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VEDANG Radio Technology Pvt. Ltd .

105, Nirman Industrial Estate Link Road Malad (W) Mumbai -400064

Module 3- RF Optimization GSM

Understanding RF Network Cycle Why do we need optimization?? Optimization Stages Physical and Hardware Optimization Database parameter optimization

Understanding the RF Network Cycle

Spreadsheet Design Link Budget CW Drive Test Model Tuning

Benchmarking Downlink / Voice Quality

In-Building Solutions

RF Planning

RF Network Cycle

Traffic Engineering Expansion Planning

RF Site Survey RF Drive Test

RF Optimization Parametric Optimization

Frequency Planning

Neighbor List

PN Planning

Site Parameters

Spreadsheet Design ...


Usually done during Initial Network Build Link budget to calculate the number of sites. Calculations based on
subscriber density,
traffic per subscriber, expected growth in traffic, etc.

CW Drive Test/ Model Tuning...


Purpose Model Tuning is used to
Accurately allocate the sites. To achieve more accurate results from the prediction/simulation tool deployed.

Identification of hotspots/special coverage requirement areas.


Tuned model can be used as a benchmark for future expansions.

CW Drive Test/ Model Tuning...


Model Tuning Process
Setup consists of Test transmitter for the particular band (GSM 900/1800) usually 20W Antenna Omni/Panel, cables, accessories. One candidate chosen to represent each type of clutter area in the network. The clutter types could be urban, suburban, rural, etc. The test transmitter is setup on a suitable rooftop. Test frequency chosen and transmitted Drive test is carried out using receiver or TEMS equipment set to scan mode.

CW Drive Test/ Model Tuning...


Model Tuning Process
Data collected Rxlev samples aggregated over 30-50 m bins. The Rxlev measurements are processed and input to the prediction tool. Clutter offset and other parameters are corrected.

Corrections are made to achieve lowest possible Standard Deviation values.


Thus we have a tuned model, which can be applied to other areas which have the same clutter type.

RF Planning
The inputs received from spreadsheet design and model tuning surveys, is used to prepare a Nominal Cell Plan aka Hi Level Design. The HLD has the following details
Distribution of the sites across the agreed geographical area. Coverage/Capacity objective details. Type of antennas to be used, sites where special hardware(TMA/MHA) is required, etc.

RF Planning
The output of the HLD is search rings which is defined for each site to be built in the network. Each search ring will have
Nominal site coordinates, Search radius and Specifications about antenna height requirements for each site, in order that the site objectives are reasonably achieved.

Search rings form a basis for further surveys to be carried out to hunt for site candidates and identify suitable ones.

RF Site Survey/Drive Testing


Using the inputs provided by the nominal cell plan, the RF team performs
Surveys for each search ring in the network to identify the suitable candidates which can be used for building the sites. Candidates identified are ranked on basis of their RF suitability

and other parameters such as structural stability, line of sight


clearance(for Tx), accessibility, costs, etc. Drive testing may be carried out in some cases, to assess the RF suitability

Once suitable candidate(s) is identified..acquisition begins!!!

RF Planning The REAL Challenge!!!


Acquisition of ideal candidate poses a real challenge to the network design process. More often than not candidates which are lower on priority in terms of RF suitability are the ones which get acquired!! Often due to acquisition constraints, search rings need to be modified and sometimes even the nominal plan needs to be changed. Thus as an end result the network built is deviated from the one which was originally designed in the nominal plan.@!@!!!!$!

Frequency Planning
GSM works on a frequency reuse pattern. As the sites get acquired and the build process starts, the RF planners prepare a frequency plan for the network.

Different techniques available for frequency plan a) Fixed Plan, b) Hopping Plan further divided into Baseband Hopping and Synthesized Frequency Hopping RF Planners either manually or by the use of an AFP(Automatic Frequency Planner) create a frequency plan for the network.

Frequency Planning
An optimal frequency is critical to ensure good RF performance of the network. Spectral challenges
Limited band allocation

Fast growth rate of subscribers/ traffic growth


Tighter reuse patterns

RF Optimization/Parametric Optimization
During the network build initial RF optimization is done, to ensure that the sites built are reasonably meeting their objectives. During the network build phase it is also ensured that optimal parameter settings are done for all sites to ensure good performance. Detailed explanation of the above to follow!!

Traffic Planning/Expansion Planning


1) Two stages for Capacity Planning I) Initial Network Build II) Future Expansion. Initial Capacity Plan Spreadsheet design is used. The expected traffic is calculated based on a certain amount of traffic assigned per subscriber say 25 mE. The total traffic requirement is traffic per subscriber X total no of subscribers. Network capacity is based on a certain GOS say 2 %.

Erlang B table used to calculate the no. of TRX, hence no of sites.

Traffic Planning/Expansion Planning


Two stages for Capacity Planning I) Initial Network Build II) Future Expansion.
This can also be done using spreadsheet design methodology, using a figure of expected traffic growth. Alternatively TRX additions are done on an ad-hoc basis by studying the traffic trend on a weekly/monthly basis. In cases where no further TRX addition is practicable, capacity sites are added in the existing network.

2) Future Expansion

Separate planning is done for Traffic Channels(TCH) and Access Channels (SDCCH).

Inbuilding Solutions
IBS is required in places where indoor coverage requirement is critical and the possibility of providing coverage from outdoor sites is not practicable. Usually implemented for places like corporate offices, hotels, hospitals, shopping complexes, etc., where both coverage and capacity is essential. IBS implementations may consist of
Repeaters Low cost solution for covering a small area with less traffic

Microcells/Macrocells Separate BTS sites which can be a single carrier microcell or a multi carrier macrocell, implemented in places where larger area needs to be covered and has higher traffic requirement.

Inbuilding Solutions
IBS implementations usually deploy a passive RF network using DAS(Distributive Antenna Systems). In some exceptional cases active elements like Leaky Feeders might be used. Cost of leaky feeder is comparatively very high, hence the requirement needs to be justified!! IBS performance also needs to be monitored and optimized as it is critical to the performance of the whole network. A bad performing IBS can skew the statistics of the BSC to which it belongs. Special handover algorithms are used for controlling handovers between IBS sites to outdoor network, in order to achieve good performance and for traffic management.

Benchmarking
Benchmarking is done for having a comparison of own network with competitors network in terms of coverage/voice quality. Benchmarking is also done for comparing own networks performance against certain set KPIs or previously achieved performance targets. Special tools like Qvoice equipment is available for voice quality benchmarking. For coverage/quality benchmarking could be done using regular drive test and post processing tools like TEMS and DESKCAT

Benchmarking
Statistical data from benchmarking can be used as a valuable input to the network optimization process. The data is used to identify weak areas in the network, which helps in developing strategies for improving the network performance.

Frequency Planning Objective


Optimum uses of Resources Reduce Interference

Frequency Planning

Frequency Re-use
F= 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Clusters
GSM uses concept of cells One cell covers small part of network Network has many cells Frequency used in one cell can be used in another cells This is known as Frequency Re-use

F=2 F=7 F=1 F=6,10 F=2 F=7 F=1 F=6,10 F=5,9 F=3 F=7 F=5,9 F=2 F=3 F=3

F=4,8

Co-Channel ( Re-use ) Cells

F=4,8
F=6,10

F=1
F=4,8 F=5,9

Co - Channel Re-use factor

C / I = 9 db
A A

Q = Co-Channel Reuse ratio

Q= D R

Adjacent-Channel Re-use Criteria

Adjacent ARFCN's can be used in adjacent cells, but as far as possible should be avoided. As such separation of 200 Khz is sufficient, but taking into consideration the propagation effects, as factor of protection 600 Khz should be used*. In the worst, Adjacent ARFCN's can also be used in adjacent cells by setting appropriate handover parameters ( discussed later in optimization)

* Practically not possible in most of the networks due to tight reuse

Cell Configuration
Omnidirectional Cell Sectorial Cell

BTS
Low gain Antennas Lesser penetration/directivity Receives Int from all directions Lower implementation cost

BTS
High gain Antennas Higher penetration/directivity Receives Int from lesser directions Higher implementation cost

Interference in Omni-Cells

B A

Receives Interference from all directions

3,6,9 C

3,6,9 B

3,6,9 A

Sectored Cells

C3 6 C2

3 9

C1

B3
6

3
9

B1

B2 A3 6 A2 3

A1

Receives

Interference from lesser directions.

Re-use Patterns

Re-use Patterns ensures the optimum separation between Co-Channels.


Re-use pattern is a formation of a cluster with a pattern of frequency distribution in each cell of the cluster. Same cluster pattern is then re-used. Preferred Re-use Patterns

Omni - Cells : 3 cell, 7 cell, 12 cell, 14 cell, 19 cells etc Sector - Cells : 3/9 , 4/12, 7/21

3/9 Re-use Pattern

C3

C2

A1 A3 A2

C3 B1 B3 C2 A1

C2 A3 B2 C3 A2 C1 B3 C2

A1

C3

C2

B1 B3
A1 A3 C1 C3

A2
C1

B1 B3
B2 A1 A2 C1 C3 C2

B2

C1 C3

C2
B1

A2 B3 C2

B1

A3 B2

A3
B2

A1

C3

A1

Exercise !!!
Using ARFCN's 1to9 , do the channel allocation for the below cells using 3/9 pattern

C3 B1 B3 A1 A3

C2 A3 B2 C3 A2

A1

C3 A2 B1

C2
A3 B2

A1

C3 A2 B1

C2

C1

B3 C2

C1 C3

B3 C2 A1

B2

A1

B1

A3

A2 C1

B1

A3 B2
C1

A2

C1
C3

B3 C2 A1

B2
C3

B3
C2 A1

C3

C2

Frequency Allocation in 3/9 patterns

1
4 3 6 9 7 5 2

Adjacent Channel Interference is very difficult to avoid within the cluster itself.

4/12 Reuse Patterns


A1 C1 C3 C2 A1 A3 D2 C1 A2 B3 C2 A1 D3 D1 D3

B3

B2 D1 A3
D2 B1

D3 A2 B1 B3 C2

D2

B3 D1

B2

D3

C1

B2 D1

D2 B1
B2

C3
B2 A1 A3 C2 C1

B3 C1 C3

D3 A2 B3

B1 B2

C3

D2

Exercise
Using ARFCN's 61 to72 do the channel allocation for the below cells using 4/12 pattern.

B3 D1 D3 B1 B3 C1 C3

B2 A3 D2 C3 B2 A3 C2

A1

D3 A2 B1
B3 D1

D2 C3
B2 A3 D2 B1 C3 B2

C1

B3 C2 D1 D3 A2 B1

B2

C1

A1

D2
B2 D1

C2
A1 D3 A2 C1 B3

C1

B3 C2

A1

D3

D2

4/12 Pattern Channel Allocation

1
5 3 7 9 6 2 11

12 4

10
4/12 pattern avoids adjacent channels in adjacent cells

Reuse Patterns Conclusion

Larger reuse patterns give reduction in interference


Re-use patterns becomes more effective with sectorial cell configurations. To implement large patterns ( like 4/12, 7/21) , more channels are required. So with less resources, the best way to plan is : 1. Use optimum no of channels per cell. 2. Thus, increase the pattern size.

Critical Factors for good RF Network


Grid based RF design. Maintain standard azimuths while sectorizing cells This makes frequency plan easier Correct choice of antenna type for specific coverage requirements.

Use of optimal antenna heights Should be sufficient to cater to the coverage area, but should not exceed the requirement, else it results into large spillovers and interference, making reuse difficult!! Use optimal tilt Electrical tilt as far as possible. In some cases combination of electrical and mechanical tilts

Quality of Service

Effect of QOS !
Revenue
--------Customer Switchovers Less New Customers Cost of Dropped Calls Cost of Blocked Calls

Dissatisfied Customers

--- Customers face describes your profit curve --- 1 Dissatisfied customer prevents 10 new

Importance of RF Optimization
RF Optimization is a continuous and iterative process.
Main Goal To achieve performance levels to a certain set standard. Network subscribers expect wireline/near wireline quality.

Network subscribers also expect 100 % availability at all given times.


RF network optimization is a process to try and meet the expectation of subscribers in terms of coverage, QoS, network availability. RF optimization also aims to maximize the utility of the available network resources. Each operator has a certain set of decided KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) based on which the operator guages the performance of his network.

Importance of RF Optimization
RF/Access Network KPIs can be broadly classified into three types a) Access related KPI b) Traffic/Resource Usage related KPI c) Handover related KPI

Examples of access KPI


a)SDCCH Drop rate c)SDCCH Blocking, etc. b) Call setup success rate

Examples of Traffic KPI a)TCH Drop Rate c)TCH Blocking, etc. b) Call success rate

Examples of handover performance KPI

a)Handover Success rate b) Handover failure rate.


c)Handover per cause, per neighbour, etc.

Importance of RF Optimization
Apart from the KPIs mentioned earlier the operator may have his own set of custom KPIs which the operator feels is critical to guage the performance of his network. RF optimization process drives the effort to achieve and maintain the network performance KPI. Optimization can be broadly divided into 3 categories, as follows a) Hardware Optimization b) Physical Optimization

c) Database/Parameter Optimization
Generally the activities mentioned above are done in parallel. In some cases one may precede the other.

Network Optimization Cycle

Nominal Cell Design

Traffic Optimization

RF Planning

Network Rollout
/Build Phase

RF Fine tuning

Optimization Stages
Database

Network Pre Optimization Physical/ Hardware Optimization

parameter optimization

Hardware Optimization
Hardware Optimization is a process in which ailing network elements which affect the performance of BSS (Access Network) are trouble-shooted. The BSS maintenance team attends to hardware issues. However there is a substantial assistance taken from the RF team for isolating the problem to the specific hardware. How is hardware optimization done?? Inputs for the process are
Drive testing

OMCR statistics

Hardware Optimization - Typical Hardware Problems


In most cases, hardware failures on a BTS/BSC or any part of the access network alarms are generated at the OMC, which help in identifying the fault In some cases, there are no alarms generated Key statistics from OMCR could point towards hardware failures Typical statistics which indicate such problems are
a) Poor Assignment Success/High Assignment failure rate b) High TCH/SD RF Loss c) High handover failure rate

d) Lower call volume/traffic on the cell

Hardware Optimization - Typical Hardware Problems


Faulty TRX One of the most common problems. This can be identified from OMCR statistics as well as drive test. In some cases only a particular timeslot on a TRX could be faulty. Immediate step to be taken is to lock the particular timeslot/TRX from the OMC and escalate the fault to the BSS team. For identifying this problem vide drive test, the RF engineer has to go to the site and conduct a timeslot test/make several calls on the particular cell and also test handovers to and from neighbour cells. Sleeping TRX/Sleeping Cell Sometimes certain TRXs/Cells do not take any calls during the day these are referred to as sleeping radios OR sleeping cells. Usually this is a temporary problem and gets resolved by performing a Reset on the particular site or by doing a Lock Unlock process on the specific TRX/sector.

Hardware Optimization - Typical Hardware Problems


Path balance problems This is also one of the common causes for poor cell performance. path balance is pegged as an OMCR statistic on a cell basis General formula is path balance=uplink pathloss downlink pathloss.

Pathbalance= pathloss+110.
where pathloss = uplink pathloss downlink pathloss. uplink pathloss = actual Ms Txpower rxlev_ul downlink pathloss = actual Bs Txpower rxlev_dl It is desirable to have the pathloss value as 0 which represents a balanced path. However a deviation of +/- 10 is acceptable

Hardware Optimization - Typical Hardware Problems


Path balance problems If the pathbalance is below 100 or above 120, it indicates that there could be a problem in either downlink or uplink. PB value above 120 represents a weaker uplink and stronger downlink, whereas PB value below 100 would represent a weaker downlink. If MHA/TMA is used or receive diversity is applicable,an additional 3 dB gain is introduced in the uplink. In such case a deviation of 20 is acceptable, i.e, a PB of 95 would be normal in such case. Path Balance If the PB statistic indicates problem in the downlink/uplink the

RF path should be traced for possible hardware faults. Possible things that
could go wrong are a) High VSWR due to faulty feeder cable b) Improper connectorisation

c) Faulty combiner

Hardware Optimization - Typical Hardware Problems


d) Faulty antenna improper impedance matching between antenna and feeder cable (rare case)

Processor problems
The present BTS equipment architecture is quite robust and with the evolution of VLSI techniques, the different hardware modules have been compacted into single units. The current TRXs/TRUs are having inbuilt processing abilities apart from also containing the RF physical channels. However in places where older equipment are still in use, problems with processor, could be encountered. These problems are easily identifiable by drive test and usually also show up degradation on OMCR statistics. However in the current scenario these problems have rare occurences.

Hardware Optimization - Typical Hardware Problems


BSC/Transcoder Problems Although the occurrence is rare, there are instances where some part of Transcoder or timeslot on the PCM link go faulty. In such cases, the timeslot mapping needs to be identified and appropriate troubleshooting steps need to be taken. These problems can seldom be identified by drive testing.
Steps for Hardware Optimization a) b) Check from OMCR statistics for indications of hardware faults Check event logs from OMCR to find out if any alarms were generated

c) Conduct call test on the site/cell in question check for assignment failures, handover failures, from layer 3 messages.

Hardware Optimization Hardware Optimization Steps


Steps for Hardware Optimization
d) Isolate the problem to the specific TRX. This can be done by locking the suspicious TRX. e) Check for downlink receive level on each TRX. In some cases the downlink receive level on a particular TRX may be very low, due to faulty radio. f) Request VSWR test to be performed if the problem appears to be related to poor path balance. g) Check for improper connectorization, improper antenna installation. One loose connector could skew the performance of the entire cell!!! f) If the problem is not isolated to a bad TRX/ other BTS hardware further investigations needed to check other possible faulty hardware in the BSC/XCDR

Physical RF Optimization

A well designed RF is key to good network performance.


More often than not, the actual network built is deviated from the network designed from the desktop. The variations are a) Actual site locations are away from the nominal planned locations. b) It is not practical to build a grid-based network due to several constraints. c) Antenna heights may differ from the planned antenna heights.

Physical RF optimization may be done at several stages of network rollout.

Physical RF Optimization
Physical RF Optimization is an essential requirement during the network build/pre optimization stages. In most cases the OEM vendor is responsible for the network during this phase and he carries out the process to ensure that the actual network is as near good as the desktop designed one.
The process comprises of conducting a drive test for the entire cluster, which may comprise of one or several BSC areas. The drive test results are plotted on a GIS map and deficiencies in coverage/interference problems are identified by plotting Rxlev/Rxqual values. Most of the coverage deficiencies are fixed by making changes to antenna heights(rare), bore and tilts.

At later stages parametric optimization is done to bring the network performance close to desktop design.

Physical RF Optimization
RF optimization is also carried out during network expansion phase, i.e when new site or group of sites are added into the network.
In many networks RF optimization is also done as a regular process to maintain good network performance. RF optimization is helpful in resolving specific coverage problems or interference problems, cell overreach, no dominant server issues, etc.

Typical thumb rule to follow while carrying out physical RF optimization for resolving coverage or interference issues Step 1:- Try tilting the antennas. Step 2:- Try changing the orientation. Step 3:- Increase or reduce the height if tilt/reorientation does not solve the problem Step 4:- Change the antenna type as a last resort.

Database/Parameter Optimization

The process starts the moment a GSM network goes on air and continues on a day-to-day basis, till the network is operational.
Under GSM each vendor has hundreds of parameters which can be played with to achieve different performance metrics under different scenarios. Usually most of the parameters are enabled with default settings and are always kept unchanged. However there are some specific parameters which control the RF performance which can be changed on a cell or even carrier-level, to achieve specific improvements.

Database/Parameter Optimization
GSM Features Before proceeding to database parameters, let us discuss some important GSM features which are commonly being used in current networks.
GSM networks worldwide are mainly affected by the following types of problems:- 1) Coverage issues, 2) Interference issues, 3)Capacity issues. Interference in GSM networks can be reduced significantly by using some special features, as mentioned

Frequency Hopping
DTX Dynamic Power Control

Database Optimization Frequency Hopping


Frequency hopping is one of the standardised capacity enhancement features in GSM system. It offers a significant capacity gain without any costly infrastructure requirements.
Frequency hopping can co-exist with most of the other capacity enhancement features and in many cases it significantly boosts the effect of those features. Frequency hopping can be briefly defined as a sequential change of carrier frequency on the radio link between the mobile and the base station. When frequency hopping is used, the carrier frequency is changed between each consecutive TDMA frame. This means that for each connection the change of the frequency may happen between every burst.

Database Optimization Frequency Hopping


At first, the frequency hopping was used in military applications in order to improve the secrecy and to make the system more robust against jamming. In cellular network, the frequency hopping also provides some additional benefits such as frequency diversity and interference diversity.

Database Optimization Frequency Hopping


Call is transmitted through several frequencies in order to average the interference (interference diversity) minimise the impact of fading (frequency diversity)

Frequency

F1 F2 F3

Time

Database Optimization Frequency Hopping


There are two methods of frequency hopping in GSM, Baseband Frequency Hopping (BB FH) and Synthesised Frequency Hopping (RF FH).
In the baseband frequency hopping the TRXs operate at fixed frequencies. Frequency hopping is generated by switching consecutive bursts in each time slot through different TRXs according to the assigned hopping sequence.

The number of frequencies to hop over is determined by the number of TRXs

Database Optimization Frequency Hopping

The first time slot of the BCCH TRX is not allowed to hop, it must be excluded from the hopping sequence.
This leads to three different hopping groups. The first group doesnt hop and it includes only the BCCH time slot. The second group consists of the first time slots of the nonBCCH TRXs. The third group includes time slots one through seven from every TRX.

Database Optimization Baseband Hopping

RTSL 0 TRX-1 B

7 f1 B = BCCH timeslot. It does not hop.

TRX-2

f2

Time slots 1...7 of all TRXs hop over (f1,f2,f3,f4).

TRX-3

f3

TRX-4

f4

Time slot 0 of TRX-2,-3,-4 hop over f2,f3,f4.

Baseband hopping (BB FH).

Database Optimization RF Hopping


In the synthesised frequency hopping all the TRXs except the BCCH TRX change their frequency for every TDMA frame according to the hopping sequence.

Thus the BCCH TRX doesnt hop.


The number of frequencies to hop over is limited to 63, which is the maximum number of frequencies in the Mobile Allocation (MA) list.

Database Optimization RF Hopping


TRX-1 B B = BCCH timeslot. TRX does not hop.

Non-BCCH TRXs are hopping over f1, f2, f3, fn TRX-2 . . . . f1, the MA-list (f1,f2,f3,...,fn) attached to the cell.

f2,
f3, fn

Synthesised hopping (RF FH).

Database Optimization RF Hopping


The biggest limitation in baseband hopping is that the number of the hopping frequencies is the same as the number of TRXs. In synthesised hopping the number of the hopping frequencies can be anything between the number of hopping TRXs and 63.

Database Optimization Frequency Hopping

BB-FH

TRX-1

F1(+ BCCH) F2
Frequency

MS does not see any difference

TRX-3

F3 RF
F1 F2 F3
Time

Dig.
MSC BSC TCSM

TRX-1

F1, F2, F3 BCCH RF BB-FH is feasible with large configurations RF-FH is viable with smaller configurations

RF-FH

TRX-2

Dig.

The difference between BB and RF FH.

Database Optimization RF Hopping Cell Allocation

The Cell Allocation (CA) is a list of all the frequencies allocated to a cell. The CA is transmitted regularly on the BCCH.
Usually it is also included in the signaling messages that command the mobile to start using a frequency hopping logical channel. The cell allocation may be different for each cell. The practical limit is 64, since the MA-list can only point to 64 frequencies that are included in the CA list .

Database Optimization RF Hopping Mobile Allocation


The MA is a list of hopping frequencies transmitted to a mobile every time it is assigned to a hopping physical channel. The MA-list is automatically generated if the baseband hopping is used. If the network utilises the RF hopping, the MA-lists have to be generated for each cell by the network planner. The MA-list is able to point to 64 of the frequencies defined in the CA list However, the BCCH frequency is also included in the CA list, so the practical maximum number of frequencies in the MA-list is 63.

The frequencies in the MA-list are required to be in increasing order because of the type of signaling used to transfer the MAlist.

Database Optimization RF Hopping HSN


The Hopping Sequence Number (HSN) indicates which hopping sequence of the 64 available is selected. The hopping sequence determines the order in which the frequencies in the MA-list are to be used. The HSNs 1 - 63 are pseudo random sequences used in the random hopping while the HSN 0 is reserved for a sequential sequence used in the cyclic hopping. The hopping sequence algorithm takes HSN and FN as an input and the output of the hopping sequence generation is a Mobile Allocation Index (MAI) which is a number ranging from 0 to the number of frequencies in the MA-list subtracted by one. The HSN is a cell specific parameter.

Database Optimization RF Hopping MAIO


When there is more than one TRX in the BTS using the same MAlist the Mobile Allocation Index Offset (MAIO) is used to ensure that each TRX uses always an unique frequency. Each hopping TRX is allocated a different MAIO. MAIO is added to MAI when the frequency to be used is determined from the MA-list. MAIO and HSN are transmitted to a mobile together with the MA-list. The MAIOoffset is a cell specific parameter defining the MAIOTRX for the first hopping TRX in a cell. The MAIOs for the other hopping TRXs are automatically allocated according to the MAIOstep-parameter

Database Optimization RF Hopping MAIO


For this TDMA frame the output from the algorithm is 1

FN & HSN

GSM Hopping algorithm

1 1 + MAIOTRX
MAIOTRX 0 1 2
MAIOOFFSET , User definable

MAI(0...N-1) =

TRX-1 TRX-2 TRX-3

MA INDEX (MAI)

N-2

N-1

These parameters are set automatically

MA

f1

f2

f3

f4

fN-1

fN

TRX-1 TRX-2 TRX-3

Database Optimization RF Hopping MAIO Step


The MAIOstep is a NSN specific parameter used in the MAIO allocation to the TRXs. The MAIO for the first hopping TRXs in each cell is defined by the cell specific MAIOoffset parameter MAIOs for the other hopping TRXs are assigned by adding the MAIOstep to the MAIO of the previous hopping TRX MAIOTRX(N) = MAIOoffset + MAIOstep(n-1)

When RF Hopping is deployed the BCCH layer is planned using the standard 4X3 or 7X3 or an intermediate suitable pattern. Maximum protection is assigned while planning to the BCCH layer as it is critical to call setup procedure. For the TCH layer there are mainly three types of widely used reuse patterns
1X1 All sectors in the network use a single MA list.

Database Optimization RF Hopping Reuse patterns

1X3 3 MA lists are created. Sec A of each cell uses MAL1,


Sec B uses MAL2 and Sec 3 uses MAL3 Ad-hoc/Mixed SFH Multiple MA lists are used. Can have as many MA lists as the number of sectors in the network. The reuse is based on fractional loading * with a maximum loading factor of 100 %.

Database Optimization RF Hopping Loading Factor

Loading Factor This is the ratio of no of TRX to the no of hopping frequencies in the MA list Loading Factor = No of Hopping TRX/No of Frequencies. For eg. Loading factor = 50 % if there are 2 TRX and 4 hopping frequencies. Lowest practically achievable loading factor is 33 %for 1X3, 17 % for 1X1 and highest is 100 % .

Usually 100% loading factor is used in case of ad-hoc RF hopping, for cells with higher configuration (6-6-6), however for lower configuration like (2-2-2) 50 % loading factor could be used. In case of ad-hoc hopping the loading factor can be planned to be specific to the cell configuration.

Database Optimization DTX & Power Control


Power control and the DTX are standard GSM features, which are designed to minimise the interference. These are mandatory features in the UL, but it is up to the network operator to decide whether to use them or not. DTX prevents unnecessary transmissions when there is no need to transfer information Power control is used to optimise the transmitted signal strength so that the signal strength at the receiver is still adequate. These features can be individually activated for uplink and downlink. Operators have been widely using both features in UL direction mainly in order to maximise the battery life in mobiles.

Database Optimization DTX & Power Control


In a non-hopping network these features provide some quality gain for some users, but this gain cannot be transferred effectively to increased capacity, since the maximum interference experienced by each user is likely to remain the same. The power control mechanism doesnt function optimally because the interference sources are stable causing chain effects where the increase of transmission power of one transmitter causes worse quality in the interfered receiver, which in turn causes the power increase in another transmitter and so on. This means that, for example, one mobile located in a coverage limited area may severely limit the possibility of several other transmitters to reduce their power.

Database Optimization DTX & Power Control


In a non-hopping network these features provide some quality gain for some users, but this gain cannot be transferred effectively to increased capacity, since the maximum interference experienced by each user is likely to remain the same. The power control mechanism doesnt function optimally because the interference sources are stable causing chain effects where the increase of transmission power of one transmitter causes worse quality in the interfered receiver, which in turn causes the power increase in another transmitter and so on. This means that, for example, one mobile located in a coverage limited area may severely limit the possibility of several other transmitters to reduce their power.

Database Optimization DTX & Power Control


In a random hopping network the quality gain provided by both features can be efficiently exploited to capacity gain because the gain is more equally distributed among the users. Since the typical voice activity factor (also called DTX factor) is less than 0.5, DTX effectively cuts the network load in half when it is used. The power control works more efficiently because each user has many interference sources. If, one interferer increases its power, the effect on the quality of the connection is not seriously affected. In fact, it is probable that some other interferers are decreasing their powers at the same time. Thus, the system is more stable and chaining effects mentioned earlier do not occur frequently.

Database Optimization DTX & Power Control


Reuse 3/9, TU 3km/h GAIN: 1.4 dB 2.3 dB 3.7 dB Reuse 3/9, TU 50km/h GAIN: 1.0 dB 2.3 dB 3.5 dB

PC on DTX on PC on, DTX on

PC on DTX on PC on, DTX on

C/I improvement

The simulated gain of PC and DTX with FH.

Database Optimization DTX & Power Control


DTX has some effect on the RXQual distribution. Normally the BER is averaged over the duration of one SACCH frame lasting 0.48 seconds and consisting of 104 TDMA frames. However, four of these TDMA frames are used for measurements, so that only 100 bursts are actually transmitted and received. When DTX is in use and there is no speech activity, only the bursts transmitting the silence descriptor frame (SID-frame) and the SACCH are transmitted. When there are periods of no speech activity, the BER is estimated over just the bursts carrying the silence descriptor frame and the SACCH. This includes only 12 bursts over which the BER is averaged (sub quality).

Database Optimization DTX & Power Control


BER gets averaged much more effectively when DTX is not used yielding to a quality distribution where the proportion of moderate quality values is enhanced. The sub quality distribution is wider than the full quality distribution, meaning that more good and bad quality samples are experienced. The differences between full and sub quality distributions are largest in frequency hopping networks utilising low frequency allocation reuse, since in that kind of networks the interference situation may be very different from burst to burst. A couple of severely interfered bursts may cause very bad quality for the sub quality sample when they happen to occur in the set of 12 bursts over which the sub quality is determined.

Database Optimization DTX & Power Control


The full quality sample of the same time period has probably only moderate quality deterioration because of the better averaging of BER over 100 bursts. In a real network utilising DTX the quality distribution is a mixture of full and sub quality samples. The proportions of full and sub samples depend on the speech activity factor also known as the DTX factor. The differences in the BER averaging processes cause significant differences in the RXQUAL distributions. These differences should be taken into account when the RXQUAL distributions of networks utilising and not utilising DTX are compared.

Database Optimization DTX & Power Control


Power Control what to optimize?? The parameters to optimize in case of power control are the window settings.

Database Optimization DTX & Power Control

+ 42

- 75

Downlink Rxlev (dBm)

-95

Downlink Power Control Typical Rxlev Window settings

Database Optimization DTX & Power Control

+ 42

Downlink RxQual

Downlink Power Control Typical RxQual Window settings

Database Optimization DTX & Power Control

+ 33

- 70

Uplink Rxlev (dBm)

-90

Uplink Power Control Typical Rxlev Window settings

Database Optimization DTX & Power Control


Power Control Features Objective is to reduce average interference In case of uplink also helps in saving battery power Algorithm works on measurement reports sent by the MS every 480 ms (SACCH frame) Downlink power control cannot be applied to BCCH carrier Uplink power control is mandatory but downlink power control is not mandatory. Feature selectable by the operator. For controlling interference in the network the operator uses DTX, Power Control and Frequency Hopping. These features effectively act as combined forces in interference reduction and improved call quality.

Database Optimization
Typical problems which GSM subscribers experience are Coverage issues Voice quality issues Access issues/congestion Handover related issues Dropped calls

Database Optimization
BSS Parameters are broadly classified into the following groups Access related parameters Call handling/Handover related parameters Congestion related parameters

Database Optimization

Database Optimization IDLE Mode Cell Selection


The MS uses a "path loss criterion" parameter C1 to determine whether a cell is suitable to camp on [GSM 03.22] C1 depends on 4 parameters:
1. Received signal level (suitably averaged) 2. The parameter rxLevAccessMin, which is broadcast on the BCCH, and is related to the minimum signal that the operator wants the network to receive when being initially accessed by an MS 3. The parameter msTxPwrMaxCCH, which is also broadcast on the BCCH, and is the maximum power that an MS may use when initially accessing the network 4. The maximum power of the MS.

Database Optimization IDLE Mode Cell Selection


Cell Selection in IDLE Mode, based on C1 Radio Criteria C1 = (A - Max(B,0)) A = Received Level Average - p1 B = p2 - Maximum RF Power of the Mobile Station p1 = rxLevelAccessMin p2 = msTxPowerMaxCCH

Database Optimization IDLE Mode Cell Selection


Cell Reselection
In case of reselection from one cell to another in the same location area the C1 value of target cell must be higher than source cell In case of reselection to a target cell in a different location area the C1 value must be greater than that of the source cell by a database parameter cell_reselect_hysteresis C2 is an option GSM feature which can only be used for cell reselection, it can be enabled or disabled on a cell basis. If C2 parameters are not being broadcast the C1 process is used for reselection.

Cell Reselection C2

Database Optimization IDLE Mode Cell Selection


Cell Reselection C2 C2= C1 + cell_reselect_offset temporary offset * H (penalty_time T) (for penalty_time <31) H= 0 if T > penalty_time H= 1 if T < penalty_time C2= C1 cell_reselect_offset (for penalty_time= 31) Cell Prioritisation As a means of encouraging MSs to select some suitable cells in preference to others

Why C2??

Database Optimization IDLE Mode Cell Selection


Example of C2 usage In dualband network-- to give different priorities for different band In multilayer-- to give priority to microcell for slow moving traffic Any other special case where specific cell required higher priority than the rest Positive offset-- encourage MSs to select that cell Negative offset-- discourage MSs to select that cell for the duration penalty Time period

Cell Reselection Strategy


Database Optimization

Database Optimization Handovers


Handover The handover (HO) process is one of the fundamental principles in cellular mobile radio, maintaining the call in progress whilst the mobile subscriber is moving through the network. In idle mode the MS does a cell reselection, whereas in dedicated mode the MS performs a handover. Handovers are mainly classified into two types

A) Inter cell handovers


B) Intra cell handovers

Inter cell handovers further classified as

Inter BSS ie between two cells belonging to different BSCs


Intra BSS ie between two cells belonging to same BSC

Database Optimization Handovers


Handover Intra cell handovers is the switching of call from one channel/TRX to another TRX within the same cell/BTS. This is an optional feature which can be enabled on a cell basis. Intra cell handovers usually take place when the Rxqual on the source channel deteriorates. Radio Criteria To maintain receive level/receive quality Absolute MS-BS distance Power Budget Traffic load (to manage traffic distribution)

Handover process may be initiated due to the following main reasons

Network Criteria

Database Optimization Handovers


Handovers also classified as imperative/non-imperative based on the reason for which the process is triggered. The cause value contained in the handover recognized message will affect the evaluation process in the BSC. 1. Uplink Quality 2. Uplink Interference

Handover causes may be prioritized as follows

3. Downlink Quality
4. Downlink Interference 5. Uplink Level

6. Downlink Level
7. Distance 8. Power Budget

Database Optimization Handovers


Power budget handover If an MS on a allocated resource during its measurement reporting process sees another channel that would provide an equal or better quality radio link requiring a lower output power then a handover may be initiated. Handovers due to power budget ensure that the MS is always linked to the cell with minimum pathloss though the quality and level thresholds may not be exceeded. Handover to the target cell takes place when PBGT> hoMarginPBGT PBGT = (msTxPwrMax Av_Rxlev_DL_HO (btsTxPwrMax BTS_TXPWR)) (msTxPwrMax(n) Av_Rxlev_NCELL(n)) where n nth adjacent cell which is a handover candidate

Database Optimization Handovers


Power budget handover hoMarginPBGT is a parameter which can be set on a cell to cell basis. Each cell may have a different value for each neighbour cell which is a candidate for power budget handover. hoMargin is expressed in dB and is usually set to 4. However this may be reduced if the handover needs to be speeded or increased to 6 or higher to prevent ping-pong or to delay handovers In some cases negative homargin may also be used.

Database Optimization Handovers


Handover Algorithms Handover algorithms are used in addition to default parameters to control the handover process These algorithms assist in mobility management and are effective in traffic distribution. The algorithms have an important role to play in GSM networks which use multi-band or multi-layer architectures.

Database Optimization Handovers


Handover per cause The handover per cause statistic is a counter-array statistic which counts the reason for each handover event on all cells for which it is enabled. This statistic gives important information about the handover performance of the cells and can be used for troubleshooting cells which have high handover failure rate.

Database Optimization Handovers


Handover per neighbour This statistic gives the value of no of handover attempts as well as successes for each neighbour cell. This statistic is also helpful in troubleshooting handover performance, it can be used to identify neighbour relations which have a high handover failure rate The handover per neighbour statistic can also be used for neighbourlist pruning.

Database Optimization

TRHO What does it do??

Database Optimization TRHO/Congestion Related Parameters


TRHO effectively reduces the service area of the congested cells Increases service area of under-utilised target cells HO is triggered using a special parameter amhTrhoPbgtMargin instead of hoMarginPbgt General guideline: Target cell Rxlevaccessmin should be set higher to avoid bad downlink Rxqual after HO amhTrhoPbgtMargin must be lower than hoMarginPbgt

Database Optimization TRHO/Congestion Related Parameters


TRHO/BSC Parameters amhUpperloadthreshold This parameter determines minimum traffic load threshold at which cell starts to intiate TRHO default value 80 % amhMaxLoadOfTargetCell This parameter determines maximum traffic load threshold beyond which target cell will not accept TRHO hand-ins default value 60 % amhTrhoPbgtMargin This parameter is new Pbgt margin when cell exceeds amhUpperloadthresh. Its the revised power budget margin which replaces the normal Pbgt definition when the Trho criteria are met default value is 5 dB.

TRHO/BTS Parameters

Database Optimization TRHO/Congestion Related Parameters


TRHO/Adjacency Parameters trhoTargetLevel This parameter determines the minimum RSSI of the valid target cell candidate reported by the mobile default is 85 dBm

Database Optimization TRHO/Congestion Related Parameters


Directed Retry A transition (handover) from SDCCH in one cell to a TCH in another cell during call setup due to unavailability of an empty TCH within the first cell. To control traffic distribution between cells to avoid a call rejection.

Can be used for both MOC and MTC


Setting guidelines: drThreshold should be higher than Rxlevmincell (Rxlevaccessmin); else the improved target cell selection criteria will be ignored.

Database Optimization TRHO/Congestion Related Parameters


Congestion Relief This procedure is initiated when an MS is assigned to an SDCCH, requires a TCH and none are available. Two options are offered for deciding how many handover procedures are actually initiated. First Option The no. of HO procedures initiated is at most the no. of outstanding requests for a TCH. Second Option This allows for initiation of a HO procedure for each MS that meets the modified criteria to support the feature.

RF Optimization Analysis and troubleshooting


Things which normally subscribers normally experience (common problems)

No coverage/poor coverage issues.


Dropped calls. Failed handovers/Dominant server issues.

Breaks in speech/crackling sound or bad voice quality.


Access related problems Network Busy.

Often all the above problems are addressed to the RF optimization team

for resolution

RF Optimization Poor Coverage Issues Poor Coverage Issues Coverage problems are one of the most concerning issues.

Subscribers experience a No network or Network Search scenarios on the fringe area of the cells.
Mostly these problems are experienced in suburban areas and also in many cases inbuilding coverage problems occur.

Analysis is simple
TEMS equipment/test phone displays Rxlev of serving cell and neighbour cells Generally problem occurs when Rxlev drops below 95 dBm. When the Rxlev drops to 100 dBm or lower the subscriber experiences a fluctuating single bar or a network search scenario. When Rxlev (DL) drops below 95 dBm its very difficult to have successful call setup, as typically the uplink Rxlev would be much lower.

RF Optimization Poor Coverage Issues


Poor Coverage Issues (Steps to solve the problem) Analyze the extent of area which is experiencing a coverage problem Can this be solved by physical optimization?? Possible steps would be to improve the existing serving cell strength by proper antenna orientation or up-tilting the antenna. If it is an indoor coverage/limited area coverage issue, this could be resolved by deploying a repeater/micro cell if the traffic requirement in the question area is high. In case of rural/suburban cells where the concern is a weak uplink TMA could be installed.

RF Optimization Drop Call Troubleshooting


Dropped Calls Dropped calls may be attributed to several reasons. Usually categorized as

Drop during call setup aka SDCCH Drop.


Drop during call progress aka TCH Drop. Drop due to failed handovers with no recovery.

Call drops may occur due to RF/non RF reasons.


RF Reasons attributing to dropped calls Weak coverage RL timer times out.

Interference low C/I bad Rxqual RL timer times out.


Faulty TRX resulting in low C/I call may drop during setup or after TCH assignment RL timer may/may not time out.

RF Optimization Drop Call Troubleshooting


Dropped Calls Non RF Reasons

Switch related MS experiences a Downlink Disconnect abnormal release, usually with a Cause Value.
CV 47 is a common example Layer 3 message DL Disconnect. Non RF related call drops need to be escalated to isolate the fault which could be related to the switch/transcoder or at any point in the Abis/A Interface.

RF Optimization Handover Problems


Handover Failures/Problems Handover failures may also be attributed to different reasons.

Usually occur due to RF reasons.


Interference Co BCCH/Co BSIC issue.

Common RF reasons for handover failures

Faulty hardware on target cell.


Improper neighbourlist definition

Steps to identify and solve Handover issues.

Use TEMS (layer 3 messages) to identify the cell to which the MS attempts handover and results in a failure

RF Optimization Handover Problems


Steps to identify and solve Handover issues. The sequence of layer 3 messages

Handover Command
Handover Access Handover Complete

Handover Failure
Handover Command

Sometimes the sequence of messages would be

Handover Access
Handover Failure

RF Optimization Handover Problems


Steps to identify and solve Handover issues. The Handover Command message contains information about the BCCH and BSIC of the target cell to which the handover was attempted. Check for any possible Co BCCH/Co BSIC interferers. Check for possible hardware faults on the target cell. Sometimes handover problems occur due to improper neighbourlist definition. Neighbour Rxlevel are reported to be strong, but Handover Command does not get initiated. Call drags on the source cell and in some situation drops. Most common cause is improper definition of neighbour BSIC/BCCH

Neighbourlist problems

RF Optimization Handover Problems


Steps to identify and solve Handover issues. Neighbourlist Problems

Crosscheck with RF BSC dump to confirm the BCCH/BSIC and other parameters of the target cell.
Report any inconsistencies to the OMCR personnel.

End of Module 3 Lets explore the drive test Tool

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