RF Optimization of GSM Network

Syed Subhan Ali Rizvi, Dr. Amir Hassan Pathan SZABIST Karachi, Pakistan Email:subhanrizv i@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.

1
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

2
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 Softwares 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 softwares 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