A 3D Statistical Framework for the UK’s Mobile Network

A key challenge in deploying new wireless cellular technologies or architectures is accurate modelling of their impact on the wider network. In this contribution, we provide a new statistical framework and large scale analysis to characterise a real mobile network. Current industry guidelines relevant to modelling of mobile networks and their deployments are often over simplified and based on generalisation of the propagation environment and network topology. The following analysis details statistical deployment characteristics of mobile base station sites and their associated geographic environment using a highly detailed 3D topology model of large areas of the UK. High resolution LIDAR (Light Detecting and Ranging) data and cell mast properties are utilised to generate statistical descriptions of urban, suburban and rural cell site types as well as distributions for the clutter properties that can be found within each cell type's coverage area. Our findings illustrate the important distinction between traditional cell classifications using a range of attributes whilst also highlighting the unique 3D properties of urban cell types.