IRIS RND services are divided into the modules. Combinations of different modules form the services. Each module is also available stand alone. This system enables IRIS services to be tailored according to the customer requirements.
Following are the descriptions of the RND service modules.
Map Data Handling
A digital map database is required when working with any computerised RND tool. If such a map database isn’t available it is necessary to create one. This is done through the Map Data Handling activity. The digital map database includes terrain height contours, different kinds of land usage codes (Morphology) and background information, such as roads and coastlines. The map database should be created by digitising topographical maps or converting digital map data to a suitable format. The creation of a digital map database is rather time consuming and must be completed before any radio coverage calculations can be made. Therefore, it is important to initiate the Map Data Handling activity as early as possible when implementing a new mobile communication system. The Map Data Handling deliverable is a digital map database suitable for the used RND tool.
Propagation Model Tuning
RND tools work based on the Propagation Models that are used to simulate the propagation of the RF signal on the air in order to obtain accurate radio coverage and interference predictions in the Defined Service area. Therefore, it is necessary to have a well tuned propagation model for the RND tool. On this purpose, Radio Frequency (RF) measurements are performed in the different areas of the planned network and collected data is used to tune the propagation model parameters in the RND tool. As a result of the Propagation Model Tuning activity, IRIS produces a report containing a list of tuned parameters for the propagation model that are going to be used in the RND tool.
Database Handling & Review
This module is necessary when realizing RND services on a network that is already in use, e.g. Capacity/Coverage/Quality Enhancement activities.
With Database Handling & Review module, IRIS gets solid understanding and background of the existing network and builds up additional values on it accordingly. It is required to have an accurate & updated database in order to obtain right results from this module. Output of this module mostly has direct affect on the relevant RND service such as Frequency Re-planning.
Nominal Plan / Initial Design
This is the module where the initial study of the selected RND service is made by IRIS engineers. If it is a New Network Design, Nominal Cell Plan is prepared. If it is an Indoor Design, Initial Design is made for Indoor etc. All studies are performed according to the customer Service Type/Capacity/Coverage/Quality requirements for the radio network. Outcome of Nominal Plan / Initial Design study is presented to the customer with a detailed report and get agree on it in order to proceed with the following steps.
Site Selection/Evaluation
Site Selection/Evaluation is the process where the site location alternatives are nominated according to the RF suitability for each search area that the planned site will be located in. RF Site Survey is done for those alternatives and a report called Search Area Report (SAR) is prepared to be used for RF Site Approval. At the end of this module, the candidate site locations are identified and prioritized according to RF requirements of Nominal Plan.
After prioritizing the candidate site locations, priority list of confirmed site locations are sent to the Site Acquisition. The Site Acquisition should then acquire the sites in that list starting from the highest priority one.
Site Acquisition
Main activity realized in Site Acquisition module is subsequent leasing of selected sites in the Site Selection/Evaluation module. Any official processes such as permits, contracts are performed within this module. This module may also include nomination of potential site alternatives based on the Nominal Sites for evaluation and approval in the Site Selection/Evaluation module.
Frequency Planning
In this module the frequency plan, which details the frequencies allocated for use in each cell is produced. The frequency plan is based on the Channel Loading Plan that defines the number of frequency channels required in each cell to capture the expected traffic and the available frequency band. The frequency plan is developed utilising the cell planning tool with the relevant network database (either nominal or existing) in which interference predictions are carried out.
Final Design
When all sites that are satisfying the objectives of the Nominal Plan/Initial Design have been leased or contracted by Site Acquisition, Radio Network Design is completed. The radio coverage and traffic dimensioning are revised to reflect the confirmed sites. The revised traffic calculations, radio coverage calculations, frequency plan, final site and antenna details and a summary of the CDD are included in a Final Radio Network Design Report that is presented to the customer.
Preparation of Cell Design Data
IRIS RND performs final frequency planning and creates Cell Design Data (CDD) for all cells that will be integrated into the network when the antenna heights and directions are determined for Confirmed Sites.
The CDD comprises from cell parameters related to the site location, registration, handover, power levels, frequencies and neighbour cells for each cell. At this stage mostly default values are used.
Consistency Check & Initial Tuning
This module is to verify that the implemented Radio Network is consistent with the Final Radio Network Design report. The check consists of compare the site locations relative to the nominal grid and also the CDD, hardware and software configurations compared to the RND report.
Initial tuning is performed utilising test equipments. The field measurements and statistics verify that the targeted network performance and quality meet the requirements. In circumstances where the Radio Network performance is deviated from the requirements, needed studies are made to achieve acceptable network performance.
The performance status of the Radio Network is summarised in a Verification of Radio Network Design report after the Consistency Check & Initial Tuning, which is presented to the customer.
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