5G RF planning methodology

The 8-Step RF Planning Process

RF planning determines where cell sites go, how they are configured, and whether the network meets coverage and capacity targets. The process follows eight structured steps: requirements gathering (define area, KPIs, subscriber count, traffic model), propagation analysis (select model for environment and band), link budget calculation (determine Maximum Allowable Path Loss for DL and UL), cell radius estimation (convert MAPL to distance using the propagation model), coverage dimensioning (Sites = Area / K × R²), capacity dimensioning (verify throughput meets demand), nominal plan (place sites…