Penetration Depth Analysis of UMTS Networks Using Received Signal Code Power

Abstract

This paper examines the coverage of three UMTS networks in Calabar, using the received signal code power (RSCP). A drive test conducted with the aid of a TEMS investigation software, collected log files of RSCP which were analyzed as coverage plots by a TEMS discovery software and further put through statistical measures using excel. The low values of calculated standard error depicts that the data used in this study is accurate and not manipulated. The data distribution in MTN and 9mobile network were slightly leptokurtic but slightly mesokurtic for Airtel network. Again, the data distribution for the three networks were approximately symmetric. Finally, 81.5%, 96.36% and 92.1% of the drive test routes for 9 mobile, Airtel and MTN network met with the NCC performance threshold. The result of this study will assist RF engineers in the optimization of UMTS networks and also in designing propagation models for accurate transmission of UMTS network signals in the study area.