GSM Cellular Mobile Network Simulation with CellSim++

This paper presents a simulation approach to the object-oriented modelling of GSM cellular mobile networks implemented in the GSM CellSim++ simulation tool. Key aspects of this tool include: (i) the modelling of the random nature of radio wave propagation, mobile locations and user calling behaviour; (ii) modelling performance enhancing techniques such as frequency hopping, power control, and advanced antenna systems; and (iii) reporting statistics on the quality of service in the network. GSM CellSim++ was developed by CSIRO Infrastructure Systems Engineering (ISE) in collaboration with Telstra Research Laboratories. It allows cellular radio network designers to perform "what-if" scenarios on existing or proposed future network configurations. This simulation platform is the first in a series of applications under development including CDMA technology.