CDMA module

The deciBel Planner® CDMA module from Northwood gives network operators, equipment manufacturers and RF consultants an innovative solution to successfully plan, build, maintain and operate CDMA networks based on IS-95A/B, 1XRTT, HDR and 3XRTT standards. The module supports subscriber-based planning, facilitates multiple mobile types and data rates, and delivers swift and highly accurate interference analysis, as well as a detailed site-by-site report.

Benefits

Subscriber-based Planning
Fully integrated with MapInfo Professional®, deciBel Planner and its CDMA module effectively import business plan information for traffic expectations in standard data formats. Known traffic from existing systems (e.g., switch statistics) can be imported to generate realistic and non-uniform user distribution grids. User distributions can also be defined by specifying different relative user densities depending on land classification, street networks and demographic data.

In addition, output grids associated with user density information illustrate how base station forward traffic power and actual mobile power are used. These output grids are helpful in determining where repeaters or other base stations should be deployed for optimal performance.

Multiple Mobile Types and Data Rates
The CDMA module supports multiple mobiles with each type identified by its manufacturer, data rate, Eb/No requirement, thermal noise and fade margin. The relative percentage of a mobile type being used within the network can also be specified.

User-specified chip rate and multiple data rates (e.g., 2G, 2.5G and 3G) are used to determine the processing gain (spreading gain). As a result, advanced 3G interference analysis for 3XRTT and HDR networks can be accommodated. The fraction of users within the network using different data rates may even be specified.

Accurate Interference Analysis
The decibel Planner CDMA AIIM (Advanced Iterative Interference Modeling) approach ensures that forward and reverse coverage are generated using the correct forward traffic powers and base station received signal (noise) levels based on existing network data or forecasted demand densities. Unique to the deciBel Planner CDMA module, the AIIM method provides accurate analysis in critical hand-off zones. It also saves time by considering all three parameters (forward and reverse power, as well as noise rise at the base station) at once and provides a more effective interference assessment than time-consuming, estimate-dependent statistical methods such as Monte Carlo.

Engineers can also determine the degree of coverage provided within a user-specified region (e.g., FCC five-year POPS-served plan). The design summary indicates the total number of subscribers served within a user-specified coverage area, as well as the number of subscribers not served within the same boundaries. This permits network designers to evaluate the effectiveness of network design changes before implementation.

Detailed Analysis Report
The CDMA module provides a comprehensive analysis report that includes statistical information for each sector, enabling engineers to analyze network design in detail.

Comprehensive Network Analysis
The deciBel Planner CDMA module is a feature-rich RF network planning offering a range of analysis outputs.

The deciBel Planner Solution
The CDMA module offers a robust solution for planning, operating and optimizing the dynamic coverage and interference parameters of these advanced networks. The module is a key component of the deciBel Planner wireless network design solution, which comes with integrated cellular/PCS capabilities and offers modules for UMTS, fixed wireless and paging networks. It can also include customized data sets, technical support, implementation services and custom development.

Northwood Technologies Inc., 43 Auriga Drive, Nepean, ON K2E 7Y8. Tel: 613-224-2020; Fax: 613-224-2785.