5G Network Planning Guide

Contents

Change History ...............................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.

1 Overview......................................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Purpose and Organization ............................................................................................................................................. 7
1.2 Scope ............................................................................................................................................................................ 7

2 Procedure ........................................................................................................................................ 8
2.1 General Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
2.2 Differences Between 4G and 5G Network Planning .................................................................................................... 9
2.2.1 Challenges Raised by 5G New Frequency Bands ...................................................................................................... 9
2.2.2 Challenges Raised by 5G Air Interfaces .................................................................................................................. 10
2.2.2.1 Massive MIMO .................................................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.2.2 Flexible Duplex .................................................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.3 Challenges Raised by 5G Network Architecture ..................................................................................................... 12
2.2.4 Challenges Raised by 5G Services .......................................................................................................................... 13
2.2.5 Challenges Raised by 5G Applications .................................................................................................................... 14

3 5G Spectrum Planning Strategy ............................................................................................... 15

4 Information Collection............................................................................................................... 18
4.1 (Mandatory) KPI Requirements .................................................................................................................................. 18
4.2 (Mandatory) Network Construction Strategies ........................................................................................................... 18
4.3 (Mandatory) Frequency Bands ................................................................................................................................... 19
4.4 (Optional) Target Coverage Areas .............................................................................................................................. 19
4.4.1 (Optional) Classification of Target Coverage Areas ................................................................................................ 19
4.4.2 (Mandatory) User Distribution in Target Coverage Areas ....................................................................................... 19
4.4.3 (Mandatory) Electronic Maps of Target Coverage Areas......................................................................................... 20
4.4.4 (Optional) VIP Area Information ............................................................................................................................. 20
4.4.5 (Mandatory) Engineering Parameters of Target Coverage Areas ............................................................................. 21
4.4.6 (Optional) Traffic Statistics in Target Coverage Areas ............................................................................................ 21
4.4.7 (Mandatory) Propagation Model Calibration Data .................................................................................................. 21
4.5 (Optional) Device Requirements ................................................................................................................................ 21
4.6 Information Collection Checklist ................................................................................................................................ 22

5 Radio Network Dimensioning ................................................................................................. 24

5.1 Procedure .................................................................................................................................................................... 24
5.2 Prototype Tool............................................................................................................................................................. 25
5.2.1 Link Budget Prototype Tool..................................................................................................................................... 25
5.2.2 Network Dimensioning Prototype Tool ................................................................................................................... 26
5.3 Differences Between 5G and 4G Link Budgets .......................................................................................................... 27
5.3.1 Link Budget Factors ................................................................................................................................................ 27
5.3.2 5G Statistical Propagation Model ............................................................................................................................ 28
5.3.2.1 O2O Propagation Model Defined in 3GPP TR 36.873 ......................................................................................... 28
5.3.2.1.1 UMa Model........................................................................................................................................................ 28
5.3.2.1.2 RMa Model ........................................................................................................................................................ 31
5.3.2.1.3 UMi Model ........................................................................................................................................................ 33
5.3.2.1.4 Suggestions ........................................................................................................................................................ 33
5.3.2.2 Penetration Loss ................................................................................................................................................... 33
5.3.2.2.1 O2I Penetration Loss Defined in 3GPP TR 38.901 ............................................................................................ 33
5.3.2.2.2 Suggestions ........................................................................................................................................................ 36
5.3.2.3 Shadow Fading Margin......................................................................................................................................... 38
5.3.2.3.1 Shadow Fading Margin in 3GPP TR 38.901 ...................................................................................................... 38
5.3.2.3.2 Suggestions ........................................................................................................................................................ 39
5.3.3 Foliage Loss ............................................................................................................................................................. 40
5.3.4 Rain Attenuation Margin.......................................................................................................................................... 42
5.3.5 Body Block Loss...................................................................................................................................................... 45
5.3.6 IM ............................................................................................................................................................................ 46
5.3.6.1 IM estimation Based on Live-Network Interference Data .................................................................................... 47
5.3.6.2 Empirical IM Values ............................................................................................................................................. 48
5.4 Radio Network Dimensioning Output ........................................................................................................................ 48

6 Detailed Radio Network Planning .......................................................................................... 49

6.1 Band Clearance Test ................................................................................................................................................... 50
6.2 Site Survey .................................................................................................................................................................. 50
6.3 Network Plan Simulation ............................................................................................................................................ 50
6.3.1 5G Network Planning Methods ............................................................................................................................... 50
6.3.1.1 Coverage-based 5G Network Planning................................................................................................................. 51
6.3.1.1.1 Data Rates Required by 5G Services ................................................................................................................. 51
6.3.1.1.2 Coverage Standards of Network Construction ................................................................................................... 52
6.3.1.2 Capacity-/User Experience-based Network Planning ........................................................................................... 53
6.3.2 5G WINS Cloud U-Net Simulation Tool Introduction ............................................................................................ 53
6.3.2.1 Function Overview ............................................................................................................................................... 54
6.3.2.1.1 Introduction to 3D Simulation ........................................................................................................................... 55
6.3.2.1.2 Beamforming of 5G Massive MIMO Antennas ................................................................................................. 58
6.3.2.1.3 5G Coverage Prediction ..................................................................................................................................... 59
6.3.3 Coverage Prediction and Simulation Procedure ...................................................................................................... 59
6.3.4 Propagation Model Calibration ................................................................................................................................ 61
6.4 RF Parameter Planning ............................................................................................................................................... 61
6.4.1 5G Massive MIMO Beams ...................................................................................................................................... 61
6.4.2 Beamwidth Definition.............................................................................................................................................. 62
6.4.3 Azimuth Planning .................................................................................................................................................... 62
6.4.3.1 Azimuth Direction ................................................................................................................................................ 62
6.4.3.2 Principles of Massive MIMO Antenna Azimuth Planning ................................................................................... 62
6.4.3.2.1 DT Scenarios...................................................................................................................................................... 62
6.4.3.2.2 Continuous Coverage ......................................................................................................................................... 62
6.4.3.3 Adjustable Azimuth .............................................................................................................................................. 63
6.4.4 Antenna Altitude Planning ....................................................................................................................................... 63
6.4.5 Broadcast Beam Planning ........................................................................................................................................ 63
6.4.6 Downtilt Planning .................................................................................................................................................... 67
6.4.6.1 5G Downtilt Definition ......................................................................................................................................... 67
6.4.6.2 Mechanical Downtilt ............................................................................................................................................ 68
6.4.6.3 Preset Electrical Downtilt ..................................................................................................................................... 68
6.4.6.4 Adjustable Electrical Downtilt .............................................................................................................................. 68
6.4.6.5 5G Downtilt Planning Principles .......................................................................................................................... 69
6.4.7 Power Planning ........................................................................................................................................................ 69
6.5 5G Radio Parameter Planning ..................................................................................................................................... 70
6.5.1 PCI Planning ............................................................................................................................................................ 70
6.5.1.1 Comparison Between 5G and LTE PCIs .............................................................................................................. 70
6.5.1.2 PCI Planning Principles ........................................................................................................................................ 71
6.5.1.3 PCI Planning in Special Networking Scenarios.................................................................................................... 72
6.5.1.4 PCI Planning Tool................................................................................................................................................. 73
6.5.2 PRACH Root Sequence Planning ............................................................................................................................ 73
6.5.2.1 Comparison Between 5G and LTE Root Sequences ............................................................................................. 73
6.5.2.2 Root ZC Sequence Planning Principles ................................................................................................................ 74
6.5.2.3 Root ZC Sequence Planning Procedure ................................................................................................................ 75
6.5.2.3.1 Step 1: Selecting a Preamble Format ................................................................................................................. 75
6.5.2.3.2 Step 2: Determining Ncs According to the Cell Radius ..................................................................................... 75
6.5.2.3.3 Step 3: Calculating the Number of Preambles Generated from the Root ZC Sequence .................................... 78
6.5.2.3.4 Step 4: Calculating the Number of Root Sequences Required in a Cell ............................................................ 78
6.5.2.3.5 Step 5: Calculating the Number of Available Root Sequence Groups ............................................................... 78
6.5.2.3.6 Step 6: Planning Root Sequence Multiplexing based on the Multiplexing Degree ........................................... 83
6.5.2.4 Root Sequence Planning Solution in Special Scenarios ....................................................................................... 84
6.5.2.5 Root ZC Sequence Planning Tool ......................................................................................................................... 84
6.5.3 Neighboring Cell Planning ...................................................................................................................................... 84
6.5.3.1 Comparison Between 5G and 4G Neighboring Cell Planning.............................................................................. 84
6.5.3.2 Neighboring Cell Planning Principles .................................................................................................................. 85
6.5.3.3 Neighboring Cell Planning Tool ........................................................................................................................... 85
6.5.4 TA/TAL planning ..................................................................................................................................................... 85
6.5.5 TDD Uplink-Downlink Subframe Configuration Planning ..................................................................................... 86
6.5.5.1 Frame Configuration............................................................................................................................................. 86
6.5.5.2 Special Subframe Configuration ........................................................................................................................... 86
6.6 Detailed Radio Network Planning Output .................................................................................................................. 87

7 Appendix ...................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

7.1 U-Net Parameter Template .......................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.2 5G Radio Network Scenario Library ........................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
 5G RAN2.0 Network Planning Guide
Keywords:
5G, network planning

Abstract:
This document is used to guide 5G network planning and design.
 1 Overview

1.1 Purpose and Organization

5G network planning is mandatory in 5G network construction. Network planning directly
affects 5G network performance and network construction/maintenance costs.
This document consists of the following chapters:
Chapter 2 "Procedure"
Chapter 3 "5G Spectrum Planning Strategy"
Chapter 4 "Information Collection"
Chapter 5 "Radio Network Dimensioning"

1.2 Scope
This document is designed for 5G RAN2.0.
5G RAN2.0 network planning includes only eMBB network planning and does not involve
Wireless to the x (WTTx), Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Vehicles (IoV), or airspace
coverage.
 2 Procedure

2.1 General Procedure

The following figure shows the 5G network planning procedure.

Figure 2-1 5G network planning procedure

 Information is collected at the initial stage of network planning. The collected information is
used for network dimensioning, network plan simulation, and cell parameter planning. The
information includes operators' network construction policies, network construction
objectives, frequency band information, coverage area information, service requirements,
coverage probability, signal quality requirements, and digital maps. For operators that have
legacy 2G/3G/4G networks, 2G/3G/4G network information can be used as input or reference
for network planning. The 2G/3G/4G network information includes drive test (DT) data,
traffic statistics, measurement report (MR) data, site distribution, and engineering parameters.
Networks are dimensioned at early stage of projects, that is, the bidding and RFI/RFP phases
(RFI refers to request for information and RFP refers to request for proposal). To dimension
networks is to roughly plan future networks for the purpose of estimating the site scale and
coverage radius.
5G networks are planned in detail at the project delivery phase. Based on the results of
network dimensioning and site survey, the settings of cell parameters related to radio
frequency (RF) planning and cell planning are determined. Then, the cell parameter settings
and planning effects are verified through simulation. These cell parameter settings can be used
as the reference for network construction.
The purpose of RF planning is to determine the engineering parameters such as site location,
site height, azimuth, downtilt, and power through simulation. For 5G, beam configuration is
also involved in RF planning.
After RF planning, the sites and RF parameter settings are determined. Then, cell planning is
performed, which includes physical cell identifier (PCI) planning, physical random access
channel (PRACH) root sequence planning, neighboring cell planning, and location area (LA)
planning. LA planning mainly involves tracking area (TA) planning. Neighboring cell
planning involves configuring intra-/inter-frequency neighboring cells and inter-RAT
neighboring cells for each cell to ensure proper handovers. PCI planning determines the PCI
of each cell. For TDD, uplink-downlink subframe configuration is also involved in cell
planning.

2.2 Differences Between 4G and 5G Network Planning

5G mobile communications systems use brand new spectrum, air interface, and network
structure to satisfy the requirements for various applications and Internet of Everything (IoE)
services. For example, these requirements are raised by the transition from connections
among people to connections among people and things, from voice-centric services to
exploding data services and then to complex IoT services, and from function availability to
ultra-reliable and low-latency user experience. These transitions also bring great challenges to
radio network planning.

2.2.1 Challenges Raised by 5G New Frequency Bands

To facilitate massive IoE connections and achieve eMBB high data rates (peak rate: 1 Gbit/s),
5G networks use high frequency bands 28/39/60/73 GHz (these high frequency bands have
drawn great attention from the industry) in addition to sub-6 GHz frequency bands. Compared
with low frequency bands, wireless transmission in high frequency bands is more sensitive to
materials, vegetation, rain fade, and oxygen fade along the propagation path. High frequency
bands also feature small coverage. These pose higher accuracy requirements on radio network
planning.
New frequency bands present the following challenges and research topics to network
planning:
  Research on basic propagation features in high frequency bands, with a view to building
a database of basic propagation features in high frequency bands and a coverage baseline
as well as providing recommended propagation models separately for C-band and
mmWave based on theories and tests
 O2I penetration loss modeling for high frequency bands and separate penetration loss
researches for C-band and mmWave
 Project-based propagation models adaptive to different materials, and scenario
classification based on high-precision electronic map
 Accurate and efficient ray tracing model applicable to high and low frequency bands
 Uplink coverage improvement with the assistance of existing spectrum and uplink and
downlink decoupling because the uplink coverage of new frequency bands is insufficient
 High requirements on simulation accuracy due to small coverage of 5G new frequency
bands. To improve the simulation accuracy, you are advised to use high-precision 3D
models to simulate the impacts of landforms, building shapes and materials, and
vegetation, and use high-precision ray tracing models to improve the accuracy of
propagation path prediction. However, this also poses challenges to simulation efficiency
and engineering costs.
For details on propagation models, see sections 5.3.5 "Body Block Loss" and 6.3.4
"Propagation Model Calibration."
The network planning guide for uplink and downlink decoupling is described in the
corresponding guide document and is not included in this document.

2.2.2 Challenges Raised by 5G Air Interfaces

5G key air interface technologies involve channel coding, basic waveform, multiple access,
massive MIMO, and flexible duplex/full duplex.

Figure 2-2 Unified 5G air interface

Massive MIMO changes the traditional RF planning which is based on sector-level wide
beams. Flexible duplex/full duplex changes the traditional static configuration of uplink and
downlink frequencies.
2.2.2.1 Massive MIMO
The antenna pattern of massive MIMO is no longer a sector-level fixed wide beam but
user-level dynamic narrow beams. In addition, to significantly improve spectral efficiency,
MU-MIMO is introduced to enable multiple users with low beam correlation to use the same
frequency simultaneously.

Figure 2-3 Antenna pattern of massive MIMO

Traditional network planning cannot meet the massive MIMO requirements on RF parameter
planning and predication of coverage, data rate, and capacity. Therefore, the following
challenging researches are to be made:
 User-level dynamic narrow beam modeling for capacity simulation
The impacts of small-scale channel models on prediction accuracy and simulation
efficiency must be considered.
 Massive MIMO antenna modeling for coverage and data rate simulation
The following factors must be considered: electrical level, inter-cell interference,
mobility speed, and SU-MIMO.
 MU-MIMO modeling for coverage and capacity simulation
The impacts of UE correlation on the pairing probability and link performance must be
considered.
 How to plan the downtilt and beam for the narrow beam sweeping mechanism of
massive MIMO
For details on how to plan and simulate massive MIMO antenna models, see section 6.3.2
"5G WINS Cloud U-Net Simulation Tool Introduction."
For details on RF parameter planning for massive MIMO, see section 6.4 "RF Parameter
Planning."

2.2.2.2 Flexible Duplex

To better adapt to the asymmetry of uplink and downlink services in different cells or areas,
5G introduces flexible duplex to support dynamic uplink and downlink slot assignments based
on uplink and downlink service requirements. Flexible duplex significantly improves spectral
efficiency but also poses high requirements for network planning.
 During network planning, the interference between base stations and that between UEs
are predicted, and a high prediction accuracy is required. Deviation of x dB, which is
acceptable in traditional network planning, may be intolerable in 5G network planning
due to its impact on link and system performance.
  In order to fully tap into the commercial value of flexible duplex, algorithms such as
multi-user scheduling and interference cancellation are introduced. This requires that
radio resource management (RRM) algorithms be fully considered in network planning.

Figure 2-4 Interference between cells in the uplink and downlink

5G RAN2.0 does not support dynamic TDD and the network planning guide for dynamic
TDD is not developed. For details on the static TDD slot assignment, see section 6.5.5 "TDD
Uplink-Downlink Subframe Configuration Planning."

2.2.3 Challenges Raised by 5G Network Architecture

With the growing focus on user experience of network operators, networking planning has
been evolved from network-centric coverage and capacity planning to user-centric experience
planning. The network architecture is also developing towards cloudification and resource
pool construction. In 5G, network slices are used to quickly orchestrate and deploy new
services on the basic network. In addition, resources are configured and allocated in real time
based on user requirements. These pose many new challenges to network planning.
 Network slice-based network planning
 Physical network planning for each logical network slice, and planning of networks
deployed with multiple network slices
 User-centric dynamic network topology design, planning, and simulation
 User-centric channel resource cloudification modeling, and planning of dynamic
topologies and coordination-based features for ultra-dense networks

Figure 2-5 User-centric dynamic network topology design and planning

5G RAN2.0 does not support network slice-based network planning.

2.2.4 Challenges Raised by 5G Services
User experience-centric network construction has become an industry consensus. In LTE era,
user experience-centric network construction methods such as xMbps and Video Coverage
have been widely used for commercial networks. Experience-centric network construction
aims to satisfy user experience requirements. The key functions involved in network planning
are service experience evaluation, gap analysis, planning solution, and simulation prediction.
5G is an Internet of everything. Based on service requirements, 5G service types are classified
into:
 URLLC
This type of services has high requirements on delay (1 ms) and reliability (99.999%).
 mMTC
This type of services has high requirements on the connection quantity, power
consumption, and standby time.
 eMBB
This type of services requires the mobile network to provide favorable user experience
for new services such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).

Figure 2-6 Technical requirement differences brought by diversified 5G services

In terms of the experience requirements of new 5G services in standby, latency, and reliability,
the evaluation method, planning solution, and simulation prediction are currently unavailable
or in the initial stage, facing great challenges.
5G RAN2.0 only supports traditional coverage-based network planning and does not support
coverage-based or user experience-based network planning. It supports only network planning
for eMBB and does not support network planning for mMTC or URLLC.
2.2.5 Challenges Raised by 5G Applications
Since a large number of new services are introduced, the applications of 5G networks have
been extended to a larger extent than traditional mobile communications network. 5G
applications include:
 IoT (with no manual intervention)
New IoT services are provided for various vertical industries, such as smart meter
reading, smart parking, and Industry 4.0. The applications have reached far beyond
human activities.
 IoV
Communication between vehicles, interaction between humans and vehicles, and
communication between vehicles and a control center
 Low-altitude coverage
Many countries have clearly expressed the need for coverage and supervision for
low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) through mobile communications
networks.
 Airline coverage
5G is required to provide high-speed data services for airlines.
For these applications, propagation characteristics and networking solutions are still unknown.
Therefore, related researches need to be carried out.
 3 5G Spectrum Planning Strategy

The existing spectrum cannot meet users' requirements as users are requiring higher
experience rate, pursuing ultimate peak rate, and requiring massive connections, low latency,
and high reliability. New technologies must be introduced to improve spectral efficiency and
new spectrums must be planned to meet the requirements of 5G application scenarios.
In the future, the 5G spectrum architecture will be classified into above-6 GHz, sub-6 GHz,
and 4G/4.5G and later evolution. Above-6 GHz supports ultra-large bandwidth and its new air
interface adopts mmWave as typical high wave bands. Sub-6 GHz supports a new air interface
with medium and low frequency bands.
5G will be a full-band access network, where sub-6 GHz (C band) has a strong diffraction
capability and can achieve continuous wide coverage, low latency, high reliability, and
massive connections with low power consumption. Sub-6 GHz will be the preferential
frequency band of 5G. Above-6 GHz will act as a supplementary spectrum. It has continuous
and high-bandwidth spectrum, which can achieve the ultimate peak rate experience of 5G and
meet the high-rate requirements of hotspot areas. Currently, most 4G networks are deployed
below the 3 GHz frequency band, which provide users with ubiquitous 100 Mbit/s user
experience and meet the requirements of low power consumption and large connections.

Figure 3-1 5G spectrum architecture

The 3.4 GHz to 3.6 GHz frequency has been planned for 5G tests in China.
The Radio Management Bureau of China will spare 399 MHz spectrum from 3 GHz to 6 GHz
for 5G. The spectrum includes 3.3 GHz to 3.4 GHz, 4.4 GHz to 4.5 GHz, and 4.8 GHz to 4.99
GHz. Related coordination tasks are ongoing. In the future, attention will be paid to above-20
GHz spectrum. However, the specific allocation strategy and pace are to be determined. It has
become consensus in the industry that the spectrum supervision department of each country
collaborates with IMT to unify 5G spectrum to strive for a win-win situation. The current
global 5G spectrum characteristics are as follows:
 C-band (3.4 GHz to 4.2 GHz) is most likely to be globally coordinated. It is the only 100
MHz bandwidth frequency band that operators can obtain from sub-6 GHz in the next
five years.
 28 GHz may become a regional 5G spectrum and will be used in regions such as the US,
Korea, Japan, and other regions.
 39 GHz and 25 GHz are potential global collaborative mmWave spectrums.

Figure 3-2 Full-spectrum access in 5G

To achieve the co-coverage objective of the C-band (3.5 GHz) and existing networks, NR
uplink can use existing FDD frequencies, for example, 1.8 GHz. This is because the uplink of
the existing LTE spectrum is relatively idle. On the one hand, the lower spectrum can
compensate for the uplink gap. On the other hand, the idle FDD spectrum resources can be
fully utilized.

Figure 3-3 Uplink and downlink decoupling in 5G

Up
lin
5G NR k(1
.8 G/
site 2.1
G/
90
0M
Do
wn
link
(3.
5G
)

3.5 GHz coverage is aligned with 1.8 GHz.

According to analysis, the coverage of FDD PUSCH at 1.8 GHz improves by about 11 dB
compared with that of PUSCH at 3.5 GHz, and the NR downlink at 3.5 GHz and NR uplink at
1.8 GHz can achieve co-coverage with existing networks.

Figure 3-4 Uplink differences between 3.5 GHz and 1.8 GHz

Key Parameters

(Sample UE)

The 5G NR downlink and LTE uplink can be combined to achieve uplink and downlink
decoupling. With the complementary advantages of the two, effective region-level
coordination and flexible and efficient resource allocation can be implemented between
different RATs, frequency bands, sites, and service requirements. This helps maximize
network efficiency.
 4 Information Collection

Information is collected at the initial stage of network planning. The collected information is
used for network dimensioning, network plan simulation, and cell parameter planning. The
information includes operators' network construction policies, network construction
objectives, frequency band information, coverage area information, service requirements,
coverage probability, signal quality requirements, and digital maps. For operators that have
legacy 2G/3G/4G networks, 2G/3G/4G network information can be used as input or reference
for network planning. The 2G/3G/4G network information includes DT data, traffic statistics,
MR data, site distribution, and engineering parameters.
The information collection procedure and information to be collected for 5G are almost the
same as those for 4G.

4.1 (Mandatory) KPI Requirements

Network planning mainly focuses on coverage KPIs, such as coverage level, coverage
probability, signal quality, and cell edge user (CEU) data rate. If requirements are specified in
the contract, the specified requirements prevail. If no requirements are specified, the values
recommended by Huawei are used.

4.2 (Mandatory) Network Construction Strategies

You are advised to collect the following information related to network construction
strategies:
1. Site scale expected by network operators: related to investment
2. Coverage: continuous coverage, hotspot coverage, or street coverage
3. Co-site construction: co-site proportion, and which RAT and frequency band apply
co-site deployment
4. Uplink and downlink decoupling: whether uplink and downlink decoupling is used,
whether co-site decoupling or inter-site decoupling is used, and the data rate required
when decoupling is used
5. Indoor and outdoor coverage: whether indoor light or deep coverage is required
6. Non-standalone (NSA) or standalone (SA) networking
4.3 (Mandatory) Frequency Bands
Collect the specific 5G frequency bands that the operator uses and the operators to which
neighboring frequency bands belongs. For details on 5G available frequency bands, see 3GPP
TS 38.104.
During onsite planning, collect the frequency band distribution of other wireless
communications systems in the area to analyze interference from other frequencies.

4.4 (Optional) Target Coverage Areas

4.4.1 (Optional) Classification of Target Coverage Areas
Before radio network planning, target coverage areas must be classified based on radio
propagation environments and population density. This is because the network construction
specifications, propagation models, penetration loss, and evaluated single-UE traffic vary
according to the classification.
For 5G radio network scenarios, see the appendix.

4.4.2 (Mandatory) User Distribution in Target Coverage Areas

Collect the user distribution on the live network and the population coverage ratio on the live
network. Alternatively, estimate the user distribution based on the number of building floors
and the building area.
For the user distribution in target coverage areas, pay close attention to the total number of
users (outdoor users and indoor users on every floor), user categories, and user behavior.
1. Total number of users: Based on the total number of users and the service penetration
rate in a target coverage area, you can calculate the capacity required for a specific
service in the area. If the required capacity exceeds the capabilities of cells in this area,
the capacity is insufficient and needs to be expanded using methods such as transceiver
(TRX) or site additions.
2. User categories: Users in a target coverage area are categorized into VIP users and other
users. VIP user experience must be ensured even using methods of TRX and site
additions.
3. User behavior: User behavior in a target coverage area indicates the data related to the
traffic model, for example, average traffic volume per voice service user and average
throughput per data service user.
4. Population coverage ratio: The population coverage ratio determines target coverage
areas. For example, if the population coverage ratio required for a city reaches 75%,
preferentially deploy 5G only in densely populated areas at the initial stage.
4.4.3 (Mandatory) Electronic Maps of Target Coverage Areas
Two maps are used for 5G simulation.
1. Electronic 3D maps containing Vector, Building Height, Clutter, and Clutter Height
2. Electronic 2D maps containing Building Height, Clutter, and Clutter Height
3D maps are used for ray tracing model simulation and 2D maps are used for empirical model
simulation. The required precisions of these two types of maps are 2 m and 5 m, respectively.
The following figure shows the constraints on maps.

Figure 4-1 Electronic map formats

The mentioned types of electronic maps can be obtained from gis.huawei.com or purchased.
The precision of electronic maps affects the rationality of planning results. Therefore, before
using a map for simulation, check the map by comparing landmarks and buildings with the
information on Google Earth.
For map-related issues, contact the OSS contact, Li Xiaolong (employee ID: 00225610; email:
[email protected]).

4.4.4 (Optional) VIP Area Information

In addition to the area classification and information collection measured above, collect
information for VIP areas. VIP areas include government office buildings, main business
districts, hotels, stadiums, landmark buildings, and operators' key business halls. The VIP area
information to be collected includes geographical location, building information, user
distribution, user number, service usage characteristics, and service coverage requirements.
Pay special attention to these areas during network planning and optimization to improve user
satisfaction.
4.4.5 (Mandatory) Engineering Parameters of Target Coverage
Areas
Obtain detailed engineering parameters of legacy 2G/3G/4G live networks. The engineering
parameters include site names, sector names, site longitude and latitude, site height, azimuth,
downtilt, antenna gains, power configurations, PCIs, frequencies, and feeder loss. If there are
no sites on the live network, operators need to provide candidate site information.

4.4.6 (Optional) Traffic Statistics in Target Coverage Areas

Collect traffic statistics on the live network, such as the number of users, user distribution (for
example, determined based on TA values), network load (PRB usage), regional traffic,
average cell rate, user-perceived rate, and MR (used to determine user distribution). Such
information can be used for capacity simulation.
In addition, collect the uplink noise floor of the live network and CQIs reported by UEs to
determine the interference on live networks and evaluate the interference to 5G networks.

4.4.7 (Mandatory) Propagation Model Calibration Data

The recommended data for propagation model calibration is as follows:
 If there is a trial site, the test data of the trial site is recommended.
 If data mentioned above is unavailable, CW test data is recommended.
 If all data mentioned above is unavailable, accurate live-network engineering parameters
and DT data (especially, LTE DT data) are recommended.
 If all data mentioned above is unavailable, propagation models of similar scenarios in the
OSS model library is recommended. For details, contact the OSS contact, Li Xiaolong
(employee ID: 00225610; email: [email protected]).

4.5 (Optional) Device Requirements

Collect operators' requirements on devices, such as the number of TRXs and power. Check
the requirements with product specifications to determine the specifications to be used in
simulation. If operators do not raise any specific requirements, use the default configuration
compatible with the version.
For details about the product specifications of version 18B, contact the specifications contact,
Li Xu (employee ID: 00387030; email: [email protected]).
4.6 Information Collection Checklist
Item 4G 5G Mandatory/Optional
KPIs Coverage probability: higher Coverage level and signal Mandatory
than 95% in densely populated quality: measured based on
urban areas and urban areas, the SSB RSRP and SINR,
and higher than 90% in which are different from
suburban areas and rural areas those for 4G
Coverage level: measured CEU data rate: higher than
based on the CRS RSRP. that required for 4G
Signal quality: measured based
on the CRS SINR
CEU data rate: The uplink and
downlink CEU data rates
depend on the operator's
network construction
requirements.
Network Site scale: related to 1. Whether UL and DL Mandatory
construction investment decoupling is used for 5G
strategies Coverage area: continuous (whether to use inter-site
networking, hotspot coverage, decoupling or intra-site
or street coverage decoupling, and data rate
requirements when
Co-site construction: co-site decoupling is enabled)
proportion, and which RAT
and frequency band apply 2. NSA or SA networking
co-site deployment
Indoor coverage: indoor
coverage target
Frequency bands 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1.8 GHz, 3.6 GHz to 3.8 GHz, 4.7 Mandatory
1.9 GHz, 2.1 GHz, 2.6 GHz, GHz to 4.9 GHz, and other
and other frequency bands frequency bands
For details, see 3GPP TS
38.104.
Classification of Densely populated urban Same as 4G Optional
target coverage areas, urban areas, suburban
areas areas, rural areas, or others
User distribution Number of users, user Same as 4G Mandatory
in target coverage distribution, user type, and
areas population coverage ratio
Electronic maps of The precision is not less than The precision is not less than Mandatory
target coverage 20 m. 5 m. 3D electronic maps are
areas required for ray tracing
simulation.
Engineering Engineering parameters of the Same as 4G Mandatory
parameters of live network
target coverage
Item 4G 5G Mandatory/Optional
areas
Traffic statistics in Number of users, user Same as 4G Optional
target coverage distribution, network load
areas (PRB usage), regional traffic,
average cell rate,
user-perceived rate, MR,
uplink noise floor on the live
network, and CQIs reported by
users
VIP area VIP user distribution, Same as 4G Optional
information coverage rate requirements,
and data rate requirements
Propagation model Empirical model Ray tracing model is Mandatory
calibration data recommended.
Device Power, RRU model, and other 5G devices are different Mandatory
requirements requirements from 4G devices.
Requirements on power and
AAU models must be
collected.
 5 Radio Network Dimensioning

Radio network dimensioning includes link budgets and capacity forecasts. Link budgets are to
provide the initial site scale based on the coverage. Capacity forecasts are to determine the
number of cells based on traffic requirements and then provide the initial site scale. The final
network dimensioning results are initial site scale and configurations obtained considering the
balance between coverage and capacity requirements.
Radio network dimensioning is mainly used in market bidding, customer communication, and
network pre-planning and is an important phase in the early stage of radio network
construction. It provides reference for project quotation, competition, technical
communication, and network performance/scale evaluation.
To perform radio network dimensioning, calculate the cell radius that meets the coverage and
capacity requirements based on the expected network construction target (for example, CEU
data rate and cell capacity). Then the network scale is obtained, including the site quantity.

5.1 Procedure
The radio network dimensioning procedure for 5G is the same as that for 4G and is not
described in this document.
 Figure 5-1 5G radio network dimensioning procedure

5.2 Prototype Tool

5.2.1 Link Budget Prototype Tool
There are no radio network dimensioning (RND) tools compatible for 5G RAN2.0, and the
available prototype tool for network dimensioning can be used only by R&D personnel.
The 5G NR link budget prototype tool supports only coverage-based dimensioning and does
not support capacity-based dimensioning. The following table lists the supported functions.

Table 5-1 Functions of the prototype tool for 5G network dimensioning

No. Function
1 Cell radius estimation based on the CEU data rate
2 Throughput estimation based on the coverage distance
3 Coverage estimation of each common/control channel

The following table provides the link budget differences between 5G NR RAN2.0 and 5G NR
RAN1.0.
 Table 5-2 Link budget differences between 5G NR RAN2.0 and 5G NR RAN1.0

Category RAN2.0 RAN1.0

Base station model High-band 4T4R Low frequency 64TRX
Low-band 64TRX, 32TRX, and 8TRX
Uplink-downlink Sub-6 GHz 4:1 (DDDSU) Sub-6 GHz 4:1 (DDDSU)
slot assignment Sub-6 GHz 8:2 (DDDDDDDSUU)
Sub-6GHz 7:3 (DDDSUDDSUU)
Above-6 GHz 4:1 (DDDSU)
Overhead 5G RAN2.0 product overhead in drive test 5G RAN1.0 product overhead in drive
scenarios test scenarios
Intermodulation Applicable to 5G RAN2.0 Applicable to 5G RAN1.0
performance
PRACH format The low frequency band supports Format C2 The low frequency band supports
and Format 0 (7:3/8:2 assignment). Format C2.
The high frequency band supports Format C2.
Sub-6 GHz Support for multiple bandwidths and CA Support for only 100 MHz bandwidth
bandwidth
PDSCH weight form PMI, dynamic BF, and adaptive BM PMI and dynamic BF

5.2.2 Network Dimensioning Prototype Tool

Before link budgeting, determine the link budget inputs based on project requirements. For
details about the link budget information collection template, see chapter Error! Reference
source not found."Error! Reference source not found.."
For the operation guide to the 5G network dimensioning prototype tool, see 5G RAN2.0 Link
Budget Tool Guide.
5.3 Differences Between 5G and 4G Link Budgets
5.3.1 Link Budget Factors
In terms of link budget factors, 5G and 4G have no difference on the C-band. However, the
body block loss, tree fading, rain attenuation, and snow/ice loss are introduced in 5G.

Figure 5-2 5G link budget factors

The following table describes the key differences between 5G and 3G/4G link budgets.

Table 5-3 Differences between 5G and 3G/4G link budgets

Link Factor LTE Link Budget 5G NR Link Budget

Feeder loss RRUs are used, with AAUs are used, without external antenna feeder loss.
external antenna feeder RRUs are used, with external antenna feeder loss.
loss.
Base station A physical antenna A massive MIMO antenna array associates with multiple
antenna gains associates with a single TRXs. One TRX corresponds to multiple physical antennas.
TRX. The antenna gain Total antanna gain = Single TRX antenna gain + BF gain
of a single TRX is the
gain of a physical Where
antenna.  The antenna gain in the link budget is only the antenna gain
of a single TRX.
 The BF gain is reflected in the demodulation threshold.
 For details about antenna gains, see the product
specifications at
http://3ms.huawei.com/mm/docMaintain/mmMaintain.do?
method=showMMDetail&f_id=5G180321451649993.
Propagation model Cost231-Hata UMa/RMa model defined in 3GPP TR 36.873 and UMi model
defined in 3GPP TR 38.901
Penetration loss Relatively low Higher frequency band and higher penetration loss
Interference Relatively large The massive MIMO beam inherently has interference
Link Factor LTE Link Budget 5G NR Link Budget
margin (IM) suppression effect. Therefore, its interference is low.
Body block loss N/A Body block loss needs to be considered for scenarios where
UE location is low and the traffic volume is large, especially in
mmWave scenarios.
Rain attenuation N/A Rain attenuation needs to be considered in mmWave scenarios
with abundant and frequent rainfall.
Tree fading N/A Tree fading needs to be considered in areas with dense
vegetation and LOS.

5.3.2 5G Statistical Propagation Model

5.3.2.1 O2O Propagation Model Defined in 3GPP TR 36.873
3GPP TR 36.873 defines 3D propagation models and supports the frequency range from 0.5
GHz to 6 GHz. The models are as follows: UMa, RMa, and UMi. Their application scenarios
are listed in the following table.

Table 5-4 Application scenarios of 3GPP-defined O2O propagation models

Propagation Model Application Scenario

UMa Macro, suburban/urban/densely populated urban
RMa Macro, rural
UMi Micro, urban/densely populated urban

5.3.2.1.1 UMa Model

The UMa model applies to macro base stations in densely populated urban areas, urban areas,
and suburban areas.
In the model, the average street width (W) and average house height (h) supports
scenario-specific customization. If the operator has no specific requirements, the
recommended values listed in the following table can be used.

Table 5-5 Recommended values of W and h in the UMa model

Scenario h (m) W (m)

Densely populated urban 30 10

Urban 20 20
Suburban 10 30
 Table 5-6 3GPP-defined UMa model

Pathloss [dB], fc is in GHz and Shadow fading Applicability range, antenna

LOS/NLOS
distance is in meters std [dB] height default values
Scenario

PL = 22.0log10(d3D) + 28.0 + 20log10(fc) σSF = 4 10 m < d2D < d'BP)

PL = 40log10(d3D)+28.0+20log10(fc) d'BP < d2D < 5000 m)
LOS

–9log10((d'BP)2+(hBS - hUT)2) σSF = 4 hBS = 25 m4),

1.5 m ≦ hUT ≦ 22.5 m)

PL = max(PL3D-UMa-NLOS, PL3D-UMa-LOS) σSF = 6 10 m < d2D < 5 000 m

PL3D-UMa-NLOS = 161.04 – 7.1 log10(W) + h = avg. building height,
7.5 log10(h) W = street width
3D-UMa

– (24.37 – 3.7(h/hBS)2) log10(hBS) hBS = 25 m,

+ (43.42 – 3.1 log10(hBS)) (log10(d3D) - 3) 1.5 m ≦ hUT ≦ 22.5 m,
+ 20 log10(fc)
NLOS

W = 20 m,
– (3.2 (log10(17.625)) 2 - 4.97) – 0.6(hUT
- 1.5) h = 20 m
The applicability ranges:
5 m < h < 50 m
5 m < W < 50 m
10 m < hBS < 150 m
1.5 m ≦ hUT ≦ 22.5 m

The distance- and height-related parameters in the propagation model are defined as shown in
the following figure.

Figure 5-3 d2D/d3D definitions in outdoor scenarios

d3
D
hBS

hUT

d2D

: actual UE height (unit: m)

: actual base station height (unit: m)

: center frequency (unit: GHz)

d2D: horizontal distance between the base station and the UE (unit: m)
d3D: spacial distance between the base station and the UE (unit: m)

: break point distance, the value of which affects whether the near-point model or
far-point model is used.

For UMa and UMi models, the calculation formula of is as follows:

where:

: center frequency (unit: Hz)

: light speed, which equals 3.0 x 108 m/s

: effective antenna height at the base station (unit: m)

: effective antenna height at the UE (unit: m)

: effective environment height (unit: m)

: is a function of the link between a base station and a UE. The value varies according to
the scenario.
In the event that the link is determined to be LOS:

For the UMi model, equals 1 m.

For the UMa model, is 1 m with a probability equal to 1/(1 + C(d2D, hUT)) and chosen
from a discrete uniform distribution uniform (12, 15, …, (hUT – 1.5)) otherwise. The function
C(d2D, hUT) is defined as follows:
 1 , d 2D-out  18m
 
PrLOS   18   
3
 d 5d   d
 1  C hUT   2D-out  exp  2D-out
18
 exp  2D-out 1   ,18m  d 2D-out
 d 2D-out   d 2D -out  4  100   150  

63 

where:

0 , hUT  13m

C (hUT )    hUT  13 
1.5


  10   ,13m  hUT  23m

 The calculation results of provided in the following table show that you can focus on
the near-point model for frequency bands higher than 6 GHz and focus on both near-point
model and far-point model in LOS scenarios for sub-6 GHz bands.

Table 5-7 Calculation results of in 5G propagation models

Group No. Scenario

(m) (m) (m) (GHz) (m)

1 25 1.5 1 28 4480 UMa LOS

2 25 1.5 0 28 14000 UMa NLOS
3 25 1.5 1 3.5 560 UMa LOS
4 10 1.5 1 28 1680 UMi LOS
5 10 1.5 1 73 4380 UMi LOS
6 10 1.5 1 3.5 210 UMi LOS

For the RMa model, the calculation formula of is as follows:

5.3.2.1.2 RMa Model

The RMa model applies to macro base stations in rural scenarios.
 Table 5-8 3GPP-defined RMa model

Pathloss [dB], fc is in GHz and Shadow fading Applicability range, antenna

LOS/NLOS
distance is in meters std [dB] height default values
Scenario

PL1 = 20log10(40πd3Dfc /3) + σSF = 4 10 m < d2D < dBP)

min(0.03h1.72,10)log10(d3D) σSF = 6 dBP < d2D < 10 000 m,
– min(0.044h1.72,14.77) + hBS = 35 m,
0.002log10(h)d3D
hUT = 1.5 m,
PL2 = PL1 (dBP) + 40 log10(d3D /dBP)
W = 20 m,
h=5m
LOS

h = avg. building height,

W = street width
The applicability ranges:
5 m < h < 50 m
5 m < W < 50 m
10 m < hBS < 150 m
3D-RMa

1 m < hUT < 10 m

PL = 161.04 – 7.1 log10(W) + 7.5 σSF = 8 10 m < d2D < 5 000 m,
log10(h) hBS = 35 m,
– (24.37 – 3.7(h/hBS)2) log10(hBS) hUT = 1.5 m,
+ (43.42 – 3.1 log10(hBS)) W = 20 m,
(log10(d3D) - 3) + 20 log10(fc)
h=5m
– (3.2 (log10(11.75 hUT))2 - 4.97)
NLOS

h = avg. building height,

W = street width
The applicability ranges:
5 m < h < 50 m
5 m < W < 50 m
10 m < hBS < 150 m
1 m < hUT < 10 m

In the model, the average street width (W) and average house height (h) supports
scenario-specific customization. If the operator has no specific requirements, the
recommended values listed in the following table can be used.

Table 5-9 Recommended values of W and h in the RMa model

Scenario h (m) W(m)

Rural 5 50
5.3.2.1.3 UMi Model
The UMi model applies to micro base stations in densely populated urban areas and urban
areas.

Table 5-10 3GPP-defined UMi model

Pathloss [dB], fc is in GHz and distance is in Shadow Applicability range,

LOS/NLOS

meters fading antenna height

Scenario

std [dB] default values

PL = 22.0log10(d3D) + 28.0 + 20log10(fc) σSF = 3 10 m < d2D < d'BP)

PL = 40log10(d3D) + 28.0 + 20log10(fc) –9log10((d'BP)2 σSF = 3 d'BP < d2D < 5000 m)
LOS

+ (hBS - hUT)2) hBS = 10 m),

1.5 m ≦ hUT ≦
3D-UMi

22.5 m)
For hexagonal cell layout: σSF = 4 10 m < d2D < 2000 m)
NLOS

PL = max(PL3D-UMi-NLOS, PL3D-UMi-LOS) hBS = 10 m

PL3D-UMi-NLOS = 36.7log10(d3D) + 22.7 + 26log10(fc) – 1.5 m ≦ hUT ≦
0.3(hUT - 1.5) 22.5 m

5.3.2.1.4 Suggestions
The O2O model defined in 3GPP TR 36.873 is recommended.

5.3.2.2 Penetration Loss

5.3.2.2.1 O2I Penetration Loss Defined in 3GPP TR 38.901
The O2I penetration loss is determined by the UE location. Generally, the O2I penetration
loss is calculated using the following formula:


PL  PL b  PL tw  PLin  N 0, P2 
PL b PL tw
where is the basic outdoor path loss, is the building penetration, PL in is the
inside loss dependent on the depth into the building, and is the standard deviation for the
penetration loss. 𝜎𝑃 is the standard deviation of penetration loss.
 Figure 5-4 O2I definitions of d2D-out, d2D-in, d3D-out, and d3D-in

d3
D-o
ut

hBS
d3
D-i
n

hUT

d2D-out d2D-in

Penetration loss models are classified into high-loss and low-loss models depending on the
PL tw
value of . Both low-loss and high-loss models are applicable to UMa and UMi-Street
PL tw
Canyon. Only the low-loss model is applicable to RMa. is calculated as instructed in
the following table.

Table 5-11 O2I building penetration loss model

Path loss through external wall: Indoor loss: Standard

deviation:
PL tw in [dB] PL in in [dB]
σP in [dB]

Low-loss   Lglass  Lconcrete

 0.5 d 2Din 4.4
model 
5  10 log10 0.3 10 10
 0.7 10 10 
 
 
High-loss   LIIRglass  Lconcrete
 0.5 d 2Din 6.5
model 
5  10 log10 0.7 10 10
 0.3 10 10 
 
 

Table 5-12 Material penetration losses

Material Penetration loss [dB]

Standard multi-pane glass Lglass  2  0.2 f

IRR glass LIIRglass  23  0.3 f

Concrete Lconcrete  5  4 f

Wood Lwood  4.85  0.12 f

Note: f is in GHz

For backwards compatibility with 3GPP TR 36.873, the following building penetration model
should be used for frequencies below 6 GHz.
 Table 5-13 O2I building penetration loss model for single-frequency simulations <6 GHz

Parameter Value

PL tw 20 dB

PL in 0.5 d 2Din

with d 2Din being a single, link-specific, uniformly distributed variable between 0 and 25 m

P 0 dB

 SF 7 dB

The penetration loss in different frequency bands can be obtained using the formulas
mentioned above. The penetration loss at the 3.5 GHz band obtained using the high-loss
model is 26.85 dB. The penetration loss at the 28 GHz band obtained using the high-loss
model is 37.95 dB.

Figure 5-5 O2I penetration loss in 3GPP TR 38.901

5.3.2.2.2 Suggestions
Huawei tests based on various building materials show that the penetration loss at the 3.5
GHz band is about 12 to 28 dB.

Table 5-14 Penetration loss at the 3.5 GHz band obtained in Huawei tests – low frequency band

Class Material/Type 3.5 GHz Penetration Loss

External wall of the office 35 cm thick concrete wall 28
building
Two-layer energy-efficient glass with 26
metal frames
Inner wall 12 cm plasterboard wall 12
Brick 76 x 2 mm, 2 layers 24
229 mm, 3 layers 28
Glass Two-layer energy-efficient glass with 26
metal frames
Three-layer energy-efficient glass 34
with metal frames
2-layer glass 12

Figure 5-6 O2I penetration loss in 3GPP TR 38.901 - low frequency band

The following table lists the penetration loss of mmWave in 28 GHz scenarios based on
various building materials.
 Table 5-15 Penetration loss at the 3.5 GHz band obtained in Huawei tests - high frequency band

Material 28 GHz 39 GHz

Single layer glass (0.8 cm) 4 5
Ordinary glass door (0.8 cm) 3.5 4.5
Low-e metal coated glass (0.6 cm) 12 N/A
Double-layer low-e metal coated glass* 16 N/A
Metal coated glass 23.5 N/A
Window-shades + 2 layer glass 36.2 45.9
2 layer glass wall (1.8 cm) 14.6 20.9
Outer concrete wall (27.5 cm) 64.9 78.8
Indoor concrete wall (42 cm) 69.1 75.7
Indoor concrete wall (36 cm) 54 N/A
Hollow metal wall (0.8 cm) 63 68.5
Solid wooden door (4.5 cm) 11.7 18.4
Hollow wall 4.5 N/A
Wooden door (5 cm) 8.9 10.7
Pine board (2 cm)* 1 N/A
Hollow metal wall (0.8 cm) 63 68.5
White board* 17.8 N/A
Advertisement paper* 1 N/A
Thermal baffle* 2 N/A
Carton covered foam* 3.6 N/A

If the operator has no specific requirements, the recommended O2I penetration loss values
listed in the following table can be used for the C-band.

Table 5-16 Recommended O2I penetration loss values for different frequency bands - low
frequency band

Penetration Loss (dB)

Frequency band 0.8 1.8 2.1 2.6 3.5 4.5
(GHz)
Densely populated 18 21 22 23 26 28
urban area
Urban area 14 17 18 19 22 24
Penetration Loss (dB)
Suburban area 10 13 14 15 18 20
Rural area 7 10 11 12 15 17

If the operator has no specific requirements, the recommended O2I penetration loss values
listed in the following table can be used for mmWave.

Table 5-17 Recommended O2I penetration loss values for different frequency bands – high
frequency band

28 GHz 39 GHz
Dense urban 38 41
Urban 34 37
Suburban 30 33
Rural 27 30

5.3.2.3 Shadow Fading Margin

The signal strength varies slowly with the distance (complies with the lognormal distribution),
and is related to the barrier of propagation, season, and weather change. The shadow fading
margin refers to the margin reserved to ensure a certain level coverage probability in
long-term statistics.

5.3.2.3.1 Shadow Fading Margin in 3GPP TR 38.901

According to 3GPP TR 38.901, the standard deviation of shadow fading in different scenarios
is listed in the following table.

Table 5-18 3GPP-defined standard deviation of shadow fading

Scenario LOS/NLOS Shadow Fading Standard Deviation [dB]

RMa LOS  SF  4

NLOS  SF  8

UMa LOS  SF  4

NLOS  SF  6

UMi - Street Canyon LOS  SF  4

NLOS  SF  7.82

InH - Office LOS  SF  3

 Scenario LOS/NLOS Shadow Fading Standard Deviation [dB]
NLOS  SF  8.03

The following table lists the typical values of the shadow fading margin with the coverage
probability of 95% in UMa LOS/NLOS scenarios.

Table 5-19 3GPP-defiend shadow fading margin in UMa LOS/NLOS scenarios

Scenario Coverage Edge Coverage Standard Shadow Fading

Probability Probability Deviation of Margin
Shadow Fading
LOS 95% 85.1% 4 4.16
NLOS 95% 82.5% 6 5.6

5.3.2.3.2 Suggestions

Table 5-20 Recommended standard deviation of shadow fading

Scenario Densely Urban Area Suburban Area Rural Area

Populated Urban
Area

O2I 11.7 9.4 7.2 6.2

Table 5-21 Recommended shadow fading margin

Scenario Densely Urban Area Suburban Rural Area LOS

Populated Area
Urban Area

O2I 9 8 6 5 5
O2O 8 6 5 4 4
5.3.3 Foliage Loss
In channel environment at high frequency bands, the influence of vegetation obstacle on
signal propagation cannot be ignored. Huawei test results show that there are no direct
relationship between foliage loss and frequencies but the density of vegetation has a great
impact on the receive electrical level.

Figure 5-7 Test results of foliage loss in different frequency bands

The following figure shows the test results of the foliage loss at 28 GHz bands when Huawei
5G prototype is used and the transmitter uses massive MIMO antennas.

Figure 5-8 Fixed-point foliage loss test results - high frequency band
 The foliage loss has significant impacts on signal propagation, and the impacts are related to
the vegetation density. The more dense the vegetation, the greater the loss caused by the
obstacle. During coverage and planning analysis, the typical foliage loss in the 28 GHz to 39
GHz bands is 17 dB.
If the vegetation in the target area is dense and the LOS scenario is considered, you are
advised to consider the tree attenuation in sub-6 GHz link budget. For example: 12 dB
penetration with multiple trees.

Table 5-22 Recommended values of low frequency vegetation loss

Penetration Loss (dB) 3500 MHz

One camphor 8.46

One willow 7.49
Two trees 11.14
Three to four trees 19.59
 Figure 5-9 Fixed-point vegetation loss test results - low frequency band

5.3.4 Rain Attenuation Margin

Rain attenuation margin is reserved to overcome the high probability of signal attenuation
caused by rain. Rain attenuation is related to frequency bands and rain rates. The longer the
path through which the signal passes in the rainfall area, the greater the rainfall, and the
greater the rain attenuation
In general cases, snow and fog have slight impacts on the penetration loss. The impacts of
rain attenuation are considered in 0.01% to 0.001% system fault analysis. The probability of
link disconnection caused by rain attenuation is extremely low. However, rain attenuation has
great impacts on microwave signals transmitted at frequency bands higher than 10 GHz. Rain
attenuation is measured considering the rainfall amount (see ITU-R P.837). For example, if
the rainfall amount is 20 mm/h and the cell radius is 200 m, the rain attenuation is less than 1
dB for the 30 GHz band and is less than 2 dB for the 60 GHz. This shows that rain attenuation
can be ignored for cells with a short radius. However, the impacts of rain attenuation increases
as the propagation path becomes longer and as the rainfall amount increases. Therefore, in the
case of long-distance microwave communication or bad weather conditions, a margin needs to
be reserved during the link budget and network planning and design.
During network planning and design, determine the rain attenuation values in different rain
zones with different rain rates by referring to the procedure provided in ITU-R P.530. An
overall procedure is as follows:
Step 1 Obtain the rain rate R0.01 exceeded for 0.01% of the time. If this information is not available
from local sources of long-term measurements, an estimate can be obtained from the
information given in Recommendation ITU-R P.837.
 Figure 5-10 Worldwide rain zone layout

Figure 5-11 Rainfall intensity

Step 2 Compute the specific attenuation, R (dB/km) for the frequency, polarization, and rain rate of
interest using Recommendation ITU-R P.838.

Frequency (GHz) 28
kH 0.2051
aH 0.9679
kV 0.1964
aV 0.9277

Step 3 Compute the effective path length (deff) of the link by multiplying the actual path length (d) by
a distance factor (r). An estimate of this factor is given by:
 1
r
073 0.123
0.477d 0.633R00..01 f 10.579(1  exp( 0.024d ))

where f (GHz) is the frequency and  is the exponent in the specific attenuation model from
step 2. Maximum recommended r is 2.5, so if the denominator of the equation is less than 0.4,
use r = 2.5.
Step 4 An estimate of the path attenuation exceeded for 0.01% of the time is given by:
A0.01 = R deff =R dr (dB)
Step 5 The attenuation exceeded for other percentages of time p in the range 0.001% to 1% may be
deduced from the following power law:

Ap
 C1 p  C 2 C3 log 10 p 
A0.01

with:

  
C1  0.07C0 0.12 0  
1C


C 2  0.855C 0  0.5461  C 0 

C3  0.139C 0  0.0431  C 0 

C0  

0.12  0.4 log10  f / 10 0 .8
 f  10 GHz
 0.12 f  10 GHz

----End

The following table lists typical rain attenuation values in U.S. and Canada based on the
preceding procedure. It also provides the deterioration in throughput and the rain attenuation
margins.

Table 5-23 Example of typical rain attenuation margins

Item US Canada Performance

Deterioration
Typical inter-site distance [km] 1 3 [Hour/Year]
Typical radius [km] 0.67 2
Rain zone N E K M E B C
0.01% rain rate [mm/h] 95 22 42 63 22 12 15 0.876
Margin to be considered to 15.16 4.443 7.641 10.74 7.854 4.777 5.735
ensure the 99.99% probability of 7
the guaranteed data rate
Item US Canada Performance
Deterioration
Typical inter-site distance [km] 1 3 [Hour/Year]
Typical radius [km] 0.67 2
Rain zone N E K M E B C
Data rate [Mbit/s] under rain 0 481 182 0 149 429 330
attenuation with the baseline 1
Gbit/s
0.1% rain rate [mm/h] 35 6 12 22 6 3 5 8.76
Margin to be considered to 5.733 1.68 2.89 4.06 2.969 1.806 2.168
ensure the 99.9% probability of
the guaranteed data rate
Data rate [Mbit/s] under rain 346 767 603 512 589 746 698
attenuation with the baseline 1
Gbit/s
1% rain rate [mm/h] 5 0.6 1.5 4 0.6 0.5 0.7 87.6
Margin to be considered to 1.582 0.464 0.797 1.12 0.819 0.498 0.598
ensure the 99% probability of
the guaranteed data rate
Data rate [Mbit/s] under rain 777 937 882 838 876 928 912
attenuation with the baseline 1
Gbit/s

5.3.5 Body Block Loss

High frequency bands require LOS for wireless transmission. However, LOS can be
unavailable due to body blocks. Similar the foliage loss, the penetration loss caused by body
blocks must also be fully considered.

Figure 5-12 Body block loss test method in typical indoor LOS scenarios
 In typical indoor LOS scenarios, the body block loss test results are as follows: 5 dB with
minor blocking; 15 dB with serious blocking.

Figure 5-13 Body block loss test method in typical outdoor LOS scenarios

In typical outdoor LOS scenarios, the body block loss test results are as follows: 18 dB with
relatively serious blocking; 21 dB with serious blocking; 40 dB with the most serious
blocking.
The test results show that the block loss for high frequency bands is affected by factors such
as people, receiver, relative position in the signal transmission direction, and altitude
difference between the receiver and transmitter. The larger the human body blocking ratio, the
more serious the loss. For the 28 GHz band, the typical body block loss is approximately 15
dB. In NLOS scenarios, the multipath propagation of signals reduces the actual body block
loss. Therefore, the actual body block loss is approximately 5 dB.

5.3.6 IM
IM is reserved to overcome noise increase caused by neighboring cell interference. Based on
the SINR calculation principle, the IM calculation formula can be deduced as follows:

There are three methods of obtaining the 5G IM:

  IM calculation based on the network topology
 IM estimation based on live-network interference data
 Empirical IM values
5G applies the massive MIMO beam mode, neighboring cell interference is difficult to
determine. Therefore, IM calculation based on the network topology is still under research.
If live-network interference data is available, IM estimation based on live-network
interference data is recommended. If live-network interference data is unavailable, use
empirical IM values.

5.3.6.1 IM estimation Based on Live-Network Interference Data

Considering 5G low-frequency sites are deployed together with legacy LTE sites. Therefore,
IM for different frequency bands can be estimated based on LTE live-network test data (or
live-network traffic statistics).

Figure 5-14 IM estimation based on live-network interference data

In the example shown in the following figure, IM at the 3.5 GHz band is estimated based on
the test data of an LTE 1800 MHz network in China Mainland.
 Figure 5-15 Example of IM estimation based on live-network interference data

5.3.6.2 Empirical IM Values

Table 5-24 Empirical values of 5G IM

Frequency (GHz) 3.5 28

Scenario O2O O2I O2O O2I

UL DL UL DL UL DL UL DL
Densely populated urban area 2 17 2 7 0.5 1 0.5 1
Urban area 2 15 2 6 0.5 1 0.5 1
Suburban area 2 13 2 4 0.5 1 0.5 1
Rural area 1 10 1 2 0.5 1 0.5 1

5.4 Radio Network Dimensioning Output

The final output of radio network dimensioning is a radio network dimensioning report. The
report must include the items listed in the following table.

Table 5-25 Radio network dimensioning output

Output Item
Radio Network Dimensioning  CEU data rates in different scenarios
Report  Cell radius and inter-site distance in different scenarios
 Number of base stations and number of cells
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6 Detailed Radio Network Planning

Detailed planning is performed before network dimensioning and after RF optimization, and
involves the following processes:
 Electromagnetic background noise test and analysis
 Site survey and site selection
 Network planning simulation
 RF parameter planning
− Site location
− Site height
− Azimuth
− Beam
− Downtilt
− Power
 Radio parameter planning
− PCI
− PRACH root sequence
− Location area
− Neighboring cell
− Timeslot allocation
Frequency scan tests, also called electromagnetic background noise tests, are performed to
obtain the ambient electromagnetic interference of candidate sites.
Site surveys include acquisition of candidate sites and detailed surveys of the candidate sites.
Select qualified sites from the candidate sites based on site survey reports and site conditions
(depending on availability of property, equipment room, transmission, site resources, and
antenna installation platform).
After all the candidate sites are determined, the site, RF, and cell parameters are determined
through network planning simulation.
The following sections describe these processes.
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6.1 Band Clearance Test

Band clearance tests in 5G are performed the same way as in 4G.

6.2 Site Survey

Site survey in 5G is performed the same way as in 4G.

6.3 Network Plan Simulation

6.3.1 5G Network Planning Methods
Before network plan simulation, determine the network planning method based on factors
such as network construction policies, requirements, and Huawei target network policies.
According to planning principles, the network planning methods are classified as follows:
coverage-based network planning, capacity-based network planning, network planning based
on xMbps Anytime Anywhere, and user-experience-based network planning. The following
table describes their differences.

Table 6-1 Differences in network planning methods

Item Coverage Capacity xMbps Anytime User Experience

Anywhere

Target The RSRP/SINR The average The user rate capability The target is video user
meets coverage cell throughput meets data rate experience (for example,
requirements. meets capacity requirements. measured by vMOS).
requirements.
Indicator Coverage KPIs: Service KPI: KQI: user-perceived KQI: user-perceived rate,
RSRP/SINR average cell rate RTT, video buffer time,
throughput and video freeze time
Implementation N/A N/A The mappings from user The mappings from video
method rates to radio network user experience to radio
coverage network coverage
(RSRP/SINR/CQI) and (RSRP/SINR/CQI),
capacity capacity (PRB/bandwidth),
(PRB/bandwidth) are and video service
established using characteristics
theoretical formulas. (resolution/bit rate/RTT)
are established based on
big data and machine
learning.

5G RAN2.0 only supports coverage-based network planning.

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6.3.1.1 Coverage-based 5G Network Planning

6.3.1.1.1 Data Rates Required by 5G Services
At the early stage of 5G, 2K videos of smart phones and 4K videos of HDTV/VR are the main
services.

Required Downlink Data Rate

2K resolution of smart phones has satisfied Retina Display and requires a downlink data rate
of 10 Mbit/s. HDTV/VR is on the basis of 4K resolution and requires a downlink data rate of
25 Mbit/s to 50 Mbit/s.

Table 6-2 Downlink data rates required by 5G services

Video Smart VR Terminal Description

Phone/PAD

Type 2K 2D 2K 3D 4K 2D 4K 3D
Resolution 2560 N/A 3840 3840 The 2K resolution has multiple
specifications, and the commonly used
1440 N/A 1920 1920 2560x1440 is selected.
Color depth (bit) 10 N/A 12 12
Frame rate (fps) 30 N/A 30 30
Compression rate 165 N/A 165 165 The impacts on bandwidth vary with the
compression rate, and the empirical value
165 (obtained from the H.265 protocol) is
used.
2D or 3D 1 N/A 1 2
Average bit rate (Mbit/s) 6.7 N/A 16.1 32.2 Theoretically ideal average bit rate
Required data rate 10.1 N/A 24.1 48.3 Due to the fluctuation of the network
(Mbit/s) transmission rate, the required bandwidth
is 1.5 times of the average bit rate.

Required Uplink Data Rate

For uplink ACK messages of TCP video services, the uplink-downlink data rate ratio required
is 1:75, which is calculated based on the maximum downlink TCP packet (each of 1500 bytes)
and one ACK message for every two downlink TCP packets. The data rate required by ACK
messages is small.
For upload services of social apps, the uplink-downlink data rate ratio required is 1:10 to 1:50
for 4G. Considering the forecasted uplink-downlink traffic ratio 1:7 for 5G, it is recommended
that an uplink-downlink data rate ratio be used as the basic network budget.
An uplink data rate of 1 Mbit/s meets the basic upload service requirements of social apps,
that is, the bandwidth requirement of 480p video upload.
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An uplink data rate of 5 Mbit/s meets the uplink requirement of HD video upload, that is
1080p video upload.

Recommendations
Data rates meet 5G service requirements stage by stage.
 At the early stage of 5G (phase 1), 5G services are mainly eMBB services, and data rates
need to meet 5G basic service requirements.
− Smart terminal (2K): 10 Mbit/s or 1 Mbit/s
− HDTV/VR (4K): 50 Mbit/s or 5 Mbit/s
 At the mid-late stage of 5G (phase 2), 5G services are eMBB services and services for
vertical industries, and data rates need to meet 5G ultimate experience requirements.
− HDTV/VR (8K): 100 Mbit/s or 10 Mbit/s
− Vertical industry (vehicle/UAV): 100 Mbit/s or 50 Mbit/s (50 Mbit/s in the uplink for
4K video transmission)
Data rates vary with the area type.
 Densely populated urban areas/Urban areas with heavy traffic: Data rates need to meet
the requirements of 4K 3D 360-degree VR videos.
DL: 50 Mbit/s; UL: 5 Mbit/s
 Suburban areas: Data rates need to meet the requirements of 2K services with Retina
Display of mobile devices.
DL: 10 Mbit/s; UL: 1 Mbit/s

6.3.1.1.2 Coverage Standards of Network Construction

Although acceptance is performed based on outdoor DTs, indoor coverage and user
experience must be considered during coverage standard generation. Outdoor RSRP
requirements are determined based on an indoor coverage probability of 95%.
The mappings from user rates to RSRP/SINR values must be established with the
consideration of multi-user concurrency.
The baseline of user rates at the early stage of 5G: to be determined.
The following table lists the mapping from the CEU data rate to the RSRP.

Table 6-3 O2I standards for network construction in the early stage of 5G

Coverage Standard SS-RSRP SS-SINR Indoor CEU Coverage Rate

Data Rate

O2I To be determined To be determined 50 Mbit/s 95%

The outdoor RSRP requirement is obtained with the consideration of O2I penetration loss.
The following table lists the O2O standards for network construction in the early stage of 5G
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Table 6-4 O2O standards for network construction in the early stage of 5G

Coverage Standard SS-RSRP SS-SINR Outdoor CEU Coverage Rate

Data Rate

O2O To be determined To be determined To be 95%

determined

6.3.1.2 Capacity-/User Experience-based Network Planning

In the current version, network planning based on capacity or user experience is not
supported.

6.3.2 5G WINS Cloud U-Net Simulation Tool Introduction

The 5G WINS Cloud U-Net is a web-based app used for 5G network design, customer
communication, and network planning. Currently, the following functions are supported: 5G
high and low frequency coverage prediction, Huawei-developed ray tracing model, massive
MIMO antenna, and 3GPP empirical 5G statistical model. In addition, the 5G WINS Cloud
U-Net has cloud-based distributed computing capabilities and supports high-precision
coverage prediction for thousands of gNodeBs.

Figure 6-1 5G WINS Cloud U-Net simulation tool introduction

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6.3.2.1 Function Overview

The following table lists the functions supported by 5G Cloud U-Net. Currently, the 5G Cloud
U-Net supports only coverage prediction simulation in eMBB scenarios, and does not support
capacity simulation or network planning in WTTX scenarios.

Table 6-5 Functions of the 5G Cloud U-Net 0.5

Function Description

5G 2D/3D Prediction This function supports 2D/3D coverage prediction and simulation of new 5G
networks.
The following product algorithm versions are supported: High frequency PS2.0 in
the downlink and RAN1.0 in the downlink and uplink
Note:
Coverage prediction simulation is supported only for single-band and single-type
massive MIMO antennas (64TRX and 32TRX hybrid networking scenarios are
not supported).
Supported downlink coverage counters:
Best Server, SS Block RSRP, CSI RSRP, PDSCH Signal Level, PDSCH RANK,
SS Block SINR, CSI RS SINR, PDSCH SINR, PDSCH MAC Peak Throughput
Supported uplink coverage counters:
Sounding RSRP, PUSCH Signal Level, PUSCH RANK, SRS SINR, PUSCH
SINR, PUSCH MAC Peak Throughput
The current network planning rate simulation is modeled based on the product
modeling principle. It can be used to communicate with customers and is not
committed to the accuracy of the comparison with the product tests.
The simulation modeling solution continues to evolve based on site test data.
5G FWA Planning This feature identifies building profiles based on 3D electronic map data. The
location and height of the CPE terminal are set on the surface of the building (that
is, the situation that the CPE is installed on the roof or outside the wall is
simulated). The simulation predicts the coverage indicators of the CPE on the 5G
network. The network coverage statistics collected at the grid granularity and
house granularity are provided. The Top N grids are selected.
The following versions support this product algorithm: High-frequency PS2.0 in
the downlink and RAN1.0 in the downlink and uplink.
Note:
The input map requires 3D building information to perform 3D coverage
simulation.
Propagation model The path loss calculation supports the following models:
 Supports the Rayce ray propagation model.
 UMa, sub-6 GHz UMa, and UMi-Street Canyon experience propagation
models
 SPM and Clutter Related CostHata experience propagation model
Massive MIMO antenna  Seven scenario-based antenna files for RAN1.0 64TRX in 3.5 GHz have been
beamforming integrated.
 Users can import RAN1.0 or RAN2.0 massive MIMO antenna files.
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Function Description
 The RAN2.0 32TRX 8H4V/16H2V default scenario 0 antenna file used for
antenna selection in LG Uplus project has been integrated.
 Huawei RAN2.0 8TRX 3.5 GHz antenna files have been integrated.
 The integrated RAN2.0 32TRX antenna and user-defined import weight can
be used to generate the digital tilt and azimuth adjustment of the antenna file.
 The integrated RAN2.0 low-frequency antenna downlink far-point CSI beam
densification algorithm is supported.
5G DT propagation model This function supports Rayce propagation correction based on 5G DT data and
calibration displays DT data in the GIS.

6.3.2.1.1 Introduction to 3D Simulation

The small coverage of 5G new frequency bands has raised high requirements on simulation
accuracy. To improve the accuracy of plan simulation, it is recommended that high-precision
3D modeling be used to simulate the impacts of landforms, building shapes and materials, and
vegetation. Instead of traditional 2D coverage prediction, the U-Net uses 3D simulation. That
is, the U-Net can simulate the counters for each floor in buildings.
3D simulation involves the following key technologies:
 3D scenario modeling
3D simulation requires an electronic map with higher precision (usually 5 m or higher).
In addition, the electronic map must contain building information. Such an electronic
map is called 3D electronic map. The building information in the electronic map includes
the location, height, and outline of the building. 3D simulation is based on building
information in the electronic map. Therefore, the 3D electronic map is necessary for 3D
simulation. Building information in the 3D electronic map can be stored using either of
the following items:
− Building raster
Multiple connected grids represent a building entity. Each grid corresponds to a piece
of height information. The grid precision is 5 m or higher.
− Building vector
A set of coordinate points (which form a polygon) describes the projection of a
building on the ground. Each polygon corresponds to a piece of height information.
 3D propagation model
In 3D simulation, a receiver can be located on any floor in the building, which brings
great differences in radio signal propagation environment from 2D outdoor simulation.
Therefore, existing 2D propagation models cannot be used. Pay attention to the modeling
of the following items:
− Radio signal penetration
The model of the penetration loss of electromagnetic waves must be built for each
frequency, each material, and each incidence angle. This way, the electrical level on
each floor can be accurately simulated in 3D simulation.
− Receiver altitude
Although traditional 2D propagation models (such as SPM) consider the impacts of
the receiver altitude, the variation in the receiver altitude is much greater in 3D
simulation. The outdoor propagation environment when radio signals have not
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entered the building varies significantly according to the receiver altitude. Therefore,
traditional propagation models cannot be used. Even the deterministic propagation
model (ray tracing model) is adjusted and optimized to ensure the efficiency and
accuracy of the model. Therefore, the ray tracing model also needs to be built to
support 3D simulation.
 3D simulation counter calculation
Simulation counters are calculated for 3D simulation. The calculation methods are the
same as those for traditional simulation.
 3D simulation results
Geographical display of 3D simulation results requires the cooperation between the GIS
and 3D engine, and supports operations such as dragging, rotation, and scaling. This
allows for simulation results display in every point of view. The 3D simulation results
are displayed using either of the following methods:
− By layer
The simulation results are displayed for each floor. If simulation results for all floors
are displayed, there can be a mass. Usually, specific floors are selected and the
simulation results for these floors are displayed for analysis.
− Using facade
Simulation results are displayed on building facades, and simulation results in
specific indoor areas cannot be obtained. This method is used for overall display, and
a single building can be selected and only the simulation results of this building are
displayed.
 3D simulation platform
Considering the impacts of 3D simulation on tool efficiency and specifications, the
storage structure and calculation methods are optimized.
The following figure shows the 3D simulation procedure.
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Figure 6-2 3D simulation procedure

The following figure shows a 3D simulation example. The simulation results of electrical
levels are displayed on building facades.

Figure 6-3 3D simulation results

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6.3.2.1.2 Beamforming of 5G Massive MIMO Antennas

As one of the main features of 5G, massive MIMO implements beamforming to form
extremely accurate user-level ultra-narrow beams, with the wave energy varied with the user
location. A massive MIMO antenna can improve signal coverage and reduce interference
between cells. The 5G U-Net supports beamforming of antenna arrays to form user-level
narrow beams.

Figure 6-4 Massive MIMO beams

A massive MIMO antenna can generate static and dynamic beams. For cell data in the
SSB/PDCCH and CSI-RS, cell-level static beams are used, with a time division scanning
method. For UE data in the PDSCH, UE-level dynamic beams are used, which are formed
according to the UE channel environment.
For static beams, the U-Net generates corresponding broadcast beams based on the antenna
structure and weight, which vary with the version and high/low frequency of antennas).
For dynamic beams, the product dynamically weights beams based on channel quality. In this
way, the main beam is directed at the target UE and the null point is directed at interfering
UEs. The U-Net identifies users' arrival paths based on the ray tracing model, implements
multi-path identification, and generates user-level dynamic beams based on the multiple paths
and measurement results, which is similar to onsite scenarios.
 Multi-path identification: The propagation path between transceivers is calculated using
the ray tracing model to identify multiple paths. Then, the propagation loss is calculated
for each path.
 Dynamic beamforming: Dynamic weight matrices are calculated based on the
measurement results of the multiple paths. Different beams are directed to different UEs
according to the calculation results.
 MU spacial multiplexing: Spacial multiplexing and related calculations are supported to
maximize the system capacity.
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Figure 6-5 5G massive MIMO dynamic beams

6.3.2.1.3 5G Coverage Prediction

Coverage prediction is a most commonly used method of evaluating the coverage during
network planning. Through path loss and interference calculation, cell counters such as the
coverage rate, electrical level, SNR, and peak throughput can be analyzed by raster. This
helps evaluate whether the current network plan meets operators' requirements.
On the basis of massive MIMO, the 5G coverage prediction function of the U-Net simulates
the electrical level, interference, signal quality, and data rate of channels including pilot
signals, broadcast channels, control channels, and traffic channels for various product
versions and air interface protocols.

6.3.3 Coverage Prediction and Simulation Procedure

The following figure shows the general process of 5G coverage prediction and simulation of
the U-Net.
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Figure 6-6 General process of network plan simulation

Create a project.

(Optional) Import
an electronic map.

Import antenna
files and perform
beamforming.

Import engineering
parameters.

Configure the
propagation
model.

Is DT data
available?

Yes

Calibrate the
propagation
No
model.

Predict the
coverage.

The operations for 5G simulation are similar to those for 3G/4G simulation. The main
differences are as follows:
 Since 5G applies massive MIMO, you need to import antenna files of Huawei products
to the U-Net and beamforming is required.
 The inputs of certain engineering parameters for 5G are different from those of 3G/4G,
for example, the maximum number of layers for UEs and the maximum number of
paired layers in a cell.
 The propagation model of 5G is different from that of 3G/4G.
For details about the simulation operation guide, see WINS_Cloud_5G Network Planning
Operation Guide (Coverage Prediction)_RC3.
Document path:
http://3ms.huawei.com/hi/group/3479095/file_12436033.html?for_statistic_from=my_group_
file
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6.3.4 Propagation Model Calibration

The method of calibrating the statistical model for 5G is the same as that for 4G.
For how to calibrate the ray tracing model, see 5G NR Propagation Model Calibration Guide
V1.0.
Document path:
http://3ms.huawei.com/hi/group/3479095/file_12791275.html?for_statistic_from=my_group_
file

6.4 RF Parameter Planning

6.4.1 5G Massive MIMO Beams
As one of the main features of 5G, massive MIMO implements beamforming to form
extremely accurate user-level ultra-narrow beams, with the wave energy varied with the user
location. Compared with a traditional wide beam antenna, a massive MIMO antenna can
improve signal coverage and reduce interference between cells.

Figure 6-7 Massive MIMO beams

A massive MIMO antenna can generate static and dynamic beams. For cell data in the
SSB/PDCCH and CSI-RS, cell-level static beams are used, with a time division scanning
method. For UE data in the PDSCH, UE-level dynamic beams are used, which are formed
according to the UE channel environment.
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5G static broadcast beams cover the entire cell through the narrow-beam polling mode.
Narrow beams are transmitted over proper time-frequency resources. Broadcast beams can be
configured based on the coverage scenario. Traffic beams use dynamic beamforming and
cannot be customized.
In addition, there are great differences in downtilt planning between massive MIMO beams
and traditional wide beams.

6.4.2 Beamwidth Definition

The beamwidth (horizontal or vertical) is the angle between the half-power (–3 dB) points of
the envelope.

6.4.3 Azimuth Planning

6.4.3.1 Azimuth Direction
The azimuth is directed at the middle of the horizontal beamwidth.

6.4.3.2 Principles of Massive MIMO Antenna Azimuth Planning

5G RAN2.0 supports remote adjustment of the azimuth. It is recommended that you set
azimuth to 0° in the network planning. In the subsequent optimization, you can adjust the
azimuth at the remote end during the optimization.

6.4.3.2.1 DT Scenarios
The main objective in the initial stage of 5G network construction is to meet the DT
requirements and then achieve the optimum street coverage. The azimuths of legacy 3G/4G
sites are targeted at continuous networking. Therefore, 5G sites cannot simply share the
azimuths with 3G/4G sites. The antenna azimuth planning of 5G sites needs to be targeted at
street coverage.

6.4.3.2.2 Continuous Coverage

The following lists the continuous coverage principles with indoor continuous coverage
considered:
 If an operator has deployed 3G/4G networks, the co-site ratio is high during network
pre-planning. The initial antenna azimuths must be configured by referring to the 3G/4G
antenna azimuths on live networks.
 For a new operator or an operator who has deployed a 3G or 4G network and requires a
low co-site percentage in the pre-planning, refer to the standard direction (clover-shaped)
for the initial antenna direction. The 30°/150°/270° antenna direction is considered for
the initial azimuth to avoid the waveguide effect caused by long straight streets.
 The antenna azimuth should be designed from the perspective of the entire network. In
addition to sufficient coverage, the consistency between three-sector azimuths of all base
stations in an urban area must be ensured if possible, with regional fine-tuning allowed.
 For sites in rural-urban fringes and transportation backbones or isolated sites in suburban
areas, the antenna azimuths can be adjusted based on the coverage objectives.
 The main lobes of the antennas are directed to dense-traffic areas to enhance the signal
strength and improve the call quality in these areas. In demonstration scenarios, the main
lobes of the antennas are directed to streets to improve the signal quality during the drive
test.
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 The overlapped coverage between inter-site neighboring sectors should not be

excessively deep.
 Generally, the angle between antenna directions for neighboring sectors of the same base
station should be greater than or equal to 90°.
 To avoid overshoot coverage, the main lobes of antennas in densely populated urban
areas should not face streets that are relatively straight.

6.4.3.3 Adjustable Azimuth

In 5G RAN2.0, the adjustable azimuth function of AAUs only supports the adjustment of the
broadcast beam azimuth and does not support adjustment of dynamic beam azimuth for traffic
channels. Using parameter configuration, the control channel beam azimuth can be adjusted
with granularity of 1°. Through this adjustment, the overall control channel azimuth can be
adjusted. In the default configuration of broadcast beams, beam scenario 1, beam scenario 6,
and beam scenario 12, digital azimuth adjustment is not supported because the horizontal
scanning range has reached the upper limit. Other beam scenarios support remote adjustment
of the digital azimuth.
In the network planning, the azimuth is adjusted mechanically. In the subsequent optimization,
the adjustable azimuth can be used to optimize the network performance.

6.4.4 Antenna Altitude Planning

The principles of antenna altitude planning are as follows:
 The effective altitude of an antenna in urban areas is usually 25 meters.
 The altitude of an antenna in rural areas is usually 40 meters.
 If 5G applies co-site deployment with 3G/4G and the space is sufficient, 5G AAUs must
be installed above 3G/4G antennas.

6.4.5 Broadcast Beam Planning

5G RAN2.0 supports 64T64R, 32T32R (including 16H2V and 8H4V), and 8T8R. The 8T8R
supports only one set of default broadcast beam scenarios. 64T64R and 32T32R AAUs are
mainly used in densely populated urban areas, urban areas, and heavy-traffic hot spots. 8T8R
RRUs are mainly used in suburban and rural areas. In typical three-sector continuous
networking, the DEFAULT scenario is recommended, and scenario-based beam optimization
can be performed based on the live network conditions.
 Each 64T64R AAU supports 17 types of beam configurations. There are three vertical
beamwidths, which are 6°, 12°, and 25°. A basic beam has a width of 6°. A 12° beam
consists of two basic beams. A 25° beam consists of four basic beams.
− Each 32T32R 16H2V AAU supports 5 types of beam configurations. There are two
vertical beamwidths, which are 6° and 12°. A basic beam has a width of 6°. A 12°
beam consists of two basic beams.
− Each 32T32R 8H4V AAU supports 17 types of beam configurations. There are three
vertical beamwidths, which are 6°, 12°, and 25°. A basic beam has a width of 6°. A
12° beam consists of two basic beams.
− 8T8R RRUs support only one default type of beam configuration. The horizontal
beamwidth and vertical beamwidth are the same as those of the 8T8R single-column
antenna.
The following table lists the default configuration of the broadcast beam.
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Table 6-6 Default configuration of the 5G RAN2.0 broadcast beam

Scenario ID Scenario Scenario AAU Type 3 dB 3 dB Digital Tilt Azimuth
Description Beamwidth Beamwidth
(Horizontal) (Vertical)

DEFAULT Default Typical 3-sector 64T64R AAU 105° 6° -2°~9° 0°

Scenario networking, which
is a common default
scenario.

32T32R AAU 105° 6° -2°~9° 0°

(16H2V)

32T32R AAU 65° 12° 0°~6° 0°

(8H4V)

8T8R RRU 100° 5.5° 0° 0¡Æ

The recommended configurations for broadcast beam scenarios are as follows:

 When there are only low-rise buildings, use the beam networking with the vertical
beamwidth of 6° and select a scenario from SCENARIO_1 to SCENARIO_5.
 When there are middle-rise buildings, use the beam networking with the vertical
beamwidth of 12° and select a scenario from SCENARIO_6 to SCENARIO_11.
 When there are high-rise buildings, use the beam networking with the vertical
beamwidth of 25° and select a scenario from SCENARIO_12 to SCENARIO_16.
 When the requirements for horizontal coverage are high, SCENARIO_1, SCENARIO_6,
or SCENARIO_12 is recommended based on the building height. In this case, UEs at the
cell edge can obtain higher beam gains and cell edge coverage is improved.
 When any fixed interference source exists at the cell edge, SCENARIO_2,
SCENARIO_3, SCENARIO_7, SCENARIO_8, or SCENARIO_13 can be used to
narrow down the horizontal coverage area and avoid the interference.
 When only isolated buildings exist, SCENARIO_4, SCENARIO_5, SCENARIO_9,
SCENARIO_10, SCENARIO_11, SCENARIO_14, SCENARIO_15, and
SCENARIO_16 are recommended to provide small horizontal coverage. These scenarios
are not suitable for continuous networks.

Table 6-7 Beam scenarios

Scenario Scenario Scenario Description Horizontal 3 Vertical 3 dB Tilt (°) Azimuth Supported Supported Supported
ID Type dB Beamwidth (°) by 64T by 32T by 32T
Beamwidth (°) (16H2V) (8H4V)
(°)

SCENARIO Square This scenario uses 110° 6° –2 to 9 0 Yes Yes No

_1 non-standard 3-sector
networking to provide wide
horizontal coverage, and
applies to squares as well
as large and wide
buildings. The horizontal
coverage in this scenario is
better than that in scenario
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Scenario Scenario Scenario Description Horizontal 3 Vertical 3 dB Tilt (°) Azimuth Supported Supported Supported
ID Type dB Beamwidth (°) by 64T by 32T by 32T
Beamwidth (°) (16H2V) (8H4V)
(°)

2. The coverage near the

cell center in this scenario
is slightly poorer than that
in scenario 2.

SCENARIO Interference This scenario uses 90° 6° –2 to 9 –10 to 10 Yes No No

_2 non-standard 3-sector
networking. When strong
interference sources exist
in neighboring cells, the
horizontal coverage of a
cell can be reduced to
mitigate the interference
from neighboring cells.
This scenario applies to
low-rise buildings since the
vertical coverage scope is
small.

SCENARIO Interference This scenario uses 65° 6° –2 to 9 –22 to 22 Yes No Yes

_3 non-standard 3-sector
networking. When strong
interference sources exist
in neighboring cells, the
horizontal coverage of a
cell can be reduced to
mitigate the interference
from neighboring cells.
This scenario applies to
low-rise buildings since the
vertical coverage scope is
small.

SCENARIO Building Low-rise building and 45° 6° –2 to 9 –32 to 32 Yes No No

_4 hotspot coverage

SCENARIO Building Low-rise building and 25° 6° –2 to 9 –42 to 42 Yes No No

_5 hotspot coverage

SCENARIO Middle-floor This scenario uses 110° 12° 0 to 6 0 Yes Yes No

_6 coverage non-standard 3-sector
and square networking and provides
relatively large horizontal
coverage for scenarios
involving middle-rise
buildings.

SCENARIO Middle-floor This scenario uses 90° 12° 0 to 6 –10 to 10 Yes Yes No
_7 coverage non-standard 3-sector
with networking. When strong
interference interference sources exist
in neighboring cells, the
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Scenario Scenario Scenario Description Horizontal 3 Vertical 3 dB Tilt (°) Azimuth Supported Supported Supported
ID Type dB Beamwidth (°) by 64T by 32T by 32T
Beamwidth (°) (16H2V) (8H4V)
(°)

horizontal coverage of a
cell can be reduced to
mitigate the interference
from neighboring cells.
This scenario applies to
middle-rise buildings since
the vertical coverage scope
is large.

SCENARIO Middle-floor This scenario uses 65° 12° 0 to 6 –22 to 22 Yes Yes No
_8 coverage non-standard 3-sector
with networking. When strong
interference interference sources exist
in neighboring cells, the
horizontal coverage of a
cell can be reduced to
mitigate the interference
from neighboring cells.
This scenario applies to
middle-rise buildings since
the vertical coverage scope
is large.

SCENARIO Middle-rise This scenario applies to 45° 12° 0 to 6 –32 to 32 Yes No No

_9 building middle-rise buildings and
hotspot coverage.

SCENARIO Middle-rise This scenario applies to 25° 12° 0 to 6 –42 to 42 Yes No No

_10 building middle-rise buildings and
hotspot coverage.

SCENARIO Middle-rise This scenario applies to 15° 12° 0 to 6 –47 to 47 Yes No No

_11 building middle-rise buildings and
hotspot coverage.

SCENARIO Square+high This scenario uses 110° 25° 6 0 Yes No No

_12 -rise non-standard 3-sector
building networking and provides
relatively large horizontal
coverage for scenarios
involving high-rise
buildings.

SCENARIO High-floor This scenario uses 65° 25° 6 –22 to 22 Yes No Yes
_13 coverage non-standard 3-sector
with networking. When strong
interference interference sources exist
in neighboring cells, the
horizontal coverage of a
cell can be reduced to
mitigate the interference
from neighboring cells.
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Scenario Scenario Scenario Description Horizontal 3 Vertical 3 dB Tilt (°) Azimuth Supported Supported Supported
ID Type dB Beamwidth (°) by 64T by 32T by 32T
Beamwidth (°) (16H2V) (8H4V)
(°)

This scenario applies to

high-rise buildings since
the vertical coverage scope
is the largest (among these
scenarios).

SCENARIO High-rise This scenario applies to 45° 25° 6 –32 to 32 Yes No No

_14 building high-rise buildings and
hotspot coverage.

SCENARIO High-rise This scenario applies to 25° 25° 6 –42 to 42 Yes No No

_15 building high-rise buildings and
hotspot coverage.

SCENARIO High-rise This scenario applies to 15° 25° 6 –47 to 47 Yes No No

_16 building high-rise buildings and
hotspot coverage.

"Yes" indicates that the product supports this scenario, and "No" indicates that the product does not
support this scenario. The 32T32R 8H4V does not support remote azimuth adjustment.

6.4.6 Downtilt Planning

A traditional LTE wide-beam cell has only one wide beam, and its downtilt is divided into
mechanical downtilt and electrical downtilt. The principle of planning the LTE mechanical tilt
and electrical tilt is that the outer edge of the beamwidth must cover the cell edge. In this
manner, the cell coverage scope is controlled and inter-cell interference is suppressed.
The downtilt of a cell using 5G massive MIMO beams is divided into three parts: mechanical
downtilt, preset electrical downtilt, and adjustable electrical downtilt. The final downtilt is the
combination of the four downtilts.

6.4.6.1 5G Downtilt Definition

The downtilt is directed at the middle of the vertical beamwidth.
Traditional antenna: Only have cell downtilt concept, and downtilt adjustment will change
control beam downtilt and traffic beam downtilt.
5G MM:
Common beam downtilt: Common beam downtilt = Mechanical downtilt + Adjustable
electrical downtilt. Adjustment of the common beam downtilt affects the coverage of common
channels or control channels and the camping of UEs on a network.
Traffic beam downtilt: Traffic beam downtilt = Mechanical downtilt + Preset electrical
downtilt. Adjustment of the traffic beam downtilt affects the PDSCH RSRP and throughput.
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Figure 6-8 Differences between control channel and traffic channel coverages

6.4.6.2 Mechanical Downtilt

Through adjustment of the mechanical downtilt, both the common beams and traffic beams
can be adjusted. In 5G RAN1.0, the mechanical downtilt adjustment range is –20° to 20°.

6.4.6.3 Preset Electrical Downtilt

To support a larger downtilt range in typical application scenarios, a certain downtilt can be
preset for 5G AAU unit arrays. When the beam points to the direction of the preset electrical
tilt, the maximum beam gain can be obtained.
The preset tilt of the antenna is the preset electrical tilt of a single TRX. For the broadcast
beam, the preset downtilt is reflected in the adjustable electrical tilt. The preset tilt affects the
adjustment range and maximum gain of the adjustable electrical tilt, but does not affect the
actual control channel tilt (depending on the digital weight). For the traffic beam, the value of
the downtilt angle of the traffic channel is affected. In 5G RAN2.0, the preset downtilt is 6°.

6.4.6.4 Adjustable Electrical Downtilt

In 5G RAN2.0, the adjustable downtilt function of AAUs only supports the adjustment of the
broadcast beam downtilt and does not support adjustment of dynamic beams for traffic
channels. Using MML parameter configuration, the control channel beam downtilt can be
adjusted with granularity of 1°. Through this adjustment, the overall control channel downtilt
can be adjusted. The default broadcast beam configuration and beam scenario 1 to beam
scenario 11 support remote electrical downtilt adjustment. The beam scenario 12 to beam
scenario 16 do not support remote electrical downtilt adjustment because the vertical scanning
range has reached the upper limit.

Figure 6-9 Adjustable electrical downtilt

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6.4.6.5 5G Downtilt Planning Principles

Principle 1: To ensure the optimal coverage of the PDSCH.
Principle 2: To ensure that the control channels and traffic channels are in the same coverage,
the control channels and traffic channels have the same downtilt by default (that is, the digital
downtilt is 0). As the optimization means, the control channel coverage scope can be adjusted.
Principle 3: During deployment of new 5G sites or when the vertical plane has multiple layers
of beams, the maximum gain direction should cover the cell edge.
Principle 4: If an operator has deployed 3G/4G networks, the co-site ratio is high during
network pre-planning. For operators with legacy 3G/4G networks, the pre-planned co-site
percentage is high and the LTE downtilt planning principle is that the outer edge of the 3 dB
beamwidth of the beam covers the cell edge to control the cell coverage scope and suppress
inter-cell interference. For 5G sites, the maximum gain direction should cover the cell edge.
 The principles for planning the downtilts of traffic channels are as follows: 4G
mechanical downtilt + Electrical downtilt = 5G Mechanical downtilt + Adjustable
electrical downtilt (not in 5G RAN1.0) + 2°
 The principles for planning the downtilts of control channels are as follows: 4G
mechanical downtilt + Electrical downtilt = 5G Mechanical downtilt + Digital downtilt +
2°
Principle 5: The downtilt adjustment priorities are in a descending order as follows:
Determine the azimuth and mechanical downtilt angle with the optimal value of CSI-RS
RSRP > Determine the adjustable electrical downtilt with optimal SSB RSRP.

Figure 6-10 5G downtilt planning principles

6.4.7 Power Planning

5G RAN2.0 does not support the PDSCH/SSB, PDCCH, Msg2, CSI-RS static power
configuration. The configured value is the offset to the relative reference power of DMRS (the
reference power is the average power of each RE in the carrier). The default value is the
average power of each RE, which is set to 0.
The PDSCH supports intra-carrier power aggregation for cell edge users. The power
aggregation value can be configured. The default value is 0 (Not Aggregate).
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6.5 5G Radio Parameter Planning

6.5.1 PCI Planning
6.5.1.1 Comparison Between 5G and LTE PCIs
The PCI is a key parameter of each 5G cell. Each NR cell corresponds to a PCI, which is used
to distinguish cells on the RAN side. The PCI affects the synchronization, demodulation, and
handover of downlink signals. Appropriate PCI allocation to 5G cells is important for the
construction and maintenance of 5G radio networks.
In a 5G system, 1008 PCIs are available. These PCIs are categorized into 336 groups, three in
each group.

The following table lists the main differences between 5G and LTE PCIs.

Sequence LTE (3GPP TS 36.211) 5G NR (3GPP TS Difference and Impact

38.211)
Synchronization The primary The primary  PCI mod 3 of neighboring
signal synchronization signal is synchronization signal is LTE cells should be
related to PCI mod 3 related to PCI mod 3 based staggered to avoid access
based on the ZC on the m sequence. The issues.
sequence. The sequence sequence length is 127.  PCI mod 3 of neighboring
length is 62. 5G cells should be
staggered to minimize the
impact on synchronization
delay, which does not
affect user experience.
Uplink reference DMRS for DMRS for 5G and LTE both require that
signal PUCCH/PUSCH, and PUCCH/PUSCH, and SRS PCI mod 30 of neighboring
SRS based on the ZC based on the ZC sequence, cells be staggered.
sequence, with 30 groups with 30 groups of roots.
of roots. The roots are The roots are associated
associated with the PCI. with the PCI.
Downlink CRS resource locations Resource locations of  5G has no CRS.
reference signal are determined by PCI DMRS for SSB are  DMRS for SSB is
mod 3. determined by PCI mod 4. introduced for 5G. The
DMRS can be staggered
when the results of PCI
mod 4 are different.
However, the DMRS is still
subject to the interference
from SSB data. Therefore,
staggering of PCI mod 4 is
not required.
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From the perspective of downlink reference signals and synchronization signals, LTE requires
staggering of downlink PCI mod 3, avoiding inter-cell interference and affecting access.
However, there is no CRS pilot on the 5 GHz frequency band. Therefore, inter-cell reference
signal interference is not involved. At the same time, MOD3 staggering has little impact on
the synchronization delay (the simulation result is 0.06 SS blocking), which is insensitive to
users. Therefore, PCI MOD3 is not mandatory.
If only some algorithms (such as PUSCH scheduling – interference coordination, PDSCH
scheduling – interference coordination, SRS scheduling – interference randomization) need to
be referenced by PCI mod3, plan parameters to meet PCI mod3 requirements.

6.5.1.2 PCI Planning Principles

5G PCI planning mainly complies with the following principles:
 Avoiding the PCI conflict and confusion
− Collision-free principle
Neighboring cells cannot be allocated with the same PCI. If neighboring cells are
allocated with the same PCI, UEs in the overlapped area can synchronize with only
one of the neighboring cells through initial cell searching. However, the cell may not
be the appropriate one. This phenomenon is called collision.
− Confusion-free principle
Two neighboring cells of one cell cannot be allocated with the same PCI. If they are
allocated with the same PCI, the base station will not know which is the target cell
upon a handover request. This phenomenon is called confusion.
 Minimizing the impacts on network performance
− Based on the design of each channel reference signal and its time-frequency position
in 3GPP TS 38.211, PCI mod 30 planning must be supported to reduce interference
between reference signals. The PCIs must be arranged in an ascending order to
preferentially ensure the planning effect.
− Some algorithm features require the input of PCI mod 3. To remain the input of these
algorithms, PCI mod 3 planning must be supported for cells in which these
algorithms are enabled.

Table 6-8 PCI-related features

Feature Relationship with PCI

PUSCH scheduling: interference PCI mod 3 and PCI mod 6, are dynamically selected.
coordination
PDSCH scheduling: interference PCI mod 3 is used.
coordination
SRS scheduling: interference PCI mod 4 is used. The performance is not affected after mod 3 is used for
randomization algorithm evaluation.
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Table 6-9 5G PCI planning principles

Scenario Overall 5G PCI Planning Principle

Common NR cell (configured with 1. PCI mod 3 of NR cells is staggered.
one PCI and one frequency band)
2. PCI mod 30 of NR cells is staggered.

6.5.1.3 PCI Planning in Special Networking Scenarios

CA scenarios
Planning requirements: When CA is performed in NR networks, the PCIs of sub-carriers
covered by the same sector are different.
Note: If the same PCI is used, the DMRS positions and sequences after multi-CC CA is
performed are the same. When CC combination is performed, the same signals are added. As
a result, the DMRS PAPR increases, which exceeds the PA linear range. The DMRS may be
truncated. As a result, the channel estimation error increases, affecting the peak performance.

Figure 6-11 PCI planning in CA scenarios

NR F1 PCI=C NR F1 PCI=A
NR F2 PCI=D NR F2 PCI=B

NR F2 NR F1 NR F1 NR F2

1.A and C belong to the same PCI planning group and B

and D belong to the same planning group.
2.The PCIs of F1 and F2 of different carriers are different.

Uplink and downlink decoupling scenarios

Planning requirements: In the uplink and downlink decoupling scenario, the LTE and SUL
share the spectrum, and the SUL and C-band share the PCI. Therefore, the PCI mod 30
between the UL NR and the LTE must be staggered. Whether uplink and downlink decoupling
is required must be obtained in advance. LTE engineering parameters need to be imported.
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Figure 6-12 PCI planning in uplink and downlink decoupling scenarios

LTE 1.8 PCI = C/D/E

NR 3.5G DL/UL PCI=A/B
NR 1.8G UL PCI=A/B 1.Import NR and LTE engineering parameters.
2.During NR planning, PCI = A and PCI = C/D/
E are mod 30 staggered.
3.Plan PCI = B. PCI = B and PCI = A/C/D/E are
mod 30 staggered.

NR UL 3.5G NR 1.8 GHz uplink spectrum sharing

NR DL

6.5.1.4 PCI Planning Tool

The 5G RAN2.0 GenexCloud supports the offline planning function of the 5G PCI. For
details, see the cell parameter planning function of the GenexCloud.

6.5.2 PRACH Root Sequence Planning

6.5.2.1 Comparison Between 5G and LTE Root Sequences
When two cells use the same PRACH root sequence, the probability of false alarms or
preamble collisions increases. If the root sequences of two cells are the same, the false alarm
is caused as follows: When a UE at the cell border initiates random access using a preamble,
both the two cells can correctly detect the preamble. However, the UE can access only one
cell, and the preamble serves as a false alarm in the other cell. Since false alarms increase, the
probability of UE access collisions also increases. A UE access collision refers to that two
UEs attempts to use the same preamble to access the same cell at the same time. Then, the
access of the other UE is delayed, prolonging the access delay. Therefore, it is important for
the construction and maintenance of NR radio networks to allocate appropriate PRACH ZC
roots to NR cells and thereby avoid possible collisions.
To implement root ZC sequence planning is to automatically allocate appropriate root
sequences to multiple cells through network planning, ensure that high-speed cells are
preferentially allocated with root sequences that can be easily detected, and allocate different
root sequences to neighboring cells to avoid interference.
The following table lists the main differences between 5G and LTE root sequences.

Table 6-10 Main differences between 5G and LTE root sequences

Item LTE 5G Description

Random 1.25 kHz Long format: 1.25 kHz or 5 kHz (The 5G RAN2.0 only supports the
access long format is supported only for low 1.25 kHz (long format) and 15
subcarrier frequencies.) kHz (short format) RA-SCS.
spacing Short format: 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60
(RA-SCS) kHz, or 120 kHz (High-frequency
RA_SCS only supports 60 kHz and
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Item LTE 5G Description

120 kHz and does not support 15 kHz
or 30 kHz. Low-frequency RA_SCS
only supports 15 kHz and 30 kHz and
does not support 60 kHz or 120 kHz.)
Preamble Short format: 4 Short format: Short format: 5G RAN2.0
format Long format: 0/1/2/3 A1/A2/A3/B1/B2/B3/B4/C0/C2 only supports short format C2,
Long format: 0/1/2/3 which provides the maximum
coverage distance among all
short formats.
Long format: 5G RAN2.0
supports format 0 (format 0
requires that the uplink
subframe timeslot be greater
than 1 ms, 2.5 ms dual-period
timeslot configuration
(DDDSU+DDSUU), or 5 ms
single-period timeslot
configuration 8:2)
Root Short format: 138 Short format: 138 The 5G root quantity is the
quantity Short format: 838 Long format: 838 same at the 4G root quantity.

Ncs The LTE protocol The 5G protocol defines three Ncs 5G Ncs tables are different
defines two Ncs tables: from 4G Ncs tables.
tables:  Ncs table for long formats 0/1/2 Coefficients in 5G Ncs
 Ncs table for long with RA_SCS equal to 1.25 kHz formulas are different from
formats 0 to 3  Ncs table for long format 3 with those in LTE Ncs formulas.
 Ncs table for short RA_SCS equal to 5 kHz
format 4  Ncs table of short formats with
RA_SCS equal to 15/30/60/120
kHz

6.5.2.2 Root ZC Sequence Planning Principles

Preamble formats are used to encapsulate preamble sequences. Each preamble sequence
corresponds to a root ZC sequence. A root ZC sequence can generate multiple preamble
sequences through the cyclic shift (Ncs). Before implementing root ZC sequence planning,
determine the preamble format and Ncs according to the cell radius. Then, generate the root
set for each cell. It is required that the ZC root sets of neighboring cells cannot overlap. The
isolation between cells using the same ZC root must be as high as possible. Root ZC sequence
index allocation must comply with the following rules:
1. Plan ZC sequences for high-speed cells with large radius, high-speed cells with small
radius, low-speed cells with large radius, and then low-speed cells with low radius.
2. If the number of cells is larger than the number of root ZC sequence indexes, some
indexes can be reused when the distance between two cells is longer than a specific value.
In addition, the number of cells between the two cells using the same root ZC sequence
index is as large as possible.
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6.5.2.3 Root ZC Sequence Planning Procedure

6.5.2.3.1 Step 1: Selecting a Preamble Format
The random access preamble format consists of a CP, a preamble sequence, and a guard band.
No data is transmitted within the guard band.
5G RAN2.0 supports preamble format 0 and format C2. The preamble format and RA-SCS
are determined by the uplink NARFCN, duplex mode, downlink-uplink subframe ratio,
PUSCH SCS, cell type, and cell radius. The following table provides the details.

Table 6-11 5G preamble format

UL Duplex Downlink- PUSCH Cell Type Cell Preamble RA SCS

NARFCN Mode Uplink SCS Radius Format
Subframe
Ratio

Sub-6 GHz TDD 2.5 ms 30 kHz Low-speed ≤ 9.6 km C2 15 kHz

DDDSU (4:1)
Sub-6 GHz TDD 2.5 ms 30 kHz Low-speed ≤ 14.5 km 0 1.25 kHz
dual-period
DDDSU+DD
SUU (7:3)
5 ms
single-period
DDDSU (8:2)

6.5.2.3.2 Step 2: Determining Ncs According to the Cell Radius

The Ncs value depends on the cell radius and maximum delay spread.

N CS .TS  TRTD  TMD  TAdsch (11.1)

where:
 TS specifies the sampling length of the ZC sequence.
 TMD specifies the maximum delay spread, that is, the maximum multi-path delay spread.
 TRTD specifies the maximum round-trip delay (RTD). The relationship with its value and
the cell radius is as follows: TRTD [μs] = 6.67 x r where r is the cell radius in the unit of
km.
 TAdsch specifies the downlink synchronization error.

Table 6-12 Mapping between preamble format and cell radius

Preamble RA-SCS Ts (μs) TRTD (μs) TMD (μs) TAdsch (μs)

Format (kHz)

C2 15 1000/RA-SCS/139 20/3 x Radius 4.69/SCS x 15 0

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Preamble RA-SCS Ts (μs) TRTD (μs) TMD (μs) TAdsch (μs)

Format (kHz)

0 1.25 1000/RA-SCS/839 20/3 x Radius 6.2 2

If preamble format C2 is used, Ncs for high-speed cells is the same as Ncs for low-speed cells.
The following figure shows the Ncs values provided in 3GPP TS 38.211. If the calculated Ncs
is greater than 69, the effective Ncs value is 0.

Figure 6-13 Ncs table for preamble format 0 and format C2

Format 0 N CS
value
zeroCorrelationZoneConfig Unrestricted set Restricted set type A Restricted set type B
0 0 15 15
1 13 18 18
2 15 22 22
3 18 26 26
4 22 32 32
5 26 38 38
6 32 46 46
7 38 55 55
8 46 68 68
9 59 82 82
10 76 100 100
11 93 128 118
12 119 158 137
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Format 0 N CS
value
zeroCorrelationZoneConfig Unrestricted set Restricted set type A Restricted set type B
13 167 202 -
14 279 237 -
15 419 - -

Format C2 N CS
value
zeroCorrelationZoneConfig for unrestricted set

0 0
1 2
2 4
3 6
4 8
5 10
6 12
7 13
8 15
9 17
10 19
11 23
12 27
13 34
14 46
15 69

Note: You can obtain the cell radius in either of the following ways:
You can use the U-Net to predict the cell coverage, obtain the coverage capability of the cell,
and add redundancy. It is recommended that you configure the cell radius of the PRACH by
two times.
The GENEX U-Net can automatically calculate the radius of the first circle of neighboring
cells, and then automatically fill in the cell radius configured for the PRACH based on two
times.
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6.5.2.3.3 Step 3: Calculating the Number of Preambles Generated from the Root ZC
Sequence
After a cyclic shift is performed on each original root ZC sequence, a new preamble is
generated.
The number of preambles that can be generated from each root ZC sequence is defined based
on Ncs as follows:

 839 / N ,
 cs  Pr eambleFormat0
Num  
139 / N cs , Pr eambleFormatC2


If Ncs equals zero, only one preamble can be generated from each root ZC sequence.

6.5.2.3.4 Step 4: Calculating the Number of Root Sequences Required in a Cell

As defined in 3GPP protocols, each cell supports a maximum of 64 preambles. The number of
supported preambles may decrease due to product capabilities. The number of PRACH root
sequences required to generate 64 preambles is calculated using the following formula:
Nu  64 / Num

After the last root ZC sequence (837/137) is allocated, root ZC sequence starts from 0.
The root ZC sequences allocated to a cell must be in a continuous range. The start root ZC
sequence is specified by the Logical Root Sequence Index parameter. The index range of
root ZC sequences used by a cell is [Logical Root Sequence Index, Logical Root Sequence
Index + Nu].

6.5.2.3.5 Step 5: Calculating the Number of Available Root Sequence Groups

Sub-step1: Planning based on the code domain
After the number of ZC roots is obtained according to the cell radius and preamble format, the
isolation (the number of cells between two cells using the same root ZC sequence) is
calculated as follows:

Format 0: Num_Group=

Format C2: Num_Group=

The following tables provide the isolation for preamble format 0 and format C2.

Table 6-13 Num_Group table for preamble format C2

Ncs Format 0 Radius (km) Num=839/Ncs Nu=64/Num Multiplexing Degree

Num_Group = 838/Nu

0 14.5(1) 1 64 13
13 0.629356377 64 1 838
15 0.915411204 55 2 419
18 1.344493445 46 2 419
22 1.916603099 38 2 419
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Ncs Format 0 Radius (km) Num=839/Ncs Nu=64/Num Multiplexing Degree

Num_Group = 838/Nu

26 2.488712753 32 2 419
32 3.346877235 26 3 279
38 4.205041716 22 3 279
46 5.349261025 18 4 209
59 7.208617402 14 5 167
76 9.640083433 11 6 139
93 12.07154946 9 8 104
119 14.5(1) 7 10 83
167 14.5(1) 5 13 64
279 14.5(1) 3 22 38
419 14.5(1) 2 32 26

Table 6-14 Num_Group table for preamble format 0

Ncs Format C2 Radius (km) Num=139/Ncs Nu=64/Num Multiplexing Degree

Num_Group =138/Nu

0 9.64825 1 64 2
2 N/A N/A N/A N/A
4 N/A N/A N/A N/A
6 0.079904676 23 3 46
8 0.223789568 17 4 34
10 0.36767446 13 5 27
12 0.511559353 11 6 23
13 0.583501799 10 7 19
15 0.727386691 9 8 17
17 0.871271583 8 8 17
19 1.015156475 7 10 13
23 1.302926259 6 11 12
27 1.590696043 5 13 10
34 2.094293165 4 16 8
46 2.957602518 3 22 6
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Ncs Format C2 Radius (km) Num=139/Ncs Nu=64/Num Multiplexing Degree

Num_Group =138/Nu

69 4.612278777 2 32 4

Note:
The factors that affect the cell radius in the NR system include the GP in the preamble, the GP
in the special subframe, and the CP in the cyclic prefix. The PRACH NCS is determined by
the cell radius.
(a) For example, in format 0, GP in the preamble = Ncp – Tmax = 3168 x (1/15000/2048) –
6.2 us = 96.925 us. When converted into distance, the formula is as follows: 96.925/20 x 3 =
14.5 km.

Format Nu Support for

restricted sets

0 839 1.25 kHz 24576Κ 3168Κ Type A, Type B

(b) Single cell GP time > UE DL/UL conversion time + UE to base station air interface
propagation time x 2 + TA Offset
The UE DL/UL conversion time is 10 us, and the TA offset is 13 us. The cell radius is 7.3 km
if the 10:2:2 configuration is used.
Due to the specifications of products in19A, each site can be configured with a maximum of
36 ZCs. In the three-sector networking, each cell can be configured with a maximum of 12
ZCs. With the calculation based on the NCS, a maximum of 11 ZCs can be configured. Note
that the specifications cannot be released to customers.
Sub-step2: root sequence planning based on the frequency domain
The format 0 requires U subframe with the period of 1 ms. Currently, the U frame is only 0.5
ms based on the DDDSU subframe configuration in Korea. In this scenario, only format C2
can be used. Therefore, frequency planning is introduced to improve isolation of root
sequences. As shown in the following figure, the PRACH frequency offset range is added to
the PRACH candidate range to stagger the ZC root sequences of different cells.
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Figure 6-14 PRACH frequency domain planning

The PRACH frequency start position can be set in the PrachFreqStartPosition parameter.
According to the 5G RAN2.0 product design, the offset range of PRACH frequency planning
can be 2 to 40.

Frequency Duplex Downlink- Downlink SCS CommonCtrl PRACH PRACH

Band Mode Uplink Bandwidth ResRbNum ConfigIndex Frequency
Subframe Domain Offset
Configurat Range
ion

Sub-6 GHz FDD N/A 10 MHz 15 Any 0~21,65535 2~44,65535

Sub-6 GHz FDD N/A 20 MHz 15 Any 0~21,65535 2~98,65535
Sub-6 GHz SUL N/A Any 15 Any 0~21,65535 65535
Any TDD Any Any Any 24 Any 2~ 16,65535
Any TDD Any Any Any 48,96 Any 2~ 40,65535

(2) According to the following table, find the number of PRACH RB resources to be planned.
Frequency reuse rate = PRACH frequency domain offset range/Number of PRACH RBs. Plan
the number of PRACH RB resources based on the RB staggering mode. Currently, format C2
supports frequency planning, which improves the isolation and reduces the probability of ZC
root sequence collisions on the network.

UL Frequency Duplex Slot SCS Cell Preamble Number of

Mode Assignment Radius Format PRACH RBs

Sub-6 GHz FDD/SUL N/A 15 kHz < 14.5 km 0 6

Sub-6 GHz FDD/SUL N/A 15 kHz < 14.5 km 0 6
Sub-6 GHz TDD 4:1 30 kHz < 9.65 km C2 6
Sub-6 GHz TDD 4:1 30 kHz < 9.65 km C2 6
Sub-6 GHz TDD 1:1 60 kHz < 4.82 km C2 6
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UL Frequency Duplex Slot SCS Cell Preamble Number of

Mode Assignment Radius Format PRACH RBs

Sub-6 GHz TDD 1:1 60 kHz < 4.82 km C2 6

Sub-6 GHz TDD 8:2,7:3 30 kHz < 14.5 km 0 3
Sub-6 GHz TDD 8:2,7:3 30 kHz < 9.65 km C2 6
Sub-6 GHz TDD 8:2,7:3 30 kHz < 14.5 km 0 3
mmWave TDD 4:1 120 kHz < 2.41 km C2 6
mmWave TDD 4:1 120 kHz < 2.41 km C2 6

Table 6-15 Cell staggering of PRACH frequency-domain planning

Start Position PRACH RB
Cell 1 position

Cell 2 position

Cell 3 position
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6.5.2.3.6 Step 6: Planning Root Sequence Multiplexing based on the Multiplexing

Degree
During root ZC sequence allocation, the root ZC sequences allocated to planned cells should
be different from those for first- and second-tier intra-frequency neighboring cells. Total
number of available resources = PRACH ZC sequence number x Number of available RB
resources. If no such root ZC sequences are available, the root ZC sequences allocated to
planned cells can be the same as those for the first-tier intra-frequency cells.
If multiple root ZC sequence groups meet the requirements, perform operations accordingly:
 If there are seldom used ZC sequence groups, allocate such ZC sequence groups to NR
cells.
 If all available ZC sequence groups have been used, calculate the distance between the
planned cell and the cell to be planned and topology tier and then reallocate the root ZC
sequence group for the planned cell of the farthest distance to the cell to be planned. The
root ZC sequence group is the optimal root ZC sequence group.
If no root ZC sequence meets the requirements, calculate the distance between the planned
cell and the cell to be planned and topology tier and then reallocate the root ZC sequence
group for the planned cell of the farthest distance to the cell to be planned. The root ZC
sequence group is the optimal root ZC sequence group.
The following table lists the available root sequence multiplexing degree (isolation degree) of
format C2 and format 0 calculated based on the preceding planning results.

Table 6-16 Comparison between the format C2 and format 0 root sequence multiplexing rates

Number of Root
Network-wide Root
Sequences in Each Isolation Degree
Sequence Mode
Cell Cell
Radius
Format Format
Format 0 Format C2 Format 0 Format 0 Delta
C2 C2

~0.35 km 5 1 138/5=27 838/1=838 2 ~5 3

~0.5 km 6 1 138/6=23 838/1=838 ~2 ~5 3

~1.3 km 11 1 138/11=12 838/1=838 ~1 ~5 4

~2.0 km 16 2 138/16=8 838/2=419 ~1 ~4 3

~4.6 km 32 3 138/32=4 838/3=279 ~0 ~4 4

~9.2 km 64 6 138/64=2 838/6=139 ~0 ~3 3

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6.5.2.4 Root Sequence Planning Solution in Special Scenarios

In the SUL scenario, the UL frequency serves as the secondary carrier. Therefore, you need to
plan the PRACH TDD root sequence of the primary carrier and then plan the PRACH ZC root
sequence of the UL frequency based on the FDD mode.
High-speed cell (not supported by 5G RAN2.0): HighSpeedFlag specifies the high-speed type
of a gNodeB cell, that is, whether the cell is a low speed, high speed, or ultra-high speed cell.
The gNodeB notifies UEs of the high-speed type of gNodeB cells through broadcast messages.
For high-speed cell planning, it is recommended that a certain root sequence range be
reserved for high-speed cells.

6.5.2.5 Root ZC Sequence Planning Tool

The 5G RAN2.0 GenexCLoud supports the offline planning function of the 5G PRACH.

6.5.3 Neighboring Cell Planning

6.5.3.1 Comparison Between 5G and 4G Neighboring Cell Planning
Neighboring cell planning is mandatory during radio network planning, which is closely
related to the network performance. Neighbor relationships are used for features such as those
related to mobility or DC/CA.
Different from 4G, 5G networking modes include NSA and SA. 4G and 5G share the same
neighboring cell functions as well as the same neighboring cell planning principles and
methodologies, but support different specifications.
In NSA networking, LTE-NR DC and intra-NR CA are supported, which depend on the
neighboring LTE cells and neighboring NR cells of NR cells. Neighboring LTE cells and
intra-frequency neighboring NR cells are used for NR SCG changes. Inter-frequency
neighboring NR cells are used for intra-NR CA.
In SA scenarios, NR-to-LTE handovers depend on the N26 interface of the CN and do not
require the Xn/X2 interface between base stations.
5G RAN1.0 only supports neighboring cell planning in NSA scenarios and does not support
the ANR function. 5G RAN2.0 supports the ANR function, but the neighboring cell planning
still needs to be performed offline at the initial stage of 5G, because ANR depends on UE
measurements and the measurement results are unavailable or incomplete at the initial stage
when there are only a few UEs.

Table 6-17 5G neighboring cell planning principles

Scenario 5G Neighboring Cell Planning Principle Optimization on LTE

NSA in 5G RAN2.0 1. Configure neighboring NR cells for LTE cells. LTE supports ANR for
configuring neighboring NR
2. Configure neighboring NR cells for NR cells. cells for LTE cells.
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Table 6-18 Neighboring cell specifications

Cell-Level NRT Neighboring Cell Specifications in 5G RAN1.0 X2/Xn Specifications

Number of intra- and 256 per cell (not supporting inter-frequency) UMPTe: 72 x32
inter-frequency UMPTg: 144 x 32
neighboring NR cells
of NR cells
Number of Not supported Not supported
neighboring LTE cells
of NR cells
Number of 128 per cell a/b: 36 x 64
neighboring NR cells A maximum of 16 inter-frequency neighboring cells are e: 72 x 64
of LTE cells supported
Number of UMPT: 384 per cell (including inter-and intra-frequency a/b: 36 x 256
neighboring LTE cells neighboring cells) e: 72 x 256
of LTE cells LMPT: 256 per cell (including inter-and intra-frequency
neighboring cells)

 Neighboring NR cells are configured in a SCell group for LTE. If one NR frequency is used, the
maximum number of neighboring NR cells is 128 per LTE cell, which meets network construction
requirements.
 X2 specifications refer to the maximum number of X2 links between eNodeBs and those between an
eNodeB and a gNodeB. (For Japan SBM, less than 50% X2 specifications are occupied at 89% sites
and less than 75% X2 specifications are occupied at 11% sites. For LG U+, less than 50% X2
specifications are occupied at 99.7% sites.) NSA DC of 5G RAN1.0 is put into pre-commercial use
at only a few sites, and the X2 specifications meet NSA DC deployment requirements

6.5.3.2 Neighboring Cell Planning Principles

The neighboring cell planning principles for 5G are the same as those for LTE. For details, see
LTE planning principles.

6.5.3.3 Neighboring Cell Planning Tool

5G RAN2.0 supports offline neighboring cell planning based on GenexCloud.

6.5.4 TA/TAL planning

As important radio network parameters in new 5G network deployment, TAs and TALs need
to be precisely planned. Otherwise, network performance may deteriorate due to improper
TA/TAL planning.
1. A small TA/TAL or an improper boundary causes UEs at the boundary of a TA to
initiate excessive TAUs.
2. A large TA/TAL causes heavy paging load. Consequently, a large paging delay occurs or
paging messages are discarded.
3. Frequent TAUs and paging procedures affect the CAPS of the gNodeB and consequently
subsequent user access. The CAPS indicates CPU load.
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When planning TAs/TALs, consider the live network scale, user distribution, future network
expansion scale, and paging specifications supported by the product, and provide the best
TA/TAL configuration.
NSA networking is supported. For details about TA/TAL planning, see the documents related
to LTE TA/TAL planning.

6.5.5 TDD Uplink-Downlink Subframe Configuration Planning

The timeslot configuration includes the frame configuration and special subframe GP
configuration.

6.5.5.1 Frame Configuration

The uplink-downlink assignment is determined by the uplink and downlink services and
coverage. It is recommended that the uplink-downlink assignment be consistent on the entire
network. It is recommended that the frame assignment in different markets be determined
based on operators' services and strategies, network construction requirements, and sales
strategies.
5G RAN2.0 supports three commercial configurations.
LG Uplus supports 4:1 (2.5-ms period DDDSU).
China Mobile supports 8:2 (5-ms periodic DDDSU) and 7:3 (2.5-ms dual-period
DDDSU+DDSUU).

Figure 6-15 5G RAN2.0 4:1 (3D1S1U) assignment

4:1(DDDSU)
Slot 0 Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 3 Slot 4
DL DL DL DL UL

7:3(DDDSU + DDSUU)
Slot 0 Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 3(S) Slot 4(S) Slot 5 Slot 6 Slot 7(S) Slot 8 Slot 9
DL DL DL DL UL DL DL DL UL UL

8:2(DDDSU)
Slot 0 Slot 1 Slot 2 Slot 3 Slot 4 Slot 5 Slot 6 Slot 3(S) Slot 8 Slot 9
DL DL DL DL DL DL DL DL UL UL

6.5.5.2 Special Subframe Configuration

The number of 5G RAN2.0 GP symbols can be configured. The following table provides the
configuration of special subframe configurations in different frame structures. The default and
recommend configurations are 4 GP@30k subcarrier spacing.

S Timeslot Number of Number of Number of UL Frame Remarks

Configuration DL Symbols GP Symbols Symbols Structure

1 11 1 2 2.5-ms Currently, in the 3.5

single-period GHz frequency band,
2 10 2 2 frame structure the number of GP
configuration symbols can be
3 9 3 2
configured in the range
4 8 4 2 of 1 to 6.
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S Timeslot Number of Number of Number of UL Frame Remarks

Configuration DL Symbols GP Symbols Symbols Structure

5 7 5 2

6 6 6 2

7 12 2 0 2.5-ms CMCC
dual-period frame
8 11 3 0 structure
configuration
9 10 4 0

10 6 4 4 5-ms periodic Currently, LTE and NR

frame structure coexist on the 2.6 GHz
frequency band.

11 4 6 4 BT: aligned with TDD

LTE 9:3:2

12 12 1 1 To be determined SKT

6.6 Detailed Radio Network Planning Output

The following table describes the reports generated during detailed radio network planning.

Table 6-19 Output of detailed radio network planning

Report Content
Radio Network Planning Report.doc  Network construction strategies in different phases
 RF parameter planning
 Cell RF parameter planning
 Plan simulation results and analysis
Network Planning Engineering  Base station ID, name, latitude, and longitude
Parameter Table.xls  Sector name, cell ID, and cell name
 Frequency
 Antenna height, azimuth, downtilt, beam configuration, and power
configuration
 TAC, PCI, PRACH root sequence, and neighboring cell list
 Antenna model, polarization mode, horizontal/vertical half-power
angle, gain, and EIRP