CELLULAR NETWORK

The geographical area to be covered by the Radio Network is divided into cells. A cell is the area covered by a set of frequ
1. Type of Cells
There are two main types of cells: omni-cell and sector-cell

An omni cell is served by a BTS placed in its center. The antenna system transmits equally in all directions (360) and c
A sector cell is served by a BTS placed on its edge and uses a sector antenna (e.g. 120 or 180). One BTS site can ser

Typically, omni directional cells are used to gain coverage, whereas sector cells are used to gain capacity. Each cell re
Example of a 32 sector site RBS2000 CDU A
BTS Configuration

Antenna Configuration top view (with duplex filter)

2. Frequency Allocation

Since an operator only has access to a limited number of frequency carriers, the frequencies have to be reused in the
Example: a reuse-factor 3.

The distance D between two cells using the same frequencies must be long enough to ensure that C/I is superior to a

Ericsson recommends (C/I)min = 18 dB for analog systems (NMT, TACS) and 12 dB for GSM. But 9 dB is acceptable
Example MRP :

The operator has 37 frequencies. BCCH carriers have a frequency reuse factor 12. The second TRX in each cell have
3. Cell Capacity

Cell planning begins with traffic and coverage analysis. The analysis should produce information about the geographic
Cost
Capacity
Coverage
Grade of Service (GoS)
Available frequencies
Speech quality
System growth capability

The basis for all cell planning is the traffic channel demand, i.e. how many subscribers use the network and how much
A = n x T/3600 Erlang
Where,
A = offered traffic from one or more users in the system
n = numbers of calls per hour
T = average call time in seconds
The geographical distribution of traffic demand can be calculated by the use of demographic data such as:
Population distribution
Car usage distribution
Income level distribution
Land usage data
Telephone usage statistics
Other factors like subscription/call charge and price of MSs.
Calculation of required number of BTSs.

To determine the number and layout of BTSs the number of subscribers and the Grade of Service (GoS)have to be kn

If n = 1 and T = 90 seconds the traffic per subscriber is:

A = 1 x 90/3600 = 25 mE
If the following data exist for a network:
Number of subscribers = 10000
Available frequencies = 24
Cell pattern = 4/12
Gos = 2%
Traffic per subscriber 25 mE
This lead to the following calculations:
Frequencies per cell = 24/12 = 2
Traffic channels per cell = 2 x 8 2 (control ch.) = 14 TCH
Traffic per cell = 14 TCH with a 2% GoS implies 8.2 Erlangs per cell (use erlang table)
The number of subscribers per cell = 8.2 E / 25 mE = 328 subscribers per cell
If there are 10000 subscribers then the number of cells needed is 10000 / 328 = 30 cells
Therefore the number of three sector sites needed is 30 / 3 = 10

he area covered by a set of frequencies (transceivers). Each cell has at least one control channel (for BCCH, PCH, SDCCH, etc)

ually in all directions (360) and can be constituted of an omni-antenna or an array of sector antennas.
0 or 180). One BTS site can serve one, two or three sector cells.

sed to gain capacity. Each cell requires two RX antennas (for RX diversity) and a number of TX antennas (depending on the type of TX

uencies have to be reused in the network. In order to prevent co-channel interference (C/I), the frequencies are reused in an organised

o ensure that C/I is superior to a certain threshold. With a reuse factor 9, C/I will be superior to 9 dB; with reuse factor 12, C/I > 12 dB a

for GSM. But 9 dB is acceptable if interference-reducing features are used (such as frequency hopping, DTX, MS/BTS power control). T

he second TRX in each cell have a frequency reuse-factor 8, the third have a reuse-factor 6 and the fourth have a reuse-factor 4.

information about the geographical area and the expected capacity (traffic load). The types of data collected are:

rs use the network and how much traffic they generate. The Erlang (E) is a unit of measurement of traffic intensity. It can be calculated w

graphic data such as:

de of Service (GoS)have to be known. The GoS is the percentage of allowed congested calls and defines the quality of the service.

BCCH, PCH, SDCCH, etc)

nas (depending on the type of TX combiner). It is possible to reduce the number of antennas by using duplex filters and X-polarised ante

ncies are reused in an organised way, according to certain re-use pattern.

with reuse factor 12, C/I > 12 dB and with reuse factor 21, C/I > 18 dB. If we use 3-sector sites, the corresponding cell patterns are called

g, DTX, MS/BTS power control). This means that a 4/12 pattern must be used for BCCH carriers (which cannot use features such as fho

urth have a reuse-factor 4.

ic intensity. It can be calculated with the following formula.

nes the quality of the service.

duplex filters and X-polarised antennas, see below.

esponding cell patterns are called 3/9 (3 sites/9 cells), 4/12 and 7/21. The figure below shows 4/12 and 3/9.

h cannot use features such as fhop, DTX, pwr ctrl). However, the other carriers can have tighter reuse factor such as 9 or less. This is ca

actor such as 9 or less. This is called Multiple Reuse Pattern (MRP).

Handover Analysis
Handover is an important function, which shows the
integrity of the GSM network. If the handover
performance is poor, the subscriber will perceive the
quality of the network as bad.
Probable Reason of Bad Handover Performance

Bad locating parameter settings

Uplink interference
Missing measurement frequency in BA-list
Extra measurement frequency
Co-Channel and Co-BSIC

Unnecessary neighbor relation

HW faults
Permitted NCC (network color code)
Wrong use of HCS parameters
Congestion

Handover Analysis Flowchart.

The following procedure should be performed for

handover analysis:
- Check the successful handover per cell
- Check for the handover success rate below certain criteria for example X%. If it doesnt meet the criteria

- Check the handover activity from the number of handover performed. If the number is above certain valu
- Check the site location, whether the site to site
distance or co-sited. (Good map is needed here).

- Check whether the cell is isolated or not, if already known problem of no dominant serving cell and take o
- Check the handover flow whether is balance between incoming and outgoing.

- Check the difference performance of incoming and outgoing handover. This is to ensure the priority for mo
- Focus on the bad direction.
- Check the worst relation and pick one cell.
- Check the cell whether it is external or internal. If
external, start inter-BSC analysis.

- If the cell is internal, check the high ratio of lost handover, urgency handover and reversion.
- If one of them is yes, check the uplink & downlink interference problem.
- Check the frequency plan. There might be problem on co-channel or adjacent channel.
- Check the handover related parameters such as
relation, BA-list, BSIC, hysteresis, offsets etc.
- Check if many Ping-Pong handover.
- Check if assignment handover are used.
- Check if cell has HW problem. If problem found, swap or repair hardware.
- Check if congested target cell. If the target cell is
congested and then solve the congestion by adding
TRU.
- Perform measures to improve HO performance. This is the assumption comes from the above analysis.
No or Few Handover Attempts

No or Few Handover Attempt Flowchart.

The following procedure should be performed for no

or few handover attempts:
- Check the neighbor relation with low traffics (less than 10% of average number of handover per relation)

- Check from the unbalance relation whether the target cell is congested, if congested, solves the congestio

- Check the missing measurement frequency (MBCCHNO) in Double BA-list in active list (if yes, add the me
- Check unnecessary neighbor cell relations and if
found, remove unnecessary relations.

- Check NCCPERM, if NCC of the neighbor is missing, add the NCC of the neighbor list into the NCCPERM lis
- Check the setting of the cells whether they are set
in different layer of HCS. (Layer 1 is the highest
priority)

- Check if the cell is at the inter BSC border, if so , check the inter BSC HO performance (SIEMENS System)
- Check locating parameters and list out.
- Check the poor setting of parameter and if so, correct the parameter setting
- Check BTS definition (RX commands especially
RXMOP).
- Check if BTS is defined but might not be in service. If yes, correct parameter setting or deblock it.
Diposkan oleh waveice di 00:05 0 komentar

Label: Handover Analysis

nce

Bad setting might cause the locating will not rank the
best cell as a candidate
Incoming handover failed as the target cell could not
decode the handover burst message from the mobile
Prevent any handover to affected neighbor cells
Can provide inaccuracy of measurement for handover
decisions
Measurement result from neighbors can not be
distinguished and MS may perform a handover to the
wrong cell.
None or few handover might indicate a unsuitable
neighbor relation.
Can cause bad neighbor relation.
Missing NCC of the neighbors will not allow any handover.
Cause unnecessary handover
High congestion might lead to dragged calls (handover
performed at a not intended location) a lot of
unsuccessful handover.

w certain criteria for example X%. If it doesnt meet the criteria and change the X% to a higher value and check for the

ber of handover performed. If the number is above certain value for example Y and then take into consideration.

f already known problem of no dominant serving cell and take other cell.

ce between incoming and outgoing.

ming and outgoing handover. This is to ensure the priority for more problem direction.

of lost handover, urgency handover and reversion.

ownlink interference problem.

problem on co-channel or adjacent channel.

ound, swap or repair hardware.

ance. This is the assumption comes from the above analysis.

cs (less than 10% of average number of handover per relation) and unbalance relations.

r the target cell is congested, if congested, solves the congestion problem.

y (MBCCHNO) in Double BA-list in active list (if yes, add the measurement frequency in the BA-list.

missing, add the NCC of the neighbor list into the NCCPERM list.

if so , check the inter BSC HO performance (SIEMENS System).

f so, correct the parameter setting

n service. If yes, correct parameter setting or deblock it.

higher value and check for the next cell.

take into consideration.

TCH Assignment analysis

Successful assignments show the number of successful TCH allocations at call setup.
At unsuccessful assignment, the Assignment Complete message, sent by the MS, was never received by the
The formula is defined as:
% TCH ASSIGNMENT SUCCESS RATE

Probable Reason
No dominant serving cell
Severe congestion on TCH
Low signal strength for call access
Interference
Faulty transceiver
The following procedure should be performed for TCH Assignment analysis:
For TCH assignment success rate, the first thing, check the TCH Time Congestion.

If there is congestion on TCH, it is recommend doing the dimensioning and adding TRU based on carried TC

If there is no congestion on TCH, check the output power of the BTS. If the output power is low, increase th
If the output power is ok, check the faulty BTS by extracting BTS error log.
If hardware fault found, swap or repair HW.
Perform drivetests to check the coverage and received RxLEV.

If no dominant cell or similar signal strengths of a few cells found during drivetests, it is recommended to a

If there is no problem on the dominant cell, check the interference whether co-channel or adjacent channel

Check the disturbance whether it is on SDCCH or target TCH. If disturbance found, improve the frequency p
Mostly, the problems of low TCH assignment are TCH availability and interference.
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Label: TCH Assignment analysis

Congestion Analysis

Traffic congestion is one of the major network problems in a mobile system. A high congestion deteriorates
Short term growth

If the high traffic related to an occasional event, like sports event, fairs, conference, a temporary solution m
Long term growth
If there is a long-term growth the network capacity has to grow according to the demand.

Type of Congestion

The congestion analysis begins by identifying if there is only SDCCH or TCH congestion or both. Congestion

Consider how many channels that are allocated in the cell. If possible, expand the capacity with new transc
SDCCH Congestion

In R8, the time congestion should be used instead of congestion based on access attempts as there is no w
Ericsson recommends using the SDCCH Time congestion as a KPI in R8. The formula is defined as:
SDCCH TIME CONGESTION OF TOTAL
MEASUREMENT INTERVAL

where PERLEN is the measurement period in minutes.

SDCCH Congestion Analysis Flowchart

The flowchart below, Figure 51, explains a general approach to investigate SDCCH Congestion. The next se

Diposkan oleh waveice di 00:20 0 komentar

Label: Congestion Analysis

SDCCH Congestion Analysis.

Low Availability
What should I check?
SDCCH Availability.
Where do I look for it?
STS Counters on SDCCH availability. The formula is:
Available SDCCHs of Total Number of Defined SDCCHs

Run BSC commands to see if the channels are manual, control or automatic blocked.
Why do I need to check this?

We need to check this area to make sure that there is no hardware problem as faulty equipment can af

Location Area Border Cell & CRH

What should I check?
Check site position and location area border, Location Update Performance and parameter CRH.
Where do I look for it?
Refer to site database for site info.
Location Update performance should come from the MSC.
You can run BSC command RLSSP to check CRH value.
Why do I need to check this?

If the cell is situated on a misplaced Location Area border, this means that unnecessary many normal Lo
The CRH is the hysteresis value used when the MS in idle mode crosses a LA border. The default value f

TCH Congestion
What should I check?

Check if TCH congestion exists and if the SDCCH mean holding time is high. Check CLS and Assignment
Where do I look for it?

Use STS Counters and look into time congestion to see how severe is the TCH Congestion. The formula
Note that if the feature Adaptive configuration of logical channels is active the formulahave no meaning. Then S_AV_NR
Diposkan oleh waveice di 00:18 0 komentar

Label: SDCCH Congestion Analysis.

TCH Congestion Analysis

What should I check?

Check if TCH congestion exists and if the SDCCH mean holding time is high. Check CLS and Assignment
Where do I look for it?

Use STS Counters and look into time congestion to see how severe is the TCH Congestion. The formula
TCH TIME CONGESTION OF TOTAL
MEASUREMENT INTERVAL

MEASUREMENT INTERVAL

If activated, check CLS and Assignment to worse cells parameters from CNA.
Why do I need to check this?

TCH congestion causes the mobiles to stay extra long time on the SDCCH. Increase TCH capacity if requ

SMS Usage
What should I check?
Check SMS activity.
Where do I look for it?
Check STS counters for SMS on SDCCH. Counters are
Why do I need to check this?

Extensive SMS usage increases the SDCCH traffic and could cause congestion if badly dimensioned SDC

Too Frequent Periodic Registration

What should I check?
Check Random Access Distribution. Check the timer T3212 in the BSC.
Where do I look for it?
STS Object Type RANDOMACC for Random Access and look into CNA for T3212 setting.
Why do I need to check this?
To prevent intervals of Location Updating which is too short that it affects Random Access Performance

Increasing Traffic Demand

What should I check?
Check if its short-term traffic growth and whether combined SDCCH is used.
Where do I look for it?
Compare the traffic trends and refer to planning on how SDCCH is dimensioned.
Why do I need to check this?

The high traffic could be related to an occasional event or due to a long-term growth. If its a special on

Cell Broadcast Used

What should I check?

Check if Cell Broadcast is active.
Where do I look for it?
Run BSC command RLCCP.
Why do I need to check this?
CBCH is the cell broadcast channel and indicates whether or not a CBCH shall be included in one of the

Long Mean Holding time

What should I check?
Check SDCCH Mean Holding Time.
Where do I look for it?
STS counter for SDCCH Mean Holding time. The formula is:
SDCCH MEAN HOLDING TIME

Why do I need to check this?

If the mean holding time is too long, this can possibly generates a higher traffic load.

SDCCH Dimensioning
What should I check?
Check how SDCCH is dimensioned.
Where do I look for it?
Check the SDCCH settings from CNA parameters.
Why do I need to check this?

As no of subscribers steadily increase, previous SDCCH dimensioning plan might be insufficient. Review

Bad use of Adaptive Configuration of Logical Channels

What should I check?
Check if ACSTATE is on or off. If its on, check the parameter settings.

Where do I look for it?

Run RLACP in BSC for ACSTATE status and use CNA to check these feature parameter settings.
Why do I need to check this?

By using the Adaptive Configuration of Logical Channels feature, the basic SDCCH configuration in a cel

e number of successful TCH allocations at call setup.

Assignment Complete message, sent by the MS, was never received by the BTS.

TFCASSA X 100 %
LL
TASSATT

The serving cell cannot cope with the TCH traffic.

Failing TCH allocation for assignment or handover due to
congestion
The signal strength might be higher on the BCCH than on the
TCH.
Disturbance on SDCCH or target TCH
Faulty equipment

be performed for TCH Assignment analysis:

e, the first thing, check the TCH Time Congestion.

is recommend doing the dimensioning and adding TRU based on carried TCH traffic demand.

, check the output power of the BTS. If the output power is low, increase the output power.

the faulty BTS by extracting BTS error log.

repair HW.

coverage and received RxLEV.

nal strengths of a few cells found during drivetests, it is recommended to add BTS.

minant cell, check the interference whether co-channel or adjacent channel.

t is on SDCCH or target TCH. If disturbance found, improve the frequency plan.

assignment are TCH availability and interference.

major network problems in a mobile system. A high congestion deteriorates the overall performance of the network and

ccasional event, like sports event, fairs, conference, a temporary solution might be considered.

e network capacity has to grow according to the demand.

by identifying if there is only SDCCH or TCH congestion or both. Congestion on both SDCCH and TCH may mean that th

at are allocated in the cell. If possible, expand the capacity with new transceivers, otherwise a new site must be implem

d be used instead of congestion based on access attempts as there is no way to estimate the number of access attemp

SDCCH Time congestion as a KPI in R8. The formula is defined as:

=

CTCONG X 100 %
S

PERLEN
* 60

ent period in minutes.

nalysis Flowchart

explains a general approach to investigate SDCCH Congestion. The next section describes the action points in this flowc

ailability. The formula is:

=

CAVAAC X 100 %
C
CAVASC
AN *
CNUCHC
NT

f the channels are manual, control or automatic blocked.

o make sure that there is no hardware problem as faulty equipment can affect SDCCH availability. If needed, the O&M

Cell & CRH

ion area border, Location Update Performance and parameter CRH.

e should come from the MSC.

RLSSP to check CRH value.

splaced Location Area border, this means that unnecessary many normal Location Updating are performed. If the site i
lue used when the MS in idle mode crosses a LA border. The default value for this parameter is 4. If a high number of L

sts and if the SDCCH mean holding time is high. Check CLS and Assignment to Worse cell parameter settings.

nto time congestion to see how severe is the TCH Congestion. The formula is:

figuration of logical channels is active the formulahave no meaning. Then S_AV_NR is recommended to be used instead.

sts and if the SDCCH mean holding time is high. Check CLS and Assignment to Worse cell parameter settings.

nto time congestion to see how severe is the TCH Congestion. The formula is:
=

TFTCON X 100 %
GS

PERLEN
* 60

Assignment to worse cells parameters from CNA.

mobiles to stay extra long time on the SDCCH. Increase TCH capacity if required. Utilize the features for traffic distribut

on SDCCH. Counters are CSMSDWN and CSMSUP.

ses the SDCCH traffic and could cause congestion if badly dimensioned SDCCH channels. Re-dimension the SDCCH cha

c Registration

bution. Check the timer T3212 in the BSC.

CC for Random Access and look into CNA for T3212 setting.

ion Updating which is too short that it affects Random Access Performance to deteriorate.

c growth and whether combined SDCCH is used.

nd refer to planning on how SDCCH is dimensioned.

ted to an occasional event or due to a long-term growth. If its a special one-time event of surge in traffic, then it shou

hannel and indicates whether or not a CBCH shall be included in one of the SDCCH/8 sub-channels for the cell or chann

n Holding time. The formula is:

=

CTRALA X 100 %
CC*PERL
EN*60
CNSCAN
*CMSES
TAB

oo long, this can possibly generates a higher traffic load.

om CNA parameters.

increase, previous SDCCH dimensioning plan might be insufficient. Review SDCCH dimensioning requirement to existin

Configuration of Logical Channels

f. If its on, check the parameter settings.

ATE status and use CNA to check these feature parameter settings.

guration of Logical Channels feature, the basic SDCCH configuration in a cell will be under-dimensioned. If this feature i

ance of the network and should be minimized.

TCH may mean that the only way to get rid of the congestion is to add more physical capacity in terms of transceivers

ew site must be implemented. Frequency planning schemes such as MRP and FLP could be used to relieve congestion.

umber of access attempts a single mobile does.

ction points in this flowchart. The reference to each action point is indicated on the flow chart as well.

ty. If needed, the O&M procedures need to be reviewed.

performed. If the site is located close to major road or railway, consider moving the Location Area border.
4. If a high number of Location Updating occurs in a Location Area border cell, a higher CRH can be set in order to red

meter settings.

used instead.

meter settings.

ures for traffic distribution such as CLS and Assignment to Worse Cell.

mension the SDCCH channels with consideration taken to SMS usage.

e in traffic, then it shouldnt cause too much concerned. But if the trends continue, then SDCCH might need to be re-d

els for the cell or channel group. It is defined per cell or per channel group. If it is active, check if the network uses it.

g requirement to existing demands.

nsioned. If this feature is not used correctly, it will cause SDCCH congestion.

acity in terms of transceivers or sites.

e used to relieve congestion. Microcells cou

hart as well.

tion Area border.

RH can be set in order to reduce the numbe

DCCH might need to be re-dimensioned

check if the network uses it. If it is

Frequency Planning (GSM)

CELL
Definition: Area Coverage of Radio Base of Station.
Type :
Sectored Cell, Omni Cell, etc
Coverage measure:
MacroCell (>5 km), MicroCell (3 <5km), PicoCell (<1km)
Wide range of rates :

Segmentation of the area into cells :

1. Use of the several carrier frequencies

2. Not the same frequencies in adjoining cells
3. Cell sizes vary from some 100 m up to 35 km depending on user density, geography, transceiver power, etc.
4. Hexagonal shape of cell is idealized (Cell overlap)
5. If a mobile user changes cells : handover of the connection to the neighbour cell.
GSM Frequency Reuse:
Reuse factor

Tighter Reuse : + higher capacity ; Interference between cells.

Design Frequency Reuse:

Basic Parameters:
C/I = Measure of signal quality
* FDMA (AMPS) : C/I > 18 dB ===>
====>

* TDMA (GSM)
====>

* CDMA

: C/I > 12 dB ===>

: Quality evaluated from Eb/Io

Cluster (K) = Frequency grouping

* Measure of Cluster depended from C/I system condition.
N ( Total Frequency Spare)
Example : Frequency Reuse pattern with N = 6 so that: K = 4

SIGNAL TO INTERFERENCE RATIO :

1. Consider closest co-channel cells (SIRmin)

2. Measure of Cluster (N)

3. Co-Channel reuse distance ratio

CELL SPILTTING
Is needed at the time of :
1. Overload traffic on cell mount.
2. TCH Congestion
To increase the capacity, the operator performs cell splittings:

Strategy Frequency Reuse pattern for cell splitting

Posted in 2G RF PLANNING | Leave a Comment

Interference
Posted by goengineer on October 5, 2009
Type of Interference :
Co Channel Interference
Adjacent Channel Interference

Reasons is:
Poor frequency plan
No dominant cell > low C/I > increased Rxqual
Frequency Hopping is off
External interference e.g. jammer
Analysis :
Identify areas with Rxqual > 5
=>> Identify source using Map and STS

=>> New drive test around problem area?

Solution:
Enable Frequency Hopping or add frequencies to Hopping group.
Enable BTS Power Control, MS power control and make it less aggressive.
Change frequency of interferer or interfered cell (Possible to find new frequency by using TEMS Scanning
Down tilt or change antenna of interferer.
Redo frequency plan.

transceiver power, etc.

ng TEMS Scanning).

Interference

Type of Interference :
Co Channel Interference
Adjacent Channel Interference

Reasons is:
Poor frequency plan
No dominant cell > low C/I > increased Rxqual
Frequency Hopping is off
External interference e.g. jammer
Analysis :
Identify areas with Rxqual > 5
=>> Identify source using Map and STS
=>> New drive test around problem area?
Solution:
Enable Frequency Hopping or add frequencies to Hopping group.
Enable BTS Power Control, MS power control and make it less aggressive.
Change frequency of interferer or interfered cell (Possible to find new frequency by using TEMS Scanning
Down tilt or change antenna of interferer.
Redo frequency plan.
Add new site.

ng TEMS Scanning).

Handover Ping Pong (Repeated)

Handover case :
1. Repeated handover (Ping Pong)
2. Repeated Intra-cell handover
3. Handover failure
4. Unrealistic handover
Reasons :
1. Repeated HandOver (Ping pong)

No dominant server
Locating penalty settings e.g. PSSBQ, PTIMBQ
Too small hysterisis setting

Solution :
a. Change physical Antenna

Antenna direction
Antenna Tilts
Plan for new site Change

Locating Parameter e.g. KHYST or LHYST

b. Change Parameter, KHYST or LHYST

2. Repeated Intra-Cell HandOver

Repeated Intra-Cell HandOver the following reasons is:
Wrong intra-cell handover settings
External Uplink Interference
Solution :
Consider to change parameters:
SSOFFSETUL, SSOFFSETDL
QOFFSETUL, QOFFSETDL
A wrong setting of parameters will cause unnecessary IHO
Turn off Intra-cell Handover?
3. HandOver Reversion

Check layer 3 message

Handover command BSC correct?

Check reason for handover SS, RXQUAL
Target cell?
Handover Reversion the following reasons is :
Duplicates of BSIC BCCH combinations in neighboring list
Solution:
Change one of the BSIC between BTS with same BSIC or Rotation Cell Parameters.

Other Reasons:
Uplink interference in target cell
Downlink interference at MS
Solution:
Interference Investigation
Statistics
Scaning
4. Unrealistic HandOver

Reasons :
Wrong locating settings, in Serving or Target cell
Note : Could be on purpose e.g. Dual Band network with HCS
Solution:
Fix locating settings e.g. MSRXSUFF, BSRXSUFF

Call Setup Failure Analysis

Call Setup Failure the following reasons is :

1. Low Signal Strength
2. Interference
3. High Congestion on SDCCH
4. High Congestion on TCH
5. Transmission Fault
6. Faulty TRU/Hardware
7. Central Processor Overload
8. Software File Congestion
9. Cell is not defined in MSC
Possible Solutions:
Low signal strength => Signal strength analysis.
Interference => Interference analysis.
High Congestion on SDCCH:
==> Define more SDCCHs.
==> Activate adaptive configuration of logical channel feature and immediate assignment to TCH.
High Congestion on TCH:
==> Add capacity/Tune coverage array.
==> Activate assignment to worse cell.
Analysis :
SDCCH Blocking
Multiple Channel Requests.

Successful Random Access after the third try.

==> Congestion in SDCCH.

From plot, identify which & where in logfile the dropped call occurs.
In the log file, Jump the drop call event.
Check if there is a disrupt in the recording. If yes ==> could be a false drop due to TEMS mobile disconnection during re
Check the Radio environment just before drop:
If High Rxqual for a longer period of time and RLINKT expire ==> Interference problem.
If Low SS DL, SS DL < MS SENS ( -104dBm) ==> low signal strength problem.
If TA > 63 ==> too far from the cell.

If DL radio is good, check the TX power. If there is MS power down regulation when the MS is close to the cell. If full pow
Verify or isolate the problem using STS (Drop call and reasons).

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

SDCCH Success Rate (SD-SUC)

assignment to TCH.

S mobile disconnection during recording!!!

MS is close to the cell. If full power ==> suspect uplink interference or antenna, TMA problem.

Signalling protocols are decomposed into layers, each layer having a specific function.
Example :

The protocols used in BSS are :

On Layer 1 :
G.703. This protocol is used in the Transmission Network ( A, A-bis)
Signalling processing and Radio. This used in the Radio Network ( Um)
On Layer 2 :
LAPD (Link Access Procedure on D-Channel). This protocol is used on A-bis, for safe transport of BTS O&M and Traffic
LAPDm. This protocol is use on Um, for safe transport of Traffic management messages between Mobile and BTS.
On layer 3 :
BTS O&M. This protocol is only used on A-bis (between BTS and BSC), for operation and maintenance of the BTSs.
Traffic Management. This protocol is used on all interfaces ( between Mobile, BTS, BSC and MSC) to handle the phone
Signalling used layer 1, 2 and 3 while speech and data only layer 1.

ansport of BTS O&M and Traffic Management messages. BTS O&M use the OML Link, Traffic Management use the RSL Link.
s between Mobile and BTS.

nd maintenance of the BTSs.

C and MSC) to handle the phone calls.

ement use the RSL Link.

DAILY PERFORMANCE

The following metrics can be used to measure the performance of the network. these counters should be m

. these counters should be monitoried daily on per cell basis.

TCH Blocking maybe due to the following reasons

1. Handover and Power budget margins
2. Cells too large
3. Capacity Limitations (Congestion)
4. Incorrect or Inapproriate Timer
Optimization for tips :
1. Handover and Power budget Margins

Handover Margins should be properly optimised to move the traffic to neighbouring cell. Strict handover margins can r
TIPS :

6 dB handover margin is considered to be an approriate margin for handover. A strict handover margin results in the s
2. Cells too Large

If cell are too large meaning antenna too high or antenna too shallow, it will pull in out of area traffic again causing con
TIPS :
Consider reducing antenna height to reduce the footprint of the site. Also increase the antenna tilt (the max tilt is 12)

ell. Strict handover margins can results in lower handovers and ultimatelly congestion in cell.

handover margin results in the strict criteria for Power Budget Handovers also. Setting a lower value of handover margin will initiate pin

t of area traffic again causing congestion in the cell.

e antenna tilt (the max tilt is 12)

f handover margin will initiate ping pongs handovers, which are not considered good for network health. (handover margin have already

h. (handover margin have already been discussed).

SDCCH Blocking

SDCCH Blocking is probably due to one or more reasons

1. No Access to SDCCH
2. Failure before Assignment of TCH.
3. High Paging Load
4. Incorrect or Inapproriate timer values
Optimization for tips :
1. No Access to SDCCH
This cases before has already been discussed
2. Failure before Assignment of TCH
This cases before has already been discussed
3. High Paging Load

Irreguler paging distribution in location areas results in SDCCH Blocking. Higher paging load in certain location area m
TIPS :

A location area with a high paging load needs to be reduced in size to relieve SDCCH Blocking. A location area with lo
4. Incorrect or Inapproriate timer values

Timer rr_t3 111 sets the amount of time allowed to delay the deactivation of a traffic channel (TCH) after the disconnec
TIPS :

The suitable value for this timer is 1200 ms (max being 1500 ms). The timer will cause the BSS to wait before the cha

ng load in certain location area mean higher location updates on SDCCH resulting in SDCCH Blocking.

H Blocking. A location area with low paging load need to be enlarged in size to reduced the overal number of location ares.

hannel (TCH) after the disconnection of the main signaling link.

e the BSS to wait before the channel in question is allocated another connection. A lower value of timer will result in higher capacity sinc

ber of location ares.

r will result in higher capacity since the channel is held for less time before being released.

High Handover Failure Rate

High handover failures rate will probably be due to one or more of the following reason.
1. High Neighbour Interference
2. No Dominant Server
3. Database Parameters
Optimization for tips :
1. High Neighbour Interference

While handling off to the best neighbour the interference on the target cell frequency may result in the hand off failure.
TIPS:

When designing the cell frequencies care should be taken that there is proper frequency spacing between the cells to
2. No Dominant Server

If cell sites are designed poorly there might be areas where neighbour being received at the same level and some neig
TIPS :

Antenna tilts provide the good way to reduce the footprint of the sites. Efforts should be made that a single dominant s
3. Database Parameters

Received level, receive quality and power budget algorithm are set in the system information to define the criteria for h
TIPS:

Enable the per neighbour feature which dispalys the successful and unsuccessful handovers on a per cell basis. In o

All those cells can be identified which are problematics in terms of hand off so one can focus only specific cell causing
a. Defines the lower threshold for uplink quality handovers.
ex : Range 0 to 1800
Step size = 0.01

a value of 500 defines the lower threshold value of 5 (BER) for a quality handover to be triggered for uplink. The
b. Defines the lower threshold for downlink quality handovers.
c. Defines the lower threshold for received level uplink handovers.
Ex : A value of 20 defines the threshold value of -90 dBm for a level handover to be triggered for uplink.

Range 0 to 63
Where 0 = -110 dBm
1 = -109 dBm
63 = -47 dBm

The optimum value for this threshold is 15 ( 95 dBm). If the signal level goes below that, a level handove
d. Defines the lower threshold for received level downlink handovers.
e. Defines the upper threshold for uplink interference handovers
f. Defines the upper threshold for downlink interference handovers

Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

Handover Ping Pong (Repeated)
Call Setup Failure Analysis
Handover Failure due to same BCCH-BSIC

may result in the hand off failure.

ncy spacing between the cells to avoid neighbour interference. In most of the cases Ping Pong Handover starts i.e the mobile hand off

d at the same level and some neighbour randomly look good for hand off for a certain amount of time. Such situation is disastrous becau

be made that a single dominant server should serve the specific area. Timing advance limitation is applied to cell areas where there is m

rmation to define the criteria for handover. Improper values for these criteria may result in poor handoff.

andovers on a per cell basis. In optimization, monitor the following stats, which comes under cell statistic category.

an focus only specific cell causing the major contribution towards poor HSSR. Ensure that handover margins are optimised. Rule of thum

over to be triggered for uplink. The optimum for this threshold is 500.

r to be triggered for uplink.

goes below that, a level handover is initiated.

ver starts i.e the mobile hand off to a cell for better level and due to interference (Quality issues) hand off again to original cell. A through

Such situation is disastrous because handoff decision will be hard and mostly it will end up unsuccessful handovers.

lied to cell areas where there is multiple servers.

stic category.

argins are optimised. Rule of thumb is a 4 dB for adjecent frequencies and 6 dB per cell without adjecent frequencies. The following par

off again to original cell. A through drive test can determine the interfering frequencies which should be eliminated from the frequencies

ul handovers.

nt frequencies. The following parameters can be played for defining the threshold for imperative and non-imperative handovers.

e eliminated from the frequencies plan.

on-imperative handovers.

High Call Drop Rate (HCR) Guidelines

For healthy network the drop call rate should be less than 1%. There are again number of reasons, which could contribute
1. Drop on Handover
2. Low signal Level
3. Adjacent channel Interference
4. Co-channel Interference
5. Extraneous Interference
6. Link Imbalance
Optimization for Tips :
1. Drop on Handover

The call may drop on handover. Its mostly high neighbor interference on the target cell, which causes the main proble
TIPS :
Within optima, monitor the following statistic. Theses statistics are defined under the category of BSC level statistics.
a. total and successful handover on UL/DL quality
b. total and successful handover on UL/DL signal strength.
c. total and successful power budget handovers.
From the above statistics, quality or level must be estimated.
2. Low signal Level

Signal level below -95 dBm is considered to be poor. If the mobile is unable to handoff to a better cell on level basis, th
TIPS:

First of all path balances should be checked. If path balances are deviating fro the standard value then check the BTS
a. I_Rx Lev_DL_p
Defined the lower value for receive level for the power control to be triggered.
Range

0 to 63

Where

0 = -110 dBm
1 = -109 dBm
63 = -47 dBm

Example : If the value of 20 is set it means that the BTS will start transmitting more if it senses that downlink re
b. U_RxLev_DL_p

Defines the upper threshold value for receive level for the power control to be triggered (Range is same as des
Example : On setting the value of 50 (equivalent to -60 dBm) BTS will lower down the power.
3. Adjacent and Co-channel Interference

Frequency planning plays a major role to combat adjecent channel and Co-channel Interference. Co channel is obser
TIPS :

An Optimization tools like Neptune could be helpful in identifying the interference on the particular area. Such frequen
a. TCH Interference level 1
b TCH Interference level 2
c. TCH Interference level 3
d. TCH Interference level 4

When a TCH timeslot is idle it is constantly monitored for an uplink ambient noise. During a SACCH Multiframe an idle
4. Extraneous Interference
Extraneous Interference might be from :
a. Others mobile network
b. Military communication
c. Cordless Telephones
d. Illegal radio communition equipment.
TIPS :

External interference is always measured through spectrum analyser which can scan the whole band. Some spectrum
5. Link Imbalance

Sometime the multifunctionality of vendor hardware becomes responsible for high Call Drop Rate. One of the possible
a. Transmited and receiving antenna facing different direction
b. Transmited and receiving antennas with different tilts.
c. Antenna feeder demage, crossion or water ingress.
d. Physical obstruction.

reasons, which could contribute towards higher dropped call rate is :

ell, which causes the main problem. Sometime the mobile is on the wrong source cell (not planed for that area but serves due to the ant

category of BSC level statistics.

ff to a better cell on level basis, the call will possibly be dropped. Topology or Morpology issues may also be there like if Mobile enters in

andard value then check the BTS transmited power with the help of wattmeter. BTS may transmit low power because of the malfunction

more if it senses that downlink receive level is below -90 dBm.

triggered (Range is same as described above).

own the power.

nterference. Co channel is observed mostly when mobile is elevated and receives signals from cell far away but using the same frequen

the particular area. Such frequencies can be cleaned from existing frequency plan. The following statistic can also be monitored to conf

uring a SACCH Multiframe an idle timeslot is monitered 104 times. These samples are the processed to procedure a noise level average

the whole band. Some spectrum analyser can even decode voice from AMPS circuits or Cordless Phones.

all Drop Rate. One of the possible scanarios could be :

hat area but serves due to the antenna overshoot) which may the result in the drop call.

so be there like if Mobile enters into a tunnel or a building , higher RF losses will be develoved.

power because of the malfunctioning of radio or higher combiner losses. Also check the feeder losses, antenna connectors. Enable Dow

away but using the same frequencies.

tic can also be monitored to confirm that there interferences issues in the cell. These stats are defined in optima under the category of B

o procedure a noise level average per 480 ms. An interference band is allocated to an idle slot depending upon the interference level. T

antenna connectors. Enable Downlink power control. Power control is be directional. The lower and Upper recieve level downlink power

in optima under the category of BSC stats.

ng upon the interference level. The threshold for these levels can be set in the system parameters. Interference level 1 being the least a

per recieve level downlink power control values should be properly defined.

erference level 1 being the least ambient and interference level 4 being the most ambient. While planning the Network care should be ta

ing the Network care should be taken that the cell do have the proper frequency spacing.

SDCCH Success Rate is percentace of MS Call Setup success due to TimeSlot at the first call.
Where :
SDCCH success rate = [(Call Setup Success - Call Setup Failure )/ Call setup success] x 100%
The call setup rate should be above 90% for a healthy network. However a cssr of 85% 90% is satisfactory.
There could be so many reasons for a poor cssr. Some are described as follows :
1. No access to SDCCH
2. CM Service Reject
3. TCH Failure Assignment
4. Hardware Problem
Optimization Tips for :
1. No Access to SDCCH.

BSS detacts channel request (in the form of RACH) from a source, requesting resources for networks tran
Case :
a. Valid RACH ( SDCCH Congestion)

Due to unavailability of SDCCH, BSS will response to MS with immediate assignment reject, termin
Invalid RACH (Invalid established cause detected in the received RACH)
b. Phantom RACHs
The received RACH is in fact genereted from an unknown source, wherby it fails to continue the
TIPS:

Within the optima there are certain stats which can be monitored before coming to conclusion that ther
a. SDCCH Blocking
b. SDDCH Congestion (Valid RACH)

If the SDCCH blocking greater than 1% or SDCCH Congestion greater than 2% than that mean that it is a capacity rel

A TCH can be allocated by passing SDCCH. A parameter namely Immediate Assign Mode when enabled allocates TC
2. CM Service Reject

CM Service Request (MOC) or Paging Response (MTC) to BSC/MSC. Inside the CM service request message (MS in
3. TCH Failure Assignment

Upon completion of MS/BSC/MSC link established, MS issues Assignment Request to BSC, Requesting TCH Assignm
Case :
TCH Congestion
TIPS :

For TCH Congestion certain features can be enabled like TCH queuing , Directed Retry and Congestion Relief. In cas

Interference analysis on a particular carier can be done through an optimization tools like Neptune. Once interfering fr
4. Hardware Problem

Hardware failures also play major role for poor CSSR. Improper functinality of any BTS hardware can affe
TIPS :
If there are no capacity or RF issues then equipment needs to be checked. Before starting the drivetest

meSlot at the first call.

up success] x 100%
90% is satisfactory.

ng resources for networks transactions. After validation of the RACH, BSS will attempt to allocate a dedicated channel (S

ate assignment reject, terminating the transactions. In which case, call setup is termed as unsuccessful due to SDCCH c

wherby it fails to continue the transaction after SDCCH has been allocated by the BSS. For instances, case of channel req

oming to conclusion that there is SDDCH problem :

that mean that it is a capacity related issue and more slots should be assigned for SDCCH.

Mode when enabled allocates TCH by passing SDCCH.

M service request message (MS initiated service request), MS informs the network the types of service it requires (i.e. Mobile Origination

o BSC, Requesting TCH Assignment to the dedicated MS. Subsequently, BSS will attempt to allocated free TCH for MS voice messagin

try and Congestion Relief. In case of the TCH queuing feature is enable, MS will queue in the Original SDCCH , awaiting for the next a
like Neptune. Once interfering frequencies are determind, the frequency plan can be cleaned from such frequencies.

of any BTS hardware can affect the overall performance of sites.

Before starting the drivetest make sure that the cell site are free for any hardware alarms. The important parameter to

ocate a dedicated channel (SDCCH) for the source. One the availability of SDCCH channel is confirmed, the BSS will sen

unsuccessful due to SDCCH congestion.

nstances, case of channel request detected by overshooting cells, handover access burst from distanced MS, hardware

it requires (i.e. Mobile Originationl, Emergency Call, Short Message transfer or Suplementary services activity), wherby Paging respons

free TCH for MS voice messaging. Once Assignment Command is received by MS, stating the availability of TCH for the MS, it will mo

SDCCH , awaiting for the next available TCH. It is to be remainded that once Queuing timer expires. BSS will also terminates transactio

ch frequencies.

The important parameter to check is the path balance. If path balances are not fine then start checking the power from

is confirmed, the BSS will send immediate assignment to MS indicating the dedicated SDCCH sub-channel (via AGCH), w

rom distanced MS, hardware deficiency, UL/DL imbalance path, MS moving out of range would carry the Phantom RACH

activity), wherby Paging response is specific to MTC. Subsequently, BSS embraces the information with its own initiated connection req

bility of TCH for the MS, it will move to the dedicated TCH and responds with Assignment Complete. In turns, BSS will submit Assignmen

BSS will also terminates transactions, in which case, call setup is termed as unsuccessfull due to TCH Congestion. The same situation a

start checking the power from radio to connected antennas. If we take the examples of GSM 900 scenario, the link budg

CH sub-channel (via AGCH), wherby subsequent message exchange will be preformed over the dedicated SDCCH.

ould carry the Phantom RACHs symptoms.

h its own initiated connection request BSSMAP message, send to MSC to approval. MSC will response with either connection confirme

turns, BSS will submit Assignment Complete to MSC as to complete the signal activity.

Congestion. The same situation also applies in situation where Congestion Relief feature is enabled. In the case of Directed Retry featu

M 900 scenario, the link budget defines that the radio should transmit 40 watts power and at the top of the cabinet, 20

r the dedicated SDCCH.

e with either connection confirmed, confirming the success in link establishment between MS-BSC-MSC, or connection Refused, Indica

the case of Directed Retry feature is enabled, MS will perform Handover to TCH of another cell if a valid handover neighbor is detected

d at the top of the cabinet, 20 watts are recaived ( Considering the 3 dB loss of combiner). While checking the power, if

C, or connection Refused, Indicating the termination of the specific network transaction.

lid handover neighbor is detected. The best thing to do is to add more radios in the cell to remove congestion.

While checking the power, if any components seems to procedure more losses than expected, change that component

cted, change that component. Similarly check the power at antenna feeder ports. Some time due to the water ingress, c

me due to the water ingress, connectors get rusty and needs to be replaced.

Measurement Point Of successful TCH seizures

Measurement Point of successfull TCH seizures

1. When CH_ACT_ACK message is received in the immediate assignment process. Since there is no SDCCH available, TCH channel is directly assig
2. When CH_ACT_ACK message is received, the calling status is CS_WAIT_RR_EST(Waiting RR setup status) and the present channel is TCH.

3. When assignment complete message is sent in process of assignment.

4. When the MSG_ABIS_HO_DETECT message is received during incoming inter BSC inter cell handover, and the handover type is non-SDCCH han

5. When the MSG_ABIS_HO_DETECT message is received during internal inter cell handover, and the handover type is non-SDCCH handover.

6. When the CLEAR-CMD message with the cause of HO_SUCC or CALL_CTRL is received from the MSC during inter-BSC handover , and the hand

Direct retry process:

When the CLEAR-CMD message, whose cause values is HO_SUCC or CALL_CTRL, is received from the MSC during inter BSC handover , and at th

H available, TCH channel is directly assigned.

tus) and the present channel is TCH.

and the handover type is non-SDCCH handover.

dover type is non-SDCCH handover.

during inter-BSC handover , and the handover cause is directed retry.

SC during inter BSC handover , and at the same time the handover cause is direct retry, one measurement point will be counted and added to successful TCH seizures

d and added to successful TCH seizures times

TCH Call drop

causes of TCH Call Drop

Usually, the typical causes for sending the Clear_Request mssg are as follows ;
1. Radio Inteface Failure
2. O & M Intervention
3. Equipment Failure
4. Protocol error
5. Preemption