Small cell design Best practice(Lesson Learnt per my experience)
- Always give priority to user density than RSRP and SINR values - obviously Tri-factor (Density, RSRP and SINR) always needs to be looked at but my observation based on assigning priority among them, best performing sites I have seen directly facing users density within ~100'-200' than trying to locate a site with lower RSRP, SINR and Density values which increase overall footprints while compromising User density
- Never design a site directly facing a building and high moving traffic, the loss RSRP and Time delays respectively play vital role and account for overall site performance
- Never Design a site looking at the residential density (single family house traffic) 8 out of 10 sites designed performed poorly
- Most of the time we dont get location which we want (due to lack of ROW at that place, restrictions due to power lines) never chase the same target compromising the distance between target and Small cell its always best to change the target which offload same amount of traffic (from same macro sector) without compromising the distance between target and Small cell.
- Panel Vs Omni debate - Try not to use OMNI when site is near to Macro else trust in your design capabilities :)
- RAD debate - Higher is always good - Not at all Small cell is intended to cover up maximum 700 ft, I have seen too much height (when its not needed) doesn't adds in to the overall performance while it adds onto site costing (Labor, Crane, Metal poles can add expenses exponentially) So try to customize the height of Small cells based on the market need which i think get overlooked most of the time.
It's strictly per my personal thoughts - Gaurang