Simulations and trial results for mobile measurement based frequency planning in GERAN networks

Capacity, quality and data throughput in TDMA based cellular mobile networks, such as GERAN (GSM EDGE radio access network), is strongly influenced by the quality of the frequency plan. Hence operators are striving constantly to improve the frequency allocation in the network. The quality of a frequency plan is mainly dependent on the accuracy of the interference matrix (IM), which is used to describe the "interaction" of cells in the system. Traditionally, propagation predictions have been used to create the IM. But, as the prediction of radiowave propagation tends to be highly inaccurate, this approach is sub-optimal, leaving operators and subscribers with sub-optimal network quality. Alternatively, mobile measurement reports (MMRs) can be used to build the IM. This paper provides a summary of simulation results and describes the findings of a field trial. They show the superiority of this alternative approach over the traditional method.