Optimized network dimensioning and planning for WiMAX technology

In order to meet demands in mobile broadband and to bridge the digital divide WiMAX was introduced in 2004. However, in order to increase the financial return on the investment, service operators need to make every effort in designing and deploying the most cost-effective networks using this technology. This paper presents a novel dimensioning technique for WiMAX technology which takes the dimensioning problem to a new level and produces more accurate results in comparison to traditional methods. Furthermore, a novel decomposed optimization framework for the WiMAX network planning is introduced which subdivides the overall problem into three distinct stages - a network dimensioning stage, initial sectorization and configuration stage and a final network configuration stage. The proposed framework also solves two fundamental problems, which are cell planning and frequency planning, simultaneously. Optimization is based on a tailored simulated annealing algorithm. Results, based on experiments in and around a UK city, show that the three stage framework produces viable designs with good coverage and service. In particular Stage 1 is efficient and more accurately dimensions the network than the traditional methods.