GSM BSS Concentric Cell Technical Clarification

Product Name

Security Level

GSM BSS

For Internal Use Only

Product Version
BSS 7.1

Secret

Total Page: 48

GSM BSS Concentric Cell Technical Clarification

(For internal use only)

Prepared by

Date

2007-4-18

Reviewed by

Date

yyyy-mm-dd

Reviewed by

Date

yyyy-mm-dd

Approved by

Date

yyyy-mm-dd

WCDMA&GSM Network
Performance Research Dept.

Huawei Technologies Co, Ltd.

All Rights Reserved

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Change History
Date

Versio
n

Description

Author

2007-4-18

0.1

Initial draft completed

Li Jing/62667

2007-4-26

0.7

Section 5 Network Optimization of the Concentric Cell is

included and modified according to review comments.

Cheng Jun/50674
Li Jing/62667

2007-7-12

0.7

Errors in the graphs of Section 4 are modified.

Li Jing/62667

2007-8-17

0.7

Description errors are modified.

Mao Minghui/51044

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Contents
1 Introduction to Concentric Cell......................................................8
1.1 Overview............................................................................................................................................................8
1.2 Application of Concentric Cell..........................................................................................................................8
1.3 Features of Concentric Cell...............................................................................................................................9
1.3.1 Advantages................................................................................................................................................9
1.3.2 Disadvantages...........................................................................................................................................9

2 Channel Assignment and Handover Algorithms.............................10

2.1 Channel Assignment Technology of Concentric Cell......................................................................................10
2.1.1 Immediate Assignment...........................................................................................................................10
2.1.2 Assignment.............................................................................................................................................10
2.1.3 Intra-BSC Handover...............................................................................................................................10
2.1.4 Inter-BSC Handover...............................................................................................................................11
2.2 Handover Decision Algorithms........................................................................................................................11
2.2.1 Normal Concentric Cell Handover.........................................................................................................11
2.2.2 Enhanced Concentric Cell Handover.....................................................................................................14
2.2.3 Handover from a Concentric Cell to a Neighbor Cell............................................................................17

3 Application Scenarios of the Concentric Cell and Its Activation

Strategy........................................................................................ 19
3.1 Restriction........................................................................................................................................................19
3.2 Application Scenarios and Activation Strategy...............................................................................................19
3.3 Problems Occurred in Activating the Concentric Cell and Solutions..............................................................21

4 Network Planning of Concentric Cells...........................................22

4.1 Coverage Planning...........................................................................................................................................22
4.1.1 Populated Urban Areas...........................................................................................................................22
4.1.2 Common Urban Areas............................................................................................................................25
4.1.3 Suburbs...................................................................................................................................................27
4.1.4 Wide Coverage Areas.............................................................................................................................28
4.1.5 Conclusion..............................................................................................................................................29
4.2 Capacity Planning............................................................................................................................................29
4.2.1 Capacity Growth Due to Application of Concentric Cells.....................................................................29
4.2.2 Impact of Capacity on Coverage............................................................................................................30

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4.3 Frequency Planning.........................................................................................................................................32

4.4 Impact of the Concentric Cell on Data Service Performance..........................................................................32
4.4.1 Timeslot Throughput Simulation in Common Urban Areas with a Coverage Radius of 600 m............32
4.4.2 Timeslot Throughput Simulation in Common Urban Areas with a Coverage Radius of 800 m............35
4.4.3 Timeslot Throughput Simulation in Suburbs with a Coverage Radius of 3190 m.................................38
4.4.4 Timeslot Throughput Simulation in Suburbs with a Coverage Radius of 4020 m.................................40
4.4.5 Conclusion..............................................................................................................................................41

5 Network Optimization of the Concentric Cell.................................42

5.1 Network Optimization Strategy for a Normal Concentric Cell.......................................................................42
5.2 Network optimization strategy for an enhanced concentric cell......................................................................42

6 Impact of Concentric Cell on Coverage Performance......................45

7 Impact of the Concentric Cell on Network Capacity........................46
8 Impact of the Concentric Cell on Network Quality..........................47
9 Impact of the Concentric Cell on KPI.............................................48

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Tables
Table 2-1 Parameters related to the normal concentric cell handover...................................................................11
Table 2-1 Parameters related to the enhanced concentric cell handover...............................................................14
Table 3-1 Application scenarios of the concentric cell and its activation strategy................................................20
Table 4-1 Coverage budget in densely populated urban areas..............................................................................23
Table 4-1 Comparison of traffic among different site types..................................................................................30
Table 5-1 Network optimization parameters for a common concentric cell.........................................................42
Table 5-1 Network optimization parameters for an enhanced concentric cell......................................................43

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Abstract and Acronyms

Key words: concentric cell technology, voice quality, capacity
Abstract: The document describes the impact of the concentric cell on the network capacity and quality.
Acronyms:
Acronyms

Full Name

BSC

Base Station Control

TCH

Traffic Channel

BCCH

Broadcast Control Channel

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GSM BSS Concentric Cell Technical Clarification

This document describes the technology and application of the common concentric cell and
enhanced concentric cell. As the COBCCH technology involves the allocation among
different frequency bands and has its own features, this document does not address it in detail.
Detailed information about the COBCCH technology can be found in the COBCCH
Performance Technical Clarification.

Introduction to Concentric Cell

1.1 Overview
A concentric cell in the GSM network is divided into two layers: external layer and internal
layer. The external layer is called the underlaid subcell and the internal layer the overlaid
layer. Concentric cell technology is a technique concerning channel assignment and handover.
The underlaid subcell serves the area covered by a traditional cell and the overlaid subcell
serves the area around the BTS. All the transceivers (TRXs) are divided into two groups: one
group for the underlaid subcells and the other group for the overlaid subcells.

1.2 Application of Concentric Cell

With the development of GSM network, the number of subscribers increases gradually, so the
contradiction between short frequency resource and capacity demand is particularly obvious.
In order to increase capacity, the technology of tight frequency reuse should be used to
improve the frequency utilization. In a concentric cell, there are either two ways for
connecting the feeder to the antenna or two types of TRXs with different transmit power,
which enables an MS to switch from one TRX to another. The different ways for connecting
the feeder to the antenna lead to different power loss on the path from the feeder to the
antenna, or the different transmit power with the TRX will cause different transmit power for
the TRXs serving a cell. Thus, the cell is physically divided different layers.
The concentric cell does not need the support of special signaling messages. All the callrelated signaling procedures on the BSS side such as immediate assignment, immediate
assignment, and handover support the concentric cell.
The static power varies between the TRXs within a cell due to the two causes described
above. Some TRXs with higher transmit power on the Um interface serve the underlaid
subcell of the concentric cell while the other TRXs with lower transmit power serve the
overlaid subcell layer.
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In general, the BCCH frequency is configured for a TRX serving the underlaid subcell to
ensure the coverage of the concentric cell, whereas the TRXs with lower transmit power serve
the overlaid subcell to meet capacity requirements around the BTS site.
As the signal strength of the overlaid subcell and underlaid subcell cannot be determined by
the signal strength of the underlaid subcell and overlaid subcell respectively, there is a
demanding requirements for algorithm designing and the network planning and optimization.

1.3 Features of Concentric Cell

1.3.1 Advantages
Using the concentric cell has the following advantages:

Improvement on system performance

The concentric cell decreases the transmit power of the TRXs serving the overlaid
subcell and reduces the radio interference for the adjacent cells. Thus, the tight frequency
reuse technology can be applied to the overlaid subcell.

Increase on system capacity

The main BCCH and SDCCH, which are generally configured in the underlaid
subcell, are fully used because they are shared by the underlaid subcell and overlaid
subcell. Thus, the number of TCHs and the capacity of the site are increased.

The tight frequency reuse technology can be used to increase system capacity.

1.3.2 Disadvantages
Using the concentric cell has the following disadvantages:
1.

The concentric cell technology only applies to specific scenarios. Enabling the
concentric cell feature in some unsuitable areas will affect network counters, as shown in
section 3.3.

2.

The adjustment of network parameters is difficult. The parameters of the concentric cells
vary with the application scenarios and must be set and adjusted separately based on
actual situations to reach optimal performance. These parameters should be adjusted with
the changing of the network environment.

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Channel Assignment and

Handover Algorithms

2.1 Channel Assignment Technology of

Concentric Cell
2.1.1 Immediate Assignment
To ensure fast call connection within a concentric cell, you are advised to use the TRXs
serving the underlaid subcell to assign the channels in the immediate assignment procedure.

2.1.2 Assignment
The assignment of channels in the overlaid subcell or underlaid subcell is determined by the
Assign Optimum Layer and Assign-Optimum-Level Threshold parameters. The concentric
cell assigns a channel based on the RX level and TA threshold. The handover between two
concentric cells is supported.
The ways for assigning the TCH in the concentric cell are as follows:
1.

The system decides the TCH assignment based on the measurement report from the
SDCCH and chooses the serving layer that is assigned first.
After System Optimization is configured for the Assign Optimum Layer, the current
SDCCH level can be estimated (inserted/ filtered) based on the uplink measurement
result in the previous SDCCH measurement report. Then, the RX level on the SDCCH is
compared against the Assign Optimum-Level Threshold, and the TA against the TA
Threshold of Assignment Preference to determine where the TCH should be used,
from the underlaid subcell or from the overlaid subcell. For example, if the RX level on
the SDCCH is equal to or greater than the Assign Optimum-Level Threshold and the
TA is smaller than the TA Threshold of Assignment Preference, a TCH in the overlaid
subcell is assigned to the MS. Otherwise, a TCH in the underlaid subcell is assigned for
the MS to ensure successful assignment.

2.

A TCH in the underlaid subcell is preferred.

3.

A TCH in the overlaid subcell is preferred.

4.

No priority.

2.1.3 Intra-BSC Handover

You can set the Pref. Subcell in HO of Intra-BSC parameter to specify an underlaid or
overlaid channel during intra-BSC handover.
The ways for handling the intra-BSC handover in the concentric cell are as follows:

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1.

System Optimization: This method provides the concentric cell with a BCCH
measurement value of the target cell in the intra-BSC Handover Request message. This
enables the concentric cell to compare the RX level of the BCCH with the RX_LEV
Thrsh. to select the optimum layer, without regard to the RX_LEV Hysteresis.

2.

Overlaid Subcell: A TCH in the overlaid subcell is preferred.

3.

Underlaid Subcell: A TCH in the underlaid subcell is preferred.

4.

No Priority: A TCH is assigned with normal channel assignment algorithms.

2.1.4 Inter-BSC Handover

You can set the Incoming-to-BSC HO Optimum Layer parameter to specify an underlaid
subcell or overlaid subcell during inter-BSC handover. The inter-cell handover usually occurs
on the edge of cells, the Underlaid Subcell is thus configured for the Incoming-to-BSC HO
Optimum Layer parameter by default. As the target cell cannot determine the signal strength
of the MS receiving the BCCH signal while assigning the TCH, the inter-BSC handover does
not support System Optimization.
Pay attention to the following points:
1.

The BCCH TRX must be configured in the underlaid subcell.

2.

The SDCCH is configured in the underlaid subcell.

3.

If the RX_LEV Thrsh. and RX_LEV Hysteresis are set to 63 and 63 or the TA Thrsh.
or TA Hysteresis are set to 63 and 63 respectively, the handover between the overlaid
and underlaid subcells are forbidden.

4.

Perform data configuration of the dual-timeslot TRXs in accordance with concentric cell
features.

2.2 Handover Decision Algorithms

The concentric cell handover is classified into normal concentric cell handover and enhanced
concentric cell handover.

2.2.1 Normal Concentric Cell Handover

This section describes the handover algorithms concerning the normal concentric cell.
Figure 1.1 lists the parameters related to the normal concentric cell handover.
Figure 1.1 Parameters related to the normal concentric cell handover
Parameter

Description

Remarks

UO Signal
Strength
Difference

The signal strength difference between the overlaid and

underlaid subcells affects the MS receiving the signals within
the concentric cell. This parameter is used to compensate the
signal strength between the overlaid and underlaid subcells.
The value of the parameter is the sum of the power difference
between UO power amplifiers, insertion loss difference
between combiners, path loss difference between antennas,
and path loss difference over different frequencies. This value
is measured at the site. Multiple-point measurements should
be performed when different antennas are used for the
overlaid and underlaid subcells.

This value is invalid

when the Enhanced
Concentric Cell Allowed
parameter is selected.

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Parameter

Description

Remarks

RX_LEV Thrsh.

This parameter is one of the parameters that determine the

coverage of the overlaid and underlaid subcells. When the
Enhanced Concentric Cell Allowed parameter is not
selected, the coverage of the overlaid and underlaid subcells is
determined by the RX_LEV Thrsh., RX_LEV Hysteresis,
RX_QUAL Thrsh., TA Thrsh., and TA Hysteresis.

This value is invalid

when the Enhanced
Concentric Cell Allowed
parameter is selected.

RX_LEV
Hysteresis

This parameter is one of the parameters that determine the

coverage of the overlaid and underlaid subcells. When the
Enhanced Concentric Cell Allowed parameter is not
selected, the coverage of the overlaid and underlaid subcells is
determined by the RX_LEV Thrsh., RX_LEV Hysteresis,
RX_QUAL Thrsh., TA Thrsh., and TA Hysteresis.

This value is invalid

when the Enhanced
Concentric Cell Allowed
parameter is selected.

RX_QUAL
Thrsh.

This parameter is one of the parameters that determine the

coverage of the overlaid and underlaid subcells. When the
Enhanced Concentric Cell Allowed parameter is not
selected, the coverage of the overlaid and underlaid subcells is
determined by the RX_LEV Thrsh., RX_LEV Hysteresis,
RX_QUAL Thrsh., TA Thrsh., and TA Hysteresis.

This parameter applies to

both enhanced concentric
cell and normal
concentric cell.

TA Thrsh.

This parameter is one of the parameters that determine the

coverage of the overlaid and underlaid subcells. When the
Enhanced Concentric Cell Allowed parameter is not
selected, the coverage of the overlaid and underlaid subcells is
determined by the RX_LEV Thrsh., RX_LEV Hysteresis,
RX_QUAL Thrsh., TA Thrsh., and TA Hysteresis.

This parameter applies to

both enhanced concentric
cell and normal
concentric cell. Its value
must be smaller than the
TA Emergency
Handover Threshold.

TA Hysteresis

This parameter is one of the parameters that determine the

coverage of the overlaid and underlaid subcells. When the
Enhanced Concentric Cell Allowed parameter is not
selected, the coverage of the overlaid and underlaid subcells is
determined by the RX_LEV Thrsh., RX_LEV Hysteresis,
RX_QUAL Thrsh., TA Thrsh., and TA Hysteresis.

This parameter applies to

both enhanced concentric
cell and normal
concentric cell.

The coverage of the overlaid and underlaid subcells is determined by the five parameters,
namely, RX_LEV Thrsh., RX_LEV Hysteresis, RX_QUAL Thrsh., TA Thrsh., and TA
Hysteresis.

The coverage of the overlaid subcell is presented as follows:

RX level RX_LEV Thrsh. + RX_LEV Hysteresis, TA < TA Thrsh. - TA Hysteresis, and
RX quality < RX_QUAL Thrsh.

The coverage of the underlaid subcell is presented as follows:

RX level RX_LEV Thrsh. - RX_LEV Hysteresis or TA TA Thrsh. + TA Hysteresis or
and RX quality RX_QUAL Thrsh.

There is a "blank" area between the two formulas described above.

That is, RX_LEV Thrsh. - RX_LEV Hysteresis RX level RX_LEV Thrsh. + RX_LEV
Hysteresis, and TA Thrsh. - TA Hysteresis TA < TA Thrsh. + TA Hysteresis.
This area, called the Hysteresis area of the concentric cell, is used to prevent the pingpong handover.

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When TA Thrsh. is set to 63 and TA Hysteresis to 0, the boundary of the overlaid

subcell is determined by the RX_LEV Thrsh. and RX_QUAL Thrsh. When RX_LEV
Thrsh. is set to 63 and RX_LEV Hysteresis to 0, the boundary of the overlaid subcell is
determined by the TA Thrsh. and RX_QUAL Thrsh.

Handover from Overlaid Subcell to Underlaid Subcell

During the normal concentric cell handover, the MS occupying an overlaid subcell TCH can
be handed over to the underlaid subcell or to a neighbor cell. The triggering conditions are as
follows (OL to UL HO Allowed):

Actual DL RX level + UO Signal Strength Difference < RX_LEV Thrsh. - RX_LEV

Hysteresis - power control compensation
This is controlled by the RX_LEV for UO HO Allowed parameter.

DL RX quality > RX_QUAL Thrsh.

This is controlled by the RX_QUAL for UO HO Allowed parameter.

Current TA value > TA Thrsh. + TA Hysteresis

This is controlled by the TA Pref. of Imme-Assign Allowed parameter.
When any of the previous conditions is met, the handover from the overlaid subcell to the underlaid
subcell is triggered.
If the handover from the overlaid subcell to the underlaid subcell fails, there is a handover penalty. A
predefined timer determines the penalty time.

The principle for selecting a target cell is as follows:

If the original TCH occupied by an MS belongs to the overlaid subcell, the MS is handed
over to a cell with highest priority by performance. In case that this cell is the serving
cell (concentric cell), the MS is then handed over to the underlaid subcell.
The underlaid subcell level is an approximate value, which is the difference between the overlaid subcell
level and the UO Signal Strength Difference.

Handover from Underlaid Subcell to Overlaid Subcell

During the normal concentric cell handover, the MS occupying an underlaid TCH can only be
handed over to the overlaid subcell. The triggering conditions are as follows (UL to OL HO
Allowed):

Actual DL RX level RX_LEV Thrsh. + RX_LEV Hysteresis - power control

compensation
This is controlled by the RX_LEV for UO HO Allowed parameter.

DL RX quality < RX_QUAL Thrsh.

This is controlled by the RX_QUAL for UO HO Allowed parameter.

Current TA value < TA Thrsh. - TA Hysteresis

When all the previous conditions are met, the handover from the underlaid subcell to the overlaid subcell
is triggered.
If the handover from the underlaid subcell to the overlaid subcell fails, there is a handover penalty. A
predefined timer determines the penalty time.

The principle for selecting a target cell is as follows:

If the original TCH occupied by an MS belongs to the underlaid subcell, the MS can
only be handed over to the overlaid subcell.

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2.2.2 Enhanced Concentric Cell Handover

This section describes the handover algorithms concerning the enhanced concentric cell. The
main difference between the enhanced concentric cell handover and the normal concentric cell
handover is as follows:
In the enhanced concentric cell, an MS occupying an overlaid channel can monitor the signal
strength of the BCCH. However, in the normal concentric cell, the MS handed from the
overlaid channel to the underlaid channel cannot obtain the signal strength of the underlaid
subcell.
Figure 1.1 lists the parameters related to the enhanced concentric cell handover.
Figure 1.1 Parameters related to the enhanced concentric cell handover
Paramete
r

Description

Remarks

OL to UL HO
Received
Level Thrsh.

This parameter is one of the parameters that determine the coverage of

the overlaid and underlaid subcells in the enhanced concentric cell.
When the Enhanced Concentric Cell Allowed is selected, the
coverage of the overlaid and underlaid subcells is determined by the
OL to UL HO Received Level Thrsh., UL to OL HO Received
Level Thrsh., RX_QUAL Thrsh., TA Thrsh., and TA Hysteresis.

This parameter only

applies to the
enhanced concentric
cell.

UL to OL HO
Received
Level Thrsh.

This parameter is one of the parameters that determine the coverage of

the overlaid and underlaid subcells in the enhanced concentric cell.
When the Enhanced Concentric Cell Allowed is selected, the
coverage of the overlaid and underlaid subcells is determined by the
OL to UL HO Received Level Thrsh., UL to OL HO Received
Level Thrsh., RX_QUAL Thrsh., TA Thrsh., and TA Hysteresis.

This parameter only

applies to the
enhanced concentric
cell.

RX_QUAL
Thrsh.

This parameter is one of the parameters that determine the coverage of

the overlaid and underlaid subcells in the enhanced concentric cell.
When the Enhanced Concentric Cell Allowed is selected, the
coverage of the overlaid and underlaid subcells is determined by the
OL to UL HO Received Level Thrsh., UL to OL HO Received
Level Thrsh., RX_QUAL Thrsh., TA Thrsh., and TA Hysteresis.

This parameter
applies to both
enhanced concentric
cell and normal
concentric cell.

TA Thrsh.

This parameter is one of the parameters that determine the coverage of

the overlaid and underlaid subcells in the enhanced concentric cell.
When the Enhanced Concentric Cell Allowed is selected, the
coverage of the overlaid and underlaid subcells is determined by the
OL to UL HO Received Level Thrsh., UL to OL HO Received
Level Thrsh., RX_QUAL Thrsh., TA Thrsh., and TA Hysteresis.

This parameter
applies to both
enhanced concentric
cell and normal
concentric cell. Its
value must be smaller
than the TA
Emergency
Handover
Threshold.

TA Hysteresis

This parameter is one of the parameters that determine the coverage of

the overlaid and underlaid subcells in the enhanced concentric cell.
When the Enhanced Concentric Cell Allowed is selected, the
coverage of the overlaid and underlaid subcells is determined by the
OL to UL HO Received Level Thrsh., UL to OL HO Received
Level Thrsh., RX_QUAL Thrsh., TA Thrsh., and TA Hysteresis.

This parameter
applies to both
enhanced concentric
cell and normal
concentric cell.

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Traffic Thrsh.
of Underlaid
Subcell

The MS is handed from the underlaid subcell to the overlaid subcell

only when the traffic in the underlaid subcell is higher than the value
of the Traffic Thrsh. of Underlaid Subcell. This is caused by the fact
that the signal quality in the underlaid subcell is better than that in the
overlaid subcell. If the UL to OL Traffic HO Allowed parameter is
not selected, the MS is handed from an underlaid subcell to an
overlaid subcell without regard to the traffic in the underlaid subcell.

This value is valid

when the UL to OL
Traffic HO Allowed
parameter is selected.

Underlaid
Subcell HO
Step Period
(s)

Many calls may initiate handover requests from the underlaid subcell
to the overlaid subcell at the same time. In this case, the calls with
lower level might be handled first. This does not comply with the
concept of handing over the calls with optimal RX level first.
Therefore, the hierarchy handover algorithm is adopted to hand the
calls with higher RX level from the underlaid subcell to the overlaid
subcell. This period is equal to the Underlaid Subcell HO Step
Level, the decreasing level in the handover belt.

This value is valid

when the Enhanced
Concentric Cell
Allowed parameter is
selected.

Underlaid
Subcell HO
Step Level

During the handover from the underlaid subcell to the overlaid

subcell, the calls are hierarchically handled from level 63 to 0. This
enables the calls with better RX level to be handed over to the
overlaid subcell first. Its value defines the step in which the handover
belt is decreased.

This value is valid

when the Enhanced
Concentric Cell
Allowed parameter is
selected.

Penalty Time
of UL to OL
HO (s)

This parameter specifies the time during which a call having handed
from an overlaid subcell to an underlaid subcell is not allowed to be
handed over to the overlaid to avoid the ping-pong handover between
the overlaid and underlaid subcells. If the Penalty Time of UL to OL
HO (s) is set to 0, the penalty mechanism is not enabled.

This value is valid

when the Enhanced
Concentric Cell
Allowed parameter is
selected.

When a cell supports the enhanced concentric cell feature, the coverage of the overlaid and
underlaid subcells is determined by the following ways:

The coverage of the overlaid subcell is presented as follows:

RX level UL to OL HO Received Level Thrsh., and TA < (TA Thrsh. - TA Hysteresis),
and RX quality < RX_QUAL Thrsh.

The coverage of the underlaid subcell is presented as follows:

RX level < OL to UL HO Received Level Thrsh., or TA (TA Thrsh. + TA Hysteresis),
or RX quality RX_QUAL Thrsh.

There is a "blank" area between the two formulas described above.

That is, OL to UL HO Received Level Thrsh. RX quality < UL to OL HO Received
Level Thrsh., and (TA Thrsh. - TA Hysteresis) TA < (TA Thrsh. + TA Hysteresis)
This area, called the Hysteresis area of the concentric cell, is used to prevent the pingpong handover.

Handover from Overlaid Subcell to Underlaid Subcell

During the enhanced concentric cell handover, the MS occupying an overlaid subcell TCH
can be handed over to the underlaid subcell or to a neighbor cell. The triggering conditions are
as follows (OL to UL HO Allowed):

DL RX level < OL to UL HO Received Level Thrsh.

This is controlled by the RX_LEV for Concentric Cell HO Allowed parameter.

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DL RX quality RX_QUAL Thrsh.

This is controlled by the RX_QUAL for Concentric Cell HO Allowed parameter.

TA > TA Thrsh. + TA Hysteresis

This is controlled by the TA Pref. of Imme-Assign Allowed parameter.
When any of the previous conditions is met, the handover from the overlaid subcell to the underlaid
subcell is triggered.
If the handover from the overlaid subcell to the underlaid subcell fails, there is a handover penalty. A
predefined timer determines the penalty time.

The principle for selecting a target cell is as follows:

If the original TCH occupied by an MS belongs to the overlaid subcell, the MS is handed
over to a cell with highest priority by performance. In case that this cell is the serving
cell (concentric cell), the MS is then handed over to the underlaid subcell.

Handover from Underlaid Subcell to Overlaid Subcell

During the enhanced concentric cell handover, the MS occupying an underlaid TCH can only
be handed over to the overlaid subcell. The triggering conditions are as follows (UL to OL
HO Allowed):

DL RX level UL to OL HO Received Level Thrsh.

This is controlled by the RX_LEV for Concentric Cell HO Allowed parameter.

DL RX quality < RX_QUAL Thrsh.

This is controlled by the RX_QUAL for Concentric Cell HO Allowed parameter.

TA < TA Thrsh. - TA Hysteresis

This is controlled by the TA Pref. of Imme-Assign Allowed parameter.

Traffic of the underlaid subcell > Traffic Thrsh. of Underlaid Subcell

This is controlled by the UL to OL Traffic HO Allowed parameter.
When all the previous conditions are met, the handover from the underlaid subcell to the overlaid subcell
is triggered.
If the handover from the underlaid subcell to the overlaid subcell fails, there is a handover penalty. A
predefined timer determines the penalty time.

The principle for selecting a target cell is as follows:

If the original TCH occupied by an MS belongs to the underlaid subcell, the MS can
only be handed over to the overlaid subcell.

2.2.3 Handover from a Concentric Cell to a Neighbor

Cell
Handover from a Normal Concentric Cell to a Neighbor Cell

When the MS is located in the overlaid subcell, the principle for selecting a neighbor cell
is as follows:
Use the RX level of the overlaid subcell + UO Signal Strength Difference to participate
in Huawei M and K rules. In addition, use actual RX level of the overlaid subcell + UO
Signal Strength Difference to participate in all handover decisions.

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When the MS is located in the underlaid subcell, the principle for selecting a neighbor
cell is as follows:

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Use the actual RX level of the underlaid subcell to participate in Huawei M and K rules.
In addition, use actual RX level of the underlaid subcell to participate in all handover
decisions.

Handover from an Enhanced Concentric Cell to a Neighbor Cell

When the MS is located in the overlaid subcell, the principle for selecting a neighbor cell
is as follows:

When non-PBGT handover algorithms are selected, use the RX level of the overlaid
subcell to participate in the M rule, the actual RX level of the underlaid subcell in the
K rule, and the actual RX level of the overlaid subcell in the handover decision.

When the PBGT handover algorithm is selected, use the actual RX level of the
overlaid subcell to participate in the M rule, the actual RX level of the underlaid
subcell in the K rule, and the actual RX level of the underlaid subcell in the handover
decision.

When the MS is located in the underlaid subcell, the principle for selecting a neighbor
cell is as follows:
Use the actual RX level of the underlaid subcell to participate in the M rule, the actual
level of the underlaid in the K rule, and the actual RX level of the underlaid subcell in all
handover decisions.

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Application Scenarios of the

Concentric Cell and Its Activation

Strategy
This chapter describes the networking features of the concentric cell technology, specifies its
application scenarios, and highlights some common problems and troubleshooting strategies.

3.1 Restriction
The principles for designing the concentric cell strategy are as follows:
1.

Allocate the TRXs in the overlaid and underlaid subcells reasonably based on their
traffic distribution. Otherwise, the TRXs in fully loaded underlaid subcells might be
congested in busy hours. This affects the KPIs, such as TCH Seizure Success Ratio.

2.

Do not implement the concentric cells with more than two layers.

3.

Configure the BCCH in the underlaid subcell.

4.

The concentric cell does not support the frequency hopping between the underlaid
subcell and the overlaid subcell. The frequency hopping within the underlaid subcell or
overlaid subcell is supported.
The principles for technical clarification are as follows:

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At present, Huawei concentric cell (excluding COBCCH cell) solution only supports configuring the
BCCH in the underlaid subcell.

For the versions before GBSS 7.0, it is recommended to configure the PDCHs in the underlaid
subcell. If the PDCHs are configured in the overlaid subcell, the PCU might assign an overlaid
PDCH for an underlaid MS as the PCU cannot decide whether the PDCH is in the overlaid subcell
or in the underlaid subcell. In this case, the packet service assignment might fail. The GBSS 7.0 and
later releases support configuring the PDCHs in the underlaid subcell. Matched BSC and PCU
versions are required.

3.2 Application Scenarios and Activation

Strategy
The concentric cell feature is usually applied in the following scenarios:
1.

Scenario with short inter-site distance, tight frequency reuse, high traffic, and strong
intra-network interference
In this scenario, decrease the transmit power of the TRXs used for tight frequency reuse
purpose, and then activate the concentric cell feature. This solution not only decreases
the intra-network interference but also increases the system capacity with the tight
frequency reuse of the overlaid frequencies.

2.

Inconsistency of the transmit power at the RF port within a cell due to the differences of
transmit power and combination modes of the TRXs
In this case, configure the TRXs in the overlaid and underlaid subcells reasonably based
on the traffic distribution within the concentric cell.
Figure 2.1 describes the different application scenarios of the concentric cell and its
activation strategy.

Figure 2.1 Application scenarios of the concentric cell and its activation strategy
Scenar
io

Descriptio
n

Suggestion

Scenario
Analysis and
Operations

Advantages

The 900M
sites are
placed 1.5 km
apart or the
1800M sites
are 1 km
apart. The
transmit
power
difference at
the RF port is
within 2 dB.

No need to activate the concentric

cell feature.

As the inter-site
distance is short
and the transmit
power difference at
the RF port is
small, the TRXs
with lower transmit
power at the RF
port can cover the
entire cell. To
minimize operation
and maintenance
flexibility, there is
no need to activate
the concentric cell
feature.

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Scenar
io

Descriptio
n

Suggestion

Scenario
Analysis and
Operations

Advantages

The transmit
power
difference at
the RF port is
greater than 2
dB.

Activate the concentric cell feature.

As the transmit
power difference at
the RF port is large,
the concentric cell
feature should be
activated. You
should configure
the
underlaid/overlaid
handover level
thresholds
reasonably based
on the transmit
power difference.

The traffic in the

underlaid/overlaid
subcells is allocated
reasonably and the
deterioration of
relevant KPIs due
to the coverage
failure of the TRXs
with lower transmit
power at the RF
port is prevented.

Scenario with
short inter-site
distance, tight
frequency
reuse, high
traffic, and
strong intranetwork
interference

Activate the concentric cell feature.

Reduce the
transmit power of
the TRXs used for
tight frequency
reuse purpose to
reduce intranetwork
interference.
Configure the
underlaid/overlaid
handover level
thresholds
reasonably based
on the transmit
power difference.

The intra-network
interference is
reduced and the
relevant KPIs are
increased.

Other
scenarios

Decide the implementation based on

the actual situations by referring to
4"Network Planning of Concentric
Cells."

Decide the
implementation by
taking full
consideration of the
inter-site distance,
transmit power
difference at the RF
port, frequency
reuse, traffic load,
and interference
situations.

3.3 Problems Occurred in Activating the

Concentric Cell and Solutions
In the concentric cell implementation, the TRXs with different coverage capabilities are
managed within a cell. To avoid the decrease of the concentric cell KPIs, network planners

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should prevent the congestion of the TRXs serving the underlaid subcell. In the Concentric
Cell HO Data tab page, the Assign Optimum Layer is set to System Optimization by
default at present. This means that the calls are handled by the overlaid and underlaid subcells
based on their coverage. The congestion of the underlaid subcell causes call drops and affects
the KPIs such as Success Rate of Inter-Cell Handover and TCH Assignment Success Rate.
The probable problems you might encounter in implementing the concentric cell and their
solutions are as follows:

Congested underlaid subcell and idle overlaid subcell

1.

Adjust the handover parameters to have the overlaid subcell share the traffic of the
underlaid subcell. You can increase the logical coverage of the overlaid subcell and its
traffic handling capability by decreasing the RX_LEV Thrsh. for the normal concentric
cell or the UL to OL HO Received Level Thrsh. for the enhanced concentric cell. Note
that the adjusted logical coverage of the overlaid subcell does not exceed its physical
coverage. Otherwise, the handover failures from the underlaid subcell to the overlaid
subcell increase.

2.

Enable the Direct Retry and Load Sharing features.

3.

Allocate some underlaid PDCHs in the overlaid subcell.

The versions before GBSS 7.0 do not support the configuration of the PDCHs in the
overlaid subcell. The GBSS 7.0 and later versions support the configuration of the
PDCHs in the overlaid subcell.

4.

Add TRXs in the underlaid subcell.

5.

Enable the half-rate scheme of the underlaid subcell.

6.

Decrease the transmit power of the underlaid TRXs to reduce the coverage of the current
cell and have the neighbor cell share its traffic.

Strong interference and poor call quality in the underlaid subcell

The underlaid subcell with strong interference is always accompanied by higher
interference band, poor voice quality, and high call drops. You can adjust the parameters
concerning the concentric cell to minimize the interference.

1.

Clear the RX_QUAL for Concentric Cell HO Allowed parameter; otherwise, the calls
in the underlaid subcell, which has high RX level but low RX quality (caused by
interference), cannot be handed over to the overlaid subcell.

2.

Increase the logical coverage of the overlaid subcell by decreasing the level thresholds of
the overlaid and underlaid subcells to have the overlaid subcell share more traffic.

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Network Planning of Concentric

Cells

4.1 Coverage Planning

4.1.1 Populated Urban Areas
Coverage Radius of Overlaid and Underlaid Subcells in Densely
Populated Urban Areas
Figure 1.1 describes the coverage budget in densely populated urban areas using Huawei link
budget tool.
Figure 1.1 Coverage budget in densely populated urban areas
Link Budget
Densely Populated Urban Area
Uplink

Downlink

Cell configuration

3-sector

Environment application

Outdoor

Use of TMA

No

BTS type

BTS3012

Maximum TX power (dBm)

33

47.8

Combination loss (dB)

4.5

Feeder loss (TX) (dB)

2.471

Body loss (TX) (dB)

Antenna gain (TX) (dBi)

15

EiRP (dBm)

33

55.829

Antenna gain (RX) (dBi)

15

Antenna diversity gain (RX) (dBi)

2.5

Feeder loss (RX) (dB)

2.471

Body loss (RX) (dB)

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Link Budget
Receive sensitivity (dBm)

112.5

Improvement of receive sensitivity after

using the TMA (dB)

Minimum RX level requirement (dB)

93.529

Penetration loss (dB)

Standard flow fading deviation (dB)

10

Area coverage rate

0.95

Boundary coverage rate

0.876

Slow fading margin (dB)

11.591

Fast fading margin (dB)

Interference margin (dB)

Maximum path loss allowed (dB)

114.94

MS antenna height (m)

1.5

BTS antenna height (m)

25

Frequency band (MHz)

900

Propagation model

Okumuru-Hata

Cell radius (km)

0.445

Path loss allowed for link balancing (dB)

114.24

Cell radius allowed for link balancing

(km)

0.425

BTS coverage area (km2)

0.35

Target coverage area (km2)

200

Number of BTSs

568

104

70

114.24

0.425

Measurement results
Populated Urban Area

2008

Cell radius (km)

Number of BTSs

0.43

568

Transmit power at the RF port for the underlaid subcell: 47.78 (TRX power) 4.5
(combination loss) = 43.28 (transmit power at the RF port). The coverage radius
calculated by the link budget tool is 430 m (outdoor coverage rate: 95%).

Transmit power at the RF port for the overlaid subcell: 47.78 (TRX power) 8
(combination loss) = 39.78 (transmit power at the RF port). The coverage radius
calculated by the link budget tool is 340 m (outdoor coverage rate: 95%).

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In densely populated urban areas, the coverage radius of the BTS is usually smaller than
300 m. The continuous coverage is available in the overlaid subcell. Thus, the 8 dB
combination loss will not affect the coverage in this scenario.

There is no restriction on the hardware to implement the concentric cell in this scenario.
You can manually configure the concentric cell to implement the tight frequency reuse
solution and increase the BTS capacity.

This concentric cell configuration not only guarantees the tight frequency reuse in the
overlaid subcell, but also achieves the trunk gain listed in the Erl B table.

Level Distribution Under for Different Combination Loss

1.

The emulation conditions are as follows:

Antenna height: 25 m

Antenna type: 14 dBi, 65 deg, o title, 900 MHz

Combination loss: 4.5 dB and 8 dB

Propagation model: Okumura-Hata (populated urban areas)

BTS coverage radius: 300 m

Cell edge design level: 70 dBm

Area coverage rate: 95%

Map: Ha Erbin

2.

The emulation result for the coverage radius smaller than 300 m is as follows:
Under different combination losses, both the coverage of the overlaid subcell and that of
the underlaid subcell meet the edge design level. In large combination loss situations, the
area with greater level is smaller than that with smaller level.

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4.1.2 Common Urban Areas

Coverage Radius of Overlaid and Underlaid Subcells in Common
Urban Areas

Transmit power at the RF port for the underlaid subcell: 47.78 (TRX power) 4.5
(combination loss) = 43.28 (transmit power at the RF port). The coverage radius
calculated by the link budget tool is 800 m (outdoor coverage rate: 95%).

Transmit power at the RF port for the overlaid subcell: 47.78 (TRX power) 8
(combination loss) = 39.78 (transmit power at the RF port). The coverage radius
calculated by the link budget tool is 630m (outdoor coverage rate: 95%).

Level Distribution for Different Combination Loss

1.

The emulation conditions are as follows:

Antenna height: 30 m

Antenna type: 14 dBi, 65 deg, o title, 900 MHz

Combination loss: 4.5 dB and 8 dB

Propagation model: Okumura-Hata (common urban areas)

BTS coverage radius: 600 m

Cell edge design level: 75 dBm

Area coverage rate: 95%

Map: Ha Erbin

2.

The emulation result for the coverage radius of 600 m is as follows:

In common urban areas, the coverage radius of the concentric cell is generally less than 600
m. Under different combination losses, both the coverage of the overlaid subcell and that of
the underlaid subcell meet the edge design level.
3.

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When 800 m of coverage radius is planned for the underlaid subcell, there will be 30% of the
overlaid subcell that does not meet the coverage requirements.

4.1.3 Suburbs
Coverage Radius of Overlaid and Underlaid Subcells in Suburbs

Transmit power at the RF port for the underlaid subcell: 47.78 (TRX power) 4.5
(combination loss) = 43.28 (transmit power at the RF port). The coverage radius
calculated by the link budget tool is 4,020 m (outdoor coverage rate: 95%).

Transmit power at the RF port for the overlaid subcell: 47.78 (TRX power) 8
(combination loss) = 39.78 (transmit power at the RF port). The coverage radius
calculated by the link budget tool is 3,190 m (outdoor coverage rate: 95%).

Level Distribution for Different Combination Loss

1.

The emulation conditions are as follows:

Antenna height: 35 m

Antenna type: 17 dBi, 65 deg, o title, 900 MHz

Combination loss: 4.5 dB and 8 dB

Propagation model: Okumura-Hata (suburbs)

BTS coverage radius: 3190 m

Cell edge design level: 85 dBm

Area coverage rate: 95%

Map: none

2.

The emulation result for the coverage radius of 3190 m is as follows:

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The BTS edge level is designed as 85 dBm in suburbs. When the coverage radius of the
concentric cell is 3,190 m, the overlaid subcell can be fully covered.
3.

The emulation result for the coverage radius of 4020 m is as follows:

The BTS edge level is designed as 85 dBm in suburbs. When 4,020 m of coverage radius is
planned for the underlaid subcell, there will be 40% of the overlaid subcell that does not meet
the coverage requirements.

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4.1.4 Wide Coverage Areas

Coverage Radius of Overlaid and Underlaid Subcells in Wide
Coverage Areas

Transmit power at the RF port for the underlaid subcell: 47.78 (TRX power) 4.5
(combination loss) = 43.28 (transmit power at the RF port). The coverage radius
calculated by the link budget tool is 29.65 km (the coverage target is that the MS has a
sensitivity of 104 dBm).

Transmit power at the RF port for the overlaid subcell: 47.78 (TRX power) -8
(combination loss) = 39.78 (transmit power at the RF port). The coverage radius
calculated by the link budget tool is 23.4 km (the coverage target is that the MS has a
sensitivity of 104 dBm).

Advantages of the Application of Concentric Cells in Wide

Coverage Areas
Wide coverage is generally applied in deserts, oasis, or islands where one BTS can meet the
coverage requirements. The traffic near the BTS is high and that far away from the BTS is
low. The site planning should meet the capacity requirements near the BTS, as well as its wide
coverage requirements.
The link budget result calculated above shows that the coverage radius of an overlaid subcell
is larger than required. In this case, the overlaid subcell can be planned to meet the coverage
requirements near the BTS. In addition, you can decrease the transmit power in the overlaid
subcell to reduce the coverage area of the overlaid subcell. This not only meets the capacity
requirements of the overlaid subcell, but also guarantees the wide coverage requirements of
the underlaid subcell.
You can always change the transmit power in the overlaid subcell to adjust the overlaid and
underlaid coverage, regardless of whether there is signal combination or not. This not only
meets the capacity and coverage requirements, but also saves the BTS power consumption.

4.1.5 Conclusion
In all the scenarios described above, the coverage of the populated urban areas is not affected
by combination loss, and the overlaid subcell can meet all the coverage requirements. In
common urban areas and suburbs however, the concentric cell has to be applied to meet the
coverage requirements due to the hardware restriction of the combiner. The previous
emulation shows that the trunk effect of the voice service capacity, in the Erl B table, is
reduced due to the coverage difference between the overlaid and underlaid subcells.

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4.2 Capacity Planning

4.2.1 Capacity Growth Due to Application of
Concentric Cells
Coverage Difference Existed Between Overlaid and Underlaid
Subcells
If the overlaid subcell does not support continuous coverage, apply tight frequency reuse
solution for the overlaid subcell to improve its capacity.
Example 1: There are 48 frequencies available.

When the concentric cell is not applied, the largest BTS configuration is S4/4/4 under
43 frequency reuse pattern.
Each cell is configured with 29 TCHs, carrying the traffic of 21.03 Erl when the
congestion rate is 2%.

When the concentric cell is applied, the BCCHs adopt the 43 pattern and the TCHs the
43 pattern. The largest BTS configuration is S2+3/2+3/2+3.
One BCCH and three SDCCHs are configured in the overlaid subcell. There are 12
TCHs configured in the underlaid subcell and 24 TCHs in the overlaid subcell. The
overall traffic in the concentric cell is 23. 245 (6.615+16.63) Erl. The maximum traffic
described above is calculated in ideal situation where the congestion caused by the
restriction in the underlaid subcell capacity is ignored.

Example 2: There are 48 frequencies available.

When the concentric cell is applied, the BCCHs and the TCHs in the overlaid subcell
adopt the 43 pattern, and the other TCHs adopts the 13 pattern. The largest BTS
configuration is S2+4/2+4/2+4.

As with the previous example, there are 12 TCHs configured in the underlaid subcell.
The TCHs in the overlaid subcell, however, are increased to 32. The overall traffic in the
concentric cell is 30.345 (6.615+32.73) Erl.

No Coverage Difference Between Overlaid and Underlaid Subcells

When there is no coverage difference between the overlaid and underlaid subcells, the trunk
gain listed in the Erl B table will increase the cell capacity.
Figure 1.1 compares the traffic among different site types.
Figure 1.1 Comparison of traffic among different site types
Site Type

Number of TCHs

Traffic

S4/4/4

29

21.03

S2+3/2+3/2+3

12+24

23.245

S5/5/5

36

27.33

S2+4/2+4/2+4

12+32

30.345

S6/6/6

44

34.68

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4.2.2 Impact of Capacity on Coverage

The main drawback of Huawei concentric cell solution at present is that the capacity of the
underlaid subcell is relatively small; thus, the underlaid subcell is prone to congestion. This
prevents the full use of the concentric cell feature. The following describes the application of
the concentric cell in S2+3 and S2+4 scenarios, combined with Huawei equipment and
networking experience.

Populated Urban Areas

With the link budget result calculated from section 2.1, the coverage radius of the underlaid
subcell is 430 m and that of the overlaid subcell is 340 m. In actual networks, the coverage
radius of a cell is generally smaller than 300 m in populated urban areas. In such scenarios,
the restriction of combination loss on the concentric cell is not involved. Plan the coverage of
the overlaid and underlaid subcells reasonably by referring to section 4.2.2.2. This concentric
cell configuration not only guarantees the tight frequency reuse in the overlaid subcell, but
also achieves the trunk gain listed in the Erl B table. This concentric cell is equal to a common
cell using new channel allocation algorithms.

Common Urban Areas

Based on the link budget result obtained from 2.2"Handover Decision Algorithms," suppose
the maximum radius of the underlaid is 800 m and that of the overlaid is 630 m.

S2+3 pattern (60 W TRX used)

Configuration in the underlaid subcell: 1 BCCH, 3 SDCCHs, and 12 TCHs

Configuration in the overlaid subcell: 24 TCHs

Suppose the traffic is evenly distributed.

Traffic in the overlaid subcell: 16.63 Erl

Traffic in the underlaid subcell: 6.615 Erl

To avoid congestion in the underlaid subcell, plan its coverage radius based on its
capacity.

Suppose that the coverage radius of the underlaid subcell is R and that of the overlaid
subcell is r. The coverage radius of the underlaid subcell can extend x meters. The
traffic of the underlaid subcell is BR and that of the overlaid subcell is Br.
Thus, Br*x*x + 2r*Br*x - BR*r*r = 0

Thus, x = 115 m
The coverage radius of the underlaid subcell is R, where R = r + x = 745 m.

S2+4 pattern (60 W TRX used)

Configuration in the underlaid subcell: 1 BCCH, 3 SDCCHs, and 12 TCHs

Configuration in the overlaid subcell: 32 TCHs

Suppose the traffic is evenly distributed.

Traffic in the overlaid subcell: 23.73 Erl

Traffic in the underlaid subcell: 6.615 Erl

Thus, x = 111 m
The coverage radius of the underlaid subcell is R, where R = r + x = 741 m.

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Suburbs
Based on the link budget result obtained from 2.2"Handover Decision Algorithms," suppose
the maximum radius of the underlaid is 4020 m and that of the overlaid is 3190 m.

S2+3 pattern (60 W TRX used)

Configuration in the underlaid subcell: 1 BCCH, 3 SDCCHs, 12 TCHs

Configuration in the overlaid subcell: 24 TCHs

Suppose the traffic is evenly distributed.

Traffic in the overlaid subcell: 16.63 Erl

Traffic in the underlaid subcell: 6.615 Erl

Thus, x = 581 m
The coverage radius of the underlaid subcell is R, where R = r + x = 3771 m.

S2+4 pattern (60 W TRX used)

Configuration in the underlaid subcell: 1 BCCH, 3 SDCCHs, 12 TCHs

Configuration in the overlaid subcell: 32 TCHs

Suppose the traffic is evenly distributed.

Traffic in the overlaid subcell: 23.73 Erl

Traffic in the underlaid subcell: 6.615 Erl

Thus, x = 417 m
The coverage radius of the underlaid subcell is R, where R = r + x = 3607 m.

Conclusion
To avoid traffic congestion and performance decrease of the underlaid subcell due to its
capacity restriction, it is not recommended to use the maximum coverage radius calculated
from the link budget. In other words, you should plan the coverage radius of the underlaid
subcell based on the traffic configuration of the overlaid and underlaid subcells.
The versions before GBSS 7.0 do not support the configuration of the PDCHs in the overlaid
subcell. The traffic handling capabilities of the underlaid subcell decrease after you configure
PDCHs in the underlaid subcell. To avoid underlaid congestion in this case, you should
further decrease its coverage. The GBSS 7.0 and later versions support the configuration of
the PDCHs in the overlaid subcell. You should design the coverage radius of the underlaid
subcell based on the channel configuration of the overlaid and underlaid subcells.

4.3 Frequency Planning

In general concentric cell scenarios, the coverage between the overlaid and underlaid subcells
is different. The co-frequency distance for the overlaid subcell is relatively long; thus, apply
tight frequency reuse for the overlaid subcell and less tight frequency reuse for the underlaid
subcell. In this way, the underlaid subcell can share the highly interfered edge traffic and
improve the cell capacity.

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4.4 Impact of the Concentric Cell on Data

Service Performance
4.4.1 Timeslot Throughput Simulation in Common
Urban Areas with a Coverage Radius of 600 m
4 3 Reuse (with 18 dB Indoor Loss)

The emulated urban areas are the real scenarios in Ha Erbin. The impact of indoor coverage uses the
actual clutter in Ha Erbin as the emulation input. In actual emulation settings, the penetration loss for the
building in common urban areas is set to 18 dB.

The following figure shows the emulation in outdoor application.

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3 3 Reuse (with 18 dB Indoor Loss)

The following figure shows the emulation in outdoor application.

1 3 Reuse (with 18 dB Indoor Loss)

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The following figure shows the emulation in outdoor application.

Conclusion

The scenario described above involves continuous overlaid coverage.

In the 43 reuse pattern, the intra-network interference is relatively small. The coding
schemes used indoors are determined by receiving level. The timeslot throughput in the
overlaid subcell is lower than that of the underlaid subcell due to their loss difference. In
outdoor application however, there is no penetration loss involved, and the receiving
level requirements in both overlaid and underlaid subcells are met. The coding schemes
are determined by C/I value. Therefore, the timeslot throughput between the overlaid and
underlaid subcells is distributed evenly in outdoor application.

The 33 and 13 reuse patterns experience greater interference than the 43 pattern. The
indoor coding schemes are determined by both receiving level and C/I value. Thus, the
signal loss has litter impact on the coding schemes used indoors. The coding schemes
used outdoors are determined by C/I value, similar to the 43 pattern.

4.4.2 Timeslot Throughput Simulation in Common

Urban Areas with a Coverage Radius of 800 m
4 3 Reuse (with 18 dB Indoor Loss)

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The following figure shows the emulation in outdoor application.

3 3 Reuse (with 18 dB Indoor Loss)

The following figure shows the emulation in outdoor application.

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1 3 Reuse (with 18 dB Indoor Loss)

The following figure shows the emulation in outdoor application.

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Conclusion

The scenario described above involves continuous coverage in the underlaid subcell.

Compared with the overlaid continuous coverage scenarios with 8 dB combination loss,
the underlaid continuous coverage for indoor application is difficult. The uncovered area
however, is small.

Compared to the overlaid continuous coverage scenarios, the coverage of this scenario is
increased, accompanied with increased propagation loss. The impact of the combination
loss on the data service performance is increased.

The coding schemes for indoor application is generally determined by the receiving level
under different frequency reuse patterns, with no regard to the 18 dB penetration loss.
With the application of frequency reuse, the intra-network interference increases,
whereas the impact of the receiving level on timeslot throughput decreases.

The high receiving level in outdoor coverage is not the leading factor to determine the
coding schemes. In this case, the coding schemes are determined by C/I value.

4.4.3 Timeslot Throughput Simulation in Suburbs

with a Coverage Radius of 3190 m
4 3 Frequency Reuse

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3 3 Frequency Reuse

1 3 Frequency Reuse

Conclusion

As there is no example scenario in this coverage radius, a 12 dB of penetration loss is

added while addressing the indoor coverage.

In the 43 and 33 frequency reuse patterns, the receiving level can meet all the outdoor
coverage. Different combination loss has no impact on the distribution of timeslot
throughput.

As the intra-network interference increases, the impact of the indoor level on timeslot
throughput decreases.

The intra-network interference in 11 frequency reuse pattern is large and coverage level
has less impact on the timeslot throughput than the C/I value does. Thus, the ultimate
coding schemes are determined by C/I value.

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4.4.4 Timeslot Throughput Simulation in Suburbs

with a Coverage Radius of 4020 m
4 3 Frequency Reuse

3 3 Frequency Reuse

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1 3 Frequency Reuse

Conclusion

In scenarios covered by underlaid subcells, 4.5 dB or 8 dB of combination loss has no

impact on outdoor timeslot throughput.

In indoor application, continuous coverage for data services can be achieved with 4.5 dB
combination loss. The service performance with tight frequency reuse is nearly
equivalent to that of the outdoor application though the service performance with less
tight frequency reuse is worse than that of the outdoor application.

In indoor application, continuous coverage for data service cannot be achieved with 8 dB
combination loss. There are also uncovered areas compared with that of the underlaid
subcell.

4.4.5 Conclusion
As the coding schemes are subject to receiving level and C/I value, the impact of combination
loss on data services varies with the frequency reuse pattern. To conclude, the outdoor coding
schemes are determined by interference when the intra-network interference is high, and the
combination loss has litter impact on data services. When the intra-network interference is
low, the combination loss nearly has no impact on outdoor data services whether the
concentric cell is planned by underlaid subcell or overlaid subcell. For indoor application,
receiving level is the leading factor to determine the coding schemes with the increase of
penetration loss and the decrease of indoor level. Therefore, high combination loss has a great
impact on indoor data services.
When the concentric cell is applied due to combination loss restriction, the data service in the
overlaid subcell deteriorates, compared with the normal cell. The impact degree depends on
the frequency and coverage planning. Even there is no combination loss restriction, the data
service in the overlaid subcell still deteriorates as the tight frequency reuse scheme is applied
for the overlaid subcell.

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Network Optimization of the

Concentric Cell

5.1 Network Optimization Strategy for a

Normal Concentric Cell
Figure 1.1 lists the network optimization parameters for a normal concentric cell.
Figure 1.1 Network optimization parameters for a common concentric cell
Parameter

Configuration Suggestions

UO Signal Strength
Difference

Set this parameter based on the site measurement or the transmit

power difference at the RF port between the overlaid and underlaid
subcells.

RX_LEV Thrsh.

Generally, its value is equal to the edge handover level threshold

subtracted by the UO Signal Strength Difference. You should adjust
this value based on the actual terrain and traffic distribution.

RX_LEV Hysteresis

The default value is 3. Increase this value if the overlaid-underlaid

handover is busy or decrease this value if the overlaid-underlaid
handover is difficult.

RX_QUAL Thrsh.

Generally, you are advised to disable the quality threshold decision

by clearing the RX_QUAL for Concentric Cell HO Allowed
feature. Enable the quality threshold decision only when you are
sure that the underlaid interference is smaller than the overlaid
interference.

TA Thrsh.

As it is not precise and flexible to use TA to determine the

overlaid/underlaid boundary, you are advised to set the parameter
to its maximum value to disable its function.

TA Hysteresis

The default value is 0.

5.2 Network optimization strategy for an

enhanced concentric cell
Figure 1.1 lists the network optimization parameters for an enhanced concentric cell.

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Figure 1.1 Network optimization parameters for an enhanced concentric cell

Parameter

Configuration Suggestions

OL to UL HO
Received
Level Thrsh.

Generally, its value is equal to the edge handover level threshold

subtracted by the UO Signal Strength Difference. You should adjust this
value based on the actual terrain and traffic distribution.

UL to OL HO
Received
Level Thrsh.

Generally, this value is greater than that of the OL to UL HO Received

Level Thrsh. You should adjust this value based on the actual terrain and
traffic distribution.

RX_QUAL
Thrsh.

Generally, you are advised to disable the quality threshold decision by

clearing the RX_QUAL for Concentric Cell HO Allowed feature.
Enable the quality threshold decision only when you are sure that the
underlaid interference is smaller than the overlaid interference.

TA Thrsh.

As it is not precise and flexible to use TA to determine the

overlaid/underlaid boundary, you are advised to set the parameter to its
maximum value to disable its function.

TA Hysteresis

The default value is 0.

Traffic Thrsh.
of Underlaid
Subcell

Set this parameter based on the number of TRXs configured in the

overlaid/underlaid subcells and the traffic distribution. If there are many
TCHs in the underlaid subcell, set the parameter to a big value; otherwise,
set the parameter to a small value.

Underlaid
Subcell HO
Step Period (s)

Set this parameter based on the actual traffic load in the

overlaid/underlaid subcells. Setting a small value increases the handover
speed, but increases the system load, which may lead to unnecessary load
handover.

Underlaid
Subcell HO
Step Level

Set this parameter based on the actual traffic load in the

overlaid/underlaid subcells. Setting a small value increases the handover
speed, but increases the system load, which may lead to unnecessary load
handover.

Penalty Time
of UL to OL
HO (s)

Set this parameter based on the actual traffic load in the

overlaid/underlaid subcells. Setting a big value reduces the load
handovers, but may lead to underlaid congestion.

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Impact of Concentric Cell on

Coverage Performance

Concentric cell technology uses the underlaid subcell to guarantee coverage; thus, the
coverage performance between the concentric cell and normal cell is the same.

GSM BSS Concentric Cell Technical Clarification

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Impact of the Concentric Cell on

Network Capacity
Concentric cell improves the network capacity through its application of tight frequency reuse
in the overlaid subcell. For example, the frequency bandwidth of a common cell is 3.6 MHz
and the frequency reuse pattern is 43. After the concentric cell is applied, the frequency reuse
pattern is 33 in the overlaid subcell and 43 in the underlaid subcell, and the frequency
bandwidth of the underlaid subcell is 1 MHz and that of the overlaid subcell is 2.6 MHz.
Therefore, the system capacity after using the concentric cell is ((1 + 2.6 (4 3)/(3 3 ))/3.6
-1 ) 100%=24%.

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Impact of the Concentric Cell on

Network Quality
The concentric cell improves the network quality through the transmit power decrease in the
overlaid subcell. This enables the MSs near the BTS to use the overlaid frequencies, and thus
reduces intra-network interference and improves network quality. The network operating
experience shows that using concentric cell can improve the network quality by 30% to 40%.

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Impact of the Concentric Cell on

KPI
The application of concentric cell varies with scenarios. The KPIs of a normally activated
concentric cell are nearly the same with those of a common cell. Applying concentric cell in
unqualified areas affects the KPIs such as TCH Assignment Success Rate and Success Rate of
Inter-Cell Handover.

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