An automated system for frequency planning of cellular radio networks

The automated frequency planning system is based on the availability of a reliable prediction tool. In this case, the Vodafone PACE system is used. Coverage predictions for every cell in the network are held in a database. In the Vodafone TACS network, this database contains predictions for each 250 m square in the UK, and totals nearly 1 GByte. The task of frequency planning may be split into four stages. These are described in turn and consist of interference analysis, exclusion matrix generation, frequency allocation, and checking the plan