An environment-based network planning tool

Telecommunication networks across Africa have witnessed the widespread use of mobile technologies to meet the demands of access to basic telecommunication services. With the rapid growth of these networks, greater demands are being placed on the development of wireless networks in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This paper focuses on work currently being done in the development of a cellular network planning tool that takes into consideration various 'environment' related data to influence the traditional cellular network planning methodologies. Particular emphasis is placed on the utilization of so called 'intelligent' algorithms to make effective decisions in the choice optimum values for various parameters in network. Specific focus is made on the choice of base station placement and subscriber characteristic identification for capacity related planning.