RF planning of multi-cell, metropolitan-area networks

A software framework for optimization of multiple base stations in a large-scale network is presented. It is designed for use in WiMAX systems operating in the 1.8-GHz band, reserved for Canadian utilities. The proposed algorithm makes use of the Longley-Rice irregular terrain model (ITM) version 3.0, as provided by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), to compute path loss. The framework is flexible with regard to the choice of optimization algorithm, constraints, choice of parameters, variants of the ITM path-loss model and terrain generation. The design is unique to the extent that it is highly modular, allowing for straightforward substitution of the aforementioned components. The simulation makes use of high-resolution topographic data provided publicly by NASA’s Shuttle Radar Topography Mission.