5G NR Neighbor Planning Calculator
Estimate geometric first- and second-tier neighbor counts, inter-site distance, and site density for initial 5G RF planning.
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Inputs
Live
Math
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Related
Enter parameters and click Calculate to view results
Formula & Theory
ISD = √3 × R, Area = (3√3 / 2) × R², Site Density = 1 / Area, Tier-n Sites = 6n, Sector Neighbors = Neighbor Sites × Sectors per SiteThis formula is used to calculate antenna parameters for 5g nr neighbor planning calculator.
Overview
Use this 5G NR neighbor planning calculator to determine Inter-Site Distance (ISD), site coverage area, site density, and geometric first- and second-tier neighbor relations for regular hexagonal cell layouts.
Input Guide
Enter Hexagonal Cell Radius (Center → Vertex), Sectors per Site exactly in the units shown by this 5g nr neighbor planning. Check the operating band, unit prefix, and decimal position before calculating; these are the inputs used by the formula.
- Hexagonal Cell Radius (Center → Vertex) — use km.
- Sectors per Site.
Output Guide
The results describe the calculated 5g nr neighbor planning values for the inputs you entered. Check each value against the available space, selected components, feed system, and operating conditions before making a final design decision.
How This Calculator Works
The 5G NR Neighbor Planning uses ISD = √3 × R, Area = (3√3 / 2) × R², Site Density = 1 / Area, Tier-n Sites = 6n, Sector Neighbors = Neighbor Sites × Sectors per Site. Supply Hexagonal Cell Radius (Center → Vertex) (km), Sectors per Site in the displayed units, then use the calculated values as the first engineering target for this 5g nr design or analysis.
Design Notes
In a regular 3-sector hexagonal grid (120° sectorization), each site is surrounded by 6 first-tier site neighbors (18 sector cells) and 12 second-tier site neighbors (36 sector cells). Inter-site distance is defined as ISD = √3 × R, where R is the center-to-vertex cell radius.
Build and Tuning Notes
Geometric neighbor counts serve as the seed list for initial network configuration. In live 5G deployments, 3GPP Automatic Neighbor Relation (ANR) dynamically maintains the Neighbor Relation Table (NRT) over Xn/NG interfaces based on UE measurement reports (measConfig/NR-CGI).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the relationship between Cell Radius (R) and Inter-Site Distance (ISD)?
When R is defined as the center-to-vertex distance of a regular hexagon, the Inter-Site Distance (ISD) between adjacent site centers is ISD = √3 × R (≈ 1.732 × R).
How many neighbor cells should be in an initial seed NRT?
An initial manual seed list typically includes 18 to 30 immediate sector neighbors (covering 1st-tier and critical 2nd-tier line-of-sight paths). ANR then automatically expands and cleans up the list during network operation.
Does 3GPP mandate a specific Neighbor Relation Table (NRT) size limit?
No. 3GPP specifies the mechanisms for ANR and measurement reporting (TS 38.300 / TS 38.331), but maximum NRT capacity depends on equipment vendor specifications (typically 30 to 80+ active neighbor relations per cell).
Alex Warren
B.Sc. in Electrical & Electronic Engineering (EEE)
Alex specialises in antenna design and wave propagation. His expertise helps ensure these calculators present practical RF concepts, useful design estimates, and clear engineering guidance for students, HAM operators, and wireless professionals.