User Description, Radio Network Statistics

USER DESCRIPTION

Introduction
The purpose of this user description is to present different methods to measure the radio network performance and subscriber perceived quality. It contains a brief description of Statistics and Traffic Measurement Subsystem (STS) but focuses on the evaluation of the statistics for both general and feature specific performance in the radio part of Ericsson's GSM system. A brief description of some other performance measurement functions is also included. For more detailed information regarding counter units etc. see Reference [1].

Capabilities
Monitoring of statistical measures is a very important part of the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of a radio network. The radio network statistic and recording functions can be used for: Monitoring and optimization of the radio network performance Evaluation and optimization of the radio network features Dimensioning of the radio network Trouble shooting

Measurement Tools for Radio Network Performance

3.1 General
There are several different measurement tools for monitoring and improving the radio network performance. They could roughly be categorized in the three areas: monitoring and problem detection, help for implementation and support for troubleshooting. The monitoring tools are used for supervision and trouble detection in the whole network and the implementation tools support the operator at expansion or reallocation of resources, such as frequency planning or neighbor relation definitions. The troubleshooting tools could be used in specific areas or cells where the performance is deteriorated. Some of the most useful tools are presented in this chapter.

Monitoring and Performance Tools

The monitoring tools are used for monitoring the network performance but also for continuous supervision acting as a support for expansions, reallocations, problem detection and general improvement activities. STN The Site Transport Node (STN) is used on the BTS site to terminate IP when using Packet Abis over IP. In order to monitor the STN there are several counters available which can be collected via an open interface or OSS for post-processing. For detailed information, please see Reference [41]. STS Statistics and Traffic Measurement Subsystem (STS) is implemented in the BSC (and MSC). It gives statistics about events in different parts of the system such as cells and equipment. By continuously supervising the results from STS the operator can obtain a very good overview of the radio network performance which can help to detect problems early. For further information, see Reference [1]. MRR Measurement Result Recording (MRR) collects information from the measurement results sent by the BTSs to the BSC. Information such as RXLEV, RXQUAL etc. is included. The tool is for instance used for routine supervision or for checking specific cells. MRR is a part of the Radio Network Optimization (RNO) package in OSS, see Reference [28]. TEMS Automatic Tems Automatic is a tool within the TEMS product portfolio, where several special mobile stations are placed in for instance taxis and buses. The set of mobiles are supervised centrally and the measurements are sent directly to this center. TEMS automatic provides the operator with information about subscriber perceived quality from many parts of the network.

R-PMO The real-time performance monitor provides real-time statistics in order to receive instant feedback of performance from sudden changes of the network, either by the network itself (e.g. hardware faults) or by operator initiated changes (i.e. parameter, feature or frequency changes). For operator initiated changes, faster tuning can be achieved. R-PMO also provides a high degree of detailed information, such as timestamps on events, and flexibility, such as user defined reports. See Reference [31].

Implementation Tools
The tools for implementation are used during expansions, tuning or improvement activities and work as an assistant for the operator during the planning. The previously mentioned tools STS and MRR are also useful within this area. NOX Neighboring Cell List Optimization Expert (NOX) is a tool meant as a support for the operator for optimization of the neighboring cell relations. This is done by collecting and handling data from measurement reports, handover statistics and general network configurations. The outcome are suggestions to remove superfluous or add new neighboring cell relations. The user can set whether the changes should be implemented automatically or require an approval by the user. SeeReference [29] . FOX Frequency Optimization Expert (FOX) measures for possible interferers in order to find suitable frequencies to define in cells. FOX supplies the operator with suggestions about frequencies at e.g. network/hardware expansions or frequency reallocations. See Reference [18] . SYROX Synchronized Radio Network Optimization Expert (SYROX) is a tool intended to support the operator with planning of parameters that control the frequency hopping for a group of Synchronized Cells in order to minimize the interference in the network. Apart from the fact that a group of mutually synchronized cells is required, SYROX also requires that the optional BSS features FAS (FOX recording mode), and Flexible MAIO Management are available. For more information see Reference [33]. NOX and FOX are included in the RNO package in OSS, and are based on the recording functions Frequency Allocation Support (FAS) and Neighboring Cell Support (NCS) respectively.

3.4 Troubleshooting Tools

After detecting problems anywhere in the network, the troubleshooting tools can be used specifically in the area concerned. While the monitoring covers the whole area, these tools are more suitable for handling certain cells or relations. TEMS Investigation TEMS Investigation is a drive test tool within the TEMS product family. It consists of a TEMS mobile station, a PC with the TEMS Investigation software and a GPS receiver. The uplink and downlink information on the air-interface is monitored and recorded together with the positioning data from the GPS. TEMS Investigation, here referred to as TEMS, is a very powerful tool for field measurements during troubleshooting in specific areas of the network. MTR Mobile Traffic Recording (MTR) records the events and measurements on both the uplink and downlink connected to a certain subscription, which can be useful when a subscriber complains and the cause is to be investigated. MTR is also very useful together with TEMS. From TEMS geographical information can be retrieved but not from MTR. CER Channel Event Recording (CER) measures interference on the frequencies defined in the cell and is used when the performance of the channel allocation strategy is investigated. Idle Channel Measurement (ICM) or Differential Channel Allocation (DCA) is required for this recording, see Reference [25]and Reference [14]respectively. CTR Cell Traffic Recording (CTR) collects data about connections in specific cells. Certain events can be used as triggers and all communication on up- and downlink is recorded. CTR could be used if there are specific problems found in any cell, such as an abnormal number of Traffic Channel (TCH) drops. For detailed information regarding CTR, MTR and CER, see Reference [6].