Method for optimizing forward link coverage in code division multiple access (CDMA) network

Claim 1

A method for optimizing forward link coverage in a code division multiple access (CDMA) network comprising the steps of: a) determining the morphology of a forward link coverage area; b) determining azimuth orientation, tilt, gain and type of a base station antenna; c) calculating power rating per channel for said coverage area; d) determining RF output power per frequency assignment per sector for said coverage area; e) simulating orthogonal channel noise which models noise generated by wireless communication traffic in an operational communication system of many subscribers; f) establishing forward power control parameters; g) performing a field-drive-test in which a mobile station receives test communication signals transmitted from said base station within specific regions of said coverage area, said mobile station measuring values for a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a ratio (E C /I O ) of pilot chip energy to total power spectral density, and a forward frame error rate (FFER); h) comparing the measured RSSI value to a first threshold; i) comparing said measured ratio (E C /I O ) to a second threshold; j) comparing said measured FFER to a third threshold; k) determining if chip delay measured at the mobile station exceeds a fourth threshold, and if so, making adjustments to base station equipment to attempt to reduce said chip delay; l) determining whether a shade area exists by comparing said RSSI, E C /I O , FFER with a basis of overall network design; m) determining whether transmit/receive links are balanced; and n) designating forward link coverage as being satisfied when comparisons to said first, second and third thresholds are favorable and the transmit/receive links are balanced; otherwise, making adjustments to base station equipment to attempt to correct unfavorable comparisons to said thresholds and to correct an imbalance between the transmit/receive links.

Claim 2

A method for optimizing forward link coverage in a code division multiple access (CDMA) network comprising the steps of: a) determining the morphology of a forward link coverage area; b) determining azimuth orientation, tilt, gain and type of a base station antenna; c) calculating power rating per channel for said coverage area; d) determining RF output power per frequency assignment per sector for said coverage area; e) simulating orthogonal channel noise which models noise generated by wireless communication traffic in an operational communication system of many subscribers; f) establishing forward power control parameters; g) performing a field-drive-test in which a mobile station receives test communication signals transmitted from said base station within specific regions of said coverage area, said mobile station measuring values for a received signal strength indicator (RSSI), a ratio (E C /I O ) of pilot chip energy to total power spectral density, and a forward frame error rate (FFER); h) comparing the measured RSSI value to a first threshold; i) comparing said measured ratio (E C /I O ) to a second threshold; j) comparing said measured FFER to a third threshold; k) determining if chip delay measured at the mobile station exceeds a fourth threshold, and if so, making adjustments to base station equipment to attempt to reduce said chip delay; l) determining whether a shade area exists by comparing said RSSI, E C /I O , FFER with a basis of overall network design; m) determining whether transmit/receive links are balanced; and n) designating forward link coverage as being satisfied when comparisons to said first, second and third thresholds are favorable and the transmit/receive links are balanced; otherwise, making adjustments to base station equipment to attempt to correct unfavorable comparisons to said thresholds and to correct an imbalance between the transmit/receive links.