Radio planning and optimization of W-CDMA systems

Radio planning and optimization of 3G wireless systems are key issues for service providers which need to control the huge costs involved. In this paper we describe algorithms and a mathematical programming model for locating and configuring base stations aiming at maximizing coverage and minimizing cost. The present model considers both uplink and downlink direction, studied separately in [1,3,4]. The Tabu Search algorithm we propose exploits solutions provided by the uplink model and a simple power control mechanism to drastically reduce the computational time required to find an approximate solution of the mixed uplink and downlink model. Experimental results obtained for realistic instances with voice as well as data traffic are reported and discussed.