Propagation measurements to support third generation mobile radio network planning

The authors present results of the propagation programme conducted within RACE PLATON (Research and Development into Advanced Communications Technologies in Europe, Advanced Cell Planning Methods and Tools for Third Generation Mobile Radio Systems). The measurement set-up and the propagation environments are described and they discuss the applicability of conventional macrocell path loss models and the dual-slope models to microcellular systems. The implication of the propagation factors on cell planning and handoff issues are discussed. Finally, they conclude their findings and describe future propagation work in PLATON