5G RF Planning and Design

The RF planning for 5G NR is quite challenging as compared to legacy networks due to the introduction of advanced new technologies: mmWave frequencies, flexible numerology and Massive MIMO (M-MIMO) etc. This course takes a deep dive into the technical insights necessary for the radio network planning both in the the mid-band and mm-wave spectrum.  The 5G RF design and planning process is discussed both from the perspective of the system coverage and capacity objectives.

The course covers the following important topic:

Section 1: Introduction to 5G Planning
                 5G Frequency Bands
                 Most Popular 5G Bands for Deployment
                 Subcarrier Spacing Vs Cell Size
                 5G FDD TDD Modes-SUL and SDL Frequency Bands
                 Advantages of TDD Deployment
                 Steps in 5G Cellular RF Planning
                 

Section 2: 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) Dimensioning
                 What is Coverage Dimensioning?
                 What is Path Loss and Propagation Path loss Models?
                 3GPP Propagation Models
                          -RMa (Rural Macro)
                          -UMa (Urban Macro)
                          -UMi (Urban Micro)
                  Propagation Models before 5G
                           -Okumara-Hata Model
                           -Walfisch Ikegami
                           -Sakagami Kuboi Models
                  Selection Criteria for Selection Of PL Model
                  Maximum Allowable Path Loss (MAPL)
                  Cell Area, Intersite Distance and Required Number of cells Calculation
                  Link Budget Equation
                  Factors affecting LInk Budget
                            - Building Penetration Loss
                            - Foliage (Vegetation) Loss
                            - Rain Fade Margin
                            - Body Block Loss
                            - Interference Margin
                            - Shadow Fading Margin (SFM) and Location Probability
                            - Shadow Fading Margin Vs Cell Size
                            - Shadow Fading Standard Deviation Values for Propagation Models & SFM calculation
                            - Effect of Active Antenna Unit (AAU) on Link Budget
                  Capacity Dimensioning
                  Traffic Model and KPIs for capacity DImensioning
                  Capacity Dimensioning Calculation

Section 3: Propagation Model Tuning
                 Propagation Model Tuning Steps
                 Drive Test Preparation And Procedure
                 Drive Test Measurements
                 The Standard Propagation Model Used in Model Tuning
                 Setting K1 and K2 coefficients
                 Diffraction Loss Multiplier Coefficient K4
                 Clutter Loss Coefficient K_clutter
                 Measuring goodness of Model Tuning
                 Model Tuning Example from Atoll RF Planning Tool

Section 4: Nominal (Detailed Simulation) Planning
                 Inputs & Outputs of 5G Coverage Planning Simulation
                 3D Ray Tracing Model
                 Electronic Maps For RF Planning And Their Basic Formats
                 3D Electronic Map Types: DTM, DLU, DHM and 3D Vector
                 Coverage Planning & Plots: Composite Plot, Dominance Maps, Overlapping Zone Plot
                 3D Coverage Prediction
                 Monte Carlo (Dynamic) Simulations
                 Defining New Services in Planning Tool
                 Defining User Profiles, Gerographical User Density and Traffic Distribution
                 Simulation Methodology for Monte-Carlo Simulations
                 Detailed Coverage and Capacity Prediction Maps

Section 5: 5G NR Beam Planning
                 5G NR Beam Classification
                 Static Beams
                 Dynamic Beams
                 Broadcast Beam Coverage Scenarios
                 Scenario Selection Of Broadcast Beams

Section 6: 5G Downtilt Planning
                 Antenna Tilt Types
                   -Mechanical Tilt
                   -Electrical Tilt
                   -Preset Electrical Tilt
                   -Mechanical Tilt
                 Total 5G Beam Downtilt
                 Same Coverage of SSB and CSI-RSRP Beams
                 5G RF Downtilt Planning Principles

Section 7:  Detailed Parameter Planning: Physical Cell ID (PCI) Planning
                 PCI Collision Free Principle
                 PCI Confusion Free Principle
                 Minimizing PCI Planning Impact On Network Performance
                 PCI Mod 3 Staggering for PSS
                 PCI Mod 4 Staggering For DMRS on PBCH
                 PCI Mod 30 Staggering For DMRS on PUSCH, PUCCH and SRS

Section 8:  Detailled Parameter Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) Planning
                 Preamble Sequence Formats
                 Steps in PRACH Planning
                 Select PRACH Format
                 Calculate Number of Cyclic Shifts Ncs Cell Radius
                 Calculate Number of Preambles Per RSI
                 Calculate Number of RSIs per cell and RSI groups