 control (LC), packet scheduler (PS) and resource manager (RM) functionality. These are explained in detail in the planning sections. 2.3 Radio Network Dimensioning Dimensioning is the main part of the preplanning phase. In addition to the dimensioning parameters the priority of the parameters also needs to be agreed. The radio network dimensioning parameters have an impact on each other and therefore it is important to decide the emphasis in order to get an optimal dimensioning result within the agreed parameter ranges. It is imperative to agree the network layout, usage of three sector sites or a combination of three sector and omni sites with the operator. One important planning issue is also whether only macro cells are used in the beginning or a combination of macro, micro and pico cells. The macro, micro and pico cells vary with the size of the cell and the antenna placement. The macro cells are used in rural and suburban areas to cover large areas. Micro cells are used in city areas to cover areas close by and antennas are on the walls. The pico cells are used to cover either very specific hot spot in an outdoor area or to give indoor coverage. The optional network features like frequency hopping also have an impact on dimensioning. All of these need to be discussed and agreed between the operator and vendor. The macro cell has a cell range of 1-35 km and is characterised by an outdoor antenna, which covers a large area. Antennas are higher that rooftops. The micro cell has a cell range of less than 1 km and is for outdoor coverage. The antennas are typically mounted on walls and below the average rooftop level. The pico cell has a cell range less than 500 m and is characterised by antennas mounted low on the walls, clearly below the rooftop level. They are used for both indoor and outdoor coverage. 2.3.1 Link Budget Calculations The radio link budget aims to calculate the cell coverage area. One of the required parameters is radio wave propagation to estimate the propagation loss between the transmitter a