A novel approach for evaluating applicability of existing empirical propagation models to coverage planning in 3.5 GHz WiMAX systems

Wireless technologies, developed within ICT at the end of XX, beginning of XXI century, are followed by adequate analytical support, which also made their implementation faster. At the beginning, their similarity with WiMAX concept launched the implementation of WiMAX systems in the scope of closely related research achievements. Therefore, this paper in a detailed and innovative way analyses possibility of using generalized analytical approaches (Cost 231, Erceg, SUI, ECC), developed primarily for GSM and UMTS systems engineering, in WiMAX coverage planning. Since direct usage of these approaches, in a global sense of applying, leads to inadmissible deviations of calculated parameters of relevance from homologue parameters present in physical reality, is made towards creating new models. Accordingly, authors are suggesting a new approach for evaluating applicability of existing empirical propagation models, using a coverage radius, or precisely, relative error of cell radius prediction. Great value of proposed approach is it's applicability during preliminary WiMAX system engineering and on drastically different types of topography (rural, urban and suburban), and therefore it's generalized nature. The fact that the same analytical frame, basically can be implemented globally, has provided the ground for taking a new step forward, opposite of using present partial solutions methodology, considering that these solutions, according to relevant literature are applicable for specific local topography only.