GSM Optimisation v4-0 Notes

The Cellular Academy
GSM Radio Network Planning and Optimisation

Coverage and Cell Structure Planning
Capacity and Frequency Planning
Network Optimisation
Advanced Topics
Version 4.0
Optimisation v 4.0
(C) Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005
Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005
Table of Contents
95 Quality assessment
2 Introduction
Quality criteria
Definitions
Why optimise?
Call success rate
Project phases
Test Mobile Systems
Group interfaces
Network performance statistics
Network expansion
Customer complaints
119 Optimisation measures
6 System basics
Antenna fine tuning
GSM air interface

Measurements
Improving Coverage
Idle mode procedures
Cell parameter optimisation
Call setup procedures
Optimising neighbour cell lists

Frequency changes
32 BSS parameters
Common problems
Advanced techniques
Idle mode
Measurement averaging
Power control
Handover
165 Organisation
Timetables
Teams
Preparation
Databases
Implementation procedures
Optimisation v 4.0
INTRODUCTION
Definitions
(Radio) Network optimisation
Fine tuning of existing network infrastructure
Improvement of the air interface performance in an
operational part of the network towards desired quality
targets without adding new hardware
Network extension
Extension of service into new areas or improvement of
service quality in existing network by means of adding
more network components
Optimisation v 4.0
Definitions
Minimise interference
Maximise capacity
Quality
Traffic
Optimisation v 4.0
More Traffic results in more interference and a reduction in quality. One

solution could be to add more cells (blue curve), however this costly. More
likely to use optimisation techniques and / or advanced network solutions
such power control, DTX, frequency hopping to try to maintain quality levels
as traffic increases (red curve) .
Introduction
Why optimise?
Systematic inaccuracies
Tool databases, prediction algorithms ...
Statistical processes involved

Radio propagation, traffic ...
Assumptions made
Human error
Planning errors, data entry, installation errors ...
Equipment faults
Hardware, software
Network growth
Optimisation v 4.0
Table of Contents
2 Introduction
Quality criteria
Definitions
Why optimise?
Call success rate
Project phases
Test Mobile Systems
Group interfaces
Network expansion
Customer complaints
6 System basics
Antenna fine tuning
GSM air interface

Measurements
Improving Coverage

Frequency changes
32 BSS parameters
Common problems
Advanced techniques
Idle mode
Power control
Handover
165 Organisation
Timetables
Teams
Preparation
Databases
Optimisation v 4.0
SYSTEM BASICS
System basics
GSM Air Interface
Physical Layer Specifications
05.01: Physical layer on the radio path: general
description
05.02: Multiplexing and multiple access on the
radio path
05.03: Channel coding
05.04: Modulation
05.05: Radio transmission and reception
05.08: Radio subsystem link control
05.10: Radio subsystem synchronisation
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The GSM standards are available from the Internet. If they were printed out
they would use and enormous a mount of paper. Many are to do with fixed
networking and with detailed protocols. The ones mainly relevant to the
radio interface are the 05 and 08 series. It is thoroughly recommended that
radio planners and optimisation engineers read the 05 and 08 series
specifications entirely.
System basics
GSM Air Interface
The ARFCN:
Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number
GSM 900
F-DL(n) = 890 + 0.2*n
E-GSM 900 F-DL(n) = 890 + 0.2*n

GSM 1800
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1 n 124
F-UL(n) = F-DL(n) + 45
0 n 124
F-UL(n) = F-DL(n) + 45
F-DL(n) = 890 + 0.2*(n - 1024)
975 n 1023
F-DL(n) = 1710.2 + 0.2*(n - 512)
512 n 885
F-UL(n) = F-DL(n) + 95
System basics
GSM Air Interface
Channel types
Defined in GSM 05.02
Physical channels
Frequency and timeslot
HSN and MA and MAIO
Logical channels
Speech (e.g. TCH/FS, TCH/HS)
Data (e.g. TCH/F9.6)
Control (e.g. BCCH, SDCCH, SACCH etc)
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The repetition of one particular timeslot [0,1,2,3,4,5,6, or 7] forms a physical

channel. For example the repetition of timeslot(0) forms a physical channel,
which in the case of the BCCH carrier is reserved for Control Channel
information.
Each RF carrier has 8 physical channels.
A logical channel is a subset of a physical channel, it is a cycle of date
related to a specific function. The number of timeslots used and their
periodicity is dependent on the type of data mapped onto the logical channel.
System basics
GSM Air Interface
Frequencies, channel allocation
CA: the list of frequencies allocated to a cell
MA: the list of frequencies allocated to a mobile
When frequency hopping
MAI: indexes the list of mobile frequencies

For each TDMA frame
MAIO: offset to the MA Index to avoid two TRX in

one cell using the same frequency
HSN: Hopping sequence number
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10
System basics
GSM Air Interface
GSM Terms / Specifications
Channel bandwidth = 200 KHz
Data rate = 270.8 Kbits per seconds
Bit period = 1/data rate = 1 / 270.8 Kbps = 3.69 s
Timeslot = 156.25 bits = 156.25x3.69s = 0.577ms
Burst: the bits transmitted during a timeslot, varies
dependent on data type
Frame: the consecutive 8 timeslots labelled [07]
Frame duration = 8 TSs = 8 x 0.577ms = 4.615 ms
Physical channel: the repetition of one particular
timeslot [0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7]
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Each RF carrier on BS may transmit a burst of data during a timeslot period

every 0.577 ms. The number of bits in a burst will depend on the type of data
transmitted, however they must be less than the limit of 156.25 bits.
A timeslot has period of 156.25 bits = 156.25 x 3.7 s = 0.577 ms
There are 5 different kind of bursts
Normal burst
Synchronisation burst
Frequency correction burst
Access burst
Dummy burst
11
System basics
GSM Air Interface
Physical channels - bursts
Normal Bursts
3 tail bits
58 encrypted data bits
26 training sequence bits
58 encrypted data bits
3 tail bits
8.25 guard bits
58
26
58
3 8
Normal Burst
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The Normal Burst is used to carry information on the Traffic Channel (TCH)
and on some of the Control Channels (excluding RACH, SCH, FCCH).
The burst is divided into 156.25 bits. The encrypted bits are 57 bits of data /
speech plus one bit stealing flag indicating whether the burst was stolen for
FACCH signalling (for handover commands) or not.
The training sequence is a known 26 bit pattern used by the equalizer to
create a channel model. The tail bits are used by the equalizer algorithm to
detect the start and stop points of the burst. The guard period of 8.25 bits is
used to protect against overlapping messages at the BS.
12
System basics
GSM Air Interface
Physical channels - bursts
Frequency correction burst (FB)
Synchronisation burst (SB)
Dummy burst (DB)
39
64
39
Synchronisation Burst
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The Frequency correction burst is used for frequency synchronisation of the

mobile. The FCCH burst appears to the mobile as an unmodulated carrier
and is used by the mobile to identify the BCCH carrier.
Dummy burst is sent from the BTS on some occasions and carries no
information. It is the same format as a Normal burst.
A Synchronisation (SCH) burst is used for time synchronisation of the
mobile. The SCH burst consists of a 64 bit extended training sequence used
for synchronisation. The remain 78 encrypted bits contain Base Station
Identity Code (BSIC), frame number and time data for the mobile station
(MS).
13
System basics
GSM Air Interface
Logical Channels
Traffic CHannels (TCH)
Speech channels
Full rate traffic channel for speech (TCH/FS)
Half rate traffic channel for speech (TCH/HS)
Data channels
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Full rate traffic for 9.6 kbit/s data (TCH/F9.6)

Half rate traffic for 4.8 kbit/s data (TCH/H4.8)
Half rate traffic for 2.4 kbit/s data (TCH/H2.4)
14
A large variety of information must be transmitted between the BS and MS.

The information consists of user data and control signalling. The type of
information transmitted dictates the logical channel used. Logical channel
are mapped onto physical channels, for example, digital speech is sent on a
logical channel named TCH. During the transmission the TCH can be
allocated a physical channel, say timeslot (6).
TCHs can carry either encoded speech or user data in both uplink and
downlink directions in a point to point link.
A full rate TCH carries information (speech or data) at gross rate of 22.8
Kbps. The raw data rate for each TCH is 13 Kbps for speech, and 12 Kbps,
6Kbps and 3.6 Kbps for data, however, the actual user data rates are 9.6
Kbps, 4.8 Kbps, and 2.4 Kbps.
A half rate TCH carries information at half of the full rate at a gross rate of
11.4 Kbps.
The actual data rates used for full rate / half rate speech and data are listed
in the slide above.
14
System basics
GSM Air Interface
Logical Channels
Control channels
Broadcast Channels (BCH)
Common control channels (CCCH)
Dedicated Control Channels (DCCH)
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Controls channels are used for signalling and synchronisation information.

They can be unidirectional (Uplink or Downlink only) or bi-directional (Uplink
and Downlink).
The Broadcast Control Channels provide general information about a
particular cell on a per BTS basis.
The Common Control Channels are used to carry signalling information
necessary for call origination for the BS to establish a connection to the MS
and / or for the MS to establish a connection to the BS.
Dedicated Control Channels are used for systems signalling in Idle mode,
and for signalling information during call set up before a TCH is allocated.
15
System basics
GSM Air Interface
Logical Channels: Control channels
Broadcast CHannels (BCH)
Frequency correction channel (FCCH)
Synchronisation channel (SCH)
Broadcast control channel (BCCH)
Common Control CHannels (CCCH)
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Paging channel (PCH)

Random access channel (RACH)
Access grant channel (AGCH)
Cell Broadcast Channel (CBCH)
16
Broadcast Channels
FCCH provides MS information to synchronise to the BCCH carrier
frequency
SCH provide MS information of BSIC, frame number and timing data
BCCH provide general information about the cell the MS is camped on
Common Control Channels
PCH used by the BTS to page MS in the area
RACH used by MS to request a channel from the BS
AGCH used by the BS to assign a channel to the MS
CBCH use
16
System basics
GSM Air Interface
Control channels
Dedicated Control CHannels
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Slow associated control channel (SACCH/TF)

Fast associated control channel (FACCH/TF)
Stand alone dedicated control channel (SDCCH/8)
Slow associated control channel (SACCH/C8)
Stand alone dedicated control channel, combined with
CCCH (SDCCH/4)
17
Slow Associated Control Channel (SACCH) is a sub channel of a TCH or an

SDCCH. The SACCH is a continuous data channel used for non urgent
procedures, providing measurement reports (every 480 ms) including signal
strength measurements. The channel is used in both uplink and downlink
directions and is necessary for mobile assisted handover decisions.
The SACCH is used with the SDCCH for authentication, set up information,
measurement reports, and power control information before a TCH is
assigned.
Handover is commanded using the Fast Associated Control Channel
(FACCH), which replaces a TCH. The receiver detects a FACCH by reading
binary information on the TCH called a stealing flag. Hence, handovers steal
time from a TCH and reduce effective data rate to the user. Handovers
should therefore be kept to a minimum.
17
System basics
GSM Air Interface
Mapping Logical to Physical channels
Physical channel has several logical channels
TCH/F + FACCH/F + SACCH/TF
TCH/H+ FACCH/H+ SACCH/TH
FCCH + SCH + BCCH + CCCH + SDCCH/4 + SACCH/C4
Combined
FCCH + SCH + BCCH + CCCH

SDCCH/8 + SACCH/C8
Non-combined
where CCCH = PCH + RACH + AGCH
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18
SCH
BCCH
BCCH
BCCH
BCCH
BCCH
BCCH
BCCH
BCCH
CCCH
CCCH
CCCH
CCCH
CCCH
CCCH
CCCH
CCCH
FCCCH
FCCCH
SCH
CCCH
CCCH
CCCH
Cycle repeated after 102 TDMA frames
CCCH
FCCH
SCH
SDCCH/4(0)
SDCCH/4(0)
SDCCH/4(0)
SDCCH/4(0)
SDCCH/4(1)
SDCCH/4(1)
SDCCH/4(1)
SDCCH/4(1)
FCCH
SCH
SDCCH/4(2)
SDCCH/4(2)
SDCCH/4(2)
SDCCH/4(2)
BCCH
BCCH
CCCHBCCH
CCCHBCCH
BCCH
CCCH
CCCHCCCH
CCCH
CCCH
CCCH
CCCH
FCCCH
SCH
CCCH
CCCHCCCH
CCCH
CCCH
FCCCH
CCCHSCH
CCCH
CCCH
CCCHCCCH
CCCH
CCCH
CCCH
CCCH
CCCH
CCCHCCCH
FCCHCCCH
CCCH
CCCH
SCHCCCH
CCCH
CCCH
FCCH
SCH
SDCCH/4(0)
SDCCH/4(0)
SDCCH/4(0)
SDCCH/4(0)
SDCCH/4(1)
SDCCH/4(1)
SDCCH/4(1)
SDCCH/4(1)
FCCH
SCH
SDCCH/4(2)
SDCCH/4(2)
SDCCH/4(2)
SDCCH/4(0)
FCCH
SCH
SDCCH/4(0)
SDCCH/4(0)
SDCCH/4(0)
SDCCH/4(0)
SDCCH/4(0)
SDCCH/4(0)
SDCCH/4(0)
SDCCH/4(1)
SDCCH/4(1)
SDCCH/4(1)
SDCCH/4(1)
SDCCH/4(1)
SDCCH/4(1)
SDCCH/4(1)
FCCH
SCH
SDCCH/4(1)
SDCCH/4(2)
SDCCH/4(2)
FCCH
SDCCH/4(2)
SDCCH/4(2)
SDCCH/4(2)
SCH
SDCCH/4(3)
SDCCH/4(3)
SDCCH/4(3)
SDCCH/4(3)
SDCCH/4(3)
FCCH
SCH
SDCCH/4(2)
SDCCH/4(3)
SDCCH/4(3)
SDCCH/4(2)
SDCCH/4(3)
FCCH
SDCCH/4(2)
SCH
SACCH/C4/(2)
SDCCH/4(2)
SACCH/C4/(0)
SDCCH/4(3)
SACCH/C4/(2)
SACCH/C4/(0)
SACCH/C4/(2)
SDCCH/4(3)
SACCH/C4/(0)
SDCCH/4(3)
SACCH/C4/(2)
SACCH/C4/(0)
SDCCH/4(3)
SDCCH/4(3)
SACCH/C4/(3)
SACCH/C4/(3)
SDCCH/4(3)
SACCH/C4/(3)
FCCH
IDLE
SACCH/C4/(3)
SACCH/C4/(1)
SDCCH/4(3)
SACCH/C4/(1)
SACCH/C4/(1)
SDCCH/4(3)
SACCH/C4/(1)
FCCHIDLE
SCH
SACCH/C4/(0)
SACCH/C4/(2)
SACCH/C4/(0)
SACCH/C4/(2)
SACCH/C4/(0)
SACCH/C4/(2)
SACCH/C4/(0)
SACCH/C4/(3)
SACCH/C4/(1)
SACCH/C4/(3)
SACCH/C4/(1)
SACCH/C4/(3)
SACCH/C4/(1)
SACCH/C4/(3)
SACCH/C4/(1)
IDLE
IDLE
19
SCH
SACCH/C4/(2)
System basics
CCCH
BCCH
BCCH
FCCH
SCH SCH
FCCH + SCH + BCCH + CCCH + SDCCH/4 +

SACCH/C4
CCCH
SCH
GSM Air Interface
CCCH
FCCH
BCCH
Mapping Logical to Physical channels
Optimisation v 4.0
SCH
CCCH
Cycle repeated after 102 TDMA frames
The logical control channel information is mapped on to the physical channel

of timeslot (0) of the BCCH carrier. The information transmitted follows a
defined pattern known to the MS and is repeated every 102 TDMA frames.
FCCH
FCCH
19
System basics
Measurements
Idle mode
Rx Lev_DL (server)
Rx Lev_DL (neighbour 1)
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20
System basics
Measurements
RxLev
0
1
2
:
:
61
62
63
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Signal
< -110dBm
-110 to -109dBm
-109 to -108dBm
:
:
- 49 to - 48dBm
- 48 to - 47dBm
> - 47 dBm
21
21
System basics
Measurements
RxLev SUB and RxQual SUB
FULL measurements based on all TDMA frames
With DTX not all frames transmit
SUB measurements based on 12 frames which
always transmit
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22
System basics
Radio link measurements
Basis for all handover
decisions
Neighbour
k
n lin
Dow
ink
Upl
MS measures
(Downlink):
MS
Signal level
Quality (RXQUAL)
Signal levels of
neighbouring cells (BCCH)
- strongest 6 are reported to BSC
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BS measures
(Uplink):
Signal level
Quality (RXQUAL)
BS-MS distance
(Interference levels in
idle time slots)
BS
BSC
Collects all data
- BS and MS send
BSC
measurement
reports every 480 ms
Makes handover decisions
23
The radio link measurements are performed on the Slow Associated Control
Channels (SACCH). The SACCH is a sub channel of the TCH or SDCCH
and is used by the BS and MS to send measurement date every 480ms.
Every 480 ms the MS takes 100 samples of signal strength and quality
measurements. The BS sends lists containing signal strength and BCCHs of
neighbour cells.
MS collects (100 / # of neighbours) samples of signal strength of neighbour
cells.
23
System basics
Measurements
Dedicated mode
RxLev_DL (Server)
RxLev_UL (Server)
RxLev_DL (All neighbours - best 6 reported)
RxQual_DL (Server)
RxQual_UL (Server)
Timing Advance
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24
System basics
Measurements
Timing advance
BS Tx
= range / c
2
MS Rx
MS Tx
1
3 TS
2
BS Rx
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MS transmits a message to the BTS exactly 3TS after it detects a received

message from the BTS. The uplink scheme is shifted by 3 timeslots from the
downlink scheme.
As the MS moves, propagation delay changes. The BTS monitors the delay
between the start of a received frame (immediate) and the time the MS
message actually arrives. The BS sends the measured delay as a Timing
Advance (TA) value on the next SACCH or AGCH.
TA updates occur every SACCH multi-frame.
25
System basics
Network selection
At power on, MS first tries to select last
registered PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network)
If no previous registered PLMN, selection is

made in
Automatic mode: uses PLMN list in order of
priority
Manual mode: selection is made by user based
on list made available by MS
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26
System basics
Location area updates
LAC 1
Incoming calls only

page mobile within its
present Location Area.
Mobile updates VLR when
LAC changes
Also when timer dictates
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LAC 2
27
Cell broadcasts Cell Global Identifier (CGI) on BCCH carrier. The MS reads
the CGI from the cell it camps on.
CGI = MCC + MNC + LAC + CI
MCC = Mobile Country Code
MNC = Mobile Network Code
LAC = Location Area Code
CI = Cell Identifier, within location area
Location Area Identifier (LAI) is a subset of CGI= MCC+MNC+LAC
The MSC controls all cells within one or more LAIs. MS reports to MSC
when it camps on new serving cell with a different LAI. This know as location
updating.
27
System basics
Major road along

boundary?
Location Area Codes
LAC 1
Small location areas result

in more location updates
(SDCCH congestion)
Topographical features must be
taken into account to minimise
location update traffic on SDCCH
LAC 2
LAC boundary
along river?
Large location areas result in

unnecessary paging traffic (PCH capacity)
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28
System basics
Monitoring
MS monitors BCCH channel
Contains:
Frequencies of BCCHs of neighbour cells
Base Station Identity Code (BSIC)
Location Area Code
PCH (Paging Channel) is multiplexed on the same

physical channel
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1)
MS scans all (or those specified in SIM card) GSM channels and
calculates average RxLex.
2)
MS tunes to frequency with highest RxLev and listens for FCCH.
3)
MS tunes to FCCH and identifies BCCH carrier frequency,

decodes SCH to get BSIC information and to synchronise time
and frame to serving BS
4)
MS reads the network identity from the BCCH carrier to identify

the serving Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN).
5)
MS will measure RxLev of camped on BS, as well as Neighbour

RxLev (However, measurement is infrequent, every few seconds).
29
System basics
Channels for Call Setup
Mobile originated
BCCH
RACH
AGCH
SDCCH
TCH
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Mobile monitors BCCH

Request for access made on the
Random Access CHannel
Access granted and details of
dedicated channel transmitted
on the Access Grant CHannel
Call set-up, encryption details, etc
exchanged on the Stand alone
Dedicated Control CHannel
Data or speech exchanged on
a Traffic Channel
30
30
System basics
Channels for Call Setup
Mobile terminated
BCCH
PCH
RACH
AGCH
SDCCH
TCH
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Mobile monitors BCCH

Page received on Paging CHannel
Access requested
Access granted
Call set-up, encryption details, etc
exchanged on the Stand alone
Dedicated Control CHannel
Data or speech exchanged on
a Traffic CHannel
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Table of Contents
2 Introduction
Quality criteria
Definitions
Why optimise?
Call success rate
Project phases
Test Mobile Systems
Group interfaces
Network expansion
Customer complaints
6 System basics
Antenna fine tuning
GSM air interface

Measurements
Improving Coverage

Frequency changes
32 BSS parameters
Common problems
Advanced techniques
Idle mode
Power control
Handover
165 Organisation
Timetables
Teams
Preparation
Databases
Optimisation v 4.0
32
BSS PARAMETERS
32
BSS Parameters
Cell selection / reselection
Cell selection parameter C1
Enables MS to camp on cell with which high
probability of communications is possible
Based on signal strength only
C1 calculated for several cells
Mobile selects cell / network with highest C1

C1=(Received Signal Level- RxLev_Access_Min) MAX[(Ms_TxPwr_Max_CCH -P),0]
Only cells with positive C1 are considered
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P = Maximum (Hardware limit) transmit power of MS

Ms_TxPwr_Max_CCH = Maximum transmit power allowed to be used by the
mobile to access that BTS
33
BSS Parameters
Idle mode parameters
Cell selection
RxLev_Access_Min
Minimum RxLev at which mobile is allowed to camp
on a cell
Higher means more reliable service once camped
Lower means apparently more coverage
Typically -108 dBm to -100 dBm
C1
Difference between RxLev_DL and RxLev_Access_Min
Mobile camps on Cell with highest C1
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34
BSS Parameters
C1 criterion for cell access:
C1 = A - MAX ( B , 0 ) > 0
RxLev_Access_Min = -100 dBm
Example:
RXLEV_DL = -97 dBm
Ms_TxPwr_Max_CCH = 39 dBm
BCCH
P = 33 dBm (1 W)
A = RXLEV_DL - RxLev_Access_Min
B = Ms_TxPwr_Max_CCH - P
P = Max. (hardware) transmit power of the MS
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35
BSS Parameters
C2 criterion for cell reselection
C2 = C1 + Offset + Temp_offset * H
H=1 (T<Timer)
H=0 (T>Timer)
T = time on measurement list
C1
C2
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C2 varies amount of cell reselection criteria C1, based on an offset value

which may be constant or temporary (based on timer).
In example on left, the indoor cell has a constant negative offset to prevent
people outside building camping on cell.
On example on right, cars on the main road pass by micro cell in less time
than temporary offset timer. If they pull into the service station and are within
range after timer expires, they camp on micro-cell.
36
BSS Parameters
LAC updating
MS updates VLR using SDCCH channel if it detects
change in LAC after cell reselection
Cell_Reselect_Hysteresis = 6 dB
(to avoid ping-pong)
Periodic update every 0.1hrs to 25.5hrs

If no update received, MS detached from network
Assumed to have lost coverage or battery is flat
Otherwise would have detached itself
when switched off
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Avoid situation where Detach timer value is less than periodic update value!!!
37
BSS Parameters
Max. number of retries on the Access Channel
(RACH)
Burst collisions are possible (Slotted Aloha Effect)
)
H (1
RAC
)
H (2
RAC
RA
CH
H
AGC
Default: max_Access_Retry = 2
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If two access request messages arrive during the same timeslot. BTS may
not detect either.
Max_Access_Retry [1,2,3,4,7] defines the maximum number of time the
MS repeats and access attempt before selecting another cell.
38
BSS Parameters
Idle mode parameters: BSICs
Base Station Identity Codes
Used by the MS to
distinguish between
neighbouring cells
on the same frequency
Co-channel cells
must have
different BSICs in
the same locality
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f9
f9
f7
f1
f11
f1
f5
f11
f9
f5
f3
f13
f3
f13
Server
Neighbours
Other cells
f7
f7
f1
f11
f5
f3
f13
39
The BSIC is transmitted on the SCH on timeslot(0) of the BCCH carrier.

BSIC = [NCC] + [BCC]
NCC= Network Colour Code [0-7]
BCC= Base Station Colour Code [0-7]
Careful use of NCC values required in border areas between different
countries to avoid confusion. Use pre-assigned NCC values.
39
BSS Parameters
Radio link measurement averaging
5
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
Averaged level
60
-5
-10
RxLev Samples
-15
-20
Optimisation v 4.0
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40
BSS Parameters
BSC receives measurement samples from
BS + MS
Every SACCH-Multiframe (480 ms, 104 TDMAFrames for TCH)
Types of average
Sliding Window averaging:
Block averaging
Recursive filtering
Optimisation v 4.0
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41
BSS Parameters
Sliding window averaging
1 to 32 measurements included
More measurements: more delay
32 measurements takes 15.4 seconds
0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 . . . 30 31 32
33
One averaged value
Optimisation v 4.0
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42
BSS Parameters
Example with window_length = 3
Raw measurements
Averaged results
Delay is about half the window length

Optimisation v 4.0
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43
BSS Parameters
Different window lengths for
Uplink
Downlink
Power control
Handover (different types)
Bit Error Rate (RxQual)
Signal (RxLev)
Timing advance
Optimisation v 4.0
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44
BSS Parameters
Level-triggered Power Control (PC)
Transmit minimum power necessary
Reduces interference
Prolongs MS battery life
Protects receiver from RF blocking when very
close
Used at MS and at BS
But not on downlink BCCH carrier
(Constant power since used for mobile
measurements)
Optimisation v 4.0
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45
BSS Parameters
Level-triggered Power Control
Aim to keep received signal between limits
PC_Upper_Threshold_Lev
PC_Lower_Threshold_Lev
PC_Lower_Threshold_Lev is some dB
above the minimum sensitivity threshold
Optimisation v 4.0
46
There should be a margin allowed between the pc_lower_threshold_Lev

and the receiver minimum sensitivity threshold. This margin is necessary to
prevent dropped calls when user make a sudden change such as moving
from outdoor to indoor environment.
A typical value for this margin is about 15dB.
46
BSS Parameters
PC_Upper_Threshold_Lev ( _UL or _DL)
Decrease power if signal goes above this
threshold
PC_Interval
Averaged_RxLev
Pwr_Red_Step
Receiver sensitivity
Optimisation v 4.0
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47
BSS Parameters
PC_Lower_Threshold_Lev ( _UL or _DL)
Increase power if signal drops below this
threshold
PC_Interval
Averaged_RxLev
Pwr_Inc_Step
Optimisation v 4.0
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48
BSS Parameters
The difference between the two thresholds is
a hysterysis
PC_Interval
MS/BS_Tx_Pwr
30dBm
26dBm
22dBm
Optimisation v 4.0
49
49
BSS Parameters
Common default settings:
PC_Lower_Threshold_Lev_DL = 87 dBm
Lower Threshold 15 dB above mobile sensitivity
102 dBm + 15 dB = -87 dBm
Allows for sudden signal loss due to in-building
PC_Upper_Threshold_Lev_DL = 77 dBm
Difference large enough (10 dB) to avoid rapid
consecutive power increases and decreases
Optimisation v 4.0
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50
BSS Parameters
PC_Lower_Threshold_Lev_UL = 92 dBm
Lower Threshold 15 dB above base station sensitivity
(including diversity gain)
104 dBm 3 dB + 15 dB = 92 dBm
PC_Upper_Threshold_Lev_UL = 82 dBm
10 dB above lower threshold
Optimisation v 4.0
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51
BSS Parameters
Pwr_red_step = 2 dB
Pwr_inc_step = 4 dB
Power increase is more urgent
PC_Interval = 2 SACCH multi-frames = 960 ms

Reasonably fast response
Already delayed by measurement averaging
PC_Averaging_Lev_DL/UL_Window_Size
= 6 SACCH frames (2.9 s)
Optimisation v 4.0
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52
BSS Parameters
Level-triggered Power Control: Exercise!
Current BS Power = ?
Path loss
(including BS + MS
antennas and cables)
= 124 dB
PC_Upper_Threshold_Lev_DL = - 77 dBm
PC_Lower_Threshold_Lev_DL = - 87 dBm
BS_TxPwr_Max = 43 dBm
Optimisation v 4.0
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53
BSS Parameters
Quality-triggered Power Control
Reduce power if quality is good
Further reduction in output power under good
conditions to reduce interference
Increase power if quality is bad

Interference might affect quality irrespective of
signal level
Optimisation v 4.0
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54
BSS Parameters
Common default settings
PC_Lower_Threshhold_Qual_DL/UL = 4 (RXQUAL)
Triggers a power increase at poor quality
PC_Upper_Threshhold_Qual_DL/UL = 0 to 2
Triggers a power reduction at good quality
Arguably Level criterion is more suitable for power
reduction
High load networks trade a bit of speech quality for
more capacity
Optimisation v 4.0
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55
BSS Parameters
Common defaults for averaging parameters
The averaging interval for Quality (PC) is shorter
than the one for Level (PC)
Quality can change more suddenly
PC_Averaging_Qual_UL/DL_Windowsize
= 4 (=1.9s)
Optimisation v 4.0
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56
BSS Parameters
Handover
Optimising handover performance:
maximise time spent on the best cell
maintain good
speech quality
minimise number
of handovers
minimise dropped
calls
generate as little
interference as possible
distribute traffic
Optimisation v 4.0
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57
BSS Parameters
Handover
Parameters can be adjusted to move cell
boundaries and overlap to
Improve success rate for critical handovers
Eliminate local interference at the cell edge
Share traffic load between cells
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58
BSS Parameters
Handover
HO Parameter tuning is a second order solution.
First check:
frequency plan
antenna tilts
neighbour lists
traffic capacity
There is interaction with the systems

Measurement Averaging parameters
Power Control parameters
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59
BSS Parameters
Handover
Handover and Power Control
types and priorities:
Level Power Control
Quality Power Control
Power Budget Handover
Level Handover
Quality Handover
Intracell Handover
Distance Handover
Umbrella Handover
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60
BSS Parameters
Other cell offering a smaller path loss
takes account of fixed and dynamic power control
BS_TxPwr = 37 dBm
(Traffic channel)
BS_TxPwr = 43 dBm
(BCCH channel)
124 dB
Serving cell
126 dB
RxLev_DL
= -87dBm
RxLev_N1
= -83dBm
Neighbour cell
The best neighbour offers 4dB better signal, but the

path loss is 2 dB worse, therefore no handover.
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61
BSS Parameters
Power Budget Handover (PowerBudGeT)
Path loss difference PBGT(n) calculated in the
BSC for each of the 6 neighbours
= [BS_TXPWR - RXLEV_DL] - [bsTxPwrMax(n) - RXLEV(n)]
BS_TXPWR: Actual serving cell transmit power
Neighbour with largest value of PBGT(n) and

PBGT(n) > Handover Margin is first in line for
handover
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Power Budget Hanover is used to execute a handover to a cell that has a

lower path loss than current serving cell. The path loss of cell n must be
lower by margin PBGT(n) for handover to occur. Value of PBGT(n) must not
be too low to avoid ping-pong (multiple handovers)
62
BSS Parameters
Common default setting:
HO_Margin_PBGT _N = 4 to 6 dB
Large enough to protect against ping-pong
Small enough to ensure HO before signal disappears
In a well designed network, the majority of

handovers are of the PBGT type (90%)
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63
BSS Parameters
Power Budget Handover : Exercise!
PL = K + 35.7 log d
4dB or 6dB
HO_Margin= 4dB or 6dB
? km
1km
Optimisation v 4.0
1km
64
64
BSS Parameters
Example: Moving cell boundary to avoid
local interference
BS1: f1
Se
r
rve
BS2: f3
BS3: f3
Interference
Optimisation v 4.0
65
In this example BS2:f3 is interfering with BS2:f3. The interference is

occurring in the handover overlap region between BS2 and BS1.
65
BSS Parameters
Example: Moving cell boundary to avoid local
interference
Interference
4dB
-2dB 4dB
8dB
Only possible with sufficient overlap between cells
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66
BSS Parameters
Example: Moving cell boundary to avoid
local interference
Default setting:
HO_Margin_PBGT_1 = ho_Margin_PBGT_2 = 4 dB
Handover zone around Equal Path Loss Boundary
New setting:
hoMarginPBGT_1 = -2 dB (HO from BS2 to BS1)
hoMarginPBGT_2 = 8 dB (HO from BS1 to BS2)
Note that the handover zone is now only 6 dB

wide instead of 8 dB before
Slightly increased risk of ping-pong handovers
Optimisation v 4.0
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The interference can be avoided by moving the handover boundary of BS2

inwards, effectively reducing the service area of BS2 and expanding the
service area of BS1.
67
BSS Parameters
Common defaults for averaging parameters
The averaging interval for Power Control is shorter than
the one for Handover
Increases the chance that PC is executed before HO
Discourages ping-pong
Ho_AveragingLev_DL/UL_windowSize = 8
averagingWindowSizeAdjCell = 8
Ho_ThreshholdLev_DL/UL_nx = 4
Ho_ThreshholdLev_DL/UL_px = 3
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68
BSS Parameters
Level Handover
Urgent handover on low signal
Switch from PBGT to Level Mode when signal less
than HO_Threshold_Lev.
In Level Mode, new handover margin parameter:
HO_Margin_LEV_N applies
Optimisation v 4.0
69
If serving cell signal is less than HO_Threshold_LEV and a neighbour cell

has a signal that is stronger by value of HO_Margin_LEV_N, then execute a
level handover to that neighbour cell.
69
BSS Parameters
Level Handover
Since the signal is less than
HO_Threshold_LEV, the
smaller HO_Margin_LEV
can be used instead
The PBGT margin is too large,

and the serving signal falls
below the sensitivity before a
handover can take place
HO_Threshold_Lev
HO_Margin_PBGT_N
HO_Margin_LEV_N
Optimisation v 4.0
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70
BSS Parameters
Level handover
Common default settings
Level Threshold: 5 dB above effective Rx sensitivity
HO_Threshold_LEV_DL = -97 dBm (Downlink)
HO_Threshold_LEV_UL = -102 dBm (Uplink)
Hysterysis: 2 dB less than for PBGT HO

HO_Margin_Level = 2 to 4 dB
Effective BS receiver sensitivity (Uplink):

Lower than MS sensitivity
+ Diversity gain + Pre-amplifier
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71
BSS Parameters
Example: Critical handover on hilltop
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72
BSS Parameters
Signal of candidate
neighbour not sufficient
until summit is reached
Signal rises slightly

as mobile reaches
top of hill
Signal drops rapidly
as mobile passes
over summit
Optimisation v 4.0
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73
BSS Parameters
Delays due to
HO_Interval
HO_Margin
mean that serving signal

can be too low before HO
can be completed
Optimisation v 4.0
Delay
74
74
BSS Parameters
Counter measures:
Shorter averaging window size
Increase HO_Threshold_Lev
Smaller HO_Margin
Faster power control
Additionally make HOs

more reliable:
Shorter neighbour lists
Sufficient capacity in target cell
Optimisation v 4.0
Delay
75
75
BSS Parameters
Quality triggered handover
Handover to cell with worse signal because
of interference
Quality handover threshold
HO_Threshhold_Qual_DL/UL = 5
Triggers the handover request
One higher than Power Control threshold
Quality handover margin, hoMarginQual

HO_Margin_Qual_N = -2 dB
Enables HO to a cell with a lower RxLev
Optimisation v 4.0
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76
BSS Parameters
Quality triggered handover
PC_Threshold_Qual = 4
HO_Threshold_Qual = 5
Increase power before attempting HO!
When Frequency hopping, RxQual = 5 is OK
Adjust threshold to 6 for hopping network
(On hopping frequencies)
Optimisation v 4.0
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77
BSS Parameters
Intracell (Interference) handover
Change of frequency and/or timeslot within the cell
If no other target cell is available, an intracell handover
can improve an interference situation
Interferer, f1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ...
Server, f1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ...
Current interference situation may be different on a different
frequency or different timeslot,
Optimisation v 4.0
unless ... ?
78
78
BSS Parameters
Intracell handover
Effect depends on the network traffic load
No effect if
Frequency Hopping is used
In case of downlink interference from a BCCH
carrier, if Server has 1 TRX only
Possibly a feature to handover from hopping

to non-hopping frequencies and vice versa?
Optimisation v 4.0
79
Only effective on TCH carriers where DTX, PC, partial load my provide
interference free timeslots. For heavy traffic load no free time slots may be
available.
79
BSS Parameters
Intracell handover
To avoid an endless loop of intracell
handover attempts:
Max_Number_Of_Repetitions = 5
Then go back to try other HO types
Optimisation v 4.0
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80
BSS Parameters
Intracell handover, default parameters
2 criteria indicate an interference situation:
Poor quality (high RXQUAL, same as Quality HO)
HO_Threshhold_Qual_DL/UL = 5
AND
Sufficient signal level
HO_Threshold_Interference_DL/UL
= 10dB above sensitivity?
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81
BSS Parameters
Distance Handover
Maximum allowable BS-MS distance nearly
exceeded
MS_Range_Max = 61 (Bits Timing Advance, TA)
Max. Timing Advance (63) corresponds to about 35 km
In most cases, other handover criteria are more

effective than the Distance criterion alone
Combinations with other criteria can be useful,
e.g. elevated bridges, cross-water propagation etc.
Optimisation v 4.0
82
Timing advance values can go up to 233s which is equivalent to 70 km

round trip distance from the BS. This is equal to a radial distance of 35 km.
1 TA value = 1 bit interval = 3.7 s
63 TA values = 63 x 3.7 s = 233 s
Cell range can be doubled up to 120 km roundtrip by using additional
timeslot to cope with the higher propagation delay. This is O.k. in rural areas
where capacity is not a big issue.
82
BSS Parameters
Distance Handover
No TA information in idle mode
Sea
msRangeMax
Urban
Optimisation v 4.0
Distance handover AFTER

call setup: ensure neighbour
relationship is ONE-WAY
83
This example shows a bridge across a river between two urban areas. The
bridge is set low so that nearby cells have no line of sight and hence do not
provide sufficient coverage, In this case, the best server on the bridge is a
site that is much further away and is providing coverage across the water.
83
BSS Parameters
Defaults for distance averaging
Ms_Distance_Averaging_windowSize = 20
Ms_Distance_Ho_Threshhold_nx = 8
Ms_Distance_Ho_Threshhold_px = 5
Optimisation v 4.0
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84
BSS Parameters
Umbrella handover
Umbrella cell
Quick area coverage
at network start
Covers gaps between
small cells later on
ic
af f
Problem: Umbrella cells are
Tr
prone to congestion
Handover mechanism required that relieves umbrella
cells from traffic
e.g. time based:Check in regular time intervals (parameter
hoPeriodUmbrella) if a handover into a small cell is
possible (RxLev_N > Umbrella_Threshold)
Also used for macro-microcell handovers
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85
BSS Parameters
Handover timer parameters:
Minimum time between 2 handover requests,
minHOReqInt
Min_HO_Req_Int = 3 sec.
Long enough to reduce amount of handover signaling
Short enough to allow 2nd attempt before call drops
Time between 2 handover assessments, HO_Period

HO_Period = 2 sec.
Long enough to avoid ping-pong handovers
Short enough to allow correction after false
handover decision
Longer than PC_Interval
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86
BSS Parameters
Exercise
R xQ u al
ho ThreshQ ual
pcU pperT heshQ u al
3
2
1
pcLow erThesh Q ual
0
pcUpperThreshLev
pcLowerThreshLev
hoThreshInterference
hoThreshLev
Sensitivity
R xLev
87
Optimisation v 4.0
RxQ ual
c
h o T h re s h Q u al
p cU p p e rT h es h Q u al
6
5
4
3
2
p cL o w erT h es h Q u a l
1
0
pcUpperThreshLev
pcLowerThreshLev
hoThreshInterference
hoThreshLev
Sensitivity
R xLev
87
BSS Parameters
Defaults for level averaging parameters
Handover
hoAveragingLevDL/UL_windowSize = 8
averagingWindowSizeAdjCell = 8
hoThreshholdLevDL/UL_nx = 4
hoThreshholdLevDL/UL_px = 3
Power Control
Optimisation v 4.0
pcAveragingLevDL/UL_windowSize = 6
pcLowerThreshholdLevDL/UL_nx =2
pcLowerThreshholdLevDL/UL_px =2
pcUpperThreshholdLevDL/UL_nx = 2
pcUpperThreshholdLevDL/UL_px = 2
Given in SACCH-multiframes
88
88
BSS Parameters
Defaults for quality averaging parameters
Handover
hoAveragingQualDL/UL_windowSize = 4
hoThreshholdQualDL/UL_nx = 4
hoThreshholdQualDL/UL_px = 3
Power Control
Optimisation v 4.0
pcAveragingQualUL_windowSize = 4
pcLowerThreshholdQualDL/UL_nx = 4
pcLowerThreshholdQualDL/UL_px = 3
pcUpperThreshholdQualDL/UL_nx = 32
pcUpperThreshholdQaulDL/UL_px = 32
89
89
BSS Parameters
Other handover parameters
rxLev_Min_Cell_#
-100 dBm (for GSM class 4 MS)
Minimum signal level of handover target cell
Approximately the same as MS receiver sensitivity
Can be used to prefer one neighbour over

another
e.g. for national roaming
Optimisation v 4.0
90
90
BSS Parameters
Other handover parameters
Queuing
Waiting times in case of (target) cell congestion:
timeLimitHandover = 3 sec.
timeLimitCall = 5 sec.
How long does it take on average before a channel
becomes idle in a congested cell?
Max. number of queuing calls

maxQueueLength = 15%
Given as percentage of the number of TCHs
in the cell (15% corresponds to 1 per TRX)
Optimisation v 4.0
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91
BSS Parameters
Other parameters Handover priorities
Priority for choice of handover target cell
Default: hoPriority_# = 3
Cells which are often congested can be given a
lower priority and thus relieved from traffic
!!! This can change the networks handover

behaviour drastically
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92
BSS Parameters
Other parameters Handover priorities
Traffic load distribution
hoLoadFactor_# = 1
Priority of a cell is automatically reduced
by 1 in case of congestion (starts at 3)
hoLoadThreshhold = 85%
Percentage of TCHs busy for status Congested
Also: Traffic Reason Handover

Also: Directed retry for call setup
Optimisation v 4.0
93
Directed Retry forces a mobile to attempt handover to second best server if

the best server is not available.
93
BSS Parameters
All measures that reduce the effective cell size can
also relieve the cell from traffic
Antenna tilt
Power reduction
(bsTxPwrMax and
msTxPwrMax equally)
Moving handover boundaries
(if sufficient overlap)
... only if there is significant
traffic in the affected areas
Usually a temporary solution only
Optimisation v 4.0
Default
handover boundaries
94
94
Table of Contents
2 Introduction
Quality criteria
Definitions
Why optimise?
Call success rate
Project phases
Test Mobile Systems
Group interfaces
Network expansion
Customer complaints
6 System basics
Antenna fine tuning
GSM air interface

Measurements
Improving Coverage

Frequency changes
32 BSS parameters
Common problems
Advanced techniques
Idle mode
Power control
Handover
165 Organisation
Timetables
Teams
Preparation
Databases
Optimisation v 4.0
95
QUALITY ASSESSMENT
95
Quality Assessment
Methods of assessing quality
Intensive drive tests with Test
Mobile System (TMS)
Network Statistics
MSC
OMC
Customer complaints
Optimisation v 4.0
96
96
Quality Assessment
Quality criteria
The customers quality expectations are very simple:
Availability of the service anywhere, anytime

Call setup time within limits
Good speech quality during the call
Normal termination of the call
but SUBJECTIVE
To fix problems we need to quantify them:

Poor signal levels
High blocking rates
High bit error rates
Dropped calls/handover failures
Optimisation v 4.0
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97
Quality Assessment
Quality criteria
Call Success Rate, CSR
e.g. Successful call:
Registration possible
Call setup within 7 seconds
90% of the time RXQUAL < 4
Normal termination after 2 minutes
Optimisation target: e. g. 90% CSR
Optimisation v 4.0
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98
Quality Assessment
Quality criteria
Call Success Rate, CSR
Optimisation target: e. g. 90% CSR
Mature network target: e.g. 95% CSR
Including calls made indoors
Targets for each city / district

Worst cell: 90%
Optimisation v 4.0
99
99
Quality Assessment
Test Mobile Systems
Collect MS measurement report data
(Downlink only!):
Incar
or
Outcar?
Optimisation v 4.0
Serving signal level

BER (RXQUAL)
Channel number
CI and LAC
Timing Advance TA
BSICs, signal and
power levels of neighbouring cells
Layer-3-Messages
100
100
Quality Assessment
Test Mobile Systems
Antenna on roof or mobile in car?
No indoor measurements few coverage problems
Attenuator to simulate indoor service?
Measurements at all times of day

Filter to produce busy hour statistics
Results for all cells

Filter to produce stats for each cell
Optimisation v 4.0
101
101
Quality Assessment
Test Mobile System
Statistical mode
Used for wide area quality assessment and trend
identification
Automatic call generator generates test calls in
regular intervals
e.g. 2 minute calls with 30 seconds idle
Attempts to simulate subscriber behaviour
Optimisation v 4.0
102
102
Quality Assessment
Test Mobile System
Criterion
Otherwise
Registration possible
No service
Call set up in 7 seconds
Blocked or Delayed
90% of RxQual 4 or MOS > 3
Noisy
Normal completion after 2 mins
Dropped
MOS = Mean Opinion Score

Objective voice quality measure defined by ITU
Compares recorded waveform with received
waveform
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103
Quality Assessment
Test Mobile Systems
Drive test statistics
Call
attempts
calls
No
service
Successful
Blocked Dropped Noisy

calls
calls
calls
Delayed
setup
Outcar
350
92.6%
0.6%
1.4%
2.0%
3.4%
0.0%
Incar
357
75.6%
3.9%
2.8%
4.2%
13.5%
0.0%
Competitor 1
Competitor 2
Optimisation v 4.0
104
Note the number of samples used. Is this sufficient?
104
Quality Assessment
Test mobile system
Binomial distribution
Confide nce of 1%Confidence

a ccura
for
give
n num
of 1% cy
accuracy
for given
number
of calls be r of ca lls
100.0%
100.0%
90.0%
80.0%
Confidence Probability
90.0%
Confidence Probability
80.0%
70.0%
60.0%
70.0%
60.0%
Dropped call rate
50.0%
2%
40.0%
5%
10%
30.0%
20%
20.0%
Dropped call rate
10.0%
50.0%
0.0%
0
40.0% Optimisation v 4.0
100
200
300
400
500 600 700 800

Num ber of Calls
900 1000 1100 1200
2%
105
5%
10%
30.0%
20%
Notes:
20.0%
10.0%
0.0%
100
200
300
400
500 600 700 800

Nu m b e r o f Calls
900
1000 1100 1200
105
Quality Assessment
Test Mobile System
Trace mode
Continuous call (re-established when dropped)
Used for
Optimisation v 4.0
Locating individual problem areas

Detailed analysis in problem areas
Quality assessment on rural highways etc.
BS Testing and Functional Testing
106
106
Quality Assessment
Test Mobile System
Statistical analysis of RXLEV, RXQUAL etc.
Coverage Statistics for City
100
Coverage Statistics for City
90
100
Probability of signal < x-axis %
80
90
Probability of signal < x-axis %
80
70
70
60
Network 1
Network 2
50
Network 3
Network 4
40
30
20
10
60
0
-110
-100
-90
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
Network 1
Signal level, dBm
50
Network 2
107
Optimisation v 4.0
Network 3
Network 4
40
Notes:
30
20
10
0
-110
-100
-90
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
Signal level, dBm
107
Quality Assessment
TMS in Trace Mode: Evaluation software

Optimisation v 4.0
108
Notes:
108
Quality Assessment
Test Mobile System
Import into planning tool
Terrain or clutter
background
Comparison of
measured network
performance
vs. prediction
(eg handover
boundaries)
Optimisation v 4.0
109
109
Quality Assessment
OMC network performance statistics
BSC
BSC
MSC
OMC
BSC
BSC
MSC
Optimisation v 4.0
110
110
Quality Assessment
Advantages over test drives:
Less labour intensive and time consuming
More comprehensive, large number of samples
Not limited to time of test drive
Uplink and downlink analysis possible
Real subscriber behaviour mix of outdoor, indoor, incar use, call patterns etc.,
but also including faulty MS, bad installations etc.
Optimisation v 4.0
111
111
Quality Assessment
Disadvantages, limitations:
Limited geographical resolution: Entire cell
Call attempts in uncovered areas are not counted
Customer perception could be much worse
Network must have minimum load for reliable

statistics
Optimisation v 4.0
112
112
Quality Assessment
Example: Identification of defective RXU
D A IL Y C E L L T C H R E P O R T
D A IL Y C
EL
PO RT
fr o m
2 4L
/0 1T
/9 7CtoH2 7R
/0 1E
/9 7
f r o m 2B4S /ID0/C1E/L9L 7
ID : t4o
8 -12
4 -7
0 6/201 1 / 9 7
B S ID /C E L L ID : 4 8 -1 4 -0 6 2 1
B S /S ec tor
C ell ID
c all attem p ts
b loc ked c alls
d rop p ed c alls
b loc k ed c all rate
0 6 2 1 /3
0621
541
11
2 .0 3
B S /S e c to r
C e ll ID
c a ll a tte m p ts
0 6 2 1 /3
0621
541
D A IL Y C E L L Q U A L IT Y R E P O R T
b lo c kfreodm c2 4a/0lls
1 /9 7 to 2 7 /0 1d/9r 7o p p e d
B S ID /C E L L ID : 4 8 -1 4 - 0 6 2 1
11
BS/
S ec tor
C ell ID
U p lin k
R XQ U A L
0 ..4
0 6 2 1 /3
0621
61951
d rop p ed c all rate

1 .6 6
c a lls
b lo c k e d c a ll r a te
d r o p p e d c a ll r a te
2 .0 3
1 .6 6
D AUIpLlinY
C DEowLn lin
Lk Q DUowAn linLk I T YU p R
k
lin kE P O
U pR
lin kT
R XQ U A L
QUAL
UAL
U AL
f r o m R2X0Q4..4U/A0L 1 / R9X7
t o 2R7X0Q/..40
1 / 9 R7XQ
5 ..7
5 ..7
5 ..7
%
B S ID /C
E L L I D6 :9 3 4 8 - 1943 .3-40 6 2 16 .6 6
65681
4423
D ow n lin k
R XQ U A L
0 ..4
%
D ow n lin k
R XQ U AL
5 ..7
%
9 8 .9 6
1 .0 4
N u m b e r o f 'c a ll a tte m p ts': 5 4 1
BS/
S e c to r
C e ll ID
0 6 2 1 /3
0621
e dk c a lls ': 1D
1 o 'b
k ek
d c a ll ra
U p linN ku m b e r o f 'bUlopc klin
wlonclin
Dteo':w n2 .0
lin3 k%
R X Q UNA
L b e r o fR'dXroQp pUe dA cLalls': 9R X'dQrop
U pAeLd c a ll rate
R X':Q1U.6A
um
6 L
%
0 .. 4N u m b e r o f 'n o5isy
.. 7c a lls ':
0
..
4
5
.
.7
35 'n o is y c a ll ra te ':
6 .4 7 %
N u m b e r o f 'g o o d c a lls':
61951
4423
Optimisation v 4.0
N u m b e r o f 'c a l l a t t e m p t s ': 5 4 1
4 8 6 'c a ll su c c e s s ra te ': 8 9 .8 3 %
65681
693
'b l o c k e d c a l l r a t e ':
N u m b e r o f 'd r o p p e d c a l l s ': 9
'd r o p p e d c a l l r a t e ': 1 . 6 6 %
N u m b e r o f 'n o i s y c a l l s ':
'n o i s y c a l l r a t e ':
N u m b e r o f 'g o o d c a l l s ':
35
U p lin k
R XQ U AL
5 . .7
%
D o w n lin k
R XQ U AL
0 . .4
%
9 3 .3 4
6 .6 6
9 8 .9 6
N u m b e r o f 'b l o c k e d c a l l s ': 1 1
Notes:
U p lin k
R XQ U AL
0 . .4
%
D o w n lin k
R XQ U AL
5 . .7
%
1 .0 4
113
2 .0 3 %
6 .4 7 %
4 8 6 'c a l l s u c c e s s r a t e ': 8 9 . 8 3 %
113
Quality Assessment
Example: After replacement of defective RXU
f r o m 2 8 /0 1 / 9 7 t o 0 2 / 0 2 /9 7
D A I LB SYID /C
CEEL LLIDL: 4 8T- 1C
H REPORT
4 -0 6 2 1
f ro m 2 8 /0 1 /9 7 to 0 2 /0 2 /9 7
B S /S e c to r
C e ll ID
c a ll a tte m p ts
0 6 2 1 /3
0621
853
B S /S e c to r
C e ll I D
c a ll a t t e m p t s
0 6 2 1 /3
0621
853
BS/
S e c to r
0 6 2 1 /3
0 6 2 1 /3
2 .5 8
22
C e ll ID
U p lin k
RXQ UA L
0 ..4
0621
112399
U p lin k
R XQ UA L
5 ..7
D o w n lin k
R XQ U AL
0 ..4
D o w n lin k
R XQ U AL
5 ..7
d r o p p e d c a ll r a t e
2 .5 8
U p lin k
R XQ U A L
0 ..4
%
1 .5 2
U p lin k
RXQUAL
5 ..7
%
D o w n lin k
R XQ U AL
0 ..4
%
/ 9 7 t9o6 .7 80 2 / 03 .222 / 9 7 9 8 .6 8
3743 f r o m
1 1 4 6 02
7 8 / 011
535
D o w n lin k
R XQ U AL
5 ..7
%
1 .3 2
B S ID /C E L L ID : 4 8 -1 4 -0 6 2 1
22
'b lo c k e d c a ll r a te ': 2 .5 8 %
'd ro p p e d c a ll r a te ': 1 .5 2 %
3743
b lo c k e d c a ll r a t e
13
N u m b e r o f 'd r o p p e d c a lls ': 1 3
112399
1 .5 2
B S ID /C E L L ID : 4 8 - 1 4 -0 6 2 1
UNpu lin
lin
o yw cna lin
D3 . o
n lin k
m bk
e r o f 'n o is y Uc aplls
': k
2 6 'nDo is
ll r akte ':
0 5w %
R X Q U A L7 9 2 'cRaX
QUAL
RXQ UAL
R XNQu mUbA
L
e r o f 'g o o d c a lls ':
ll s u c c e s s ra te ': 9 2 .8 5 %
0 ..4
5 ..7
0 ..4
5 ..7
Optimisation v 4.0
0621
13
N u m b e r o f 'b lo c k e d c a lls ':
C e ll I D
22
2 8 /0 1 / 9 d
7 rt o
b lo c k e d f rco m
a lls
o p0 2p/ 0e2d/9 c7 a lls
N u m b e r o f 'c a ll a t te m p t s ': 8 5 3
BS/
S e c to r
d ro p p e d c a lls
B Sb lo Ic kDe d /c aClls E L
L I D : 4 8b-lo1c k e4d c-a0ll ra6te2 1d ro p p e d c a ll ra te
U p lin k
R XQ U AL
0 ..4
%
U p lin k
RXQ UAL
5 ..7
%
D o w n lin k
R XQ U AL
0 ..4
%
D o w n lin k
RXQ UAL
5 ..7
%
9 6 .7 8
3 .2 2
9 8 .6 8
1 .3 2

114607
1535
114
N u m b e r o f 'c a l l a t t e m p t s ': 8 5 3
Notes:
N u m b e r o f 'b l o c k e d c a l l s ':
22
'b l o c k e d c a l l r a t e ': 2 . 5 8 %
N u m b e r o f 'd r o p p e d c a l l s ': 1 3
'd r o p p e d c a l l r a t e ': 1 . 5 2 %
N u m b e r o f 'n o i s y c a l l s ':
26
'n o i s y c a l l r a t e ':
N u m b e r o f 'g o o d c a l l s ':
792
3 .0 5 %
'c a l l s u c c e s s r a t e ': 9 2 . 8 5 %
114
Quality Assessment
Customer complaints
An additional source of information, but
difficult to handle
Complaint
Customer service must have clear simple procedure toForm

collect all relevant information
Evaluation:
Pins on map to identify problem areas
Possibly better resolution than OMC statistics
Large number of potential test persons
Categorise for clues on possible optimisation measures
Optimisation v 4.0
115
115
Quality Assessment
Limitations
Regardless of the assessment method, some
problems only show under traffic load
Congestion
Interference
(except for BCCH downlink interference)
Ongoing quality control/optimisation after launch
Optimisation v 4.0
116
116
Quality Assessment
Systematic quality assessment
Quality targets may change:
Emerging mobile markets:
Customers tend to accept occasional
coverage holes and poor quality
Mature markets: Focus on quality

Customers take coverage for granted
and start focussing on service quality
Optimisation v 4.0
117
117
Quality Assessment
Quality targets may change:
Launch target:
95% CSR outdoor
90% for worst cell
Mature network target:

98% CSR outdoor / 95% CSR indoor
95% for worst cell / 90% for worst cell
Optimisation v 4.0
118
118
Table of Contents
2 Introduction
Quality criteria
Definitions
Why optimise?
Call success rate
Project phases
Test Mobile Systems
Group interfaces
Network expansion
Customer complaints
6 System basics
Antenna fine tuning
GSM air interface

Measurements
Improving Coverage

Frequency changes
32 BSS parameters
Common problems
Advanced techniques
Idle mode
Power control
Handover
165 Organisation
Timetables
Teams
Preparation
Databases
Optimisation v 4.0
119
Optimisation Measures
119
Overlaid
microcells
Fine tuning of antenna

orientations and tilt
Adding
TRX
Repeaters
Preamps.
Frequency
changes
Sectorisation
Half
rate
Cell parameter
settings
Underlay/
Overlay
Frequency Hopping,
Power Control, DTX
Dual band Dual mode
Cell Splitting
Effect
Possible network optimisation measures:
Cost, Effort
Optimisation v 4.0
120
The diagram above give a graphic depiction of cost / benefits realised by

applying different optimisation measures to solve problems in the network.
It can be clearly seen that the most efficient (least cost, maximum effect)
optimisation solutions can be achieved by applying advanced network
features such as power control, frequency hopping, DTX.
Also changes to site configuration such as antenna tilts and azimuth are
more effective than change cell parameter setting.
The most effective and COSTLY, solutions involve adding new hardware
such as sectorisation, micro-cells and sites.
120
Optimisation measures
Fine tuning
Adding features
Frequency hopping
Power Control
Discontinuous transmission
Hierarchical cell structures
Antenna orientations, height and tilt

Handover and power parameters
Neighbour lists
Frequency changes
Optimisation v 4.0
121
121
Optimisation measures
Network extension
Dual band, dual mode
Adding TRX
Half (dual) rate coding
Preamplifiers
Sectorisation
Cell splitting
Repeaters
Overlaid micro- and picocells
Optimisation v 4.0
122
122
Antenna fine tuning
Typical antenna beam patterns
Typical 3dB
beamwidths:
Optimisation v 4.0
123
123
Antenna fine tuning
Horizontal plane:
Possible coverage weaknesses between sectors
Interference reduction
Vertical plane:
Interference reduction
Possible coverage weaknesses in the short to medium
distance range
Optimisation v 4.0
124
124
Example: Weak coverage between sectors
Best server
Other BS
Problem
area
Optimisation v 4.0
125
125
Sector B: 210
65 horizontal beamwidth
Problem
area
Measured RXLEV_DL before antenna change

Optimisation v 4.0
126
Problem area is an area of weak coverage situated between sectors.
126
Sector B: 180
65 hor. beamwidth
Problem
area
Measured RXLEV_DL after antenna change
Optimisation v 4.0
127
In this case, the simplest and most cost effective solution to this coverage
problem was to re-orientating sector 3 to point at 180, thereby increasing
the coverage in that area.
However, it is also important to verify that by changing the azimuth of sector
3 that coverage is not been adversely affected in an important area, and
that any new interference is not causing problems.
127
Raising or lowering antenna height
to improve coverage
to reduce interference
Rarely possible due to constructional

constraints
Need large change to be effective

(4 to 5 dB path loss change when doubling
antenna height)
unless the obstruction situation changes
Optimisation v 4.0
128
128
Adjusting antenna height: Exercise!
25m
PL = K 13.8 log h + (44.9-6.55 log h) log d
1km
h2
4km
What is the difference in C/I performance with h2 = 25m and 50m?

What is the ratio of the number of frequencies per cell in each situation?
Optimisation v 4.0
129
129
Example: Weak coverage below main lobe
7vert. beamwidth,
2 electrical downtilt,
no mechanical downtilt
Problem area:
City centre
(Indoor coverage)
Measured RXLEV_DL before antenna change

Optimisation v 4.0
130
Slide shows a City Centre area which situated in the main lobe of the
antenna and close to the site. Marketing requires in-building coverage in the
city centre, however, Test mobile data shows that the measured downlink
RxLev is not sufficient.
130
Measured RXLEV_DL before antenna change, terrain height

Optimisation v 4.0
131
Further analysis of this test drive show that the city centre is situated in a low
lying area below the antenna which is located on a hill above. It is likely that
the coverage to the city centre is being provide by lower part of the antenna
vertical lobe, which is heavily attenuated by the antenna vertical pattern.
131
BS Ant.
160m
2 electrical down
0
tilt
3dB-poin
t: 5.5
= ar
ctan (
160/1
200) =
7.6
City
1200m
Antenna pattern and angles
Solution: Add 4 mechanical downtilt
Optimisation v 4.0
132
Adding a 4mechanical down tilt will place the main beam of the antenna
directly on to the city centre and hence increase the coverage.
132
City
Innenstadt
Tool simulation with 0 and 4 mechanical downtilt

Optimisation v 4.0
133
Tool simulations can be carried out to see the effects of before and after
applying the down tilt. As the picture on the right shows, the down tilt has the
effect of increasing the signal level to the required in-building level (red) in
the city centre.
133
Verification test drive

with 4additional
mechanical downtilt
Optimisation v 4.0
134
A test mobile drive test is carried out after the application of the down tilt to
verify that the measured RxLev levels are meeting the requirements.
134
14: -18dB
4: -3dB
0
Antenna downtilt
Interference:
-18dB?
Typical vertical
beam pattern
14: -18dB
Possible loss
of coverage
Coverag
e
In practice, reflections fill up nulls and sidelobes

especially in urban areas
(Nebenkeule)
Optimisation v 4.0
135
In very high density networks where capacity must be maximised, then

systematically tilt so that the first null in the antennas vertical pattern points
towards the horizon. This will minimise interference.
135
Systematic antenna downtilt
Minimum: Vertical main lobe on cell edge
= arctan
hBS
r
hBS
r
Maximum: First null angle

Otherwise side lobe will increase interference
Optimisation v 4.0
136
Many operators buy antennas with 2of vertical electrical downtilt as

standard. This is based on the assumption that the main lobe should point at
the cell edge. In urban areas of course, the main lobe should point at the
roof tops at the cell edge, not at the ground. Also the amount of interference
reduction from 2of downtilt is minimal.
136
Electrical vs. mechanical downtilt
0
Electrical, with null-filling
Mechanical
Advantages:
Back lobe tilts down instead of up

Null-filling becomes possible (better lower side lobe)
Antenna remains upright (aesthetics)
Mechanical downtilt can be added
Disadvantages:
Antennas are more expensive
Slightly compromised interference reduction potential
Optimisation v 4.0
137
137
Reduced flexibility with omni cells
Only electrical downtilt,
same for entire cell
Only 1 set of handover /
power parameters for
entire 360 cell edge
No load sharing
between sectors
Omni site
Sectorised cell site with

different downtilt angles
Optimisation v 4.0
138
138
Other ways of improving coverage
Increasing BS output power?
Cell parameters bsTxPwrMax, msTxPwrMax
Better BS RX sensitivity or pre-amplifier

Must be matched by higher
BS TX power for balanced
link budget
nk:
Downli
MS
Optimisation v 4.0
-109 dBm
Uplink
-104 dBm
42 dBm
37 dBm
BS
139
139
Other ways of improving coverage
Before
Cell splitting, sectorisation
After
Difficult, expensive
Primarily used for capacity enhancement
Hierarchical cell structures

Micro- and picocells
Repeaters
New sites needed
Rep:f1
Optimisation v 4.0
BSC
Rep:f1
BS:f1
Micro:f4
140
140
Only a few groups of parameters contain
potential for optimisation effects:
Power parameters
Handover parameters
Averaging parameters
BSIC and LAC (Base Station Identity and Location
Area Codes)
Some other parameters
Some of these have to be treated with extreme care as
they can have very severe effects on the network!
Optimisation v 4.0
141
141
Default parameter sets:
Standard settings suitable for most cases
Starting point for possible optimisation
There may be different sets of default parameters,
e.g. for:
Different HW/SW configuration (e.g. different BTS
types, with/without pre-amplifier etc.)
Different areas (e.g. urban, highway etc.)
Optimisation v 4.0
142
142
Other parameters have no direct
optimisation potential
e.g. CI (Cell Identifier)
but maintaining data consistency is important
and a major difficulty in network optimisation
Optimisation v 4.0
143
143
Neighbour lists
Missing and too many neighbours cause problems
Missing neighbours
Too many neighbours

Inaccurate sig lev measurements
Cell dragging
Ideally: 6 to 8
neighbours
In practice:
8 to 12
Optimisation v 4.0
False handover decisions

Interference
Poor quality
Dropped calls
Too many neighbours

also makes frequency
planning much more
restricted
144
MS collects (100 / # of neighbours) samples of signal strength of neighbour

cells.
Therefore the more neighbours the fewer samples used to make handover
decisions the higher the probability of a false decision.
144
Neighbour cell lists
Cell dragging
Server
Defined neighbours
Missing neighbour
f1
Interferer
results in
poor serving signal levels
increased interference
Optimisation v 4.0
f1
145
145
Example: Missing neighbour definition
Optimisation v 4.0
146
Picture above shows an area of very poor coverage next to BS 0044. It is

surprising to see such a poor signal level (< -95 dBm) next to the site.
146
Azimuth
0013 1
20
793
0013 2
120
795
0013 3
300
not relev.
0014 1
Omni
805
0044 1
Omni
808
0225 1
210
798
0225 2
350
not relev.
0499 1
40
Optimisation v 4.0
Cell ID.
Cell ID.
Azimuth
Ch. No.
0013 1
20
793
0013 2
120
795
0013 3
300
not relev.
0014 1
Omni
805
0044 1
Omni
808
0225 1
210
798
0225 2
350
not relev.
0499 1
40
Ch. No.
783
147
783
147
Example: Missing neighbour definition
Poor signal levels and dropped calls in the town
that is to be covered by BS 0044
0044 is rarely used as the serving cell in the town
0225-1 (about 12 km away, TA=22!) acts as the
best server in the area between 0014 and 0044
No neighbour relation between 0225-1 and 0044
Calls on 0225-1 are dragged into the town,

no handover to 0044 is possible
Optimisation v 4.0
148
148
Example: 0044-1 and 0225-1 now defined as neighbours
Azimuth
0013 1
20
793
0013 2
120
795
0013 3
300
not relev.
0014 1
Omni
805
0044 1
Omni
808
0225 1
210
798
0225 2
350
not relev.
0499 1
40
Optimisation v 4.0
Cell ID.
Cell ID.
Azimuth
Ch. No.
0013 1
20
793
0013 2
120
795
0013 3
300
not relev.
0014 1
Omni
805
0044 1
Omni
808
0225 1
210
798
0225 2
350
not relev.
0499 1
40
Ch. No.
783
149
783
149
Handover 0225-1
> 0044-1
Handover
0044-1
> 0255-1
Azimuth
0013 1
20
793
0013 2
120
795
0013 3
300
not relev.
0014 1
Omni
805
0044 1
Omni
808
0225 1
210
798
0225 2
350
not relev.
0499 1
40
Optimisation v 4.0
Cell ID.
Cell ID.
Azimuth
Ch. No.
0013 1
20
793
0013 2
120
795
0013 3
300
not relev.
0014 1
Omni
805
0044 1
Omni
808
0225 1
210
798
0225 2
350
not relev.
0499 1
40
Ch. No.
783
150
783
150
Too many neighbour definitions:
inaccurate measurements
Only about 100 measurement samples are
possible during one measurement period for all
defined neighbour cells together
[ e. g.:
6 neighbours: 16 - 18 samples per cell
32 neighbours: 3 - 4 samples per cell
Fewer samples lead to inaccurate averages,
false handover decisions, interference
Optimisation v 4.0
151
151
frequency planning difficulties
Too many neighbours can make adjacent channel
frequency planning impossible...
Optimisation v 4.0
152
152
inappropriate handovers
Patches of coverage
Optimisation v 4.0
153
153
Frequency changes
Example: Identification of downlink

interference with network statistics
B S /C e ll c a ll
S e c to r ID a tte m p ts
b lo c k e d
c a lls
d ro p p e d
c a lls
b lo c k e d
c a ll
ra te
d ro p p e d
c a ll
ra te
0 0 8 8 :2
0088:2
120
62
4 .4 6
2 .3 0
2691
D A ILY C E LL T C H R E P O R T
f ro m 2 8 / 0 1 /9 7 to 0 3 /0 2 / 9 7
B S ID /C E L L I D : 4 2 -1 4 -0 0 8 8 : 2
D A I L Y C E L L Q U A L IT Y R E P O R T
f ro m 2 8 /0 1 /9 7 to 0 3 / 0 2 /9 7
B S ID /C E L L ID : 4 2 -1 4 -0 0 8 8 :2
B S /C e ll
S e c to r ID
U p lin k
U p lin k
D o w n lin k D o w n lin k U p lin k
U p lin k
R XQ U AL R XQ U AL R XQ U AL R XQ U AL R XQ U AL R XQ U AL
0 ..4
5 ..7
0 ..4
5 ..7
0 ..4
5 ..7
p r oz .
p ro z .
0 0 8 8 :2
354137
8465
345801
16801
9 7 .6 7
2 .3 3
2.33
D o w n lin k
R XQ U AL
0 ..4
p ro z .
D o w n lin k
R XQ U AL
5 ..7
p ro z .
9 5 .3 7
4 .6 3
4.63
N u m b e r o f 'c a ll a tt e m p t s'
2691
N u m b e r o f 'b lo c k e d c a lls '
120
'b lo c k e d c a ll ra t e '
: 4 .4 6 %
N u m b e r o f 'd ro p p e d c a lls'
62
'd ro p p e d c a ll ra te '
: 2 .3 0 %
N u m b e r o f 'n o is y c a lls '
116
'n o isy c a ll ra te '
: 4 .3 1 %
N u m b e r o f 'g o o d c a lls'
2393
'c a ll s u c c e ss ra te '
: 88.93%
8 8 .9 3 %
Optimisation v 4.0
154
The report shows that for BS0088:2, the call success rate is poor, and also
that the proportion of poor downlink RxQual measurement values are rather
high.
154
Example: Downlink interference,
frequency change
Downlink RXQUAL rate is twice as high as Uplink
Faulty TXU test was negative
Downlink interference
Verification through handover statistics:
BS:Sec. Total_HOUL_Qual UL_Lev UL_Interf DL_Qual DL_Lev PBGT
0088:1
6380
12%
19%
1%
11%
17%
40%
0088:2
2677
5%
14%
0%
32%
18%
31%
0088:3
5464
6%
9%
1%
20%
10%
54%
Optimisation v 4.0
155
Handover statistics show an unusually high number of handover triggered by

poor downlink quality, in same proportion as those triggered by power
budget. This is an indicator that we have a poor downlink quality, probably
being caused by downlink interference from another site.
155
frequency change
Interferer: BS 0087:3 (about 5 km away)
797
6
797
Optimisation v 4.0
156
Analysis of the surrounding sites, shows a possible interference source from

BS0087:3 (channel 797)
156
Example: Downlink interference
RXQUAL measurement with TMS in Camp
Mode (to avoid QUAL-handovers)
Optimisation v 4.0
157
157
After frequency change at BS 0088:2 from
797 to 817
Optimisation v 4.0
158
158
Example: Downlink interference
Network statistics after
frequency change
B S /C e ll c a ll
S e k to r ID a tte m p ts
b lo c k e d
c a lls
d ro p p ed
c a lls
b lo c k e d
c a ll
r a te
d r op p ed
c a ll
r a te
0 0 8 8 :2
68
56
2 .9 3
2 .4 1
2321
f r o m 2 4 /0 2 / 9 7 t o 0 2 /0 3 / 9 7
B S ID /C E L L ID : 4 2 -1 4 -0 0 8 8 :2
D A IL Y C E L L Q U A L I T Y R E P O R T
f r o m 2 4 /0 2 / 9 7 t o 0 2 /0 3 / 9 7
B S ID /C E L L ID : 4 2 -1 4 -0 0 8 8 :2
B S /C e ll
S e k to r ID
U p lin k
U p lin k
D o w n lin k D o w n lin k
R XQ U AL R XQ U A L R XQ UA L R XQ UA L
0 ..4
5 ..7
0 ..4
5 ..7
p roz.
U p lin k
R XQ UA L
0 ..4
p roz.
U p lin k
RXQ U AL
5 ..7
p roz.
D o w n lin k D o w n lin k
RXQ U AL RXQ U AL
0 ..4
5 ..7
p roz.
0 0 8 8 :2
257077
9 7 .2 5
2 .7 5
9 7 .8 4
7264
258636
5705
N u m b e r o f 'c a ll a t te m p t s '
2321
N u m b e r o f 'b lo c k e d c a lls '
68
'b lo c k e d c a ll r a te '
: 2 .9 3 %
N u m b e r o f 'd r o p p e d c a lls '
56
'd r o p p e d c a ll r a te '
: 2 .4 1 %
N u m b e r o f 'n o is y c a lls '
60
'n o is y c a ll r a t e '
: 2 .5 9 %
N u m b e r o f 'g o o d c a lls '
2137
Optimisation v 4.0
'c a ll s u c c e s s r a te '
2 .1 6
2.16
: 92.07%
9 2 .0 7 %
159
After frequency change, the call success rate is higher, and the proportion of
poor RxQual for the downlink has decreased to the same proportion as that
of the uplink.
159
Handover statistics after frequency change
BS:S
Total_HO UL_Qual UL_Lev
UL_Interf DL_Qual DL_Lev
PBGT
0088:1
5867
12%
22%
1%
11%
17%
37%
0088:2
2582
5%
19%
0%
4%
25%
47%
0088:3
4619
6%
9%
0%
20%
8%
57%
Optimisation v 4.0
160
160
Frequency changes
Highly effective against severe cases of
interference
Far-reaching side effects
Re-planning of other frequencies may become
necessary
Often difficult, especially in high-density areas
Optimisation v 4.0
161
161
Frequency changes
Can be done at either cell
(interferer or victim)
Often randomly significantly easier on one side
than on the other
Incompatibility of interferer and victim must

be kept in the planning tools interference
matrix!
For subsequent retuning efforts
Until major redesign in the area
Optimisation v 4.0
162
162
Frequency changes
Short term solution:
BCCH/TCH swapping
Victim
Before
Interferer
BCCH: 794
TCH: 797
BCCH: 794
Can produce some interference relief if the affected

frequency is a BCCH carrier
BCCH: 797
After
TCH: 794
BCCH: 794
Doesnt work for all types of interference

Effect depends on TCH traffic load
Results in non-optimal mix of BCCH and
TCH sub-bands
Usually a temporary measure only
Optimisation v 4.0
163
163
Increasing network capacity
The relationship between quality and capacity
In a congested network, quality can deteriorate very
quickly:
Congestion
Extended call
setup times
Poor speech
quality
Interference/
Noise
Unavailability
of service
Violation of all 4 basic quality criteria
Optimisation v 4.0
Dropped
calls
164
164
Table of Contents
2 Introduction
Quality criteria
Definitions
Why optimise?
Call success rate
Project phases
Test Mobile Systems
Group interfaces
Network expansion
Customer complaints
6 System basics
Antenna fine tuning
GSM air interface

Measurements
Improving Coverage

Frequency changes
32 BSS parameters
Common problems
Advanced techniques
Idle mode
Power control
Handover
165 Organisation
Timetables
Teams
Preparation
Databases
Optimisation v 4.0
165
Organisation
165
Organisation
The relationship between network
design and network optimisation
Thorough network design/planning from the start
can reduce the optimisation effort significantly!
In a poorly planned network, achievable optimisation
effects without major redesigns are rather marginal
Optimisation v 4.0
166
166
Organisation
The relationship between network
design and network optimisation
A close link between the two activities is
necessary:
Network planners must be involved in the optimisation
Optimisation results must be fed back into the planning process
Or better still: a small team is responsible for

design, expansion and optimisation of a
local area.
Optimisation v 4.0
167
167
Organisation
Optimisation stages
Initial optimisation
Minimum service quality for commercial launch
Or after a major network change (turn on cycle)
Ongoing optimisation
Continuous quality control and improvement
Design,Construction,Installation
Optimisation v 4.0
Ongoing Optimisation
Launch
BSn
Area
complete
BS1
BS2
Initial...
Network
extensions?
168
The calendar is often organised into turn-on cycles when groups of new
sites are brought on air together, around once every 10-15 weeks. Each
turn-on is followed by intensive optimisation of the frequency plan and
neighbour lists.
A short cycle runs continuously to fix problems as they are found, possibly
resulting in a frequency re-tune once a week.
168
Organisation
Drop-dead
date
tia
in i
e(
ns
iv
Int
e
3m
on
th
an Tra
d T ffic
RX
f
co orec
u n ast
t
Fre
qu
en
cie
sa
nd
pa
ram
ete
g
nin
lan
SP
wB
Ne
12
mo
n th
an Tra
d B ffic
S c fo
ou rec
as
nt
t
rs
l) o
pti
mi
sa
tio
The Optimisation and Growth cycle
Turn-on
date
Ongoing optimisation
Optimisation v 4.0
169
Drop-dead date is the date that the site construction is completed.

Turn-on date is the site on air date.
169
Organisation
Project phases
Cluster definition
An iterative
process!
BS testing / Functional testing
Optimisation v 4.0

Optimisation
170
170
Organisation
Cluster definition
Sub-networks small enough
for a two person team to manage
Large enough to be self contained
Not too many relationships
with neighbouring clusters
About 15 to 30 sites
About
Optimisation v 4.0
20km2
171
171
Organisation
Cluster definition
Wanted: Stable sub-networks
Ideally:
All BS within the sub-network
fully operational,
plus:
All handover neighbours
outside the sub-network
Nearest co- and adjacent
channel interferers
Otherwise:
Repeated optimisation effort!
Optimisation v 4.0
172
172
Organisation
BS testing
of single BS in the cluster
Objectives:
Verify network configuration against current
planning status
Identify and eliminate equipment faults (hard/software) and installation errors before
optimisation begins
Optimisation v 4.0
173
173
Organisation
BS testing
When?
Whenever a single BS reaches the
Ready-to-launch status
Who?
Installation personnel after completion of job
Vendor and operator staff together
Can be a contractual issue
Optimisation v 4.0
174
174
Organisation
BS testing
Antenna installation check
visual/manual on site
height, orientation and tilt
Basic cell parameters and functions

BCCH and other carrier frequencies,
BSIC, CI, LAC
Neighbour list, consistency
Handover and power parameters
Call setup on all timeslots and speech quality
Handover to other sectors
Park BS until next ToC
Optimisation v 4.0
175
175
Organisation
Functional testing
Objectives
Verify site integration into current plan
When?
When cluster is complete, just before systematic
quality assessment and optimisation starts
Why again?
Plan may have changed since BS testing
Who?
Teams who will also carry out the drive tests
Optimisation v 4.0
176
176
Organisation
Procedure
Identify areas with quality problems
Drive tests, network statistics, customer complaints
Trace source of the problem

Trace measurements, tool predictions
Coordination with other teams
Agree and implement solution

Update databases!
Verify effect
Optimisation v 4.0
Optimisation
Suggest solution, predict side effects!
177
177
Organisation
Strict database management is essential!
Planning tool database
Current status of the network must be available at all
times
OMC database
Maintain parameter consistency
Save into next implementation cycle
Measurement database
Date and time, equipment used
Optimisation database
History of optimisation measures taken and removed,
comments
Optimisation v 4.0
178
178
Organisation
Approximate time plan for a sub-network
Optimisation v 4.0
Milestone
Effort
Progress
Sub-network definition
Network data established
BS testing
Functional testing
1st quality assessment
Trace measurements
Optimisation
2nd quality assessment
Quality target reached
5%
10%
15%
20%
10%
10%
20%
10%
5%
15%
30%
50%
60%
70%
90%
100%
179
179
!"
#
& #'( )
Optimisation v 4.0
#
%
180
180

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The Cellular Academy

GSM Radio Network Planning and Optimisation

(C) Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

Call success rate

Test Mobile Systems

Network performance statistics

119 Optimisation measures

Antenna fine tuning

GSM air interface

Idle mode procedures

Cell parameter optimisation

Call setup procedures

Optimising neighbour cell lists

Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

(C) Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

(C) Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

More Traffic results in more interference and a reduction in quality. One

(C) Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

Statistical processes involved

(C) Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

Call success rate

Test Mobile Systems

Network performance statistics

119 Optimisation measures

Antenna fine tuning

GSM air interface

Idle mode procedures

Cell parameter optimisation

Call setup procedures

Optimising neighbour cell lists

Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

(C) Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

(C) Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

F-DL(n) = 890 + 0.2*n

E-GSM 900 F-DL(n) = 890 + 0.2*n

(C) Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

F-DL(n) = 890 + 0.2*(n - 1024)

F-DL(n) = 1710.2 + 0.2*(n - 512)

Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

The repetition of one particular timeslot [0,1,2,3,4,5,6, or 7] forms a physical

(C) Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

MAI: indexes the list of mobile frequencies

MAIO: offset to the MA Index to avoid two TRX in

(C) Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

Each RF carrier on BS may transmit a burst of data during a timeslot period

(C) Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

(C) Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

The Frequency correction burst is used for frequency synchronisation of the

(C) Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

Full rate traffic for 9.6 kbit/s data (TCH/F9.6)

Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

A large variety of information must be transmitted between the BS and MS.

(C) Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005

Network Consultants / TNC Ltd 2005