Challenges in 5G Network Planning: Design and Optimization using Atoll
This thesis addresses the challenges in designing and optimizing 5G networks using the Atoll tool. The project involved planning a 5G network for a specific area and optimizing its performance metrics. The work was conducted independently during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Atoll software learned from scratch.
Features
- Efficient Network Design: Installed a minimal number of base stations (19 gNB) for the selected area while ensuring coverage requirements were met.
- Performance Optimization: Enhanced area coverage by 8.96% in RSRP and 2.54% in RSRQ, reducing overlap and maximizing efficiency.
- High-Quality Signal Metrics: Achieved 90.09% RSRP and 93.05% RSRQ for uplink and downlink signals, demonstrating robust network quality.
Implementation Details
- Atoll Network Planning Tool: Used Atoll to model the 5G network, calculate coverage, and evaluate performance metrics.
- Optimization Techniques: Focused on reducing signal overlap while improving overall area coverage and signal quality.
- Base Station Deployment: Strategically installed 19 gNB to minimize infrastructure while ensuring connectivity.
- Signal Evaluation Metrics: Analyzed RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power) and RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality) for coverage optimization.
Future Prospects
- Expanding the study to include 3D modeling of urban environments for more accurate network planning.
- Incorporating machine learning for automated optimization of coverage and quality metrics.
- Exploring the impact of advanced antenna systems like Massive MIMO on network performance.