fundamentals of rf engineering
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Fundamentals of RF Engineering
A strong understanding of RF engineering fundamentals is required to optimize the performanceof cellular networks. This course presents the fundamentals of RF engineering for new engineers
who need to be grounded in the fundamentals and existing engineers who need to fill in any gaps
they may have in their understanding. This course illustrates the network architecture andhighlights the importance of several aspects of RF engineering. The RF propagation mechanisms
that affect the RF signal path from the transmitter to the receiver are discussed. Coverage is
discussed using the link budget examples for 2G and 3G systems. Traffic engineering isdescribed from the perspective of Erlang-B and backhaul provisioning. Deployments of GSM
and CDMA/WCDMA/EV-DO networks are considered. Finally, tools useful for network
planning/design, deployment, and optimization are reviewed.
Learning Objectives
After completing this course, the student will be able to:
Sketch the network architecture for 2G, 2.5G, and 3G Outline KPIs that quantify RF performance
Discuss the roles of various RF components Describe RF propagation mechanisms
Explain various components of the link budget
Summarize how Erlang-B can be used for capacity provisioning Discuss the influence of vocoders and high-speed data on traffic engineering
Contrast TDMA deployment with CDMA deployment
Describe issues with equipment sharing between 2G/2.5G and 3G
Explain how tools can be used during various stages of the cellular network (e.g., design,deployment, and optimization)
Intended Audience
This fundamentals course is intended for new or experienced RF engineers who need familiaritywith the fundamentals of RF engineering.
Course Length
2 Days Instructor Led
Course Outlines / Knowledge Knuggets
1. Overview of GSM/GPRS/UMTS
1.1. GSM, GPRS, UMTS architecture
1.2. Evolution from GSM/GPRS to UMTS
2. Introduction to Cellular RF Engineering
2.1. Stages of technology deployment
2.2. Planning, design, engineering, optimization
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2.3. Radio and core, backhaul, network economics- CapEx/OpEx, KPIs
2.4. Importance of RF engineering
3. Review of RF Components
3.1. Baseband and RF processing
3.2. Antennas (basic principles, omni and sectorized)3.3. Feeders, jumpers, duplexer and diplexer3.4. HPA, LNA, TMA, repeaters
4. RF Propagation Fundamentals4.1. RF Terms (RSSI, SIR, dB, dBm)
4.2. Distance-based path loss, long-term fading, and short-term fading
4.3. Propagation models (e.g., Hata-Okumara and COST-231)
4.4. Spectrum for network deployment
5. WCDMA and HSPA Fundamentals
5.1. UTRAN architecture5.2. PHY layer functions
5.3. Handover
5.4. HSPA
6. Coverage and Link Budget Fundamentals
6.1. Significance of link budget
6.2. 2G/ 2.5G and 3G link budget (components of the link budget with numerical examples)6.3. Influence of carrier frequency
6.4. Challenges of an overlay network
7. Capacity and Traffic Engineering7.1. Voice calls and Erlang-B model (trunking and GoS)
7.2. Influence of AMR and high-speed data
7.3. Backhaul provisioning7.4. RF technology factors impacting capacity
8. Deployment Considerations8.1. GSM vs. WCDMA
8.2. 2G/2.5G and 3G-specific features for enhanced RF performance (e.g., handover and power
control)
8.3. Cell-site planning/sharing
9. Tools for Deployment and Optimization
9.1. Network planning/design tools
9.2. Troubleshooting/KPI monitoring tools9.3. Drive-testing and post-processing
9.4. RF optimization approaches