Optimization of the Wideband Code Division
Multiple Access Network at the BTS of Sempidi
Area
1st I Made Indra Wiguna 2nd Gede Sukadarmika
Department of Electrical Engineering Department of Electrical Engineering
Udayana University Udayana University
Bali, Indonesia Bali, Indonesia
indrawiguna2811@gmail.com sukadarmika@unud.ac.id
Abstract—The rapid development of WCDMA
technology has a direct impact on the increasing
number of BTS provided by the network provider
company. However, performance of BTS is not always
in a good condition. One of the causes of performance
inhibition of BTS is drop call. This research was
conducted on BTS MC3613302G located at Sempidi
area, in Badung Regency. In order to identify the
existing condition of BTS MC3613302G, drive test
before was conducted to get the value of Ec/No equal to
-30 dB and RSCP value equal to -100 dBm which was
categorized in bad condition with drop call value equal
to 6%. In addition, form statistical data of BTS
MC3613302G obtained some results it was handover
value of 32.82%, drop call value of 2.33%, and the value
of CSSR of 23.38%. These results indicated that the
parameters was not in accordance with the KPI target
and network optimization process needs to be done.
This research conducting optimization process
by adding a list of the nearest BTS, handover attempt
settings, and FDDQMIN settings. The addition of the
nearest BTS is done by adding the neighbor BTS of BTS
MC3613302G namely BTS MC3614712G. The
handover attempt setting was done by adding the
handover trial process to 6 experiments. The
FDDQMIN setting is done by changing the minimum
RSCP value from -98 dBm to -85 dBm. After the
optimization process, obtained results are handover >
98%, drop call < 0.8% and CSSR > 98% which is in
accordance with the KPT standard.
Keywords— Drop Call, Handover, CSSR, Network
Optimization, KPI
I. INTRODUCTION
The rapid development of WCDMA in European
countries has had an impact on the entire world including
Indonesia. Now WCDMA has been used by more than
billions of customers worldwide. To compensate for the
increasing development of WCDMA, cellular operators
compete in various ways. The increasing development of
WCDMA also has an impact on the increasing number of
base stations provided by network providers. However, the
performance of BTS is not always maximal. One of the
causes of performance bottlenecks from BTS is the large
number of MS so that they cannot be handled entirely. As
a result of the excess number of MS that must be served by
3rd Dewa Made Wiharta
Department of Electrical Engineering
Udayana University
Bali, Indonesia
wiharta@unud.ac.id
a BTS, a drop call will occur. Drop call is a connection for
data access that occurs after the connecting process occurs
but breaks abnormally. This drop call occurs before you
can access the BTS, has got a channel and has successfully
made a connection but broke up suddenly without any
normal termination from the user. Drop calls are caused by
various factors including missing neighbors, soft handover
failures, IRAT / hard handovers, congestion, out of
synchronization, and other causes [1].
A good BTS is a BTS that is able to provide the best
service by improving the quality of services so that the
value of the drop call can be reduced. Service quality can
be measured objectively with Key Performance Indicators
(KPI). The standard KPI value for drop call set by the
Ministry of Communication and Information for all
provider companies is ≤ 5% [2]. Meanwhile, PT. Huawei
Services sets the KPI standard for drop calls on the 3G XL
network which is < 0.8%.
One area that has a high drop call value is Sempidi
Village. Sempidi Village is located in Badung Regency,
Bali Province. There are several BTS which handle
Sempidi Village, one of which is MC3613302G BTS. The
position of MC3613302G is adjacent to MC3611532G
BTS, MC3614712G BTS, and 3612538G BTS. In 2017,
MC3613302G had the highest drop call value in June. The
average drop call value for MC3613302G BTS in June is
1.35%. Based on the average monthly value, on June 6,
2017 is the highest drop call with a value of 5.25%. This
value is very high and exceeds the drop call limit specified
by PT. Huawei Services and the Ministry of
Communication and Information. Therefore, it is necessary
to optimize MC3611532G base stations so that the base
stations can return to work optimally and can provide
maximum service to customers.
II. LITERATURE STUDY
A. WCDMA System Concept
WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple
Access) is one of the third generation systems developed in
Europe and began to be introduced in 2004. Multiple access
techniques have the meaning of how a radio spectrum is
divided into channels and how these channels are allocated
to as many customers as possible in one system. WCDMA
is a multiple access technology that distinguishes one user
from another using special codes in the specified frequency
band. The CDMA system is the development of two
previous multiple access systems. The difference with
previous technologies, especially narrowband CDMA, one
of which is located at the spreader code speed, where
CDMA is 1.23 Mbps while WCDMA is 5-20 Mbps and
gives each channel width up to 5 MHz) [3].
B. BTS (Base Transceiver Station)
BTS stands for Base Transceiver Station. BTS
functions to bridge the user's communication device with
the network to another network. One coverage of BTS can
be called a cell. Cellular communication is modern
communication that supports high mobility. From several
base stations then controlled by a Base Station Controller
(BSC) which is connected to a microwave or optical fiber
connection.
C. Drop Call
Drop call is a call failure that occurs after a
successful call, but ends without a normal termination. This
drop call occurs after MS can access the BTS, has got a
channel and has successfully made a connection, but breaks
suddenly without any normal termination by the user. Drop
calls are caused by factors such as missing neighbors,
handover failure, congestion, propagation loss, out of
synchronization, bad spots, pilot pollution, and drop calls
due to other factors [4]. As for how to calculate the
percentage of the value of the drop call, the formula is used
as follows:
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠 𝐹𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑑
𝐷𝑟𝑜𝑝 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙 = 𝑥 100%
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝐼𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠
D. Drive Test
Drive test is one part of work in radio network
optimization. The purpose of the drive test is to collect
network information actually in the field. The information
collected is the actual condition of Radio Frequency (RF)
in a Base Transceiver Station (BTS) or within the scope of
the Base Station Sub-system (BSS) which is carried out by
vehicle so that the measurement is carried out in motion.
Drive test measurement process equipped with GPS,
handset and drive test software.
E. Network Optimization
Network optimization is a process of improving the
quality of a cellular network. Each cellular network
operator establishes a standard QoS value, where through
this QoS value can be determined whether or not the quality
of a network in a particular place. Data regarding QoS that
occurs compared to standard parameter values. If there is a
discrepancy in the value of the network with the standard
parameters, it is necessary to do network optimization
actions.
F. Optimization Process Based on Drive Test Results
Optimization is an important step in repairing a
network. The entire optimization process can be seen in
Figure 2. The initial process carried out is the drive test
which aims to collect measurement data related to the
customer's location. After the data has been collected along
the desired RF coverage area, the data will be processed
with the TEMS software. The next step is to do an analysis
to overcome the problems that occur [5].
III. RESEARCH METODS
This study uses quantitative methods. Data retrieval
is done in 2 ways, namely by retrieving from the
performance database the results of monitoring using the
Atlantis SQL Everywhere application as well as data from
the Tems Investigation application in carrying out a drive
test. Both of these methods are used to find out the
conditions in the field. Data from the Atlantis SQL
Everywhere database is used to determine the quality of
services including Drop Call, CSSR (Call Setup Success
Rate), and handovers. While the data derived from the
results of the drive test is conducted to determine the signal
quality that occurs in the area so that if the data from the
database shows a decreasing or bad value, a drive test will
be performed to analyze the cause.
IV. DROP CALL DATA IDENTIFICATION
Identification of drop call data can be known by
retrieving statistical data using an application based on the
query programming language, Atlantis SQL Everywhere.
The statistical data collection was carried out for 3 days,
from 12 February 2018 to 14 February 2018 to see how the
performance of the MC3613302G BTS located in Sempidi
Village, Badung Regency. BTS MC3613302G is located at
coordinates latitude -8.61542 and longitude 115.191 as
shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Location of BTS MC3613302G
Source : (Google Earth)
Figure 1 shows the location of the MC3613302G
BTS. The red dotted line is the route of the trip during the
drive test measurement that passes Kebo Iwa Utara Street,
Cokroaminoto Street, and the Apit Yeh Street which is
located in Sempidi Village.
Statistical data retrieval is done using the Atlantis
SQL Everywhere application. After the data is obtained, it
will be seen the factors that cause the drop call on BTS
MC3613302G as in Table 1. below:
Table 1. Statistical Data of BTS MCC3613302G
Date Drop Call CSSR Handover
12-02-2018 2,03 % 23,51 % 32,82 %
13-02-2018 2,07 % 23,38 % 32,83 %
14-02-2018 2,02 % 23,36 % 32,82 %
Based on Table 1, it can be seen that the value of
drop call on MC3613302G base stations has exceeded the
KPI standard limit set by PT. Huawei Services is 0.8%.
Factors that cause high drop call values are low CSSR and
Handover values. KPI standards set by PT. Huawei
Services for CSSR and Handover values, each of which is
98%.
V. DRIVE TEST
To collect actual network information in the field,
drive test measurements are carried out. Drive test was
carried out 2 times, namely dive test after and drive test
before. The drive test method used is dedicated mode,
which is the measurement of signal quality followed by
making calls continuously for several times. The type of Figure 3. RSCP Measurement Results in Before Test Drive
drive test measurement that is done is with a single site
drive test. After the drive test result data is obtained, color RSCP is the level of signal strength on 3G networks
classification is used to read the RSCP value and Ec/No on received by Mobile Station (MS). In Figure 3 it can be seen
the drive test result data as follows: that the results of RSCP drive test on MC3613302G base
Table 2. Legend of RSCP and Ec/No Readings stations have various values as indicated by the color
difference. There are yellow and red colors that indicate
that the RSCP value is categorized as bad. The lowest value
is found at Cokroaminoto Street, with the worst RSCP
value reaching -110 dBm.
The calls that occur during the drive test before can
be seen in Table 3.
Table 3. Calls When Before Test Drive
Event Times Event Times
Call Attempt 50 Call Established 47
Call Setup 50 Drop Call 3
A. Drive Test Before Call Initiation 50 Call End 50
The drive test before was carried out on February
15, 2018 covering the three sectors of the MC3613302G Table 3 shows that when making a drive test before,
BTS located in Sempidi Village, Badung Regency. After there were 50 calls with a failed call 3 times. Based on this,
measuring the drive tetst, then the results obtained for the the percentage of the drop call can be calculated with the
Ec/No and RSCP parameters are as follows: following equation:

𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠 𝐹𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑑

𝐷𝑟𝑜𝑝 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙 = 𝑥 100%
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝐼𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠
3
𝐷𝑟𝑜𝑝 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙 = 𝑥 100%
50
𝐷𝑟𝑜𝑝 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙 = 6%

Based on the calculations that have been made, the

Figure 2. Measurement Results of Ec/No in Before Test Drive
Ec/No is the ratio of the ratio of energy generated
from the pilot signal to the total energy received, in units of
dB. Ec/No also shows the minimum (threshold) power
level where MS can still make a call. Ec/No is the signal
quality received by MS, where Ec/No describes the quality
of the 3G signal. In Figure 2 it can be seen that the results
of the drive test Ec/No on the MC3613302G base stations
have various values as indicated by the color difference.
There are several points that are red where at that point, the
Ec/No value range is -30 dB to -18 dB. Signal quality at
these points must be increased so that customer satisfaction
is fulfilled by conducting a network optimization process
on MC3613302G BTS.
In addition to the values of the Ec/No parameter, the
drive test results also display the results of the RSCP
parameters as shown in Figure 3.
percentage of drop call values obtained when driving test
before is 6%. This value is quite high because the drive test
is carried out during the busy hour condition, which is
11.00 WITA until 14.00 WITA, so that a different drop call
presentation is available with the average daily drop call
value. This indicates that it is true that the MC3613302G
base stations experience a high drop call, so it is necessary
to take an optimization action to meet the KPI target set by
PT. Huawei Service is 0.8%.
B. MC3613302G BTS Optimization
1. Handover Optimization
The handover optimization process is done by
adding a list / list of the nearest BTS from the
MC3613302G BTS. To find out the closest BTS from
MC3613302G base stations, use the Google Earth
application as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3. Geographical Location of BTS MC3613302G
Source : (Google Earth)
Based on Figure 3, MC3614712G base stations are
BTS which are located closest to MC3613302G base
stations. Therefore, the addition of neighboring BTS is
carried out so that the MC3613302G base stations can do
handovers. Neighboring is done using the U2000
application, with an optimization process like Figure 4.
Figure 4. Neighboring Optimization on BTS MC3613302G
Addition of neighboring MC3614712G base
stations based on BTS distance factor, BTS sector
direction, and scrambling code (SC). The distance factor is
seen based on the location of the nearest BTS from
MC3613302G BTS. The direction of the sector is seen
based on whether there is a BTS with the direction of the
sector facing the bad spot area, namely Cokroaminoto
Street. Scrambling code is a code that distinguishes
between BTS or cell sectors that are used to distinguish one
user from another..
With the addition of this BTS, if there is an MS that
is still connected to the MC3613302G BTS but already in
a bad RSCP, the MS can do a handover to the
MC3614712G BTS so that the percentage of drop call
values can be minimized.
In addition to neighboring process, handover
optimization is also done by adding attempt handovers
from BTS MC3613302G to BTS MC3614712G. The more
handover attempts given, the more minimized the drop call
will be.
Figure 5. Adding Handover Attempt to MC3613302G BTS
Figure 5 shows that attempt max handover has been
made into 6 attempts so that the MC3613302G base station
can do a handover to the MC3614712G BTS 6 times. This
is done to increase the chance of successful handover if the
MC3614712G BTS is experiencing traffic overload, so the
drop call value can be reduced.
2. CSSR Optimization
In CSSR optimization, changes are made by
changing the FDDQMIN parameter which is the minimum
signal value that can still be held by the BTS. The existing
FDDQMIN value for MC3613302G BTS is -98 dBm. This
means, if MS has obtained RSCP values smaller than -98
dBm, the BTS will release the MS to be able to handover
and be served by the nearest neighbor BTS. However,
under existing conditions, BTS MC3613302G does not
have a list of neighboring BTS, so the MC3613302G base
station continues to hold the MS until the RSCP value is
below -98 dBm even though it is in the bad category in the
range of -100 dBm to -90 dBm according to Table 4.2.
Thus, BTS will continue to hold MS so that it causes BTS
to provide services that do not guarantee to carry out the
communication process and result in a drop call as shown
in Figure 6.
Figure 6. Areas with Bad RSCP Value
In Figure 6 you can see the part marked with a black
dotted line. The area is an area that has RSCP values below
-98 dBm, so that the area often experiences drop calls.
To overcome this, adjust the values of FDDQMIN
and neighbor settings. The value setting of FDDQMIN can
be seen in Figure 7.
Figure 7. FDDQMIN Settings on MC3613302G BTS
Figure 7 shows the value of FDDQMIN that has
been made to change the RSCP value from -98 dBm to -85
dBm. The change in the FDDQMIN value to -85 dBm
refers to Table 2 that the RSCP -85 dBm value is in the
sufficient category with a range of -90 dBm to -80 dBm.
This category is sufficient to carry out the communication
process, so to anticipate the high drop call value that The calls that occur during the drive test after can be
occurs, the provider changes the value of the RSCP. seen in Table 4.
After making changes to the FDDQMIN parameter, Table 4. Call When Drive Test After
the minimum RSCP value that can be held by the Event Times Event Times
MC3613302G BTS is -85 dBm. So if the MS has received Call Attempt 50 Call Established 50
an RSCP lower than -85 dBm, then the MS will do a Call Setup 50 Drop Call 0
handover to the MC3614712G base station and then the
Call Initiation 50 Call End 50
MC3613302G base station can receive another MS because
the previously held MS has already carried out a handover.
Based on Table 4 it can be seen that when making a
C. Drive Test After drive test, there were 50 calls without a failed call. Based
on this, the percentage of the drop call can be calculated
Drive test after it is carried out on February 27,
with the following equation:
2018. The measurement results of the Ec/No parameter on 𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠 𝐹𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑒𝑑
the drive test after as shown in Figure 8. 𝐷𝑟𝑜𝑝 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙 = 𝑥 100 %
𝑁𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝐼𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠
0
𝐷𝑟𝑜𝑝 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙 = 𝑥 100 %
50
𝐷𝑟𝑜𝑝 𝐶𝑎𝑙𝑙 = 0 %

Based on the calculations that have been made, then

Figure 8. Measurement Results of Ec/No in Drive Test After
Drive test after measurement results with Ec/No
parameters indicate that the signal quality has improved,
with the dominant colors shown are green and blue. The
average value for Ec/No in MC3613302G BTS is -15 dB.
This identifies that the optimization process is running
according to the target.
In addition to the values of the Ec/No parameter, the
drive test results after also display the results of the RSCP
parameters as shown in Figure 9.
the percentage of drop call values obtained when making a
test drive after 0%. This indicates that when performing a
drive test after, the optimization process has proceeded
well which is marked by the absence of drop calls at the
time of measurement. This is also in accordance with the
KPI target set by PT. Huawei Service is 0.8%.
VI. OPTIMIZATION RESULTS
In addition to the Ec/No and RSCP parameters,
checking is also performed on the parameters of drop call,
handover, and CSSR by retrieving statistical data.
Statistical data retrieval is done using the Atlantis SQL
Everywhere application from the range of 12 February
2018 to 4 March 2018 with the following results:
1. Comparrison of Drop Call, CSSR, dan Handover
Value
Based on statistical data obtained before and after
the optimization process, it can be seen a comparison
between the value of drop call, CSSR and handover
experienced by MC3613302G base stations as in Table 10.
Table 10. Percentage Comparison of Drop Call, CSSR, and Handover

Figure 9. RSCP Measurement Results on Drive Test After

Based on the results of the drive test measurement

after RSCP parameters, it can be seen that the level of
signal strength has improved, with the dominant color
shown in green with RSCP on average of -70 dBm. In
Figure 9 above, it appears that the handover has been
successfully carried out. If there is an MS connected to the
MC3613302G base station and has an RSCP below -85
dBm, then the MS will do a handover to the MC3614712G
base station so that the RSCP value does not deteriorate and
the drop call does not occur. This identifies that the
optimization process is running according to the target.
 Table 10 shows the comparison of the percentage of
drop call, CSSR, and different handovers between before
and after the optimization process. Before the optimization
process, the percentage values for drop calls, CSSR, and
handovers were still not in accordance with the KPI
standards set by PT. Huawei Services. But after the
optimization process, the drop call, CSSR and handover
values are in accordance with the KPI standard of PT.
Huawei Services. This shows that the optimization process
is carried out to increase the percentage of drop call, CSSR
and handover on MC3613302G base stations running
according to target.
Drop call, CSSR, and handover percentages on
MC3613302G base stations are also made in graphical
form as shown in Figure 11.
a list of the nearest BTS, attempt handover settings,
and FDDQMIN settings. The addition of the nearest
BTS list is done by adding neighboring BTS from
MC3613302G BTS, namely MC3614712G BTS.
Setting handover attempts is done by adding the
handover trial process to 6 attempts. The FDDQMIN
setting is done by changing the minimum RSCP
value from -98 dBm to -85 dBm.
3) After the optimization process is carried out, drive
test after is performed and the Ec/No value is -10 dB
and the RSCP value is -80 dBm which is included in
good condition with a drop call value of 0%. In
addition, the statistical data after the optimization
process found the handover value was 99.81%, the
drop call value was 0%, and the CSSR value was
99.53%. This shows that the optimization process
has run according to target by meeting the KPI
standard that is determined, namely handover >
98%, drop call < 0.8% and CSSR > 98%.

REFERENCES

[1] H. A. d. Bramantyo, Pengolahan Data Dan Analisis

Gambar 11. Percentage Comparison of Drop Call, CSSR, and Handover
Graphs
Figure 17 shows the percentage comparison of drop
calls (blue line), CSSR (black line) and handover (red line).
Based on Figure 17 it can be seen that the handover and
CSSR values are inversely proportional to the drop call. If
the percentage of CSSR and handover values is low, then
the percentage of drop calls will be high, and vice versa.
Based on Figure 4.19 it can be seen that all parameters that
become problems in MC361302G base stations have been
successfully optimized by meeting the KPI standards set by
PT. Huawei Service is drop call < 0.8%, CSSR > 98%, and
handover > 98%.
Call Drop Rate (CDR) Performance Pt. Indosat, Tbk
Semarang, Indonesia, 2012.
[2] A. C. d. Dewana, Analisis Kualitas Panggilan Layanan
Suara (Voice) Sistem WCDMA Saat Terjadi Drop
Call Berdasarkan Data Statistik Dan Drive Test,
Indonesia, 2013.
[3] T. Sembiring, Peraturan Menteri Komunikasi dan
Informatika Republik Indonesia tentang Standar
Kualitas Pelayanan Jasa Teleponi Dasar Pada Jaringan
Bergerak Seluler, Indonesia, 2013.
[4] I. Nurhakim, Optimasi Jaringan WCDMA Untuk
Meningkatkan Throughput Internet, Indonesia, 2015.
[5] F. Kautsar, Optimasi Pelayanan Jaringan Berdasarkan
Drive Test, Indonesia, 2009.

VII. CONCLUSION
Based on the results and discussions that have been
done, it can be conclude that:
1) Statistical data of MC3613302G base stations on
handover, drop call, and CSSR parameters show
different results before optimization with after
optimization. Before optimization, the value of
handover was 32.82%, the drop call value was
2.33%, and the CSSR value was 23.38%. In addition,
measurement of drive test before was carried out and
the value of Ec/No was -30 dB and the RSCP value
was -100 dBm which was included in a bad
condition with a drop call value of 6%. These results
indicate that these parameters are not yet in line with
the target KPI and an optimization process for
MC3613302G base stations is needed in order to
improve the quality of its services.
2) Based on the results of the statistical data and the
results of the drive test before, the most effective
thing to do the optimization process in improving the
performance of BTS MC3613302G is the addition of