ECE542 Cellular Network PlanningIstanbul Okan UniversityDegree Programs Advanced Electronics and Communication Technology (English) with thesisGeneral Information For StudentsDiploma SupplementErasmus Policy StatementNational Qualifications
Advanced Electronics and Communication Technology (English) with thesis
Master TR-NQF-HE: Level 7 QF-EHEA: Second Cycle EQF-LLL: Level 7

General course introduction information

Course Code: ECE542
Course Name: Cellular Network Planning
Course Semester: Fall
Course Credits:
Theoretical Practical Credit ECTS
3 10
Language of instruction: EN
Course Requisites:
Does the Course Require Work Experience?: No
Type of course: Department Elective
Course Level:
Master TR-NQF-HE:7. Master`s Degree QF-EHEA:Second Cycle EQF-LLL:7. Master`s Degree
Mode of Delivery: Face to face
Course Coordinator : Dr.Öğr.Üyesi DİDEM KIVANÇ TÜRELİ
Course Lecturer(s):
Course Assistants:

Course Objective and Content

Course Objectives: The course objective is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to design, optimize, and implement efficient cellular networks for 4G, 5G, and emerging 6G technologies.
Course Content: Cellular networks, radio propagation models, coverage and capacity planning, antenna concepts and deployment, Frequency Spectrum Allocation, Small Cell Deployment, Network Optimization, 5G NR Planning, Beyond 5G: Introduction to 6G

Learning Outcomes

The students who have succeeded in this course;
Learning Outcomes
1 - Knowledge
Theoretical - Conceptual
1) Understand the fundamental principles of cellular network technologies, including the architecture, protocols, and standards that govern 4G, 5G, and 6G networks.
2) Analyze and apply radio propagation models to predict and enhance signal coverage, optimize cell site placement, and ensure efficient frequency reuse across various environments.
3) 3. Design and optimize network capacity to meet the growing data demands, considering the unique characteristics and requirements of 4G, 5G, and 6G technologies.
4) Evaluate and implement advanced network features such as Massive MIMO, beamforming, and network slicing, to improve performance and enable new services in next-generation cellular networks.
2 - Skills
Cognitive - Practical
3 - Competences
Communication and Social Competence
Learning Competence
Field Specific Competence
Competence to Work Independently and Take Responsibility

Lesson Plan

Week Subject Related Preparation
1) Introduction to Cellular Networks • Overview of cellular communication systems • Generations of wireless networks (1G to 6G) • Key concepts: frequency reuse, cell types, and network architecture Read the corresponding section in the textbook.
2) Radio Propagation Models • Path loss models for different frequency bands • Shadowing and multipath effects • Propagation models for 4G, 5G, and 6G None
3) Coverage and Capacity Planning • Coverage requirements and trade-offs • Cell range estimation • Capacity planning for high-density areas None
4) Antenna Concepts and Deployment • Antenna types and characteristics • Beamforming techniques (Massive MIMO, beam steering) • Antenna placement strategies None
5) Frequency Spectrum Allocation • Spectrum bands for 4G, 5G, and 6G • Dynamic spectrum sharing • Challenges in utilizing mmWave frequencies None
6) Small Cell Deployment • Role of small cells in enhancing coverage and capacity • HetNets (heterogeneous networks) • Backhaul considerations for small cells None
7) Network Optimization • Handover optimization • Interference management • Load balancing techniques None
8) 5G NR Planlama • 5G'deki yeni özellikler (ör. hüzme oluşturma, büyük MIMO) • NR hücre planlaması ve boyutlandırması • LTE ağlarıyla bir arada bulunma None
9) Midterm None
10) Beyond 5G: Introduction to 6G • Vision and requirements for 6G • Terahertz communication and extreme data rates • Challenges and research directions None
11) Capacity Planning for Heterogeneous Networks • Interference Management and Coordination • Resource Allocation and Sharing • Load Balancing and Traffic Offloading None
12) Modeling Mobility and Its Effects on Cellular Network Capacity • User Mobility Patterns. • Handover Mechanisms and Strategies. • Predictive Modeling and Simulation. None
13) Case Studies and Practical Exercises • Real-world examples of network planning • Simulation tools (e.g., Altair, MATLAB) for network design • Hands-on exercises using network planning software None
14) Final None

Sources

Course Notes / Textbooks: Mishra, A. R. (2018). Fundamentals of Network Planning and Optimisation 2G/3G/4G: Evolution to 5G (2nd ed.). Wiley.

References: Uysal, M., Capsoni, C., Ghassemlooy, Z., Boucouvalas, A., & Udvary, E. (2016). Optical Wireless Communications: An Emerging Technology. Springer.

Osseiran, A., Monserrat, J. F., & Marsch, P. (Eds.). (2016). 5G Mobile and Wireless Communications Technology. Cambridge University Press.

Course-Program Learning Outcome Relationship

Learning Outcomes

1

2

3

4

Program Outcomes
1) By carrying out scientific research in their field, graduates evaluate and interpret deeply and broadly, their findings and apply their findings.
2) Graduates have extensive knowledge about current techniques and methods applied in engineering and their limitations.
3) Graduates can complet and implement knowledge using scientific methods using limited or incomplete data; can use the information of different disciplines together.
4) Graduates are aware of new and evolving practices of their profession, examinining new knowledge and learning as necessary
5) Graduates can define and formulate problems related to the field, develop methods to solve them and apply innovative methods in solutions.
6) Graduates develop new and/or original ideas and methods; design complex systems or processes and develop innovative / alternative solutions in their designs.
7) Graduates design and apply theoretical, experimental and model-based research; analyze and investigate the complex problems encountered in this process.
8) Lead in multidisciplinary teams, develop solution approaches in complex situations, work independently and take responsibility.
9) A foreign language communicates verbally and in writing using at least the European Language Portfolio B2 General Level.
10) Transfers the processes and outcomes of their work in a systematic and explicit manner, either written or verbally, in the national or international contexts of that area.
11) Recognize the social, environmental, health, safety, legal aspects of engineering applications, as well as project management and business life practices, and are aware of the limitations they place on engineering applications.
12) Consider social, scientific and ethical values in the collection, interpretation, announcement of data and in all professional activities.

Course - Learning Outcome Relationship

No Effect 1 Lowest 2 Low 3 Average 4 High 5 Highest
           
Program Outcomes Level of Contribution
1) By carrying out scientific research in their field, graduates evaluate and interpret deeply and broadly, their findings and apply their findings.
2) Graduates have extensive knowledge about current techniques and methods applied in engineering and their limitations.
3) Graduates can complet and implement knowledge using scientific methods using limited or incomplete data; can use the information of different disciplines together.
4) Graduates are aware of new and evolving practices of their profession, examinining new knowledge and learning as necessary
5) Graduates can define and formulate problems related to the field, develop methods to solve them and apply innovative methods in solutions.
6) Graduates develop new and/or original ideas and methods; design complex systems or processes and develop innovative / alternative solutions in their designs.
7) Graduates design and apply theoretical, experimental and model-based research; analyze and investigate the complex problems encountered in this process.
8) Lead in multidisciplinary teams, develop solution approaches in complex situations, work independently and take responsibility.
9) A foreign language communicates verbally and in writing using at least the European Language Portfolio B2 General Level.
10) Transfers the processes and outcomes of their work in a systematic and explicit manner, either written or verbally, in the national or international contexts of that area.
11) Recognize the social, environmental, health, safety, legal aspects of engineering applications, as well as project management and business life practices, and are aware of the limitations they place on engineering applications.
12) Consider social, scientific and ethical values in the collection, interpretation, announcement of data and in all professional activities.

Learning Activity and Teaching Methods

Expression
Lesson
Group study and homework
Lab
Reading
Homework

Assessment & Grading Methods and Criteria

Written Exam (Open-ended questions, multiple choice, true-false, matching, fill in the blanks, sequencing)
Homework
Group project

Assessment & Grading

Semester Requirements Number of Activities Level of Contribution
Attendance 42 % 0
Project 1 % 30
Midterms 1 % 30
Final 1 % 40
total % 100
PERCENTAGE OF SEMESTER WORK % 60
PERCENTAGE OF FINAL WORK % 40
total % 100

Workload and ECTS Credit Grading

Activities Number of Activities Duration (Hours) Workload
Course Hours 14 3 42
Project 1 24 24
Homework Assignments 2 16 32
Midterms 1 16 16
Final 1 24 24
Total Workload 138