GSM RF Optimization Step By Step

Here I write about GSM RF Optimization Step by Step and how to find KPI degradation
and its solution.

The RF network optimization process can be categorized by the following steps:

Problem analysis
 Analyzing performance retrieved from tool reports and statistics for the worst
performing BSCs and/or Sites
 Viewing ARQ reports for BSC/Site performance trends
 Examining planning tool coverage predictions
 Analyzing previous drive test data
 Discussions with local engineers to prioritize problems
 Checking customer complaints reported to local engineer

Checks prior to action

 Cluster definitions by investigating BSC borders, main cities, freeways, major
roads
 Investigating customer distribution, customer habits (voice/data usage)
 Running specific traces on network to categorize problems
 Checking trouble ticket history for previous problems
 Checking any fault reports to limit possible hardware problems prior to test
Drive testing
 Discussion of drive test goals and objectives
 Defining drive test routes
 Collecting log files
 Scanning frequency spectrum for possible interference sources
 Re–driving questionable data
Areas of Investigation
 Non–working sites/sectors or TRXs
 Improper function of radio network features like frequency hopping, antenna
hopping, etc.
 Limited data throughput and performance (GPRS/EGPRS)
 Overshooting sites – coverage overlaps
 Coverage holes
 C/I, C/A analysis
 High interference areas
 Dropped calls
 Capacity problems
 Other interference sources
 Inaccurate neighbor lists (including 1-way neighbor definitions)
 Handover ping-ponging
 Drops due to handovers
 Accessibility and retainability of the network
 Equipment performance
 Faulty Installations
After the test
 Data post processing
 Plotting RX level and quality information for overall picture of the driven area
 Initial discussions on drive test with local engineers
 Reporting urgent problems for immediate action
 Analyzing network feature performance after new implementations
 Transferring comments on parameter implementations after new changes
Recommendations
 Definition of missing neighbor relations
 Propose new sites or sector additions with before and after coverage plots
 Propose antenna azimuth changes
 Propose antenna tilt changes
 Propose antenna type changes
 Investigation of BTS Equipment/Filter change
 Re–tune of interfered frequencies
 Investigation of BSIC changes
 Adjustment of power settings
 Adjustment of handover margins (Power Budget, Level, Quality, Umbrella
HOs)
 Adjustment of accessibility parameters (RX Lev Acc Min, etc.)
 Attenuation of Adds/Removals
 Propose MHA/TMA adds
Other optimization issues
 Verifying performance of new sites
 Verifying handovers
 Investigating GPRS performance
 Verifying sectorizations
 Collecting DTI scan files
 Verifying coverage
 Verifying propagation model by importing DTI scan files to Planet (any
Analyzer)
 Periodic consistency checks
 Frequency planning check
 Analyzing cell access parameters
 Analyzing handover parameters
 Analyzing power control parameters
 Analyzing frequency hopping parameters (HSN, MAIO)
 Implementing/analyzing optional features
 Assisting local engineers with emergency cases
 Benchmarking