SimTown: RF Propagation Models for Urban Femtocell Environments

Femtocells are miniature base stations (BS) improving cellular service typically within indoor environments such as homes or enterprise buildings. Analyzing femtocell performance and interference impact on the macro network requires the use of detailed RF propagation modeling, particularly in scenarios where user mobility is involved. This paper addresses this requirement by developing such models for urban neighborhoods using the WinProp® tool. Both femto and macro propagation are captured and the accuracy of the predictions is verified via field measurements. A detailed model of user mobility within the neighborhood is created. The utility of these models is demonstrated through an overview of two applications: mobile assisted range tuning for cdma2000 1xRTT beacon transmit power calibration, and a coverage analysis of open commercial femtocells versus distributed antenna systems.