This paper presents a statistical framework for assessing wireless systems
performance using hierarchical data mining techniques. We consider WCDMA
(wideband code division multiple access) systems with two-branch STTD (space
time transmit diversity) and 1/2 rate convolutional coding (forward error
correction codes). Monte Carlo simulation estimates the bit error probability
(BEP) of the system across a wide range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). A
performance database of simulation runs is collected over a targeted space of
system configurations. This database is then mined to obtain regions of the
configuration space that exhibit acceptable average performance. The shape of
the mined regions illustrates the joint influence of configuration parameters
on system performance. The role of data mining in this application is to
provide explainable and statistically valid design conclusions. The research
issue is to define statistically meaningful aggregation of data in a manner
that permits efficient and effective data mining algorithms. We achieve a good
compromise between these goals and help establish the applicability of data
mining for characterizing wireless systems performance