Ray-tracing urban macrocell propagation statistics and comparison with WINNER II/+ measurements and models

This paper combines measured 3D basestation (BS) and user handheld antenna radiation patterns with a state-of-the-art 3D ray-tracing tool in order to derive a set of urban macrocell propagation statistics suitable for Long Term Evolution (LTE) cellular network planning. Results are presented as cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) and as a function of distance from the BS. Best-fit normal and lognormal distribution parameters are also presented. Ray-tracing is compared with measurements and models from the WINNER II and WINNER+ standards, demonstrating the limitations of the empirical “one size fits all” standardised models. We conclude that site-specific models, which are able to factor in the impact of specific BS and user handheld antenna patterns and geometries or different propagation environments and terrains, offer significant advantages when designing an efficient LTE cellular network.