Outdoor Long-Term Evolution (LTE) Network Planning at 1880 Mhz Frequency in Cicalengka Subdistrict, Bandung Regency

Abstract

LTE networks have become the dominant wireless data access technology worldwide, including in Indonesia. In Bandung Regency, the demand for LTE data services continues to increase, especially in rural areas such as Cicalengka Subdistrict. This study aims to design an outdoor LTE network in Cicalengka District using the 1880 MHz frequency. This planning is carried out to overcome the digital divide and improve the quality of data services for the community in the Cicalengka Subdistrict. This study uses the Capacity Planning and Coverage Planning calculation methods and simulation with Atoll Radio Planning software. The parameters analyzed include RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, Signal Level, and Throughput. The calculation and simulation results show that 10 sites are needed with a cell radius of 1.35 km. Then the signal quality is obtained from the simulation results using Atoll in Cicalengka District with an average RSRP of -113.19 dBm, an average RSRQ of 0.02, an average SINR of 7.15 dBm, an average Signal Level of -75 dBm, and an average Throughput of 18 Mbps. This shows that the designed LTE network is capable of providing good signal coverage with sufficient network capacity to serve the community's data needs. However, there are still blind spots because the Cicalengka area consists of many mountains with hilly and winding topographies. This causes radio signals from BTS to have difficulty reaching areas blocked by hills or valleys. This research is expected to provide a solution to improve the quality of network services in the Cicalengka Subdistrict.