ProVision Communications has announced that ProPhecy 4G, claimed to be the world's first advanced network planning and optimising tool suite for LTE, is now being shipped to customers worldwide. ProPhecy 4G is said to improve network quality of service (QoS) and maximises the data throughput per user while substantially reducing capital investment and operating costs (CAPEX and OPEX).
According to ProVision, with full 3D planning and modelling capability for urban and rural environments, the ProPhecy 4G propagation prediction engine is 'one of the most advanced and accurate network planning tools currently available'. Results are also claimed to be 'dramatically better' than those obtained with traditional network planning methods that have not been optimised for use with non line of sight (NLOS) systems.
The ProPhecy 4G toolset includes a site location tool that takes account of economic factors as well as technical performance criteria in order to optimise the number and locations of basestations. It offers GIS data resolutions as high as 1m, and can also provide in-building coverage predictions. The tools also include spatial diversity information, frequency planning, and support for sectorised and multi-element antennas (MIMO).
"ProPhecy 4G is being well-received by operators, who have been quick to recognise that it allows them to achieve the most efficient coverage and capacity with a minimum of capital outlay", said David Sykes, CEO of ProVision Communications.
The multi-dimensional approach to network planning and optimisation offered by ProPhecy 4G allows planners of 4G networks to achieve the right balance between technical and commercial constraints, says ProVision.