LTE radio and network planning: Basic coverage and interference constraints

In the cellular planning process, the UL and DL the values from carrier-to-noise-plus-interference ratio (CNIR) from/at the mobile station are very important parameters. From a detailed analysis of its variation with the coverage and reuse distances for different values of the Chanel Quality Indicator (CQI) and given empirical propagation models, an evaluation of the possible range for the reuse pattern is performed for the DL. By considering the CQI and reference CNIR requirements recommended by 3GPP, DL peak bit rates along with the Transport Block Size (TBS) assumed for single stream and bandwidth of 5 MHz, physical and supported throughputs are analysed. These formulations shows the clear decrease of the supported throughput for the longest coverage distances in the LTE 2.6 GHz band, a behaviour that is not so clear at 800 MHz, and gives useful indications to the optimization of the use of different frequency bands in the optimization of carrier aggregation between two different bands in LTE-A scenarios.