Method for determining a coverage area in a cell based communication system

摘要

A method (300) determines a per-cell coverage area in a cellular communication system that comprises multiple cells. The method comprises measuring (305) one or more parameters relating to one or more operations of a first cell in a cellular communication system. The method includes calculating (320) a degree of coverage overlap from a number of measurements, preferably by comparing a number of first measurements relating to a location that is uniquely served, with a number of second measurements that can be served by a plurality of serving communication units. Tn this manner, it is possible to determine an amount of overlapping coverage area based on real network measurements rather than inaccurate predicted data that has been t—aditionally employed. Preferably, the measurements afe converted to Erlangs to provide a coverage overlap based on subscriber traffic. A communication system (100) and a communication unit (146) are also provided.