Installing Multiple Metrocells - AT&T Alcatel-Lucent 9363 Metro Cell Installation Manual

Appendix C: Installing multiple
MetroCells
The floor area that can be covered by a single MetroCell
is estimated to be up to 15,000 square feet, varying
substantially according to the building layout and
construction material. If the area to be served is larger than
this, a 2nd or 3rd MetroCell may be a possibility. However,
be aware of the following considerations:
• If the MetroCells are too close to each other (or to a MicroCell),
their signals may interfere with each other's, resulting in poor
performance.
• If the MetroCells are too far away, then if one is walking from
the area served by one to the area served by another, a call
in progress may drop before it is handed off to the other
MetroCell.
If optimal performance is desired, a custom Radio Frequency
(RF) design, performed by a qualified RF engineer using
sophisticated equipment, is required, followed by optimization
of the antennas, power, and
other settings.
In the absence of such a custom design, the following
guidelines are provided.
1. Install the first MetroCell and activate it. If possible, allow
some flexibility to be able to move it to adjust the coverage
area in step 5.
2. Map out the effective coverage area of the first MetroCell
by walking around while looking at the number of "bars"
of signal strength on a handset. Identify the edge of the
area covered by the 1st MetroCell where signal strength
is between 1 and 2 bars. This is as far away from the first
MetroCell as a user could be and still be properly served by
that MetroCell.
AT&T MetroCell Installation Guide • February 2016
3. Find a site for the 2nd MetroCell that is as far away from the
edge of the coverage area identified in step 2 as that edge is
away from the first MetroCell. Map the coverage area as in
step 2.
4. Install and activate the 2nd MetroCell. If possible, allow some
flexibility to move it to adjust the coverage area in the next
step.
5. Place test calls from points throughout the combined
coverage area, especially in the overlap area, where
interference between the two may adversely affect call
quality. Test for the ability to place calls, the ability to
maintain calls without dropping, and voice quality. Adjust
the locations of the MetroCells if necessary to achieve the
best performance.
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