Method of dimensioning radio access networks, corresponding system and computer program product

Abstract

Downlink and uplink communication resources to ensure network coverage and satisfy assigned traffic requirements in a communication network are allocated by setting a given balance of downlink and uplink communication resources while leaving a part of downlink and uplink communication resources remaining to be allocated. Downlink cell radius and uplink cell radius values are then determined which ensure network coverage with the resources as previously allocated. An effective cell radius is then selected as the smaller of the downlink and uplink cell radius and then a first check is made as to whether the effective cell radius selected satisfies the assigned traffic requirements. If not, the effective cell radius is updated. If so, a further check may be made as whether the resources remaining to be allocated for downlink and uplink have a difference in excess of a given amount. If yes, the procedure is repeated by setting an updated balance of downlink and uplink communication resources reducing that difference. If not, the communication resources are allocated on the basis of the current balance.