Ranplan has launched iBuildNet 3.1, the latest release of its all-in-one, heterogeneous network planning, optimisation and simulation solution for small cell, DAS and WiFi networks, across both indoor and outdoor environments.
iBuildNet 3.1 adds a range of new features including carrier aggregation, HSPA+, enhanced WiFi planning capabilities, Smart CAD functions and support for LTE-A key standards such as MU-MIMO and CoMP.
Release 3.1 allows users to perform cross-system design and simulation with accurate modelling of coverage, traffic steering and handover between LTE and WiFi systems. With mobile operators increasingly embracing WiFi to deliver greater coverage and capacity for the enterprise, this means indoor and outdoor WiFi and cellular networks can be planned in co-ordination, reducing the time and cost of deployment and ensuring support for future heterogeneous technologies and standards.
“Previously, LTE and WiFi networks were designed in isolation, but with iBuildNet 3.1, network planners can fully-integrate multiple cellular technologies together with WiFi to create truly heterogeneous networks for in-building and metropolitan environments,” said Alastair Williamson, CEO at Ranplan. iBuildNet is uniquely placed to support international markets with support for both English and Chinese languages.
The Smart CAD features include automatic extraction of walls, doors, windows and floors from complex CAD files to create more accurate building models. This new capability alone can reduce the time it takes to model the building environment by over 50%, while enhancements to Ranplan’s extensive material database enables the design of networks operating in spectrum up to 6GHz.
“The goal of network planning has always been to improve coverage and/or increase capacity at each cell site, regardless of what users are doing or would like to do, where they are and what devices they use,” added Ranplan’s Williamson. “With iBuildNet’s advanced Wireless Network Simulator, engineers can now plan a user centric model rather than a cell centric model, taking into consideration network technology, handset and service to maximise the user experience.”
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