Processing Tool For UMTS Field Trials: Mmanuel Eilz

Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials
EMMANUEL NEILZ
Communication Systems Group Department of Signals and Systems Chalmers University of Technology Gteborg, Sweden, 2004
EX083/2004
THANKS
I would like to thank all the employees of Professional Customer Services at

Alcatel for their cordial greeting within the company. I wish to thank particularly: Thierry Lebugle, UMTS project leader, my supervisor at Alcatel who gave me advice in planning this thesis. Christophe Blachier, director of PCS France department, for the interest he showed in my work Cline Moignard who provided me with technical knowledge and support throughout my training period.
Abstract
This report represents my end-of-studies placement within the Professional

Customer Services department of Alcatel. It describes an analysis of various UMTS radio tests. It was held from July 2001 to January 2002 and it took place of thesis for the International Master's Program in Digital Communication Systems and Technology in Chalmers University. Alcatel is a major player in the field of telecommunications and the Internet. It provides solutions for fixed, cellular and satellite communication networks and is a world leader for cables, optical fibres and related components. The department Professional Customer Services is a part of Alcatels Mobile Communication Division and is responsible for providing technical support to the mobile operators for the development of the 2G and 3G cellular networks. Standardisation institutes like ITU and 3GPP have been developing the UMTS standards since 1998. This new technology extends the mobile communication world to data by offering a wide range of multi-media user adaptive services and high technical performances in terms of data throughput. The access network architecture is quite similar to the GSM technology, unlike the radio protocol developed for the UMTS. Some aspects, however, are specific to the third generation of mobile networks, like the multiple access mode W-CDMA, and have to be taken into account during the study of the system and the process of dimensioning. In order to study the behaviour of the first developed UMTS structures, and to allow the customers to evaluate the offered network, the suppliers set up field trials on prototype networks. These tests are jointly designed by the operator and the supplier, and require a thorough study of the technical feasibility and the test methodology. Their realisation provides a lot of data, which has to be analysed in a practical and effective way. After having taken part in the writing of test plans carried out by Alcatel for a French operator, my main task was to specify and to develop a tool for the analysis and comparison of radio measurements obtained during field trials in the GSM and UMTS technologies. This Tool, a Post Processing Tool, was specified starting from the study of the field trial measurement tools and the needs expressed by the UMTS team of the PCS department. Its principle is based on the import of relevant measurements in a database and, on their use for a practical visualisation of the results by means of maps and graphs. The collection of both UMTS and GSM data makes it possible to compare these two technologies in term of radio coverage and communication quality. Alcatel used the Post Processing Tool during the performing of the first UMTS field trials. Tool evolved, during the progress of my thesis work, to allow a complete analysis of the data collected during the UMTS radio field trials.
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CONTENTS
I. ALCATEL COMPANY .................................................................................................... 6 I.1. COMPANY ..................................................................................................................... 6 I.1.1. ALCATEL BRANCHES OF INDUSTRY......................................................................... 6 I.1.2. THE KEY FIGURES .................................................................................................... 7 I.1.2.1. Distribution of sales by activities: .................................................................... 7 I.1.2.2. Annual turnover................................................................................................ 9 I.2. COMPANY ORGANISATION .......................................................................................... 9 I.2.1. GENERAL ORGANISATION ....................................................................................... 9 I.2.2. MOBILE COMMUNICATION DIVISION .................................................................... 11 I.2.3. POSITIONING OF NOD TEAM ................................................................................. 11 II. TECHNICAL CONTEXT: UMTS NETWORKS....................................................... 13 II.1. DOMAIN OF STUDY ................................................................................................... 13 II.1.1. INTRODUCTION TO UMTS ................................................................................... 13 II.1.1.1. A new mobile Generation.............................................................................. 13 II.1.1.2. Access Network structure.............................................................................. 14 II.1.1.2.1. User Equipment: UE ............................................................................... 14 II.1.1.2.2. Radio Network Sub-system RNS............................................................ 14 II.1.1.2.3. Network Sub-system: Core Network (CN) ............................................. 15 II.1.1.3. UMTS Radio Protocol................................................................................... 16 II.1.1.3.1. Radio Protocol Architecture.................................................................... 16 II.1.1.3.2. Transmission channel structure............................................................... 17 II.1.2. UMTS SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................... 19 II.1.2.1. Multiple -access mode................................................................................... 19 II.1.2.1.1. W-CDMA ............................................................................................... 19 II.1.2.1.2. Spreading and scrambling....................................................................... 21 II.1.2.2. Softer and soft handovers .............................................................................. 22 II.1.2.3. Power Control ............................................................................................... 23 II.1.3. IMPORTANT PARAMETERS FOR A UMTS NETWORK ............................................ 24 II.1.3.1. Signal over noise level for pilot channels...................................................... 24 II.1.3.2. Signal over noise for communication channels............................................. 24 II.1.3.3. Orthogonality factor ...................................................................................... 24 II.1.3.4. Handover gain ............................................................................................... 25 II.2. FIELD TRIAL.............................................................................................................. 26 II.2.1. PRESENTATION AND PROCESS OF UMTS FIELD TRIALS....................................... 26 II.2.2. ALCATEL UMTS PROTOTYPE NETWORK ............................................................. 27 II.3. DESCRIPTION OF THE MISSION ................................................................................ 29 III. THE PROCESSING OF AIR INTERFACE MEASUREMENTS ........................... 30 III.1. AIR INTERFACE MEASUREMENT TOOL ................................................................... 30 III.1.1. THE GSM DRIVE TEST TOOL .............................................................................. 30 III.1.2. UMTS DRIVE TEST TOOL .................................................................................... 31 III.1.3. THE EVOLIUM TRACE MOBILE............................................................................ 33 III.1.4. THE EVOLIUM NODE B ....................................................................................... 34 III.2. MEASUREMENT PROCESS: POST PROCESSING TOOL ........................................... 36 III.2.1. DEFINITION OF NEEDS ......................................................................................... 36
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III.2.1.1. Feasibility study ........................................................................................... 36 III.2.1.2. Establishment of the schedule of conditions ................................................ 36 III.2.1.2.1. Objectives .............................................................................................. 36 III.2.1.2.2. Structure................................................................................................. 37 III.2.1.2.3. Selected measurements .......................................................................... 38 III.2.2. TOOL STRUCTURE ............................................................................................... 40 III.2.2.1. Import Module ............................................................................................. 40 III.2.2.2. Measurement Campaign Creation................................................................ 41 III.2.2.3. Report Creation ............................................................................................ 42 III.2.2.4. Maps and graphics creation.......................................................................... 42 III.2.3. FIRST RESULTS AND FIELD TRIALS ..................................................................... 43 III.2.3.1. First Comparative Maps............................................................................... 43 III.2.3.2. Field Trial and Feedback.............................................................................. 44 III.3. FINALISATION AND RESULTS .................................................................................. 46 III.3.1. STUDY OF MEASURED PARAMETERS................................................................... 46 III.3.2. MEASUREMENT ANALYSIS ................................................................................. 48 III.3.2.1. Map Process ................................................................................................. 48 III.3.2.1.1. Signal level Map .................................................................................... 48 III.3.2.1.2. Quality of communication maps............................................................ 50 III.3.2.1.3. Protocolar maps ..................................................................................... 53 III.3.2.1.4. Other maps............................................................................................. 54 III.3.2.2. Graph Process .............................................................................................. 55
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INTRODUCTION
Crossing the boundary between mobile communication and multi-media networks technology, Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) has been in development since 1998 by the institute of standardisation ITU, and closely followed by the 3GPP. The variety of service offered and the expected performances in term of accessibility and throughput, make this third generation of mobile network a technological challenge for both the equipment supplier and the operator. In fact, it represents a significant market in the world of telecommunications. The UMTS network architecture is similar to the previous generations, like GSM, however the technology behind UMTS is clearly different to that of GSM. One of major differences and advantages of UMTS is the multiple accesses per code over broadband, or W-CDMA that greatly increases user interaction in the system, and enables the use of new and better dimensioning algorithms. In order to model the behaviour of the UMTS system, and to allow operators to judge the radio capacity of the deployed network, the equipment supplier sets up a light prototype network, and carries out field trials. Using selected measuring instruments, test procedures can be defined for both UMTS and GSM to study the characteristics of these systems, and further, to be able to compare their performance. From a client point of view, and to make the study easiest, it becomes necessary to rapidly analyse the measurements taken during these tests, provided by the traces recorded by the different measuring instruments. The Master Thesis that I carried out in Alcatel Company from July 2001 to January 2002 enabled me to follow closely the evolution of the development of UMTS technology from the viewpoint of a supplier. After a detailed study of the UMTS protocol, I was able to take part in the development of the UMTS mobile network. The goal of this thesis was to specify and produce an analysis tool that could provide a comparison between GSM and UMTS measurements that were obtained on the air interface during field Trials. After a feasibility study and the development of the schedule of conditions, this tool was developed. The first part of the report provides an overview of Alcatel and introduces the goals of my thesis work conducted within the UMTS department of Alcatel. The second part introduces basics of UMTS system, then exposes field trial problems and the analysis of the recovered data. The third part is dedicated to the post-processing and analysis tool that was developed. Finally, the results of the analysis of the measurements extracted from UMTS Evolium network are presented.
I.
ALCATEL COMPANY
In the late nineties, ALCATEL ALSTHOM, an industrial group with interests in multiple areas including energy, transport and telecommunications, was restructured and renamed ALCATEL, a company focusing on telecommunications. Alcatel is today a major player within the telecommunications and Internet field. Thanks to its expertise in communication systems, strong world presence (130 countries) and with its portfolio of products and services, Alcatel has proven it can anticipate the needs of its customers, including the operators and providers of Internet services as well as the general public.
I.1.
COMPANY
Alcatel sales area
I.1.1.
Mobile communication systems Alcatel provides complete solutions for second and third generation mobile communication systems. It provides GSM equipment for many GSM operators in the world and currently deploys GPRS and EDGE for advanced data transfer over GSM networks. The next generation of telecommunications includes multi-media data transmission, which currently accounts for 70% of the communications. The development of UMTS, the third generation of mobile telephony is a response to this demand for multi-media services which require higher data rates than is currently possible in the second generation systems. Internet Network systems Alcatel designs, manufactures, markets, installs and maintains voice switches, data networks and multi-media applications. With the greatest number of installed telephone lines in the world (250 million), the group takes advantage of its large networks to command the market direction and future developments over these networks. Transport and access for voice communication systems, data and multimedia The demand worldwide for high rate digital transmissions continues to grow rapidly. The causes of this growth rest mainly on expansion of data traffic, new services and the upgrade of old networks. Alcatel group is a leader in synchronous transmission SDH/SONET technologies and pioneer of the multiplexing with the wavelengths technology (WDM).
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials Companies and general public products There is a current tendency within the business environment towards voice and data convergence. Alcatel is a leader in this field with its portfolio of switches, ALCATEL 4400. These switches add new functionality to the network, such as "Voice over IP ", which enables both voice and data to be transmitted over a single corporate network. Telecom components with cables, optical fibre and electronic components Cables and components are omnipresent in everyday life, from consumer goods to the computers as well as international telecommunications. One of the worlds first cable manufacturers, Alcatel provides copper cables and optical fibres of high capacity for telecom connections over average and long distances. In the optical fibres market, Alcatel has developed exclusive advanced technologies, and one of the top three companies in the world in this area. Energy systems Alcatel has leveraged its telecommunications cable manufacturing expertise to provide cables for the energy sector. As there is not alternative to the metal conductors for electricity transport, the group acquired a major position on this market. I.1.2. The key figures
Alcatel currently employees 130 000 people worldwide, divided amongst the three-quarters; Europe and the Middle East (30% in France, 15% in Germany), North America (14% of manpower); and Asia/Pacific. Its presence in 130 countries provides Alcatel with a competitive advantage because it is able to provide a total network deployment including the administrative authorisations for the installation of radio antennas and the setting of underground cables within a very short time span. I.1.2.1. Distribution of sales by activities:
The restructuring of Alcatel towards a single advanced telecommunications group has been largely driven by the strong growth of the communication and Internet markets between 1995 and 2000, the company focused each activity towards telecommunications, which by 2000, accounted for 100% of sales
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Figure 1. Sales distribution by branch of industry
Since 1995, Alcatel's organisation, products and strategy have undergone a fundamental change. The Group has sold nearly US$12 billion in assets, while investing US$17 billion, mainly in North America, which is now its largest market. The objective has been to focus on telecommunications, its fastest growing business area owing to the Internet explosion. By developing targeted portfolio and developing new and innovative products, Alcatel has adapted to the market trends by providing "All in One" turnkey solutions for its customers. Its portfolio of products represents the elements essential for a communication network: network systems, access and transmission solutions. Alcatels goal is to satisfy the everybodys needs, from the basic telephone services to the most sophisticated multimedia networks.
Figure 2. Sale Distributions In 2000
Alcatel is a major player in the United States telecommunications market, which is the most competitive, and technologically most advanced in the world. After several strategic acquisitions such as DSC Communications, Packet Engines and Assured Access, Newbridge, the United States became the largest market for Alcatel.
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I.1.2.2.
Annual turnover
Since 1996, ALCATEL has produced a healthy turnover and results for the Year 2000 were particularly optimistic. The annual turnover for 2000 was estimated at 31408 million of Euro, a rise of 36% compared to 1999. The Net income over this period has double to reach 1234 million Euro in 2000.
Figure 3. contribution by business segment
I.2.
COMPANY ORGANISATION
General organisation
I.2.1.
The organisational structure of Alcatel is a three-dimensional matrix The first dimension represents all major products lines present within the Alcatel portfolio. These products are organised in "Business Groups". Alcatel has four business Groups: Optics: Terrestrial and submarine transmission Carrier networking: Public voice networks, Cellular networks, Radio local loops, ATM etc Business: products and solutions for companies and the general public (for example network solutions, mobile telephones) Space and components: Alcatel Spaces and electronic components
Inside these Business Groups, there are several Business Divisions that design, develop and market a specific product or a solution. For example, the Mobile Communication Division (MCD), a business Division of the Carrier Networking Business group is responsible of all the Alcatel radio infrastructures all over the world, from the design to sale.
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials The second dimension of the matrix is geographical. The world is divided into 3 "geographical areas" (Americas, Europe Middle East and Indian Continent and Asia / Pacific) that are further sub-divided into "areas". This sharing is according to the traditions and commercial cultures. Indeed, these geographical structures aim to be geographically close to the customers, and to adapt the sale strategy to their characteristics. France is located in area 4 of the geographical area Europe Middle East and Indian Continent. The third dimension represents the administrative entities and legal bases of this virtual organisation. These entities are essential to the correct working of a multinational firm. The purpose of this third dimension is to: To sign contract by respecting the right of each country concerned To manage human resources in a decentralised way (contracts of employment) This thesis was conducted within the Network Optimisation and Densification (NOD) team, is positioned according to this three dimensional matrix as follows: Mobile Communication Division (MCD) / Mobile Radio Access (MRA) / Professional Customer Services (PCS) / Network Optimisation and Densification (NOD). A brief description of the layers above to the Network Optimisation and Densification (NOD) team will be given to provide an understanding of the scope and responsibilities of this team.
Alcatel Chief Executive Officer President & Chief Financial Officer Chief Operation Officer
Chairmans Office
Telecom Board Ctee
EXCOM
THE THREE-REGION OVERLAY STRUCTURE S TAFF FUNCTIONS ALCATE L SR E VICE (1) S AR A AND KE ACCOUNT MANAGE NT E Y ME
THE BUSINESS GROUPS

Optics
Terrestrial Networks (TND) S ubmarine Networks (S ND) Wireless Transmission (WTD) Optronics Components ( OCD)
Carrier networking
Carrier Internetworking (CID) S witching & R outing (S D) R Mobile Communication (MCD) Alcatel Micro E lectronic (AME ) Customer P remises (CP D)
e-Business
e-Distribution (eDD) e-Business Networking (eND) e-Business Application (eAD) Genesys Nextenso Mobile P hones (MP D)
Space/ Components
S pace (S D) P Components (COD)
Figure 4. Alcatel general organisation
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials I.2.2. Mobile Communication Division
MCD division is part of " Carrier Networking " Business group, and is responsible of all radio communication systems developed by Alcatel group, from the radio local loop (LMDS) to the 2G and 3G telephony systems (GSM, GPRS, UMTS). This team deals with all the parts of these systems, from the anticipation programmes to the network maintenance, while passing by the marketing operations, production, and customer support. I.2.3. Positioning of the NOD team
The following figure gives a diagram of the various departments within Professional Customer Services.
Figure 5. Positioning of NOD team Professional Customer Services department, is located in France (Vlizy) and Germany (Stuttgart), and ensures the technical and methodological support for the development of 2G and 3G telephone networks. Christophe Blachier is the manager in France. The following activities are conducted within this department Provide to the various operators the means necessary to manage their network, including:
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials Technical help (network planning, operations) Training with new techniques New technologies experimentation Tool Development Audit and consulting optimisation and specific
Implement on the field specific applications requested by operator. This support can intervene at different levels. The Architecture and Dimensioning (NDA) team primarily provides support to the customer. The Methods Network Planning (NPL) team is involved in the deploying of technical solutions, for example UMTS. The Network Densification and Optimization (NOD) team where I carried out my training period deals with the follow-up quality of service for actual networks (GSM, GPRS) and the evolution and maintenance of customer deployed products. The main objective of this team of engineers is as follows: Method development, tool definition for Cellular networks optimisation Radio systems optimisation Quality of service improvement Experimentation and the development of densification method Installation of GPRS network Development of first UMTS network in link with the customer Rest and Formation on the previous subject Within the group Network Management and Optimisation (NMO), UMTS activities are supervised by a UMTS Project Leader, who manages actions of various teams for dimensioning, optimisation and stability of 3rd generation network. Thierry Lebugle, who was my mentor during my training period, held this role.
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II.
TECHNICAL CONTEXT: UMTS NETWORKS

II.1. DOMAIN OF STUDY
Conducted with the UMTS team of Alcatel PCS department, my thesis focuses on 3G technology. This section presents the technical aspects of UMTS mobile communications and in particular comparing it to the previous generation of mobile communications. II.1.1. Introduction to UMTS
II.1.1.1.
A new mobile Generation
Second generation telecommunication systems, such as GSM, enabled voice traffic to go wireless. In countries with the most advanced wireless markets, the numbers of mobile phones exceed the number of landline phones and the mobile phone penetration exceeds 70%. The data handling capabilities of second generation systems are limited. Third generation systems are needed to provide the high bit rate services that enable high quality images and video to be transmitted and received, and to provide access to the web with high data rates. In response to this need, a new standard of mobile telecommunication was developed. This standard called Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) is referred to as a third generation system. Its development started in 1998 by the standards institute ITU, then further refined by 3GPP; and fulfils the following main criteria: Personal Mobile communication independent of localisation, network or terminal. High quality of Wireless Multimedia services Focus on access means (Cellular networks, satellites or terrestrial) An International Access
WCDMA is the main third generation air interface in the world and will be deployed in Europe and Asia in the frequency band around 2Ghz. The large market for WCDMA will provide services like vocal and visual phones, e-mail, web browsing, user adaptive services, and is required to adhere to strict technical standards. Communication over UMTS can be established by circuit (one channel is reserved during the whole communication between the two terminals) or by packets (data is sent in independent packets and may follow different paths through the network). Data rates planned by the standard are high: 144kbit/s in rural area or 384 kbits in urban area, and could achieve 2 Mbit/s for fix users. Bandwidths chosen for UMTS radio are 1885-2025Mhz for up link and 21102200Mhz for down link.
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials II.1.1.2. Access Network structure
This part describes architecture of UMTS access network as described by the 3GPP technical specifications [1] and [7]. UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) groups radio infrastructure that allows Mobile Equipment to be connected to the phone network and to establish communication. Figure 6 shows the UMTS network architecture.
Figure 6. UMTS Network Architecture II.1.1.2.1. It consists of two parts: Mobile Equipment (ME) is the radio terminal used for radio communication over the Uu interface. The UMTS Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) is the smartcard that holds the subscriber identity, performs authentication algorithms, and stores authentication and encryption keys and some subscription information that is needed at the terminal. II.1.1.2.2. Radio Network Sub-system RNS Radio Sub-system (RNS) consists of two distinct elements: The Node B converts the data flow between the Iub and Uu interfaces. It also participates in radio resource management. It is a transceiver which assures radio electrical link between customer and provider network corresponding to the BTS in GSM. It can cover one or more cells for multi-sector sites. The radio Network Controller (RNC) owns and controls the radio resources in its domain (The node Bs are connected to it). RNC is the service access point for all UTRAN services provided by the CN (Core Network). It manages algorithms like UE connection in a cell, power load, Serving Cell (Soft Handover). RNC is connected to the RNS by Iu Interface. User Equipment: UE
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials II.1.1.2.3. Network Sub-system: Core Network (CN)
The Core Network gathers all commutation and data necessary for interconnection, and allows data subscriber management. It is necessary to distinguish the differences between the two communication modes: circuit switched (CS) and packet switched (PS). CS networks provide circuit switched connections, like the existing telephony services. ISDN and PSTN are examples of CS Networks. With communication systems, resources are booked from the beginning to the end of the communication that provides good link quality for voice. PS Networks provide connections for packet data services. The Internet is one example of a PS network. For this mode, data are separated before being emitted, and follow different routes to optimise resources allocation. In the Core network, CS and PS are separated. CS domain is composed of: MSC/VLR (Mobile Services Switching Centre/Visitor Location Register) is the switch (MSC) and database (VLR) that serves the UE in its current location for Circuit Switched (CS) services. The MSC function is used to switch the CS transactions, and the VLR holds a copy of the service profile for visiting users, as well as more precise information on the UEs location within the system. HLR (Home Location Register) is a database located in the users home system that stores the master copy of the users service profile. The service profile consists of, for example, information on allowed services, forbidden roaming areas, and Supplementary Service information such as status of call forwarding and the call forwarding number. It is created when a new user subscribes to the system, and remains stored as long as the subscription is active. Gateway MSC (GMSC) is the switch at the point where UMTS PLMN is connected to external CS networks. All incoming and outgoing CS connections go through GMSC. PS Domain is composed of: HLR (explain previously) Serving GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Support Node (SGSN) functionality is similar to that of MSC/VLR but is typically used for Packets Switched (PS) services. The part of the network that is accessed via the SGSN is often referred to as the PS domain. Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN) functionality is similar to that of GMSC but refers to PS services.
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials To allow a comparison between 2G and 3G Network Architecture, the following table shows the equipment mapping. GSM references are extracted from [11]. UMTS User Equipment Radio Network Subsystem Node B Radio Network Controller Core Network Mobile-services Switching Center Home Location Register Visitor Location Register Gateway MSC Serving GPRS Support Node Gateway GPRS Support Node II.1.1.3. GSM Mobile Station Base Station Sub-system Base Transceiver Station Base Station Controller Network Sub-System Mobile-services Switching Center Home Location Register Visitor Location Register Serving GPRS Support (GPRS) Gateway GPRS Support (GPRS) Node Node
UMTS Radio Protocol
The following part will present UMTS Protocol Radio Architecture defined by the standard [2] together with communication and control channel structure taken from the 3GPP document [4]. II.1.1.3.1. Radio Protocol Architecture
The following figure shows the different layers of the Radio Interface protocol.
Figure 7. Protocol Architecture of Radio Interface
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials UMTS Radio protocol divides the Radio Interface into 3 protocol layers: Physical Layer (Layer 1) Data Link Layer (Layer 2) Network Layer (Layer 3) Layer 2 is divided into sub layers: Medium Access Control (MAC), Radio Link Control (RLC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) and Broadcast/Multicast (BMC). The sub-layer Radio Resource Control (RRC) of layer 3 interfaces with Layer 2 is the UTRAN in higher layers. It allows Protocol message exchange between mobile and network for system management. The Mains UMTS procedure like communication establishment, mobility information exchange or Timer Expire were studied during my thesis. The following layers like Mobility Management (MM) and Call Control (CC), correspond to the protocol architecture defined in ITU-R.
II.1.1.3.2.
Transmission channel structure
Each interface between two protocol layers corresponds a specific transmission channel. Three kinds of channels are defined for the UMTS Protocol: Logical channels, transport channels and physical channels. For each of them, specific channels could be defined by following the direction of the communication, UENodeB (uplink) NodeB-UE (downlink). Logical and transport channel Logical channels are used to establish the interface between layer 2 and 3. They provide support for RRC protocol Messages. Transport channels are used to interface between the physical layer and the MAC protocol. They support one or more logical channels. The following table describes logical channels and transport channels. Channel Logical Channels PCCH Paging Control Channel BCCH Broadcast control Channel CCCH Common Control Channel CTCH Common Traffic Channel DCCH Dedicated Control Channel DTCH Dedicated Traffic Description Paging Information Control Information from a system level Control of Information from a system level Information dedicated to a UE group Control Information dedicated to a specific UE Transport of data. Direction DL DL UL, DL DL UL, DL UL, DL
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials Channel Channel Transport channel PCH Paging Channel BCH Broadcast Channel FACH Forward Access Channel DCH Dedicated Channel DSCH Downlink Shared Channel RACH Random Access Channel CPCH Common Packet Channel Physical Channels In contrast with logical and transport channels, which are conceptually just protocol definitions, physical channels actually carry the information over a physical medium. GSM uses physical channels separated by frequency bands, whereas UMTS uses another Radio access means: W-CDMA, which differentiates between channels using codes. This access mean will be discussed in II.1.2.1. The synchronisation Channel (SCH), the common Pilot Channel (CPICH) and the Acquisition Indication Channel (AICH) are not directly visible to higher layers and are mandatory from the system function point of view. The dedicated channel (DCH) is mapped onto two physical channels. The dedicated Physical Data Channel (DPDCH) carries higher layer information, including user data, while the Dedicated Physical Control Channel (DPCCH) carries the necessary physical layer information. These two dedicated physical channels are needed to efficiently support the variable bit rate in the physical layer. The bit rate of DPCCH is constant, while the bit rate of DPDCH can change from frame to frame. Paging Indicator Channel (PICH) is used as Indicator. It carries specific broadcast messages. PCCPCH and SCCPCH are used to carry transport channels like BCH, FCH or PCH. The following picture describes link between Logical, Transport and Physical channels. Description PCCH Transport for all cells BCCH Transport BCCH CCCH CTCH Transport Direction DL DL DL
DCCH and DTCH Transport UL, DL DCCH and DTCH transport DL shared between UE. CCCH Transport UL DCCH and DTCH Transport UL
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Figure 8. Links between Logical, Transport and Physical channels II.1.2. UMTS specifications
The following section compares the specifications of UMTS with 2G mobile networks such as GSM. II.1.2.1. Multiple -access mode W-CDMA
II.1.2.1.1.
In a mobile communication system, radio resources are shared between a number of users, and a multiple access means need to be chosen to optimise the network. Three modes could be use: Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA): Each communication is established within a specific frequency bandwidth. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA): The carrier is divided in time slots. Each communication uses a specific slot of the frame. The two previous access-modes are used jointly as shown in the pictures:
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Figure 9. Associated multiple access Mode FDMA and TDMA Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA): All communications are carried out simultaneously, using the same carrier, but are modulated with orthogonal sequence codes. User information bits are spread over a wide bandwidth by multiplying the user data with quasi-random bits (called chips) derived from CDMA spreading codes. Auto-correlation between 2 orthogonal sequences, give a signal of level equal to 0 unless if sequences are identical. Consequently, it is only necessary to do the product of group of orthogonal signals by one of the sequences to find the modulate signal. More explanation will be provides in [10] and [12].
Figure 10. Multiple Access Mode CDMA In order to support very high bit rates (up to 2 Mbps), the use of a variable spreading factor and multi-code connections is supported. The chip rate of 3.84Mcps used leads to carrier bandwidth of approximately 5 MHz. Each chip has duration of 260ns (1/3.84 E9). In UMTS, as shown in the following figure, a stream of 2560 chips creates a timeslot. A frame is a group of 15 timeslots and has duration of 10 ms.
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Figure 11. Time Division of UMTS signal WCDMA supports two basic modes of operation: Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD). In the FDD mode, separate 5 MHz Carrier frequencies are used for the uplink and downlink respectively, whereas in TDD only one 5 MHz is Time-shared between uplink and downlink. The TDD mode is based heavily on FDD mode concepts and was added in order to leverage the basic WCDMA system also for the unpaired spectrum allocations of the ITU for the IMT2000 systems. WCDMA employs coherent detection on uplink and downlink based on the use of pilot symbols or common pilots.
II.1.2.1.2.
Spreading and scrambling
Two kinds of codes are used during a communication. Multiplication of the signal by an orthogonal spreading code spread the signal over a 3.84MHz Bandwidth. Depending of the length of the useful code, the bit duration and consequently the communication rate can fluctuate. The ratio (chip rate/ bit rate) is call spreading factor (SF) and may vary between 4 and 256. During a communication, the spreading code is unique for each user, which allows the user to be identified. The resulting signal is multiplied by a scrambling code. It is an almost orthogonal signal that allows properties of unsynchronised signal correlation. There are 8192 different Scrambling codes, divided in 64 groups. Each group contains 8 primary codes and 120 secondary codes. Primary codes are used to code physical channels CPICH and PCCPCH and allow a cell signature for downlink communications. Others physical channels use secondary scrambling codes. In Uplink, Scrambling code and spreading code identify the user. The following figure summarises this process.
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Figure 12. spreading and scrambling codes II.1.2.2. Softer and soft handovers
In mobile communication, handover describes the procedure deployed to maintain communication during a change of cell. For 2G connection systems there is a shifting from one BTS to another, because the terminal supports only one radio link. In W-CDMA, use of a unique frequency band allows to the mobile to establish different radio links towards many different Nodes simultaneously. During a softer handover, a mobile is in the overlapping cell coverage area of two adjacent sectors of a base station. The communications between mobile station and base station take place concurrently via two air interface channels, one for each sector separately. This requires the use of two separate codes in the downlink direction, so that the mobile station can distinguish the signals. The two signals are received in the mobile station by means of rake processing, that is very similar to multipath reception processing, except that fingers needed to generate the respective code for each sector with the appropriate despreading operation. As shown in the following figure, during a soft handover, a mobile station is in the overlapping cell coverage of two sectors belonging to different base stations. As in softer handover, the communications between mobile station and base station take place concurrently via two air interface channels from each base station by maximal ratio combining Rake processing. Seen from UE, there are very few differences between softer and soft handover.
Figure 13. soft and softer handover Page 22/ 61
However, in uplink direction soft handover differs significantly from softer handover: the code channel of the mobile station is received from both base stations, but the received data is then routed to the RNC for combining. It is the RNC, which decides the adding, or the suppression of a radio Link toward the UE. The whole Node B in communication with UE creates Active Set; the entire node B of the active set emits the same signal toward the mobile. II.1.2.3. Power Control
In WCDMA users share the same frequency band, but are separated by a specific code. When orthogonal codes are emitted and received synchronously, signal can be decoded. In Uplink, synchronisation is not possible, because signals are emitted independently from different times and distances. In downlink, orthogonal codes are emitted synchronously, but multipath propagation means that perfect synchronisation is not possible. For a specific mobile, others users present in the cell are seen like interference that is necessary to take into account in the budget link. Tight and fast control is perhaps the most important aspect in WCDMA, in particular on the uplink. Without it, a single overpowered could block the whole cell. Power control ensures that each user receives and transmits just enough energy to properly convey information while interfering with other users no more than necessary. One can distinguish between the open loop and the closed loop power control concept. In case of open loop power control, the users adjust the transmitting power level inversely proportional to the power level received from the base station. For closed loop power control method, the base station transmits control commands, which are derived from the received power level, via a separate communication channel. The use of fast power control significantly improves the link performance, which is characterised by the bit error ratio (BER) as a function of the signal-to-noiseratio per bit Eb/No, in case of slowly moving mobile stations. For fast moving mobiles with a speed greater than 100 km/h, there is less performance improvement due to fast power control. When interference due to an increase of active users in a cell causes the, signal quality for users within the cell border to decreases, call drop may result. This phenomenon can be equivalent to a narrowing of the cell.
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II.1.3.
Important parameters for a UMTS network
In order to determine the UMTS network capacity, it is necessary to have the knowledge of some important measurements. The following paragraphs describe them. II.1.3.1. Signal over noise level for pilot channels
Pilot channels are emitted in downlink over the entire cell surface. They are used for synchronisation of the channels (Primary and Secondary SCH, CPICH) and broadcast channels (PCCPCH and SCCPCH). UE require the Pilot channels to establish a connection to the network. Cell coverage is defined by the area over which the Pilot channels can be received by the UE. In a CDMA system reception quality is measured in terms of signal over noise Ec/No, where Ec is the signal power per chip and No, the spectral density of noise over the bandwidth. The power of the signal could also be measured at the bit level. In this case, we speak about signal to noise Eb/No. We have the relation: Eb/No= Ec/No * (chip rate)/(bit rate) = Ec/No * SF A good level of reception for channel pilots is fixed to 14 dB. II.1.3.2. Signal over noise for communication channels
In order to know the coverage limits of the different services, it is advisable to measure the signal over noise level for the data transport channels. Generally it is measured for physical channels that support dedicated channel transport (DCH): DPDCH and DPCCH. Like for the pilot channels, it is possible to use power per chip, to compute Ec/No, or power per bit (Eb/No). The required power to establish a communication can depend on the desired service: Ec/No of 20dB is required for voice or 8dB ir required for packet switched communication with high bit rate. II.1.3.3. Orthogonality factor
Orthogonality factor ( parameter) takes place in budget link in downlink direction. In theory, downlink signals are totally synchronised and their orthogonality assures no interference between all signals. In reality, a part of this orthogonality is lost, due to the time shifting created by multipath signals. When is equal to 0 signals are totally orthogonal, when =1orthogonality is lost. The Orthogonality factor is used to describe the interference that has to be accounted for in the power
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials budget: It is important to measure this parameter in the field to have a precise dimensioning of the network. II.1.3.4. Handover gain
The Handover process provides a guarantee against slow fading (log normal fading) by reducing the required log normal fading margin. This is the Handover gain. Slow fading is partly uncorrelated between the base stations, and by performing a handover the mobile can select a better base station. Soft handover gives an additional macro diversity gain against fast fading by reducing the required Eb/No relative to a single radio link, due to the effect of macro diversity combining.
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II.2. FIELD TRIAL

II.2.1. Presentation and process of UMTS field trials
During the setting up of 3G networks, all parameters that define the networks capacities must be studied and presented to the operator, so that they have a total understanding of the performance of the network that could be set up. When an operator is holder of a UMTS Licence and possess contracts with the equipment suppliers for the network infrastructure, operators ask the supplier to deploy a pilot network. This pilot network will enable them on the one hand to judge performance of the network offered and on the other hand to test the critical points of this new technology. These small networks can represent several Nodes B connected to a single RNC or extend on the surface from a city. From the point of view of a supplier like Alcatel, these field trials make it possible to test the prototype equipment in the field and to study the system. Test Objectives Choice of the tests to be carried out is worked out jointly with the operator to make sure that the tests to be carried out correspond to the operators requirements. Proposals for tests are described in a document of test strategy, which gathers all the points that the operator wishes to approach during the test process. The various groups of tests approached were the following: Radio Technology: this part gathers the study of the radio performances, with the coverage zone for the pilot channels, the services coverage zones, the soft handover zones, and the effects of radio algorithms (power control, cell selection). Equipment: the purpose of these tests is to measure the effects of radio interference due to the proximity of antennas GSM 900 & 1800 and UMTS Co-localised. Performance: these tests measure the capacities of the system at the application layer (characteristics of the services from beginning to end: flow, speed, quality). Core Network: this group of test checks the signalling protocols on the Core Network parts (interfaces Iu-CS and Iu-PS). From these proposals, UMTS team from Alcatel studies the feasibility of each test and proposes solutions.
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials Followed of measurement tools In addition to the setting up the tests, it is necessary for the operator to carry out a technological survey of the measuring instruments available in this technology. This can be obtained through regular information about market innovations, at the time of telecommunication demonstrations, or by direct contact with the hardware manufacturers. The instruments being studied are the following: Trace Mobile and signal analyser on air interface. Protocol analyser on the wire interface (interface Iub, Iur, Iu-CS and IuPS). UMTS signal Generator. Noise generator. Conformity testing equipment tool or application layer testing tools (Node B tester, Network capacity tester). II.2.2. Alcatel UMTS prototype network
To carry out the field trial, a pilot infrastructure of network must be deployed. For its field trials, Alcatel uses internal prototype network, developed by Evolium, the joint venture between the companies Alcatel and Fujitsu. The following scheme shows an example for a prototype network that could be deployed by Evolium.
Figure 14. Example of structure for an Alcatel pilot network In this example, UMTS network is composed of a RNC controlling three Node B devices. Each Node B can control up to 6 sectors. The power of emission, determined by the standard, is 43 dBm per sector. Mobile voice services, can support up to 64 kbps in CS mode and up to 384 kbps in packet mode.
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials A maintenance tool is connected to each one of this equipment to allow their configuration and the recovery of the measured parameters. Two operating modes are used during the tests; scenario mode and application mode. In scenario mode, all communications are pre-set repeatedly cycled. This mode allows system measurements such as Node B performance. In application mode, the network has a traditional behaviour and the user is free to establish communications, which makes it possible to test capacities of the network from a service point of view.
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II.3. DESCRIPTION OF THE MISSION

As described in the previous sections of this report, conducting field trials is an important stage in the installation of a third generation mobile network. From an operators point of view, the prototype network provides an opportunity to test the performance offered by each one of its suppliers. From the equipment supplier point of view field trials provide the opportunity to studying the hardware performance in a specific situation. Lastly, the study of the data recovered during these tests makes it possible obtain a better understanding of the technological characteristics of UMTS systems. UMTS was developed to improve the limited capacities of the GSM, particularly in terms of the rate of data transfer. To be able to compare performance of these two systems, and to analyse the performance of UMTS networks, operators as well as suppliers wish to be able to correlate the measurements taken in each technology under the same conditions. In the particular case of the radio interface, several analysis and measuring instruments are available for each system. They will be presented in the third part of the report. During field trail measurements, data is recorded by each tool and saved in text files or in databases. The reading of these trace files is not sufficiently practical to allow for an easy comparison and understanding of the data. Previous field trails at Alcatel indicated a need for an analysis too that provides the possibility to quickly visualise the measured data, and to compare the UMTS results with the known data for GSM networks. From July 2001, my mission within PCS department at Alcatel was to specify and develop such a tool for analysis and comparison of air interface traces in GSM and UMTS, and then to use this tool in real field trails. The fourth part of this report describes the course of this mission.
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III.
THE PROCESSING OF AIR INTERFACE MEASUREMENTS
In this third part, I present the process used to perform the analysis of the measurements taken on the air interface during the field trials. The first section gives a description of the measurements tools. These tools allow the collection of GSM and UMTS data. The last section shows the practical approach followed during the realisation of the tool and its validation by use of tests.
III.1. AIR INTERFACE MEASUREMENT TOOL

The developed software, at the time of my mission, carried out the study of air interface for different technologies. The following points give a description of the tools used to collect data from the different generations of mobile networks. The first tool is a GSM radio measurement tool; the other two tools collect UMTS data III.1.1. The GSM Drive Test tool
The tool used to collect GSM air interface data, performs voice quality analysis. Operators use it for benchmarking for network quality (also known as drive tests). The following measurements are collected from this tool: Description and measurements The device is divided in two parts: A mobile part, on which can be connected one or more trace mobiles A fixed part connected to the commuted telephone network. Measurements are based on telephone calls between the caller equipment (master), and the called equipment (slave). Then data (Voice or packet) is exchanged. The following measurements are possible: Radio measurements: Cell information (cell identity, frequency of the BCCH, LAC, MNC and MCC, list of neighbouring cells) Transmitted and received radio field for the BCCH or the TCH Quality of the voice driven by the BER for the received signal (RxQual) Voice quality measurements: an internal process establishes an evaluation of the quality of the voice using vocal samples. Effects such as distortion and/or echo can be detected. Protocol information: Detection of event and messages carried over layer 3. Statistics for various successful procedures (call set-up, call drop, handovers etc) are generated.
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials Two different modes of measurement are available for this tool: The " Connected" mode used when a communication has been established and TCH channel has been provided. In " Idle" mode, when the mobile phone is not connected to the network. Only information from the BCCH channel such as received signal level and the normal procedures of the disconnected mode (detection of the drift cell, cell re-selection...) are available. In the two modes, mobile equipment can either operate as a real mobile (be connected to the best cell available), or work in forced mode (to be blocked on a specific cell), which inhibits the functions of cell re-selection. This last mode allows, for instance to detect the limit of the coverage for a cell. Moreover, this tool is equipped with a GPS system to locate recording measurements and network events.
Data recovery Once the measurement campaign is finished, records are backed up in compressed files, which are not directly accessible. These files are converted and measurements are stored in a specific database.
III.1.2.
UMTS drive test tool
As regards to UMTS, different measurement instruments are used. Development of UMTS drive test tools is still in progress and only a few measurement tools are available on the market. For Air interface measurements, the UMTS team of PCS department chooses to use what seems to be the most advanced tool on the market. This tool is a scanner and allows the decoding of UMTS signals. It measures the UMTS radio coverage by decoding the synchronisation channel and the CPICH channel for a specific carrier. First catch in hand of the 3G-measuring tool This tool does not allow the establishment of 3G calls on the network. It can be used to analyse, in a passive way, the downlink UMTS signal transmitted by Node B, without generating load in the network. No protocol information is decoded. It is composed of a radio signal acquisition module and of a signal processing software, which automatically analyses the recorded data. Four types of measurements are available: A frequency spectrum analyser displays the downlink or uplink frequency band. It can be used for the frequency clearance activity performed before the launch of the 3G network.
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials A receiver for power measurements on a given frequency bandwidth. It calculates the total power of the carrier. By tuning the frequency of the measured bandwidth to that of the downlink signal (width 5 MHz), it is possible to have an idea of the level of interference received for a given mobile. GPS record for localisation. UMTS scanner: it is the main use of the tool. It detects power for primary and secondary synchronisation channel, and CPICH (Common Pilot Channel) channel, by decoding the specific cell scrambling code. Method of detection and obtained records are specified in the following paragraphs. Detection of the scrambling code To perform measurements on physical channel CPICH, the UMTS measuring tool must be able to detect the used scrambling code, which requires a preliminary synchronisation between the tool and the emitted signal. There are 512 primary scrambling codes, which have a time of 10 ms (a frame, equivalent to 38 400 chips), and the tool cannot test them one by one. To carry out this detection, it follows the process defined in the standard, which allows to UE to find a cell. This procedure uses primary, secondary synchronisation channels (Primary and Secondary SCH), CPICH and breaks up into the three following stages: Primary synchronisation code is identical for all the cells, has a length of 256 chips and is repeated at the beginning of each timeslot (2560 chips) on the Primary SCH channel. Mobile recognises this code by autocorrelation. When autocorrelation peak is detected, timeslot position in time is known. Starting from timeslot position, mobile seeks the best peak of autocorrelation with the secondary synchronisation code of the Secondary SCH. This code is composed of 3840 chips (the 256 first of each timeslot), and there exists 64 different. Mobile tests 64 possibilities by starting with each of the 15 timeslots of a frame. Thus, when the code is detected, mobile also knows the time limit of the frames. The secondary synchronisation code defines a group of 8 primary scrambling codes. Mobile determines the exact scrambling code used in the cell, by carrying out a correlation between the CPICH signal and the 8 codes identified at the preceding stage by starting by the frame limit. The best peak defines the used code. Scrambling code measurement Three measurement modes are available based on scrambling code analysis. The first, the automatic mode, detects the N strongest CPICH signals. On the field, 2 to 3 different signals can be detected simultaneously, when the receiver is in an overlapping cells area. For each cell the following measurements are recorded:
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials Total downlink received power on the carrier at the UMTS frequency (band of 3.84 MHz), called Io. Signal level in term of energy per chip (Ec) or signal level over the noise (Ec/Io) for each decoded CPICH channels. Spreading out of signal, by the measurement of duration on which the signal is integrated. Signal Time shifting, by the measurement of time difference in chips between the synchronisation signals coming from distinct Node Bs.
It is possible with the mode pre-set list to define the list of scrambling codes to be decoded. In this mode, measurements are only performed to detect codes. Lastly, Primary SCH measurement mode allows by a graphic way to visualize levels of synchronisation of the timeslots. It compares to an internal clock the position of peak of autocorrelation for each detected Primary SCH. Recovery data During the record of measurements, all data are stored in a database. From this base it is possible to replay the drive test. All data are recorded, but all data are not useful for the post processing. An export module tool allows the extraction of the relevant measurements in a text file. This file will be imported in the post processing software. If this UMTS tool shows many qualities as a passive-measuring instrument, its precocity on the market does not make it as suitable as the GSM drive test tool, which was presented previously. No radio connection can be established, and thus no trace related to the quality of the communication or to layer 3 messages. Due to this weakness of capability, a UMTS intern-measuring tool was built. It is a Trace Mobile developed by Evolium. III.1.3. The Evolium Trace mobile
The Evolium Trace Mobile is part of the Alcatel UMTS hardware prototype chain. It is composed of a phone with several output ports, which offer UMTS services. A telephone carries out voice calls, and a PC deals with circuit switched communications (fax, modem) and packet switched communications (Internet) via a point-to-point connection. Software connected to this tool decodes the UMTS message exchanged on the air interface (Uu between mobile and Node B). For the follow-up of the system and modification of parameters of the mobile, a maintenance tool is connected to the prototype mobile.
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Trace Mobile Measurements Trace mobile behaves like a UMTS mobile and takes uplink and downlink measure on the air. The decoded messages and measurements are specified in 3GPP UMTS specification [3]. All layer 3 protocol messages exchanged between mobile and Node B are decoded thanks to a maintenance tool connected to the Mobile. Among these messages, measurement reports give access to some of the radio parameter values. Available Information is as follows: Radio measurements obtained from protocol messages: Received Signal Strength Indicator or RSSI Received power for the CPICH channel (Received Signal Code Power or RSCP) Signal over noise ratio Ec/No and SIR for the CPICH channel Path loss Quality in term of Block Error Rate for transport channel Total transmitted power from the mobile Detected scrambling code Protocol messages Channel control messages (e.g. paging) Mobility messages (soft handover, cell reselection, URA reselection) Communication establishment messages (radio bearer management, RRC connections management)
Recovery of measured data Measurements are stored in compressed files. These files are exported and then decoded in text file. Evolium trace mobile is complementary in comparison with the UMTS signal analyser. Indeed, it works in connected mode, which allows the study of the behaviour of the air interface in the UTRAN. In addition, the analysis of the layer 3 protocol messages gives indications about events exchanged in the network. III.1.4. The Evolium Node B
The Evolium Node B is part of the Alcatel UMTS hardware. It could manage 6 different sectors. It offers the standard UMTS services. For the follow-up and the configuration of the system, a maintenance tool is connected to the Node B. Node B Measurements Evolium Node B follows the 3 GPP standard. It could work in Scenario Mode or in Application Mode. Scenario mode is defined in [18]. Node B transmits power only for a specific channel. In this mode there is no interaction with the mobile. The Application mode is defined as the normal working mode.
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials The Node B maintenance tool records data for the air interface. Available Information is as follows: Radio measurements obtained from Transmitted power Transmitted power on the DPCCH channel for each sector Transmitted power on the DPDCH channel for each sector Transmitted carrier Power for each sector
Radio measurements obtained from Received Power Received Signal Code Power for DPCCH channel (Received Signal for one user on the DPCCH channel) for each sector Interfered Signal Code Power for DPCCH channel Received Signal Strength Indicator for each sector
Radio quality measurements Block Error Rate for each antenna on Transport channel Recovery of measured data When the maintenance tool is launched records are stored in compressed files. They contain all radio data exchanged between the start and the end of the campaign. These files will be exported as text file and then imported in the post-processing tool.
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III.2. MEASUREMENT PROCESS: POST PROCESSING TOOL

Three different measurement instruments have been selected to operate for the field trials. To be able to analyse and to compare the recorded measurements, a postprocessing tool has been specified and produced. It is about data-processing software. III.2.1. Definition of needs
III.2.1.1. Feasibility study Before launching the design of data-processing software, a study was necessary. The first step was to select the drive test tool used to collect information from the field; the second step was to study the behaviour of these tools and the quality of the collected data through concrete examples. The third step of the feasibility study was to select relevant measurements recorded on the field. From a software point of view, two solutions were conceivable: create autonomous software, thus have to be written into a program (Microsoft Visual BASIC), or to be a macro running on commercial software like Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Access. For portability reasons, we selected the first solution. In addition, as regards to the display of the output of the tool, the external software has been selected. For instance, to visualise drive-test results on a map, Mapinfo, through MapX and Visual Basic, the programming module has been chosen as an external geographical information software. III.2.1.2. Establishment of the schedule of conditions III.2.1.2.1. Objectives
The specifications of the post-processing tool have been defined from the feasibility study. Its main objective is to compare, in terms of quality and coverage, the GSM and UMTS systems on the air interface. This tool has to provide a detailed comparison about radio coverage for Alcatel UMTS network. This comparison has to be user-friendly through visual analysis: Via map, along the drive test to compare measurements coming from the two technologies (ex: level received RxLev in GSM and level received Io in UMTS), or to locate specific events (ex: management of the Active Set, timer expiry) Via graph, to analyse the evolution of the signal and to show the resulting behaviour of the network against time or for statistical analysis.
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials This tool remains in conformity with the constraints established during the phase of specification: Portability: tool is easy to use, an executable file can be used under all Microsoft Windows PC, and the size of software does not exceed one floppy disk. Post processing tool must be tuneable for further evolution, which means that it must be possible to add new modules and new imports easily. III.2.1.2.2. Structure
Post processing tool is an executable program (.exe), written in Visual BASIC. It uses three external applications: Microsoft Access database, which stocks imported data coming from GSM and UMTS drive test tools (scanner and mobile simulator) as well as Node B measurements. Geographical software processing tool, MapInfo, for map-making display. Microsoft Excel for a graphical display. The following figure describes the architecture of the post-processing tool. On the left are the types of imported files and their origin; on the right are the internal links of the software with different applications.
Figure 15. Post processing tool architecture
Data from the four measurement instruments are stored in an Access database. An Import module has been developed. The post-processing tool uses Visual BASIC functions to control Microsoft Access and Excel programs, and Map BASIC scripts to manage MapInfo software.
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials Data Base Structure All Imports are stored in the same database that contains a selection of the relevant information coming from drive test tools. Database is structured so that all measurements are recorded following the same format, independently of the measuring instrument. A table 'Measurements' contains a record for each imported measurement, and stores general information such as geographical position GPS, and date/time when the record has been performed. It is linked to a specific table depending of the tool and the type of measurement. Selected data to be stored in the database were chosen during the setting up of the schedule of conditions. All recorded measurements are stored in imports database, and linked toward the tool and the measurement period. Moreover, imports are linked to their source of information (source file, date, and type of tool). Lastly, it is possible to join different imports and to define a campaign (a set of imports). The Post Processing tool also creates a report database. This database contains information about parameters selected by the user to generate a map. They can be reused during the export of a different campaign. This database is made of report parameters (selected maps, selected graphs, colour setting for each selected maps, etc.) and can be reused for other campaigns.
III.2.1.2.3.
Selected measurements
This part describes measurements that can be imported in the database of the post-processing tool. Selected records are those which give the best characterisation of the air interface, and which allow a comparison between GSM and UMTS technologies. Moreover, protocol information and exchanged messages are stored in a dedicated database. Hereafter the selected measurements are produced: GSM Drive test tool Radio measurements: Total power received by mobile Radio received quality BCCH and BSIC Frequency (Base Station Identity Code) of the serving cell BCCH, BSIC Frequency and reception level of the 6 nearest cells Layer 3 Protocol messages: Message protocol (Radio Resource, Call Control or Mobility Management) and direction (uplink or downlink) Message Name (ex: ' PAGING REQUEST', ' HANDOVER COMMAND') Voice quality measurement: internal grade for communication level.
UMTS drive test tool Received total power over the 5 MHz UMTS frequency band Page 38/ 61
UMTS signal analysis UMTS signal received power Io Channel power level: Ec, Eb, Ec/Io and Eb/Io for Primary and secondary channels SCH and CPICH Detected codes: Scrambling code group identifier then Scrambling code identifier Signal spreading
These last measurements are collected from the N best signals coming from different Nodes B. They are stored by ascending order of CPICH received power.
Evolium Trace mobile Radio measurements: Detected scrambling code Total received power and propagation loss Channel received power
Layer 3 protocol messages: Message direction (uplink or downlink) and logical channel used Message name and complementary information Quality measurement: Signal Interference Rate Block Error Rate on Downlink Transport Channel
Evolium Node B Radio measurements Transmitted power on the DPCCH channel for each sector Transmitted power on the DPDCH channel for each sector Transmitted carrier Power for each sector Received Signal Code Power for DPCCH channel (Received Signal for one user on the DPCCH channel) for each sector Interfered Signal Code Power for DPCCH channel Received Signal Strength Indicator for each sector Quality measurements Block Error Rate for each antenna on Transport channel
From the selected measurements stored in the database, the export module of the post-processing tool has been developed progressively to produce a different kind of drive test report. Examples of maps and graphics are shown in section III.3. During
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials the development of the schedule of conditions, various meetings with members of the UMTS team of the PCS department allowed to discuss the followed choices. III.2.2. Tool structure
Human Tool interface is organised as indicated on the diagram.
Figure 16. Organisation of Post processing tool When the user starts the software, he must initially open or create a measurement database to store the imports. It is then possible either to import new data, to create a campaign (group different imports from different tools), to modify the database by using import module, or to launch a procedure of map or graph creation. Another optional menu of the program allows the user to define its maps or graphs parameters. They are saved in an independent database that would be reused for the export of a different campaign. Parameters could be the set of threshold and their associated colours defined for a map. An example of a parameter could be the definition of a specific Scrambling Code, to visualise the evolution of the CPICH Ec/Io against localisation.
III.2.2.1. Import Module An import corresponds to the record of data coming from an external tool used during the drive test. In the post-processing tool, a module of import has been created for each measurement tools. For the GSM drive test Tool, data are on a basic data distant server. An ODBC connection is established between the post-processing computer on which the program is launched and the server. Data are then forwarded through SQL queries. This import requires a connection to a local area network.
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials For the UMTS drive test tool, the Evolium mobile and the Evolium Node B traces, to import, are stored in text files. Data are directly integrated into the measurement database through an import module. The first part of the form is used to enter all the information related to the source file (name of the server, identity of the user,). The second gives a name and optional information for the drive test (for example, environment of measurements, speed of the vehicle). Two functionalities have been added with the import module to work on the data: Time geo-coding: this functionality allocates geographical co-ordinates to a bench of measurements with another. It refers to the indication of time for a measurement. In fact, only the UMTS and GSM drive test tools have an integrated GPS, consequently it is not possible to locate information like Node B power Control against phone moving. That is why during the drive test it is necessary to have a synchronisation between all tools, and then by using this module it is possible to associate co-ordinates to Node B and mobile traces. Import Delete. This functionality removes import from the database.
Figure 17. Example of import form III.2.2.2. Measurement Campaign Creation At the time of the chart creation, the first task is to select data to use among all the imports located in the database. The number of imports treated is not limited. To perform that, User has a module to group different imports (from different tools) to create a campaign in order to carry out maps or graphs. If a user needs to work within a specific part of the import (for example to analyse a trace in a limited time), it is possible to limit the selected measurements for
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials each import by giving a range of time. An assumption is possible to limit the selection of measurements to a given geographical area. III.2.2.3. Report Creation The user has to select the different plots to create. For each plot, it is possible to store the charts parameters within an independent database exportable for other measurement reports. An example of a map could be the display of the level for the received signal in GSM and UMTS, a second could give the layer 3 protocol messages for the two technologies. A third one could be the BLER computed by the Node B for a specific sector versus the position of the mobile. The two first maps are in section III.2.3.1. Settings of visualisation During the report creation, it is possible to modify the settings of the information to export. The tuning of the mode of representation makes the study easier for the user. These modules are useful for map setting, while allowing the choice of the legend thresholds. For instance, the following figures give the control panels of a GSM received level map, and the available protocol messages in layer 3 that can be displayed for UMTS measurements. The human tool interface is the following one.
Figure 18. Modification of settings representation III.2.2.4. Maps and graphics creation The last step is the creation of maps and graphs. For these two types of data representation, the process of creation is different. Maps are created through MapInfo. This software uses a script language, MapBasic. The post-processing tool generates various recoverable data files under MapInfo, and a MapBasic script file. The result is backed up in a workspace MapInfo (* wor). Once the script is launched under MapInfo, using the different file generated, the requested map, with the appropriate sets of themes for the legend, is created.
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The Post Processing tool allows the user to choose a raster image (geographical map), which is used in the background. For the graphs creation, the post-processing tool launches an Excel application through visual basic commands to display the graphs. III.2.3. First results and Field Trials
III.2.3.1. First Comparative Maps The first comparative maps version of the Post processing tool has been developed for Alcatel Field Trials. The Tool proposed a variety of maps to analyse signal coverage for UMTS and GSM systems. I will introduce only 3 kinds of comparative maps: Map 'Idle Serving Cell' represents the best signal level received while the mobile is in disconnected mode. In GSM, drive test tool is used in "Idle" mode, and information carried over the best BCCH detected is recorded. For UMTS, we used a passive drive test tool. The best Scrambling Code detected is recorded. A specific setting (Colours, Thresholds) is allocated for each map, which displays the attenuation of the signal easily. Map 'Idle Coverage' compares the received level within the carrier for the two systems in disconnected mode. It gives the level of the GSM received power (RxLev) versus the total received power over the UMTS carrier (Io) as described in the following section. Map 'Layer 3 Events' gives the protocol messages exchanged in layer 3 level for each system.
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III.2.3.2. Field Trial and Feedback Field Trial The Post Processing Tool has been tested during the different phases of the Field Trials. Its goal was to perform equipment tests, study the propagation of the signal on air interface by using the post processing tool. Different studies have been carried out in disconnected and connected mode in order to better understand the behaviour of UMTS system, and to compare the propagation of the GSM and UMTS signals. For instance the two following system configurations have been tested: GSM system: the GSM Drive Test tool records measurements on a dedicated cell of the network in idle mode. Cells are re-selected through the cell reselection process. A second mobile is in connected mode, cells are reselected through Hand-over procedure. UMTS system: Node B is located on the same site as the GSM BTS, and transmits a downlink signal in "scenario" mode. Primary and Secondary SCH, CPICH, DTCH Channels are transmitted. The UMTS drive test tool is used to record measurements. Analysis of the results Recorded measurements have been analysed by the Post processing tool, and compared to the reality of the field in order to test its behaviour. The following figure gives a map of Idle coverage' mode. The first map shows the GSM received level power signal (RxLev), the second one shows the level of UMTS signal power on the carrier (Io). The two antennas of the BTS and Node B are co-localised. For this drive test campaign only the northern sector is active. From these maps, we are able to make a comparison of the attenuation of signal coming from 2 systems working at different frequencies. It is noticed that GSM and UMTS signals follow the same curve of attenuation due to the propagation. In the main antenna azimuth, the UMTS signal seems to follow a less important attenuation compared to the one of the GSM. It can be explained due to the difference of the antenna diagram used to transmit the two signals. In North-Eastern direction, the GSM drive test tool reaches its limit of sensitivity and does not take any more measurements. It allows an evaluation of the limit of the cell coverage. The UMTS passive tool has a deeper sensitivity that shows on the map a continuous record of the signal level.
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Figure 19. Level of received power in GMS and UMTS
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III.3. FINALISATION AND RESULTS

From the field information, and regarding the need of analysis, an evolution of the tool has been proposed to extend the processing capacities. The following part describes the principal evolutions, available maps and graphs will be introduced through a case study based on field trial measurements. III.3.1. Study of measured parameters
The second version of the software is able to analyse the UMTS scrambling codes. The CPICH channel measurements are performed in "automatic" mode that records the N best signal detected from the Node B. The signal detection procedure is described in section III.1.2. In "preset lists" mode, the scrambling code must be defined before it is to be detected. The following maps show a representation of the Ec/Io measurements level for the CPICH channel in automatic and pre-set list mode. A zoom is done at the limit of coverage; the black points correspond to the not detected scrambling codes.
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Automatic Mode
Preset list Mode
Figure 20. Detection of SC in "automatic" mode and "preset lists"
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In "automatic" mode, no CPICH Ec/Io lower than -14 dBm is detected contrary to the "preset lists" mode. The tool seems to be less sensitive in automatic mode. A Study of this case with the UMTS team of the department led us to the following conclusion: contrary to the "automatic" mode, in "Preset lists" mode, the tool does not carry out the correct scrambling code detection procedure as specified by the 3GPP standard. In preset lists, the tool already knowing the scrambling code makes synchronization on the Primary SCH timeslots, then directly tests the pre-set code by beginning with the 15 timeslots of the frame. It is therefore possible to detect a CPICH channel without passing by synchronisation on the Secondary SCH, even if the level of this last channel is too low to be detected. To obtain UMTS pilot channels map of coverage it is thus advisable to use the "automatic" mode, which, for scrambling code detection, follows the behaviour of the mobile defined by the standard. III.3.2. Measurement Analysis
In the following part, various maps and graphs created by the Post Processing tool are presented from the field trials measurements. III.3.2.1. Map Process III.3.2.1.1. Signal level Map
The first kind of maps shows the received signal level for each system. The various maps available are the following ones: Starting from the GSM drive test tool, parameter ' RxLev' represents the received signal level measured on the control channel. Starting from the UMTS drive test tool: The 'Io' map gives the received signal power measured by the mobile on the carrier, including the interfering signals Primary SCH Ec', ' Secondary SCH Ec' and ' CPICH Ec' maps give the level of the received signal measured by the mobile on the channel pilots (respectively the synchronisation channels of primary, secondary and the CPICH). Starting from UMTS Evolium Trace mobile: 'Carrier RSSI' map is comparable with previous 'Io' map and shows total power received by the mobile 'CPICH RSCP' map gives signal level received on CPICH channel, like 'CPICH Ec' map. 'Pathloss' gives signal propagation losses, calculated by the mobile during the Power Control procedures. Page 48/ 61
Figure 21. Radio coverage map
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These various maps allow two types of analysis. It is possible to study the behaviour of the propagation for the two systems by a comparison of the GSM 'RxLev' with the Interference level 'Io' or 'Carrier RSSI' in UMTS as described in Figure 18 of section III.3.1. The 'Pathloss' analysis gives an idea concerning the attenuation of the signal, but it is then necessary to de-activate the Power Control feature. A second kind of map evaluates the limit of a service area within a cell, by visualizing the received pilot channel in UMTS and the BCCH coverage for the GSM systems. We make it possible with the GSM systems, by displaying only the samples where the RxLev parameter exceeds the value given by the parameter Rx_Access_Min (minimum level authorized by a BTS to connect a mobile). In UMTS, we use the level of ' CPICH Ec' and we keep the sample where the value is high enough to provide a service. The previous map shows the radio coverage. In GSM (top map), the entire area is covered whereas in UMTS (bottom map), uncovered zones are represented in black. Ec Reception levels for the CPICH in UMTS and RxLev on the BCCH in GSM are not directly comparable in absolute values. However, it is possible to evaluate the geographical signal propagation and the limits of reception for each system. The North-Eastern part of the map shows that the coverage of the cell in GSM and UMTS are comparable, even if some zones covered in GSM are not in UMTS, and conversely may be due to antenna patterns.
III.3.2.1.2.
Quality of communication maps
The second type of available maps relates to the quality of the communication: Starting from the GSM drive test tool 'RxQual' map gives the quality of reception starting from the estimation of the BER. Value for this parameter varies between 0 (good quality) and 7 (poor quality), and three different levels are represented on the map. 'PACE Note' map gives an estimate of the vocal quality carried out by the tool starting from samples of voice. 4 levels ranging between 5.0 (good quality) and 1.0 (poor quality) are defined.
Starting from the UMTS drive test Tool, three maps ' Primary SCH Ec/Io', ' Secondary SCH Ec/Io' and ' CPICH Ec/Io' give the level of signal to noise for the signals carried by the three synchronisation channels of primary, secondary and CPICH.
Starting from the Evolium trace mobile, The 'CPICH Ec/No' map similar to the previous 'CPICH Ec/Io' map is available. Signal Interference Rate and BLER maps give information about the Radio link quality. Page 50/ 61
These maps allow the analysis of the quality of the communication for the two systems. The following figure represents the GSM ' RxQual' and the UMTS CPICH Ec/Io level. To estimate the quality of the transmission, it is necessary to know that the UMTS dimensioning tools recommends, for a good reception, a level of Ec/Io of 14 dBm for the pilot channel. For the conformity tests, 3GPP standard [6] indicates that a level of Ec/Io of -10 dB for the CPICH allows to preserve a BER lower than 0,001. The behaviour of the quality of the communication is different between the 2 systems. In GSM, each user is using an independent slot with a specific frequency band, and thus interference due to the other channels is negligible if the cell frequency planning is correctly performed. As shown on the above map of the following maps, quality of communication decreases gradually as the mobile moves away from the BTS. In UMTS (bottom map), Multiple Access mode CDMA implies a strong influence of others channels on the quality of the signal. During measurements with UMTS drive test tool, no communication is established. Interference on the CPICH signal comes from the other emitted channels from the Node B (Primary SCH, Secondary SCH and DTCH), but no dedicated channels are established. When the received signal becomes too weak (North-Eastern sector of the map), external noise (thermal noise) becomes predominant to UMTS interfering signals, and thus Ec/Io level falls abruptly. The badly covered zone remains almost the same with the two systems.
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Figure 22. Quality communication map
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III.3.2.1.3.
Protocolar maps
Different kinds of maps are available with the measurements collected from the GSM drive test tool and the UMTS trace mobile: 'Best Server' map provides for each system indication about the cell in which the mobile is connected. In GSM, BSIC number and BCCH frequency number (ARFCN) can find the BTS which is in communication with the mobile. In UMTS, it is the Scrambling Code number, which identifies the Node B. Previous maps allow detecting the cells that have established a radio link with the mobile in connected mode. During the following tests only one cell was used with each system, therefore the created maps do not present a strong interest. 'Layer 3 Events' maps give all layer 3 protocolar messages exchanged between mobile and base station. In order to avoid an overload of the map, it is possible to select messages to be displayed. We can, for example, compare the establishment and rupture message of communication in GSM (CONNECT, CALL PROCEEDING, DISCONNECT) with RRC connection message in UMTS (RRC CONNECTION SETUP, RRC CONNECTION RELEASE,). The figure on the next page gives an example of the follow-up of protocol messages recorded by Alcatel trace mobile. Succession of these messages is established in very short time intervals, that is why measurements for co-ordinates are very close. This explains the lack of background map for this representation. It is possible to follow the establishment of a communication between the mobile and Node B. Starting from the North-Western sector of the map and going down towards South-East, mobile starts by establishing a RRC connection (messages RRC CONNECTION REQUEST, RRC CONNECTION SETUP and RRC CONNECTION SETUP COMPLETE). The initial direct transfer message is transmitted to the mobile toward Node B then a procedure of encryption is installed (messages SECURITY CONTROL). Protocol continues with the establishment of Radio Access Bearer, which defines the radio link characteristics between the mobile and Core Network (messages RADIO BEARER SETUP and COMPLETE). This procedure ends with a measurement report. Communication is then supported by direct transfer uplink and downlink messages. More details on communication establishment procedure can be found in [17].
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Figure 23. Representation of protocolar messages In addition to the follow-up of radio protocol, 'Layer 3 Events' map can be used to recover information carried over the layer 3 messages. For example, UMTS message actives set update is used for removing, adding, and updating a radio link in the active set during a soft-handover procedure. Starting from these messages, it could be possible to hold a counter for the number of simultaneously established radio links between the mobile and the cells. Thus represents on a map the soft-handover zones, i.e. zones where mobile is in communication with more than one cell. This map is provided by the post-processing tool.
III.3.2.1.4.
Other maps
'MS transmitted power' map and 'UE transmitted power' are available starting from the GSM drive test tool and the Evolium Trace mobile, and respectively represents the transmitted power of the mobile for each system. They give an indication of the effects of the algorithm of power control in each technology. 'Delay spread' map is obtained starting from measurements of the UMTS drive test tool and represents the duration in chips on which is integrated the measured signal. It is about an evaluation of the spreading out of the signal, whose utility will be discussed in the graphs part (see paragraph III.3.2.2).
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials III.3.2.2. Graph Process In addition to the representation of the recorded information through a map, the post-processing tool has a graphic module, which allows one to visualise measurements taken in a graphical way (usually against time). It can be more interesting to study parameter variations against time than in a geographical way. For example it could be interesting to use this function to perform a study of Evolium equipment in platform. Each measurements presented can thus also be represented in a graphical way. In order to compare the measured parameters, the post-processing tool allows the saving of different graphs in the same chart. The following graph is an example of an available graph of the post-processing tool. The measurements are extracted from the trace mobile. It shows 'CPICH Ec/Io', Active Set size and Monitored set size. Active Set update procedure allows the update of the active set (number of radio link activated between the UE and UTRAN) while UE is in the Cell_DCH State. The procedure can have one of the following three functions: radio link addition, radio link removal, or combined radio link addition and removal. Monitored set contains the list of neighbour cells that have to be controlled by the UE and that are not yet in the Active Set. They show Evolution of Active set during a variation of Mobile CPICH Ec/Io power, for example, during handover procedure. It is possible to observe variation of CPICH Ec/Io for each Scrambling code detected by the trace mobile simulator as shown in the following figure.
Figure 24.Soft Handover Statistics All maps, representing variation of power, are also available with a graphical representation against time.
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CONCLUSION The half-year Master Thesis that I carried out within the Alcatel Company
around UMTS finished at the time of the installation of the first UMTS networks. This experience took place at an important time of the development of this technology, which enabled me to understand the stake in this new challenge, as well for the operators, as for the network equipment supplier. In fact UMTS represents an important economic market in the field of telecommunications; its installation requires a significant human and financial investment on behalf of the companies that contribute to its deployment. From the theoretical specification fit by standardisation organisation such as the 3GPP, the engineering team of equipment suppliers has the role of acquiring technical knowledge necessary to the development of technological solutions. The practical development of these solutions is then validated by tests, carried out in situation starting from the pilot UMTS networks. These field trials represent an important phase for the projects following, because they allow a concrete study of UMTS characteristics and the comparison between its performances and those of the previous generations of mobile telephony. During my Master Thesis, the Post Processing Tool was developed in answer to a need reached during the performing of these tests. The stake was to be able to process by easy way data obtained on the radio interface during field trial and to compare GSM and UMTS technologies in terms of coverage and quality of communication. It allows the visualisation of traces from measurement tools used in mobility, by the means of maps or graphs. Data recovered during tests made it possible to exploit the possibilities of analysis the Post Processing Tool. Signal level maps give an idea of cell radio coverage for GSM and UMTS signals. Maps seem to be comparable with the two technologies. The quality communication maps show a difference in the behaviour between the two technologies. If the quality of reception in GSM decreases regularly as one move away from the antenna, in UMTS, the quality remains more or less constant until the limit of reception, then it falls quickly. Lastly, protocol maps allow the displaying of messages that appear during procedures of each technology, to evaluate, for example, the handover zones of each system. The graph representation brings a more precise study of the system aspect, such as the effects variation of CPICH channel. The Post Processing Tool version was developed for the processing of the field trials carried out by Alcatel, it is not yet performing perfectly, however its development will continue within the department. From a personal point of view, this Thesis was for me an excellent occasion to supplement my education by an experience in the world of the company. The study was carried out in a technologically advanced sector. The team works with experienced individuals and the responsibility related to the success conclusion for a complete project enabled me to discover the multiple issues of engineer work. Page 56/ 61
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Sales distribution by branch of industry ...................................................8 Figure 2. Sale Distributions In 2000...........................................................................8 Figure 3. contribution by business segment ..............................................................9 Figure 4. Alcatel general organisation .....................................................................10 Figure 5. Positioning of NOD team ..........................................................................11 Figure 6. UMTS Network Architecture ...................................................................14 Figure 7. Protocol Architecture of Radio Interface................................................16 Figure 8. Links between Logical, Transport and Physical channels.....................19 Figure 9. Associated multiple access Mode FDMA and TDMA............................20 Figure 10. Multiple Access Mode CDMA ................................................................20 Figure 11. Time Division of UMTS signal ...............................................................21 Figure 12. spreading and scrambling codes ............................................................22 Figure 13. soft and softer handover..........................................................................22 Figure 14. Example of structure for an Alcatel pilot network...............................27 Figure 15. Post processing tool architecture............................................................37 Figure 16. Organisation of Post processing tool......................................................40 Figure 17. Example of import form..........................................................................41 Figure 18. Modification of settings representation .................................................42 Figure 19. Level of received power in GMS and UMTS ........................................45 Figure 20. Detection of SC in "automatic" mode and "preset lists" ....................47 Figure 21. Radio coverage map ................................................................................49 Figure 22. Quality communication map ..................................................................52 Figure 23. Representation of protocolar messages .................................................54 Figure 24.Soft Handover Statistics...........................................................................55
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References
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] 3GPP, UTRAN Overall Description, 3G TS 24.401 V3.2.0 3GPP, Radio Interface Protocol Architecture, 3G TS 25.301 V3.4.0 3GPP, Radio Ressource Control (RRC) Protocol Specification, 3G TS 25.331 V3.4.1 3GPP, Physical channels and mapping of transport channels onto physical channels (FDD), 3G TS 25.211 V3.2.0 3GPP, Services provided by the physical layer, 3G TS 25.302 V3.3.0 3GPP, UE Radio Transmission and Reception (FDD), 3G TS 25.101 V3.3.0 3GPP, 3G Security: Security Architecture, 3G TS 33.102 V3.4.0 ETSI, Digital cellular telecommunications system (Phase 2+); Mobile radio interface layer 3 specification, GSM 04.08 ETSI, The ETSI UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) ITU-R RTT Candidate Submission, ETSI document SMG2 260/98 H. Holma, A. Toskala, WCDMA for UMTS, Wiley 2000 X. Lagrange, P. Godlewski, S. Tabbane, Rseaux GSM-DCS, Hermes 1995 A. Gaertner, UTRA (UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access), Alcatel document 3DF 009955 0004 UAZZA Alcatel, UMTS Field Trial System Description, Alcatel document 3DC 21146 0005 TQZZA Alcatel, Radio Network Tuning Methodology, Alcatel document 3DF 00915 0002 TQZZA Alcatel, General Quality Policy for Alcatel MCD Products and Services, Alcatel document 8BL 13350 0030 TQZZA C. Brechtmann, Missions and Organisation Chart of Professional Customer Services, Alcatel document 8BL 00802 0010 DEZZA Alcatel/Motorola, UTRAN System Feature Requirements And Architecture Specifications, Part 2: Overview of Telecom Functions, Alcatel document 3BK 11203 0067 DSZZA 3GPP, Base station conformance testing(FDD), 3G TS 25.141 V3.2.0
[18]
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GLOSSARY
2G 3G 3GPP ARFCN ARIB ATM BCCH BCH BER BMC BSIC BTS Carrier CC CCCH CDMA Chip Core Network CPCH CPICH CS CTCH DCCH DCH DCS Delay spread DL Downlink DPCCH DPDCH DSCH DTCH ETSI FACH FDD FDMA Field trial Frame GGSN GMSC GPRS GSM Handover HLR IP 2nd Generation of mobile networks 3rd Generation of mobile networks 3rd Generation Partnership Project Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number Association of Radio Industries and Business (Japan) Asynchronous Transfer Mode Broadcast Control Channel Broadcast Channel Bit Error Rate Broadcast Multicast Control Base transceiver Station Identity Code Base Transceiver Station Frquency band of 5MHz used for transmission channel in UMTS uplink and downlink. Call Control Common Control Channel Code Division Multiple Access Unity of time defined for CDMA. 1 chip = 260 ns. UMTS Sub-network equivalent to Network Sub-System in GSM. Common Packet Channel Common Pilot Channel Circuit Switched Common Traffic Channel Dedicated Control Channel Dedicated Channel Digital Cellular System Time interval between witch signal is received and integrated. Downlink Transmission direction from Node B to UE. Dedicated Physical Control Channel Dedicated Physical Data Channel Downlink Shared Channel Dedicated Traffic Channel European Telecommunication Standards Institute Forward Access Channel Frequency Division Duplex Frequency Division Multiple Access Test of network equipement perform in the field. Time unit used in CDMA. 1 frane = 15 timeslots = 10 ms Gateway GPRS Support Node Gateway Mobile Services switching Center General Packet Radio System Global System for Mobile communications Process deployed to maintain communication during a change of cell or sector. Home Location Register Internet Protocol
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials ISDN ITU LAC MAC MCC MCD MM MNC MSC NOD Node B Path loss PCCH PCCPCH PCH PCS PDCP PICH PLMN PS PSTN RACH RAKE RLC RNC RNS RRC RSCP RSSI RxLev RxQual SCCPCH SCH Scrambling code SF SGSN SIR Soft-handover Softerhandover Spreading code Spreading factor TDD TDMA Timeslot UE Integrated Services Digital Network International Telecommunication Union Location Area Code Medium Access Control Mobile Country Code Mobile Communication Division Mobility Management Mobile Network Code Mobile Services switching Center Network Optimization and Densification Equivalent UMTS de la BTS en GSM Propagation. Loss Paging Control Channel Primary Common Control Physical Channel Paging Channel Professional Customer Services Packet Data Convergence Protocol Paging Indicator Channel Public Land Mobile Network Packet Switched Public Switched Telephone Network Random Access Channel Receiver that allows to correct multi-path propagation effects. Radio Link Control Radio Network Controller Radio Network Subsystem Radio Resource Control Received Signal Code Power Received Signal Strength Indicator GSM mobile received power measured Quality signal measurement by estimating the GSM BER Secondary Common Control Physical Channel Synchronisation Channel Code CDMA identifiant la cellule ou lUE. Spreading Factor Serving GPRS Support Node Signal to Interference Ratio Process deployed to maintain communication during a change of sector between different Node B. Process deployed to maintain communication during a change of sector inside sectors of the same Node B. CDMA code that allows the spreading of the signal over the bandwidth and identify user. Ratio between signal rate in chip and signal rate in bit. Time Division Duplex Time Division Multiple Access Time unit used in CDMA. 1 timeslot = 2560 chips User Equipment
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Processing Tool for UMTS Field Trials UL UMTS Uplink USIM UTRA UTRAN VLR W-CDMA Uplink Universal Mobile Telecommunication System Transmission direction from UE to Node B. UMTS Subscriber Identity Module UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network Visitor Location Register Wideband CDMA
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Processing Tool For UMTS Field Trials: Mmanuel Eilz

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I would like to thank all the employees of Professional Customer Services at