Using measurements extracted from GSM/UMTS networks for 3G planning and RRM evaluation

. This paper describes a simulation tool developed for 3G planning and suitable also for some RRM strategies evaluation. The innovative issue is that the simulator is based on data extracted from real GSM/UMTS networks. Considering the extensive use of GSM/UMTS co-siting for 3G network deployment, an accurate representation of propagation, mobility as well as traffic distribution is achieved compared to classical statistical and modelling approaches in simulators. Results presented reveal that the availability of real data is highly valuable since it provides a more detailed view of the network behaviour and performance.