Effects of downtilting on RRM parameters

UMTS radio network planning has to deal with many parameters that simultaneously influence network performance. Their adjustment is not always an easy task since coverage, capacity and quality of service must be jointly maximized. This paper addresses the problem of adjusting antenna downtilt and its impact on the system, particularly on RRM parameters. Detailed results, furthest than well known effects, have been obtained in different scenarios with different loads by means of static Monte Carlo simulations. Adaptive and remote electrical downtilting arises as an interesting option since results show the existence of optimal configurations in which capacity is maximized. Fixed downtilt angles will lead the system to poor performance whenever scenario conditions slightly change.