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Preparation of RF Optimization: 2. Data Collection

The document outlines the process for preparing and conducting RF optimization including: 1. Dividing sites into clusters, determining test routes, and collecting necessary tools and documents. 2. Collecting data through drive tests, indoor tests, and signaling traces to analyze coverage, interference, and handoff issues. 3. Implementing modifications to antenna parameters and cell configurations, then testing until key performance indicators are met.

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Moh diak
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52 views6 pages

Preparation of RF Optimization: 2. Data Collection

The document outlines the process for preparing and conducting RF optimization including: 1. Dividing sites into clusters, determining test routes, and collecting necessary tools and documents. 2. Collecting data through drive tests, indoor tests, and signaling traces to analyze coverage, interference, and handoff issues. 3. Implementing modifications to antenna parameters and cell configurations, then testing until key performance indicators are met.

Uploaded by

Moh diak
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

Preparation of RF Optimization
First of all make the objective of the optimization KPI , divide the sites
in clusters, make the test route, and collect tools and prepare documents
for the RF optimization ready to ensure the smooth operation of RF
optimization.

Ø Prepare the optimization objective

Make the optimization objective of the RF-related KPI


indexes,including the coverage ratio, soft handoff ratio, and pilot
pollution ratio,which compose the network optimization acceptance
indexes.

Ø Divide site in clusters

Divide the sites into different cluster. Generally the sites located
in same locality are grouped in a same cluster.Perform the concurrent
RF optimization for a group of sites instead of a single site. The
concurrent RF optimization for a group of sites ensures that co-
frequency interference between adjacent cells is considered in the
network optimization.

Ø Determine the DT route

Before starting a Drive Test, the DT route is made for verifying


whether the Network meets acceptance KPIs requirements. If the DT
route for network acceptance is already scheduled, ensure that the
scheduled route contains the route for verifying whether the network
meets acceptance KPIs requirements.

2. Data Collection

Collect the MS/AT data by the Drive Test, indoor test, and
signaling tracing, and verify that the KPI requirements are met based
on the call tracing data and configuration data of the BSC or access
network (AN). This data is also used for data analysis.
Ø Drive Test

During network deployment, network optimization is always


performed under the unloaded condition of the network. Perform voice
service or data service tests for the network in the according to the
service types in the network planning area. Use DT tools to collect the
radio signals for analyzing the outdoor signal coverage, handoff, and
pilot pollution problems.

After the communication network is put into operation, the


network load may be heavy. Hence, network tests in the loaded
condition are required. After completing the network optimization in
the unloaded condition, perform a test to verify that the quality of the
network in the loaded condition meets the requirements. The data
collection for the network in the loaded condition is similar to that for
the network in the unloaded condition.

Ø Indoor Test

The services to be tested by the indoor test must be provided in


the seamless coverage network according to the contract (for the
commercial office) or planning report (for the trial office). The method
of indoor test is the same as that of the DT. An indoor test is performed
to test the signal coverage in the indoor coverage areas (such as in
building, supermarket, and underground train), critical places (such as
gymnasium and governmental offices), and some special test areas
(such as VIP areas) to discover, analyze, and solve RF problems.

Ø BSC Configuration Data Collection

Before and during RF optimization, collect the configuration data


about the adjacent cells for network optimization and collect additional
configuration data from BSC. Then, check whether the existing
configuration data is consistent with the previous data record and the
planning data.
3.Data Analysis

Find out the problems of the network, focus on the coverage, pilot
pollution, and Handoff problems, and take corresponding modification
measures.

Ø Coverage Analysis

Focusing on signal distribution, the coverage analysis is a key task of


RF optimization. The coverage analysis includes the dominant cell
analysis, downlink coverage analysis, and uplink coverage analysis.

No signal or poor signal coverage

If no signal is detected in a cell according to the DT, the BTS may


have no transmit power or the antennas may be blocked during the test.

ü Cross-cell coverage

If the signals from a cell can be received in the surrounding cells,


the Coverage of this cell is too wide.The cross-cell coverage may be
caused by improper site height or improper settings of antenna tilt
angles. The cross-cell coverage cells interfere with adjacent cells. And
the interference causes the decrease of system capacity. You can
increase the antenna tilt angle or lower the antenna height to solve the
cross-cell coverage problem. While solving the cross-cell coverage
problem, avoid the existence of no signal coverage area.

ü No-dominant cell area

The no-dominant-cell area refers to the area that has no dominant


cell or the dominant cell changes frequently. No dominant cell leads to
frequent handoffs, reduces the system efficiency, and increases the call
drop ratio.You can modify the antenna tilt angle and azimuth, enhance
the coverage of a strong signal cell (or the nearby cell), and reduce the
coverage of other weak signal cells (or the remote cells) to solve the no
dominant cell problem.
ü Downlink coverage analysis

Analyze pilot signal strength and Rx power collected by the DT.


If the pilot signal Rx power is smaller than the thresholds, downlink
coverage problems may exist. Mark the area without signal coverage in
the downlink and analyze the distance between the area and adjacent
BTSs. Analyze the ambient environment of the area and check whether
the distribution of Rxs in adjacent sites is normal. After the analysis,
you can judge whether the downlink coverage can be improved by
modifying antenna tilt angle and azimuth. Check whether a new area
without signal coverage exists after the coverage problem of a no signal
coverage area is solved by modifying the antenna. If the antenna
modification cannot solve the problems about no signal coverage areas,
add more sites.

ü Uplink coverage analysis

Analyze Tx power collected by the DT.If the Tx is higher than the


threshold, uplink coverage problems may exist. Mark the areaswithout
uplink coverage and check whether downlink coverage is also
unavailable in thoseareas. When both uplink and downlink coverage is
poor, the downlink coverage problemstake precedence over the uplink
coverage problems. If only uplink coverage is poor, youcan solve the
problem by eliminating the impact of uplink interference, modifying
theantenna azimuth and tilt angle, or adding the tower mounted
amplifier (TMA).

Ø Interference Analysis

The interference analysis includes the uplink interference analysis


and downlink interference analysis. The interference affects the cell
capacity and even leads to the call drops and access failures.

ü Downlink interference analysis

Analyze the pilot strength Ec/Io collected by the DT.If the Ec/Io
is lower than the threshold, uplink interference may exist. Mark the
areas withpoor Ec/Io and check whether downlink Rx coverage is
unavailable in these areas. If downlink Rx coverage is poor, the
coverage problem exits. Analyze the causes and then solve the problem.
If Rx coverage is good but the Ec/Io value is smaller than the threshold,
downlink interference exists. Analyze the interference causes and then
solve the problem.

ü Uplink interference analysis

Check the forward load of each cell. If the forward load of a cell
is excessively high, and no high traffic volume exists, the uplink
interference exists. Analyze the causes of the uplink interference, and
then solve the problem.

Ø Pilot Pollution Analysis

The pilot pollution means that an area has many strong pilots but
does not have a dominant pilot that is strong enough. If pilot pollution
exists, the Ec/Io deteriorates, call drop during handoff happens
frequently, and the system capacity drops.

The possible reasons for the pilot pollution are:

The cell layout is inappropriate; BTSs or antennas are installed in an


excessively height; The settings of antenna azimuth or tilt angle are
improper;The pilot power settings are improper; The ambient
environments impact on the coverage area.

Perform the following steps to analyze pilot pollution:

1. Confirm the pilot pollution areas.


2. Analyze which cells cause the pilot pollution in the emphasis area.
3. Analyze the Rx and the Ec/Io distribution in the cells related to pilot
pollution. Confirm
the cells where the coverage needs to be reduced or improved, and
provide solutions to the
pilot pollution.

Ø Handoff Analysis
In RF optimization, adjacency optimization and soft handoff ratio
control involve handoffs. By modifying RF parameters, you can control
the size and the position of the handoff area to reduce call drops due to
dramatic signal change. This improves the handoff success ratio.

The optimization of the adjacent cell list concentrates on the


missing configuration of adjacent cells. Use Nastar to check the
neighbor cell information and give suggestions about adding, removing,
or keeping neighbor cells for each cell.

Optimization of soft handoff ratio Excessively high soft handoff


ratio wastes system resources and decreases system capacity. During
RF optimization, ensure the cover rage,and control the soft handoff
ratio within an acceptable range. You can reduce or changethe soft
handoff region by increasing the tilt angle, modifying the azimuth,
lowering the antenna, or reducing pilot power.

4. Implementation and Modification /Realization

Modify the engineering parameters and cell parameters. After


parameter Modification, conduct a test. If the test results do not meet
the target KPI Requirement, perform the problem analysis and
modification again until the all the KPI requirements are met.

You can modify engineering parameters by modifying the antenna


tilt angle or the antenna azimuth, modifying antenna location,
modifying antenna height, replacing antennas, changing site location,
and adding new sites.

The engineering parameter modification helps to solve the


coverage and interference problems,
and solve the hidden problems about engineering installation, hardware,
and antenna and feeder.
Modifications of engineering parameters are associated with cell
adjacency modification.

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