a UMTS
coverage. Note that, in this example, UMTS transmitters are installed on only some of the GSM
sites.
To compare signal difference on each pixel.
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Figure 3-41: Prediction Study Graphical Comparison (GSM versus UMTS Example)
Figure 3-42 Signal coverage comparison example (DCS versus GSM)
3.5.7
Prediction Study Export

Any prediction study may be exported in the following formats: Atoll format, ArcView format, MapInfo format, .TIFF,
BIL and BMP. In case of MapInfo format, study prediction attributes (e.g. signal strength levels, transmitter IDs, )
are exported along with the plot itself. This facilitates data manipulation in MapInfo. Figure 3-43 gives an example of
the exported attributes for a GSM/GPRS/EDGE Coding Scheme prediction plot.
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Figure 3-43: MapInfo Prediction Study Attributes Export (GSM/GPRS/EDGE)
3.5.8
Point Analysis Tool

A Real-time Prediction Analysis Tool is available. Thanks to this feature, the following information is available in
both, numerical and graphical, formats:
o
o
Desired signal information: received signal strength values from all cells for each HCS layer and
for each TRX type (e.g. BCCH, TCH, TCH_INNER ),
Interference information: total interference as well as interference contribution (co-channel only,
adjacent channel only, or both) from the significant interferers for each transmitter and for each
TRX type (e.g. BCCH, TCH, TCH_INNER ). In addition, the worst interfered TRX and its
corresponding C/I ratio are calculated in real-time.
The Real-time Prediction Analysis Tool window is dynamically linked to the map window. The displayed information
is updated as the receiving mobile is moved on the map window. Figure 3-44 shows the Point-to-point Analysis
window (with desired signal information) as well as its link to the map window. Figure 3-45 gives a snapshot of the
Point-to-point Analysis window with interference information. Additional arrows show the interferers and their C/I
value as a label.
Receiving
Mobile
Analysis Parameters
Reception
Analysis
Window
Received Signal
Strength
Information
Figure 3-44: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Point-to-point Real-time Analysis (Desired Signal Information)
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Total Interference
Interference
Information
Figure 3-45: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Point-to-point Analysis (Interference Information)
The Results Tab allows for summary interference analysis at this particular mobile location. All servers and their
interferers are grouped in an interactive expandable table. Servers can be selected direcly in this table and then
analysed in the Interference Tab.
Figure 3-46 Point analysis Results Tab.
3.6
Neighbour Planning
3.6.1
Neighbour List Generation
3.6.1.1
Overview
Neighbour plans may be generated by any of the following means in Atoll:
o
o
o
3.6.1.2
Importing an external neighbour plan (e.g. in Excel format),

Automatically producing a neighbour plan as described in section 3.6.1.2,
Graphically and/or manually creating, editing and deleting a neighbour plan as presented in
section
3.6.1.3.
Automatic Neighbour Allocation

Neighbour lists may be generated automatically in Atoll. For each cell, potential neighbours are ranked according to
their importance. The neighbour planning algorithm considers the following user-specified parameters:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
82
Minimum received signal strength,

Handover margin,
Maximum inter-site distance,
Maximum number of neighbours,
Minimum area covered (overlapping area between the studied cell and its potential neighbour),
Covered traffic,
Importance ranges for coverage, adjacency and co-site factors,
Indoor loss.
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Forcing neighbour symmetry, adjacent cells as neighbour, co-site cells as neighbours and/or exceptional
neighbour pairs is possible with Atoll. Figure 3-47 displays the Automatic Neighbour Allocation dialog window.
Figure 3-47: Automatic Neighbour List Generation (GSM/GPRS/EDGE)
3.6.1.3
Neighbour Plan Graphical Edition

Neighbour plan may be graphically edited in Atoll. Simply clicking on a transmitter displays all the neighbour links on
the map window. Any type of links (outwards, inwards or symmetrical) may be created, edited and/or deleted
graphically. Such an example is presented in Figure 3-48.
Figure 3-48: Neighbour Plan Graphical Edition (GSM/GPRS/EDGE)
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Figure 3-49 Neighbour Plan using Cell Best Server Plot
3.7
Mutual Interference Histogram Matrix

Interference matrices is a key input when using an Automatic Frequency Planning (AFP) tool. Atoll is capable of
generating or importing such matrices. These matrices may then be used in conjunction with the Atoll AFP module
or exported when using a third party AFP tool.
Figure 3-50: Interference folder in Data tab.
3.7.2
Interference Matrix Generation

Atoll has the ability to generate a mutual interference histogram matrix. For each interfered subcell/interfering cell
pair, this matrix provides a mutual interference histogram. This histogram gives the interference probability for each
C/I value, assuming both interfered subcell and interfering subcell share the same frequency channel. The user can
choose whether the interference probability is stated in percentage of interfered area or in percentage of interfered
traffic. Figure 3-51 gives an example of such a histogram.
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Figure 3-51: Mutual Interference Histogram (for a couple of subcells)

Interference matrices can be based on predictions, OMC-R measurements, drive tests, scans and CW
measurements.
Figure 3-52: Figure 3-1 IM can be based on various sources
3.7.3
Interference Matrix Analysis

Interference Matrix Analysis tool helps to visually display the interference matrix for every individual subcell on the
map as well as in a list. The tool provides two ways of analysing a subcell: as a victim or as an interferer. The
resulting list of interferers can be filtered out using several criteria.
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Figure 3-53 Interference Matrix Analysis tool
3.7.4
Interference Matrix Export

It is possible to export the interference histogram matrix in ASCII text files. Thanks to this feature, the interference
matrix is easily accessible for validation and editing if desired. The exported interference histogram matrix may also
be used as input to third party AFP tools. Table 3-2 shows an extract of an exported interference histogram matrix
(opened with Excel).
Table 3-2: Exported Interference Histogram Matrix (Extract Only)
3.8
Automatic Frequency Planning Module (optional)
3.8.1
Overview and Principles

The Automatic Frequency Planning (AFP) module of Atoll performs automatic generation of frequency plans for
GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks. The following parameters may be allocated automatically:
86
Frequency,
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o
o
o
o
Base Station Identification Code (BSIC),

Mobile Allocation List (MAL),
Hopping Sequence Number (HSN),
Mobile Allocation Index Offset (MAIO).
The AFP aims at generating optimal allocations for each network parameter, i.e. allocations that minimize
interference over the network and comply with a set of user-defined constraints. The two main constraints are the
separation constraints and the spectrum limitations. The AFP uses a cost function in order to evaluate frequency
plans. The algorithm objective is to find frequency plans with minimum costs. The cost function parameters are
specified by the user.
In addition the AFP plan may be frozen at transmitter or TRX level. This allows using an existing plan when
assigning only newly added demand for channels.
The Atoll AFP module is implemented using simulated annealing, taboo search, graph heuristics and machine
learning. It manages its time resources by following the user time directive: the more time available, the more the
AFP learns the network in order to tune its internal parameters. Network learning is performed by executing many
fast and deterministic instances of the AFP. The one that promises the best performance is memorized in the
project as it is the most adapted to the studied network. The next time the AFP is launched, it will start from where
the learning process last ended.
3.8.2
AFP Parameters
The following AFP parameters are user-defined:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Cost function: frequency separation violation costs and MAL length contribution,
Interferences influence: DTX and MAL length impacts on interference calculations,
Directives: the MAL length is either adjusted during the AFP process or set to its maximum
length ; The HSN may be allocated either freely or by subcell or transmitter or site; A target
fractional load and a target frequency reuse may be specified as guidelines (rather than strict
constraints) for the AFP algorithm.
Resources to allocate: frequency, BSIC, MAL, HSN and/or MAIO,
Default separation constraints: minimum frequency spacing to respect between co-site, co-cell
and neighbours,
Exceptional transmitter pairs separation constraints: minimum frequency spacing to respect
between co-site, co-cell and neighbours,
Interferences: to be taken into account or not. Note that interferences may be calculated in Atoll
(as detailed in section 3.7) or imported from an external source,
Discontinuous Transmission (DTX): to be included in calculation or not.
Shadowind: how to account for it.
0 and Figure 3-55 show the interface dialog windows corresponding to the AFP parameters definition.
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:
Figure 3-54 AFP Parameters Definition
Figure 3-55: AFP Parameter Selection
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3.8.3
AFP Outputs
The Atoll AFP outputs are presented in a table where cells, subcells and/or TRXs results may be displayed. Details
of each assigned resource are provided: frozen resource, modified resource with/without separation violation,
resource not modified, assigned resource with/without separation constraints Results may be committed to the
network database. An example of the AFP results output window is given in Figure 3-56.
Figure 3-56: AFP Outputs
3.9
Interactive Frequency Planning

Interactive Frequency Planning tool is designed to make local changes in the existing frequency plan or to make
new assignments easily without having to run the AFP module. By simply selecting a sector on the map the user
can have visual information regarding the conflicts for the existing frequency assignments or the new candidate
channels. This tool uses AFP cost function to find the candidate channels.
Figure 3-57: IFP dialog
3.10
GSM/UMTS Co-planning
Refer to section 4.9 for further information about GSM/GPRS/EDGE and UMTS co-planning features.
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Chapter 4
UMTS HSPA Features
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Chapter 4: UMTS HSPA Features
UMTS HSPA Features
4.1
Overview
Atoll enables the radio design of a dualband UMTS HSPA network. Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Systems
can be modelled using UMTS HSPA module. Atoll is capable of predicting radio coverage per service, evaluating
the network capacity, generating neighbour lists, planning scrambling codes and co-planning with a GSM network.
In Atoll, the modelling of a UMTS network is based on a W-CDMA Monte Carlo simulator. This Monte Carlo
statistical engine simulates the power control algorithm for both uplink and downlink. It uses realistic user
distributions as input. These user distributions are generated from a network database (which models the UMTS
network) and from a Services and Users model, which is linked to traffic data (this association models the traffic).
UMTS service and analysis plots may be created from either Monte Carlo simulation results or from a user-defined
network load configuration (uplink cell load and total downlink transmit power for all the cells). In addition, a
neighbour list generation and a scrambling code planning tools are available in Atoll. GSM and UMTS networks may
be also planned in the same project.
An overview of the UMTS modelling in Atoll is depicted in Figure 4-1.
Figure 4-1: UMTS Network Modelling In Atoll
4.2
Network Database
The network database allows modelling UMTS network radio infrastructure. It is made up of the following elements:
antennas, sites, transmitters, cells, equipment and repeaters.
4.2.1
Antennas
Each antenna is defined in Atoll by the following parameters:
o
o
o
o
Maximum Gain,
Beamwidth,
Antenna Properties window.
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4.2.2
Sites
A site represents a physical location where Node(s) B may be installed.
o
o
o
o
o
user),
Equipment (containing manufacturer specific parameters),
Number of Channel Elements available for both uplink and downlink.
Figure 4-3: UMTS Site Properties Window
4.2.3
Transmitters
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
94
Site where the transmitter is installed,

Frequency Band,
Antenna,
Height,
Azimuth,
Noise Figure,
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o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Reception losses,
Feeder type,
Node B Type,
Diversity on transmission and reception,
Figure 4-4: UMTS Transmitter Properties Window
4.2.4
Cells
Atoll supports UMTS multi-carrier network configuration. For this purpose a cell element has been defined in the
Atoll UMTS database. A cell is a transmitter associated to a frequency. Therefore a transmitter carries as many
cells as the number of frequency it supports. Each cell has its own radio parameters. Figure 4-5 presents an
example of a transmitter supporting two cells: one with carrier 0 and the other one with carrier 1.
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Figure 4-5: UMTS Cell Parameters Tab
4.2.5
Site Templates
A Site Template is made up of a transmitter or a group of transmitters (and their attached cells) located on the
same site. Site templates can be created, edited and deleted in Atoll. Building a network is facilitated by working
with site templates rather than single sites/transmitters/cells. The default UMTS project site templates are: Dense
Urban (3 sectors), Urban (3 sectors), Suburban (3 sectors) and Rural (3 sectors).
4.2.6
Equipment
4.2.6.1
Overview
Atoll provides the option to define various radio equipment. Node B, feeder and Tower Mounted Amplifier may be
defined. These parameters may be used for calculating different transmitter parameters such as transmission
losses, receiver losses, noise figure, receiver diversity gain... In addition, site equipment and their corresponding
channel element consumption information may be specified. This data is useful for dimensioning the network.
4.2.6.2
Node B
A noise figure value and Rho factor (self-interference factor) is specified for each Node B type.
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4.2.6.3
Feeder
type.
4.2.6.4

4.2.6.5
Site Equipment
The following parameters define the equipment for each site:
o
o
o
o
Manufacturer name,
Multi-User Detection factor,
Rake factor. This parameter is used in the uplink rake receiver modelling,
Carrier selection method. Four options are available when assigning a carrier to a requesting
user: the carrier with minimum downlink total power, the carrier with minimum uplink noise,
random carrier and sequential,
Overhead channel elements used in both uplink and downlink,
Option to restrict the active set to the neighbours only,
Compressed mode option. Compressed mode is generally used to prepare hard-handover of
users with single receiver terminals.
o
o
o
For each site equipment type, the channel elements consumption is defined per service type. Figure 4-6 gives the
example of such a definition table.
Figure 4-6: Channel Elements Consumption per Service Type (UMTS)
4.2.7
Repeaters
range. Atoll models RF repeater, optic fibre repeater, microwave repeater and remote antennas.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Donor Transmitter,
Equipment,
Antenna,
Height,
Azimuth,
Total Gain,
Amplifier Gain,
Feeder Type,
Feeder Length,
Propagation Model.
Figure 4-7 presents the Repeater properties window while Figure 4-8 gives an example of a best server prediction
plot with a repeater.
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Donor Transmitter
RF Repeater

Repeaters in cascade can be equally modelled.
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Figure 4-9 Repeaters in cascade example
4.3
Traffic Modelling
4.3.1
Overview
In a UMTS network, service areas depend on both, uplink and downlink, air interface traffic. In Atoll, the air interface
traffic is modelled by using a Monte Carlo statistical approach. Realistic distribution of users are actually generated
and then used as input to the power control algorithm. Creation of these user distributions requires service and
user modelling and traffic cartography (traffic data) as input.
4.3.2

o
o
o
o
o

The Mobility Type, which describes pilot reception thresholds according to user mobility,
The Radio Bearers which are used to carry the information,
The User Profiles describing the way users use terminals and services.
The UMTS traffic modelling structure is depicted in Figure 4-10.
Figure 4-10: UMTS Structure Database
4.3.2.2
Terminals
The terminal table describes the terminals that may be used in the network (cellular phones, multi-media terminals,
PDA, in-car navigation devices).
o
o
o
o
o
o
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Main frequency band

Minimum Output Power,
Maximum Output Power,
Antenna Gain,
Reception Loss,
Terminal Noise Figure,
Compressed mode,
Active Set size,
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o
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Downlink Rake Factor

Rho Factor
HSDPA/HSUPA parameters.
Figure 4-11: Terminal Properties Window
4.3.2.3
Mobility Types
The Mobility Type defines the minimum required pilot Ec/Io for different user speeds. Note that this parameter is
service-independent.
4.3.2.4
Bearers
Radio Bearers define the transport format. Atoll manages R99, HSDPA and HSUPA bearers. The Radio Bearers
R99 parameters are as following:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Type,
Nominal Rates,
Uplink Coding Factor. It corresponds to the data rate increase due to coding,
Downlink Coding Factor. It corresponds to the data rate increase due to coding,
Uplink and Downlink spreading factors,
DPCCH/DPCH Power Ration,
Downlink Traffic Channel Minimum and Maximum Power,
Eb/Nt targets.
An example of a Service Properties window is presented in Figure 4-12.
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Figure 4-12: Bearer properties
4.3.2.5
Services
The Service table describes the services that are available in the network. Both, circuit-switched and packetswitched, services are supported and have specific parameters.
The Service parameters are:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
R99 radio bearer,

Type,
Prefered carrier,
Priority Level,
Rate downgrading,
Soft Handover supported or not,
HSDPA/HSUPA supported or not,
Uplink Efficiency Factor (for packet-switched services only). It is a ratio that describes the data
volume increase due to the retransmissions of unsuccessful packets,
Downlink Efficiency Factor (for packet-switched services only). It is a ratio that describes the
data volume increase due to the retransmissions of unsuccessful packets,
Average Requested Rate for Uplink and Downlink,
Uplink and Downlink Average Requested Rate,
Uplink Activity Factor (for circuit-switched services only),
Downlink Activity Factor (for circuit-switched services only),
Packet type parameters per session, packet calls and packets,
Body Loss.
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Figure 4-13: Service Properties Window
4.3.2.6
User Profiles
The user profile table models the behaviour of the different user categories. Every user profile contains a list of
services and their associated parameters describing how these services are accessed by the user.
Parameters for circuit-switched services are:
o
o
o

The Terminal used when requiring access to this Service.
Parameters for packet-switched services are:
o
o
o
o

The data volume transferred on the uplink during each session,
Figure 4-14 shows a User Profile window.
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Figure 4-14: User Profile Window
4.3.3
Traffic Data
4.3.4
Generation of Realistic User Distributions

Realistic distributions of users on the map are required as inputs to the UMTS simulation algorithm. A Realistic
User Distribution corresponds to a user distribution that complies with the service and user modelling and the traffic
data. Atoll generates these user distributions using a Monte Carlo (statistical) algorithm.
4.4
UMTS Monte Carlo Simulation
4.4.1
Overview
As it uses a W-CDMA air interface, a UMTS network automatically regulates itself by performing power control in
both downlink and uplink, Fast Link adaptation for HSDPA users, and Noise Rise Sheduling for HSUPA users. The
objective is to minimise interference and maximise network capacity. Atoll simulates this network regulation
mechanism. It calculates, for each user distribution (called a random trial), the different network parameters such as
active set for each mobile, mobile required power, soft handover gains, specific HSPA results, etc As outputs,
Atoll provides the two following parameters characterizing the stabilized network:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
The total downlink power and throughput per cell,

The uplink load per cell.
The HSDPA power ( in case of dynamic power allocation)
The number of HSDPA users
The UL load factor due to HSUPA
The number of HSUPA users
The UL reuse factor
UMTS Monte Carlo simulations may be analysed, displayed and stored. They may be used in a next step to
generate numerous prediction studies.
4.4.2
Simulation Definition
A simulation in Atoll corresponds to a given distribution of users. It is a snapshot of a UMTS network.
4.4.3
Power Control Simulation Algorithm
4.4.3.1
Overview
For each user distribution, Atoll simulates the power control mechanism. The simulation uses an iterative algorithm
that models power control on both downlink and uplink for R99 bearers, link adaptation for HSDPA users, and noise
rise scheduling for HSUPA users. The starting point is the power parameters generated by the preceding iteration.
This iterative process ends when the network is balanced, i.e. when the convergence criterion is satisfied.
Note that the algorithm bears some differences from a classical CDMA simulation, which are:
o
o
The uplink and downlink power controls are performed within a single iterative process,
providing more realistic results than separate downlink and uplink power controls,
Each user is assigned a particular service with a particular service status.
Figure 4-15 exhibits an overview of the power control algorithm.
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Figure 4-15: UMTS Power Control Algorithm Overview
4.4.3.2
Detailed Algorithm
R99 part
Initialisation
The network is initialised as empty: there is no mobile connected to any transmitter when starting a
simulation.
Step 1 to step 5 are repeated for each mobile (R99, HSDPA, and HSUPA mobiles) of the generated user
distribution.
Best Server Determination
The best server is determined for each mobile using the Ec/Io criterion. The mobile is rejected if the Ec/Io
condition is not satisfied or the uplink load factor is higher than the specified limit.
Active Set Determination
The active set is determined for each mobile.
Uplink Power Control
The mobile transmit power is calculated. It corresponds to the power required to satisfy the uplink Eb/Nt
requirement. The mobile is rejected if the calculated required transmit power is higher than the maximum
mobile transmit power.
Downlink Power Control
The transmitter traffic channel power is calculated. It corresponds to the power required to satisfy the
downlink Eb/Nt requirement. No handover and handover situations are handled in different ways. The
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mobile is rejected if the calculated traffic channel power is higher than the maximum traffic channel power
allowed.
Uplink and Downlink Interference Update
The uplink load factor and total downlink transmit power are updated with these results.
Congestion And Radio Resource Control (R99 bearers)
Mobiles are rejected if any of the following situations occur:
- Uplink load factor higher than the specified limit,
- Total Downlink Transmit Power higher than the Maximum Total Downlink Transmit Power,
- Number of OVSF codes insufficient,
- Number of Channel Elements available insufficient.
HSDPA part
Fast Link Adaptation
Circuit Quality Indicators (CQI) are calculated for each user. Based on CQI, mobile and cell capability Atoll
selects the appropriate HSDPA Bearer.
Scheduling
The scheduler shares cell radio resources according to the policy of the scheduler (Max C/I, Round Robin
and Proportional Fair).
Radio Resource Control (HSDPA bearers)
- HSDPA users saturation,
- Lower HSDPA bearer cannot be obtained,
- Insufficient number of OVSF codes,
- Bad quality of HS-SCCH,
- Insufficient number of OVSF codes.
HSUPA part
Admission control
During admission control, Atoll selects a list of HSUPA bearers that are compatible with the user equipment
capabilities for each HSUPA user taking into account the max power of the terminals.
Noise rise scheduling
The noise rise scheduling algorithm attempts to evenly share the cell load between the users admitted in
admission control; in terms of HSUPA, each user is allocated a right to produce interference.
Radio recourse control
- The maximum number of HSUPA users per cell is exceeded (the status is "HSUPA scheduler saturation")
- The terminal power required to obtain the lowest compatible HSUPA bearer exceeds the maximum
terminal power in the admission control (the status is "HSUPA Admission Rejection").
Convergence Study
The previous iterations are repeated until the simulation converges, i.e. either the maximum number of iterations is
reached or both, uplink and downlink, criteria are verified. Figure 4-16 shows the Simulation Convergence Criteria
window.
Figure 4-16: UMTS Simulation Convergence Criteria

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Bearer downgrading
Atoll models the bearer downgrading during Monte-Carlo simulation. If this option is selected, R99 and HSDPA
users are not directly rejected but downgraded previously. If finally, the bearer downgrading does not fix the
problem, then they are rejected. R99 to R99 bearer downgrading as well as HSDPA to R99 bearer downgrading can
occur. The R99 to R99 bearer downgrading is triggered for different reasons: when cell resources are not sufficient
at the admission or during the congestion control and when the user maximum connection power is exceeded
during the power control. For all these different reasons, the user R99 bearer is downgraded to another R99 bearer
of the same type. The HSDPA to R99 bearer downgrading occurs at the admission when the best serving cell does
not support HSDPA traffic. In this case, the HSDPA user will not able to get a HSDPA bearer and he will be
allocated a R99 bearer instead. Therefore, the user HSDPA bearer is downgraded to a R99 bearer of the same type
than the A-DPCH bearer.
Simulation Results
Numerous other parameters (interference values, mobile positions, handover status ) on top of the parameters
mentioned at the beginning of this paragraph are available and stored during the simulation for further analysis.
Please refer to section 4.4.5.2 for further information.
4.4.4
Monte Carlo Simulation Management
4.4.4.1
UMTS Simulations Organisation

UMTS Simulations are managed through the UMTS Simulations folder in the Atoll Explorer window. This folder is
displayed in Figure 4-17.
Figure 4-17: UMTS Simulations Folder (Extract Only)

The UMTS Simulation folder is made up of several groups. Each group corresponds to a network configuration for
which a user-specified number of Monte Carlo simulations were generated. As an example, different groups may
correspond to different traffic assumptions.
4.4.4.2
Monte Carlo Simulation Generation

The following information is required when creating a new group of Monte Carlo simulations:
o
o
o
o
o
o
The Simulation Group name,

The Number of Simulations to be run,
The Cell Constraints to be used in the simulations: cell load, number of OVSF codes, number of
channel elements and total downlink transmit power,
The Traffic map(s) used,
The Simulation Generator Initialisation,
The Convergence Criteria: maximum number of iterations per simulation, uplink convergence
threshold criterion, downlink convergence threshold criterion.
The corresponding user interface window is shown in Figure 4-18.
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Figure 4-18: UMTS Simulations Generation
4.4.5
Monte Carlo Simulation Analysis and Reports

Once a simulation (or a group of simulations) has been performed, simulation graphical analysis and simulation
reports are available in Atoll.
4.4.5.1
Simulation Graphical Analysis
4.4.5.1.1
Mobile Status Graphical Display

Simulations may be displayed in the map window as a graphical layer. Terminals are displayed on the map, using
representative colours for their status. The different possible statuses are:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
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Connect DL + UL: the mobile is connected on both downlink and uplink,

Connect UL: the mobile is connected on uplink only,
Connect DL: the mobile is connected on downlink only,
Inactive: the mobile is inactive,
Pmob>PmobMax: the mobile is rejected during the Uplink Power Control Step as its required
uplink transmitter power is higher than the maximum mobile transmit power,
Ptch>PtchMax: the mobile is rejected during the Downlink Power Control Step as the required
downlink traffic channel power is higher than the maximum downlink traffic channel power,
Admission Rejection: the mobile is rejected during the Best Server Determination Step as the
uplink cell load would be higher than the maximum allowed,
Load Saturation: the mobile is rejected during the Congestion and Radio Resource Control
Step as the uplink cell load would be higher than the maximum allowed,
Channel Elements Saturation: the mobile is rejected during the Congestion and Radio
Resource Control Step as there are not enough channel elements available,
Cell Power Saturation: the mobile is rejected during the Congestion and Radio Resource
Control Step as the downlink total power is higher than the maximum allowed,
Code Saturation: the mobile is rejected during the Congestion and Radio Resource Control
Step as there are not enough OVSF codes available,
Ec/Io<(Ec/Io)min: the mobile is rejected during the Best Server Determination Phase as the
Best Server Ec/Io is less than the minimum required.
HSDPA Delayed: the mobile cannot obtain lower HSDPA bearer or HS-SCCH signal quality is
not sufficient,
HSDPA Scheduler Saturation: the maximum HSDPA users per cell or max number of HSSCCH channel are exceeded.
HSUPA scheduler saturation: the maximum number of HSUPA users per cell is exceeded
HSUPA Admission Rejection: the terminal power required to obtain the lowest compatible
HSUPA bearer exceeds the maximum terminal power in the admission control.
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An example of a graphical display of a group of simulations is presented in Figure 4-19.
Figure 4-19: UMTS Simulation Graphical Display
4.4.5.1.2
Individual Mobile Result Graphical Display

Parameters for any terminal may be displayed either through the Terminal window or directly on the Map window
(as presented in Figure 4-20).
Figure 4-20: Terminal Simulation Results Display Thanks to the Tips Tool (UMTS)
4.4.5.2
Simulation Reports
Atoll has the capability to generate simulation reports for a particular simulation or for a group of simulations.
4.4.5.2.1
Single Simulation Reports

A report is available for each simulation. This report contains information about the Simulation Statistics, Sites
Parameters, Cell Parameters, Mobiles and Initial Simulation Conditions as given in Figure 4-21.
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Figure 4-21: UMTS Single Simulation Report

The simulation related information provided is:
o
o
o
o
o
Simulation Statistics: total users attempting a connection and the corresponding break-up per
service; total users actually connected and the corresponding break-up per service,
Sites Parameters: channel elements consumed (total, due to soft handover and due to
overhead channels) and the throughput allocated per service type. All these parameters are
given for both uplink and downlink,
Cells Parameters: downlink transmit power related information (total power, load factor,
percentage of power used, average traffic channel power), uplink mobile power related
information (total noise, load factor, noise rise, reuse factor), number of radio links for uplink
and downlink, number of OVSF codes used, percentage of areas in handover (distinction made
between soft, softer and other handover types), throughput allocated to downlink and uplink,
number of mobile rejections split per rejection reason.
Mobiles: geographic location, terminal type, user type, mobility, connection status, carrier,
requested and allocated throughputs for both uplink and downlink, best server, active set
information.
Initial Simulation Conditions.
An option is available to display more detailed results. This extra information includes for each mobile:
o
o
4.4.5.2.2
The detailed parameters values for each member of the active set (noise values, interference
values ),
The shadowing loss values for each path from a mobile to its 10 first best servers.
Simulation Group Reports

Atoll has the option to average the results of a group of simulations. The report generated for a simulation group
contains:
o
o
Statistics: average statistics obtained from all simulation results,

Cell Parameters: average values obtained from all simulation results as well as the
corresponding standard deviation for each parameter value.
Figure 4-22: UMTS Group of Simulations Report (Extract Only)

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4.4.5.2.3
Committing loads
The user has the possibility to commit the simulation results. They may either be results from a simulation group
average or from a single simulation. Total transmit power and cell load values for all cells in the network radio
database are then updated with the results generated by the considered simulation(s).
4.4.5.2.4
Exporting Results
The user has the option to export the simulation results as described in section 2.4.3.
4.5
UMTS Prediction Studies
4.5.1

Examples of UMTS prediction studies are Ec/Io plot, handover status plot For each pixel, Atoll calculates the
required information. This data is then graphically represented by a colour according to a user-specified legend.
Different display options are available in Atoll, depending on the data shown and on the users choice (unique,
discrete values or interval values). The prediction studies can be stored internally or externally of the Atoll
document. Sharing the prediction studies is also possible.
4.5.2

UMTS prediction studies may be generated either from Monte Carlo simulation results or from a user-defined
network load configuration (uplink cell load and total downlink transmit power for all the cells).
Three different kinds of prediction studies are available in Atoll. The first two prediction types are based on Monte
Carlo simulation results while the third prediction type is based on a user-defined network load configuration. Each
prediction study type is described hereafter.
4.5.3
Prediction studies based on an average of Monte Carlo simulations (or on a single Monte Carlo
simulation). These studies give a network picture for an average of a group of simulations.
These studies are available for each combination of service, mobility type, frequency and
terminal type. These predictions may also be generated from a single Monte Carlo simulation.
Prediction studies based on a number of Monte Carlo simulations. These studies provide a
probability-based picture of the network. For example, a service area where a service criterion
is achieved for more than x% of the time may be calculated. The probability is calculated for
each bin by assessing how many times the criterion is satisfied by the predictions based on
each simulation. These studies are available for each combination of service, mobility type,
frequency and terminal type.
Predictions studies based on a user-defined network load configuration. These prediction
studies give a picture of the network under the load assumptions provided by the user. No
previous Monte Carlo simulations are required. This option is therefore less time consuming
than the other two prediction study types. A quick assessment of the network behaviour may be
performed. Note that this feature also enables the user to generate prediction studies for large
areas, based on Monte Carlo simulations generated by different users.
Prediction Study Generation

Prediction studies are performed by placing a probe mobile (non interfering terminal) on each bin of the considered
area. The probe mobile characteristics (terminal type, mobility type, service type and carrier frequency) are
specified as inputs to the prediction study. The power control algorithm (refer to section 4.4.3) is then performed
only for the probe mobile in order to calculate its output power and active set. This virtual mobile is supposed not
to contribute to interference.
Predictions are stored as objects in the explorer Predictions folder and may be displayed as layers on the map.
4.5.4

The UMTS prediction studies available are listed in Table 4-1. For each prediction study type, the parameters, which
may be displayed, are presented in the same table.
Display Parameter
Coverage by Transmitter
Transmitter
Coverage by Signal Level
Signal Level (dBm, dBV or dBV/m)

Pathloss (dB)
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Display Parameter
Overlapping Zones
Number of Servers
Downlink Total Noise
Minimum Noise Level

Average Noise Level
Maximum Noise Level
Minimum Noise Rise
Average Noise Rise
Maximum Noise Rise
Pilot Reception Analysis (Ec/Io)
Ec/Io
Ec/Io Margin
Quality Indicator
Reliability Level
Service Area (Eb/Nt) Downlink
Eb/Nt Margin
Effective Eb/Nt
Maximum Eb/Nt
Required Power
Required Power Margin
Quality Indicator
Reliability Level
Service Area (Eb/Nt) Uplink
Eb/Nt Margin
Effective Eb/Nt
Maximum Eb/Nt
Required Power
Reliability Level
Effective Service Area
Reliability Level
Handover status
Potential Active Transmitter Number
Pilot pollution
Polluter Number
Scrambling code interference zone
Zones covered by the same SC
HSDPA studies
HS-PDSCH Ec/Nt
CQI
Application throughput/ Application Throughput per
Mobile
Max DL and UL A-DPCH Eb/Nt
HS-SCCH power and Ec/Nt
HS-PDSCH Ec/Nt
MAC rate/ throughput/ throughput per mobile
RLC Peak Rate/ Throughput/ Throughput per
Mobile/Average Throughput
HSUPA studies
Required E-DPDCH Ec/Nt

Required Terminal Power
MAC Rate
RLC Peak Rate
Min RLC Throughput
Application Throughput
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Table 4-1: UMTS Prediction Study Types
The first three prediction studies (coverage by transmitter, coverage by signal level and overlapping zones) do not
require any Monte Carlo simulation. They are based on pilot signal strength information only and, therefore, do not
involve any network load aspects. The remaining prediction studies are available for each service, mobility type,
terminal equipment and frequency.
Miscellaneous UMTS Prediction Study Plots are shown in Figure 4-23 to Figure 4-29.
Figure 4-23: UMTS Coverage by Transmitter Prediction Study
Figure 4-24: UMTS Ec/Io Pilot Prediction Study
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Figure 4-25: UMTS Handover Prediction Study
Figure 4-26: UMTS Downlink Total Noise (Average Noise Level)
Figure 4-27: UMTS Downlink Eb/Nt (Maximum Eb/Nt)
Figure 4-28: UMTS Pilot Pollution (Polluter Number)
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Figure 4-29: HSDPA Study (Peak Rate)
4.5.5

For each prediction study, a report may be generated with various detail levels as defined by the user. Reports are
Figure 4-30: UMTS Prediction Study Report
4.5.6

o
o
o
114
different technologies). Figure 4-31 illustrates such a case by comparing a GSM and a UMTS
coverage. Note that, in this example, UMTS transmitters are installed on only some of the GSM
sites.
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Figure 4-31: Prediction Study Graphical Comparison (GSM versus UMTS Example)
4.5.7

Any prediction study may be exported in the following formats: Atoll format, ArcView format, MapInfo format, TIFF,
the exported attributes for a Pilot Ec/Io prediction plot.
Figure 4-32: MapInfo Prediction Study Attributes Export (UMTS)
4.5.8
Point Analysis Tool

A Real-time Prediction Analysis Tool is available. This tool uses the network configuration obtained from a Monte
Carlo simulation selected by the user. For each terminal type, mobility type, service type and carrier frequency
combination, pilot Ec/Io values are provided numerically and graphically for all cells.
is updated as the probe mobile is moved on the map window. Figure 4-33 shows the Point-to-point Analysis
window as well as its link to the map window.
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Real-time Active Set

Links Display
Active Set
Analysis Window
Pilot Ec/Io
Information
Figure 4-33: UMTS Point-to-point Real-time Analysis
4.6
HSPA
4.6.1
Overview
Atoll allows radio network planners to calculate and analyse the High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) feature of WCDMA technology. This feature can be analysed as a separate layer or in combination with Release 99 traffic. In the
later case is possible to estimate the impact of HSPA users on Release 99 users and vice versa.
4.6.2
HSPA Modeling
To model HSPA Atoll takes into account HSPA transport and physical channels, Fast Link Adaptation (AMC:
Adaptive modulation and coding), different modes of Power Allocation , Fast Retransmission Mechanism (H-ARQ)
and Fast Scheduler.
The following HSDPA aspects and setting are modelled in Atoll:
o
o
o
o
o
4.6.3
HSDPA/HSUPA cells
HSDPA/HSUPA bearers
HSDPA/ HSUPA UE categories
HSDPA Channel Quality Indicators
HSDPA/ HSUPA Quality Graphs
HSPA Studies
The studies related to HSDPA and HSUPA services help visualising the performance, capacity and
coveragennnnnn the network.
Besides the calculation for HSDPA service coverage availability Atoll provides the analysis for the quality of
provided service.
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Figure 4-34: CQI Prediction Study for HSDPA

HSUPA studies show the performance that can be achieved using this type of service ( see the example below):
Figure 4-35: RLC Peak Rate of HSUPA service
4.7
Neighbour and Scrambling Code Planning
4.7.1
4.7.1.1
Overview
Atoll supports the following neighbour types in a UMTS network configuration:
Intra-technology neighbours: Cells defined as neighbours, both using UMTS. Intra-technology

neighbours can be divided into:
- Intra-carrier neighbours: UMTS Cells defined as neighbours to which a call is handed over using the same
carrier.
- Inter-carrier neighbours: UMTS Cells defined as neighbours to which a call is handed over using a different
carrier.
o Inter-technology neighbours: Cells defined as neighbours which use a different technology
other than UMTS.
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o
o
o
4.7.1.2

section 4.7.1.3.

o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Minimum received pilot signal strength,

Minimum pilot Ec/Io,
Pilot Ec/Io margin,
Minimum area covered (overlapping area between the studied cell and its potential neighbour).
Importance ranges for coverage, adjacency and co-site factors.
Figure 4-36: Automatic Neighbour List Generation (UMTS)
4.7.1.3

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Figure 4-37: Neighbour Plan Graphical Edition (UMTS)
Figure 4-38 Neighbour Plan using Cell Best Server Plot
4.7.2
Scrambling Code Planning
4.7.2.1
Overview
Scrambling codes plans may be generated by any of the following means in Atoll:
o
o
o
Importing an external scrambling code plan (e.g. in Excel format),

Manually creating, editing and/or deleting a scrambling code plan,
Automatically producing a scrambling code plan as described in section 4.7.2.2.
Once created, scrambling code plan consistency may be verified in Atoll.
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4.7.2.2
Automatic Scrambling Code Planning Tool

There is an automatic scrambling code planning tool available in Atoll. Code allocation is based on cost fundtion.
The cost fuction takes into account several critiria. The following constraints are applied when running the automatic
planning algorithm:
o
o
o
o
o
Domain constraint: this is required to distinguish different zones,

Groups: it is possible to define scrambling code groups,
Exceptional pairs: it is possible to define cell pairs that cannot have the same scrambling code,
Reuse distance: a minimum reuse distance is defined (globally or on a cell basis),
Additional constraints such as minimum Ec/Io.
Four code allocation strategies are available:
o
o
o
o
Cluster strategy: scrambling codes are chosen among a minimum number of clusters, Atoll will
preferentially allocate all the codes from same cluster.
Distributed per cell strategy: scrambling codes are chosen among as many clusters as possible.
Atoll will preferentially allocate codes from different clusters.
One cluster per site allocation strategy: This strategy allocates one cluster to each site, then,
one code of the cluster to each cell of each site,
Distributed per site strategy: allocates a group of adjacent clusters to each site in the network,
then, one cluster to each transmitter of the site according to its azimuth and finally one code of
the cluster to each cell of each transmitter.
Figure 4-39 presents the automatic scrambling code allocation tool and Figure 4-40 gives an example of a
scrambling code allocation.
Figure 4-39: Automatic Scrambling Code Planning
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Figure 4-40: Scrambling Code Display
4.7.2.3
Scrambling Code Consistency Check Tool

A scrambling code consistency check tool is available in Atoll. This function enables the user to detect any
inconsistency once manual code changes are performed. In the picture below there are conditions that may be
verified during audit.
Figure 4-41: Scrambling code audit

Atoll can also display distribution histograms of scrambling codes / clusters.
4.7.2.4
Scrambling Code Interference Analysis

Point analysis tool has a tab dedicated to SC interference analysis. The user can study Ec/Io reception and find the
interfering cells using this tool.
Figure 4-1 Scrambling code interference analysis
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4.8
Automatic Cell Planning Module (Optional)
4.8.1
Overview and Principles

The Automatic Cell Planning (ACP) module enables radio engineers to automatically find the best network settings
to improve network quality both in terms of coverage and capacity. The following parameters may be allocated
automatically:
o
o
o
o
o
Antenna electical tilt,

Pilot power for each cell,
Antenna azimuth,
Mechanical tilt of the antenna,
Antenna model for each transmitter,
The ACP is primarily designed to improve existing networks by reconfiguring the main parameters that operators
can control remotely: antenna electrical tilt and cell pilot power. It can also be used during the initial planning stage
by allowing the selection of the antenna, its azimuth and mechanical tilt.
The Atoll ACP uses a cost function in order to determine the best parameters during the optimisation process. The
ACP is implemented using a taboo based algorithm. Its objective is to find the best parameters that minimise the
cost function.
The ACP performs a multi objective optimisation, optimising both the RSCP (Received Signal Code Power) and
Ec/Io (Pilot Signal Quality) coverage. An additional quality figure is available in order to minimise the interference
generated in the network for improving the network capacity.
In addition, the ACP enables to select the best sites and sectors to use thanks to the site selection process, as well
as the best antenna heights, by creating several similar sites with different antenna heights but at the same location.
The figure below gives an example of a new optimisation process to be created directly from the ACP folder.
Figure 4-42: ACP Main Folder
4.8.2
ACP Optimisation Organisation

ACP optimisations are managed through the ACP-Automatic Cell Planning folder in the Atoll Explorer window.
This folder is displayed in Figure 4-43.
Figure 4-43: ACP Optimisation Folder

The ACP-Automatic Celll Planning folder is made up of several setups. Each setup corresponds to a network
configuration for which a user-specified number of optimisations were generated. As an example, different setups
may correspond to different objective assumptions.
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4.8.3
ACP Parameters
An optimisation setup is organised in the following Tabs containing the user defined ACP parameters:
o
o
o
o
Optimisation : Number of iteration (maximum number of iterations for the algorithm), resolution
(for criterion evaluation during optimisation), minimum target for Ec/Io or RSCP objectives
(global or per clutter class), minimum area coverage for these objectives, weighting between
objective, hot spots (hot spot zones definition with specific quality target)
Trafic : trafic to be taken into acount or not during optimisation (surface -uniform trafic- or trafic
based optimisation). ACP supports all type of trafic maps located in the Geo Tab.
Reconfiguration : selection of cells and parameters to optimise (pilot power, antenna tilt, type
and azimuth), carrier, and zone (area definition containing cells to optimise)
Site Selection: status of site (existing or new -candidate-), site/cell removable or not, candidate
group definition,
Antenna groups: antenna group definition for best antenna selection within this group (for
antenna model or electrical tilt optimisation).
The following figures show the main dialog windows of an optimisation setup.
Figure 4-44: ACP Optimisation Parameter Definition
Figure 4-45: ACP Reconfiguration and Site Selection Windows (Extract only)
4.8.4
ACP Optimisation Results

The Atoll ACP outputs are presented in tables, with additional statistical reports and graphs showing optimisation
performances. The selected changes may be committed to the network database, or rolled back to its initial state.
The following outputs are available for analysing the optimisation results:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Forsk 2007
Statistics: duration of optimisation, RSCP and Ec/Io coverage quality (initial and final values),
absolute improvement (available for both computation and focus zone), relative improvement
for additional quality figure network quality and number of changes is also available.
Graphs: Curves of quality figures obtained while running the optimisation process.
Cells: list of changes sorted by cell, with cell improvement value for RSCP and EcIo.
Quality coverage plots: available for RSCP and Ec/Io (before and after optimisation), and for the
RSCP and Ec/Io relative gains. In addition an histogram is provided for both computation or
focus zones.
Change details: list changes ranked by improvement value, referenced with a Change order.
Cell results table: list of all changes with initial and final cell parameters. Modifications may be
commited in the network database, results being kept in optimisation scenario.
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The following figures show the main windows of an optimisation result.
Figure 4-46: ACP Statistics and Graph Windows (Extract only)
Figure 4-47: ACP Quality Coverage Plot Window (Ec/Io)
Figure 4-48: ACP Cell Result Window
4.9
GSM/UMTS Co-planning
4.9.1
GSM/GPRS/EDGE and UMTS Project Sharing

Two different projects (e.g. GSM/GPRS/EDGE and UMTS) may be loaded and visualised in the same Atoll
environment. All parameters (sites, transmitters, antennas, predictions) may be shared. Any change in one project
will be reflected in the other one. Atoll can be configured to handle antenna tilt syncronization on dual technology
projects. This feature enables co-planning of the two technologies.
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Figure 4-49 gives an example of the Explorer window with a GSM project linked in a UMTS project. In this example,
both, GSM and UMTS, equipment are deployed on some of the sites while some sites only support UMTS base
stations.
UMTS Only Sites

GSM & UMTS Sites
UMTS Only Transmitters
GSM & UMTS Transmitters
UMTS Predictions
GSM Predictions
Figure 4-49: GSM/UMTS Co-Planning Explorer Window

Figure 4-50 gives the snapshot of the previous example Map window. A GSM Best Server prediction study is
displayed in the UMTS project. Sites only supporting UMTS technology are therefore not included in this prediction.
UMTS Only
Sites
Figure 4-50: GSM UMTS Co-Planning Map Window
4.9.2
GSM/GPRS/EDGE and UMTS Prediction Study

Comparison
Any GSM/GPRS/EDGE prediction study (e.g. GSM/GPRS/EDGE voice coverage plot) may be compared on a pixelby-pixel basis with a UMTS prediction study (e.g. UMTS voice coverage plot) as detailed in section 4.5.6.
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4.9.3
Inter-Technology Neighbour Generation
4.9.3.1
Overview
Inter-technology neighbours (e.g. UMTS neighbours for GSM sites and vice-versa) may be generated by any of the
following means in Atoll:
o
o
o
4.9.3.2
Importing an external inter-technology neighbour plan (e.g. in Excel format),

Manually creating, editing and deleting a neighbour plan.
Automatic Inter-technology Neighbour Allocation

Inter-technology neighbour lists may be generated automatically in Atoll. For each cell of one technology (e.g.
UMTS), the potential neighbours of another technology (e.g. GSM) are ranked according to their importance. The
inter-technology neighbour planning algorithm considers the following user-specified parameters:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Minimum received pilot and BCCH signal strengths,

Minimum and maximum pilot Ec/Io,
HO and Ec/Io margins,
Forcing co-site cells as neighbours and/or exceptional inter-technology neighbour pairs is possible with Atoll.
Figure 4-51 displays the Automatic Inter-technology Neighbour Allocation dialog window.
Figure 4-51: Inter-Technology Neighbour Planning
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Figure 4-52: Neighbour Relations in Multi-technology Network
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Chapter 5
cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Features
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Chapter 5: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Features
cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Features
5.1
Overview
Atoll enables the radio design of cdmaOne, CDMA2000 1xRTT and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO (Rev.0 and Rev.A)
networks. For each of these technologies, Atoll is capable of predicting radio coverage per service, evaluating the
network capacity, generating neighbour lists, planning PN offset codes and co-planning between cdmaOne,
CDMA2000 1xRTT and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO networks.
In Atoll, the modelling of a cdmaOne/CDMA2000 network is based on a Monte Carlo simulator. This Monte Carlo
statistical engine simulates the power control algorithm for both, forward and reverse, links. It uses realistic user
distributions as input. These user distributions are generated from a network database (which models the network)
and from a Services and Users model, which is linked to traffic data (this association models the traffic). Note that
in case of CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, power control is only simulated in the reverse link while rate control is modelled in
the forward link.
cdmaOne/CDMA2000 service and analysis plots may be created from either Monte Carlo simulation results or from
a user-defined network load configuration. In addition, a neighbour list generation and a PN offset code planning
tools are available in Atoll. CdmaOne, CDMA2000 1xRTT and CDMA2000 1xEV-DO networks may be also planned
in the same project.
An overview of the cdmaOne/CDMA2000 modelling in Atoll is depicted in Figure 5-1.
Figure 5-1: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Network Modelling in Atoll
5.2
Network Database
The network database allows modelling cdmaOne/CDMA2000 network radio infrastructure. It is made up of the
following elements: antennas, sites, transmitters, cells, equipment and repeaters.
5.2.1
Antennas
o
o
o
o
Maximum Gain,
Beamwidth,
A default set of antennas is available in Atoll. Additional antennas may be created either by importing external
ASCII, MSI or Excel files, or by directly entering the parameters in the antenna properties window. Figure 5-2
presents the Antenna Properties window.
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5.2.2
Sites
A site represents a physical location where transmitters may be installed.
o
o
o
o
o
o
user),
Equipment (containing manufacturer specific parameters),
Number of Channel Elements available for both, forward and reverse, links,
Number of EV-DO Channel Elements (only used with CDMA2000 1xEV-DO).
Figure 5-3: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Site Properties Window
5.2.3
Transmitters
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
132

Antenna,
Height,
Azimuth,
Noise Figure,
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o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Reception losses,
Feeder type,
BTS Type,
Receiver Antenna Diversity Gain,
Figure 5-4: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Transmitter Properties Window
5.2.4
Cells
Atoll supports cdmaOne/CDMA2000 multi-carrier network configuration. For this purpose a cell element has been
defined in the Atoll cdmaOne/CDMA2000 database. A cell is a transmitter associated to a frequency. Therefore a
transmitter carries as many cells as the number of frequency it supports. Each cell has its own radio parameters.
The cell parameters are:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Forsk 2008
The cell name, transmitter and carrier frequency which the cell refers to,
The cell PN Offset,
Inputs used by the PN Offset planning algorithm. They are the PN Offset domain to which the
allocated PN Offset belongs and the PN Offset reuse distance.
The DL maximum power available,
All the values defining the transmitted signal level such as the pilot power, the synchronisation
power and the paging power. According to the option selected in the global parameters dialog,
the synchronisation and paging channels powers can be either absolute values, or values
relative to the pilot power,
The DL total power: this is the total transmitted power on downlink.
The uplink cell load factor: this factor corresponds to the ratio between the uplink total
interference and the uplink total noise,
The maximum uplink load factor: this is the maximum load factor that the cell must not exceed
on uplink. This cell limit may be taken into account during the simulation.
The maximum downlink load: this is the maximum percentage of used power that the cell must
not exceed (the percentage of used power is defined as the ratio between the downlink
transmitted power and the maximum power). This limit may be taken into account during the
simulation.
The idle power gain (only used with EV-DO Rev.0 and Rev.A). This is the gain applied to the
DL power when there is no active user connected to the cell. It must be a negative value.
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o
o
o
o
o
o
The Multi-User Gain input graph of gain as a function of the number of users (only used with
EV-DO Rev.0 and Rev.A). The average cell throughput is higher in a multi-user case than in a
single user situation. This effect is modelled by the MUG graph,
The DRC error rate (only used with EV-DO Rev.0 and Rev.A): The Data Rate Control (DRC)
Channel from one mobile may be received by the cell as an error. In this case, the mobile is not
scheduled for data transmission. This parameter represents the error rate (%) received by the
cell on the DRC channel; it is taken into account during the rate control when Atoll calculates
the cell average downlink throughput.
The noise rise threshold and the acceptable noise rise margin (only used with EV-DO Rev.0
and Rev.A): Both parameters are considered in the simulation during uplink congestion; Atoll
controls that the cell uplink noise rise is between the noise rise threshold plus the margin and
the noise rise threshold minus the margin.
BCMCS related information (only used with EV-DO Rev.A): You may define the BCMCS rate
(two rates are possible, 204.8 kbps and 409.6 kbps), the percentage of timeslots dedicated to
BCMCS channels and the percentage of timeslots dedicated to control, pilot and ACK channels.
These parameters are taken into account during the rate control when Atoll calculates the cell
average downlink throughput.
Power reserved for pooling.
The neighbour list,
Inputs used by the intra-technology neighbour allocation algorithm such as the maximum
numbers of intra-carrier and inter-carrier neighbours,
Inputs used by the inter-technology neighbour allocation algorithm such as the maximum
numbers of inter-technology neighbours,
Figure 5-5 presents an example of a transmitter supporting two cells: one with carrier 0 and the other one with
carrier 1.
Figure 5-5: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Cell Parameters Tab

Atoll also can model the intercarier interferences. An intercarier interference factor must be defined for every pair fo
carriers if such an effect is desired to be taken into account.
5.2.5
Site Templates
A Site Template is made up of a transmitter or a group of transmitters (and their attached cells) located on the
same site. Site templates may be created, edited and deleted in Atoll. Building a network is facilitated by working
with site templates rather than single sites/transmitters/cells. The default cdmaOne project site templates are:
Rural (3 sectors), Suburban (3 sectors), Urban (3 sectors) and Dense Urban (3 sectors). The default CDMA2000
project site templates are: Rural 1xRTT, Suburban 1xRTT, Urban 1xRTT, Dense Urban 1xRTT, Urban 1xEV-DO
and Dense Urban 1xEV-DO.
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5.2.6
Equipment
5.2.6.1
Overview
Atoll provides the option to define various radio equipment. BTS, feeder and Tower Mounted Amplifier may be
defined. These parameters may be used for calculating different transmitter parameters such as transmission
losses, receiver losses, noise figure, receiver diversity gain... In addition, site equipment and their corresponding
channel element consumption information may be specified. This data is useful for dimensioning the network.
5.2.6.2
BTS
A noise figure value is specified for each BTS type.
5.2.6.3
Feeder
type.
5.2.6.4

5.2.6.5
Site Equipment
The following parameters define the equipment for each site:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Manufacturer name,
Multi-User Detection factor,
Rake factor. This parameter is used in the reverse link rake receiver modelling,
Carrier selection method. Four options are available when assigning a carrier to a requesting
user: the carrier with minimum forward link total power, the carrier with minimum reverse link
noise, random carrier or sequential,
Overhead channel elements used in both, forward and reverse, links,
Option to share the Channel Elements between different transmitters of the same BTS,
Option to restrict the active set to the neighbours only.
For each site equipment, the channel element consumption is defined per Radio Configuration (RC) type. Figure 5-6
gives the example of such a definition table.
Figure 5-6: Channel Elements Consumption per Radio Configuration (RC) Type
5.2.7
Repeaters
range. Atoll models RF repeater; optic fibre repeater and microwave repeater.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
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Donor Transmitter,
Antenna,
Height,
Azimuth,
Total Gain,
Equipment,
Amplifier Gain,
Feeder Type,
Feeder Length,
Propagation Model.
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Figure 5-7 presents the Repeater properties window while Figure 5-8 gives an example of a best server prediction
plot with a repeater.
RF Repeater
Donor
Transmitter
5.3
Traffic Modelling
5.3.1
Overview
In a cdmaOne/CDMA2000 network, service areas depend on both, forward and reverse, link air interface traffic. In
Atoll, the air interface traffic is modelled by using a Monte Carlo statistical approach. Realistic distribution of users
are actually generated and then used as input to the power control algorithm (or rate control algorithm for the EVDO forward link). Creation of these user distributions requires service and user modelling and traffic cartography
(traffic data) as input.
5.3.2

o
o
136

The Mobility Type,
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o
o

The cdmaOne/CDMA2000 traffic modelling structure is depicted in Figure 5-9.
Figure 5-9: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Structure Database
5.3.2.1
Terminals
The terminal table describes the terminals that may be used in the network. Default settings are:
o
o
For cdmaOne: Radio Configuration 1 (RC1) and RC2,

For CDMA2000: RC1, RC2, RC3, RC4, RC5 and EV-DO Handset.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Antenna Gain,
Reception Loss,
Active Set Size,
Forward link Rake Factor,
Number of fingers,
Nominal rate for the forward and reverse links,
Active Set size for the Fundamental Channel (FCH) and the Supplemental Channel (SCH),
The minimum percentage of pilot power transmitted even when mobile is idle.

In addition, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO terminals have the following specific set of parameters:
o
o
o
Acknowledgment (ACK) Gain. It is the gain relative to the reverse link pilot power for the ACK
channel,
Data Rate Control (DRC) Gains. These are the gains relative to the reverse link pilot power for
the Data Rate Control channel,
Data Channel Gains. These gains are relative to the reverse link pilot power for the Data
channel.
Figure 5-11 shows the EV-DO Terminal specific parameter window.
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Figure 5-11: EV-DO Terminal Specific Parameters
Figure 5-12 1xEV-DO Rev. A paramters
5.3.2.2
Mobility Types
The Mobility Type defines the following parameters for different user speeds:
o
o
o
o
138
Pilot Ec/Io Threshold for the transmitter to be included in the active set, T_ADD,
Pilot Ec/Io Threshold for the transmitter to be removed from the active set, T_DROP,
Minimum Pilot Ec/Nt for the reverse link (EV-DO only),
Graph of Forward Data Rate as a function of C/I (EV-DO only). Figure 5-13 gives such an
example.
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Figure 5-13: Forward Data Rate as a function of C/I (CDMA2000 EV-DO rev.A)
5.3.2.3
Services
The Service table describes the services that are available in the network. Both, circuit-switched and packetswitched, services are supported. The Service parameters are:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Type: voice, 1xRTT data or 1X EV-DO data.

Reverse link Coding Factor. It corresponds to the data rate increase due to coding in the
reverse link,
Forward link Coding Factor. It corresponds to the data rate increase due to coding in the
forward link,
Soft Handover supported or not,
Priority Level,
Body Loss,
FCH Reverse link activity factor,
FCH Forward link activity factor,
Time percentage distribution of different SCH rates for the reverse and forward links
(CDMA2000 only). An example is provided in Table 5-1,
FCH + 2*SCH
FCH + 4*SCH
FCH + 8*SCH
FCH + 16*SCH
Reverse link
30%
20%
10%
5%
Forward link
30%
20%
10%
5%
Table 5-1: SCH Rate Probability
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o
Forsk 2008
Eb/Nt required for the reverse link and the forward link. This parameter is defined per terminal
type and per SCH rate (not used with EV-DO),
Minimum and maximum forward link traffic power. This parameter is defined per terminal type
and per SCH rate (not used with EV-DO). Table 5-2 shows an example for a CDMA2000
1xRTT project.
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Terminal
SCH rate
multiple
Reverse link
Eb/Nt
Forward link
Eb/Nt
RC1
14
34
4.5
4.5
RC2
14
34
4.5
4.5
RC3
14
34
4.5
4.5
15
35
3.5
3.5
16
36
17
37
2.7
2.7
16
18
38
2.5
2.5
14
34
4.5
4.5
15
35
3.5
3.5
16
36
17
37
2.7
2.7
16
18
38
2.5
2.5
14
34
4.5
4.5
15
35
3.5
3.5
16
36
17
37
2.7
2.7
16
18
38
2.5
2.5
RC4
RC5
TCH Min Power TCH Max Power
Table 5-2: Required Eb/Nt and TCH Power Settings (CDMA2000 1xRTT example)
5.3.2.4
User Profiles
The user profile table models the behaviour of the different user categories. Every user profile contains a list of
User Profile parameters are:
o
o
o

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5.3.3
Traffic Data
5.3.4

Realistic distributions of users on the map are required as inputs to the cdmaOne/CDMA2000 simulation algorithm.
A Realistic User Distribution corresponds to a user distribution that complies with the service and user modelling
and the traffic data. Atoll generates these user distributions using a Monte Carlo (statistical) algorithm.
5.4
cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Monte Carlo Simulation
5.4.1
Overview
A cdmaOne/CDMA2000 1xRTT network automatically regulates itself by performing power control in both, forward
and reverse, links. The objective is to minimise interference and maximise network capacity. Atoll simulates this
network regulation mechanism. It calculates, for each user distribution (called a random trial), the different network
parameters such as active set for each mobile, mobile required power, soft handover gains, etc As outputs, Atoll
provides the two following parameters characterizing the stabilized network:
o
o
The total forward link power per cell,

The reverse link load per cell.
A CDMA2000 1xEV-DO network uses power control in the reverse link and rate control in the forward link. Atoll
simulates these two mechanisms. It calculates, for each user distribution (called a random trial) the different network
parameters such as active set for each mobile, mobile required power, soft handover gains, etc As outputs, Atoll
provides the two following parameters characterizing the stabilized network:
o
o
The forward link throughput per cell,

The reverse link load per cell.
cdmaOne and CDMA2000 Monte Carlo simulations may be analysed, displayed and stored. They may be used in a
next step to generate numerous prediction studies.
5.4.2
A simulation in Atoll corresponds to a given distribution of users. It is a snapshot of a cdmaOne/CDMA2000
network.
5.4.3
cdmaOne Power Control Simulation Algorithm
5.4.3.1
Overview
that models power control on both, forward and reverse, links. The starting point is the power parameters generated
by the preceding iteration. This iterative process ends when the network is balanced, i.e. when the convergence
criterion is satisfied.
Figure 5-16 exhibits an overview of the power control algorithm for a cdmaOne network.
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Figure 5-16: cdmaOne Power Control Algorithm Overview
5.4.3.2
Detailed Algorithm
o
Initialisation
The network is initialised as empty: there is no mobile connected to any transmitter when
starting
a
simulation.
Step 1 to step 5 are repeated for each mobile of the generated user distribution.

condition is not satisfied or the reverse link load factor is higher than the specified limit.
Reverse link Power Control
The mobile transmit power is calculated. It corresponds to the power required to satisfy the reverse link
Eb/Nt requirement. The mobile is rejected if the calculated required transmit power is higher than the
maximum mobile output power.
Forward link Power Control
The transmitter traffic channel power is calculated. It corresponds to the power required to satisfy the
forward link Eb/Nt requirement. No handover and handover situations are handled in different ways. The
mobile is rejected if the calculated traffic channel power is higher than the maximum traffic channel power
allowed.
Reverse link and Forward link Interference Update
The reverse link load factor and total forward link transmit power are updated with these results.
Congestion And Radio Resource Control

- Reverse link load factor higher than the specified limit,
- Total Forward link Transmit Power higher than the Maximum Total Forward link Transmit Power,
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- Number of Walsh codes insufficient,
- Number of Channel Elements available insufficient.
Convergence Study
reached or both, forward and reverse, links criteria are verified. Figure 5-17 shows the Simulation Convergence
Criteria window.
Figure 5-17: cdmaOne Simulation Convergence Criteria

Simulation Results
A simulation main outputs are:
o
o
The total forward link transmit power for each cell,

The reverse link cell load for each cell.
Note that numerous other parameters (interference values, mobile positions, handover status ) are available and
stored during the simulation for further analysis. Please refer to section 4.4.5.2 for further information.
5.4.4
CDMA2000 1xRTT Power Control Simulation Algorithm
5.4.4.1
Overview
that models power control on both, forward and reverse, links. The starting point is the power parameters generated
by the preceding iteration. This iterative process ends when the network is balanced, i.e. when the convergence
criterion is satisfied.
Figure 5-18 exhibits an overview of the power control algorithm for a CDMA2000 1xRTT network.
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Figure 5-18: CDMA2000 1xRTT Power Control Algorithm Overview
5.4.4.2
Detailed Algorithm
o
Initialisation
starting
a
simulation.

condition is not satisfied or the reverse link load factor is higher than the specified limit.
FCH Reverse link Power Control
The mobile FCH transmit power is calculated. It corresponds to the power required to satisfy the FCH
reverse link Eb/Nt requirement. The mobile is rejected if the calculated required transmit power is higher
than the maximum mobile output power allowed.
SCH Reverse link Power Control
The mobile SCH transmit power is calculated. It corresponds to the power required to satisfy the SCH
reverse link Eb/Nt requirement. The SCH data rate is downgraded if the calculated required transmit power
is higher than the maximum mobile output power allowed. The downgrading is performed until the link
reaches its quality target knowing the mobile available output power. If the lowest data rate cannot be
provided, then no reverse SCH is allocated to the mobile.
FCH Forward link Power Control
The transmitter FCH power is calculated. It corresponds to the power required to satisfy the FCH forward
link Eb/Nt requirement. No handover and handover situations are handled in different ways. The mobile
is rejected if the calculated traffic channel power is higher than the maximum traffic channel power allowed.
SCH Forward link Power Control
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The transmitter SCH power is calculated. It corresponds to the power required to satisfy the SCH forward
link Eb/Nt requirement. No handover and handover situations are handled in different ways. The SCH
data rate is downgraded if the calculated traffic channel power is higher than the maximum traffic channel
power available. The downgrading is performed until the link reaches its quality target. If the lowest data
rate cannot be provided, then no forward SCH is allocated to the mobile.
Reverse link and Forward link Interference Update
The reverse link load factor and total forward link transmit power are updated with these results.
o SCH Congestion And Radio Resource Control

SCH are not allocated if any of the following situations occur:
Reverse link load factor higher than the specified limit,
Total Forward link Transmit Power higher than the Maximum Total Forward link Transmit Power,
Number of Walsh codes insufficient,
Number of Channel Elements available insufficient.
o FCH Congestion And Radio Resource Control
FCH is not allocated (and the mobile is then rejected) if any of the following situations occur:
Reverse link load factor higher than the specified limit,
Total Forward link Transmit Power higher than the Maximum Total Forward link Transmit Power,
Number of Walsh codes insufficient,
Number of Channel Elements available insufficient.
o
Convergence Study
reached or both, forward and reverse, links criteria are verified. Figure 5-19 shows the Simulation Convergence
Criteria window.
Figure 5-19: CDMA2000 1xRTT Simulation Convergence Criteria

Simulation Results
Simulation main outputs are:
o
o
The total forward link transmit power for each cell,

5.4.5
CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Monte Carlo Simulation Algorithm
5.4.5.1
Overview
In a CDMA2000 1xEV-DO system, the reverse link supports power control but the forward link does not. When a
forward link connexion is established the transmitter transmits at full power. Instead of power control, there is a rate
control based on C/I ratio computed at the mobile. For each distribution of users, Atoll simulates the power control
mechanism for the reverse link and the rate control algorithm for the forward link. The simulation uses an iterative
algorithm in which the starting point is the power parameters generated by the preceding iteration. This iterative
process ends when the network is balanced, i.e. when the convergence criterion is satisfied.
Figure 5-20 exhibits an overview of the Monte Carlo simulation algorithm for a CDMA2000 1xEV-DO network.
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Figure 5-20: CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Simulation Algorithm Overview
5.4.5.2
Detailed Algorithm
o
Initialisation
starting
each
simulation.

condition is not satisfied or the reverse link load factor higher than the specified limit.
Reverse link Power Control
The mobile transmit power is calculated. It corresponds to the power required to satisfy the reverse link
Eb/Nt requirement. The data rate is downgraded if the calculated required transmit power is higher than the
maximum mobile output power. The downgrading is performed until the link reaches its quality target
knowing the mobile available output power. If the lowest data rate cannot be provided, then the mobile is
rejected.
Reverse link Interference Update
The reverse link load factor is updated with these results.
o Forward link Rate Control

Ec/Nt (during pilot time slot) is calculated. Based on this value, the maximum offered rate is derived for the
mobile. Based on the number of mobiles connected and the Multi-User Gain functions, the total throughput
per transmitter is derived. In addition, the forward link actual rate per mobile is estimated.
o
146
Convergence Study
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The previous iterations are repeated until the simulation convergence criteria are satisfied: either the maximum
number of iterations is reached or both, forward and reverse, links criteria are verified.
Simulation Results
The simulation main outputs are:
o
o
The forward link throughput for each cell,

5.4.6
5.4.6.1
cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Simulation Organisation

cdmaOne/CDMA2000 simulations are managed through the cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Simulations folder in the Atoll
Explorer window. This folder is displayed in Figure 5-21.
Figure 5-21: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Simulations Folder (Extract Only)

The cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Simulation folder is made up of several groups. Each group corresponds to a network
configuration for which a user-specified number of Monte Carlo simulations were generated. As an example,
different groups may correspond to different traffic assumptions.
5.4.6.2

o
o
o
o
o
o

The Cell Constraints to be used in the simulations: cell load, number of Walsh codes, number of
channel elements and total forward link transmit power,
The Traffic map(s) used,
The Simulation Generator Initialisation,
The Convergence Criteria: maximum number of iterations per simulation, reverse link
convergence threshold criterion, forward link convergence threshold criterion.
The corresponding user interface window is shown in Figure 5-22.
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Figure 5-22: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Simulations Generation
5.4.7

5.4.7.1
5.4.7.1.1
Mobile Status Graphical Display

representative colours for their status. The different possible statuses are:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
148
Connect DL + UL: the mobile is connected on both, forward and reverse, links,
Connect UL: the mobile is connected on reverse link only,
Connect DL: the mobile is connected on forward link only,
Inactive: the mobile is inactive,
Pmob>PmobMax: the mobile is rejected during the Reverse link Power Control Step as its
required reverse link transmitter power is higher than the maximum mobile transmit power,
Ptch>PtchMax: the mobile is rejected during the Forward link Power Control Step as the
required forward link traffic channel power is higher than the maximum forward link traffic
channel power,
Admission Rejection: the mobile is rejected during the Best Server Determination Step as the
reverse link cell load would be higher than the maximum allowed,
Load Saturation: the mobile is rejected during the Congestion and Radio Resource Control
Step as the reverse link cell load would be higher than the maximum allowed,
Channel Elements Saturation: the mobile is rejected during the Congestion and Radio
Resource Control Step as there are not enough channel elements available,
Cell Power Saturation: the mobile is rejected during the Congestion and Radio Resource
Control Step as the forward link total power is higher than the maximum allowed,
Code Saturation: the mobile is rejected during the Congestion and Radio Resource Control
Step as there are not enough Walsh codes available,
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o
o
1xEV-DO Resource Saturation: the mobile is rejected as there are not enough EV-DO channel
elements available,
Ec/Io<(Ec/Io)min: the mobile is rejected during the Best Server Determination Phase as the
Best Server Ec/Io is less than the minimum required.
Figure 5-23: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Simulations Graphical Display
5.4.7.1.2
Individual Mobile Results Graphical Display

Figure 5-24: Terminal Simulation Results Display Using the Tips Tool (cdmaOne/CDMA2000)
5.4.7.2
Simulation Reports
Atoll has the capability to generate simulation reports for a particular simulation or for a group of simulations.
5.4.7.2.1
Single Simulation Reports

A report is available for each simulation. This report contains information about the Simulation Statistics, Sites
Parameters, Cells Parameters, Mobiles and Initial Simulation Conditions as given in Figure 5-25.
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Figure 5-25: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Single Simulation Report (extract only)

o
o
o
o
o
o
service; total users actually connected and the corresponding break-up per service,
Sites Parameters: channel elements consumed (total and due to soft handover) for both FCH
and SCH and the throughput allocated per service type. All these parameters are given for
both, forward and reverse, links,
Cells (1xRTT) Parameters: forward link transmit power related information (total power, load
factor, percentage of power used, average traffic channel power), reverse link mobile power
related information (total noise, load factor, noise rise, reuse factor), number of radio reverse
links, percentage of areas in handover (distinction made between soft, softer and other
handover types), throughput allocated to forward and reverse links, number of mobile rejections
split per rejection reason. When relevant, split between FCH and SCH results is provided.
Cells (EV-DO) Parameters: forward link allocated throughput, reverse link mobile power related
information (total noise, load factor, noise rise, reuse factor), number of radio links for reverse
and forward links, number of Walsh codes used, percentage of areas in handover (distinction
made between soft, softer and other handover types), throughput allocated to forward and
reverse links, number of mobile rejections split per rejection reason.
Mobiles (1xRTT): geographic location, terminal type, user type, mobility, connection status,
carrier, requested and allocated throughputs for both, forward and reverse, links, mobile total
power, mobile FCH power, mobile SCH power, best server, active set information.
Mobiles (EV-DO): geographic location, terminal type, user type, mobility, connection status,
carrier, reverse link requested and allocated throughputs, forward link maximum throughput,
best server, active set information.
Initial Simulation Conditions
An option is available to display more detailed results. This extra information includes for each mobile:
o
o
5.4.7.2.2
The detailed parameters values for each member of the active set (noise values, interference
values ),
The shadowing loss values for each path from a mobile to its 10 first best servers.
Simulation Group Reports

contains:
o
o
150

Cell Parameters: average values obtained from all simulation results as well as the
corresponding standard deviation for each parameter value. The same kind of results is
provided separately for CDMA2000 1xEV-DO.
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Figure 5-26: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Group of Simulations Report (Extract Only)
5.4.7.2.3
Committing Results
average or from a single simulation. Total transmit power and cell load values for all cells in the network radio
database are then updated with the results generated by the considered simulation(s).
5.4.7.2.4
Exporting Results
5.5
cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Prediction Studies
5.5.1

Examples of cdmaOne/CDMA2000 prediction studies are Ec/Io plot, handover status plot For each pixel, Atoll
calculates the required information. This data is then graphically represented by a colour according to a userspecified legend. Different display options are available in Atoll, depending on the data shown and on the users
choice (unique, discrete values or interval values). The prediction studies can be stored internally or externally of the
Atoll document. Sharing the prediction studies is also possible.
5.5.2

cdmaOne/CDMA2000 prediction studies may be generated either from Monte Carlo simulation results or from a
user-defined network load configuration (reverse link cell load and total forward link transmit power for all the cells).
Three different kinds of prediction studies are available in Atoll. The first two prediction types are based on Monte
Carlo simulation results while the third prediction type is based on a user-defined network load configuration. Each
prediction study type is described hereafter.
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Prediction studies based on an average of Monte Carlo simulations (or on a single Monte Carlo
simulation). These studies give a network picture for an average of a group of simulations.
These studies are available for each combination of service, mobility type, frequency and
terminal type. These predictions may also be generated from a single Monte Carlo simulation.
Prediction studies based on a number of Monte Carlo simulations. These studies provide a
probability-based picture of the network. For example, a service area where a service criterion
is achieved for more than x% of the time may be calculated. The probability is calculated for
each bin by assessing how many times the criterion is satisfied by the predictions based on
each simulation. These studies are available for each combination of service, mobility type,
frequency and terminal type.
Predictions studies based on a user-defined network load configuration. These prediction
studies give a picture of the network under the load assumptions provided by the user. No
previous Monte Carlo simulations are required. This option is therefore less time consuming
than the other two prediction study types. A quick assessment of the network behaviour may be
performed. Note that this feature also enables the user to generate prediction studies for large
areas, based on Monte Carlo simulations generated by different users.
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5.5.3

specified as inputs to the prediction study. The power control algorithm (refer to section 5.4.3 for cdmaOne and
section 5.4.4 for CDMA2000) is then performed only for the probe mobile in order to calculate its output power and
active set. This virtual mobile is supposed not to contribute to interference.
Predictions are stored as objects in the explorer Predictions folder and may be displayed as layers in the map
window.
5.5.4

The cdmaOne/CDMA2000 prediction studies available are listed in Table 5-3. For each prediction study type, the
parameters, which may be displayed, are presented in the same table.
Displayed Parameter
Transmitter

Pathloss (dB)
Overlapping Zones
Number of Servers
Forward link Total Noise
Minimum Noise Level

Average Noise Level
Maximum Noise Level
Minimum Noise Rise
Average Noise Rise
Maximum Noise Rise
Pilot Reception Analysis (Ec/Io)
Ec/Io
Ec/Io Margin
Reliability Level
Service Area (Eb/Nt) Forward link
Eb/Nt Margin
Effective Eb/Nt
Maximum Eb/Nt
Required Power
Reliability Level
Rate
Service Area (Eb/Nt) Reverse link
Eb/Nt Margin
Effective Eb/Nt
Maximum Eb/Nt
Required Power
Rate
Effective Service Area
Reliability Level
Handover status
Potential Active Transmitter Number
Pilot pollution
Polluter Number
PN Offset Interference Zones
Zones covered by the same PN offset
Table 5-3: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Prediction Study Types
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The first three prediction studies (coverage by transmitter, coverage by signal level and overlapping zones) do not
require any Monte Carlo simulation. They are based on pilot signal strength information only and, therefore, do not
involve any network load aspects. The remaining prediction studies are available for each service, mobility type,
terminal equipment and frequency.
Miscellaneous cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Prediction Study Plots are shown in Figure 5-27 to Figure 5-29.
Figure 5-27: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Coverage by Transmitter Prediction Study
Figure 5-28: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Ec/Io Pilot Prediction Study
Figure 5-29: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Effective Service Area
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5.5.4.1
Technology Specific Examples

This section provides examples of customized prediction studies for cdmaOne, CDMA2000 1xRTT and CDMA2000
1xEV-DO technologies.
5.5.4.1.1
cdmaOne Examples
Figure 5-30 presents an example of a Pilot Pollution prediction study for a cdmaOne network and Figure 5-31 shows
a Handover Prediction Study.
Figure 5-30: cdmaOne Pilot Pollution (Polluter Number)
Figure 5-31: cdmaOne Handover Prediction Study
5.5.4.1.2
CDMA2000 1xRTT Examples

Figure 5-32 and Figure 5-33 present a Handover Prediction Study and a Forward link Prediction Study for a
CDMA2000 1xRTT configuration respectively.
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Figure 5-32: CDMA2000 1xRTT Handover Prediction Study
Figure 5-33: CDMA2000 1xRTT Forward link Total Noise (Maximum Noise Level)
5.5.4.1.3
CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Examples

A Service Area Prediction study for a CDMA2000 1xEV-DO network is depicted in Figure 5-34 while Figure 5-35
shows a Reverse link Eb/Nt Prediction study.
Figure 5-34: CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Service Area (Rate) Prediction Study
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Figure 5-35: CDMA2000 1xEV-DO Reverse link Eb/Nt Prediction Study
5.5.5

Figure 5-36: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Prediction Study Report
5.5.6

o
o
o
156
determine which zones are uplink/downlink limited for that particular service. Figure 5-37
illustrates such a situation.
To compare service area coverage plots between two networks deployment scenarios with
different technologies (e.g. cdmaOne versus CDMA2000 1xRTT).
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Figure 5-37: Prediction Study Graphical Comparison (Uplink Coverage versus Downlink Coverage)
5.5.7

Any prediction study may be exported in the following formats: Atoll format, ArcView format, MapInfo format, .TIFF,
the exported attributes for a CDMA2000 1xRTT Reverse Link Eb/Nt prediction plot.
Figure 5-38: MapInfo Prediction Study Attributes Export (cdmaOne/CDMA2000)
5.5.8
Point Analysis Tool

A Real-time Prediction Analysis Tool is available. This tool uses the network configuration obtained from a Monte
Carlo simulation selected by the user. For each terminal type, mobility type, service type, carrier frequency
combination, forward link rate and reverse link rate, pilot Ec/Io values are provided numerically and graphically for
all cells.
is updated as the probe mobile is moved on the map window. Figure 5-39 shows the Point-to-point Analysis
window as well as its link to the map window.
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Real-time Active Set

Links Display
Analysis Parameters
Pilot Ec/Io
Information
Active Set Analysis
Window
Figure 5-39: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 Point-to-point Real-time Analysis
5.6
Neighbour and PN Offset Planning
5.6.1
5.6.1.1
Overview
Atoll supports the following neighbour types in a cdmaOne/CDMA2000 network configuration:
o
o
o
Intra-carrier neighbours: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 cells defined as neighbours to which a call is

handed over using the same carrier.
Inter-carrier neighbours: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 cells defined as neighbours to which a call is
handed over using a different carrier.
Inter-technology neighbours: cdmaOne/CDMA2000 cells defined as neighbours which use a
different technology other than cdmaOne/CDMA2000.
o
o
o
5.6.1.2

section
5.6.1.3.

o
o
o
o
o
o

Minimum pilot Ec/Io,
Pilot Ec/Io margin,
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Figure 5-40: Automatic Neighbour List Generation (cdmaOne/CDMA2000)
5.6.1.3

Figure 5-41: Neighbour Plan Graphical Edition (cdmaOne/CDMA2000)
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Figure 5-42: Neighbour Plan using Cell Best Server Plot
5.6.2
PN Offset Code Planning
5.6.2.1
Overview
PN offset codes may be planned by any of the following means in Atoll:
o
o
o
Importing an external PN offset code plan (e.g. in Excel format),

Manually creating, editing and/or deleting a PN offset code plan,
Automatically producing a PN offset code plan as described in section 5.6.2.2.
Once created, PN offset code plan consistency may be verified in Atoll.
5.6.2.2
Automatic PN Offset Planning Tool

An automatic PN Offset planning tool is available in Atoll. The following allocation strategies can be used for
planning:
o
o
o
PN Offset per cell

Adjuscent PN Offset clusters per site
Distributed PN Offset clusters per site
The PN Offset algorithm is based on cost function. The cost function takes into account several criteria. The
following constraints are applied when running the automatic planning algorithm:
o
o
o
o
o
Domain constraint: this is required to distinguish different zones,

Groups: it is possible to define PN offset groups,
Exceptional pairs: it is possible to define cell pairs that cannot have the same PN offset,
Reuse distance: a minimum reuse distance is defined,
Additional constraints such as minimum Ec/Io.
Figure 5-43 presents the automatic PN offset allocation tool dialog.
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Figure 5-43: Automatic PN Offset Planning (cdmaOne/CDMA2000)
Figure 5-44: PN Offset Display

Atoll can also display the PN offset code distribution as a histogram. An example is shown below:
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Figure 5-45 PN Offset distribution histogram
5.6.2.3
PN Offset Consistency Check Tool

A PN offset consistency check tool is available in Atoll. This function enables the user to detect any inconsistency
once manual code changes are performed. Any of the following conditions may be checked against:
o
o
o
o
5.6.2.4
Neighbours and second order neighbours,

Exceptional pairs,
Minimum distance,
Domains.
PN offset interference analysis

Point analysis tool has a tab dedicated to PN offset interference analysis. The user can study Ec/Io reception and
find the interfering cells using this tool.
Figure 5-1 PN offset code interference analysis
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Chapter 6
WiMAX BWA Features
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Chapter 6: WiMAX BWA Features
WiMAX BWA Features
6.1
Overview
WiMAX (Wireless Interoperability for Microwave Access) refers to a group of broadband wireless access (BWA)
standards which use OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) and SOFDMA (Scalable Orthogonal
Frequency Division Multiple Access) technologies. The WiMAX air interface is described in the IEEE 802.16d and
the IEEE 802.16e standards. The 802.16d standard is the complete specification for fixed broadband wireless
access networks using OFDM, and the 802.16e specifications describe mobile broadband wireless access networks
using SOFDMA which support handovers and user terminal speeds of up to 100 km/hr.
Atoll allows you to design IEEE 802.16d and IEEE 802.16e broadband wireless access networks. Two separate
document templates, named WiMAX 802.16d and WiMAX 802.16e, are available for designing and planning these
networks. Atoll can predict radio coverage, manage mobile and fixed subscriber data, and evaluate network
capacity.
Atoll enables you to model fixed and mobile users in WiMAX environments. The data input corresponding to fixed
subscribers, which is an important requirement of fixed wireless access networks, is modelled using a subscriber
database integrated in the module. You can carry out calculations on fixed subscriber locations as well as base your
calculations on mobile user scenarios during Monte Carlo simulations. You can also perform interference
predictions, resource allocation, and other calculations on mobile users.
Atoll uses Monte Carlo simulations to generate realistic network scenarios (snap-shots) and uses a Monte Carlo
statistical engine to simulate the scheduling and resource allocation algorithm. Realistic user distributions can be
generated using different types of traffic maps or subscriber data. Atoll uses realistic user distributions as input for
simulations. These user distributions are generated from a network database (which models the WiMAX network)
and from a Services and Users model, which is linked to traffic data (this association models the traffic).
WiMAX service and analysis plots can be created from either Monte Carlo simulation results or from a user-defined
network load configuration (uplink and downlink traffic loads and uplink noise rise).
Coverage predictions can be created to study the following parameters:
o
o
o
o
The signal level received from cells

The carrier-to-interference-and-noise ratio
The radio bearer coverage
The channel throughput per pixel
An overview of the WiMAX modelling in Atoll is depicted in Figure 6-1.
Figure 6-1: WiMAX Network Modelling In Atoll
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6.2
Network Database
The network database allows modelling WiMAX network radio infrastructure. It is made up of the following elements:
antennas, sites, transmitters, cells, and equipment.
6.2.1
Antennas
o
o
o
o
Maximum Gain,
Beamwidth,
Antenna Properties window.

Secondary antennas can also be added to a transmitter. These antennas are also displayed and managed in the
same manner as main antennas on the screen.
6.2.2
Sites
A site represents a physical location where base stations may be installed.
Figure 6-3: WiMAX Site Properties Window

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o
o
o
6.2.3
user),
Transmitters
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Transmitter type (server/interferer or interferer only)
Antennas (main, adaptive, other),
Numbers of MIMO antennas,
Height,
Azimuth,
Noise Figure,
Reception losses,
Feeder type,
Base Station Type,
Figure 6-4: WiMAX Transmitter Properties Window
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6.2.4
Cells
Atoll supports a single-carrier WiMAX network configuration. A cell, in the Atoll WiMAX database, models a
transmitter associated to a frequency. Therefore, a transmitter can support a cell with definable channel bandwidth
and frequency band. A cell has its own radio parameters, including:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Cell name,
BSID,
Traffic and pilot power offsets,
Frequency band,
Channel number (ARFCN),
Preamble index (WiMAX 802.16e only),
Preamble index status (allocated, locked..)
Minimum Preamble reuse distance
Preamble power,
Traffic and pilot power offsets,
Idle pilot power offset
Reception equipment,
Frame configuration (WiMAX 802.16e only),
Scheduler type (For Monte Carlo simulations)
Maximum number of simultaneous users,
Preamble quality threshold
AMS Threshold,
Uplink and downlink traffic loads,
Uplink noise rise,
Segmentation usage ratio (WiMAX 802.16e only),
AAS usage ratio,
AAS simulation results,
Maximum numbers of neighbours (WiMAX 802.16e only)
Neighbours lists (WiMAX 802.16e only),
Uplink and downlink traffic loads, uplink noise rise, segmentation and AAS usage ratios, and the AAS simulation
results can be outputs from Monte Carlo simulations as well as user-defined values. These parameters are used in
WiMAX coverage prediction studies.
Figure 6-5 presents an example of a transmitter with a single cell supporting channel number 0 within the frequency
band 3.4 GHz 5 MHz.
Figure 6-5: WiMAX Cell Parameters Tab (WiMAX 802.16e)
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6.2.5
Site Templates
A Site Template is made up of a transmitter or a group of transmitters (and their respective cells) located on the
same site. Site templates can be created, edited and deleted in Atoll. Building a network is facilitated by working
with site templates rather than single sites/transmitters/cells. By default some WiMAX project site templates are
available for dense urban, urban, suburban, rural environments.
6.2.6
Equipment
6.2.6.1
Overview
Atoll provides the option to define various radio equipment. Base Station, feeder and Tower Mounted Amplifier may
be defined. These parameters may be used for calculating different transmitter parameters such as transmission
losses, receiver losses, noise figure, receiver diversity gain, etc. In addition, WiMAX reception equipment and their
information may be specified.
6.2.6.2
Base Station
A noise figure value is specified for each Base Station type.
6.2.6.3
Feeder
A feeder loss per meter, a connector transmission loss, and a transmitter reception loss is specified for each Feeder
type.
6.2.6.4

6.2.6.5
WiMAX Reception Equipment

WiMAX reception equipment enable the management of specific reception parameters for WiMAX networks. Bearer
selection thresholds and channel quality indicator graphs are defined in these equipment. Figure 6-6 and Figure 6-7
give examples of such an equipment definition.
Figure 6-6: WiMAX Reception Equipment Bearer Selection Thresholds
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Figure 6-7: WiMAX Reception Equipment Channel Quality Indicator Graphs
Figure 6-8: Histogram of a Coverage by Effective Channel Throughput (DL)

Adaptive Modulation and Coding
6.2.6.6
Adaptive Antenna Equipment

Adaptive antenna systems are a type of smart antenna systems which form radiation patterns using more than one
antenna element according to the location of the mobile users. Adaptive antennas improve the overall signal quality
in the network by reducing interference.
A default adaptive antenna equipment is available in the WiMAX BWA module based on the MMSE (Minimum Mean
Square Error) AAS (Adaptive Antenna System) model developed by Forsk.
Figure 6-9 and Figure 6-10 show the Adaptive Antenna Equipment and the Adaptive Antenna Model properties
windows.
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Figure 6-9: Adaptive Antenna Equipment Properties Window
Figure 6-10: Adaptive Antenna Model Properties Window
6.3
Carrier Modelling
6.3.1
Overview
Atoll supports multi-band FDD and TDD WiMAX networks. Atoll also supports different channel bandwidths within
different frequency bands. Figure 6-11 shows the different available frequency bands for WiMAX and WiFi worldwide.
Figure 6-11: Licensed / Unlicensed, Initial / Future, WiMAX / WiFi Frequency Bands
6.3.2
Support of Multi-Band Networks

Atoll supports multi-band networks. A frequency band is characterized by its start frequency (UL and DL start
frequencies for FDD networks), channel bandwidth, first and last channel numbers, adjacent channel interference
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suppression factor, sampling factor, and the used duplexing method. In Atoll, frequency bands may be user-defined.
A number of default frequency bands are available as shown in Figure 6-12.
Figure 6-12: Atoll Default Frequency Bands (WiMAX 802.16e)
6.4
Network Level Parameters
6.4.1
Overview
Atoll enables modeling of WiMAX-specific network level parameters such as the frame structure and the channel
configuration. Figure 6-13 presents the network level properties dialog.
Channel Configuration
for WiMAX 802.16d
Figure 6-13: WiMAX Network Level Parameters Dialog
6.4.2
Frame Structure
Atoll supports different frame structure parameters such as the frame durations, the cyclic prefix ratios, and the
modeling of overheads including preamble and DL- and UL-MAPs. This part also enables modeling the TDDspecific parameters for defining the proportion of downlink and uplink subframes within a WiMAX frame, and the
Transmit Time Guard (TTG) and Receive Time Guard (RTG).
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6.4.3
Channel Configuration (WiMAX 802.16d)

Atoll supports subchannel modeling and the definition of total, pilot, and data subcarriers for WiMAX 802.16d
networks as shown in Figure 6-13.
6.4.4
Frame Configurations (WiMAX 802.16e)

The channel and frame structures for different channel bandwidths are modeled through frame configurations in
WiMAX 802.16e networks. Each frame configuration has a given number of total subcarriers per channel, can
contain more than one permutation zone, and can perform segmentation (Fractional Frequency Reuse) using the
first PUSC permutation zone in the downlink. The Frame Configurations table is shown in Figure 6-14.
Figure 6-14: Frame Configurations Table
6.4.5
Permutation Zones (WiMAX 802.16e)

Atoll supports the different subchannel allocation modes defined in the IEEE 802.16 specifications, i.e., PUSC,
FUSC, OPUSC, OFUSC, AMC, TUSC1, and TUSC2. Each permutation zone in a frame configuration can be
assigned a different subchannel allocation mode from the above list. Each subchannel allocation mode has its
specific use in the WiMAX network. The PUSC mode is most suitable for users at the cell edges, users moving at
high speeds, and users in handover. The AMC mode is specifically designed for adaptive antenna systems and
users at slow speeds. The FUSC mode is most suitable for fixed users as well who require high data rates, which
can be increased even more by using MIMO.
Atoll models segments using the primary and secondary subchannel groups for the PUSC DL permutation zone.
Figure 6-15 shows the properties of different permutation zones in a frame configuration.
Figure 6-15: Permutation Zones
6.4.6
MIMO Configurations
Spatial multiplexing gains are modeled in Atoll using MIMO configurations. A MIMO configuration contains MIMO
capacity gain vs. CINR graphs for different numbers of transmission and reception antennas. The MIMO capacity
gain is defined as the increase in channel capacity compared to a SISO system, which means the increase in
throughput due to MIMO.
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You can create and modify MIMO configurations using MIMO capacity gain graphs generated through MIMO
simulators or measurements from an existing network. Figure 6-16 shows the MIMO Configurations table and a Max
MIMO Gain graph.
Figure 6-16: MIMO Configurations and Gain Graph
6.5
Traffic Modelling
6.5.1
Overview
In Atoll, the air interface traffic is modelled by using a Monte Carlo statistical approach. Realistic distribution of users
are actually generated and then used as input to the scheduling and the radio resource management algorithms.
Creation of these user distributions requires service and user modelling and traffic cartography (traffic data) as
input.
6.5.2

o
o
o
o
o

The Mobility Types,
The Radio Bearers which are used to carry the information,
The WiMAX traffic modelling structure is depicted in Figure 6-17.
Figure 6-17: WiMAX Traffic Structure Database
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6.5.2.1
Terminals
The terminal table describes the terminals that may be used in the network, cellular phones, multi-media terminals,
PDAs, in-car navigation devices, etc.
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o

Reception Loss,
Reception Equipment,
Antenna Model,
Antenna Gain,
Antenna Diversity Support (None, AAS, MIMO, AAS+MIMO)
Numbers of MIMO antennas.
Atoll also enables the user to assign directional antennas to different terminals, and define which antenna diversity
mode the terminals use. The antenna patterns related with this antenna is used in coverage predictions such as
Coverage by CINR Level, etc. Atoll supports also terminal type with both smart antennas and MIMO.
6.5.2.2
Bearers
Radio Bearers define the modulation and coding schemes, and the data transfer efficiencies. The Radio Bearer
parameters are as following:
o
o
o
Modulation Type,
Coding Rate,
Efficiency.
The WiMAX bearers table listing the default bearers is shown Figure 6-19.
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Figure 6-19: Bearer properties
6.5.2.3
Services
The Services table describes the services that are available in the network. Both voice and data type services are
supported and have specific parameters.
The Service parameters are:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Type,
Priority level,
QoS class (UGS, rtPS, ErtPS, nrtPS, or BE),
Highest bearer allowed,
Uplink and downlink maximum throughput demand,
Uplink and downlink minimum throughput demand,
Uplink and downlink average requested throughput,
Uplink and downlink activity factors (for voice services only),
Throughput conversion parameters from MAC to Application layer,
Body Loss.
6.5.2.4
User Profiles
The user profiles table models the behaviour of the different user categories. Every user profile contains a list of
Parameters for voice services are:
o
o
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Parameters for data services are:
o
o
o
o

The data volume transferred on the uplink during each session,
6.5.3
Traffic Data
6.5.4
Subscriber Database
6.5.4.1
Overview
Atoll includes a subscriber database in the WiMAX module which enables the modeling of subscriber lists containing
information about fixed subscribers. It is possible to manage the traffic parameters of different subscribers in the
database as well as to manage their connection status and their serving stations. It is also possible to perform
predictions at the subscribers to determine the received signal levels, CINR values, and throughputs.
Figure 6-22 shows the subscriber database model in Atoll.
Figure 6-22: Subscribers Database (Grouping Example)
6.5.4.2
Subscriber Lists
Atoll models the subscriber database in terms of subscriber lists. Each subscriber list can be imported from external
files in text or Excel files, or created by simply dropping the subscribers on the map using the mouse. Subscriber
lists contain data related to different subscribers, such as:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Subscriber ID within the list,

X and Y coordinates of the subscriber,
Subscriber height,
Subscribers user profile,
Subscribers default terminal type,
Subscribers default service,
Orientation of the subscriber antenna (azimuth and tilt),
Subscribers serving sector,
Other computed information such as the received power, permutation zone, antenna diversity
mode used, uplink transmission power after power control, number of used subchannels after
subchannelization, interference, CINR, bearer, BLER, throughputs.
The subscriber orientation, serving base station and cell, received power, permutation zone, antenna diversity mode
used, power control, subchannelization, interference, CINR, bearer, BLER, and throughputs can be calculated or
user-defined. Refer to section 6.5.4.3 for more detail on this computation.
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Figure 6-23 shows a sample subscriber list as modeled in Atoll.
Figure 6-23: Subscriber List (Extract only)

It is also possible to manage subscriber display properties in Atoll. Atoll enables subscriber display on map with
different possible display criteria. Figure 6-24 shows subscribers displayed on the map and colored according to
their respective user profiles.
Figure 6-24: Subscriber Display on Map
6.5.4.3
Subscriber Server Allocation

Atoll enables automatic server allocation for subscriber lists. This computation process determines the best serving
cell for each subscriber and the orientation of the subscriber antenna towards that cell. Once the serving cell is
determined, it also computes the received signal level, permutation zone, antenna diversity mode used, uplink
transmission power after power control, number of used subchannels after subchannelization, CINR, bearer, BLER,
and peak MAC and effective MAC channel throughputs for each subscriber based on the WiMAX reception
equipment characteristics assigned to each subscriber.
Figure 6-25 shows the Automatic Server Allocation dialog in Atoll.
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Figure 6-25: Automatic Server Allocation Results (Extract Only)
6.5.5

Realistic distributions of users on the map are required as inputs to the WiMAX simulation algorithm. A Realistic
User Distribution corresponds to a user distribution that complies with the service and user modelling and the traffic
data. Atoll generates these user distributions using a Monte Carlo (statistical) algorithm.
6.6
WiMAX Monte Carlo Simulation
6.6.1
Overview
The radio resource management and scheduling algorithms in a WiMAX network automatically perform the best
suitable resource allocation to users. The objective is to optimise the resource usage within cells according to the
CINR conditions at user locations. Atoll simulates this resource allocation mechanism. It calculates, for each user
distribution (called a random trial), the different network parameters such as the mobile activity, received power,
permutation zone, antenna diversity mode used, interference, CINR, best radio bearer available for the calculated
CINR, required resources to satisfy the committed and maximum throughput demands, and user throughputs (peak
MAC, effective MAC, and application-level) after the allocation of resources by the scheduler. As outputs, Atoll
provides the traffic loads which can then be assigned to the different cells and the CINR coverage can be performed
based on realistic simulation results.
WiMAX Monte Carlo simulations may be analysed, displayed and stored. They may be used in a next step to
generate numerous prediction studies.
6.6.2
A simulation in Atoll corresponds to a given distribution of users. It is a snapshot of a WiMAX network.
6.6.3
Scheduling and Radio Resource Management
6.6.3.1
Overview
For each user distribution, Atoll simulates the scheduling and RRM mechanism. The simulation ends when the
scheduler has allocated resources to all the users selected for the scheduling process and has determined the
traffic loads for all the cells in the simulation.
Figure 6-26 exhibits an overview of the power control algorithm.
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Figure 6-26: WiMAX Simulation Overview

Simulation Results
Simulation main outputs are:
o
o
The cell loads (i.e., uplink and downlink traffic loads, uplink noise rise, AAS results and AAS
usage ratio, and segmentation usage ratio for 802.16e), and
User throughputs.
Note that numerous other parameters are available and stored during the simulation for further analysis. Please
refer to section 6.6.5.2 for further information.
6.6.4
6.6.4.1
WiMAX Simulations Organisation

WiMAX Simulations are managed through the WiMAX Simulations folder in the Atoll Explorer window. This folder
is displayed in Figure 6-27.
Figure 6-27: WiMAX Simulations Folder (Extract Only)
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The WiMAX Simulation folder is made up of several groups. Each group corresponds to a network configuration
for which a user-specified number of Monte Carlo simulations were generated. As an example, different groups may
correspond to different traffic assumptions.
6.6.4.2

WiMAX simulations can be based on traffic cartography (maps) as well as on subscriber lists. Each subscriber list
has a user profile definition per subscriber which is used during the simulations to determine the activity status and
to determine the service being accessed and the throughput demands. shows the Simulation Launch dialog.
o
o
o
o

The Traffic maps and Subscriber lists used,
The Convergence Criteria.
The corresponding user interface windows are shown in Figure 6-28.
Figure 6-28: WiMAX Simulations Generation
6.6.5

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6.6.5.1
6.6.5.1.1
Graphical Display: Mobile Activity Status

representative colors for their status. The different possible statuses are:
o
o
o
Active DL + UL: the mobile is active on both downlink and uplink,

Active UL: the mobile is active on uplink only,
Active DL: the mobile is active on downlink only,
Figure 6-29: WiMAX Simulation Graphical Display
6.6.5.1.2
Graphical Display: Number of Used Subchannels in Uplink

Simulations may be displayed in the map window as a graphical layer. Mobiles are displayed on the map, using
representative colors for the number of subchannels they are using in the uplink.
Figure 6-30: WiMAX Simulation Graphical Display
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6.6.5.1.3
Individual Mobile Result Graphical Display

Figure 6-31: Terminal Simulation Results Display Thanks to the Tips Tool (WiMAX)
6.6.5.2
Simulation Reports
Atoll has the capability to generate simulation reports. A report is available for each simulation. This report contains
information about the Simulation Statistics, Sites Parameters, Cell parameters, Mobiles and Simulation conditions
as given in Figure 6-32.
Figure 6-32: WiMAX Single Simulation Report (Extract only)

o
o
o
Forsk 2008
service; total users actually connected and the corresponding break-up per service.
Sites Parameters: sum of user throughputs (peak MAC, effective MAC and application level
throughputs) for all the cells of a site, globally and per service type, for both uplink and downlink
and number of mobile rejection split per rejection reason (no service, resource or scheduler
saturation)
Cells Parameters: uplink and downlink traffic loads, uplink noise rise, segmentation (WiMAX
802.16e) and AAS usage ratios, cell agregate throughputs computed during the simulations
(peak MAC, effective MAC and application level throughputs), for both uplink and downlink,
number of mobile rejection split per rejection reason (no service, resource or scheduler
saturation)
Mobiles: geographic location, receiver height, terminal type, user type, user profile, mobility,
activity status (DL/UL), reference cell, total path loss, received Preamble and Trafic power,
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6.6.5.2.2
uplink transmit power, numbers of used subchannels in uplink, channel and user throughputs
(peak MAC, effective MAC and application throughputs), connection status (connected in DL,
UL, DL+UL, rejected due to no service, scheduler saturation or ressource saturation), CINR and
Interference level for Preamble on downlink, and for both uplink and downlink, Trafic CINR and
Interference level (I+N), antenna diversity mode used, permutation zone, bearer, BLER.
Initial Conditions: parameters used to create the simulation (frame structure parameters,
convergence thresholds, trafic map used).
Simulation Group Report

contains:
o
o
o
o

Cells Parameters: average values obtained from all simulation results,
Sites Parameters: average values obtained from all simulation results,
Initial Conditions: parameters used to create the simulation.
Figure 6-33: WiMAX Group of Simulation Report (Extract only)
6.6.5.2.3
Committing Loads
average or from a single simulation. Cell load values for all the cells in the network radio database are then updated
with the results generated by the considered simulation.
6.6.5.2.4
Exporting Results
6.7
WiMAX Prediction Studies
6.7.1

Examples of WiMAX prediction studies are CINR, bearer (modulation and coding rate), and throughput plots, etc.
For each pixel, Atoll calculates the required information. This data is then graphically represented by a colour
according to a user-specified legend. Different display options are available in Atoll which depend on the data
shown and on the users choice (unique, discrete values or interval values).
6.7.2

specified as inputs to the prediction study. The power and interference level received at the probe mobile are then
computed. This virtual mobile is supposed not to contribute to interference.
Predictions are stored as objects in the explorers Predictions folder and may be displayed as layers in the map
window.
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6.7.3

WiMAX prediction studies may be generated either based on the results from Monte Carlo simulations or on userdefined traffic load configurations.
The WiMAX prediction studies available are listed in Table 6-1. For each prediction study type, the parameters,
which may be displayed, are presented in the same table.
Display Parameter
Transmitter

Pathloss (dB)
Overlapping Zones
Number of Servers
Signal Quality Analysis (DL)
Signal Level (dBm) for Preamble, Pilot, Trafic

C/N Level (dB) for Preamble, Pilot, Trafic
Signal Quality Analysis (UL)
Signal Level (dBm)

C/N Level (dB)
Coverage by CINR Level (DL)
Interference I+N (dBm) for Preamble, Trafic

CINR (dB) for Preamble, Trafic
Coverage by CINR Level (UL)
Interference I+N (dBm)

CINR (dB)
Coverage by Best Bearer (DL and UL)
Bearer Index
Modulation
Coding Rate
Coverage by Channel Throughput (DL and UL)
Peak MAC Throughput

Effective MAC Throughput
Application Level Throughput
Agregate Peak MAC Throughput
Agregate Effective MAC Throughput
Agregate Application Throughput
Table 6-1: WiMAX Prediction Study Types

The first four prediction studies (coverage by transmitter, coverage by signal level, overlapping zones and signal
quality analysis) do not require any Monte Carlo simulation. They are based on preamble signal strength only and,
therefore, do not involve any network load aspects.
The remaining prediction studies depend on the networks behavious under traffic loads. These predictions can be
calculated for a service, mobility type, and user terminal equipment. The agregate cell throughput prediction
displays the best server area according to the agregate cell througput calculated during the selected Monte carlo
simulations.
Miscellaneous WiMAX Prediction Study plots are shown in Figure 6-34 to Figure 6-54.
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Figure 6-34: WiMAX Coverage by Transmitter Prediction Study
Figure 6-35: WiMAX Coverage by Signal Level Prediction Study
Figure 6-36: WiMAX Overlapping Zones Prediction Study
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Figure 6-37: WiMAX Signal Quality Analysis (DL) Prediction Study (with an isotropic receiver)
(Frequency Plan: N=3)
Figure 6-38: WiMAX Coverage by CINR Level (DL) Prediction Study (with an isotropic receiver)
Figure 6-39: WiMAX Coverage by CINR Level (DL) Prediction Study (with a directional receiver)
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Figure 6-40: WiMAX Coverage by Best Bearer (DL) Prediction Study (with a directional receiver)
Figure 6-41: WiMAX Coverage by Peak MAC Throughput (DL) Prediction Study (with a directional receiver)
Figure 6-42: WiMAX Agregate Peak MAC Throughput (DL) Prediction Study (with an isotopic receiver)
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(Frequency Plan: N=1, No Fractional Frequency Reuse/Segmentation)
(Frequency Plan: N=1, With Fractional Frequency Reuse/Segmentation)
Figure 6-45: WiMAX Signal Quality Analysis (UL) Prediction Study (with an isotropic receiver)
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Figure 6-46: WiMAX Coverage by CINR Level (UL) Prediction Study (with an isotropic receiver)
Figure 6-47: WiMAX Coverage by CINR Level (UL) Prediction Study (with a directional receiver)
Figure 6-48: WiMAX Coverage by Best Bearer (UL) Prediction Study (with a directional receiver)
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Figure 6-49: WiMAX Coverage by Peak MAC Throughput (UL) Prediction Study (with a directional receiver)
Figure 6-50: WiMAX Agregate Peak MAC Throughput (UL) Prediction Study (with an isotopic receiver)
Figure 6-51: WiMAX Coverage by CINR Level (DL) Prediction Study (Without Smart Antennas)
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Figure 6-52: WiMAX Coverage by CINR Level (DL) Prediction Study (With Smart Antennas)
Figure 6-53: WiMAX Coverage by Throughput (DL) Prediction Study (Without MIMO)
Figure 6-54: WiMAX Coverage by Throughput (DL) Prediction Study (With Adaptive MIMO Switch)
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6.7.4

Figure 6-55: WiMAX Prediction Study Report
6.7.5

o
o
o
the areas where one service (e.g. VoIP) is provided while the other one (e.g. FTP) is not.
different technologies). Figure 6-56 illustrates such a case by comparing a GSM and a WiMAX
coverage. Note that, in this example, WiMAX transmitters are installed on only some of the
GSM sites.
Figure 6-56: Prediction Study Graphical Comparison (GSM versus WiMAX Example)
6.7.6

Any prediction study may be exported in the following formats: Atoll format, ArcView format, MapInfo format, TIFF,
BIL, and BMP. In case of MapInfo format, study prediction attributes (e.g. signal strength levels, transmitter IDs, )
the exported attributes for a Pilot Ec/Io prediction plot.
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Figure 6-57: MapInfo Prediction Study Attributes Export (WiMAX)
6.7.7
Point Analysis Tool

A Real-time Prediction Analysis Tool is available. Thanks to this feature, the following information is available in
both, numerical and graphical, formats:
Desired signal information: received signal strength values from all cells.
is updated as the receiving mobile is moved on the map window. Figure 6-58 shows the Point-to-point Analysis
window (with desired signal information) as well as its link to the map window.
Receiving
Mobile
Received
Signal Strength
Information
Figure 6-58: WiMAX Point-to-point Real-time Analysis (Desired Signal Information)
6.7.8
Co-existence of Network Modelling

Atoll models the effect of interference from coexisting WiMAX (or OFDM) networks. This feature allows to study the
effect of interference on the WiMAX network from other parts of the same WiMAX network and from the WiMAX (or
OFDM) networks of other operators. Figure 6-59 shows the specific Transmitter Type parameter (Server and
Interferer or Interferer Only) required as input.
Figure 6-59: Transmitter properties Window (Extract only)
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6.8
Neighbour and Preamble Index Planning (WiMAX

802.16e)
6.8.1
6.8.1.1
Overview
Atoll supports the following neighbour types in a WiMAX network configuration:
o
o
Intra-technology neighbours: WiMAX cells defined as neighbours of other WiMAX cells in the
same Atoll document.
Inter-technology neighbours: WiMAX cells defined as neighbours of cells which use a
technology other than WiMAX.
o
o
o
6.8.1.2

Automatically producing a neighbour plan as described in the next section,
Graphically and/or manually creating, editing and deleting a neighbour plan as presented in the
section 6.8.1.3

o
o
o
o
o
o

Handover margin based on Preamble signal level,
Importance ranges for coverage, adjacency and co-site factors.
Forcing neighbour symmetry, adjacent cells as neighbours, co-site cells as neighbours and/or exceptional
Figure 6-60: Automatic Neighbour List Generation (WiMAX)
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6.8.1.3

Figure 6-61: Neighbour Plan Graphical Edition (WiMAX 802.16e)
6.8.1.4
Neighbour Consistency Check Tool

An audit feature for neighbours is available in Atoll. This function enables the user for determining inconsistencies in
the neighbour relations. In the picture below there are conditions that may be verified during audit.
Figure 6-62: Neighbour audit
6.8.2
Preamble Index Planning
6.8.2.1
Overview
Preamble index plans may be generated by any of the following means in Atoll:
o
o
o
Importing an external preamble index plan (e.g. in Excel format),

Manually creating, editing and/or deleting a preamble index plan,
Automatically producing a preamble index plan as described in section 6.8.2.2.
Once created, preamble index plan consistency may be verified in Atoll.
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6.8.2.2
Automatic Preamble Index Allocation

There is an automatic preamble index planning tool available in Atoll. The preamble index allocation process is
based on an iterative cost-based algorithm. The cost function takes into account several criteria. Different preamble
index allocation plans are tried and a cost calculated for each: the best preamble index allocation plan being the one
with the lowest cost. The following constraints are applied when running the automatic planning algorithm:
o
o
Neighbour relations,
Reuse distance: a minimum reuse distance is defined (globally or on a cell basis),
Two allocation strategies are available for the cell permbase parameter:
o
o
Free: allocation will only be restricted by the segment number allocated to nearby cells;
Same Cell PermBase per Site: same cell permbase is assigned to all the cells of a site,
Figure 6-63 presents the automatic preamble index allocation tool and Figure 6-64 gives an example of a preamble
index allocation.
Figure 6-63: Automatic Preamble Index Planning
Figure 6-64: Preamble Index Display
6.8.2.3
Preamble Index Consistency Check Tool

An audit feature for preamble index is available in Atoll. This function enables the user for determining
inconsistencies in the preamble index plan. In the picture below there are conditions that may be verified during
audit.
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Figure 6-65: Preamble index audit
6.8.2.4
Preamble Index Distribution Histogram

Atoll can also display the distribution of preamble indexes over the network using a histogram. Figure 6-66 gives an
example of such a histogram.
Figure 6-66: Preamble index distribution histogram
6.9
Frequency Plan Analysis Tool
6.9.1
Frequency Channel Search Tool

A Search Channel tool is available in Atoll. This feature enables you to search for frequency channels, preamble
indexes, segment numbers, and external permutation seeds (ID_Cell). You can display the current frequency,
preamble index, and segment plan on the mapuser to easily highlight the transmitters assigned to a specific channel
as well as its adjacent ones. The Frequency Channel Search Tool dialog window is depicted in Figure 6-67.
Figure 6-67: Frequency Channel search (left), Segment search (right)
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Release 2.7.1
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Tel: +33 (0)5 62 74 72 10 Fax: +33(0)5 62 74 72 11
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