A practical approach to "channel borrowing" for microcells in GSM systems

This paper describes a novel method to determine the least interfered channel for microcells in GSM radio networks. The determination of this optimum channel is based on analysis of signal level measurements from the serving and neighbouring cells. These measurements are provided as part of the standard GSM functionality by mobile stations of ordinary subscribers while being in a call. The method has been applied to different cell types in various networks and proved to be very useful in achieving high capacity networks and good call quality.