Objective Approach of 3G/4G Networks Indoor RF Coverage Assessment

Abstract

Most of cellular towers are outdoor located, while greater part of communications occurs under shelters or inside buildings. Indoor RF (Radio Frequency) coverage is very important, but its evaluation doesn’t yet contain any standard. Indoor RF coverage assessment or prediction caught interest of communications researchers and samples collection methods used in data validation should be closely chosen. Usually, RF signal propagation is impacted by internal or external factors such as building materials, relay station position and calibrated RF propagation models. The purpose of this research is to allow telecommunications regulators, operators or RF coverage assessment owners, to objectively evaluate 3G (Third Generation) and 4G (Fourth Generation) mobile networks indoor radio frequency coverage. Several steps have been considered such as, itinerary length optimization using SDTR (Special Drive Test Routes), limits of the use of RF propagation models in indoor scenario, comparison between RDTR (Random Drive Test Routes) and SDTR applied to indoor scenario and finally, list of additional key performance indicators that should be considered.