Review of cellular radio network cell placement design, from traditional to artificial intelligence based approaches

Abstract

This work reviews the current state of knowledge about radio access network (RAN) base transceiver station (BTS) placement, first describing classic approaches, and then concluding with automated placement planning without the supervision of human domain expert. BTS placement locations (either optimal, or sub-optimal) are chosen during the planning process, so that the maximization of desired RAN quality metrics is achieved.Future automated cell placement will mainly concern BTS placement of small cells (low power, short range cells) as BTSs of this type will be on larger scale employed in future (5G and beyond) multi-tier RANs as a complement to macrocell (high power, long range) BTSs. While small cell BTSs are characterized by easy and low-cost deployment, it is assumed that macrocells will not be relocated by RAN operators as a part of transition to 5G RAN, as their relocation would be both impractical and financially unfavourable.