Improving Coverage and System Capacity — Lesson 6

This lesson covers the strategies and techniques used to improve coverage and increase system capacity in cellular networks. It delves into the power control strategy, cell splitting, sectoring, microcell zoning, and the use of repeaters. The lesson also explains how these techniques can be used to manage interference and enhance system capacity. For instance, cell splitting increases the number of base stations, allowing for an orderly growth of the cellular system. On the other hand, sectoring uses directional antennas to control interference and frequency reuse. The lesson also provides practical examples and calculations to illustrate these concepts.

Video Highlights

01:18 - Introduction to improving coverage and increasing system capacity.
02:14 - Explanation of cell capacity and reuse, and the impact of interferences.
06:50 - Introduction to sectoring and microcell zoning techniques.
48:05 - Discussion on the microcell zone concept and its advantages
50:37 - Explanation of the use of repeaters for range extension.
53:26 - Conclusion and summary of the lecture.

Key Takeaways

- Power control strategy is crucial in reducing interference and increasing system capacity, especially in Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems.
- Cell splitting involves subdividing congested cells into smaller cells, which increases capacity without changing the frequency reuse pattern.
- Sectoring uses directional antennas to control interference and frequency reuse, thereby increasing the overall system capacity.
- Microcell zoning is a technique that combines the benefits of cell splitting and sectoring, providing a more efficient way to increase capacity.
- Repeaters can be used to extend coverage to hard-to-reach areas, such as basements, tunnels, or valleys.