Cellular Network Techniques and Challenges

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary technique used to reduce adjacent channel interference?

  • Using higher frequency bands
  • Careful filtering and channel assignments (correct)
  • Reducing the number of channels
  • Increasing signal density

Why is cell splitting primarily implemented in cellular networks?

  • To enable lower call quality
  • To facilitate better signal strength
  • To increase the capacity of a cell (correct)
  • To reduce infrastructure costs

What characterizes smaller cells resulting from cell splitting?

  • Higher antenna weight
  • Higher transmission power
  • Greater risk of co-channel interference (correct)
  • Longer coverage distance

What advantage does cell splitting provide in terms of frequency usage?

<p>It enhances frequency reuse in adjacent channels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In urban areas, why does signal strength weaken?

<p>High user density (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation associated with cell splitting?

<p>Infrastructure cost increases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does careful channel assignment help in cellular networks?

<p>It prevents adjacent channel interference (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of having smaller cells in a cellular network?

<p>Increased handoff overhead (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of using directional antennas in cell sectoring?

<p>To focus signals within specific sectors and reduce interference (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following configurations divides a cell into six sectors?

<p>6-sector configuration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge associated with cell sectoring?

<p>Careful antenna alignment and potential sector boundary interference (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does cell splitting enhance capacity?

<p>By creating smaller cells with new base stations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

One of the advantages of cell sectoring is the ability to:

<p>Isolate sectors to prevent overlap and enhance clarity (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of limiting the coverage of each base station to a small area called a cell?

<p>Increases the quality of service (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a limitation of conventional mobile systems?

<p>Inability to effectively utilize frequency spectrum (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major approach does the cellular concept utilize to enhance communication?

<p>Multiple low power transmitters to minimize interference (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What common issue arises from a large number of subscribers in conventional mobile systems?

<p>High blocking probability (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism helps ensure uninterrupted processing in a cellular telephone system?

<p>Handoff mechanism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of cellular systems?

<p>Offers limited user capacity (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What approach helps achieve high capacity in cellular systems?

<p>Reusing frequency bands in different locations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant drawback of conventional mobile systems regarding call management?

<p>Need to reinitialize calls when moving between zones (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the formula for calculating the co-channel reuse ratio?

<p>Q = 1/√3N (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which channel assignment strategy allows a cell to use channels from a neighboring cell when all its own channels are occupied?

<p>Fixed Channel Assignment (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must a system designer determine to optimize handoff operations?

<p>An optimal signal level for initiating a handoff (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of handoff in a cellular system?

<p>Ensure imperceptible transitions for the user (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding fixed channel assignment?

<p>It results in more frequent call blocks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the distance to the nearest co-channel cell represented as?

<p>D = 7R (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In dynamic channel assignment, what does MSC do upon receiving a call request?

<p>Request that the BSC allocate a channel for the call. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated radius of the cell when N=4?

<p>R ≈ 6.92 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary limitation in the performance of cellular radio systems?

<p>Interference (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between co-channel interference and cluster size?

<p>Smaller cluster size increases co-channel interference (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of increasing the ratio of DIR in a cellular system?

<p>Improves isolation of RF energy from co-channel cells (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a source of interference in cellular systems?

<p>Multiple mobile users in the same cell (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs when a user moves away from a base station at a very slow speed?

<p>Signal strength remains above the Ho threshold (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is adjacent channel interference?

<p>Interference from signals adjacent in frequency (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mathematical expression is used to calculate the signal to interference ratio (S11) for a mobile receiver?

<p>S11 = S/I = ΣJi / CDIR (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can co-channel interference be reduced effectively?

<p>By increasing the physical separation of co-channel cells (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the margin Δ is set too small for handoff firm?

<p>Drop calls can occur due to excessive delays in handoff assignments. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT relevant in determining the necessity of a handoff?

<p>Current weather conditions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'dwell time' in the context of cellular calls?

<p>The maximum time a call can be maintained without handoff. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the guard channel concept prioritize handoff requests?

<p>It allocates a fraction of total channels exclusively for handoffs. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What limitations does the guard channel concept impose?

<p>Reduced available traffic capacity for originating calls. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a practical effect of high-speed vehicles on cell coverage?

<p>They pass through a coverage region very quickly. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition leads to cell dragging?

<p>Strong signals received by pedestrian users to the base station. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What technique provides coverage for both high-speed and low-speed users?

<p>Umbrella cell approach. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Co-channel reuse ratio

The ratio of total channels to channels available per cell in a cluster.

Fixed Channel Assignment

A method where specific channels are assigned to each cell permanently.

Dynamic Channel Assignment

Channels are allocated on-demand for individual call requests instead of being fixed.

Handoff Strategies

Methods used to transfer an ongoing call from one cell to another without dropping the call.

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Minimum Usable Signal Level

The threshold signal strength required for a call to be accepted at a base station.

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Borrowing Strategy (Fixed Assignment)

Allows a cell to use channels from a neighboring cell when its channels are busy.

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Q = 1/√3N

A formula used to calculate the co-channel reuse ratio in cellular networks.

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Handoff Requirement

The need for handoffs to occur successfully and frequently to maintain call quality.

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Cellular Telephone System

A system providing wireless connection to the PSTN within radio range for users.

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Benefits of Cellular System

Accommodates many users, high quality service, and efficient channel use.

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Cell

A small geographical area covered by a base station in a cellular system.

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Handoff Mechanism

Allows uninterrupted processing when moving between cells.

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Limitations of Conventional Mobile

High power, large cells, and limited users lead to poor service and call drops.

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Service Capability

Refers to the limitations in user connectivity and functionality in conventional systems.

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Frequency Spectrum Utilization

Refers to how effectively frequency bands are used in mobile communications.

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Cellular Concept

The idea of using multiple low power transmitters to cover small areas instead of one large transmitter.

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Handoff Threshold

The signal strength level required to switch from one base station to another without dropped calls.

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Co-channel Interference

Interference that occurs when multiple calls use the same frequency in nearby cells.

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Adjacent Channel Interference

Interference from signals on frequencies close to the desired frequency.

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Frequency Reuse

The practice of using the same frequency in different cells to maximize capacity.

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Signal to Interference Ratio (SIR)

A measure comparing the level of a desired signal to the level of background interference.

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Cluster Size (N)

The number of cells under which frequencies are reused; impacts interference and capacity.

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Propagation Isolation

The minimum distance required between co-channel cells to mitigate interference.

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Duty Cycle (DIR)

A ratio measuring the relative time a cell is active compared to inactive; affects interference.

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Δ (Delta)

The margin defining the handoff requirement, affecting call quality.

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Drop Call Event

Occurs when a call is lost due to weak signal or delay in handoff.

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Handoff Decision Factors

Includes signal drop, vehicle movement, and speed affecting handoff necessity.

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Dwell Time

The time a call can be maintained without a handoff.

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Guard Channel Concept

A percentage of channels reserved for ongoing call handoffs.

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Handoff Request Queuing

The delay before handoff due to finite signal interruptions.

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Umbrella Cell Approach

Using varying antenna sizes for different user speeds in coverage areas.

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Cell Dragging

When strong signals from pedestrians cause slow transfer between cells.

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Minimizing Adjacent Channel Interference

Achieved by careful filtering and assigning non-adjacent channels in close cells.

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Cell Splitting

Dividing large cells into smaller ones to increase capacity and accommodate more users.

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Key Characteristics of Smaller Cells

Include shorter coverage distance, lower antenna weight, and improved frequency reuse.

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Advantages of Cell Splitting

Increased capacity, enhanced frequency reuse, and better call quality without interference.

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Limitations of Cell Splitting

Includes infrastructure cost, increased co-channel interference risk, and handoff overhead.

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Urban Challenges for Cells

In densely populated areas, cells are closer together leading to high signal density and potential interference.

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Improving Coverage & Capacity

Techniques like cell splitting and sectoring are essential to meet rising demand for wireless services.

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Cell Sectoring

A technique dividing a cell into sectors served by directional antennas, reducing interference.

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Directional Antennas

Antennas that focus signals within a specific area, improving signal strength and coverage.

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3-Sector Configuration

A cell division into three sectors, each covering 120 degrees, for improved frequency reuse.

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Challenges of Sectoring

Requires precise alignment and design to avoid interference at sector boundaries.

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Study Notes

Cellular Telephone System

  • Provides wireless connection to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network)
  • Coverage area is divided into cells
  • Each cell has a low-power transmitter
  • Cells reuse frequencies to accommodate more users

Advantages

  • Accommodates numerous users in a large geographic area within a limited frequency spectrum
  • Provides high-quality service
  • Achieves high capacity by dividing the coverage area into smaller cells
  • All processing is uninterrupted, due to handoff mechanism

Limitations of Conventional Mobile System

  • Limited Service Capability:
    • Large cells required high power transmitters
    • Users had to re-initiate calls when moving into a new cell, leading to call drops
    • Number of active users limited by the number of channels available
  • Poor Service Performance: Large numbers of subscribers created high blocking probability during busy hours
  • Insufficient Frequency Spectrum Utilization: Conventional systems did not utilize the spectrum effectively, as each channel could serve only one user at a time

Cellular Concept

  • Replaces large, high-power transmitters with multiple low-power transmitters (small cells)
  • Each small cell provides coverage to a specific portion of the service area

Cellular System Concepts

  • Frequency Reuse: Different cells reuse the same frequencies, but with proper spacing to avoid interference
    • Hexagonal model is commonly used to represent cell structures for frequency reuse
  • Frequency Planning: A technique used to assign frequencies to cells to minimize interference

Performance Criteria

  • Voice Quality: Measured using Customer Motivation Scores (CMS)
  • Service Quality: Measured by grade of service, number of dropped calls, call waiting, call forwarding, and other special features

Frequency Reuse and Frequency Planning

  • Cell: A small geographical area
  • Base Station: Each cell has a base station with its allocated set of radio channels
  • Channels: Channels are assigned to cells in groups. Adjacent cells have different channel groups.

Channel Assignment Strategies

  • Fixed Assignment: Each cell is assigned a predetermined set of channels. Calls within a cell use unused channels. Blocked calls are not served.
  • Dynamic Assignment: Channels are not permanently assigned to each cell. The switching office assigns channels to calls as needed, thus avoiding the need to borrow channels from a neighbouring cell.

Handoff Strategies

  • Handoff: The automatic transfer of a call to a new cell/channel when the user moves between cells.
  • Important factors that drive handoff processes include the minimization of call interruption, quickness of transition between cells, and optimal user experience/quality.

Interference and System Capacity

  • Co-channel interference: Interference between signals from cells using the same frequencies
    • Frequency reuse ratio is a factor used to manage co-channel interference
  • Adjacent channel interference: Resulting from signals adjacent in frequency to the desired signal
    • Can be reduced by careful frequency separation between channels and using proper signal filtering techniques

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