Co-Channel Interference Calculator

Calculate C/I ratio and analyze frequency reuse patterns for wireless networks.

Desired Signal (dBm)

Interfering Signal (dBm)

Required C/I for Service (dB)

Frequency Reuse Factor (N)

Path Loss Exponent 2=Free space, 3-4=Urban

Cell Radius (km)

Number of Co-channel Cells First tier typically 6

Enter interferer power levels (dBm), one per line:

Interferer Powers (dBm)

Desired Signal Power (dBm)

N	D/R Ratio	Typical C/I	Use Case
1	1.0	0 dB	CDMA/LTE with ICIC
3	3.0	11 dB	OFDMA/LTE sectors
4	3.46	14 dB	AMPS, early digital
7	4.58	17 dB	Classic GSM
12	6.0	21 dB	High C/I requirement

C/I values assume path loss exponent = 4 and 6 first-tier interferers

Interference Theory

C/I = (D/R)^n / i0
D = reuse distance, R = cell radius, n = path loss exponent, i0 = number of interferers

Co-channel interference occurs when the same frequency is reused in nearby cells. The ratio D/R determines the isolation between cells.

D = R * sqrt(3N)
N = frequency reuse factor (number of cells in cluster)

Higher reuse factors increase isolation but reduce spectrum efficiency. Modern systems like LTE use N=1 with interference management techniques.