This document provides the data and methodology necessary to perform an analysis of interference, but is not intended to provide the coordination procedures to minimize interference. However, the National Spectrum Managers Association (NSMA) has recommended coordination procedures to perform coordination between mobile operators.

It is crucial that the parameters and methodologies for interference calculations are equitable for each of the cellular and IMT-2000 technologies; therefore, it is necessary to define a normalized set of operational parameters for interference calculations, such that all technologies are properly characterized.

A detailed list of assumptions and parameters used in the interference calculations is provided. These assumptions and parameters are divided into two groups:

1. Common assumptions and parameters for all technologies (propagation, for example).

2. Unique assumptions and parameters for the specific technologies (transmitter emission characteristics, for example).

The generalized methodology includes: 

• Self-interference; 
• External interference; 
• Channel plans; 
• Third order intermodulation products; 
• ultiple interferers;
• The effects of transmit power; 
• Transmitter spectrum masks; 
• A uniform resolution bandwidth; 
• The use of peak and average power values and their definitions; 
• The duration and frequency of burst transmissions; 
• Antenna height; 
• Feeder losses; 
• Antenna patterns; 
• Antenna characteristics; 
• Propagation; 
• Receiver sensitivity; 
• Receiver performance; and 
• Impact parameter metrics.

At a system level, the methodology considers the impact of dynamic responses of user access control, including:

• Power control;
• Frequency changes; and 
• Handover.

It does not consider the probability of interference versus the severity of the interference. This document is not intended to alter any existing minimum performance standards.

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to provide the necessary information and methodology to perform either simplified or detailed analyses of adjacent frequency block and co-frequency block interference between similar and dissimilar air interfaces for land-mobile systems. Interference may occur within a single licensed area or between licensed areas. By providing relevant standards data and a generalized methodology for estimating and measuring interference, this document facilitates the minimization of this type of interference from neighboring systems and provides a basis for the development of spectrum coordination procedures. The generalized analysis methodology includes issues related to multiple interferers, self-interference, and antenna patterns.

Base station and mobile station equipment receiver block diagrams, performance data, transmit masks, and some interference analysis information for the standardized technologies, are provided. This document also contains extracts from several ATIS and TIA standards, FCC rules and ITU recommendations and reports. These extracts are listed in clause 2.1, Normative References.