TEMS™ CELLPLANNER

DRIVING NETWORK EXCELLENCE

2 TEMS™ CELLPLANNER 9.1
PLANNING AND OPTIMIZATION OF WIRELESS NETWORKS
TEMS™ CellPlanner is an advanced
tool for designing, planning, and
optimizing 2G, 2.5G, 2.75G, 3G, and
LTE networks. It provides superior
planning and optimization
capabilities to save time and money
during network deployment.
Powerful, versatile tool
Providing full support for voice and data services in WCDMA, GSM,
WiMAX, and LTE, TEMS CellPlanner meets the needs of today’s complex
radio networks. It can be used in all phases of a radio network’s lifecycle,
from early planning to the most complex optimization. Because we under-
stand the RF network planners’ concern for accuracy in their network designs,
TEMS has developed proven algorithms within TEMS CellPlanner to help en-
sure the proper number of sites and increase capacity in the network.
TEMS CellPlanner provides:
▪ Multi-technology and multi-service network support
▪ Outstanding large network support
▪ Advanced handling of drive measurement data
▪ Detailed modeling of the network and accurate algorithms
▪ Advanced Monte Carlo simulations
▪ Optimization features to utilize network investments
▪ Automatic Frequency Planning
▪ Automatic Cell Planning
▪ Unique database solution and easy administration
▪ Scripting support and flexible import/export
 TEMS™ CELLPLANNER 9.1 3

GENERAL FEATURES

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Easy and flexible setup
Flexible system configurations allow TEMS CellPlanner to provide an
efficient working environment. Operators can choose a stand-alone con­
figuration for easy planning and optimization in the field, and database
installation is never required on the client PC. However, the database server
configuration allows multiple-user teams to share planning data and
simultaneously work on common projects. Users can work offline and then
synchronize the project with the database upon returning to the office. The
team approach is regulated by a system of security features for safe data
handling.

Platform and GIS

TEMS CellPlanner is built on the latest Java™ architecture and is de-
signed for class-leading accuracy and speed in planning and optimization.
It can be customized to satisfy the needs of every customer, and new func-
tions can be added quickly. Open interfaces enable connection to external
data sources for easy data exchange. The JPython scripting console com-
bines with both the flexible import/export features and the Customized
Attributes feature which allows storage of imported statistics (including
drop calls rate and call setup success rate). This data is displayed through
symbols, colors, and the best server plot. Different thresholds can be set to
provide the user with a powerful toolbox for automation and adaptation.
TEMS CellPlanner’s fully integrated GIS is tailored for cell-planning tasks.
TEMS CellPlanner is designed to accommodate large-scale projects by mini-
mizing memory usage and maximizing performance. The true Multi Resolution
Raster (MRR) support makes it possible to mix maps with different resolu-
tions, create and display large plots, and very quickly zoom in and out.

Propagation modeling
TEMS has worked extensively with propagation model developers and
fully understands the value of particular models. TEMS CellPlanner includes
the 9999 Model, an implementation of the Okumura-Hata Model. It also
supports the Urban Model, which combines the Half-screen Model that gen-
erates pathloss above rooftops, and the Recursive Microcell Model for cal-
culating propagation between buildings. Traditional Okumura-Hata and
Walfisch-Ikegami RF Models are supported as well.
4 TEMS™ CELLPLANNER 9.1

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Drive-test measurement integration
TEMS CellPlanner offers advanced support for import of drive-test
measurement data. Several different data formats can be matched auto-
matically to the cell configuration in TEMS CellPlanner, including TEMS™
Investigation native format. The data can be used for tuning propagation
models and puncturing, among other purposes. With the Automatic
Measurement Integrator (AMI), it is possible to re-use and refine collected
measurement data automatically. An AMI database is built up by consecu-
tive drive-test measurements as it stores the “unmasked” pathloss values,
allowing use of the data even if antenna changes take place. This enables
the user to use both predicted and measured signal strength to improve
the accuracy of pathloss predictions.

Automatic Sector Model Tuning

In addition to automatic tuning of a propagation model for an area, the
Automatic Sector Model Tuning (ASMT) feature optimizes each sector’s
prediction model individually. Based on the AMI database, the ASMT feature
uses all the AMI pathloss data to tune the prediction models per sector.
ASMT automatically selects which sectors to tune based on user-defined
thresholds.

2G, 3G, and LTE co-planning and optimization

TEMS CellPlanner facilitates detailed co-planning and optimization of
2G, 3G, and LTE networks, from site and common antenna systems to de-
tailed neighbor planning. The included algorithms consider realistic mobile
soft ­handover behavior with pilot signal strength and handover thresholds
for WCDMA networks.
Data can be imported from live GSM and WCDMA systems to TEMS
CellPlanner. Changes are then automatically calculated in the tool, and new
values exported back to the live system. By this method, TEMS CellPlanner
has the unique capability to efficiently support the full range of optimization
activities.

Demographic Maps
Demographic data refers to a certain population's characteristics as
used for government, marketing, or opinion research. Demographic Maps
in TEMS CellPlanner are used to ensure efficient traffic spreading for various
services. The data is available in MRR format enabling import, editing, and
creation of reports.
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LTE FEATURES

LTE support
TEMS CellPlanner supports LTE, the new worldwide standard for mobile
broadband. TEMS CellPlanner offers the possibility to model LTE networks
containing eNodeBs (LTE RBSs) with sectors, cells, antenna branches,
antennas, feeder cables, and TMAs. The tool also provides a flexible LTE
frequency band editor which allows the user to define any LTE frequency
band and carrier desired.
The LTE module also offers Automatic Cell ID Planning (PCI Planning),
IRAT Neighbor planning and optimization for GSM and WCDMA, LTE Fixed
Subscribers, support for 2x2 MIMO, Tx Diversity, and SIMO. TEMS CellPlanner
enables users to select different channel models and user velocities, as well
as different antenna configurations and transmission modes for the
downlink.

LTE analysis
LTE Monte Carlo analysis functions in TEMS CellPlanner comprise down-
link and uplink Best Server, Interference and Traffic analysis. TEMS CellPlanner
performs several random trials, using a pseudo-random distribution to spread
the terminals over the map for each trial. The outputs of the analysis are
quality and data rate plots and reports.
6 TEMS™ CELLPLANNER 9.1

GSM FEATURES

2G and 2.5G simulation support

TEMS CellPlanner offers full support for GSM technologies including
GPRS and EDGE Evolution. The advanced RF bearer concept makes it pos-
sible to analyze complex traffic cases simultaneously, both for single and
multiple technologies and frequency bands. TEMS CellPlanner supports
Hierarchical Cell Structure, OL/UL cell structure, and any type of frequency
hopping including fractional load concept (synthesized hopping). A com-
prehensive collection of plots and reports is available to ensure that maxi-
mum network performance can be achieved. GPRS/EDGE is also fully sup-
ported with flexible traffic modeling and several methods of analyzing
network performance.

Automatic Frequency Planning (AFP)

An advanced AFP module for planning and optimizing multi-band GSM
networks has been developed for TEMS CellPlanner. The module reduces the
frequency re-use pattern to a minimum and saves valuable frequency
­resources. AFP provides ad-hoc planning options giving more flexibility to
frequency plans.

BSIC, HSN, and MAIO optimization

TEMS CellPlanner includes automatic parameter optimization of BSIC,
HSN, and MAIO plans. The optimization algorithms in these features con-
sider assigned frequencies, the interference matrix, and site synchronization
when determining the optimal solutions.

Live interference import

Interference tables are used for optimizing a frequency plan and for
quality analysis. The tables are created using TEMS CellPlanner, or imported
as Inter Cell Dependency Matrix (ICDM) files from a live system using OSS.
 TEMS™ CELLPLANNER 9.1 7

WCDMA FEATURES

WCDMA support
TEMS CellPlanner features an advanced and accurate WCDMA analysis
engine. Full support is offered for Evolved HSPA (HSDPA/EUL) and AMR.
The advanced Monte Carlo Simulator provides flexible allocation of
convergence criteria, cell-based uplink noise convergence, cell-based uplink
noise and downlink power convergence, and user-based uplink noise and
downlink C/I convergence.
TEMS CellPlanner helps increase capacity in the network. Soft handover
can be displayed in graphical plots as well as in sector-by-sector statistical
reports. The user can set up traffic cases for WCDMA with the help of a
flexible bearer and service modeling capability. To further improve simulation
accuracy, live traffic can be imported on a cell-by-cell basis. TEMS CellPlanner
allows the user to display and print many different coverage- and capacity-
related plots. It also supports storing of plot snapshots that later can be
compared with new plots.

Evolved HSPA support

TEMS CellPlanner supports modeling of the latest releases of HSPA, of-
fering higher throughputs (up to 42 Mbps in the downlink and 11.8 Mbps in
the uplink), combined 2x2MIMO and 64QAM, and support for 2ms TTI in the
uplink. TEMS CellPlanner enables the accurate modeling of HSPA capabilities
for high-speed data users by employing random user distribution and simu-
lation of HSPA-related radio channels in both uplink and downlink. In addition,
priority may be given to R99 traffic in traffic simulations, which produces a
more accurate simulation. This advanced approach results in more-realistic
HSPA network coverage, quality, and capacity figures compared to simpler
algorithms that operate only on DL power estimates for HSDPA.

Mobile TV – MBMS
Mobile TV – Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Services (MBMS) can be
planned using TEMS CellPlanner. MBMS channels can be defined in the Monte
Carlo Simulator, and their coverage and performance analyzed in connection
with other traffic existing in the cells. This can help operators in securing the
quality and capacity needed for the introduction of Mobile TV services.

Automatic scrambling code optimization

TEMS CellPlanner supports automatic scrambling code optimization by
scrambling code groups. The optimization criteria include received pilot
signal quality, signal-to-interference ratio, and reserved scrambling codes,
among others.
   www.ascom.com/networktesting 

Automatic Cell Planning (ACP)

The ACP Module is an integrated part of the solution, developed
exclusively for TEMS CellPlanner. It can be used for rollout, optimization, and
operations. Its unique design improves usability, performance, and analysis

03.2010  © Ascom 2010. All rights reserved. TEMS is a trademark of Ascom. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders. | 287 01-FAP 901 0982 Uen | Photo: Fotograf Paulina and Fotograf Mijac AB
accuracy. The ACP Wizard provides fast setup of the project.
All cells are optimized individually based on the user’s requirements
for coverage, quality, and capacity versus cost for each change. The radio
parameters that can be optimized are pilot power, azimuth, and electrical
and mechanical down tilt. The optimization can be done for a whole project
or a smaller region. With the preplanned area concept, areas surrounding
the optimization area are protected from bad coverage and bad quality.
Without these preplanned areas, the optimization area could be extremely
good, but the surrounding areas could suffer in quality or coverage.
The AMI and ASMT features create valuable input to the Automatic
Cell Planning (ACP) module. The output from the ACP module is a list of
changes in prioritized order to minimize disturbance in the network during
the implementation.

WIMAX FEATURES
WiMAX support
TEMS CellPlanner can plan for mobile and fixed position subscribers,
define WiMAX channel settings and terminals, calculate and display through-
put, interference, utilization, or coding schemes, and automatically generate
and display neighbor lists.
The PUSC (Partial Usage of Subcarriers) feature is simulated in the
WiMAX module. This feature enables users to further reduce interference,
increasing capacity and throughput on the cell edge.
For more information about TEMS CellPlanner or other tools in the
TEMS portfolio, visit us on the web at: www.ascom.com/networktesting.

Ascom Network Testing Inc.

1943 Isaac Newton Square 
Reston | VA | 20190-5006 | USA 
www.ascom.com/networktesting