WCDMA Radio Network Optimization

Exchange

Content
Basic knowledge on WCDMA radio network
optimization
WCDMA radio network optimization process
and technology
Case analysis

Basic knowledge on WCDMA radio network

optimization

Lets start from the following aspects to understand

network optimization:

What is network optimization?

Service concept of network planning and
optimization
Reasons for network optimization
Types of network optimization

What is Network Optimization?

Radio network optimization refers to a rational

adjustment process on radio communication
network planning and design by means of various
optimization measures.
Via optimization, network coverage can be
improved, network capacity can be expanded,
network QoS and network resource utilization
enhanced, so that networks will be running more
reliably and more economically.

Service Concept of Network Planning and

Optimization

A top-notch network is demanded by customers, started from

planning, improved during the process and gets its heyday via
optimization
Network
capacity

Coverage
Operator
revenue

Quality of
service

Operation
cost

Cause of Network Optimization

End user change/ New calling model / Subscriber change

Environment change, new building, Road or Vegetation
New structure change , coverage, capacity
New technique, new equipment etc.

Types of Network Optimization

In different stages of UMTS network construction,

the objectives of network optimization are also
different from each other.

Depending on the time segment, work objectives

and work content of its implementation, optimization
can be divided into Engineering Optimization and
operation/maintenance optimization .

Classification of Network Optimization

Engineering optimization

Engineering optimization refers to the network optimization

conducted after the completion of network construction and
before the number allocation. Its major purpose to enable the
network to work normally and ensure that the network can
fulfill the planned coverage and interference objectives.
The major work contents of Engineering Optimization include:

Eliminating the hardware fault of the system

Checking whether the cell configuration is consistent with the
planned objective of the network (Longitude, Latitude, Azimuth,
Down tilt, Connection, Lac, RAC, CI, antenna height, etc )
Making the coverage and interference reach a satisfactory level

Classification of Network Optimization

Operation and maintenance optimization

Operation and Maintenance (O&M) optimization

indicates to improve the network quality and
customers degree of satisfaction through optimization
during the operation of the network.

It includes three parts of contents:

Routine maintenance
Stage optimization
Network operation analysis

Engineering Optimization

At different stages of UMTS network construction,

the objectives of network optimization are also
different.

The objectives of (Pre-launch) Engineering

Optimization include:

Enabling the network to work normally

Issues deserving attention: coverage function and
interference

Engineering Optimization

Eliminate the hardware fault of the system:

It is very important to eliminate any hardware fault

from the system.
Generally hardware faults are eliminated according to
the division of base station cluster.
The elimination of hardware faults is the responsibility
of the equipment supplier.
However, it is also very important for the operator to
understand the process of hardware fault elimination
and obtain the ability for checking the equipment.

Engineering Optimization

Check the cell configuration:

Whether the site is in the correct position

Whether the type of the antenna is correct
Whether the installation height, direction angle and
downward tilt angle are all deployed according to the
planned solution
Whether the type of the feeder is correct and whether
its length is appropriate
Whether parameters (such as common channel
power) of the cell are consistent with the planned
parameters.

Engineering Optimization

Objectives for coverage and interference

optimization
Typical threshold:

The intensity of the pilot received in 95% of the

coverage area is greater than -89dBm (in dense
urban areas) or -94dBm (in general urban area).
The pilot Ec/Io measured in 95% of the coverage
area is greater than -10dB.

Engineering Optimization

Steps for improving the coverage:

Conduct drive test and collect the drive test data.

Analyze the drive test data to determine the holes of
the coverage.
Assess the seriousness of the coverage holes and
order them according to the priority.
Solve the coverage problems according to the priority
till the objective of the coverage optimization is
fulfilled.

Engineering Optimization

Steps for improving the interference:

Determine the areas where the pilot Ec/Io is lower

than the threshold.
Check the pilot level in these areas (which may have
more than 3 pilots).
From the pilots received in these areas, find the pilots
unexpected (these pilots come from the cells that are
not designed to provide coverage for these areas).
Reduce the intensity of these unexpected pilots
(generally by increasing the downward tilt). Pay
attention to the influence resulting therefrom on the
coverage within the service range of the cell (the
influence can be checked with the planning tool).

O&M Optimization

Objectives of post-launch o&m optimization:

Improving the QoS

Increasing the system capacity
Increasing the coverage range of the service (for
example, increasing the coverage range of highspeed data service)
Providing better service for hot-spot areas
Maximizing the return of the investment

O&M Optimization

The major work contents of the post-launch O&M

Optimization include:

Adding base station

Further sectorizing existing base station
Optimizing the parameters
Reducing the interference
Using more than 1 carriers
Implementing the Hierarchical cell structure
Providing the solution for indoor coverage

O&M Optimization

Network operation analysis is suitable for a network in formal

operation. OMC performance statistic data can be extracted and
analyzed periodically, possible equipment and network problems can
be analyzed and then network operation analysis report can be
submitted to provide a reference for the customers network
adjustment and optimization.
Start

Retrieve background data

Background
statistics data

OMC engineer

Analyze data and

network performance
Optimizing engineer

End

Flow for network

operation analysis
Network
running
analysis report

Content
Basic knowledge on WCDMA radio network
optimization
WCDMA radio network optimization process
and technology
Case analysis

Network Optimization Flow

Start

Simulation/plan
report

Preliminary setup

Optimization
project plan

Frequency scan
Calibration test
Network data collection
Data analysis

Network evaluation
report

Parameter check
Problem positioning
Making optimization plan
Carrying out optimization plan

Optimizing
adjustment plan
Optimizing
adjustment record

Optimization verification
Network
performance meets
the requirements?

Optimization project acceptance

Data archive
End

Network optimization
report

Preparations

Analyzing the Requirements

Understand the coverage and capacity requirements.
Confirm the setting of the optimization test parameters.
Confirm the work division interface with the customer.
Confirm the acceptance standard of each item.
Drawing the work plan
The work plan should be drawn according to such
conditions as the network scale, human and equipment
resources as well as the customers objective and
requirement for the network optimization. Then output the
Optimization Plan for WCDMA Radio Network in XX
Service Area.

A perfect work plan is the guarantee for the smooth implementation of network
optimization and can also be used to monitor the optimization progress.

Preparations
Collecting and investigating materials
Obtain the WCDMA Radio Network Simulation Report in XX
Service Area and WCDMA Radio Network Planning Report in XX
Service Area at the network planning stage.
Obtain the site information, antenna feeder information and the
setting of the system parameters in the current network.
Make clear the problems in the current network.
Preparing optimization tool
DT tools are the basic tools for network optimization test. They
include DT software, test mobile phone, receiver and GPS.
Besides, some DT equipment requires a dual-serial-port card.
Possible signaling analyzer need be used for signaling tracing and
locating. If interference test need be conduct, device such as
spectrograph may be required; If the engineering parameters
need be adjusted, then devices such as compass may be used.
Engineer and vehicle

Spectrum Scanning (Optional)

Spectrum scanning

With the authorization from the customer, scan and

confirm the frequencies used by the network at
present in the optimization area to ensure that the
frequencies are clean and available.

Calibration Test(Optional)

Calibration test

Calibration test of vehicle-mounted antenna

Calibration test of the external antenna of the test
mobile phone
Test of the average penetration loss of the vehicle
body
Test of building loss

Collection of Network Data

Source of network optimization data:

DT data
CQT data
OMC performance statistic data
User complaint information
Alarm information
Other data

Parameter Requirement for Data Collection

Only under the same load condition and on the same paging mode, can the
comparison be carried out between the network evaluations. Therefore, you
should firstly understand the parameter selection of the network data.
The loads in the network evaluation test can be divided into types: on busy, with load and
without load (or light load). For the network in running and with large number
assignment, the on busy evaluation is adopted; for the newly created network, the with
load or without load evaluation is adopted.

In terms of call duration, the call modes can be divided into continuous long
call and periodic call.
The difference between this two call modes is the duration. The call duration
for the continuous long call is as long as possible, while that for the periodic
call is fixed (the duration is determined by the real situation.
The times of periodic call reflects the processing capability and the result is
closer to the users usage, while the continuous long time call reflects the
systems switching capability.

Network Data Collection- DT Data

The DT data to be collected includes:

Ec/Io, Pilot Power, UE TX Power, Neighbours, Call

Success/Drops and Handover statistics; FER/BLER,
Delay

DT devices include: Scanner, test mobile phone, DT

software and GPS. As for the on-site test software,
the special test software for WCDMA radio network
optimization ZXPOS CNT1(UMTS Edition) can be
adopted.

Network Data Collection- DT Data

Both scanner and test mobile phone can be used for

network data collection. However they are different
from each other in some way.

Scanner is used for to collect complete radio network information,

and implement pilot analysis test and spectrum analysis test.

Network Data Collection- DT Data

Test mobile phone is used to know the situation of the users and collect the downlink
information on the network. It implements the following functions:
Collecting the measurement data of the mobile phone, including pilot power, Ec/Io, UE
Tx power, neighbor cells, RSSI and FER/BLER.
Call class event and performance statistics: including the statistics of call drop rate,
blocking rate, call success rate, handover success rate, voice service quality and data
service rate.
Collecting the signaling of aerial interface: decoding L3 messages such as access, paging,
synchronization and downlink/uplink service messages.

Network Data Collection- DT Data

DT Principles

WCDMA system is a self-interference system. On different network

load conditions, the DT result will also be different. Thus, before the
test the network load need be confirmed.
An appropriate test time need be selected according to the load
selection of different networks.
Based on the area that the test path belongs to, DT can be divided into
urban DT and artery DT.
The test conditions shall be kept consistent for tests conducted before
and after the optimization.

Network Data Collection- DT Data

Selection of test path

Radial path and ring path shall be selected as the DT path.

The radial path can reflect the variation of the signal quality according to the
change of the base station distance.
The ring path can provide the prediction of the signal quality in different directions
of the base station.
During the optimization test, generally three test paths need be defined for each
base station cluster. Besides, the test paths before and after the optimization shall
be kept consistent.

Network Data Collection- DT Data

Consistency requirement for test conditions

The same test tool and parameter setting shall be adopted
before and after the optimization whenever possible.
The same test antenna and feeder shall be adopted before
and after the optimization.
The same analyzers shall be sent to process the data.
The test path shall be selected before and after the
optimization.
To guarantee the consistency of the UE movement speed,
the distance-based sampling mode instead of time-based
sampling mode is adopted for sampling the data. The DT
tool cannot sample data in the distance-based mode, data
collected can be paused when the vehicle stops in the case
of red light.
Check whether the loaded test is conducted in the test area.
Ensure that the test is conducted at the same time segment
in each day to obtain the basically the same network load
conditions.
Conduct the test in the same period.

Network Data Collection- DT Data

Features of DT data

Including the geographical location information

Subject to the restriction of selected test path, which influences the accuracy of the test
result

Network Data Collection-CQT Data

CQT refers to the fixed-point test conducted at

important places in the coverage area.
Scenic spot, airport, railway station, bus
station and port
Important hotels (star-level hotels)
Catering and entertainment sites, large
shopping malls
Important residential communities and office
areas
Other important areas
Conduct the CQT at a fixed places and record various data at each
place. At each test place several calls shall be originated.
Fixed-point CQT includes CS service test and PS service test. The
specific test contents are related to the customers requirement and
shall be determined according to the actual situation.

Network Data Collection-CQT Data

CQT principles

Test time requirement

The following factors shall be considered during the selection of test site:
The traffic of the area where the test point is located: for a network in formal operation,
generally a site with large traffic shall be selected.
Geographical sector of the area where the test site is located: 80% of the test sites shall
be indoor while 20% shall be outdoor. Besides, the sites shall be geographically
distributed evenly.
Radio environment of the area where the test site is located: a place where repeater or
indoor distribution system is installed shall be preferred as the test site.
Areas where there may be network problems: areas that may become coverage blind
areas, for example, street canyons between high buildings or places in areas with multiple
carriers

Network Data Collection-CQT Data

Features of CQT data

Including geographical location information

Subject to the restriction of the selected test path, which influences the accuracy of the
test result

Network Data Collection-OMC Performance Statistic

Data
Concept

Extractio
n

The extraction of OMC performance statistic data is suitable for a network

that has already been commercially applied on a large scale. The data are
objective and abundant and reflect the operation quality of the whole
network from the point of view of statistics. The network performance
index obtained in this way can be used as the most important basis for
assessing the network performance.
The counter value required for calculating the network KPI can be
extracted flexibly. Besides, the statistics can be conducted flexibly
according to different statistic range, or performance statistics table can be
made according to the customers requirement.

Based on the statistics of large amount of sampling data, the background

NMS reflects the operation quality of the network under its management.

Features

The statistic range varies from one another. In some cases the statistic unit
is RNC and in other cases the unit is logic cell.
Counters for calculating various network performance indices are
provided.

Network Data Collection-User Complaint Information

As the end user of the network service, ordinary

user has more direct experience of the network
performance.

The user complaint information most directly reflects

the disadvantage of the network.
Users are most concerned with the problems included
in the complaints, which need be solved as soon as
possible.
The complaint includes geographical location
information.
Generally the problems complained include poor
signal coverage quality, difficulty for call completion
and frequent call drop.

Network Data Collection-Alarm Information

Alarm information includes the alarm information of

the RNC, Node B and CN background NMS.
It reflects the abnormal or near-abnormal status in
equipment use or network operation. During network
optimization, the alarm information deserves close
attention and need be viewed periodically, so that
warning information or problems can be found in
time to avoid the occurrence of accident.

Network Data Collection-Other Data

In addition to the data listed above, there are data

obtained through the signaling analysis system,
network flow test system and voice quality
assessment system.

Data Analysis

Data analysis indicates to make clear the network

operation quality, assess the network performance,
find and locating the possible network problems and
provide suggestions for network optimization by
analyzing the DT data, CQT data, OMC
performance statistic data, user complaint
information and alarm information.

Common Analysis Methods

Common optimization analysis methods include:

Multi-dimensional analysis
Tendency analysis
Accident analysis
Comparative analysis
Grading analysis
Cause and influence analysis

Common Analysis Methods

Multi-dimensional analysis
Dimension here refers to the standing point of problem handling and the direction
problem solution.
The data can be analyzed from several different angles and the combinations of them.

For example: to solve the call drop problem, we shall not only pay attention
to drop, but also handover and access problems.

Common Analysis Methods

Tendency analysis
Analyze the tendency of the change according to the change of time from the
angle of time sequence and find the regularities.

Common Analysis Methods

Accident analysis
Find abnormal data such as over-high /over-low data and too drastic change
from a large amount of data and, and find the data of the cause.

The call drop rate

is abnormally
high. We should
check whether
there is problems
in this time
segment.

Common Analysis Methods

Comparative analysis
It indices to compare different data sets from the same angle and find the
difference. If necessary, we can further find cause of the difference. This
method is generally used in signaling flow analysis.

Grading analysis
Find the Top N and Bottom N data from a large amount of data according to a
certain classification method. These data deserve special attention, for example,
the common worst cell method.

Common Analysis Methods

Cause and influence analysis
Find the influence factors from a large amount of data for a specific
result already generated and analyze the importance of the different
factors and or their combinations.

Each method has its orientation and restriction for problem analysis. Thus, it is
difficult to only use a single method to locate a specific equipment problem
parameter configuration problem (including engineering parameter and radio
parameter) and network resources utility problem. Instead, the above analysis
methods shall be combined and used together.

Network evaluation
First summarize the network test and analysis conducted at the
early stage and output the WCDMA Radio Network Assessment
Report in XX Service Area.
The comprehensive score of the network assessment shall be
obtained by weighting and summating the DT score, CQT score
and OMC background index score.
The evaluation is used to discover the problems in the network,
provide guide for the network optimization at the next stage and
facilitate the comparison of the performance before and after the
network optimization.

Parameter Check (Optional)

Data analysis can help find bad indices in the network. If it is found that the parameter
configuration is unreasonable and influences the network performance, the parameter
configuration of the abnormal base station must be checked. The contents of the check
include:

Check the base station

Check whether the base station is in the correct location, whether the type of the antenna
is correct, whether the height, direction angle and downward tilt of the antenna are
consistent with the planned solution, whether the type of the feeder is correct and the
length is appropriate and whether VSWR of the antenna feeder is appropriate.

Check whether the radio configuration parameter of the cell is consistent with the planned
value.
Check the relevant configuration parameters of the voice service and data service.

Problem Locating

The problems of radio network are found in the

following major aspects:

Equipment software and hardware problems

Engineering parameter problem
Radio parameter problem
Network capacity problem

Making Optimization Solution

The major adjustment policies for network optimization includes:

Adjust the software and hardware of the equipment.
If software problem is found through parameter check, the software
version shall be confirmed and updated in time. Hardware problem is
generally board fault, in which case the faulty board need be replaced by a
normal one.
Adjust the network engineering parameters.
This includes the adjustment of the direction angle, downward tilt angle,
height and location of the antenna. After the network construction is
completed, coverage and interference problems in the pre-launch network
optimization shall be solved by adjusting the network engineering
parameter.
Adjust the network radio parameters.
This includes the adjustment of the access parameter, paging parameter,
power control parameter, handover parameter and search parameter.
Adjust the neighboring cell list of the system.
Optimize the neighboring cell list of the network through DT data analysis.
Capacity analysis or busy analysis.
Possible measures include cell splitting, adding cells and micro cells, RF
extension and use of multiple carriers.

Carrying out Optimization Plan

If the network scale is large, the network need be divided into different
base stations clusters to locate and solve the network problems in
different areas.
After the all base station clusters have been optimized, the global
network can be optimized to solve global network problems and
problems across different clusters. Then Evaluate the performance of
the global network after the optimization and verify whether the
network performance indices have meet the acceptance standard and
reached optimization objectives.
The cluster division principles shall be adjusted according to the actual
situation, generally according to the topography of the local area.
neighboring areas that have special requirements for data or voice
service shall be grouped in the same cluster to facilitate optimization
debugging. Besides, cluster division can also be conducted according
to the problems found in the network assessment before the
optimization. There shall be overlap between two neighboring clusters.
The optimization of different clusters can be implemented either
parallel or serially depending on the resources and time requirement.

Optimization Verification

After the network optimization solution is implemented, it is

necessary to verify whether the network problems have been
solved or whether the network performance is improved.

To implement the optimization verification, also first collect the

network operation data and analyze the collected data.
After the optimization solution is implemented, assess the
network performance again by analyzing the DT data, CQT
data, OMC performance statistic data, user complaint and
alarm data.
Compare the network performance indices before and after the
optimization and verify whether the network problems are
solved or the network performance has met the requirement
after the optimization.

Project Acceptance

Acceptance test shall be conducted for the required

network performance indices according to the
contract requirements. Contents of the test such as
the test path, test point and call mode shall be set
according to the principle determined at the contract
or requirement analysis stage. In principle the
customer shall participate in the acceptance test.

Documentation Archiving
After the optimization verification and project acceptance, the network
optimization report need be submitted and relevant documentations
need be archived.
The network optimization report includes such contents as problem
analysis, locating process, optimization measures adopted,
comparison of the indices before and after the optimization, remaining
problems of the network and suggestions for subsequent construction.

Content
Basic knowledge on WCDMA radio network
optimization
WCDMA radio network optimization process
and technology
Case analysis

Classification of Optimization Cases

Based on the difference in optimization contents, the

current cases can be classified into the following
types:

Engineering parameter optimization

Radio parameter optimization
Integrated optimization

Engineering parameter optimization-adjusting the

direction angle of the antenna

Problem

During the coverage optimization DT along Zhongshan Road No. 1 and Donghu
Road, it is found that the receiving power of the UE one Donghu Road between the
Donghu base station and Shuqian Road base station is weak and less than -85dBm.
In addition, the pilot signal quality Ec/Io is also poor and less than -13dB in this area
(as shown in Area A in the figure below):
Triggering indices: pilot Ec, Ec/Io

Signal distribution in the Donghu Road area before the optimization

Engineering Parameter Optimization-Adjusting the

Direction Angle of the Antenna

Handling Idea

Through the review of the DT data with optimization

analysis software ZXPOS CNA1 and the survey on the
site, it is found that in front of Sector 2 (with the
scramble 437) of the Shuqian Road base station, there
are dense buildings which form a serious barrier and
influences in the coverage of the sector. Besides, the
areas within scores of meters in front of Sector 1 (with
the scramble 439) of Donghu base station is also
completely blocked by a row of high residential
buildings, which makes Sector 1 unable to cover that
area.

Solution

Change the direction angle of Sector 2 in the Shuqian

Road base station from 240o to 230o to enhance the
coverage of that area of Donghu Road.

Engineering Parameter OptimizationAdjusting the Direction Angle of the Antenna

Effect assessment
From the analysis of DT data, it can be seen that in this part of the Donghu
Road, the UE receiving power is >-85dBm and the pilot Ec/Io>-13dB,
which meets the coverage requirement.

Signal distribution in Donghu Road after the optimization

Engineering Parameter OptimizationAdjusting the Direction Angle and Downward Tilt Angle of the Antenna

Problem
Through the analysis of the DT data of Baishi Road, it is
found that pilot strength received in the middle part of road
is less than -95dBm, as shown in Area A in the figure
below:
Triggering index: the pilot signal is not strong enough.

Signal distribution of Baishi Road before the optimization

Engineering Parameter OptimizationAdjusting the Direction Angle and Downward Tilt Angle of the Antenna

Handling Idea

Through DT data analysis it is found that the coverage

of this area is provided by Sector 2 of Shenzhen
University base station. The direction angle of Sector
2 is 110 and the downward tilt angle is 4. Both shall
be adjusted to enhance the coverage of Baishi Road.

Solution

Adjust the antenna direction angle of Sector from 110

to 120 and the downward tilt angle from 4 to 12.

Engineering Parameter OptimizationAdjusting the Direction Angle and Downward Tilt Angle of the Antenna
Effect assessment
Conduct DT on the Baishi Road after the optimization. From the DT
result below it can be seen that the pilot strength is improved to more
than 90dBm.

Pilot coverage of Baishi Road after the optimization

Radio Parameter Optimization

-Neighboring Cell List

Problem

During the drive test call drop is found between the Huacheng base station and
Yunshan Hotel base station. Through several times of drive test, it is found that call
drop will occur in the handover from Huacheng base station to Yunshan Hotel base
station, while no call drop is found during the handover in the reverse direction.
Triggering index: unidirectional handover failure

Base station distribution in the case of miss of neighboring cell configuration

Radio Parameter Optimization

-Neighboring Cell List

Handling Idea

Solution

Through DT analysis, it is found that the area about 20m from the call drop
point is covered by the signal of Sector 3 (with the scramble 426) of Huacheng
base station, instead of the signal of Sector 1 (with the scramble 426) of
Huacheng base station. The cause is found to be the barrier of high-storey
buidling scores of meters in front of Sector 3 (with scramble 426) and the
signal is reflected to a part of road about 20m long between Huacheng base
station and Yunshan Hotel base station. By checking the neighboring cell list, it
is found that Sector 3 (with the scramble 414) is configured with Sector 3 of
Huacheng base station as its neighboring cell, while Sector 3 (with the
scramble 426) of Huacheng base station has not been configured with Sector 3
of Yunshan base station as its neighboring cell. This results in unidirectional
handover failure and further causes call drop. Thus, the call drop is caused by
the problem in the mutual configuration of neighboring cells.
Configure Sector 3 (with the scramble 414) of Yunshan Hotel base station as
the neighboring cell of Sector 3 (with the scramble 426) of Huacheng base
station.

Effect assessment

After the neighboring cell configuration is improved, drive test has been
conducted repeatedly between Huacheng base station and Yunshan Hotel
base station, no call drop has occurred again.

Radio Parameter Optimization-Power Parameter

Problem
There are two call drop points on an express way in the network (In Tunis),
as shown in the figure below:
Triggering index: call drop

Pilot Signal Distribution

Radio Parameter Optimization-Power Parameter

Handling Idea
Point A is about 2.7km away from Sousse2 site. It is the
entrance to a inter-city highway and has a bend of about 90.
Here the signal of Cell 228 of Erriadh TT suddenly becomes
weak as it is blocked. Point B is about 2km away from from
CTT Skanes site. The altitude of the coastal express way
where B is located is lower than that of CTT Skanes site.
Thus, the signals of Cell 332 of CTT Skanes site can only
reach the mobile phone after penetrating houses of 2~3
storeys. As result, the pilot strength near Point B has
decreased to less than 100dBm.
Due to the restriction of the environment, the altitude of the
Sahaling site is only 25m high and there is little room to
increase the height. Therefore, the transmitting power of the
cell need be adjusted appropriately to enhance the signal
coverage of the call drop point.

Radio Parameter Optimization-Power Parameter

Solution
Increase the transmitting power of the pilot channel and
other common channels.
Effect assessment
The coverage effect has been obviously improved and the
call drop rate along the express way has decreased
Before the Adjustment
After the Adjustment
obviously. Channel
CPICH

10%

15%

BCH

-3dB

-3dB

FACH

0dB

3dB

PCH

-3dB

-2dB

PSCH

-4dB

-3dB

SSCH

-4dB

-3dB

PICH

-7dB

-7dB

AICH

-7dB

-7dB

Adjusting the Power Parameter of the Cell

Radio Parameter Optimization-Handover Parameter

Problem
(In Libya), in the test of a pre-commercial network, the call drop
rate on the coastal express way from TRI002 to TRI004 is high
and the call drop points are shown in the figure below:
Triggering index: call drop

Call Drop Points of

the Express Way

Radio Parameter Optimization-Handover Parameter

Handling Idea
From the test data analysis the coverage distance of cell 404 near the call drop
point is very short. However the vehicle speed on this express way is generally
greater than 120Km/h. From the sky plane it can be seen that there are several
high buildings in front of the sky plane of 404, which form barriers. As the
handover distance is very short and the call drop point on the coastal express
way is only more than 400m away from TRI002 site, the signal is very strong
when it appears and but quickly disappears. Thus, the strong signal of the
neighboring cell of Cell 404 joins the activation set very slowly and there are
may ping-pong handover phenomena, which is very easy to result in call drop,
as shown in the figure below:

Barrier high buildings before the sky plane of Cell 404 in TRI002 base station

Radio Parameter Optimization-Power Parameter

Solution
Optimize the handover parameter: adjust 1A and 1B
event handover parameters so that joining event can
easily occur while it is difficult and slow for deletion
event to occur. Adjust the values of the handover
parameters 1C and 1D, reduce the handover
threshold to the strongest pilot but increase the
handover observation time. This helps increase the
ratio of the strongest and more stable scrambles
used by the user. The optimization adjustment
solution is shown in the following table.

Radio Parameter Optimization-Power Parameter

Parameter Name

Before the Adjustment

After the Adjustment

Reporting Range Constant

Hysteresis

3.5

200ms

200ms

Reporting Range Constant

Hysteresis

3.5dB

Time to trigger

200ms

640ms

Hysteresis

6dB

Time to trigger

200ms

320ms

Hysteresis

4dB

Time to trigger

200ms

320ms

1A event

Reporting

Effect assessment
Through the
handover parameter
adjustment above,
the call drop
problem has been
solved.

Threshold

deactivation

Time to trigger
1B event

1C event

1D event

Integrated Optimization-High Base Station

Problem

Huacheng base station is located on the Gaoxun Building beside the Quzhuang
cloverleaf junction and is 70m high. Through drive test it is found that Cell 426
(scramble) of Huacheng base station has cross-cell coverage and the signal of the
cell received on Zhongshan road that is far from Huacheng is still very strong. As
Cell 426 is not configured as the neighboring cell of Cell 436 of Sector 1 of Shuqian
base station on Zhongshan Road, call drop may easily occur in this area, as shown
in the figure below.
Trigger Index: call drop

The figure shows the Pilot Ec/Io

DT result on Zhongshan Road
No. 1 (due to the influence of
the signals of Huacheng base
station, the Ec/Io in Area A in
the figure is poor and call drop
may easily occur here. However,
the pilot strength in this area is
good enough).

Call Drop Points on Shuqian Road

Integrated Optimization-High Base Station

Base station distribution

and radio environment

Handling Idea
Due to the barrier of the tall buildings in the south of Huacheng
base station, there is shade attenuation and the occurrence of
the following events can be seed from the update report from
the activation set (together with the figure):

Integrated Optimization-High Base Station

Handling Idea
Due to the barrier of the tall buildings in the south of Huacheng base station,
there is shade attenuation and the occurrence of the following events can be
seed from the update report from the activation set (together with the figure):

Analysis of Call drop cause

Cell2 becomes the cell of best service.

Cell1 is deleted from the activation set.
Cell3 is not in the neighboring cell list of
Cell2. The strong signal of Cell3 makes
the Ec/Io poor, which causes call drop.

Integrated Optimization-High Base Station

Solution

Increase the mechanical downward tilt of the antenna

of Cell 426 in Huacheng base station.
Add Cell 426 of Huacheng base station into the
neighboring cell list of Shuqian base station.
Make 3dB lower the maximum transmitting power,
common channel power and pilot channel power of
Cell 426 of Huacheng base station.

Effect assessment

After the optimization, the pilot Ec/Io in Area A is

greatly improved and call drop no longer occurs.