UMTS DCH FOOTPRINT OPTIMIZATION

_AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

Raphael OBAFEMI

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ABSTRACT
UMTS based 3G networks have been deployed all around the globe. While native GSM networks were built on the need for
basic conversational and speech qualities, the 3G system was built on the WCDMA technology based on the need for larger
system capacity, service diversity, higher speeds (throughputs), higher QoS and of course better spectrum utilization on the
side of the network operator. HSDPA is an upgrade to the Release 99 versions of the 3G networks, offering higher downlink
speed of up to 10 megabits per second (Mbps).
The evolution of an advanced radio access technology (RAT) thus created the need to ensure seamless mobility across not just
intra-RAT layers but across inter-RAT layers, this could mean Inter-frequency Handovers or Inter-RAT (UMTS>GSM) handovers.
Mobility implies that subscribers be able to move freely around the network and from one network to another. This requires
that the network tracks the location of a subscriber to a certain accuracy so that calls destined for the subscriber may be
delivered (Paging) and furthermore, a subscriber should be able to do so while engaged in a call.
Operators on their part have begun to tune-in to the data trending profiles for UEs, subscriber profiles have begun to take a
data-approach, with a higher percentage having 3G capable UEs and needing to engage in data usage as against
traditional voice, this will include social apps, web browsing, downloads, video streaming, OTT services, PTT services, VoIP
services, voice sms, video telephony, skype and the likes.
Regulators on the other hand are beginning to drive operators to provide guarantee for 3G capable UEs in terms of
network & resource availability both in IDLE and CONNECTED modes, thus the new trending Technology Utilization KPI
which is been bench-marked across operators across the globe. You may seldom see a 3G network boast of 90% Utilization
against 10% for 2G, nor a 80/20 ratio. This paper presents findings on experiments carried out on multiple UMTS networks
across multi-national platforms. It aims at understanding technical principles in UMTS mobility scenarios and aligning optimal
settings whilst considering operator priorities and perspectives in terms of call retain-ability.
Our findings point to the diverse parameters available to tuning experts and various network access algorithms and camping
strategies across multi-vendor platforms. It is discovered that 3G Network operators seem to have customised their network
access configurations along load enhancement policies and as such, the 3G capable UE is guaranteed access to the Network
even at minimum coverage, while this may be acceptable for Access algorithms, Mobility strategies need to be refined in
order to save subscriber call and guarantee improved QoS and User experience.
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TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION

MOBILITITY STRATEGIES IN UMTS

MEASUREMENTS & ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

EMPIRICAL RESULTS

CONCLUSION

ABBREVIATIONS & REFERENCES

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INTRODUCTION
The end goal for the operator to be able to properly implement a 3G solution that follows the IMT-2000
specification involves the obvious and painful decision as to which IMT-2000 specification to utilize. For
instance, the IMT-2000 specification that defines the 3G wireless mobility system has several platforms
from which the existing wireless operator must make a decision as to which to utilize. [3] The evolution of
an advanced radio access technology (RAT) thus created the need to ensure seamless mobility across not
just intra-Rat layers but across inter-RAT layers, this could mean Inter-frequency Handovers or Inter-RAT
(UMTS>GSM) handovers.
It is worth mentioning also that lately, operators are faced with the new KPI challenge for their 3G
networks technology utilization which is reflective of how much of the new technology evolutions is
available and being enjoyed by the 3G capable UEs in the market, thus raising a need to enhanced
the availability of the 3G system for all UEs both in IDLE modes and CONNECTED (DCH) modes.
In this work, we take a look at the mobility strategies available to UMTS systems, the relevant
parameters, principles and procedures and also lay-down engineering guidelines across multi-vendor
platforms. Part 3 highlights our measurement methods and settings used during data collection and
analysis, other technical additional considerations were also discussed. Part 4 discusses our empirical
results, showing footprints and KPI charts before and after implementation . We conclude this subject with
a summary of our key findings in Part 5.

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MOBILITY STRATEGIES IN UMTS

In every Network, Providing the continuous service in mobile system is the basic element in QoS. This is backed by the fact that Mobiles are expected
to be in motion or at the minimum, mobiles may be positioned at cell-coverage borders where some exchanges in form of Location updates, LAC
changes, RAC changes etc. may be needful, reason being that the mobile system is composed by cells which the coverage ability is limited. Another
factor is the user's behaviour in terms of mobility. In the initial years of the UMTS, the ratio of static users to dynamic users was almost 0.7, but with
rapid changes in technology this ratio now reaches 1.0! User mobility affects handover rates, which in turn affects network capacity planning. [2]
While mobility can traditionally be seen from a save the call perspective, mobility is also applicable in various functions including, traffic
segmentation, load balancing, sequential loading in multi-layer scenarios, load-shedding, RRM amongst others. The ultimate purpose of handover is to
ensure the UE in DCH state is served continuously when it moves.
In a WCDMA FDD system, the UE in CELL_DCH state sends and receives signals continuously in uplink and downlink channels. If the UE in this case
needs to measure the pilot signal strength of an inter-frequency WCDMA or GSM cell, and it has only mono-frequency receiver, the UE must use the
compressed mode (CM) technique. CM is made possible by the UE splitting its Spreading Factor (SF) by 2 or alternatively by Higher Layer
Scheduling (HLS), either of these methods of achieving CM will lead to usage of extra-resources and eventual decline in Average UE throughput. In
this paper, we highlight also the fact that reduction in CM measurements & attempts will improve also the UE throughput.
In explaining further the CM flow, it is said that If a neighbouring cell uses a different frequency and the RNC requires reports related to that cell,
then the UE needs time periodically to tune to the frequency in question. This means that the UE and UTRAN must operate in compressed mode. This
mode means that in a given radio frame, not all 15 slots are used. The unused slots correspond to durations where the UE can tune to another
frequency to make the necessary measurement. [3]

During Selection among the measured FDD neighbor cells;

For each Carrier, the best measured cell which fulfills the Radio criteria is selected:
CPICH Ec/N0 > minimumCpichEcNoValueForHO;
CPICH RSCP > minimumCpichRscpValueForHO;
Then if several FDD cells are eligible, the following steps (with decreasing priority) are processed until retaining one cell:
Preference is given to the less loaded cell;
Preference is given to the cell with the best radio level (EcIo + neighbouringCellOffset).
While default parameter settings may suffice to ensure successful HO between Cells, operators have begun to apply cell position-specific
settings by topographical group (undulating or plain terrains), functional group (administrative or commercial clusters), positional group
(in-city or border cell) and (urban, sub-urban or rural setting) in the alignment of cell level inter-Rat HO parameters.

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MOBILITY STRATEGIES IN UMTS

The figures beside show traditional mobility scenarios in a typical UMTS deployment,
this will depend on the deployment stage of the UMTS Network. The UMTS would
usually be deployed over an existing GSM layer, therefore at the minimum you should
expect 2 mobility layers: intra-frequency HO and IRAT HO scenarios, of course
including BlindHO scenarios.
While handovers may be categorised into Signalling ( Soft Handover and HardHandovers) or by Cell Characteristics (Intra-frequency, Inter-Frequency, Inter-RAT), the
focus of this document is Inter-RAT Handovers.

A Typical Inter-RAT Mobility Scenario in S333 Configuration

The coverage of UMTS is usually discontinuous at early stage of deployment. On the

border, if the signal quality of UMTS rather than GSM is poor and if all services of
the UE are supported by GSM, UMTS->GSM coverage- based handover is triggered.
Also, If the load of UMTS rather than GSM is heavy and all services of the UE are
supported by GSM, UMTS->GSM load-based handover is triggered. In this document,
our consideration is based on a Dense-urban setting where the IRAT trigger would
most likely be load related than coverage-based, reason been that inter-site distance
is expected to be < = 300 to 500m. It is important to relax the coverage-based IRAT
HO parameters to allow for optimal technology Utilization of the UMTS system over
the GSM layer.
CAUTION
The objective of this parameter settings is to retain UE in DCH State on the UMTS
layer, increase call holding time in UMTS to ensure UE returns to UMTS IDLE Mode
after Call release. Parameter SETs 1 3 as shown in the table above must be
applied on a Scenario basis, and NOT on a GLOBAL Network. For emphasis, the
following Pre-Conditions must be fulfilled:

a. Topological Setting is Dense-Urban or Urban

b. CNL is fully optimized (Vertical & Horizontal)
c. Blind Neighbour relations have been allocated due priority.

Mobility scenarios within 3G layers

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PARAMETER SETTINGS & OPTIMIZATION

IRAT Parameters Library

DCH MOBILITY SETTINGS

INTERRATCSTHD2DRSCP:: Inter-RAT CS measure start RSCP THD

Value range: -115~-25 :: Physical unit: dBm
Content: For CS domain services, when RSCP is used as the measurement quantity for
inter- RAT measurement, the RNC sends the signalling to activate compressed mode
and start inter- RAT measurement, if the UE reports the event 2D when the measured
value is smaller than the value of this parameter.
The recommended value of this parameter is -100 ( -100 dB).
INTERRATCSTHD2FECNO :: Inter-RAT CS measure stop Ec/No THD
The default value of this parameter is -12 ( -12 dB )

CS INTER-RAT PARAMETER DEFINITION

INTERRATPSTHD2DRSCP:: Inter-RAT PS measure start RSCP THD

The following parameter settings are advised on specific

scenarios depending on the cell positioning & operators
objectives:

Value range: -115~-25 :: Physical unit: dBm

Content: For PS domain services, when RSCP is used as the measurement quantity for
inter- RAT measurement, the RNC sends the signalling to activate compressed mode
and start inter- RAT measurement, if the UE reports the event 2D when the measured
value is smaller than the value of this parameter.
The recommended value of this parameter is -110 ( -110 dB).
INTERRATPSTHD2FECNO :: Inter-RAT PS measure stop Ec/No THD
The default value of this parameter is -13 ( -13 dB )

PS INTER-RAT PARAMETER DEFINITION

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MEASUREMENTS & ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

Our measurement was designed to investigate the following:
Duration of Call holding time in UMTS DCH State
Frequency of CM triggered per call
Number of successful IRAT Handover Attempts
Number of IRAT Handover Successes
G2U re-selection window (for Calls ended in 2G Network)
Fig 2 below shows our measurement setup, drive test tools used to perform data collection of the Air-interface.
Aside Drive Test procedures, OSS KPIs are collected to see the trend of each KPIs and counters listed above. It should
be well noted that UMTS technology utilization will depend largely on the number of 3G NodeBs available in the
Network, it is on this premise that this paper is only applicable to dense-urban and urban scenarios. As discussed in
later sections, operators may consider various parameter settings according to position-specifics of the cell.
In the PRE-Drive, we observe that the UE has barely latched on to the DCH [Call Established after Alerting] than the UE
performs CM and handover to the 2G Network, on the average, Call holding time in DCH was 5 to 10 Seconds.
FIG 2: MEASUREMENT SETUP, DRIVE TEST TOOLS USED TO PERFORM DATA COLLECTION OF THE AIR-INTERFACE
Eventually, UE ends call in 2G and performs the traditional Cell re-selection procedure and finally camps on a suitable
3G Cell after approximately 15 - 25 Seconds. Here, frequency of CM is very high, number of IRAT Attempts and
SET2 was implemented and the charts in Part4 shows general KPIs. All KPIs
Successes are equally high with a satisfactory IRAT HO SR.
remained normal. We observe a tremendous improvement in holding time in
UMTS, there was obvious decrease in CM attempts and subsequent IRAT
In our Tests, we set up the following Drive Test scenario:
activity. This new behaviour guarantees call release over DCH and eventual
camping on the 3G network, increasing UMTS technology utilization by over
Service Type: CS & PS:: Call Type: Long Call:: Interval between Calls:: 25s::
50%. Effective monitoring is required to track possibilities of call drops and
probable degradation in call quality especially for cells bordering other
The Parameter implementation was implemented in SETs as seen in the parameter settings table, initial dump was
clusters.
exported from the network and kept for reference purpose. The SET1 parameters were implemented and the network
KPIs monitored, the general observation shows the cluster KPI was normal with no degradations. Call holding time after
Notes: The IRAT Decision thresholds are SET at a value > 16 to ensure the
establishment in 3G doubled from an average about 7secs to 15secs, reducing the number of CM attempts and
Target Frequency is higher than a certain threshold, this parameter is used
subsequently number of IRAT attempts. Two (2) drop calls were seen after SET1 implementation, the missing neighbour
as the checker to guarantee HO is performed to the best target cell
cells were re-optimized and the call drops were resolved.
despite a relaxed threshold at the Source cell
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EMPIRICAL RESULTS

PRE RSCP

POST RSCP

PRE ECNO

POST ECNO

IRAT Threshold optimization showing improved DCH footprint

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EMPIRICAL RESULTS (2)

DCR

IRAT HO SR

CSSR

TRAFFIC

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CONCLUSION

The objective of this setting is to retain UE in DCH State on the UMTS layer, increase call holding time in UMTS to ensure UE
returns to IDLE Mode after Call release. Parameter SETs 1 3 as shown in the parameter table must be applied on a
Scenario basis, and NOT on a GLOBAL Network. For emphasis, the following Pre-Conditions must be fulfilled: a. Topological
Setting is Dense-Urban or Urban b. CNL is fully optimized (Vertical & Horizontal) and c. Blind Neighbour relations have
been allocated due priority.
IRAT HO decision thresholds can be set to optimal settings to sustain the UE on 3G under safe radio conditions, this will
prevent un-necessary CM measurements and triggers, reserve radio signalling and channelling resources thereby saving
throughput, increase UMTS technology utilization and improved UE camping on UMTS after call is completed. This will also
Improve 3G penetration rate for UMTS capability mobiles as UE would be domiciled on the UMTS platform.
CM is made possible by the UE splitting its Spreading Factor (SF) by 2 or alternatively by Higher Layer Scheduling (HLS),
either of these methods of achieving CM will lead to usage of extra-resources and eventual decline in Average UE
throughput. In this paper, we highlight also the fact that reduction in CM measurements & attempts will improve also the UE
throughput.
It is expedient to ensure an optimized CNL is in place to cater for all possible mobility scenarios including intra-frequency,
inter-frequency and inter-RAT handovers across the layers.
It should be noted that the settings (particularly SET2), would do better in dense-urban settings having intra-site distance less
than 500m [1]. This will guarantee mobility since it is expected that RSCP and EcNO levels should be at its best within this
range despite possibility of Cell loading which may lead to the usual WCDMA Cell breathing procedure.
It is important to perform network performance monitoring after implementation of new parameter settings on the cluster.
KPIs to monitor includes Drop call rate, Inter-RAT Handover SR, Traffic levels across the cluster, Compressed Mode (CM)
measurements and SHO Success rate.

Another ideal approach to achieve optimal 3G camping for the 3G capable UE is to Activate the feature Fast WCDMA
Reselection at 2G CS Call Release, this will ensure the The cell reselection procedure of the MS is accelerated. The MS can
obtain services from the UMTS network immediately after the call is released from the GSM network thereby Improving 3G
penetration rate for UMTS capability mobiles.

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ABBREVIATIONS
3G Third Generation
CM Compressed Mode
DCH Dedicated Channel
I-RAT Inter- Radio Access Technology
UE User Equipment
UMTS UNIVERSAL MOBILE TERRESTIAL SYSTEMS

REFERENCES
1. McGraw-Hill - W-CDMA and cdma2000 for 3G Mobile Networks
2. Fundamentals of Cellular Network Planning & Optimization Ajay Mishra
3. 3G Wireless Networking Clint Smith & Daniel Collins
Contact email: ralphobafemi@pytelconsulting.com
Linkedln: ng.linkedin.com/pub/raphael-obafemi/23/371/7b8/

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