There are a multitude of factors operators take into account before deploying their networks in order to provide us with the best possible coverage. Since the radio communication of mobile networks is peer-to-peer, the most significant aspect of coverage is that the device sees the mobile mast. To bring some clarity to what coverage means, and how to calculate it, we will introduce: the elements that influence coverage for both operators and their subscribers, and coverage planning.
Coverage varies from cell site to cell site, and depends on the type of terrain, the equipment used, the type of buildings around the site, the radio frequency but also, very importantly, on the sensitivity and transmit efficiency of the subscriber’s equipment.
The coverage level also relies heavily on the antenna type or the amplifier power levels. The further you get from the cell site, the weaker the signal gets, as the ground clutter standing in the signal’s way increases. This makes coverage drop exponentially.
There are a multitude of factors operators take into account before deploying their networks in order to provide us with the best possible coverage. Since the radio communication of mobile networks is peer-to-peer, the most significant aspect of coverage is that the device sees the mobile mast. To bring some clarity to what coverage means, and how to calculate it, we will introduce: the elements that influence coverage for both operators and their subscribers, and coverage planning.
Coverage varies from cell site to cell site, and depends on the type of terrain, the equipment used, the type of buildings around the site, the radio frequency but also, very importantly, on the sensitivity and transmit efficiency of the subscriber’s equipment.
The coverage level also relies heavily on the antenna type or the amplifier power levels. The further you get from the cell site, the weaker the signal gets, as the ground clutter standing in the signal’s way increases. This makes coverage drop exponentially.