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 frequencie 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 can be 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 serve on

Typically, omni directional cells are used to gain coverage, whereas sector cells are used to gain capacity. Each cell require 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 netw 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 certa

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

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

Cell planning begins with traffic and coverage analysis. The analysis should produce information about the geographical are 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 traff 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 known. 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

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

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

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

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

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 and with

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

e 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.

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

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

aphic data such as:

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

CH, PCH, SDCCH, etc)

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

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

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 3/9 (3

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

h have a reuse-factor 4.

ntensity. It can be calculated with the following formula.

the quality of the service.

ex filters and X-polarised antennas, see below.

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

nnot use features such as fhop, DTX, pwr ctrl). However, the other carriers can have tighter reuse factor such as 9 or less. This is called Mu

r 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 criter

- Check the handover activity from the number of handover performed. If the number is above certain v - 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 tak - 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 - 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 relatio

- Check from the unbalance relation whether the target cell is congested, if congested, solves the conges - Check the missing measurement frequency (MBCCHNO) in Double BA-list in active list (if yes, add the - 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 - 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 Syste - 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.

erformance 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.

ate below certain criteria for example X%. If it doesnt meet the criteria and change the X% to a higher value and check for the next c

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

or not, if already known problem of no dominant serving cell and take other cell.

is balance between incoming and outgoing. of incoming and outgoing handover. This is to ensure the priority for more problem direction.

gh ratio of lost handover, urgency handover and reversion.

plink & downlink interference problem.

might be problem on co-channel or adjacent channel.

roblem found, swap or repair hardware.

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

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

n whether the target cell is congested, if congested, solves the congestion problem.

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

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

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

er and if so, correct the parameter setting

not be in service. If yes, correct parameter setting or deblock it.

X% to a higher value and check for the next cell.

and then take into consideration.

uency in the BA-list.

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 BT 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 TCH t

If there is no congestion on TCH, check the output power of the BTS. If the output power is low, increase the o 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 add 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 plan Mostly, the problems of low TCH assignment are TCH availability and interference.

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

If the high traffic related to an occasional event, like sports event, fairs, conference, a temporary solution migh 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 on

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

In R8, the time congestion should be used instead of congestion based on access attempts as there is no way t 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 sectio

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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 affect

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 Locat The CRH is the hysteresis value used when the MS in idle mode crosses a LA border. The default value for t

TCH Congestion
What should I check? Check if TCH congestion exists and if the SDCCH mean holding time is high. Check CLS and Assignment to Where do I look for it? Use STS Counters and look into time congestion to see how severe is the TCH Congestion. The formula is:

Note that if the feature Adaptive configuration of logical channels is active the formulahave no meaning. Then S_AV_NR is re

What should I check? Check if TCH congestion exists and if the SDCCH mean holding time is high. Check CLS and Assignment to Where do I look for it? Use STS Counters and look into time congestion to see how severe is the TCH Congestion. The formula is:

TCH TIME CONGESTION OF TOTAL 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 required

SMS Usage
What should I check? Check SMS activity. Where do I look for it? Check STS counters for SMS on SDCCH. Counters are CSMSDWN and CSMSUP . Why do I need to check this? Extensive SMS usage increases the SDCCH traffic and could cause congestion if badly dimensioned SDCCH

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 to d

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 one-ti

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 SDC

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 SD

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 cell wi

e number of successful TCH allocations at call setup. Assignment Complete message, sent by the MS, was never received by the BTS.

TCASSAL X 100 % L TASSALL

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.

gnal 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.

H assignment are TCH availability and interference.

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

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

he 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 the o

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

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

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 flowcha

ilability. The formula is: = CAVAAC X 100 % C CAVASC AN * CNUCHC NT

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 pro

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 is lo 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 Loca

ts 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.

ts 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 distribution

on SDCCH. Counters are CSMSDWN and CSMSUP .

es the SDCCH traffic and could cause congestion if badly dimensioned SDCCH channels. Re-dimension the SDCCH channe

c Registration

bution. Check the timer T3212 in the BSC.

C 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 shouldn

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

n Holding time. The formula is: = CTRALAC X 100 % C*PERLE N*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 existing d

Configuration of Logical Channels

f. If its on, check the parameter settings.

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

uration of Logical Channels feature, the basic SDCCH configuration in a cell will be under-dimensioned. If this feature is no

ance of the network and should be minimized.

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

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

umber of access attempts a single mobile does.

action 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 reduce

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-dime

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. If 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.

ion 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) ====>

: C/I > 12 dB ===>

* CDMA

: 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

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.

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.

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 recordi 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 power = Verify or isolate the problem using STS (Drop call and reasons).

ignment to TCH.

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 Man 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 calls 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.

d maintenance of the BTSs. and MSC) to handle the phone calls.

ment use the RSL Link.

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 results TIPS :

6 dB handover margin is considered to be an approriate margin for handover. A strict handover margin results in the strict c 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 congestio TIPS : Consider reducing antenna height to reduce the footprint of the site. Also increase the antenna tilt (the max tilt is 12)

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

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

of area traffic again causing congestion in the cell.

antenna tilt (the max tilt is 12)

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

andover 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 mean h TIPS :

A location area with a high paging load needs to be reduced in size to relieve SDCCH Blocking. A location area with low pa 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 disconnection TIPS :

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

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

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

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

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

r of location ares.

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 avoid 2. No Dominant Server

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

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

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

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

All those cells can be identified which are problematics in terms of hand off so one can focus only specific cell causing the m 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 optim 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 handover is initia 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

ay result in the hand off failure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

o be triggered for uplink.

s below that, a level handover is initiated.

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 drive te

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

d to cell areas where there is multiple servers.

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

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

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

minated from the frequencies plan.

perative 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 towa 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 problem. So 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, the cal TIPS:

First of all path balances should be checked. If path balances are deviating fro the standard value then check the BTS trans a. I_Rx Lev_DL_p Defined the lower value for receive level for the power control to be triggered. Range Where 0 to 63 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 receive le b. U_RxLev_DL_p Defines the upper threshold value for receive level for the power control to be triggered (Range is same as described 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 observed m TIPS :

An Optimization tools like Neptune could be helpful in identifying the interference on the particular area. Such frequencies c 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 time 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 anal 5. Link Imbalance

Sometime the multifunctionality of vendor hardware becomes responsible for high Call Drop Rate. One of the possible scan 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 :

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

ategory of BSC level statistics.

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 into a tu

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

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

gered (Range is same as described above).

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

e particular area. Such frequencies can be cleaned from existing frequency plan. The following statistic can also be monitored to confirm tha

ng a SACCH Multiframe an idle timeslot is monitered 104 times. These samples are the processed to procedure a noise level average per 4

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

Drop Rate. One of the possible scanarios could be :

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

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

er because of the malfunctioning of radio or higher combiner losses. Also check the feeder losses, antenna connectors. Enable Downlink po

ay but using the same frequencies.

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

rocedure a noise level average per 480 ms. An interference band is allocated to an idle slot depending upon the interference level. The thres

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

ptima under the category of BSC stats.

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

ecieve level downlink power control values should be properly defined.

nce level 1 being the least ambient and interference level 4 being the most ambient. While planning the Network care should be taken that t

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 transactions. After va Case : a. Valid RACH ( SDCCH Congestion)

Due to unavailability of SDCCH, BSS will response to MS with immediate assignment reject, terminating the transactio 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 transaction after SD TIPS:

Within the optima there are certain stats which can be monitored before coming to conclusion that there is SDDCH problem

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 related i

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

CM Service Request (MOC) or Paging Response (MTC) to BSC/MSC. Inside the CM service request message (MS initiate

3. TCH Failure Assignment Upon completion of MS/BSC/MSC link established, MS issues Assignment Request to BSC, Requesting TCH Assignment Case : TCH Congestion TIPS : For TCH Congestion certain features can be enabled like TCH queuing , Directed Retry and Congestion Relief. In case of

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

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

90% is satisfactory.

es for networks transactions. After validation of the RACH, BSS will attempt to allocate a dedicated channel (SDCCH) for the source. One the

ment reject, terminating the transactions. In which case, call setup is termed as unsuccessful due to SDCCH congestion.

s to continue the transaction after SDCCH has been allocated by the BSS. For instances, case of channel request detected by overshooting

nclusion that there is SDDCH problem :

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

ode when enabled allocates TCH by passing SDCCH.

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

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

y and Congestion Relief. In case of the TCH queuing feature is enable, MS will queue in the Original SDCCH , awaiting for the next available

ke Neptune. Once interfering frequencies are determind, the frequency plan can be cleaned from such frequencies.

hardware can affect the overall performance of sites.

ting the drivetest make sure that the cell site are free for any hardware alarms. The important parameter to check is the path balance. If path

nel (SDCCH) for the source. One the availability of SDCCH channel is confirmed, the BSS will send immediate assignment to MS indicating

CCH congestion.

el request detected by overshooting cells, handover access burst from distanced MS, hardware deficiency, UL/DL imbalance path, MS movin

equires (i.e. Mobile Originationl, Emergency Call, Short Message transfer or Suplementary services activity), wherby Paging response is spe

ee TCH for MS voice messaging. Once Assignment Command is received by MS, stating the availability of TCH for the MS, it will move to th

DCCH , awaiting for the next available TCH. It is to be remainded that once Queuing timer expires. BSS will also terminates transactions, in w

to check is the path balance. If path balances are not fine then start checking the power from radio to connected antennas. If we take the ex

mediate assignment to MS indicating the dedicated SDCCH sub-channel (via AGCH), wherby subsequent message exchange will be preform

cy, UL/DL imbalance path, MS moving out of range would carry the Phantom RACHs symptoms.

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

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

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

onnected antennas. If we take the examples of GSM 900 scenario, the link budget defines that the radio should transmit 40 watts power and

nt message exchange will be preformed over the dedicated SDCCH.

own initiated connection request BSSMAP message, send to MSC to approval. MSC will response with either connection confirmed, confirm

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

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

should transmit 40 watts power and at the top of the cabinet, 20 watts are recaived ( Considering the 3 dB loss of combiner). While checkin

either connection confirmed, confirming the success in link establishment between MS-BSC-MSC, or connection Refused, Indicating the term

ase of Directed Retry feature is enabled, MS will perform Handover to TCH of another cell if a valid handover neighbor is detected. The best

dB loss of combiner). While checking the power, if any components seems to procedure more losses than expected, change that componen

onnection Refused, Indicating the termination of the specific network transaction.

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

han expected, change that component. Similarly check the power at antenna feeder ports. Some time due to the water ingress, connectors ge

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

TCH Call drop

Causes of TCH Call Drop:Usually, the typical causes for sending the Clear_Request mssg are as follows ; 1. Radio Interface Failure 2. O & M Intervention 3. Equipment Failure 4. Protocol error 5. Preemption