A Comprehensive In-Building and Microcellular Wireless Communication System Design Tool

Indoor wireless communication systems are becoming increasingly prevalent in work environments. The need to quickly and efficiently provide in-building and microcellular coverage without sacrificing quality is critical to cellular and emerging personal communication system (PCS) operators. Traditionally, indoor wireless communication system design has been carried out by human experts relying on experience to determine a satisfactory system configuration. This thesis describes the algorithms and technical considerations implemented in a comprehensive propagation planning tool, SMT Plus, which has been designed to predict the coverage regions of both in-building and microcellular wireless communication systems. The goal of SMT Plus is to provide both wireless service providers and equipment manufacturers with an efficient, easy-to-use coverage prediction tool for use in the design of any indoor or campus-wide wireless system. Using site-specific building information combined with on-site signal strength measurements, the tool provides system planners with a highly accurate model of the propagation environment among a group of buildings. SMT Plus provides a comprehensive solution to the planning and installation of wireless communication systems in and around buildings.