Operating a GSM network not only requires the hardware and software, but also requires some understanding of radio frequency propagation and radio frequency planning. Only with good planning, you will get the optimum network coverage and capacity. This talk cannot turn you into an expert in the field, but at least provides you with the fundamental concepts, such as path loss, link budget. It will also present some example calculations and tools (to be) released within Osmocom to help you with basic RF planning.
The talk also covers an introduction into the RF electronics after your BTS, i.e. coaxial cables, connectors, duplexers, filters, attenuators, terminators, antennas, etc.