GRFSTG00372-GSM BSS Performance and Capacity Technical Clarification V1R2 (20120615)

Product Name Confidentiality Level
INTERNAL
Product Version
Total 30 Pages

Performance and Capacity Technical Clarification
For internal use only

Prepared By RNPS Date 2009-9-29
Reviewed By Date
Reviewed By Date
Approved By Date

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
All Rights Reserved.

Disclosure of Invention for Performance and Capacity Technical Clarification Confidentiality level:

2014-7-4 Huawei Proprietary and Confidential
Copyright Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
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Change History
Date Issue Change Description Author
2009-9-29 V0.1 Completed the draft. He Xiaomei
2009-10-12 V0.1 Added the application scenario of each capacity
expansion solution and corresponding
congestion rate and traffic volume per channel.
He Xiaomei
2009-12-25 Revised based on review comments. He Xiaomei


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Contents
Performance and Capacity Technical Clarification ........................................................................ 7
1 Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Background ...................................................................................................................................................... 7
2 Methods for Identifying Network Congestion Problems ..................................................... 7
2.1 Busy-Hour Radio Resource Usage ................................................................................................................... 7
2.2 TCH Congestion ............................................................................................................................................... 8
2.2.1 Definition of Congestion Rate on TCH ................................................................................................... 8
2.2.2 Methods for Analyzing TCH Congestion ................................................................................................ 9
2.2.3 Methods for Identifying PS Congestion ................................................................................................ 12
2.3 SDCCH Congestion ....................................................................................................................................... 13
2.3.1 Definition of Congestion Rate on SDCCH ........................................................................................... 13
2.3.2 Methods for Analyzing SDCCH Congestion Problems ........................................................................ 13
3 Capacity Expansion Solutions .................................................................................................. 15
3.1 TCH Capacity Expansion Solution 1: Adjusting the Proportions of TCHFs and TCHHs .............................. 15
3.1.1 Application Scenarios ........................................................................................................................... 15
3.1.2 Enabling the HR Threshold Adjustment Function to Absorb Traffic Volume ....................................... 15
3.1.3 Traffic Volume to Be Absorbed After the HR Function Is Enabled ...................................................... 16
3.1.4 Impact of the HR Function on Network Performance .......................................................................... 16
3.2 TCH Capacity Expansion Solution 2: Adjusting AMR Parameters ............................................................... 17
3.2.2 Capacity Calculation and TRX Configuration in a Loose Frequency Reuse Pattern ............................ 17
3.2.3 Capacity Calculation and TRX Configuration in a Tight Frequency Reuse Pattern ............................. 18
3.2.4 Impact of the AMR Function on Network Performance ....................................................................... 20
3.3 TCH Expansion Solution 3: Adding TRXs .................................................................................................... 21
3.3.2 Number of TRXs to Be Added for Traffic Absorption .......................................................................... 21
3.3.3 Impact of Adding TRXs on Network Performance ............................................................................... 21
3.4 SDCCH Capacity Expansion Solution: SDCCH Dynamic Allocation ........................................................... 22
3.4.2 Estimation of Dynamic SDCCHs .......................................................................................................... 22
3.4.3 Impact of the SDCCH Dynamic Allocation Function on Network Performance .................................. 23
3.5 PDCH Capacity Expansion Solution: Allocating Dynamic PDCHs .............................................................. 23


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3.5.2 Checking Whether Capacity Expansion Is Required for PS Services ................................................... 23
3.5.3 Maximum Rate of PDCHs .................................................................................................................... 25
3.5.4 Impact of Adjusting the Maximum Rate of PDCHs on Network Performance .................................... 25
4 Analysis on the Relationship Between Um-Interface Traffic Volume per Channel and
Congestion Rate.............................................................................................................................. 26
4.1 Shi Jiazhuang ................................................................................................................................................. 26
4.1.1 S1 to S4 Site Configuration Mode ........................................................................................................ 27
4.1.2 S5 to S8 Site Configuration Mode ........................................................................................................ 27
4.1.3 S9 and Higher Site Configuration Mode ............................................................................................... 28
5 Adjusting Capacity Related Channel Management Parameters ....................................... 28
5.1 Adjusting TCHF and TCHH Management Parameters .................................................................................. 28
5.2 Description of AMR Related Parameters (GBSC V900R008C12 Performance Parameter Baseline) ........... 30
6 References ..................................................................................................................................... 30


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Reference Documents
No. Document Author Department Date
1 GSM BSS Capacity Expansion and
Performance Technical Clarification
Yan Yafeng, Wang
Yiou, Yan Xingmei, and
Wu Zhen
GSM Performance
Department
2007-4-17
2 RNPS GSM SDCCH Capacity
Planning Solutions
He Qun, Wang Yiting,
and Liu Rui
RNPS 2008-10-08
3 GSM BSS AMR Performance
Technical Clarification
Yan Yafeng and Liu
Xiuyu
GSM Performance
Department
2009-5-30
4 Guide to Capacity Expansion for PS
and CS services
Zhuang Yanli and
Zhang Lin
RNPS 2008-12-22
5 GSM BSS HR Performance Technical
Clarification
Liu Xiuyu and Wang
Fei
GSM Performance
Department
2007-6-12


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Keywords: performance, capacity
Abstract: Based on traffic statistics, this document describes how to determine the congestion
rate and how the capacity is affected by adjusting the proportion of full-rate (FR)/half-rate
(HR) channels, enabling the AMR function, and adding TRXs, dynamic SDCCHs, and
dynamic PDCHs. This document also provides a qualitative analysis on the impact of
parameter adjustment on network performance.
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Acronyms and Abbreviations Full Name
FR Full-rate
HR Half-rate


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Performance and Capacity Technical Clarification
1 Overview
1.1 Background
At present, the GSM network in most countries is mature, the performance problems of
equipment decrease, and the network quality, costs, and services have attracted more attention.
Therefore, operators are committed to evaluate and optimize network resources and improve
the network service capability and quality to enhance their core competencies. Some operators
list the network resource usage as a KPI to evaluate the network operation and maintenance
(O&M) quality.
With the commercial operation of GSM BSS and a significant increase in MSs, equipment
congestion occurs in some offices, constituting an urgent need for network expansion. Before
network expansion, the congestion level that may trigger network expansion must be
determined.
Based on the methods for measuring the quality of wireless network, this document describes
how to identify and locate congestion problems, builds a mathematical model to evaluate the
impact of adjusting the TCHH, AMR function, dynamic PDCHs, and dynamic SDCCHs and
adding TRXs on the traffic volume, and provides a qualitative analysis on the impact of
parameter adjustment on network performance.
2 Methods for Identifying Network Congestion
Problems
With a significant increase in MSs on a mature network, the existing network capacity cannot
meet current requirements, deteriorating user experience and network KPIs such as the TCH
congestion rate and the assignment success rate. To expand the network capacity, operators
may add TRXs, modify related thresholds to absorb more traffic, or enable HR and AMR
functions. In addition, to accommodate increasing PS services, dynamic PDCHs can be
configured and shared by both PS and CS services. Configuration of dynamic SDCCHs and
PDCHs can properly optimize frequency resources to increase channel usage.
2.1 Busy-Hour Radio Resource Usage
The design of wireless network capacity involves the following activities:
1. Obtain the maximum site configuration according to the number of available frequencies
and the frequency reuse factor.
2. Calculate the total design traffic volume based on available geographic information,
traffic model, number of MSs, and MS distribution.
3. Obtain the number of required TCHs by querying the Erlang B table according to the
total design traffic volume and call loss rate.
4. Finalize the number of sites based on the maximum configuration.
The busy-hour radio resource usage indicates the relationship between the actual busy-hour
traffic load on the network and the designed busy-hour traffic load. It is an important indicator


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for operators to evaluate whether network resources are sufficient to carry the existing traffic
load and whether network capacity needs to be expanded. The busy-hour radio resource usage
is calculated using the following formula:
% 100 x
load ic hour traff - busy Designed
load ic hour traff - busy Actual
usage resource radio hour - Busy
Network capacity expansion is determined by the busy-hour radio resource usage specified by
operation strategies of operators. For example, an operator implements resource optimization
or capacity expansion when the busy-hour radio resource usage reaches about 60%; however,
some international operators do not expand the network capacity even though the busy-hour
radio resource usage reaches 80%.
Huawei has no unified standards for the radio resource usage. According to the GSM BSS
Capacity Expansion and Performance Technical Clarification, this indicator also relates to the
site configuration. For a cell configured with one or two TRXs, the congestion rate increases
significantly when the radio resource usage is greater than 65%. For a cell configured with
three to five TRXs, the congestion rate increases significantly when the radio resource usage
is greater than 70%. For a cell configured with six or more TRXs, the congestion rate
increases significantly when the radio resource usage is greater than 80%.
The preceding values are only for reference, which may be adjusted based on the actual
network conditions.
Another method for determining the network resource usage is to calculate the busy-hour
traffic volume per channel to identify the existing traffic load.
The formula is as follows:
(TCHHs) TCHs available of Number (TCHFs) TCHs available of Number
volume traffic HR volume traffic FR
channel per volume ic hour traff - Busy

If no TCHH is configured, the number of available TCHs (TCHHs) is 0 and the HR traffic
volume is 0.
If TCHHs are configured, operators can directly obtain the number of available channels and
the total traffic volume by querying the traffic measurement counters: K3014: Traffic Volume
on TCH and K3015: Available TCHs.
According to chapter 4 "Analysis on the Relationship Between Um-Interface Traffic Volume
per Channel and Congestion Rate" and traffic statistics, when the congestion rate reaches 2%,
the traffic volume per channel varies depending on the site configuration mode. For example,
the traffic volume per channel is 0.5 Erlang when S1 to S4 site configuration mode is used,
0.65 Erlang when S5 to S8 site configuration mode is used, and greater than 0.8 Erlang when
S9 and higher site configuration mode is used.
Network capacity expansion is also determined by the busy-hour traffic volume per channel
specified by operation strategies of operators. Generally, major operators that have sufficient
frequency resources add TRXs to expand the capacity to ensure the network quality. Minor
operators that have insufficient frequency resources adjust related parameters to increase the
network capacity. For example, they may adjust the proportion of TCHHs or enable the AMR
function.
2.2 TCH Congestion
2.2.1 Definition of Congestion Rate on TCH
The formula for calculating Congestion Rate on TCH (All Channels Busy) is as follows:


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Congestion Rate on TCH (All Channels Busy) = Failed TCH Seizures due to Busy TCH/TCH
Seizure Requests.
This counter reflects the proportion of TCH unavailable times to the TCH seizure requests.
When the busy-hour traffic volume exceeds the designed traffic volume or the capacity
distribution at all network nodes does not match the actual busy-hour traffic distribution, TCH
congestion may occur in cells with a large number of MSs in busy hours. In these cases,
conduct a TCH performance measurement to check whether the congestion occurs when all
channels are busy.
2.2.2 Methods for Analyzing TCH Congestion
TCH congestion may be caused by equipment faults, Um-interface faults, or insufficient
capacity. To locate the causes of TCH congestion, follow the analysis method shown in Figure
2-1.


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Figure 2-1 Locating the causes of TCH congestion

Description of the analysis process:
When the busy-hour congestion rate on TCH is greater than 5%, a congestion analysis needs to
be performed.
Congestion rate on
TCH > 5%
Check whether TCHs in
the cell are insufficient.
Filter the cells that have
sufficient capacity.
Check whether the
equipment is faulty.
Traffic volume per
TCH
Failed TCH seizures
due to busy TCH
Failed incoming
inter-cell handover
(because of
congestion)
Capacity
TRX availability
TCH activation
attempts
(NACK/TIMEOUT)
TCH availability
LAPD protocol
capability measurement
Retransmission times
SDCCH dynamic
allocation
Wireless network
problems
Interference band
analysis
TRX receive level
and receive quality
Times of handover
due to poor uplink
and downlink
quality
Congestion rate on
SDCCH
RACH overload
Uplink and downlink
balance
measurement
TCH availability per
adjacent cell
Mean level and
timing advance
during call drops on
TCH
Average level during
power control
Rate of handovers
to successful TCH
seizures
Rate of incoming
handovers to
outgoing
handovers
Attempted
handovers
(directed retry)
Frequent
handovers
Coverage
Interference
Equipment or
transmission faults


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For a cell, if the busy-hour traffic load per TCH reaches 80% of the designed traffic load or
the traffic volume per channel exceeds 0.6 Erlang, the cell is a heavy-traffic cell (for sites
configured with large capacity, a cell may be considered as a heavy-traffic cell if the
busy-hour traffic load exceeds 0.8 Erlang). For heavy-traffic cells, a congestion analysis needs
to be performed if the congestion rate reaches 2%.
As shown in Figure 2-1, the branches 2 and 3 list possible wireless network problems and
equipment faults. Table 2-1 shows only the problem causes in branch 1.
Table 2-1 Counters related to traffic load
Cause BSC-Level Traffic Statistics Cell-Level Traffic Statistics
All
channels
busy
Overall BSC performance measurement
> access performance measurement >
TCH performance measurement
Traffic Volume on TCH (Erl) Failed TCH Seizures due to Busy
TCH
Congestion Rate on TCH (All Channels
Busy) (%)
TCH Availability (%)
Failed Assignments (Channel
Unavailable)
Traffic Volume on TCH (Erl)
TCH Seizure Requests (All) TCH Seizure Requests (All)
Traffic
load
Overall BSC performance measurement
> access performance measurement >

Congestion Rate on TCH (All Channels
Busy) (%)
TCH Traffic (Erl)
Traffic Volume on TCH (Erl) Traffic Volume on TCH (Erl)
(1800/1900)
Failed Assignments (Channel
Unavailable)

The counters in branch 1 for reference in busy hours are shown in Table 2-1. Query the TRX
and channel configuration of the current cell and Erlang B table to obtain the designed traffic
volume. Then compare the designed traffic volume with the actual traffic volume to check
whether the TCH congestion traffic load of the cell approaches or reaches the designed traffic
volume. If the TCH congestion traffic load of the cell approaches or reaches the designed
traffic volume, perform an analysis, as shown in Figure 2-2.


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Figure 2-2 Capacity expansion analysis
Actual traffic
volume
Radio resource
utilization rate A
Design traffic
volume
Actual traffic volume > A
x deign traffic volume
Wireless network
optimization
Check whether
congestion occurs in
adjacent cells.
Local resource
optimization
Traffic load
sharing
Local capacity
expansion
(adding TRXs)
Resource
optimization on
the entire
network
N
Y
N
Y

Description of the analysis process:
1. The radio resource usage is the ratio of actual traffic volume to designed traffic volume.
To make this calculation method applicable to various scenarios, the value of A can be
defined according to actual requirements. For example, if an operator considers that the
network load becomes heavy when the traffic volume reaches 60% of the designed
traffic volume, A is 0.6.
2. If the actual traffic volume is larger than the product by multiplying A and the designed
traffic volume, the network load approaches or exceeds the normal value specified by
operators. In this case, check whether a site experiencing the congestion is isolated or has
continuous coverage and whether congestion occurs in adjacent cells. If the site
experiencing the congestion is isolated, perform local resource optimization (adjust the
proportion of TCHHs and TCHFs) or traffic load sharing. If congestion occurs in
adjacent cells, perform local capacity expansion by adding TRXs or resource
optimization on the entire network.
3. If the actual traffic volume is smaller than the product by multiplying A and the deigned
traffic volume, the TCHs are sufficient and you need to locate the problem and perform
necessary network optimization. Commonly used network optimization methods include
adjusting the coverage, access, CRO, and handover thresholds and enabling the load
based handover function.
2.2.3 Methods for Identifying PS Congestion
The PS congestion rate is calculated using other counters because current traffic measurement
counters do not include the congestion rate. For PS services, the downlink traffic volume is
generally larger than the uplink traffic volume. Therefore, the downlink congestion is
considered.
The downlink congestion rate is calculated using the following formula:
9301 9101
9303 9103
PDCH on rate Congestion
A A
A A

A9103: Number of Failed Downlink GPRS TBF Establishments due to No Channel
A9101: Number of Downlink GPRS TBF Establishment Attempts
A9303: Number of Failed Downlink EGPRS TBF Establishments due to No Channel
NOTE


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A9301: Number of Downlink EGPRS TBF Establishment Attempts
If the calculated congestion rate on PDCH is high and the average PDCH usage reaches
certain value (such as 0.8), the PDCHs are congested. In this case, adjust the maximum rate of
PDCHs to increase the number of dynamic PDCHs.
Another method for identifying PS congestion is as follows:
PDCH reuse = (AR9351: Average Number of GPRS PDCHs Occupied by Downlink GPRS
TBFs
+ AR9357: Average Number of Static EGPRS PDCHs Occupied by Downlink
GPRS TBFs
+ AR9359: Average Number of Dynamic EGPRS PDCHs Occupied by
Downlink GPRS TBFs
+ AR9365: Average Number of Static EGPRS PDCHs Occupied by Downlink
EGPRS TBFs
+ AR9367: Average Number of Dynamic EGPRS PDCHs Occupied by
Downlink EGPRS TBFs)
/AR9315: Average Number of PDCHs Occupied by Downlink TBF
Respectively calculate numbers of channels required for PS and CS services. The number of
channels to be added for CS services is calculated based on the traffic volume and call loss
rate. The number of channels to be added for PS services is calculated as follows:
Number of channels required for PS service = Reuse x Number of available channels/K (K=2)
= PDCH reuse x CR3021: Mean Number of
Available Channels (PDCH)/K
Number of channels to be added for PS services = Number of channels required for PS
services CR3021: Mean Number of Available Channels (PDCH)
2.3 SDCCH Congestion
On a GSM network, SDCCH seizure requests mainly occur in the following two cases:
1. Signaling channels are to be set up for services such as point-to-point calls, location
update, and call re-establishment and the SDCCHs are required.
2. SDCCH handover (including intra-BSC handover and inter-BSC handover).
2.3.1 Definition of Congestion Rate on SDCCH
The formula for calculating the congestion rate on SDCCH is as follows:
Congestion Rate on SDCCH = Failed SDCCH Seizures due to Busy SDCCH/SDCCH Seizure
Requests.
This counter reflects the proportion of SDCCH unavailable times (congested) to the SDCCH
seizure requests.
2.3.2 Methods for Analyzing SDCCH Congestion Problems
General SDCCH capacity planning is as follows:


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1. If HR service is enabled in a cell, one SDCCH/8 should be configured for each TRX
with TCHHs;
2. If HR service is not enabled in a cell, the number of configured SDCCH should comply
with the SDCCH Capacity Planning Guide;
SDCCH congestion may be caused by equipment faults, incorrect location update parameter
setting, location area planning, or insufficient capacity. To locate the causes of SDCCH
congestion, follow the analysis method shown in Figure 2-3.
Figure 2-3 Locating the causes of SDCCH congestion

When SDCCH congestion occurs, first determine whether it is a common or an individual
problem. If it is a common problem, check whether the parameters of the location update
Congestion rate on
SDCCH > 5%
Check whether SDCCHs are
insufficient.
Filter the cells that have
sufficient capacity.
Traffic volume per
SDCCH
Location update period
Capacity
Check whether the
equipment is faulty.
TRX availability
SDCCH availability
Unsuccessful channel
activation
(NACK/TIMEOUT)
SDCCH dynamic
allocation
Equipment or
transmission faults
TRX receive level
and receive quality
Traffic volume on
TCH and traffic
volume on SDCCH
Incoming handovers
and outgoing
handovers in
corresponding cells
Cell parameters
and BSIC
planning
Interference band
analysis
Success rate of
immediate assignments
RACH overload
times
Location area
planning
Interference
RACH overload
times
Successful SDCCH
seizures (location
update)
Wireless network
problems


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timer are properly configured and calculate whether the SDCCH capacity can meet the system
requirements. If it is an individual problem, perform an analysis on the equipment, location
area, and interference as follows:
1. Equipment: Check the counter TRX Availability in overall BSC performance
measurement and the counter SDCCH Availability in SDCCH performance measurement
and query the TCH activation attempts (NACK/TIMEOUT) to determine whether the
congestion is caused by board faults.
2. Location area planning: Improper location area planning may cause frequent location
updates and further lead to SDCCH congestion. Query the location area planning and
actual drive test results to analyze whether the location area boundary covers cells with a
large number of MSs and whether the proportion of location updates to SDCCH seizure
requests in these cells is too high. In addition, query the proportion of Successful
SDCCH Seizures (location update) to SDCCH Seizure requests.
Optimization measures: Modify the location planning or increase the cell reselection
hysteresis. In special cases, you can enable the SDCCH dynamic allocation function. For
example, if a railway runs through the coverage area, a large number of location updates
may occur when a train passes. In this case, SDCCH dynamic allocation function can be
enabled.
3. Interference: On a network where the distance between BTSs is small or the BCCH
frequency is aggressive, the system may receive many interference random access
signals and allocate SDCCHs for these signals, resulting in congestion. As a result, in the
traffic statistics, both the Success Rate of Immediate Assignments and the paging success
rate decrease and RACH overload may occur.
3 Capacity Expansion Solutions
3.1 TCH Capacity Expansion Solution 1: Adjusting the
Proportions of TCHFs and TCHHs
3.1.1 Application Scenarios
If an operator has high requirements for the network quality and the AMR function is not
enabled, you are not advised to enable the HR function. On a network with existing frequency
resources, if the HR function is enabled but the AMR function is not enabled, the network
quality may deteriorate. Therefore, HR and AMR functions must be enabled together.
3.1.2 Enabling the HR Threshold Adjustment Function to Absorb
Traffic Volume
If the existing traffic volume of a cell according to the traffic prediction is "A" and the number
of configured TCHs is "a", to increase the traffic volume by d% (the traffic volume after
increase may be the existing traffic volume or a predicted value) and maintain the call loss
rate required by the operator at B%, you can obtain the number (b) of required TCHs by
querying the Erlang B table. If no TRX is to be added, the number of TCHs to be added is as
follows: Number of TCHs to be added = b a. Assume that "x" channels in "a" TCHFs are
converted to TCHHs to meet the existing requirements. Then, calculate the number of TCHHs
using the following formula: x = b a.


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3.1.3 Traffic Volume to Be Absorbed After the HR Function Is
Enabled
If the traffic volume of a cell is
l
Erlang and the call loss rate required by the operator is
% B
, you can obtain the number (b) of required TCHs by querying the Erlang B table. If the
number of TRXs in the cell is "k", you can calculate the number of timeslots available in this
cell "a". The number of TCHs that can be provided by this cell ranges from a to 2a.
If the existing proportion of TCHHs is 30%, c% of the TCHFs can be converted to TCHHs in
busy hours and the total number of TCHs is calculated using the following formula: Total
number of TCHs = a x (1 + c%). According to the total number of TCHs and the call loss rate,
query the Erlang B table to calculate the maximum traffic volume using the following formula:
A = Erlang B (a x (1 + c%),
% B
) Erlang.
3.1.4 Impact of the HR Function on Network Performance
3.1.4.1 Network Coverage
The receive level does not change obviously after the HR function is enabled.
3.1.4.2 Network Quality
The network interference is closely related to the frequency allocation, cell allocation, channel
model, and interference power.
Therefore, the HR function has the following impacts on network quality:
If the number of MSs remains unchanged before and after the HR function is enabled, the
interference on the entire network decreases because fewer timeslots are occupied.
If all TCHs are occupied, the interference on the entire network is different because the
number of MSs is twice the number before the HR function is enabled although only half
timeslots are occupied after the HR function is enabled. The interference caused by two HR
MSs on one MS cannot be equivalent to that of one FR MS on the MS because the
interference powers received by the interference MS from the two HR MSs are different. In
addition, the signaling traffic increases as the number of MSs. In this case, if SDCCHs are not
allocated properly, signaling-related KPIs may deteriorate.
3.1.4.3 Voice Quality
If the average C/I in the network is higher than 10 dB, the voice quality degradation due to
HR function has a significant impact on the network voice quality. In this case, if the number
of TCHHs increases, the network voice quality decreases.
If the average C/I is lower than 10 dB, the interference other than the voice quality
degradation due to HR function becomes the main cause of network voice quality degradation.
In this case, HR function may improve the network voice quality because of the low C/I.
However, the overall voice quality has decreased below 3 dB and the voice quality needs to
be improved.


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3.2 TCH Capacity Expansion Solution 2: Adjusting AMR
Parameters
There are no standards for the scenarios in which the AMR function must be enabled. When
the HR function is enabled, the network interference may increase with the increase of MSs.
Therefore, effective anti-interference measures must be introduced to decrease the network
interference, such as enabling HR AMR function. The following analysis demonstrates the
considerable gains after HR AMR function is enabled. To enable the AMR function, you must
obtain the TRX license. Therefore, for a network with low traffic volume, the cost of enabling
AMR function is high and the gains are minor. Therefore, AMR function is usually enabled in
urban areas with high volume traffic.
3.2.2 Capacity Calculation and TRX Configuration in a Loose
Frequency Reuse Pattern
You can query the percentage of HR AMR connections, TRX configuration (number of
timeslots), and traffic volume in the Erlang B table. Figure 3-1 shows the percentages of HR
AMR connections with the GoS of 2%.
Figure 3-1 HR Erlang B table with the GoS of 2%

Figure 3-2 shows capacity expansion by enabling the AMR function in a loose frequency
reuse pattern (3 x 3 or 4 x 3).


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Figure 3-2 Capacity expansion by enabling the AMR function in a loose frequency reuse
pattern

3.2.3 Capacity Calculation and TRX Configuration in a Tight
Frequency Reuse Pattern
In a tight frequency reuse pattern (1 x 3 or 1 x 1), the C/I is low and the soft capacity
(interference) is limited. In this case, FR AMR can be enabled to improve the anti-interference
capability of channels and further increase the capacity. Alternatively, you can enable HR
AMR to increase the capacity. However, the percentage of HR AMR connections depends on
the network interference.
Through the simulation for the network in a tight frequency reuse pattern (1 x 3 or 1 x 1), the
C/I in this scenario cannot meet the minimum requirements for HR AMR, that is, only areas
that meet the minimum C/I requirements for HR AMR can support HR AMR calls. In areas
not meeting the minimum C/I requirements, the FR AMR must be enabled. Therefore, the
capacity increased by enabling HR AMR is limited by the interference distribution and the
AMR penetration rate.
For example:
If 50% areas meet the minimum C/I requirements for HR AMR and the AMR penetration rate
is 60%, the maximum capacity gain obtained by enabling HR AMR is 50%.
Use a loose frequency.
reuse
Calculate the AMR.
penetration rate
Calculate the percentage of
HR AMR connections (equal
to the AMR penetration rate).
Query the Erlang B table
Maximum traffic capacity A
after the AMR function is
enabled
Traffic prediction
Required traffic
capacity B
Enable the AMR function and
add TRXs.
End
Expand the network capacity
by enabling the AMR function
in a tight frequency reuse
pattern.
Cell split or other
solutions
Yes
Yes
No
No


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In a tight frequency reuse pattern, do as follows to obtain the capacity and TRX configuration
after the AMR function is enabled:
1. Query the site configuration mode (number of channels) according to the baseline.
2. Obtain the maximum traffic volume.
3. Use the following formula to calculate the maximum traffic volume after the AMR
function is enabled:
Maximum traffic volume after the AMR function is enabled = Traffic volume in baseline site
configuration mode x (1 + AMR capacity gain).
4. Obtain the number of channels and TRXs after the AMR function is enabled.
For example:
According to related baselines of Huawei, the maximum site configuration is S4/4/4 when 6
MHz bandwidth is used.
If each TRX has 7.2 TCHs on average, the maximum traffic volume in baseline site
configuration mode is as follows:
Maximum traffic volume = 4 x 7.2 = 28.8 Erlang
If the AMR penetration rate is 60%, and 50% areas meet the minimum C/I requirements for
HR AMR, the maximum capacity gain is 50%. The maximum traffic volume after the AMR
function is enabled is as follows:
Maximum traffic volume = (28.8 Erlang x (1 + 50%)) = 43.2 Erlang
Number of TRXs = 43.2/7.2 = 6.
Therefore, after the AMR function is enabled, the maximum site configuration is S6/6/6 when
6 MHz bandwidth is used.

The S6/6/6 site configuration mode is not ready for delivery at present. Large-scale commercialization
of IBCA and synchronized network is not realized. The gains of ICC and SAIC can be obtained only
after they are enabled together with IBCA and synchronized network.
Figure 3-3 shows the capacity expansion by enabling the AMR function in a tight frequency
reuse pattern.
NOTE


Page 20 of 30

Figure 3-3 Capacity expansion by enabling the AMR function in a tight frequency reuse
pattern

3.2.4 Impact of the AMR Function on Network Performance
3.2.4.1 Voice Quality
According to MOS simulation tests for FR AMR, HR AMR, EFR, FR, and HR calls under
different C/I ratios, when the C/I is greater than six, the quality of these calls from high to low
is FR AMR, EFR, HR AMR, and FR. The result demonstrates that the network quality can be
greatly improved after the AMR function is enabled. Note that HR AMR calls have the same
voice quality as FR calls. However, the Um-interface bandwidth for HR AMR calls is only a
half of that for FR calls. Therefore, enabling HR AMR function can significantly increase the
system capacity.
Use a tight frequency reuse.
Expand the network
capacity by
enabling the AMR
function in a loose
frequency reuse
pattern.
Maximum site configuration mode
according to the baseline
Maximum traffic volume
Maximum traffic volume after the
AMR function is enabled.
Channel and TRX configuration
after the AMR function is enabled.
Query the Erlang B table
Maximum traffic capacity A after the
AMR function is enabled
Enable AMR and add TRXs.
End
AMR penetration
rate
Capacity gains obtained by
enabling the AMR function
Traffic prediction
Required traffic
capacity
Cell split or other
solutions
No
Yes
No
Yes


Page 21 of 30

3.2.4.2.1 AMR Speech Frame Coverage
Benefiting from the excellent anti-interference ability, the AMR codec has lower frame
erasure rate (FER) than non-AMR codec. AMR calls are not interrupted in areas using
non-AMR codec. Therefore, AMR codec has better coverage and can create great gains for
wide coverage (in open areas) and deep coverage (in fast fading, shadow, and indoor areas).
After a simulation for the coverage performance of the AMR codec (eight different bit rates)
and FR codec is performed, comparison of the simulation results shows that when the FER is
no more than 5%, the coverage gain of AMR codec is 5 dB higher than that of FR codec.
3.3 TCH Expansion Solution 3: Adding TRXs
Branch 1 in Figure 2-1 indicates whether the congestion is caused by insufficient capacity.
When both a cell and its neighboring cells experience the congestion, if the problem cannot be
solved by modifying related parameters, the only method is to add TRXs. However, whether
to add TRXs is determined by operation strategies of operators. Some operators that have
sufficient frequency resources and expect high network quality will add TRXs to expand the
network capacity.
3.3.2 Number of TRXs to Be Added for Traffic Absorption
In a cell, if the number of TRXs is "k" and the number of available TCHs is "a", do as follows
to obtain the number of TRXs to be added:
1. Take the designed traffic volume or predicted traffic volume of the cell as the target
traffic volume;
2. Obtain the number (b) of required TCHs by querying the Erlang B table based on the call
loss rate;
3. Calculate the number (c) of SDCCHs that must be configured according to the actual
location of the cell;
4. Obtain the number of TCHs to be added by b minus a;
5. Round up the result of the following formula to obtain the number of TRXs to be added:
Number of TRXs to be added = (b + c + 1)/8.
3.3.3 Impact of Adding TRXs on Network Performance
If TRXs are added to BTS3012, external combiners may be required. The external combiner
has 3 dB loss. Therefore, the coverage area reduces, which is allowed in the capacity
expansion scenario.
For a multi-carrier BTS, the power of each carrier decreases with an increase of carriers.
Therefore, the coverage area reduces even although no external combiner is added.


Page 22 of 30

If frequency resources in an area are fixed, the frequency reuse pattern or FR load changes
after TRXs are added. If the frequency reuse distance becomes smaller or the FR load
increases, C/I and the network quality decrease. If more frequency resources are used and the
frequency reuse pattern or FR load remains unchanged, the C/I has no significant decrease
and the original network quality can be maintained.
3.4 SDCCH Capacity Expansion Solution: SDCCH
Dynamic Allocation
Generally, the SDCCH dynamic allocation function is enabled in cells where SDCCHs other
than TCHs are congested. After this function is enabled, the SDCCH capacity can be adjusted
to reduce the SDCCH congestion, minimize the impact of SDCCH initial configuration on the
system performance, and enlarge the system capacity. This function is divided into two types:
dynamic allocation from TCHs to SDCCHs and recovery from SDCCHs to TCHs. Whether to
enable this function is determined based on dynamic allocation algorithm and related
parameter settings. To convert TCHs to SDCCHs, three requirements must be met: 1. The
number of idle SDCCHs is equal to or less than the threshold of idle SDCCHs "N1"; 2. The
number of idle TCHs in a cell is greater than four or the number of TRXs; 3. The number of
SDCCHs in the cell is less than the allowable maximum value. When all the three
requirements are met, set related parameters to convert the TCHs to SDCCHs. After a period
of time, if some SDCCHs in the cell are not occupied, the BSC recovers these SDCCHs to
TCHs.
3.4.2 Estimation of Dynamic SDCCHs
This document shows how to adjust the SDCCHs based on the number of existing or
predicted MSs in the traffic model for single MS to allocate sufficient SDCCHs for MSs and
ensure that remaining TCHs can meet the network capacity requirements. Therefore, the rate
of required dynamic SDCCHs can be obtained. If the rate of existing dynamic SDCCHs does
not exceed the rate of required dynamic SDCCHs, adjustment is unnecessary; otherwise,
adjust the SDCCHs.
In a cell, if the number of configured static SDCCHs is "a" ("a" timeslots; one timeslot
corresponds to eight sub-channels; if the SDCCH/4 configuration is used, one timeslot
corresponds to four sub-channels), the total number of TCHs is "b", and d% channels are to be
configured as dynamic SDCCHs, the following formulas can be obtained:

GoS) , TCHs on volume ic hour traff - (Busy Erlang c b d%) (1
GoS) SDCCHs, on volume ic hour traff - (Busy Erlang b d% a
x
x

You can query the traffic statistics to obtain the buys-hour traffic volume on SDCCHs and the
busy-hour traffic volume on TCHs.
GoS depends on whether SDCCH/8 or SDCCH/4 configuration is used. For the configuration
of SDCCH/8 + SDCCH/4, GoS is the call loss rate of SDCCH/8 configuration.
"b": the number of TCHs except the BCCHs and static SDCCHs.
"c": the number of TCHs that must be in idle state when the SDCCH dynamic allocation
function is to be enabled.


Page 23 of 30

Adjust the value of "d" to realize proper setting of the number of SDCCHs and TCHs to
improve the radio channel usage.
3.4.3 Impact of the SDCCH Dynamic Allocation Function on
Network Performance
The configuration of dynamic SDCCHs has no effect on network coverage and C/I, but
affects capacity related KPIs to some extent. When dynamic SDCCHs are configured, the
Congestion Rate on SDCCH decreases but the Success Rate of Immediate Assignments and
Success Rate of Random Access have no significant decrease.
3.5 PDCH Capacity Expansion Solution: Allocating
Dynamic PDCHs
In cells with a large number of PS services, in addition to static PDCHs, certain dynamic
PDCHs must be configured according to the probability of idle TCHs. Therefore, high
transmission rate can be provided for PS services if CS services maintain uninterrupted with
fewer channels occupied. In cells configured with a small number of TRXs, the rate of
dynamic PDCHs is small; in cells configured with a large number of TRXs, the rate of
dynamic PDCHs is large.
3.5.2 Checking Whether Capacity Expansion Is Required for PS
Services
In live network, the PDCHs are shared by GPRS, EDGE, and EDGE+ services. The resource
usage can be improved provided that sufficient PDCHs are allocated for the three services.
EDGE+ services first, followed by EDGE services and GPRS services.
For PS services, whether to allocate dynamic PDCHs also depends on the Congestion Rate on
PDCH and channel usage.
Figure 3-4 shows the procedures for calculating the number of dynamic and static PDCHs.


Page 24 of 30

Figure 3-4 Checking whether capacity expansion is required for PS services

Detailed description:
1. Calculating the number of timeslots occupied by CS services (N1)
N1 = ErlangB (CS services in single cell (Erlang), gos_cs = 2%)/(1 + hs_tch_proportion)
hs_tch_proportion: the proportion of HR services.
2. Calculating the total number of timeslots occupied by PS services (N2) (channels shared
by GRPS, EDGE, and EDGE+ services)
Calculate the number of PDCHs required for the existing Erlang for GPRS and EGPRS
services.
N2 = ErlangB (existing Erlang for PS services, gos_gprs = 2%). The formula for calculating
the Erlang for PS services is as follows:
(s) hours busy of Duration
s 0.02 x blocks data radio ed transmitt the of number Total
services PS for Erlang

The Erlang for PS services includes the initial transmission of RLC data block, retransmission
of previous RLC data block, and transmission of RLC control block. Total number of the
No
Yes
No
Yes
No
Yes
Start
Erlang for PS services

Total number of timeslots occupied by PS services (N2)

CS services in single cell

Number of timeslots occupied by CS services (N1)

Number of available dynamic PDCHs (N4)
N > N2
Number of
available
timeslots (N)
Add dynamic
PDCHs or
TRXs.
End
N2 > N4

Channel
usage > a

Do not change
the
configuration.


Page 25 of 30

transmitted data blocks = Total Number of Downlink GPRS RLC Data Blocks + Number of
Downlink GPRS RLC Control Blocks + Total Number of Downlink EGPRS RLC Data
Blocks + Number of Downlink EGPRS RLC Control Blocks.
For PS services, whether the channels are sufficient depends on both the congestion rate and
channel usage. Therefore, you must set the threshold value (a) of channel usage based on
experience. If the actual channel usage is greater than "a" and the number of required PDCHs
is greater than that of available PDCHs, provide solutions for capacity expansion. If the actual
channel usage is smaller than "a" and number of required PDCHs is greater than that of
available PDCHs, optimize network resources.
3.5.3 Maximum Rate of PDCHs
Currently, the BSC6000 V9R8 has an internal PCU. Therefore, you need to configure PDCHs
only and all TCHFs can be converted to dynamic PDCHs. The TCHHs cannot be converted to
PDCHs. The number of TCHs that can be converted to dynamic PDCHs is determined by
MAXPDCHRATE and MAXPDCHNUM on TRX and must be properly configured.
The MAXPDCHNUM on TRX indicates the maximum number of PDCHs on one TRX. If the
dynamic PDCH distribution on TRXs does not affect network quality, retain the default value
8.
MAXPDCHRATE indicates the maximum number of TCHs that can be converted to PDCHs.
Each TCHF can be converted to PDCH. In this case, the maximum number of PDCHs in a
cell is calculated using the following formula (round down the result if required):
MAXPDCHNUM in Cell = (Number of Configured TCHFs + Number of Initially Configured
Channels (Static PDCH) x MAXPDCHRATE.
The MAXPDCHRATE can be calculated based on related algorithm and the actual number of
PDCHs. The formula is shown in the following table.
Number of Initially Configured Channels (Static
PDCH)
a
Number of Initially Configured Channels
(Dynamic PDCH)
b
Number of Configured TCHFs c
MAXPDCHRATE (T)
T = (Int[((a + b)/(a + c)) x 10] + 1)/10
x 100%

3.5.4 Impact of Adjusting the Maximum Rate of PDCHs on
Network Performance
Dynamic PDCH rate adjustment has no effect on network coverage.
Based on the planning and preceding calculation methods, the MAXPDCHRATE can be
obtained to provide basis for adjustment of the rate of PDCHs. The conversion from TCHs to
PDCHs requires a period of time. Therefore, although CS services have the priority, if MS


Page 26 of 30

access requests exist during this period, the access may fail due to the delay in TCH resource
allocation. Then the Congestion Rate on TCH increases.
In addition, PDCHs must be configured according to the TRX and timeslot ID in ascending
order. Configure static PDCHs first, followed by dynamic PDCHs, and TCHs. Continuous
distribution of PDCHs ensures allocation of continuous timeslots to MSs to increase the
download rate.
4 Analysis on the Relationship Between
Um-Interface Traffic Volume per Channel and
Congestion Rate
4.1 Shi Jiazhuang
In the network, CS services preempt resources preferentially. After dynamic PDCHs are
configured, CS services still have the priority. Therefore, you only need to check whether the
channels for CS services are congested. You can determine whether the congestion problem
occurs according to the following counters:
1. Congestion rate
2. Traffic volume per channel
When the busy-hour traffic volume exceeds the designed traffic volume or the capacity
distribution at all network nodes does not match the actual busy-hour traffic distribution, TCH
congestion may occur in cells with a large number of MSs in busy hours. Determine whether
a cell experiences congestion according to the Congestion Rate on TCH (All Channels Busy).
For different networks, the congestion rates are different. The statistics on the relationship
between the traffic volume per channel and the congestion rate shows that the congestion rate
increases non-linearly with the increase of the traffic volume per channel. However, in
different scenarios, the congestion rate begins to increase at different points.
The counters used for the statistics are as follows:
1. K3014: Congestion Rate on TCH
2. K3015: Available TCHs
The formula is as follows:
Traffic volume per channel = K3014: Congestion Rate on TCH/K3015: Available TCHs.
The relationship between the traffic volume per channel and the congestion rate in different
site configuration modes in Shi Jiazhuang is shown in Figure 4-1, Figure 4-2, and Figure 4-3.


Page 27 of 30

4.1.1 S1 to S4 Site Configuration Mode
Figure 4-1 Relationship between the traffic volume per channel and the congestion rate

4.1.2 S5 to S8 Site Configuration Mode

Relationship of traffic volume per channel and congestion rate
when S5 to S8 site configuration mode is used
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
90.00%
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
C
o
n
g
e
s
t
i
o
n

r
a
t
e

Traffic volume per channel
Congestion rate
Relationship of traffic volume per channel and congestion
rate when S1 to S4 site configuration mode is used
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
90.00%
0.00 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.00
C
o
n
g
e
s
t
i
o
n

r
a
t
e

Congestion rate


Page 28 of 30

4.1.3 S9 and Higher Site Configuration Mode

The statistic results show that the congestion rate increases exponentially with the increase of
the traffic volume per channel. When the traffic volume per channel increases and the
congestion rate is 2%:
1. If the S1 to S4 site configuration mode is used, the congestion rate begins to increase
when the traffic volume per channel is less than 0.45 Erlang.
2. If the S5 to S8 site configuration mode is used, the congestion rate begins to increase
when the traffic volume per channel is within 0.60.7 Erlang.
3. If the S9 and higher site configuration mode is used, the congestion rate begins to
increase when the traffic volume per channel is larger than 0.8 Erlang.
The statistic concludes that under the same congestion rate, a site with higher configuration
can have larger traffic volume per channel. In S1 to S4 site configuration mode, capacity
needs to be expanded when the traffic volume per channel reaches 0.5 Erlang. In S5 to S8 site
configuration mode, capacity needs to be expanded when the traffic volume per channel
reaches 0.65 Erlang. In S9 and higher site configuration mode, capacity needs to be expanded
when the traffic volume per channel reaches 0.8 Erlang.
5 Adjusting Capacity Related Channel
Management Parameters
5.1 Adjusting TCHF and TCHH Management Parameters
After the HR function is enabled, the following parameters need to be adjusted:
1. TCH Traffic Busy Threshold (%)
Description: According to the HWII channel allocation algorithm, if the current channel
seizure ratio reaches or exceeds this value, the TCHHs are assigned preferentially; otherwise,
the TCHFs are assigned preferentially.
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
30.00%
40.00%
50.00%
60.00%
70.00%
80.00%
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1
Relationship of traffic volume per channel and congestion rate
when S9 to S12 site configuration mode is used
Congestion rate
C
o
n
g
e
s
t
i
o
n

r
a
t
e


Page 29 of 30

Value range: 0100
Default value: 60
Unit: %
2. AMR TCH/H Prior Allowed
Description: BSC determines whether to preferentially assign the TCHHs based on the
channel type allowed by the MSC and the TCH usage. When the channel type allowed by the
MSC is "TCHF or TCHH" (except the option of TCHF or TCHH only) and AMR TCH/H
Prior Allowed is set to ON(On), TCHHs are preferentially allocated if the TCH usage is
greater than the value of AMR TCH/H Prior Cell Load Threshold. If the TCH usage is no
more than the value of AMR TCH/H Prior Cell Load Threshold, TCHFs are preferentially
allocated.
Value range: ON(On), OFF(Off)
Default value: OFF(Off)
Unit: none
3. AMR TCH/H Prior Cell Load Threshold
Description: Determine the type of the channel to be allocated based on the channel type
allowed by the MSC and the TCH usage.
When the channel type allowed by the MSC is "TCHF or TCHH" (except the option of TCHF
or TCHH only) and AMR TCH/H Prior Allowed is set to YES(Yes), TCHHs are
preferentially allocated if the TCH usage is greater than the value of AMR TCH/H Prior Cell
Load Threshold. If the TCH usage is no more than the value of AMR TCH/H Prior Cell
Load Threshold, TCHFs are preferentially allocated.
For description of cell load, see CECHMC Cell Load Threshold.
Related algorithm: AMR traffic channel allocation algorithm
Value range: 0100
Default Value: 55
Unit: %
4. TCHH Function Switch
Description: This parameter specifies whether to enable the Abis resource adjustment TCHH
function.
It specifies whether TCHHs are preferentially allocated to MSs by the BSC when Abis
resources are insufficient.
If the Abis resource load is greater than Flex Abis Prior Choose Load Thred or Fix Abis
Prior Choose Abis Load Thred, when the parameter is set to YES(Yes), the BSC
preferentially allocates TCHHs to MSs.
Value range: YES(Yes), NO(No)
Default value: NO(No)
5. Flex Abis Prior Choose Load Thred (%)


Page 30 of 30

Description: If the static Abis resource load is greater than the value of Fix Abis Prior
Choose Abis Load Thred and the dynamic Abis resource load is greater than the value of this
parameter, TCHHs are preferred; otherwise, TCHFs are preferred.
Value range: 0100
Default value: 80
Unit: %
6. Fix Abis Prior Choose Abis Load Thred (%)
Description: This parameter controls the static Abis resource load threshold. If the static Abis
resource load is smaller than the value of this parameter, TCHFs are preferred; otherwise,
TCHHs are allocated preferentially according to the dynamic Abis resource load.
Value range: 0100
Default value: 80
Unit: %
7. Ratio of TCHH (%)
Description: If the ratio of number of TCHHs to the total number of channels reaches or
exceeds the value of this parameter, no TCHH is to be allocated.
Total number of channels = number of TCHHs + number of TCHFs x 2
Value range: 0100
Default value: 100
Unit: %
8. Ratio of AMR-HR (%)
Description: If the ratio of number of AMR TCHHs to the total number of channels reaches or
exceeds the value of this parameter, no AMR TCHH is to be allocated.
Total number of channels = number of TCHHs + number of TCHFs x 2
Value range: 0100
Default value: 100
Unit: %
5.2 Description of AMR Related Parameters (GBSC
V900R008C12 Performance Parameter Baseline)
For description of AMR related parameters, see the GSM AMR.
6 References
None

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