RF Optimization of GSM
Network
Syed Subhan Ali Rizvi, Dr. Amir Hassan Pathan
SZABIST Karachi, Pakistan
Email: subhanrizvi@gmail.com, Contact #: 03337023883
Abstract: GSM network consist of different
cells and each cell transmit signals to and
receive signals from the mobile station, for
proper working of base station many
parameters are defined before functioning
the base station such as the coverage area
of a cell depends on different factors
including the transmitting power of the base
station, obstructing buildings in cells, height
of the base station and location of base
station etc. The Drive Test (DT) perform in
RF optimization GSM network to assure the
availability, integrity, & reliability of the
network.
Keywords: RF Optimization, GSM network
Optimization, Drive Test.
1. Introduction
1.1 RF Optimization of GSM
RF Optimization of GSM network can be
done by performing the Drive Test (DT).
Before DT we check the azimuth and Tilt of
the antennas mounted on the tower. In DT,
first we locate the site then we connect the
TEMS, GPS with PC and start Software
TEMS 6.0. Then we make slogs of the
following: TRX, in this we make 20 calls at
each section of 20 seconds, the next log is
INETR, and we make long drive for testing
hand over to adjacent BTS and coverage.
The other log is INTRA, in this we make
round a circle clockwise and counter clock
wise to the BTS and check the handovers
between the adjacent cells. In last, we make
log of GPRS, in this RF Engineer checking
the GPRS service in all BTS cells.
1.2 Objectives of study
Pakistan is one of the fast growing countries
of the world in the field of
Telecommunication. As it grows up the
needs of the users is going to be increased,
we can say that GSM technology has been
the major obstacle for mass adoption of a
true Cellular experience and achieving a
seamless Cellular communication. RF
Network Optimization is an ongoing activity
for all wireless networks. By gathering and
analyzing network data and revising network
parameters Cellular communication
achieved by using proper RF Planning and
Optimization.
1.2 Problem Statement
How to optimize the BTS successfully is the
real challenge. As we move further ahead
the need for better technologies and
reliability of services, integration and cost
effective solutions have become a necessity
for service providers. If the optimization is
successfully performed means you achieve
the QoS, reliability, availability, more profit
and more customers.
2. RF Optimization Techniques
2.1 GSM Optimization
2.1.1 Fast and Accurate Network
Optimization
Using measurement data generated by
real subscribers as well as the
traditional network data sources, the
GSM Network Optimization Service
gives you the tools you need for
hardware optimization, analysis of
performance statistics, database
analysis, call trace analysis, and
frequency planning optimization. Now
you can collect data from your entire
network no matter which vendors’
equipment you use and improve
performance across the board, and
automated analysis also means you
get results with significantly shorter
times.
2.1.2 Network Coverage
An optimized network performs better
and subscribers notice the difference.
So you can achieve higher customer
satisfaction by reducing the number of
dropped calls, thereby reducing churn
and increasing customer loyalty.
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2.1.3 GSM Network Optimization
Methodology
Hardware Analysis
• Analysis of potential hardware
problems in the network not detected
by ‘normal’ fault management
methods.
Performance Statistics
• Analysis of performance statistics,
with standard graphical information
sheet for each cell.
• Analysis of potential hardware
problems in the network not detected
by ‘normal’ fault management
methods.
Call Trace Analysis
• Detects problems with antenna tilts.
• Detects problems with Base
Transceiver Subsystem (BTS) output
power.
Frequency Planning Optimization
• Re-definition of handovers and
assigned frequencies.
2.1.4 GSM Network Optimization
Service
• Accurate neighbor topologies to
ensure smooth handovers and call
distribution.
Higher quality will be achieved only
through fast and accurate network
optimization, arming the operator with:
• Efficient spectrum utilization to meet
capacity demands.
• Optimal frequency allocation to
ensure good call quality.
2.2 The GSM Radio Interface Study
One of the main objectives of GSM is
roaming. Therefore, in order to obtain
a complete compatibility between
mobile stations and networks of
different manufacturers and operators,
the radio interface must be completely
defined.
The spectrum efficiency depends on
the radio interface and the
transmission, more particularly in
aspects such as the capacity of the
system and the techniques used in
order to decrease the interference and
to improve the frequency reuse
scheme. The specification of the radio
interface has then an important
influence on the spectrum efficiency.
2.2.1 Multiple Access Scheme
The multiple access schemes defines
how different simultaneous
communications, between different
mobile stations situated in different
cells, share the GSM radio spectrum. A
mix of Frequency Division Multiple
Access (FDMA) and Time Division
Multiple Access (TDMA), combined with
frequency hopping, has been adopted
as the multiple access schemes for
GSM.
2.2.2 Channel structure
A channel corresponds to the
recurrence of one burst every frame. It
is defined by its frequency and the
position of its corresponding burst
within a TDMA frame. In GSM there are
two types of channels:
• The traffic channels (TCH) used to
transport speech and data information.
• The control channels used for
network management messages and
some channel maintenance tasks.
2.3 RF Optimization Equipments
2.3.1 LAPTOP
In RF Optimization the RF Engineer
analysis all parameters during the
drive test and install all the software
on the Laptop system.
2.3.2 TEMS
This TEMS Investigation Software
supported Cellular Mobile specially
design to perform RF Optimization
related activity and it is connected
with the Laptop System and then it is
operated from the Laptop for analysis
of Optimized data.
2.3.3 GPS Device
This GPS device is also connected with
the Laptop System with Map Info
software support it used for its basic
operation to locate the position.
2.3.4 COMPASS
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It is used to check the Tilt of the
antennas mounted on the tower and
RF Engineer make sure the antennas is
angled on the right position as it angle
is mentioned in the DT order.
2.4 Supporting Software’s
2.4.1 TEMS Investigation
TEMS Investigation is an air interface
test tool for real-time diagnostics. It
lets you monitor voice channels as well
as data transfer over GPRS, EDGE,
Circuit-switched (CSD) or high-speed
circuit-switched (HSCSD) connections.
2.4.2 MapInfo Professional
With MapInfo Professional, the power
of computer mapping is at your
complete disposal. You can display
your data as points, as thematically
shaded regions, as pie or bar charts, as
districts, etc.
3. Performing the Drive Test (DT)
3.1 DT Order & Locating BTS
After successful installation of
software’s now we check the DT order
and go through the specification of the
BTS and then note the different
specification in which we find the BTS
identification Code, Azimuth, Tilt and
etc, as in the DT order BTS location
identity is define we note that BTS ID
and then we locating the BTS premises
by using the Map Info software and
reach on that location.
3.2 On air the site for testing
After reaching at the BTS site the RF
Engineer communicate with BSS
Engineer and check the azimuth and
also check the tilting of mounted
antenna on the BTS for the conforming
the angled at right coverage area.
Then start the BTS system and on air
the site for RF Optimization testing and
then start the Drive Test (DT).
3.3 Start the Drive Test (DT)
3.3.1 INTRA
In Intra RF Engineer perform drive test
to check the handover of Intra cell in
which RF engineer observe the soft
and hard handover between the cells'
BTS. He takes drive clockwise and
counter clockwise of the BTS.
3.3.2 INTER
In Inter RF Engineer perform drive test
to check the handover between the
neighboring BTS. He observe the soft
and hard handover in idle and dedicate
mode between the defined neighbors
and also check the SQI, Rx level, call
establishing, call drop, and coverage of
the BTS up to the 9 KM in each cell of
BTS.
3.3.3 TRX (Transceiver)
In TRX RF Engineer takes 20 calls of 20
seconds duration in the middle of the
each cell of the BTS. In this RF
Engineer Analysis the HO (HandOver),
Hoping Frequency, C/I (Carrier to
Interface), SQI.
3.3.4 GPRS
In this RF Engineer check the GPRS
service of the mobile service operator
in each cell at any location of the cell.
3.3.5 Junk
In this log RF engineer store the junk
data which he take some pictures
which shows the reason of attenuation
in the Rx level at any particular area
such as large buildings, mountain area,
and etc.
3.4 Dropped Calls
There is a wide range of factors can
result in that a subscriber fails to
complete a call satisfactorily. The only
problem many subscribers will tolerate
in a public network is a busy tone from
the called party. Unfortunately, reality
does not always match expectations
when it comes to mobile network,
which results in customers complaining
about poor performance of the service.
3.4.1 Dropped Call Analysis
1. Check dropped calls per cell. Select
cells with high dropped call rate.
2. Check reason to dropped calls for
selected cells
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3. Check ratio of lost handovers to
drop calls.
3.5 Handover Performance
Handover is a key function in a GSM
network. If the handover performance
is poor the subscriber will perceive the
quality of the network as bad.
Handover performance statistics
should preferably be measured on 24
hour data or longer.
3.5.1 Unsuccessful Handover
There can be two reasons why an
attempt is counted as unsuccessful:
either the mobile station was lost or
the call was reverted to the old cell
and channel.
4. RESULTS
In this chapter here is scenario of the
final test drive of any BTS so in this the
areas which are colored show the
signal strength at different location of
any site.
The green area show the strong signal
coverage, yellow color show the less
strong than green but acceptable for
communication, and the orange area
and purple area show the week signal
coverage.
5 CONCLUSION
As per demand for cellular services
increases, operators need to be able to
test and troubleshoot their networks to
ensure performance quality. Drive Test
is the ideal solution for testing GSM
networks offering cellular and data
services. In drive test operators to test
network performance. Using the same
services offered to their subscriber. In
addition to providing data
measurements on such parameter as
throughput and delays. The drive test
saves time and money by identifying
problems immediately, provides the
most complete GSM Services supports,
and increase customer satisfaction to
reduce churn.
REFERENCES:
1. Cellular Communication Networks
by Gerald Williams
partial fulfillment of the term project
requirements for ECE 404, Computer
Networks, at Lehigh University.
2. TEMS Investigation GSM 5.1
by Ericssons
3. MapInfo Professional
by Map Info Corporation
4. Global System for Mobile
Communication
(GSM)
http://www.iec.org/online/tutorials/gsm/
index.asp
5.
http://www.alino.biz/Images/tems2.htm