Modern Approaches to Radio Network Modelling and Planning

The 3rd Generation (3G) Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access network relies upon novel, more flexible and efficient communication methods, a consequence of which is that novel modelling and planning approaches become of prime importance to the network’s rollout success. In this chapter, we will briefly consider the historical developments of radio network modelling and planning, thereby highlighting the need for a more modern approach to the subject. Equally importantly, we alert the reader to the limitations of modelling tools. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the advantages, disadvantages and limitations of both manual and automated optimisation processes.