Automated Coverage Optimization in Wireless Networks

Optimizing wireless networks represents a complex task, directly affecting quality, cost, coverage and capacity. In this paper we propose a new automated method of simultaneously maximizing coverage while minimizing interference. The proposed method represents a novel approach in that it focuses on those network parameters that can be represented by continuous variables, and applies classical optimization methods. A new figure of merit for coverage, the coverage coefficient, is also introduced. Results have been presented for transmit power optimization. A sample network of 36 sites showed an average coverage coefficient improvement of approximately 47%. By determining the desired network coverage with a minimum of overlap, this method can provide a good lead in for application of other capacity enhancing algorithms, such as frequency planning methods.