E N GIN EER ING S ERVICES G R OUP

C AS E ST U DY

UMTS NETWORK OPTIMIZATION AT SPECIAL EVENT VENUES

Delivering technical evaluations and services to network operators worldwide
The following case documents how Qualcomm ESG used its proprietary QUEST network simulation tool and novel parameter optimization techniques at special event venues (sports arenas, convention centers, concert amphitheatres) to maximize network capacity and maintain a high quality user experience. AT ISSUE
Maintaining a consistent, high quality user experience at special events
The performance of 3G wireless networks during special events poses a unique problem. The large concentration of smartphones with a usage profile of frequent, short data connections reduces network efficiency and lowers downlink and uplink capacity. This causes low call completion rates, frequent dropped calls, suboptimal response times, and low throughputs. The degraded user experience can lead to subscriber churn and often visible, public backlash.

Optimizing major stadiums for the 2010 FIFA World Cup with MTN South Africa
The growth of 3G-capable smart phones is allowing more people to enjoy wireless data services while attending sporting events, says Sameer Dave, chief technology officer of MTN South Africa. This trend brings unique network demands in supporting large groups of subscribers in a relatively small geographic area. Qualcomms engineering support was instrumental in helping us ensure that spectators received the reliable, high-speed voice and data services they have come to expect from MTN South Africa. - Aug 17, 2010 www.qualcomm.com/press

SITUATION
u

THE CHALLENGE
Effectively dimensioning & maximizing UMTS network capacity during special events
Operators need a solution to accurately dimension their network resources and to maximize network capacity for the unique RF conditions of special events. Accurately estimating voice and data traffic demand during a special event, and properly modeling the estimation to predict user experience with the deployed capacity is quite complex. This is compounded by the capacity lost due to large amounts of Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling generated by the always connected smartphone devices, a factor which traditional network dimensioning techniques often overlook. Figure 1 illustrates the impact of excessive signaling at an under-dimensioned venue: very low voice and R99 data traffic with very high non-HS power consumption due to signaling that impacts connection accessibility and retainability. With inputs such as accurate data usage, device mix, traffic patterns and application type, the network resources can be adequately dimensioned and then optimized for an improved user experience during special events.

Large concentrations of subscribers simultaneously access the 3G network during special events. The typical smartphone usage pattern of frequent, short data connections increases network load, causing a degraded user experience. Estimating user experience, particularly for data traffic, during special events is very challenging with the currently available commercial tools.

SOLUTION
u

Used QUEST simulation tool to estimate data traffic demand and validate user experience based on the deployed capacity. Recommended specific network parameter optimization settings to reduce RRC connections.

RESULTS FROM SELECTED VENUES

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90% reduction in inter-RAT related RRC connections. 30% reduction in number of PS connections. 50% reduction in number of FACH-toHS transitions. Optimized data throughput and capacity management.

www.qualcomm.com/esg

E N GIN EER ING S ERVICES G R OUP

UMTS NETWORK OPTIMIZATION AT SPECIAL EVENT VENUES | CASE STUDY

THE SOLUTION
Partnering with Qualcomm to achieve maximum network capacity
Qualcomm ESG optimized special event venues for several tier-one operators to improve connection performance and maximize system capacity using its QUEST simulation tool and implementing novel parameter optimization techniques. The goal was to estimate the capacity demand, accurately dimension the network resources, develop the best possible network design, and optimize the system parameters to maximize the capacity. Qualcomm ESG employed QUEST to estimate the user experience for the forecasted traffic and the deployed capacity at the special event venues. This validated the deployed distributed antennae systems (DAS) design for the venues. QUEST used realworld network data for a given mix of inputs such as morphology, device mix, traffic patterns, and application type. With this, QUEST accurately simulated the smartphone traffic typically seen during special events and predicted the resulting traffic signaling. Qualcomm ESG also analyzed the performance counters from prior special events at each of the venues. The analysis revealed ping-pongs between WCDMA and underlying GSM networks, inefficient usage of RRC states in data calls, and a significant number of registrations. The excessive traffic generated due to registrations was minimized by streamlining the periodic registration timers and inter-RAT cell reselection parameters (both WCDMA to GSM and GSM to WCDMA). The PS connections were reduced, thereby maximizing system capacity, by optimizing the (Forward Access Channel) FACH-Idle inactivity timer, FACH buffer thresholds, and HSDPA cell change timer parameters.

FIGURE 1: DL Power Utilization vs. Traffic

NonHS

100%
Utilization

Total P Erlang

80% 60% 40% 20% 0

16 17 18

Power Utilizat ion ower U tilizatio n

14 12 8 6 4
19
Erlangs

10

2
21 22

20 Hours

0
23

FIGURE 2: QUEST estimates actual user throughput within 10% accuracy

1200
HSDPA Throughput in kbps

QUEST ACTUA L

1000 800 600 400 200 0

Cell 0 Cell 1

Cell 2

Cell 3

FIGURE 3: Results from selected venues

100%
Percent Reduction

RESULTS
Increasing capacity, providing uniform coverage and improving user experience
Qualcomm ESG delivered comprehensive reports to the operators detailing the issues, root causes and specific recommendations. Recommendations were tested at various special event venues to achieve the below results. u Actual user throughput estimated within 10% accuracy by using QUEST simulation tool. See Figure 2. u 90% reduction in registration and inter-RAT related RRC connections by increasing the periodic registration timer from 1 hour to 3 hours and aggressively setting interRAT cell reselections. u 10% reduction in number of PS connections by increasing FACH-Idle inactivity timer from 10 to 30 seconds. u >30% reduction in number of PS connections by increasing FACH-Idle inactivity timer from 10 to 300 seconds. u Approximately 50% reduction in number of FACH-to-HS transitions by increasing FACH to DCH/HS up-switch thresholds.

80% 60% 40% 20% 0

Inter-R AT RRC co related nnectio ns Number PS conn of ections

Number of FAC to HS tr H ansitio ns

About Qualcomm ESG

Qualcomm Engineering Services Group (ESG) provides technical consultation and educational services for mobile technologies; from launching a mobile technology to optimizing and troubleshooting mature technologies.

www.qualcomm.com/esg
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