Integrated optimal cell site selection and frequency allocation for cellular radio networks

Two major planning problems are encountered when designing a cellular radio network. The initial question is where to locate the base transmitter stations such that full coverage is achieved at low interference. This is relevant for frequency division (FDMA) as well as code division multiple access (CDMA) technology. If the locations of base stations are given, then for an FDMA-system frequencies have to be assigned such that there is a sufficient number of channels per cell available at a low total interference level. Since cell site selection and frequency allocation have mutual influences on each other, the ultimate goal is to deal with both problems in a single design step. The main intention of this paper is to model the above planning issues as linear integer programs, and to discuss solution methods for the corresponding NP-hard problems. According to their increasing complexity we proceed from channel allocation via cell site selection to an integrated single setup.