On optimal cell planning: Case study for a DCS 1800 system

• Published in: International journal of communication systems 2001-11, Vol.14 (9), p.857-870
• Main Authors: Bouzouki, Stavroula, Kotsopoulos, Stavros, Karagiannidis, George, Chassomeris, Kostas, Lymberopoulos, Dimitris
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cellular; Communication systems; mobile communications; Optimization; propagation; RF modelling; Stations; Strategy; Streets; Telecommunications; UHF
• ISSN: 1074-5351; 1099-1131
• DOI: 10.1002/dac.511

Micro and pico cell planning strategies are adopted in personal communication systems (PCS) in order to increase their capacity. The usage of the upper UHF band in combination with greater bandwidth is already proposed by telecom engineers in order to achieve the promised service quality and data rates. These strategies are characterized by an increased number of cells in specific geographical areas with the corresponding operating base transceiving stations (BTS) located at relatively low heights above the street level. In this case, the cell planning procedure in linear streets under line‐of‐sight (LOS) conditions needs further study concerning the technical characteristics of the PCS. In this paper, the propagation characteristics of a DCS 1800 system are investigated on a theoretical and experimental basis in a specific geographical area (center of Patras City in Northern Pelloponesse). An improved RF propagation model is proposed in order to determine the propagation path losses occurring under certain multipath fading conditions. Hence an optimum determination of a system's cellular area can be achieved. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.