Optimizing the location of base transceiver stations in mobile communication network planning: case study of the Nairobi central business district, Kenya
Abstract
Optimal signal coverage has always been a fundamental issue for cellular network operators. Other issues
related to capacity, quality of service and cost efficiency are also rapidly gaining prominence. In order to
determine signal coverage, network engineers usually rely mainly on two dimensional (2D) terrain maps
and rather simple empirical propagation-prediction models. In this study a framework which provides a
more efficient and cost effective network coverage optimization for a dense urban environment was
investigated. 3D Geographic Information System (GIS) of the study area was developed. The signal
propagation-prediction tool based on ray-tracing coupled with the 3D geo-information was used to model
the radio signal coverage for the Base Transceiver Stations for one of the mobile phone operators licensed
to provide mobile phone services in Kenya. To determine the best locations of the BTSs for optimal signal
coverage of the study area, spatial analysis tools in GIS were employed. Comparing the proposed
methodology with classical methods demonstrates that this spatial analysis approach can be used to
optimize mobile signal coverage in any dense urban environment without resorting to lengthy field
measurements thus minimizing on costs of wireless network planning.
Citation
Munene, E. N., and J. B. K. Kiema. "Optimizing the Location of Base Transceiver Stations in Mobile Communication Network Planning: Case study of the Nairobi Central Business District, Kenya."Publisher
University of Nairobi