Controlling the coverage area of a microcell

A theoretical computer-based study has been undertaken to investigate potential mechanisms for controlling the coverage area of a typical urban microcell. These mechanisms, effected at the base station, include antenna height variation, the use of a directional antenna and antenna downtilt. A signal strength prediction algorithm which is based on geometrical optics and the geometrical theory of diffraction and which makes use of the three-dimensional radiation patterns of antennas has been employed in the study. Results obtained in the form of signal strength profiles demonstrate the effectiveness, in particular, of beam tilting for controlling the microcell coverage area