Fourth International Conference on Natural Computation
A Linear Least Square Method of Propagation Model Tuning for 3G Radio
Network Planning
Mingjing Yang
School of Communication Engineering,
Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
E-mail: ymj19841220@163.com
Abstract
Propagation model is the basic of radio network
planning in mobile communication system. It is related
with the rationality of network planning directly
whether the propagation model is exact or not. In
order to obtain the radio propagation model reflecting
propagation characteristic in Chinese city
environment, and then direct radio network planning
of the Third Generation (3G) communication system
rather better, a simple linear-iterative tuning method
based on linear least square theory is proposed in this
paper. This method depends on existed tuning methods
and radio propagation testing data of a certain city.
Furthermore, using this method can obtain exact
outdoor propagation model fitting for 3G system.
Results of experiment show that the calculating
complexity is reduced obviously. When it is used to
model tuning in small and medium-sized city, the
average error of forecasting data calculated by tuned
model reduces by 14 dB. The veracity of propagation
model is advanced greatly.
1. Introduction
With the fast development of Chinese mobile
communication system, all operators are paying more
and more attention to the matching extent between
propagation model and local environment. The radio
propagation environment is very complicated, and the
otherness between different areas is great, so it is
necessary to carry actual propagation model testing and
tuning, and then obtain the propagation model which
reflects radio propagation characteristic exactly. This
point is more important to the Third Generation (3G)
mobile communication system, which is of much-
operation characteristic [1], [2], [3].
978-0-7695-3304-9/08 $25.00 © 2008 IEEE
DOI 10.1109/ICNC.2008.188
Wenxiao Shi
School of Communication Engineering,
Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
E-mail: swx@jlu.edu.cn
Recently, operators usually use special planning
software to finish propagation model tuning. Now,
there are several kinds of popular radio network
planning software, such as ASSET software of
AIRCOM Company in England, PLANET software of
MARCONI Company in England and ATOLL
software of FOSK Company in France [4]. Though
using planning software to model tuning is convenient,
this software depend on digital map badly, the cost is
expensive, especially in some small and medium-sized
cities; using software to model tuning will increase the
investment of prophase network planning greatly. In
the literature [5], a tuning method using least-square
theory is described, and the author also participates in
this research, obtaining some production. However,
this method relates to many tuning parameters, the
iterative tuning process is relatively complicated.
Considering all the above problems, the author does
some improvement to the tuning method in [5],
proposing a simple linear-iterative tuning method, and
obtaining an exact outdoor propagation model fitting
for 3G system. This is important to direct Chinese
radio network planning of 3G system.
2. Classical propagation model
Radio propagation model is a simulation of radio
transmitting channel, which is used to forecast the
power of received signal. Propagation model is usually
complicated, different models are needed to calculate
path loss in different frequency spectrums, so that to
forecast coverage area of each base station, achieving
the purpose that the investment is most inexpensive
and the interference is least. At present, many
researchers have summarized some typical propagation
models based on a great deal of study. Propagation
models which are being applied extensively include
Okumura-Hata model, CCIR model, Cost231-Hata
model, Cost231-WIM model and so on [6].
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 Table 1. Applicable condition of four kinds of propagation models
Propagation Model Frequency（MHz） Distance（Kilometers）
Okumura-Hata 150～1500
CCIR 150～1500
Cost231-Hata 1500～2000
Cost231-WIM 800～2000
Table 1 shows the applicable condition of above
four kinds of propagation models. It can be seen that
the applicable upper limit frequency of COST231-Hata
model is close to the frequency of 3G system. It is fit
for forecasting path loss of great cell communication
system in different city environment. Furthermore,
because this model adds a big city tuning parameter,
when it is used to network planning for different types
of cities, the anticipative effect can be achieved easily.
So, we put this model into network planning of 3G
system.
3. Theory of propagation model tuning
Propagation model tuning is based on testing data,
and the data can be obtained by continuous wave (CW)
testing. We use the data to tune parameters of classical
model according to some method, which will make the
model suit to actual propagation environment rather
better. Generally speaking, propagation model tuning
is usually separated into four steps: preparation work,
CW test, data processing and model tuning [7].
3.1. Prophase preparation work
Before CW testing, we should do some preparation
work as follows:
(1) Environment classifying: we usually classify the
environment into four kinds of terrain in the light of
local area’s denseness extent, including dense city area,
ordinary city area, suburb and country;
(2) Station address choosing: before testing, we
should ascertain the testing address and its amount first
of all. According to previous experience, in big city
where the population is dense, the number of testing
station for each terrain type should not be lower than
five; in small and medium-sized city, we usually
choose only one testing station;
(3) Digital map: the digital map used by mobile
communication is consisted of some geographical
information which is influential to radio wave
propagation, such as terrain height, terrain type and so
on. The precision of digital map includes 100 meters、
50 meters、20 meters and 5 meters.
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Applicable Area
1～20 Small-sized City and
1～20 Town Area
1～20 City Environment and Suburb
0.02～5 City Environment
3.2. CW test
3.2.1. Theory of CW test. CW test is to span
transmitting antenna in typical area, transmit single
carrier wave, and note signal power of everywhere by
means of receiver in the prearranged route. Collecting
test data must follow Lee-Criteria theory. It is that
there must be 36~45 non-correlative sampling points in
the distance of 20~40 wavelengths, only in this way,
the difference between testing data and local average
level can be less than 1 dB. In practical project, it is
required to note 50 points’ instantaneous received
power in the distance of 40 wavelengths, here the
testing error is about 2~3 dB. During the period of data
collecting, we should set sampling speed and
corresponding vehicle speed according to above
standard, and try our best to keep vehicle run with a
fixed speed.
3.2.2. Testing equipment. The equipments needed by
CW test are as follows:
(1) Transmitting subsystem: transmitting antenna,
feedback string, high frequency signal source,
amplifier, antenna bracket;
(2) Receiving subsystem: testing receiver, global
positioning system (GPS) receiver, testing software,
portable computer;
(3) Assistant equipments: power calculator,
lengthened string of electrical source, vehicular
electrical source, path-testing vehicle and so on.
3.2.3. Determination of testing route. During the
period of data collecting, the determination of testing
route is important. It is needed to take into account
something as follows:
(1) Testing data must be distributed in different
distances and different directions of planning area;
(2) Testing routes of different testing stations
should be superposed by any possibility;
(3) Testing routes should avoid choosing freeway,
high-spanned way, broad highway and shadow area
behind high building;
(4) Testing routes should have the shape like “8” or
annular surrounding testing stations from vicinity to far
or from far to vicinity.
3.3. Data processing
After collecting instantaneous received power of
testing area, all the data must be processed, and then
they can be used to propagation model tuning.
Generally speaking, data processing is separated into
four parts:
(1) Data filtrating: one hand, we should filtrate the
data which is lack of time information or longitude and
latitude information; the other hand, we should filtrate
the data whose signal power is bigger than 40 dBm or
less than minus 130 dBm;
(2) GPS adjusting: adjust the longitude and latitude
of testing data in order to make it inosculate with
digital map, and then make sure that testing routes on
digital map inosculate with corresponding street;
(3) Geography averaging: paint all the testing area
into grid, whose border’s length is 6 meters long. Then
calculate the arithmetical average of all the data
distributed in each grid, and regard the center of this
grid as new location point;
(4) Path loss calculating: after obtaining
instantaneous received power of each specific area by
means of geography averaging, the influence of
antenna plus, feedback string loss and penetration loss
should be removed, and then we can obtain the path
loss used to propagation model tuning.
4. Improved method of propagation model
tuning
For each test of a certain station, f, hte, hre are all
fixed value, but d is a variable, so the model tuning
mainly aims at K1 and K2. In order to simplify tuning
process into linear iteration, we calculate the logarithm
of d, and then obtain a matrix lg d ( n ) about d
lg d ( n ) = {lg d1 ,lg d 2 ," lg d n } （3）
Where n is the number of testing data points.
Assuming the testing path loss which is
corresponding with variable d is LCW, the forecasting
path loss by means of COST231-Hata model is LCost231.
Compared the testing data with forecasting data, the
difference value can be expressed as
ΔL = LCW − LCost 231 （4）
Then, the matrix ΔL( n ) is given by
ΔL( n) = {ΔL1 , ΔL2 ,"ΔLn } （5）
After the above predigesting process, we establish
an equation which is needed to be tuned. The equation
is written as
ΔL = C1 + C2 ⋅ lg d （6）
Where C1 is attenuation constant, C2 is attenuation
parameter about distance.
Assuming the path loss difference value calculated
by formula（4）is ΔLi ; the corresponding path loss
difference value calculated by formula （6）is Δ L ,
i
then the function of total error can be calculated as
n

∑ ( Δ L − Δ Li )
2

The propagation model tuning method described in E ( C1 , C 2 ) = i

i =1
this chapter is an improvement of previous method n 2
proposed in literature [5]. Because the previous method = ∑ ⎡⎣ ( C1 + C 2 lg d i ) − Δ Li ⎤⎦ （7）
in literature [5] relates to many tuning parameters, the i =1
iterative process is relatively complicated. In order to According to linear least square theory [9], in order
simplify the calculating process, we propose a simple to make sure that the value of error function
linear-iterative method based on least square theory in E ( C1 , C2 ) is least of all, there must be having a
this paper.
First of all, we establish a universal radio formula as follows
propagation model based on COST231-Hata model as ⎧∂E ( C1 , C2 )
follows [8]. ⎪ =0
⎪ ∂C1
L = K1 + K 2 lg d + K 3 lg hte + K 4 lg hte ⋅ lg d ⎨ （8）
⎪ ∂E ( C1 , C2 ) = 0
+ K 5 lg f − a ( hre ) （1） ⎪ ∂C
⎩ 2
Where K1 ～ K5 are model tuning parameters, d is
It also can be written as
propagation distance (kilometers), hte is effective
⎧ ⎛n ⎞ n

⎪nC1 + ⎜ ∑lg di ⎟ C2 = ∑ΔLi

height of base station antenna (meters), f is frequency
of carrier wave (MHz), hre is effective height of ⎪ ⎝ i=1 ⎠ i =1 （9）
mobile station antenna (meters), a (hre ) is corrected ⎨ n
⎛ ⎞ ⎡ n
⎤ n
⎪ lg d C + ( lg d )2 C = ( lg d ) ⋅ΔL
parameter. In small and medium-sized city ⎪⎩⎝⎜ ∑
i=1
i ⎟ 1 ⎢∑
⎠ ⎣ i=1
i ⎥ 2
⎦
∑
i =1
i i

environment, a (hre ) is given by

By means of calculating equation group, the
a(hre ) = (1.11lg f − 0.7)hre − (1.56lg f − 0.8) （2） solution of parameters C1 and C2 are calculated as

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 ⎧ ⎡n 2⎤ ⎡
n
⎤ ⎡n ⎤ ⎡n ⎤ Table 3. Model parameters after tuning
⎪ ⎢∑( lgdi ) ⎥ ⋅ ⎢∑ΔLi ⎥ − ⎢∑( lgdi ) ⎥ ⋅ ⎢∑( lgdi ) ΔLi ⎥
⎪C1 = ⎣ i=1 ⎦ ⎣ i =1 ⎦ ⎣ i =1 ⎦ ⎣ i=1 ⎦ Parameters Before Tuning After Tuning
⎪ ⎡ n
2⎤ ⎡
n
⎤
2

⎪ n⋅ ⎢∑( lgdi ) ⎥ − ⎢∑( lgdi ) ⎥ C1 -29.62

⎪ ⎣ i=1 ⎦ ⎣ i=1 ⎦ （10）
⎨ C2 1.904
⎪ ⎡ n
⎤ ⎡ n
⎤⎡ n
⎤
n⋅ ⎢∑( lgdi ) ⋅ΔLi ⎥ − ⎢∑( lgdi ) ⎥ ⋅ ⎢∑ΔLi ⎥ K1 46.3 16.68
⎪ ⎣ i=1 ⎦ ⎣ i=1 ⎦ ⎣ i=1 ⎦
⎪C2 = 2 K2 44.9 46.804
⎪ ⎡ n
2⎤ ⎡
n
⎤
⎪ n⋅ ⎢∑ i ⎥ ⎢∑ i ⎥
( lg d ) − ( lgd ) K3 -13.82
⎩ ⎣ i=1 ⎦ ⎣ i=1 ⎦
K4 -6.55
Then, the path loss formula of tuned propagation
model is written as K5 33.9
L = K1 + K 2 lg d + K 3 lg hte + K 4 lg hte ⋅ lg d Compared the forecasting value calculated by
+ K 5 lg f − a (hre ) + C1 + C2 lg d propagation model before and after tuning with
practical CW testing data, the simulation result is
= ( K1 + C1 ) + ( K 2 + C2 ) lg d + K 3 lg hte shown in Figure 1.
+ K 4 lg hte ⋅ lg d + K 5 lg f − a (hre ) （11） 160

Where K1+ C1 is the K1 after model tuning, K2+ C2 is

the K2 after model tuning, K3 、 K4 、 K5 keep their 140

values in COST231-Hata model unchangeable.

Concluding all the above calculating process, it can Path Loss(dB) 120

be found that this model tuning method simplifies

multi-parameters’ nonlinear-iterative in literature [5] 100

into two parameters’ linear-iterative, the complexity of

calculating process is reduced obviously. 80

5. Application of propagation model tuning 60

5.1. Tuned results 40

COST231-Hata Model
Tuned Model
According to requirement of radio network planning, 20
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5
we choose a certain internal small and medium-sized Propagation Distance (kilometers)
city as an experiment, make CW test in dense area of
this city, and then tune the propagation model using the Figure 1. Compare of propagation model
model tuning method proposed in chapter 4. The before and after tuning
experiment environment of testing station is described
in Table 2. 5.2. Verification of tuned results
Table 2. Parameters of testing station 5.2.1. Error analysis of tuned results. After obtaining
Antenna Height （meters） 28.5 tuned model, we compare the forecasting data
calculated by tuned propagation model with CW
Antenna Plus （dBi） 4.5 testing data, their error distributions are separately
Transmitter
Power （dBm） 43.01 shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3.
Frequency （MHz） 2140 In Figure 2, the absolute value of error less than 10
dB is only 0.6%, but in Figure 3, the value increases to
Antenna Height （meters） 1.5 88.8%. Furthermore, the absolute value of error less
Receiver
Antenna Plus （dBi） 0 than 15 dB is up to 98.1%. It shows that the
Effective Testing Data Number 7458 propagation model after tuning could represent the
local radio propagation characteristic in this kind of
Testing Route Length （Kilometers） 44.76 terrain rather more exactly.
Table 3 shows the propagation model parameters
after tuning. 5.2.2. Statistical verification of tuned results. The
result of statistical verification is shown in Table 4.

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 35% 32.2%
experiment shows that the average error of forecasting
30%
30.3% data calculated by tuned model reduces by 14 dB,
25%
24.6% which accords with the requirement of mobile
communication network planning.
20%

15%
10.3%
7. References
10%
5% 2.0% [1] Zhu Dongzhao, Luo Jiandi, Wand Dingding and Xiao
0.0% 0.2% 0.4%
0% Qinghua, TD-SCDMA Radio Network Planning and
Optimization, Posts and Telecommunication Press, Beijing,
Er<0

0<Er<5

5<Er<10

10<Er<15

15<Er<20

20<Er<25

25<Er<30

Err>30
2005.
[2] Y. H. Chen, K. L. Hsieh, “A Dual Least-Square Approach
Error Extension (dB) of Tuning Optimal Propagation Model for Existing 3G Radio
Network”, Vehicular Technology Conference, IEEE 63rd,
Figure 2. Error distribution of forecasting data Melbourne Vic, 2006, pp.2942-2946.
calculated by COST231-Hata model [3] Li Mingchun, “Analysis of Complexity for 3G Radio
Network Planning”, Mobile Communication, The 7th
60% 56.9% Graduate School of Communication, Guangzhou, China,
50% 2005, pp.63-65.
[4] Liu Yang, Wand Fang and Chang Yongyu, YANG Da-
40%
cheng. “Theoretical and Simulation Investigation on
30% Coexistence between TD-SCDMA and WCDMA system”,
17.4% Vehicular Technology Conference, IEEE, Dublin, 2007,
20% 14.5% pp.1198-1203.
10% 4.2% 5.1% [5] Chen Bo, Shi Wenxiao and Yang Mingjing, “Study on
0.1% 1.4% 0.4%
0%
Propagation Model Tuning Based on WCDMA System”,
Journal of Jilin University (Information Science Edition),
-20<Er<-15

-15<Er<-10

-10<Er<-5

-5<Er<5

5<Er<10

10<Er<15

15<Er<20

20<Er<25

Jilin University Press, Changchun, China, 2008, pp.38-43.

[6] Minseok Jeong, and Bomson Lee, “Comparison between
Path-Loss Prediction Models for Wireless
Error Extension (dB) Telecommunication System Design”, Antennas and
Propagation International Symposium, IEEE, Boston MA,
Figure 3. Error distribution of forecasting data
2001, pp.186-189.
calculated by tuned model [7] Chuo Gang, Gao Weidong, and Peng Tao. TD-SCDMA
Radio Network Planning and Radio Resource Management,
Table 4. Statistical verification of tuned result Posts and Telecommunication Press, Beijing, 2007.
Verification Average Error Standard Deviation [8] Luo Shuwan, Yang Geng. “Propagation Model Tuning of
Items （dB） （dB） TD-SCDMA”, Guangdong Communication Technology,
Guangdong Telecommunication Press, 2007, pp.37-41.
Before Tuning 14.6943 8.0536 [9] [American] Mathews, J.H, Numeral Method (MATLAB
After Tuning 0.7006 8.0237 Edition), Electronic Industry Press, Beijing, 2002.

For error of tuned results, it is generally considering

that if the average error is less than 1dB, and the
standard deviation is less than 10dB after tuning, the
tuned model accords with testing environment. In the
light of this rule, and contacting with Table 4, we think
the tuned model in this paper is practicable.

6. Conclusion
In this paper, we proposed a simple linear-iterative
tuning method using least square theory based on
existing model tuning method, and this method is used
to tune propagation model of 3G system in dense area
of a certain internal small and medium-sized city. Then,
we validate the tuned results from error analysis and
statistical verification two aspects. Result of

154