5G Coverage - eMBB
5G coverage is evaluated by calculating Maximum allowed path loss (MAPL) on radio interface using link budget tool. This tool estimates the achieved values of path losses over the planned environment, between the transmitter and receiver in the uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) directions.
This initial planning phase helps Telcos to achieve a high-level estimation of the number of base stations needed to service the planned area considering different services, frequency band, channel model, control or data channel, cell reliability, packet error, pathloss model, base station height, antenna technique, clutter type, 5th percentile spectral efficiency and other system parameters.
Mentioned multiple factors can vary from one telco to another and therefore can change the coverage planning and penetration.
Here, coverage is evaluated for eMBB for 3.5GHz frequency band as an example to understand the coverage calculation steps at broader level. As UL coverage is less than DL coverage, network needs to be planned based on UL calculation always.
Youtube link - 5G DL Coverage Link budget - Part of 5G course - Link in description - YouTube
Link of 5G course - https://www.udemy.com/course/5g-architecture-design-protocols-evolution-deployment/?couponCode=5G-RAHUL-MAY13