Advantages of point-to-area cellular propagation models

For both noise-limited and interference-limited service, a propagation and system performance analysis asks: (1) What are the locations, sizes and importance of "dead spots" in cellular system coverage for each of various service functions such as call setup, handoff and call termination? (2) During the busiest hour of an average business day, is each channel nearly fully loaded or else critical for the protection of life and property or for proper operation of the system? This paper discusses ideas for analyzing the performance of cellular systems under (1) above, concentrating on cellsite-to-mobile voice-channel links. Situations are emphasized where good estimates of propagation uncertainty are especially useful for choosing between preliminary analysis and immediate implementation or upgrading of an overall plan. Satisfactory telephone system engineering is assumed.