I criteria are stricter than in GPRS networks. The spectrum efficiency in an EDGE radio network is higher than in GPRS networks, which is mainly because of the higher throughout and better link performance. Though the performance measurements and subsequent results are usually based on data throughput, in real network optimisations both voice and data traffic performance have to be assessed. With numerous types of application running on the network, there will be a lot of interaction amongst the applications. The performance indicators noted in earlier chapters for radio/transmission/core networks, and their interactions, are a key focus in the optimisation of an EDGE network. Third-generation Network Planning and Optimisation (WCDMA) Fundamentals of Critriar Network Planning di Optimisation A.R. Mishra. e 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. ISBN: 0-470-85367-X 3G Radio Network Planning and Optimisation Third-generation UMTS (universal terrestrial mobile system) networks have a predomi- nance of data traffic, unlike GSM networks. The rate at which this data traffic can move will be significantly higher than that offered by GSM/GPRS/EDGE networks. For this reason, the third-generation UMTS networks are fundamentally differentfrom the existing GSMsystems. 7.1 BASICS OF RADIO NETWORK PLANNING We have seen some basics of third-generation networks based on the WCDMA technology in Chapter 1. As in GSM networka, radio network planning takes an important place in the planning process owing to the proximity to the subscribers. 7.1.1 Scope of Radio Network Planning As noted in Chapter 1, the radio and transmission networks have been combined to form the 'radio access network' (RAN), but for ease of study we will liik here into the scope of the radio network planning engineer's work. The focus area is quite similar to that of the GSM/GPRS networks, as shown in Figure 7.1, that is, planning capacity and coverage for an upcoming third-generation network having a desired quality. Before we go into the details of radio network plannin