in the BS and UE are usually different. 7.5 RADIO NETWORK PLANNING PROCESS The radio network planning process for WCDMA is nearly the same as for GSM networks. The main aspects include preplanning/dimensioning, fieldwork of site surveys, etc., and subsequent modification of the parameters based on the fieldwork, before the final plans lead to the commissioning phase. These aspects continue until the sites go on air. The quality of service (QoS) targets are more stringent in WCDMA radio networks compared with GSM radio networks. With each kind of service demanding a different QoS, planning of the network becomes a daunting task. 7.5.1 The Pre-planning Phase The most important work in the pre-planning phase is dimensioning of the network based on inputs and assumptions for getting a desired coverage and capacity (see Figure 7.5). Site surveys Pre-Planning/ Strategy: Site acquisition *Coverage Planning/Measurements Adjustments in the radio network *Capacity -Coverage Quality -Capacity (Measurements) Final Radio Plan N/W configuration -Quality Parameters settings Code Planning Figure 7.5 Radio network planning process Coverage of the WCDMA radio network is dependent on conditions such as the expected area to be covered, the type of area, network configurations (and system capabilities) and propagation conditions. Defining the base station location is an important part of this process. The number of base stations required to achieve the desired coverage and quality is also 3G RADIO NETWORK PLANNING AND OPTIMISATION dependent on the capacity of the base stations. A link budget calculation and propagation models form an important part of the coverage predictions. Capacity planning in the initial phase is a major challenge. With SO many types of applications having varying quality and capacity requirements, capacity and quality may prove to be a limitation, especially for real-time data service applications. The frequency availability, subscriber base and growth, and type of services required will be major inputs for the