The RCT approach for cell coverage prediction (I): Principles

A new method for the coverage prediction of Cellular Mobile Radio (CMR) system is developed and its basic principle is presented. Unlike the Statistical Prediction Model (SPM) that estimates propagation loss by empirical formulas or the Deterministic Prediction Model (DPM) that reckons propagation loss with analytical expressions, the Radio Computerized Tomography (RCT) method does not seek to express the propagation loss explicitly. The 2-D distribution of propagation loss factor is computed using CT technique. based on measured data collected through drive test under appropriate geometric constraint. The total propagation loss can be obtained by integral of propagation loss factor along the equivalent ray path. The advantages and limitations of the technique, as well as its implementation are discussed.