Wireless Network Planning Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 9 Network Optimization............................................................................................ 1

1.1 Process of Network Optimization.............................................................................. 1
1.2 Common Tools Used in Network Optimization......................................................... 3
1.2.1 ANT Drive Test Equipment.............................................................................. 3
1.2.2 Signaling Analyzer......................................................................................... 4
1.2.3 Spectrum Analyzer......................................................................................... 4
1.2.4 Network Optimization Software....................................................................... 4
1.3 Wireless Network Problems Positioning and Solving .............................................. 6
1.3.1 Obtaining Basic Information........................................................................... 6
1.3.2 Coverage....................................................................................................... 7
1.3.3 Capacity........................................................................................................... 8
1.3.4 Interference.................................................................................................... 9
1.3.5 Handover.................................................................................................... 10
1.3.6 Call Loss (Drop)Drop.................................................................................. 11
1.4 Problem Positioning according to Network Indices.............................................. 12
1.4.1 TCH Call Loss Drop Rate........................................................................... 12
1.4.2 TCH Congestion Rate.................................................................................. 16
1.4.3 SDCCH Call Loss rateSDCCH Call Drop Rate.......................................... 17
1.4.4 SDCCH Congestion Rate........................................................................... 17
1.4.5 Rate of Handover Completion................................................................... 18
1.4.6 Traffic Analysis............................................................................................ 20

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Wireless Network Planning Chapter 9 Network Optimization

Chapter 9 Network Optimization

Network optimization serves for the pursuit of a maximum application of network

resource and a maximum improvement of QoS. Meanwhile, it also contributes to
foundations and principles for future network expansion. Optimization here refers to
optimization based on a sound implementation of network planning. In this sense,
optimization is a supplement to the aspects failing to be taken into adequate
consideration or resource adjustment for burst situations as suggested in a large
traffic burst. Generally, drive test, call traffic statistics and subjective perception on
the part of human are taken as the basis for optimization, but moreover signaling
tracking and analyzing almost plays a crucial role in solving difficult problems.

1.1 Process of Network Optimization

The mobile communication network of GSM generally falls into Mobile Switching-
Transporting Part and Radio Part. Due to the mobility of subscribers and the
complexity of radio waves in propagation, the Radio Part always becomes the
decisive factor affecting the QoS of the GSM network. Wireless network optimization
refers to reasonable modification to planning and designing of communication
networks according to certain principles so that a more reliable, more economic
network operation, a higher QoS, and a higher utilization ratio for network resource
can be achieved. Undoubtedly, this is of great significance for network operators and
subscribers. Procedures for network optimization are as follows:

Preparatory Work

ObtainingBasic Information
of Network on Site

Drive Test and Traffic Statistics

Collection

Data Analysis

Network Parameter Modification

N Does it meet the

performance indices?

Y
Network Optimization Report

Preparatory work at early stage include obtaining knowledge of progressive status in

network construction, analyzing the operation status of network, preparing for
optimization test equipment and software, network planning report, collection of
engineering and designing documents, etc. Obtaining of basic network information

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Wireless Network Planning Chapter 9 Network Optimization

at site include further inspections on local radio environment, hot spots of traffic,
confirmation of engineering parameters and network indices for practical installation,
communication with customers to understand specific demand of customers. Data
collection covers subjective reflection of mobile subscribers, data collection in drive
test, OMC data collection, etc. Data analysis include background analysis of
optimization software, OMC call traffic statistical analysis, tools for network
optimization analysis, etc. Network Parameter modification includes network
engineering parameter modification and network function parameter modification.
Network performance indices are in conformity with the General Indices of State
Standard. Network Optimization Report covers measures used in this optimization,
network performance indices expected, and positive suggestions for network
development.

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Wireless Network Planning Chapter 9 Network Optimization

1.2 Common Tools Used in Network Optimization

1.2.1 ANT Drive Test Equipment

ANT software can be used in re-selection test with handset mobile station in idle
state, sweep checkfrequency scanning test, timed call-up test, continuous
conversation connection test, etc. Through simulating the actual state of subscribers
in practical application, field intensity distribution, Carrier-To-Interference Ratio,
voice quality and other on site data can be obtained. Meanwhile, the actual
installation status of antenna and feeders can also be verified. Various test
measures can be applied in combination with others according to demand.
According to test result, modification to system parameters, antenna status shall be
implemented accordingly. Among them, modification to system parameters mainly
covers modification to transmission power, frequency configuration, handover level,
parameters of adjacent cells, traffic load, the numbers of SDCCH and TCH channels
for configuration, etc. Modification to antenna state has an important effect on
coverage improvement and interference reduction. It mainly covers adjustment to
antenna height hanging on racks masts(mast), directional angle azimuth(azimuth),
rake angle down tilt(title), etc. Functions of ANT test software are mainly as follows:

I. Supports Multimode Test

ANT optimization software supports sweep and conversation frequency scanning

and call connection test in full frequency band. In two-handset-test mode, the
software supports dual network test and interference test.

II. Real-time Graphic Description Window

In idle state, the ANT Optimization software can display real time BCCH field
intensity and main information of the host cell and six neighboring cells. In
conversation connection mode, ANT optimization software can also display real time
switching operation handover behavior and all indices of conversation
performanceconnection quality.

III. Geological Positioning Function

ANT Optimization Software applies high precision GPS in geographical positioning.

Path of drive test and all performances of a handset (as Call Loss Drop, handover
failure, allocation assignment failure, etc) can be displayed in real time icons. In
background analyzing, data playing-back, problem positioning and geographical
representation of all indices can be implemented.

IV. Data Analysis and Statistical Function

Background analysis of ANT optimization software cover Blind Zone of network

coverage, lonely island positioning, co-channel interference and neighboring
adjacent channel interference, sweep frequency scanning analysis, etc. According
to user’s demand, ANT optimization software can automatically create radio wireless
test measurement and statistical report including interference statistics, radio
wireless indices statistics, system performance evaluation, and engineering
parameter inspection.

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Wireless Network Planning Chapter 9 Network Optimization

1.2.2 Signaling Analyzer

Signaling Analyzer MA-10 can be used in on-line test of the ABIS interface signaling
information, A-G interface signaling information, SS ＃ 7 interface signaling
information of ISUP, TUP, and INAP. It can also be applied in testing of error code
covering PCM BERT and GSM BERT in transmission lines routes and opening of
signaling information files offline to be processed in background analysis analyzing
in background offline state by opening the signaling information files. There are five
sub application programs in MA-10 Test Software. Respectively they are “MA-10
Control (on-line test of interface signaling for ABIS interface, A-G interface, and error
code), “MONITOR ABIS offline” (ABIS interface signaling analysis offline),
“MONITOR MSC offline” (A-G interface signaling analysis offline), “GSM-BERT
offline” (error code inspection and analysis offline), “PCM-BERT offline”(error code
inspection and analysis offline).
With Signaling Analyzer MA-10, a network optimization engineer can collect and
analyze data of Abis interface and A interface, survey the complete process of
signaling connection, extract survey report, and carry out contrastive study of these
data against downlink signal collected from drive test (This ingenuous use of time
points as indices and a combined application of latitude and longitude stored in
equipment for downlink drive test can generate a uplink coverage graph and quality
graph), so that the operation state of the entire network can be obtained. In this way,
major causes and locations of Call Loss Drop, handover failure, traffic congestion
and other problems in a cell can be spotted.

1.2.3 Spectrum Analyzer

A spectrum analyzer is mainly used in test of attributes of a frequency domain

including spectrum, power of adjacent channels, quick scanning of time domain,
spurious radiation, inter-modulation attenuation, etc. A spectrum analyzer is
frequently used in network optimization to carry out electromagnetic background
test. The following example presents the HP E4402 in application.
In electromagnetic background test, a small omni-directional antenna can be
connected to the spectrum analyzer to implement broadband omni-directional test.
As HP E4402 is equipped with a built-in pre-amplifier, no external amplifier is
needed. At this time, scanning frequency of the spectrum analyzer is generally set in
880～960MHz（900MHz）or 1700～1890MHz（1800MHz）. Reference level can
be set as 0dBm and amplitude of each line as 10dBm. Shall a signal be detected,
scanning bandwidth will be narrowed down according to frequency band of the
signal, and reference level, amplitude of each line, and resolution bandwidth will
also be properly modified to carry out a detailed analysis of the signal.
Signal positioning is similar to this operation. The only difference between the two
lies in that the omni-directional antenna is changed into a directional antenna. By
swinging the directional angle and watching the magnitude of the signal, location of
the signal can be spotted.

1.2.4 Network Optimization Software

Network Optimization Software is a kind of application software. It can, in a proper

way to indicate statistical data of calls, to assist commission and maintenance
personnel and network optimization personnel in spotting network problems.
Software Input includes configuration data of Data Control Platform Data
Management Terminal, statistics and engineering data for commissioningtraffic
statistical results and commissioning engineering data recorded in BSC Call
Statistical Platform Traffic Statistical Terminal. Software output of data Data output of

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the software is in diagrams and tables along with failure spotting and suggestions
for solutions. In addition, the output also supports flexible charts report forms.
Functions of general network optimization software shall be as follows:
 Introduction of Call Traffic Statistical data, configuration data, and
network planning data
 Display of digital map in geographical representation
 Trend representation with flexible customization
 View Call Traffic Statistical result: Multi-functions and View with self-
defining configuration
 Data Filter: automatic detection of unusual points and indicate in
geographical representation
 Index analysis and failure diagnose.
 Free report function covers self-defined report, template
management, report preview, lead into and out of report, report in any
format, creation of report across BSCs.
 Parameter Analysis includes, but is not limited to co-channel
searching, neighboring channel searching, BSIC searching, CGI
agreement inspection, neighboring cell searching and geographical
representation
 Function of Experience Lab
 Engineering Management
Good optimization software can adequately act as everyday work platform for radio
engineers and maintainers (supervisors and optimizers). HUAWEI possesses a self-
developed Optimization software SNA.

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1.3 Wireless Network Problems Positioning and Solving

1.3.1 Obtaining Basic Information

The purpose of obtaining basic information of a network lies in finding out possible
aspects with problems and making out a test plan and an optimization plan
according to actual situations so as to avoid blind operation.
Firstly, a familiarity with planning state of earlier stages is prerequisite. To this end,
document for earlier stage network planning is needed. The documents may include
planning report, table of engineering parameters, network topology, report for
frequency planning, report of cell parameter design, etc. This may offer a general
idea of the network. Distinctive problems can also be detected from it.
Secondly, progressive status of the present project is also needed. For example,
status of base station installation completion, modifications to planning, especially
those to engineering parameters, state of commissioning and simple drive test.
Special attention shall be paid to network loophole caused by engineering erection
quality or progressive status. The example suggested in handover failure and
interference in large areas caused by uncompleted construction of base stations or
erection errors is a good case in point.
The following cases of optimization all refer to optimization after a sound earlier
stage planning and a good implementation of the planning. In optimization practice,
however, there are always installation problems and hardware problems as
suggested in installation of antenna in opposite directions, problems with some
carriers of base station, etc. This optimization is a continuous effort of error
correction. No more details will be accounted here.

I. Call Traffic Statistical Data

From major indices including TCH Call Loss Drop rate, TCH congestion rate,
SDCCH Call Loss Drop rate, SDCCH congestion rate, handover completion rate,
network operation status can be understood.
With voice traffic volume on the network, call traffic statistical data is a an critical
measure important method to understand network performance.

II. Drive Test Data

For a network in debugging commissioning, an extensive drive test shall be carried

out to understand the network status when voice traffic volume becomes very low or
nil. If necessary, transmission function of idle BURST in the base station can be
started to study the downlink interference status under high traffic simulation.
Necessary adjustment shall be furnished for practical problems.
Shall failure be proved within a specific area according to call traffic statistics, a
practical drive test in this area can be used to confirm the failure a step further so
that proper solution may be adopted.

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III. An Overall Knowledge of Network Coverage, Interference State, Traffic

Distribution

IV. Subjective Sense

Possible problems of the network can be judged from complaints of customers,

suggestions of telecom companies, subjective senses of engineers on site, etc.

1.3.2 Coverage

Range of cell coverage is one of the important indices in QoS evaluation for GSM
networks. Major factors affecting coverage are as follows:

I. Blind Zone for Signals

A Blind Zone results from no overlapping between coverage areas of two base
stations or no overlapping caused by obstructions.
Should there are more subscribers in the non-overlapping area of two base stations,
or dimension of the area is relatively bigger, construction of a new base station is
expected. Increasing the coverage range of these two base stations (as the case
suggested by increasing transmission power, height of antenna) so that the
overlapping depth of coverage may reach a level of 0.27R ( R here refers to radius
of the cell). Meanwhile, care should be taken to possible co-channel interference
and adjacent channel interference caused by coverage expansion.
(2) A Blind Zone caused by hollow ground valley and back hillside can be recovered
by constructing new base stations and repeaters in those areas. Repeaters can
effectively recover Blind Zones in coverage area and expand the scope of coverage.
On the other hand, repeaters can also bring about inter-modulation interference, co-
channel interference and adjacent channel interference to other cells. Therefore,
interference should be taken into consideration in introduction of repeaters in
application.
(3) Blind Zones within tunnels, underground garages, and tall buildings can be
recovered by introduction of repeaters, leak cables, or micro station technologies.

II. Cross Cell Coverage

In actual networks, signals emitted from high base stations can be transmitted on
hilly landforms or along roads to places far way. Hence the “island” problem was
created. When a call is connected into the “island” of a base station, which is far
from the base station, configuration handover in this cell may immediately result in
Call Loss Drop once the mobile station leaves this “island” area. To solve this
problem, rake angle down tilt or power gain of the antenna should be modified.
Transmission directly along road should be largely avoided so as to eliminate island
effect by reducing the coverage of base stations.
In coverage optimization, modification to directional angle azimuth and rake angle
down tilt is often used to change service range of the cell. Problem of Blind Zone
caused by co-channel inference, adjacent channel interference, and inter-
modulation interference between TACS and GSM can be solved by eliminating
interference.

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1.3.3 Capacity

I. Traffic Congestion

With OMC call traffic statistics data, TCH congestion rate can be obtained (with
occupation at all busy). It is also possible to judge the traffic congestion status by
comparing the busy hour call traffic volume against calculation capacity of each
base station cell. For congestion cells, it is recommended that more carriers be
added, or cell split, or construction of new base stations in common sites be
adopted. It is also advisable to adopt new dual frequency networks, micro cells, etc.

II. Traffic Balance

For some base stations with congestions, measures to ease the congestion are as
follows:
(1) Modify the antenna height, down-dip tiltangle, transmission power of base
stations and handset.
(2) Modify the configuration for part of parameters
In overloaded areas, the minimum access level may be suitably increased and
handover threshold may be appropriately decreased to reduce traffic. Accordingly,
the minimum access level may be properly reduced and handover threshold may be
appropriately increased to increase traffic.
Moreover, by setting CBQ and CBA of low traffic cells, these cells may be assigned
with higher selection PRI. A suitable increase in CRO can make it more easily for
the cell to be re-selected.
(3) Start-up Load Handover and Directional Retry

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1.3.4 Interference

PLMN cellular system makes use of frequency multiplexing to improve application

efficiency of spectrum and to increase system capacity. Meanwhile, it also brings
forth co-channel interference and adjacent channel interference (This is called
internal interference of the system.) In addition, there are also interferences caused
by Multi-path Effect and external factors of the network as the interferences of TACS
and repeaters.

I. Interference Positioning

GSM is a dual system with a difference of 45MHz between uplink frequency and
downlink frequency. There might be interferences in both uplinks and downlinks.
Downlink interference can be measured with instrument for drive test by maintaining
the conversation status. Level of voice quality can be used in positioning. Voice
quality are of 7 levels. Corresponding bit error rates are listed in Table 3-1. General
requirement of voice quality shall not be lower than 3, i.e. the code error rate shall
be less than 1.6%.

Table 3-1 Relational Correspondence between Signal Quality Level and Error Rate

RxQual class Mean Ber (%) Ber range

0 0.14 <0.2%
1 0.28 0.2 ... 0.4%
2 0.57 0.4 ... 0.8%
3 1.13 0.8 ... 1.6%
4 2.26 1.6 ... 3.2%
5 4.53 3.2 ... 6.4%
6 9.05 6.4 ... 12.8%
7 18.1 >12.8%

Uplink interference can be positioned with the numbers of interference bands and
Call Loss Drop rates in HUAWEI OMC call traffic statistics terminal. Interference
band is an indication of free idle TCH levels of 5 categories grades in all. Level
ranges can be set through Data Configuration PlatformTerminal. Look at the
following example:

Table 3-2 Level Range of Interference Band

Interference Band 1 -110 ～ -105dBm

Interference Band 2 -105 ～ -98dBm
Interference Band 3 -98 ～ -90dBm
Interference Band 4 -90 ～ -87dBm
Interference Band 5 -87 ～ -47dBm

Generally speaking, shall idle channel fall into Interference Band 4 and Interference
Band 5 continuously, it can be determined that there exists interference.
Beside, measurement report for uplink and downlink can be viewed from Signaling
Analyzer MA-10 connected to ABIS interface. In this way, uplink interference and

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downlink interference can also be positioned.

II. Ways to reduce interference

(1) Increase the distance between two adjacent cells of the same or neighboring
frequencies;
(2) Decrease transmission power of base stations;
(3) Modify antenna height;
(4) Modify directional angle azimuth of the antenna;
(5) Modify down-dip angle down tilt of the antenna;
(6) Optimization of frequency configuration;
(7) Start-up of anti-interference techniques used in GSM as Power Control,
Discontinuous Transmission, Frequency Hopping, etc.
(8) Due to non-linearity feature of TACS-TX amplifier, high level inter-modulation
result interference may be generated (as tertiary interference). Shall the result signal
be in channel the bandwidth of GSM receiver, it may have interference on the GSM
receiver. Shall the TACS and GSM share a commensal common site, inter-
modulation interference may also be created. Inter-modulation reduction may be
accomplished by increasing the transmission power of GSM downlink and
optimizing the frequency configuration.

1.3.5 Handover

When a mobile subscriber moves from one cell into another, handover must be
completedimplemented. Otherwise, voice quality may be greatly reduced. In some
cases, even Call Loss Drop may occur. Frequent handover problems include voice
quality declination or Call Loss Drop caused by handover failure and handover
delay, voice quality declination and system load increase caused by frequent
handovers, voice traffic unbalance traffic caused by unreasonable ratios of outgoing
againstand incoming callshandovers.
Drive test equipment can be used in testing of continuous conversationconnection,
tracking of handover failures, handover delays or frequent handovers, etc. With
OMC call traffic statistical data, handover completion ratio, incoming and outgoing
handover ratio of the cell can be analyzed.
Causes and resolvent of handover abnormal handover and methods for trouble
shooting are as follows:
(1) Handover threshold configuration configrated too low
(2) Congestion in adjacent cells, no free idle channels available；
(3) Configuration of relation with neighboring cells missing；
(4) Handover hysteresis and handover priority configuration inappropriate；
(5) Configuration for the best statistical time N, P inappropriate
(6) Networking in combination with other cells consisting of products by other
manufactures, parameters of these external cells must be secured correct. These
parameters cover LAC, CI, BCCH, etc.

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1.3.6 Call Loss (Drop)Drop

In GSM network operation, Call Loss Drop has been the hot spot of complaint from
customers. Call Loss Drop here refers to Call Loss Drop after distribution of voice
traffic channels. There are various causes of Call Loss Drop with the direct ones as
field intensity, interference, and inappropriate configuration for parameters.
For our products, there are two critical parameters affecting Call LossDrop. One is
radio link timer failure for downlinks, the other is the number of SACCH multi-frames
for uplinks. These two parameters shall be suitably configured according to traffic
volume and coverage.
Causes of Radio Link Failure are as follows:
(1) When the mobile station enters into a Blind Zone for field intensity coverage, Call
Loss Drop may result from RF factors.
(2) Internal or external interference of the network may result in SACCH frame
decoding failure. This further leads to Call LossDrop.
(3) When a mobile station approaches cell boundary in driving, the mobile station
requests for handover. As the definition for neighboring cells was lost, or there are
congestions in neighboring cells, there would be no cells available for handover.
This finally leads to a Call LossDrop.
(4) With imbalance between uplinks and downlinks, a handover may result in Call
LossDrop. For example, take the mobile station is in CELL 1. There exists
imbalance between uplink and downlink in the neighboring cells, CELL 2 (suppose
that there are good downlinks but very weak uplinks.). According to downlink level,
the mobile station then makes out the sequence of cells to for incoming handover.
The mobile station may be directed into CELL 2. After the handset is directed into
CELL 2, Call Loss Drop may occur due to bad uplink.
There are also Call Losses Drops caused by non-radio link reasons as Abis
interface failure, A interface failure, etc.

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1.4 Problem Positioning according to Network Indices

An important method to testify the effectiveness of optimization effort is to inspect
major network indices covering TCH Call Loss Drop rate, TCH Congestion rate,
SDCCH Call Loss Drop rate, SDCCH congestion rate, handover completion rate,
traffic volume, etc. These indices can be expertly used in the analysis of network
operation status.
In analyzing call traffic statistical indices, the first thing to be made clear is whether
there are cells with abnormal indices. Should there be, the abnormal cells must be
analyzed one by one. In view of the seriousness caused by abnormal indices, major
indices can be basically arranged in the order importance as follows: TCH Call Loss
Drop rate, TCH congestion rate, SDCCH Call Loss Drop rate, handover completion
rate, etc. Interference and coverage, however can affect many other indices at the
same time, as many indices are inter- related. Shall the problem of low handover
completion rate be properly solved, Call Loss Drop may be improved to a certain
extent. Therefore, in practical analysis and solution of a certain problem, effort may
be focused on a certain index with combination of others.

1.4.1 TCH Call Loss Drop Rate

Causes of high rate of call loss drop are as follows:

(1) Interference (network internal interference, external interference, interference
from the equipment itself.)
(2) Bad coverage (Blind Zones, Lonely Islands)
(3) Inappropriate handover (planning of adjacent cells, handover parameters.)
(4) Imbalance between uplinks and downlinks (Tower Amplifier, Power Amplifier,
Antenna Direction)
(5) Inappropriate Parameter configuration (Counter for radio link failure, number of
SACCH multi-frames
(6) Equipment problem (Carrier board, Power Amplifier, Tower Amplifier)
Each factor will be analyzed as a subject as follows

I. Interference (network internal interference, external interference)

Judgment :
(1) Analyze the regular patterns of interference band in call traffic statistics
With more than one free idle channels presented in interference band three, four,
and five, a judgment can be passed that there is interference in a general sense.
Shall the interference be an internal one, it generally increases with the increase of
traffic. Usually, an external interference bears no relations with traffic volume. It shall
also be noted here that interference band is reported uplink to BSC via RF resource
indication message by carrier channels of base stations in idle state. With busy
channels at present, resource indication message becomes difficult to be reported
uplink. The interference band statistics shall be considered in a comprehensive
approach.
(2) Measurement of receiving level performance (A matrix indicating relationship

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between level and quality is expected.)

This is a statistical task specifically for carriers. If there are too many high levels of
low quality, it suggests that there are co-channel interference, adjacent channel
interference, or external interference for the frequency band of this carrier board.
(3) Ratio of LowProportion of bad Quality Handovers
In test the measurement of cell performance / test the measurement of inter-cell
handover performance between cells, or in test the measurement of outgoing cell
handover from cellsperformance, number of attempts for outgoing cell handover
caused by all sorts of reasons was recorded in traffic statistics. Shall there be too
many handovers caused by bad quality, it suggests that there is interference. More
handovers caused by bad uplink quality suggests uplink interference. More
handovers caused by bad downlink quality suggests downlink interference.
(4) Measurement of receiving quality performance
Specifically for carriers, the statistical data of average receiving quality will be made
for reference.
(5) Measurement of Call Loss Drop performance
The average level and quality of Call Loss Drop is recorded for reference.
(6) Too many handover failures together with too many recovery failures.
It is very possible that there is interference within the cell. This is for reference.
Solution:
(1) In actual drive test, check the road section with interference and inspection
distribution of signal quality. Origins of overlapping signals causing interference
should be made clear in cells. According to actual status, interference can be
avoided by modifying the transmission power, pitch angledown tilt of antenna,
relations between adjacent cells, handover parameters, or frequency band planning
of a cell concerned.
(2) With a frequency spectrometerspectrum analyzer, interference frequency band
can be detected. Source of interference can be spotted.
(3) Start up ofAdopt frequency hopping, DTX, and power control.
(4) Solve the equipment problems (as TRX self-excitation).

II. Coverage (Blind Zones, and lonely islands)

Judgment:
(1) Measurement of power control performance, the average uplink signal intensity
and down link signal intensity are too low.
(2) Measurement of receiving level performance, the ratio of low receiving level is
detected too high.
(3) In measurement of cell performance and performance of handover between
cells, threshold level for handover prompt and average receiving level are detected
too low.
(4) In Call Loss Drop Performance measurement, level at Call Loss Drop too low
and TA abnormal before Call Loss Drop are detected.
(5) Performance measurement of defined adjacent cells. Adjacent cell with too low
an average level can be spotted.

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(6) The average level of a undefined adjacent cells is too high. There are too many
such cells(lonely islands).
(7) Performance measurement of defined adjacent cells. Average receiving level of
defined adjacent cells is detected too high (over excessive coverage).
(8) Measurement of power control performance, see if the average distance
between MS and BTS is in conformity with design ideology.
(9) Measurement of power control performance, see if the maximum distance
between MS and BTS are overdue in several consecutive periods.
(10) Performance test of outgoing handover from a cell, low handover completion
rate into a certain adjacent cell.
Solution:
(1) A drive test is recommended to be carried out in areas with estimated bad
coverage.
(2) Modify network parameter according to drive test. (transmission power of a base
station, rake angledown tilt and height of the antenna, minimum access level of
handset, relations of adjacent cells, the minimum access threshold of handover
candidate cells for incoming handovers.
(3) Add Increase base stations.

III. Inappropriate handover (planning for adjacent cells and parameters for
handover)

Judgment:
(1) Check the handover parameter. See if there is inappropriate parameter
configuration.
(2) Performance measurement of handovers between cells. More handover failures
together with more recovery failures are detected.
(3) Performance measurement of handover between cells. Too many handovers
together with too many recovery completions are detected.
(4) Performance measurement of undefined adjacent cells. Levels of undefined
adjacent cells are too high and the number of report for undefined cells goes beyond
standard.
(5) Performance measurement for outgoing handovers: low rate of outgoing
handover completion out of a cell (for a specific cell). Find out an adjacent cell with
low incoming handover completion rate so that causes can be further detected from
target cells.
(6) Low rate of incoming handover completion. Inappropriate parameter
configuration for counterpart cells is detected.
(7) TCH Performance measurement: Times of handover is not in proportion to times
of TCH call occupation completion. (handover/call>3)
Solution:
(1) Add appropriately adjacent cells.
(2) Modify handover parameters.

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IV. Imbalance between uplinks and downlinks (Tower Amplifier, Power

Amplifier, antenna direction.)

Judgment
(1) Register “measurement for balance performance between uplinks and
downlinks” in call traffic statistics. Analyze if there really exists imbalance between
uplinks and downlinks.
(2) Register “Call Loss Drop Performance Measurement” in call traffic statistics.
Analyze the level and quality of uplinks and downlinks at Call Loss.；
(3) Register “Power Control Performance Measurement” in call traffic statistics.
Analyze the average receiving level of uplinks and downlinks.
Solution:
(1) Check Tower Amplifiers and Power Amplifiers. Specifically for Tower Amplifiers
with alarm, the test may be focused on the Tower Amplifiers with alarm. Current
values should be the main concern.
(2) Check to see if the antenna direction is in accordance with design direction.
(3) Check to see if it was caused by combiner alarm.
(4) Check the MA-10 measurement report.
(5) Check the BSC data configuration (Handset, transmission power of base
stations, minimum access level of the handset.)

V. Inappropriate configuration of radio parameters (counter for radio link

failure, number of SACCH multi-frames.)

Positioning of Problems:
Check configuration for parameters concerned:
 System information data sheet: counter for radio link failure.
 Sheet of cell attributes: number of SACCH multi-frames, timer for
radio link connection.
Solution:
Modify inappropriate configuration for parameters mentioned above.

VI. Equipment problems (carrier board, Power Amplifier, Tower Amplifier)

Judgment:
(1) TCH Performance measurement: times of A interface failure abnormal with TCH
occupation.
(2) TCH Performance measurement: TCH application ratio abnormal.
(3) TCH Performance measurement: too many times of Call Loss Drop and
interruption on ground link failure.
(4) Shall Call Loss Drop rate and congestion rate of this cell remain high, there
might be problems with part of the equipment.
Solution:

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(1) Watch over transmission and board alarm (TC board failure, Alarm for PCM
synchronization loss at A interface, LAPD broken link, Power Amplifier board, HPA,
TRX board alarm, CUI/FPU alarm). According to alarm data, analyze to see if there
is transmission break or board failure (as suggested by carrier board failure or poor
contact.)

1.4.2 TCH Congestion Rate

Main reasons of high TCH congestion rate are as follows:

(1) Inadequate system capacity
(2) Too much interference
(3) Coverage
(4) Handover reason
(5) Inappropriate parameter configuration (system information)
Every factor will be analyzed as a topic:

I. Inadequate System Capacity or Traffic Imbalance

Judgment:
(1) Too high a traffic for each line (DGT specifies that a cell with a traffic load greater
than 0.8 per line is taken as a super busy cell. A cell with traffic load smaller than 0.1
is taken as a super idle cell.)
(2) With an applicable rate of 100% for channels, when there are too many times of
occupation at all busy, there will be a long term all busy.
(3) Traffic imbalance (inspect traffic imbalance between three sectors of a base
station or between several stations)
(4) In performance statistics of incoming handover into a cell, there are too many
handover failures because of congestion.
Solution:
(1) Capacity expansion or modification to carrier configuration between busy cells
and idle cells.
(2) Modify the cell coverage (modify transmission power of base stations, modify
directional angelazimuth, rake angledown tilt, and height of antenna.)
(3) Modify major indices of cell (modify CRO, modify the minimum access level for
handsets, start-up load handover, modify cell priority, modify cell handover
parameters).

II. Interference (network internal interference and external interference)

TCH congestion rate falls into two parts. One is TCH occupation at all busy. This
results in real channel allocation failure and further leads to channel request failure.
The other one is channel assignment failure caused by various reasons after the
assignment command being sent out.
Times of TCH occupation failure (including handover)--times of TCH occupation at
all busy, i.e. channel assignment failure caused by non-assignment availability
factors. With too many occupation failures, there is possible interference within the
network.

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Judgment and solutions:

Refer to judgment and solution to interference in TCH Call LossDrop.

III. Causes of Handover (imbalance between incoming handovers and

outgoing handovers)

Judgment:
(1) Times of handover is not in proportion to that of TCH call occupation completion
(3 handover/call specifically for the cell)
(2) Times of incoming handover is far greater than that of outgoing handover (this
results in traffic imbalance).
Solution
Modify handover parameters.

IV. Parameter Configuration Inappropriate

Judgment:
Check the handset configuration for the minimum access level.
Solution:
Modify the inappropriate parameter configuration

V. Coverage (Blind Zones, lonely island)

Judgment and solution:

Refer to judgment and solution to coverage in TCH Call Loss Drop rate.

1.4.3 SDCCH Call Loss rateSDCCH Call Drop Rate

For ADCCH SDCCH Call Loss Drop rateRate, refer to analysis for TCH Call
LossDrop Rate.

1.4.4 SDCCH Congestion Rate

Main factors causing high SDCCH congestion rate are as follows:

(1) Inappropriate parameter configuration (system information)
(2) Inadequate system capacity
Each factor will be analyzed as a special topic as follows:

I. Inappropriate parameter configuration

Judgment:
Measurement of random access performance:
Times of instant immidiate assignment completion (the sum of location renewal
update + the sum of calls and other reasons)/Times of instant immidiate

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assignment< 85%
The above formula presents the ratio of handset report uplink est_ind against instant
immidiate assignment command downlink. The ratio generally should be in the
range of 80 ～ 90%. With this ratio in abnormal, it suggests that there might be
inappropriate configuration for relevant parameters.
(1) The ratio of instant immidiate assignment success is too low.
(2) Ratio of location renewal update times against times of all assignment
instructions (too many location renewalsupdate).
Solutions:
(1) Parameter modification (threshold of random access error, RACH access
threshold),maximum times for retransmission, the number of TS in transmission
expansion.
(2) Pay attention to parameter configuration for partition of location area and
location renewal update (configuration for 1800MHz dual band network, CRO, cell
reselection hysteresis parameters, time for periodic location renewalupdate, etc.)
(3) In dual band networks, an exceedingly high rate ofexcessive location renewal
update may be caused by an exceedingly high rate ofexcessive handover between
mobile switch officescenters. Modification shall be made to handover parameters of
the 1800MHz dual network, CRO, etc.

II. Inadequate system capacity

Apart from factors mentioned above, there might be capacity problems. SDCCH
configuration number shall be increased or dynamic SDCCH assignment function
and TCH carrier shall be engaged.

1.4.5 Rate of Handover Completion

Subject for analysis: Adjacent cells with low rates for outgoing handover completion
and service cell with low rates for incoming handover completion.
First, judgment shall be passed onto the following issues according to inter cell
Performance measurement: Is the rate for incoming handover completion low? Is
the rate for outgoing handover completion low? Low rate of outgoing handover
completion shall be further studied via cell Performance measurement to detect
which is the adjacent cell with the lowest outgoing handover completion rate.
Main reasons of low handover completion rate:
(1) Inappropriate handover
(2) Equipment failure (damage in certain carrier boards, etc.)
(3) Congestion
(4) Interference
(5) Coverage
(6) Imbalance between uplinks and downlinks
(7) Clock problem (The base station changes into an internal clock, and the upper
level clock becomes unstable or the upper level clock has much deviationis overly
floating.)
In analysis, configuration of handover parameters, relations of adjacent cells, BTS

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synchronization loss with BSC, and other problems can be eliminated in the first
place. Further analysis may be carried out over other factors affecting low rate of
handover completion.

I. Inappropriate handover (planning for adjacent cells, handover arameters.)

Position and Solution:

(1) Check to see if the configuration for handover thresholds of TA and BQ and
handover switch is appropriate.
(2) Performance measurement of undefined adjacent cells: level and the number of
measurement reports of undefined adjacent cells exceed standard.（Adjacent cells
shall be suitably added.）
(3) In defining the Performance measurement of adjacent cells, defined adjacent
cells with few handovers can be spotted. These cells can be recommended to be
deleted.
(4) Times of handover is not in proportion to that of TCH call occupation completion.
With handover/call>3, there might be ping-pong handovers. In this case, handover
parameters shall be inspected and modified. (Handover parameters include
configuration of layers, inter layer handover hysteresis, inter cell handover
hysteresis, PBGT threshold, etc).
(5)Inter cell handover Performance measurement: the average level for handover
prompt is detected too low. This may result from too low a handover threshold
including edge threshold in configuration.

II. Equipment problem

Subject for Analysis:

A service cell with low rate of incoming handover completion and adjacent cells with
low rate of outgoing handover completion.
Positioning of Problems:
(1) There are channels being activated in target cells but NACK, TIMEOUT.
(2) TCH availability abnormal.
(3) Too many times of Call Loss Drop and call interruption resulted from terrestrial
link problem.
(4) Shall Call Loss Drop rate and congestion rate remain high in a cell, there might
be problems with part of the equipment.
(5) Survey the transmission and board alarm (TC failure, A interface PCM
synchronization loss alarm, LAPD broken link, Power Amplification board, HPA, TRX
alarm, CUI/FPU alarm) According to alarm data, see if there is a transmission failure
or a malfunctioning board (as a carrier board failure or bad contact).
(6) Check the provision of clock alarm.
(7) Due to the fact that handover between base stations is limited by access level
and quality, care shall be taken to configuration for relevant parameters (RACH
access threshold, Random Access Error Threshold.)

III. Congestion

Subject for Analysis:

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A service cell with low rate of incoming handover completion and adjacent cells with
low rate of outgoing handover completion.
Positioning of Problems:
After the problem of inappropriate parameter configuration and equipment failure
being solved, if there are
(1) Too many incoming handover failures (caused by congestion) in measurement of
incoming handover performance;
(2) Times of outgoing handover attempts - times of outgoing handover is too great in
measurement of handover performance between cells. It suggests that there is no
channel available to be applied. There might be congestion in the target cell.
With phenomenon mentioned above, the maximum number of TCH in all busy, the
time of all busy shall be studied to confirm the existence of congestion. Congestion
shall be solved as follows.
Solution:
(1) Modify cell coverage (modify transmission power of base stations, modify the
minimum access level, modify RACH access threshold, modify random access error
threshold, modify rake angledown tilt of antenna.)
(2) Modify major parameters of the cell (modify CRO, start-up load handover, modify
cell priority and handover parameter of the cell.)
(3) Capacity expansion or modification to configuration of carriers of the cell.

IV. Others

After the problems of parameter configuration, equipment failure, and congestion

being solved, with reference to TCH Call Loss Drop analysis, the problem of cells
with low rate for incoming handover completion and adjacent cells with low rate
incoming handover completion can be solved by interference, coverage, balance for
uplink and downlink analysis and solution.

1.4.6 Traffic Analysis

Calculate traffic volume of the specific area (mean traffic per line) to see if it is
necessary to implement capacity expansion.
Make out a list of super busy cells and super idle cells.
Traffic trend. Based on historic traffic data, estimate the future trend of traffic.
Analyze if there are cells with abnormal traffic volume.

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