Call Setup Success Rate in GSM Network Using

Citizen Sensing Approach: A proposal

O. A. Ayo-BeUo I, A. M. Aibinu 2, E. N. Onwuka 3

IDepartment of Telecommunication Engineering

Federal University of Technology, Minna
Niger State, Ni eria
p 2
[email protected] , [email protected] ,
[email protected]

Abstract- Call Set-up Success Rate (CSSR) is an important apart from the Mobile Network Providers themselves
Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for mobile network (Internal). However, to measure QoS, it has been the
performance analysis. However, obtaining this KPI depends practice to depend solely on data hosted and provided by
largely on data from the Mobile Network Providers (MNP). the MNPs. These data are most often unavailable to the
Owing to limitations associated with gleaning such data, recent public, except through legal permissIOn or some
trends seek new methods of gathering data independent of the cooperation. Also, fidelity and integrity of such data remain
MNP. Consequently, it is the objective of this paper to provide unguaranteed. Therefore, external measurement of QoS
an overview of the state-of-the-art techniques being used for status remains a challenge.
such a purpose and at the same time propose and discuss the In this regards, recent trends have sought new methods to
algorithm for a low cost embedded system for CSSR measure QoS independent of the MNP data. These have
measurement. Thus, this paper provides basic introduction into
been used in different reports, and have formed a recent
CSSR measurement and at the same time propose a new
area of research interest. There are several Key
architecture for CSSR measurement using citizen sensing
Performance Indicators (KPIs) used for measuring QoS
such as Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR), Call Completion
techniques where individual GSM users' has the ability to
Rate (CCR), Call Drop Rate (CDR), Call Handover Success
measure CSSR from their mobile phone and transmit the
Rate (CHSR) and Standalone Dedicated Control Channel
measured CSSR to a central server without the use of Drive
(SDCCH), but we focus here on the use of the Call Setup
Test.
Success Rate (CSSR) parameter for QoS characterization.
Therefore, it is the main objective of this paper to provide
Keywords- Call Set-up Success Rate; Embedded System;
Independent Measurement; Key Performance Indicator, Mobile
an overview of state-of-the art methods used in this regards.
Network As part of an on-going research work, this survey will
provide the different methods in use, the tools being
employed, including soft and hardware; their strengths and
I. INTRODUCTION limitations, and the future direction in this area. In addition,
an overview into the development of a comprehensive
Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) network embedded system for CSSR measurement is introduced.
performance and Quality of Service (QoS) evaluation is an
important requirement for Mobile Network Providers Consequently, the rest of the paper is structured as follows:
(MNP) operation, as it directly impacts revenue generation Section II describes the process involved in setting up a call
and customer satisfaction [1]. High QoS is a competitive in a GSM network, Section III describe drive tests and tools
advantage for an MNP. Consequently, immense effort is used for conducting drive test experiments, Section IV
made by most MNPs to monitor their respective networks describes the working principle of the proposed embedded
and maintain current, comprehensive and accurate status of system for cssr measurement and conclusion is drawn in
its quality. This status, along with new traffic demand data Section V.
is used by these operators to improve their network and
adjust its operation.

However, due to the high demand for GSM services, there II. CALL SET UP IN GSM NETWORK
has been a decline in the QoS experienced by most end
users [2]. This has resulted in both external and internal A successful Call Setup consists of two procedures, which
interest in monitoring the level of QoS maintained by most are the Immediate Assignment Procedure (lAP) and the
MNPs [3]. By external, it means independent bodies like
Assignment Procedure (AP) [4]. The lAP is used to create a
the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) for
signalling connection between the Mobile station (MS) and
Nigeria GSM subscribers, and other research interests,

978-1-4799-4106-3/14/$31.00 © 2014 IEEE

the network. It can be initiated only by the MS sending a Among factors that affect and degraded CSSR include :
CHANNEL REQUEST message on the Random Access Radio interface congestion; Lack of radio resources
channel (RACH) to the BTS for a signalling channel allocation; Increase in radio traffic in inbound network;
Faulty BSS Hardware; Access network Transmission
(SDCCH). This message contains the information field
limitations
"establishment cause and random reference". The
The CSSR can be obtained through traffic measurement
"establishment cause" gives the reason why the MS is
and Drive Test (DT). CSSR and BSS.CSSR are computed
requesting a SDCCH [5].
using :

Signalization occurs next between the MS and network to

Successful Assignments,
activate the signalling channel and recognize the service CSSR 100 (I)
Call - Related Requests
being requested by the MS. The successful seizure of
SDCCH is acknowledged by sending the Establish
Indication message from MS to BTS and then to BSC. BSS- CSSR = fA SR' A SR' (1- SDCCH Drop Rate), 100 (2)

Further coordination procedure (authentication, ciphering

etc.) are then performed on the SDCCH [6, 7]. where IASR is the Immediate Assignment Success Rate,
ASR is the Assignment Success Rate. Thus, the main aim is
The AP on the other hand is used to occupy a radio to measure the CSSR using either traffic data (from MNPs)
resource (speech channel). The MSC is responsible for this or through a DT. However, based on the need for
procedure. The MSC sends an ASSIGNMENT REQUEST independent measurement, we discuss the DT approach,
message to the BSC requesting the assignment of a radio which guarantees this independence in the next section.
resource (RR). Then, signalization occurs between BTS and
BSC in order to allocate and activate a suitable RR (Traffic
channel - TCH). If the TCH is successfully seizured by MS,
III. DRIVE TEST
the BSC sends the ASSIGNMENT COMPLETE message.
With an overview of the Call Setup process thus provided,
A Drive Test (DT) experiment provides a 'feel' of the
we next discuss the CSSR concept in the next section. designed network as could be experienced by the MS in the
field. The testing process starts with the selection of a 'live'
The Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR) indicates the region of the network for the test, and a well-chosen drive
probability of successful calls initiated by the MS. It testing path. Before starting the test, the Engineer is
provides a measure to regulate and guarantee the QoS equipped with appropriate kits which include the mobile
requirements provided by Mobile Network Providers. The equipment, DT software, and a GPS (global positioning
CSSR is an important KPI for evaluating the performance system) unit [9]. On commencement, two MS are used to
of a network. For low CSSRs, subscribers are unlikely to generate calls within a space of a few seconds. The third
make successful calls; thereby providing a measure to mobile is used for testing the coverage.
compare the access performance level of different MNPs.
Drive Test (DT) is aimed at tracing the signaling on the Um a. JDSU E6474A v15.2
interface and on the Aibs interface in different scenarios
hence, the signalling process can be analyzed The JDSU E674A is a popular DT based tool designed by
comprehensively and the problem can be located easily the Agilent manufacturers. This consists of an Agilent's
[10]. E6474A tool which has revolutionized and simplified end
to end troubleshooting. This software allows users to
DT results provide the penetration level of signals in correlate signalling procedures from the air interface and
different regions of the network. In urban areas, coverage is radio access network interfaces in a single view to detect
generally found to be less at the farthest parts of the and troubleshoot problems from the mobile phone to the
network. Coverage also becomes critical in rural areas, network. It has a key benefit of platform stability thereby
where the capacity of the cell sites is already low. This increasing user's productivity [11].
leads to an immediate scrutiny of the antenna locations,
heights and tilt. Data collected from the network b. TEMS INVESTIGATION
management system is usually used to assess the capacity
of the network. TEMS Investigation is a comprehensive solution for a
network operator's daily wireless network optimization
There are different types of tools to carry out a DT among tasks. This solution eliminates the need for multiple tools,
which are: reduces costs and saves time and effort for operations staff.
TEMS Investigation supports all major technologies - system consists of a microprocessor-based control system
GSM/GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA, HSPA/HSPA+, LTE interfaced with a mobile phone running CSSR programmes
(including TD-LTE), CDMA, EVDO, WiMAX and TD­ or apps on an android platfonn. In addition, a low cost
SCDMA - and major vendor handsets, making it a
CSSR measurement device using an embedded system
comprehensive solution both for rolling out new networks
platform interfaced with electromechanical equipment for
and for ensuring seamless integration with existing
networks. Using TEMS Investigation, operators can control and signalling is also being envisioned. The
achieve improved voice quality, increased accessibility, Receiver/Server unit will consist of a single or multi­
improved retainability, and better service performance. A purpose computerized device that is embedded within a
wide range of powerful, easy-to-use features makes TEMS larger piece of engineering equipment. For non-citizen
Investigation essential throughout the network's life cycle. sensing, the Receiver/Server unit will be set up in a vehicle,
long calls as well as short calls will be generated in
c. NEMO OUTDOOR
measuring CSSR by operators. Both the Citizen sensing
NEMO OUTDOOR, is an engineering tool for measuring option and the Receiver/Server modules will be running the
and monitoring the air interface of wireless networks. It is CSSR algorithm depicted in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 for Short and
ideal for indoor measurements as well. The results can be long calls respectively. The main approach of CSSR
easily and efficiently viewed with a Nemo Analyze SW. measurement using citizen sensing technique is based on
[12] the two algorithms in Fig 1 and Fig .2
A long call will be used to measure the handover success
rate as well as the received signal quality, while CSSR and
IV. PROPOSED EMBEDDED SYSTEM FOR CSSR received signal level will be measured using short calls. For
MEASUREMENT IN A CITIZEN SENSING APPROACH the server unit or citizen sensing option, call duration and
distance covered will be used to distinguish short calls from
As part of an on-going research work, an embedded system long call with a proposed threshold of 3km. Various
is being proposed for CSSR measurement in a citizen parameters will be observed and recorded during the drive
sensing approach. This section only focuses on the test. The design will be validated based on the data analysis
discussion of the proposed algorithm while the overall as proposed. [13, 14]
system design is not the focus of the paper. The proposed

Input: GPS location,

tilDe th tstop

C O lnpa .·e GSM voice quality etc Data base

with the one in the database t"op

Plot on Inap

Fig. 1: Long call: Measuring Received Signal Quality

 Sta.'t

In pu t: GPS location,
Cou D te." y,. co nnte l"" x,.
tin-. e th to, t s to p

Call pre-p.'og.'an1.n1.ed Counter, y

nUD1.be.'

Reco.'d the cha.'acte ,'ist ics

of voice res ponse

GSM voice quality analy s i s

(co D1.pute the siD1.ila"ity
index) .neasure tsl",>

Co.npute
Counte.', x CSSR

Plot on D1.ap

End

Fig, 2: Short call: Measuring CSSR and Rx level service in telecommunication networks" vol. II.
[4] M. KOLLAR "Evaluation Of Real Call Set Up Success
Rate In Gsm" Acta Electrotechnica et Informatica Vol.
8, No. 3, pp 53-56, 2008.
V, CONCLUSION [5] 3GPP specification: 23.108
[6] S. Kyriazakos, N. Papaoulakis, Nikitopoulos, D.
This paper provides a tutorial on the process involved in
Gkroustiotis "Performance Evaluation of Operational
measuring the Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR) in a GSM
GSM and GPRS Systems under Varying Traffic
network. CSSR forms part of a set of known Key
Conditions". 1ST Mobile and Wirless
Performance Indicators (KPls) used for estimating the
telecomunications Summit, 2002, Thessaloniki -
Quality of Service (QoS) experienced by end users. A
Greece.
practical approach to use low cost embedded system and
[7] S. Kyriazakos, N. Papaoulakis, Nikitopoulos, D.
citizen sensing approach have also been presented. It
Gkroustiotis "A Comprehensive Study on
should be noted that this paper forms part of an on-going
Performance Evaluation of Operational GSM and
research effort geared towards developing an embedded
GPRS Systems under Varying Traffic Conditions".
system for CSSR measurement using citizen sensing
1ST Mobile and Wirless telecomunications Summit,
approach.
2002, Thessaloniki - Greece.
[8] B. Haider, M. Zafrullah, M. K. Islam "Radio
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