Call Setup Performance

Cegetel GSM System
Call Set Up Performance

March 1999
27/04/99 Cegetel & Motorola Confidential Proprietary
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................... 3
2 DEFINITION OF CALL SET-UP SUCCESS RATE................................................................. 4
2.1 CALCULATION OF CALL SET-UP SUCCESS RATE ...................................................................... 4
2.2 CALL SET-UP FAILURES............................................................................................................ 4
2.3 INVESTIGATION OF LOW CALL SET-UP SUCCESS RATE............................................................ 7
3 COMPARISON OF CEGETEL AND MOTOROLA CALL SET-UP SUCCESS RATE
FORMULA............................................................................................................................................. 8
4 A INTERFACE ANALYSIS ....................................................................................................... 10
4.1 CALL SET UP SUCCESS............................................................................................................ 10
4.2 MOBILE ORIGINATED CALL SET-UP........................................................................................ 10
4.3 MOBILE TERMINATED CALL SET-UP....................................................................................... 11
4.4 PERFORMANCE OF SIGNALLING PROCEDURES ON SDCCH.................................................... 13
5 PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT STATISTICS ANALYSIS............................................ 15
5.1 NETWORK BUSY HOUR CALL SET-UP PERFORMANCE............................................................ 15
5.2 BSS BUSY HOUR CALL SET-UP PERFORMANCE..................................................................... 16
5.3 NETWORK WORST CELL BUSY HOUR PERFORMANCE ............................................................ 18
5.4 NANTES BUSY HOUR CALL SET-UP PERFORMANCE ............................................................... 19
5.5 NANTES WORST CELL BUSY HOUR PERFORMANCE................................................................ 20
6 DATABASE PARAMETERS IMPACTING CALL SET-UP SUCCESS RATE................... 22
6.1 ASSIGN_SUCCESSFUL => 15000 .............................................................................................. 22
6.2 BSSMAP_T10 => 14000........................................................................................................... 22
6.3 INTERFER_BANDS,4 => 63 ...................................................................................................... 22
6.4 RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN =>8........................................................................................................ 22
6.5 CONGESTION RELIEF/CALL QUEUING..................................................................................... 23
6.6 DISCONTINUOUS TRANSMISSION (DTX) ................................................................................. 23
6.7 POWER CONTROL.................................................................................................................... 23
6.8 LOCATION AREA OPTIMISATION............................................................................................. 23
6.9 CARRIER PRIORITISATION....................................................................................................... 23
6.10 SDCCH PLACEMENT.............................................................................................................. 24
APPENDIX A: PERFORMANCE METRIC DEFINITIONS........................................................ 25
Introduction Page 3
1 Introduction
This document presents an analysis of the call set-up performance for the portion
Cegetel GSM Network covered by Motorola BSS equipment.
The document describes the methodology for calculating the call set up success
rate for a Motorola GSM cellular network, defining the calculation based on
performance management statistics and presenting a wide variety of possible
causes for call set up failure. A comparison is made between statistical calculation
that Motorola defines for call set-up success and the Cegetel "Taux dEchecs
dEtablissement DAppel" calculation, highlighting the pros and cons of each
formula.
Two separate techniques were used to analyse the call set-up performance for the
Cegetel network. The first technique analysed call set-up success at a BSS level
through A interface signalling traces captured from 4 separate BSCs, St. Herblain A,
B, D and E. The data was captured using the Siemens K1103 protocol analyser and
post processed using a Motorola developed software application, ASTAT. It should
be noted that A interface analysis only covers a snapshot of system performance,
covering approximately 2000 call attempts per BSS.
The second technique gave a more comprehensive analysis of call set-up
performance down to cell level through BSS raw statistics, highlighting key cells and
key causes of call set-up failure for different BSCs.
Finally a set of configuration management parameters and Motorola BSS software
features that can impact the call set-up success rate is presented and the impact of
each parameter and feature on call set-up success is discussed.
2 Definition Of Call Set-Up Success Rate
2.1 Calculation Of Call Set-Up Success Rate
The Motorola call set-up success rate is defined as the success of SDCCH
accesses which require a TCH (i.e. system accesses for call attempts rather than
SMS or supplementary service attempts) completing a TCH assignment. The key
statistic formula defined to calculate call set-up success rate is:
100%
) ) req_sms] C[cm_serv_ OK_ACC_PRO - ON_SDCCH (SMS_INIT_ -
eq_emerg] C[cm_ser_r OK_ACC_PRO + ponse] C[page_res OK_ACC_PRO +
ablish] C[cm_reest OK_ACC_PRO + req_call] C[cm_serv_ OK_ACC_PRO (
) C SIGN_HO_SU CONGEST_AS + S TOTAL_CALL (
The denominator of the call set-up success rate key statistic calculates the number
of SDCCH accesses that require a TCH i.e. mobile originated call attempts, mobile
terminated call attempts, emergency call attempts and call reestablishment
attempts. Since Paging Responses can relate to either mobile terminated call
attempts or mobile terminated SMS attempts, and SMS attempts do not require a
TCH, the mobile terminated SMS attempts must be not included in the denominator.
The number of mobile terminated SMS attempts is calculated by subtracting the
mobile originated SMS attempts from the total number of SAPI 3 SMS connections
established on the SDCCH, represented by the statistics counter
SMS_INIT_ON_SDCCH.
The numerator of the call set-up success rate metric calculates the number of
completed call set-up TCH assignments, including those that were achieved through
the use of a directed retry handover to a neighbouring cell.
There are currently two outstanding problem reports for the OMC Call Set-Up
Success rate calculation (key statistic TCH ASSIGN SUCCESS RATE in GSR 3).
Problem Report 116079 will correct the name to CALL SET-UP SUCCESS RATE in
GSR 4 while Problem Report 116328 corrects the formula in GSR 4. Both issues
can be worked around in GSR 3 through the use of Customised Key Statistics.
To ensure accurate calculation of call set-up success rate it is essential that all raw
statistics that make up the formula be enabled in all cells under investigation.
The CAT2 tool in the Cell Optimisation Product (COP) which is already installed on
the OMC provides a utility to test which statistics are disabled, identify the cells
impacted and enable the necessary statistics.
2.2 Call Set-Up Failures
The signalling flow from mobile station to MSC via the BSS for a successful mobile
originated call is shown in Figure 2-1.
With reference to figure 2-1, the call set-up success rate as defined in section 2.1
measures the success of a CM SERVICE REQUEST received by the BSS on the
air interface reaching transmission of an ASSIGNMENT COMPLETE to the MSC on
the A interface.
There are many protocol exchanges that must complete for a successful call set-up
e.g.
The MSC must confirm the SCCP connection establishment.
The MSC connection refusal rate for BSS initiated SCCP CONNECTION
REQUESTS for all connection types (call, location update, SMS,
supplementary service, IMSI detach or call re-establishment) can be
calculated using BSS raw statistics.
Methodology and Definitions Page 5
If enabled, the authentication procedure must complete successfully.
This MSC-MS procedure, transparent to the BSS cannot be measured by the
BSS statistics. MSC statistics or A-interface analysis must be used.
If enabled, the ciphering procedure must complete successfully.
Ciphering failures can be calculated through the BSS raw statistic
cipher_mode_fail.
If enabled, the MS IMEI identification procedure must complete successfully.
If enabled, the TMSI reallocation procedure must complete successfully.
Throughout the protocol exchanges on the SDCCH, the channel must not
suffer an RF loss.
The SDCCH RF loss rate for all connection types (call, location update, SMS,
supplementary service, IMSI detach or CM re-establishment) can be
calculated using BSS raw statistics.
The MSC must be able to provide the service requested by the mobile station
in the call control Set Up message.
This MSC-MS procedure, transparent to the BSS cannot be measured by
The MSC must be able to initiate an assignment request to the BSS.
Failures in this area can only be calculated at the MSC or through A-interface
analysis.
The BSS must be able to successfully allocate a TCH resource when
requested i.e. no TCH blocking must exist. Note that this may be achieved
through the use of assignment queuing, congestion relief or directed retry.
The call set-up TCH blocking rate can be calculated using BSS raw statistics.
The mobile must successfully complete the assignment to the allocated TCH.
The TCH radio assignment success rate can be calculated using BSS raw
statistics, however this calculation includes intra cell handovers as well as
MSC initiated assignment requests.
Note that the subscriber may manually terminate the call set-up procedure at
any stage.
This can only be measured by the MSC or A interface analysis.
MOBILE
STATION
BSS MSC
CHANNEL REQUEST
(RACH)
IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT
(AGCH)
SABM (CM SERVICE REQUEST)
(SDCCH)
CR [COMPLETE L3 INFO
(CM SERVICE REQUEST)]
UA (CM SERVICE REQUEST)
(SDCCH)
CC (AUTHENTICATION REQUEST)
I (AUTHENTICATION REQUEST)
(SDCCH)
I (AUTHENTICATION RESPONSE)
(SDCCH)
DT1 (AUTHENTICATION RESPONSE)
DT1 (CIPHER MODE COMMAND)
I (CIPHERING MODE COMMAND)
(SDCCH)
I (CIPHERING MODE COMPLETE)
(SDCCH)
DT1 (CIPHER MODE COMPLETE)
DT1 (IDENTITY REQUEST)
I (IDENTITY REQUEST)
(SDCCH)
I (IDENTITY RESPONSE)
(SDCCH)
DT1 (IDENTITY RESPONSE)
DT1 (SETUP)
I (SETUP)
(SDCCH)
I (CALL PROCEEDING)
(SDCCH)
DT1 (CALL PROCEEDING)
DT1 (TMSI REALLOCATION COMMAND)
I (TMSI REALLOCATION COMMAND)
(SDCCH)
I (TMSI REALLOCATION COMPLETE)
(SDCCH)
DT1 (TMSI REALLOCATION COMPLETE)
CALL SET UP
ATTEMPT
Figure 2-1 Successful Call Set-Up Signalling Flow Diagram
MOBILE
STATION
BSS MSC
DT1 (ALERTING)
DT1 (CONNECT)
I (CONNECT)
(FACCH)
I (CONNECT ACKNOWLEDGE)
(FACCH)
DT1 (CONNECT ACKNOWLEDGE)
DT1 (ASSIGNMENT REQUEST)
I (ASSIGNMENT COMMAND)
(SDCCH)
I (ASSIGNMENT COMPLETE)
(FACCH)
DT1 (ASSIGNMENT COMPLETE)
SABM ()
(FACCH)
UA ()
(FACCH)
I (ALERTING)
(FACCH)
CALL SET UP
SUCCESS
Figure 2-1 (continued) Successful Call Set-Up Signalling Flow Diagram
2.3 Investigation Of Low Call Set-Up Success Rate
To investigate cases of low call set-up success rate it is essential to consider the
contribution of each of phases of call set-up highlighted in section 2.2. This was
carried out for the BSSs under investigation in the Cegetel network using A-
interface analysis and BSS performance management statistics analysis in sections
4 and 5 respectively.
3 Comparison Of Cegetel And Motorola Call Set-Up Success
Rate Formula
The Motorola call set-up success rate formula is fully defined in section 2 and
compares the number of times that the MS successfully establishes on the TCH
against the number of mobile accesses on the SDCCH that require a TCH to be
allocated.
100%
) ) req_sms] C[cm_serv_ OK_ACC_PRO - ON_SDCCH (SMS_INIT_ -
eq_emerg] C[cm_ser_r OK_ACC_PRO + ponse] C[page_res OK_ACC_PRO +
ablish] C[cm_reest OK_ACC_PRO + req_call] C[cm_serv_ OK_ACC_PRO (
) C SIGN_HO_SU CONGEST_AS + S TOTAL_CALL (
The Cegetel formula "Taux dEchecs dEtablissement DAppel" makes an alternative

calculation by measuring the number of successful SDCCH accesses which do not
suffer an SDCCH RF loss and do not fail to access a TCH.
+
+
+
+

msc _ from _ req _ ma
) calls _ total
blkd _ ms _ to _ cmd _ ma
msc _ from _ req _ ma (
blkd _ ms _ to _ cmd _ ma
1 x
req_supp] C[cm_serv_ OK_ACC_PRO
_update] C[location OK_ACC_PRO
_detach] imsi [ PROC _ ACC _ OK
] sms _ req _ serv _ cm [ PROC _ ACC _ OK
eq_emerg] C[cm_ser_r OK_ACC_PRO
+ ponse] C[page_res OK_ACC_PRO
+ ablish] C[cm_reest OK_ACC_PRO
+ req_call] C[cm_serv_ OK_ACC_PRO
sd _ losses _ rf
1 ( 1
As a general comparison the Motorola formula is based on success statistics e.g.
total_calls, and the Cegetel formula is based on failure statistics e.g. rflosses_sd
and ma_cmd_to_ms_blkd.
The Motorola formula gives an accurate perspective of call set-up success as
perceived by the subscriber and relates purely to call set-up attempts, excluding
SMS, supplementary services and location updates.
The Cegetel formula gives a good measure of the failures by the MS to access the
network due to the radio sub system problems e.g. RF losses and TCH blocking
and TCH assignment failures. However the Cegetel formula is not based on call set-
up system accesses alone and does not cover all possible call set-up failure
scenarios (see section 2.2), therefore the formula does not give an accurate
perspective of call set-up success as perceived by the subscriber.
The Cegetel formula is based on all 8 type of system accesses by the mobile station
i.e. mobile originated and mobile terminated call attempts, mobile originated and
mobile terminated SMS attempts, mobile originated supplementary service
attempts, call re-establishment attempts, location update attempts and IMSI detach
attempts. The initiation of location updates and the success of IMSI detach attempts
are not actually experienced by the subscriber. A high ratio of location updates to
other MS procedures e.g. calls/SMS/SS could give a false view of network
performance as experienced by the user. There is a strong probability that the RF
losses performance for location updates is worse than a call attempts since the
mobile has more chance of being in an area of poor coverage. For example an MS
may be in a bag or in a desk within a building when a location update is attempted
whereas if a call is to be attempted the subscriber may sub-consciously move to
ensure he is in an area of good coverage.
For call set-up failures, the Cegetel formula includes the effects of SDCCH RF
losses, TCH blocking and TCH assignment failures. However there are many other
call set-up failure scenarios that could occur which the formula does not consider
e.g. MSC refusing to establish the SCCP connection, MSC clearing the call set-up
at any stage, the subscriber clearing the call set-up at any stage, the MSC failing to
provide resources for the requested service, MSC failing to allocate a terrestrial
circuit, failure of authentication, ciphering, TMSI reallocation or MS identity
procedure.
Both formula provide a slightly different angle on call set-up performance and it is
important for the network operator to select the appropriate formula for the particular
performance goal that is to be achieved.
4 A Interface Analysis
4.1 Call Set Up Success
The overall call set up success rate for each BSS under investigation was
determined from the A interface data by comparing the volume of successfully
completed TCH assignments (Assignment Complete) against the volume of call
attempts (CM Service Request/Paging Response for calls). The results are shown
in figure 4-1.
BSS Overall Call Set-Up
Success Rate
Overall Call
Attempts
St. Herblain A 96.75 2184
St. Herblain B 95.82 1962
St. Herblain D 95.76 1886
St. Herblain E 95.91 3449
Figure 4-1 Overall Call Set-Up Success Rate From A Interface Data
The overall call set-up success rate figure was broken down into mobile originated
and mobile terminated call set-up success rates for each BSS, the results are
shown in figure 4-2.
BSC Mobile
Originated
Call Set-Up
Success Rate
Mobile
Originated Call
Attempts
Mobile
Terminated
Call Set-Up
Success Rate
Mobile
Terminated
Call Attempts
St. Herblain A 96.52 1321 97.10 863
St. Herblain B 95.50 1222 96.35 740
St. Herblain D 95.33 1264 96.62 622
St. Herblain E 94.89 2252 97.83 1197
Figure 4-2 Mobile Originated and Mobile Terminated Call Set-Up Success Rate
From A Interface Data
Each BSS shows a slightly better mobile terminated call set-up success rate than
mobile originated call set-up success rate. This is unusual since it is normally
assumed that mobile originating subscribers are in better areas of system coverage
than mobile terminating subscribers.
4.2 Mobile Originated Call Set-Up
The mobile originated call set-up failures were divided into 7 categories to evaluate
the distribution of failure causes. The 7 call set-up failure categories were defined as
follows:
MSC refusing the establishment of the SCCP connection through a DTAP CM
Service Reject.
Performance Page 11
MSC clearing an established SCCP connection with an unprovoked BSSMAP
Clear Command.
SDCCH RF losses
User initiated clearing during call set-up, either through a DTAP CM Service
Abort or DTAP IMSI Detach Indication
An MSC generated DTAP Release Complete in response to a MS generated
DTAP Set Up indicating a failure of the MSC to provide the resources
requested by the mobile station.
TCH Assignment Failures due to either TCH blocking at the BSS or the failure
of the mobile station to access the target TCH channel with subsequent
successful re-establishment on the SDCCH channel.
TCH Assignment Failures (Lost MS) due to the failure of the mobile to access
the target TCH channel and failure to re-establish on the SDCCH channel.
The distribution of causes of mobile originated call set-up failures is shown in figure
4-3.
BREAKDOWN OF MOBILE ORIGINATED CALL SET UP FAILURES
FROM A INTERFACE SIGNALLING DATA
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
St. Herblain A St. Herblain B St. Herblain D St. Herblain E
BSC
%

C
A
L
L

S
E
T

U
P

F
A
I
L
U
R
E
S
MSC CM Service Reject MSC Clear Command SDCCH RF Losses User Initiated Clearing
Set Up / Release Complete Losses TCH Assignment Failures TCH Assignment Failures (MS Lost)
Figure 4-3 Breakdown of Mobile Originated Call Set-Up Failures
Figure 4-3 illustrates that call set-up failures can be attributed to the BSS, MSC and
mobile station. In each BSS radio interference provides the largest impact on call
set-up failures through SDCCH RF losses and TCH assignment failures. However
the MSC contributes between 0.25% and 0.75% of call set-up failures and the
mobile subscriber contributes between 1% and 2% of call set-up failures by aborting
the call-set up attempt.
4.3 Mobile Terminated Call Set-Up
The mobile terminated call set-up failures were divided into 9 categories to evaluate
the distribution of failure causes. The 9 call set-up failure categories were defined as
follows:
MSC refusing the establishment of the SCCP connection through an DTAP
CM Service Reject.
MSC clearing an established SCCP connection with an unprovoked BSSMAP
Clear Command.
SDCCH RF losses.
MSC or MS initiated clearing during call set-up, through a DTAP Disconnect.
MSC or MS initiated clearing during call set-up, through a DTAP Release.
MS initiated clearing during call set-up, through a DTAP IMSI Detach
Indication.
An MS generated DTAP Release Complete in response to a MSC generated
DTAP Set Up indicating a failure of the MS to support the resources
requested by the MSC.
TCH Assignment Failures due to either TCH blocking at the BSS or the failure
of the mobile station to access the target TCH channel with subsequent
successful re-establishment on the SDCCH channel.
TCH Assignment Failures (Lost MS) due to the failure of the mobile to access
the target TCH channel and failure to re-establish on the SDCCH channel.
The distribution of causes of mobile originated call set-up failures is shown in figure
4-4.
BREAKDOWN OF MOBILE TERMINATED CALL SET UP FAILURES
FROM A INTERFACE SIGNALLING DATA
0.00
1.00
2.00
3.00
4.00
5.00
6.00
BSC
C
A
L
L

S
E
T

U
P

F
A
I
L
U
R
E

%
MSC SCCP Connection Refused IMSI Detach Indication SDCCH RF Loss
Set Up / Release Complete MSC Clear Command DTAP Release
DTAP Disconnect TCH Assignment Failures TCH Assignment Failures (MS Lost)
Figure 4-4 Breakdown of Causes Of Mobile Terminated Call Set-Up Failure
Figure 4-4 illustrates a wide variety of causes of call set-up failure for mobile
terminated call attempts. The MSC appears to refuse a higher number of BSS
SCCP connection requests in comparison to the mobile analysis in section 4.2.
There is a large percentage of failures due to the mobile station or MSC releasing
the connection through a DTAP Disconnect or Release. In order to determine if this
is due to system issues or subscriber behaviour, the causes of these failure cases
Performance Page 13
need further analysis to establish the root cause. The impact of radio interference
on call set-up attempts is evident but not as significant as for mobile originated calls.
4.4 Performance Of Signalling Procedures On SDCCH
The success rates of the authentication, ciphering and mobile station IMEI identity
procedures are shown for all call set-ups, mobile originated call set-ups and mobile
terminated call set-ups in figures 4-5 to 4-7 respectively.
It is clear from figures 4-5 to 4-7 that there are no performance issues with the
authentication, ciphering or mobile station identity procedures. It is assumed that the
failures that exist are due to radio interference causing loss of the air interface
connection during the signalling procedure.
PERFORMANCE OF AUTHENTICATION, CIPHERING AND MS IDENTITY PROCEDURES FOR ALL
CALL ESTABLISHMENTS
95.00
95.50
96.00
96.50
97.00
97.50
98.00
98.50
99.00
99.50
100.00
BSS
S
U
C
C
E
S
S

R
A
T
E

(
%
)
AUTHENTICATON SUCCESS CIPHERING SUCCESS MS IDENTITY SUCCESS
Figure 4-5 Performance Of Authentication, Ciphering and MS Identity
Procedures For All Call Set-Ups
PERFORMANCE OF AUTHENTICATION, CIPHERING AND MS IDENTITY PROCEDURES FOR MOBILE
ORIGINATED CALL ESTABLISHMENT
95.00
95.50
96.00
96.50
97.00
97.50
98.00
98.50
99.00
99.50
100.00
BSS
S
U
C
C
E
S
S

R
A
T
E

(
%
)
Procedures For Mobile Originated Call Set-Up
PERFORMANCE OF AUTHENTICATION, CIPHERING AND MS IDENTITY PROCEDURES FOR MOBILE
TERMINATED CALL ESTABLISHMENT
95.00
95.50
96.00
96.50
97.00
97.50
98.00
98.50
99.00
99.50
100.00
BSS
S
U
C
C
E
S
S

R
A
T
E

(
%
)
Procedures For Mobile Terminated Call Set-Up
Performance Page 15
5 Performance Management Statistics Analysis
The following sub- sections analyse the call set-up success performance at Network
level, BSS level and cell level through BSS Performance Management statistics.
The typical call set-up failure causes that can be measured through BSS
Performance Management statistics, call set-up TCH blocking rate, SDCCH RF loss
rate and TCH Radio Assignment Failure rate are also shown at each level of
analysis in an effort to show the contribution of each failure case. It should be noted
that these failure cases are those that are incorporated in the Cegetel metric " Taux
dEchecs dEtablissement DAppel".
5.1 Network Busy Hour Call Set-Up Performance
The daily busy hour call set-up performance at a network level covering the 34
Motorola BSSs under OMC1 from the 16
th
March 1999 to the 24
th
March 1999 is
shown in figure 5-1.
Network Daily Busy Hour Call Set-Up Success Rate
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
16-Mar-99 17-Mar-99 18-Mar-99 19-Mar-99 20-Mar-99 21-Mar-99 22-Mar-99 23-Mar-99 24-Mar-99
Date
C
a
l
l

S
e
t
-
U
p

S
u
c
c
e
s
s

R
a
t
e

(
%
)
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
70000
80000
90000
100000
C
a
l
l

V
o
l
u
m
e
BH Call Setup Success Rate (%) BH Call Volume
Figure 5-1 Network Daily Busy Hour Call Set-Up Success
Figure 5-1 shows that the network busy hour call set-up success rate has significant
variation from day to day, ranging from a maximum of over 95% to a minimum less
than 91%.
Figure 5-2 shows the network busy hour TCH blocking rate, SDCCH RF loss rate
and TCH radio assignment success rate, the three BSS related failure causes that
contribute to call set-up failures.
Network Daily Busy Hour Call Set-Up Failures
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
Date
F
a
i
l
u
r
e

R
a
t
e

(
%
)
BH Call Setup TCH Blocking Rate (%) BH SDCCH RF Loss Rate (%) BH TCH Radio Assignment Failure Rate (%)
Figure 5-2 Network Daily Busy Hour Call Set-Up Failure Causes
It is clear from figure 5-2 that the network level TCH blocking rate is much lower
than the SDCCH RF loss and TCH radio assignment success rate which are directly
related to the network radio frequency plan and health/installation of radio and
antenna hardware. This correlates with the call set-up failure causes found in the A
interface analysis in section 4. It should be noted that the sum of the three BSS
related call set-up failure causes shown in figure 5-2 does not account for all call
set-up failures shown on figure 5-1. This highlights the significant contribution of call
set-up failures attributable to the signalling procedures between the MSC and
mobile station and the influence of the MSC and subscriber that were discussed in
section 2.2.
5.2 BSS Busy Hour Call Set-Up Performance
The weekly busy hour call set-up performance for each Motorola BSS is shown in
figure 5-3.
BSS Busy Hour Call Set-Up Success Rate
Over Period 16th March 1999 to 24th March 1999
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
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e
lle
_
B
_
3
9
4
5

B
s
c
_
L
a
v
a
l_
B
_
3
9
2
2

B
s
c
_
L
e
_
M
a
n
s
_
A
_
3
9
0
9

B
s
c
_
L
e
_
M
a
n
s
_
B
_
3
9
0
9

B
s
c
_
L
o
r
ie
n
t
_
B
_
3
9
5
1

B
s
c
_
L
u
c
o
n
_
3
9
4
3

B
s
c
_
N
a
n
te
s
_
B
_
3
9
2
9

B
s
c
_
N
io
r
t_
3
9
1
0

B
s
c
_
P
a
r
th
e
n
a
y
_
3
9
3
2

B
s
c
_
P
o
itie
r
s
_
A
_
3
9
1
2

B
s
c
_
P
o
itie
r
s
_
B
_
3
9
3
6

B
s
c
_
P
o
r
n
ic
h
e
t
_
3
9
0
5

B
s
c
_
P
o
r
n
ic
h
e
t_
B
_
3
9
5
2

B
s
c
_
R
o
c
h
e
lle
_
3
9
0
0

B
s
c
_
S
a
in
te
s
_
3
9
0
1

B
s
c
_
S
a
in
t
e
s
_
B
_
3
9
0
1

B
s
c
_
S
t_
H
e
r
b
la
in
_
A
_
3
9
1
9

B
s
c
_
S
t_
H
e
r
b
la
in
_
B
_
3
9
2
3

B
s
c
_
S
t_
H
e
r
b
la
in
_
C
_
3
9
0
4

B
s
c
_
S
t_
H
e
r
b
la
in
_
D
_
3
9
5
3

B
s
c
_
T
o
u
r
s
_
A
_
3
9
0
3

B
s
c
_
T
o
u
r
s
_
B
_
3
9
0
8

B
s
c
_
T
o
u
r
s
_
C
_
3
9
5
5

BSS
C
a
l
l

S
e
t
-
U
p

S
u
c
c
e
s
s

R
a
t
e

(
%
)
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
C
a
l
l

V
o
l
u
m
e
Figure 5-3 BSS Weekly Busy Hour Call Set-Up Success
Performance Page 17
Figure 5-3 shows that there are 4 BSSs with significantly lower call set-up success
rate, BSC Angouleme B 3508, BSC Chateauroux 3939, BSC La Rochelle B 3945
and BSC Saintes 3901.
Figure 5-4 shows the BSS weekly busy hour TCH blocking rate, SDCCH RF loss
rate and TCH radio assignment success rate, the three BSS related failure causes
that contribute to call set-up failures.
BSS Busy Hour Call Set-Up Failures
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
B
s
c
_
A
le
n
c
o
n
_
A
_
3
9
2
8

B
s
c
_
A
le
n
c
o
n
_
B
_
3
9
2
8

B
s
c
_
A
n
g
o
u
le
m
e
_
A
_
3
5
0
8

B
s
c
_
A
n
g
o
u
le
m
e
_
B
_
3
5
0
8

B
s
c
_
A
r
r
a
d
o
n
_
B
_
3
9
1
6

B
s
c
_
C
h
a
lla
n
s
_
3
9
4
2

B
s
c
_
C
h
a
te
a
u
b
r
ia
n
t_
3
9
4
0

B
s
c
_
C
h
a
te
a
u
r
o
u
x
_
3
9
3
9

B
s
c
_
C
h
o
le
t_
3
9
0
6

B
s
c
_
L
a
_
R
o
c
h
e
_
S
u
r
_
Y
o
n
_
A
_
3
9
1
1

B
s
c
_
L
a
_
R
o
c
h
e
_
S
u
r
_
Y
o
n
_
B
_
3
9
4
4

B
s
c
_
L
a
_
R
o
c
h
e
lle
_
B
_
3
9
4
5

B
s
c
_
L
a
v
a
l_
B
_
3
9
2
2

B
s
c
_
L
e
_
M
a
n
s
_
A
_
3
9
0
9

B
s
c
_
L
e
_
M
a
n
s
_
B
_
3
9
0
9

B
s
c
_
L
o
r
ie
n
t_
B
_
3
9
5
1

B
s
c
_
L
u
c
o
n
_
3
9
4
3

B
s
c
_
N
a
n
te
s
_
B
_
3
9
2
9

B
s
c
_
N
io
r
t_
3
9
1
0

B
s
c
_
P
a
r
t
h
e
n
a
y
_
3
9
3
2

B
s
c
_
P
o
itie
r
s
_
A
_
3
9
1
2

B
s
c
_
P
o
itie
r
s
_
B
_
3
9
3
6

B
s
c
_
P
o
r
n
ic
h
e
t_
3
9
0
5

B
s
c
_
P
o
r
n
ic
h
e
t_
B
_
3
9
5
2

B
s
c
_
R
o
c
h
e
lle
_
3
9
0
0

B
s
c
_
S
a
in
te
s
_
3
9
0
1

B
s
c
_
S
a
in
te
s
_
B
_
3
9
0
1

B
s
c
_
S
t
_
H
e
r
b
la
in
_
A
_
3
9
1
9

B
s
c
_
S
t
_
H
e
r
b
la
in
_
B
_
3
9
2
3

B
s
c
_
S
t_
H
e
r
b
la
in
_
C
_
3
9
0
4

B
s
c
_
S
t_
H
e
r
b
la
in
_
D
_
3
9
5
3

B
s
c
_
T
o
u
r
s
_
A
_
3
9
0
3

B
s
c
_
T
o
u
r
s
_
B
_
3
9
0
8

B
s
c
_
T
o
u
r
s
_
C
_
3
9
5
5

Failure Rate (%)
B
S
S
Figure 5-4 BSS Weekly Busy Hour Call Set-Up Failure Causes
The TCH radio assignment success rate for BSC Angouleme A 3508 and BSC
Laval B 3922 produced negative values and are not plotted in figure 5-4.
The negative values are due to either to essential raw statistics being disabled in
some cells or BTS RSLs out of service at time of statistics collection and requires
further investigation.
The negative value for TCH radio assignment success for BSC Angouleme A 3508
is due to the raw statistic ma_cmd_to_ms being disabled in 3 cells, La_Couronne-
11[z4] (cell ID 208-10-3508-11629), Voeuil_Et_Giget-13[z4] (cell id 208-10-3508-
11620) and Voeuil_Et_Giget-13[z4] (cell id 208-10-3508-1620).
The negative value for TCH radio assignment success rate for BSC Laval B 3922 is
due to raw statistic anomalies at both cells at Soulge_Sur_Ouette-4[z2] (cell ids208-
10-3922-15309 and 208-10-3922-5309). It is most likely that this is due to a BTS
site reset during the busy hour statistics interval, particularly since both cells at the
same site are affected at the same time.
The low call set-up success rate for La_Rochelle_B_3945 can be attributed to a
high TCH radio assignment failure rate. This is entirely due to the TCH radio
assignment failure rate for a single cell, Rochefort_Sur_Mer-6[z4] (cell id 208-10-
3945-11718) which has a success rate of only 50.29%. If this cell is excluded from
the analysis then the BSS TCH radio assignment success rate drops to 1.79%, a
more typical value. It is apparent that a significant hardware fault or heavy RF
interference is causing subscribers to repeatedly attempt and fail to make a call on
this cell, dragging down the whole BSS call set-up performance.
The low call set-up success rate for BSC Angouleme B 3508, BSC Chateauroux
3939, BSC La Rochelle B 3945 and BSC Saintes 3901 require further analysis to
determine the root cause.
5.3 Network Worst Cell Busy Hour Performance
The weekly busy hour call set-up performance for the worst fifteen cells that carry at
least 100 calls per busy hour is shown in figure 5-5.
Busy Hour Call Set-Up Success Rate For Worst 15 Cells Carrying Significant Call Volume
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
5
0
8
-
1
6
1
9

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
5
0
8
-
2
1
6
1
6

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
5
0
8
-
1
6
0
4

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
9
4
5
-
1
1
7
1
8

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
5
0
8
-
2
1
6
1
3

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
5
0
8
-
1
6
4
2

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
9
1
1
-
2
8
5
3
3

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
9
0
1
-
1
7
0
1

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
5
0
8
-
2
1
6
1
9

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
9
1
2
-
1
7
9
1
3

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
5
0
8
-
1
1
6
1
9

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
9
1
0
-
2
7
9
0
5

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
9
3
6
-
8
6
3
7

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
9
4
4
-
8
5
0
5

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
9
3
9
-
1
3
6
0
1

Cell ID
C
a
l
l

S
e
t
-
U
p

S
u
c
c
e
s
s

R
a
t
e

(
%
)
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
C
a
l
l

V
o
l
u
m
e
Figure 5-5 Weekly Busy Hour Call Set-Up Success For Worst Performing
Cells Carrying Significant Call Volume
Figure 5-5 shows that there are a significant number of cells with very poor call set-
up success rate that need to be investigated. Resolution of these cells will help to
give a substantial improvement in overall call set-up success rate with their
significant call volume and poor success rate.
Figure 5-6 breaks down the call set-up failures for BSS related causes for the15
cells with the worst busy hour call set-up performance.
Busy Hour Call Set-Up Failures For Worst 15 Cells Carrying Significant Call Volume
0
10
20
30
40
50
60

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
5
0
8
-
1
6
1
9

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
5
0
8
-
2
1
6
1
6

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
5
0
8
-
1
6
0
4

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
9
4
5
-
1
1
7
1
8

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
5
0
8
-
2
1
6
1
3

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
5
0
8
-
1
6
4
2

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
9
1
1
-
2
8
5
3
3

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
9
0
1
-
1
7
0
1

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
5
0
8
-
2
1
6
1
9

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
9
1
2
-
1
7
9
1
3

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
5
0
8
-
1
1
6
1
9

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
9
1
0
-
2
7
9
0
5

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
9
3
6
-
8
6
3
7

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
9
4
4
-
8
5
0
5

2
0
8
-
1
0
-
3
9
3
9
-
1
3
6
0
1

Cell ID
F
a
i
l
u
r
e

R
a
t
e

(
%
)
Figure 5-6 Weekly Busy Hour Call Set-Up Success For Worst Performing
Cells Carrying Significant Call Volume
Performance Page 19
Figure 5-6 provides the root cause for some cells poor call set-up performance, for
example one cell has a high TCH blocking rate and one cell has a high TCH
assignment failure rate. The other cells where the root cause cannot be determined
from the failure causes displayed in figure 5-6 require further investigation through
call trace or A-interface analysis.
5.4 Nantes Busy Hour Call Set-Up Performance
The daily busy hour call set-up performance at a network level covering 112 cells
identified by Cegetel in the Nantes region from the 16
th
March 1999 to the 24
th
March 1999 is shown in figure 5-7.
Nantes Daily Busy Hour Call Set-Up Success Rate
94.2
94.4
94.6
94.8
95
95.2
95.4
95.6
95.8
96
Date
C
a
l
l

S
e
t
-
U
p

S
u
c
c
e
s
s

R
a
t
e

(
%
)
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
C
a
l
l

V
o
l
u
m
e
Figure 5-7 Nantes Daily Busy Hour Call Set-Up Success
Figure 5-7 shows a high and consistent level of call set-up success, with a
maximum just below 96% and a minimum just below 95% over the period of study.
This compares very closely with the call set-up success rate measured in section
4.1 from A interface data for the same BSSs.
Figure 5-8 breaks down the call set up failure causes for the Nantes region at a
network level.
Nantes Daily Busy Hour Call Set-Up Failures
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
16/03/99 17/03/99 18/03/99 19/03/99 20/03/99 21/03/99 22/03/99 23/03/99 24/03/99
Date
C
a
l
l

S
e
t
-
U
p

F
a
i
l
u
r
e

R
a
t
e

(
%
)
Figure 5-8 Nantes Daily Busy Hour Call Set-Up Failure Causes
Figure 5-8 shows that failures related to radio interference or radio hardware
performance contributes to almost 1.5% of call set-up failures in the Nantes region.
However as shown in section 4 this is not the only significant cause of failure.
Further analysis of call trace and A interface signalling is recommended to evaluate
the other major causes of failure.
5.5 Nantes Worst Cell Busy Hour Performance
The weekly busy hour call set-up performance for the ten worst cells, carrying at
least 100 calls per day, out of the 112 cells identified by Cegetel that cover the
Nantes region is shown in figure 5-9.
Busy Hour Call Set-Up Success Rate For Worst 10 Cells In Nantes Carrying Significant Call Volume
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
208-10-
3953-4440
208-10-
3923-4438
208-10-
3929-34449
208-10-
3953-24437
208-10-
3904-4492
208-10-
3929-14400
208-10-
3904-4446
208-10-
3919-34428
208-10-
3953-14440
208-10-
3953-14472
208-10-
3923-14422
Cell ID
C
a
l
l

S
e
t
-
U
p

S
u
c
c
e
s
s

R
a
t
e

(
%
)
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
C
a
l
l

V
o
l
u
m
e
Figure 5-9 Nantes Worst Cell Busy Hour Call Set-Up Success
It is clear that the worst cells in the Nantes region still have a high level of call set-up
success. The failure causes for each cell are shown in figure 5-10.
Performance Page 21
Busy Hour Call Set-Up Failures For Worst 10 Nantes Cells Carrying Significant Call Volume
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
208-10-
3953-4440
208-10-
3923-4438
208-10-
3929-34449
208-10-
3953-24437
208-10-
3904-4492
208-10-
3929-14400
208-10-
3904-4446
208-10-
3919-34428
208-10-
3953-14440
208-10-
3953-14472
208-10-
3923-14422
Cell ID
C
a
l
l

F
a
i
l
u
r
e

R
a
t
e

(
%
)
Figure 5-10 Nantes Worst Cell Busy Hour Call Set-Up Failure Causes
Figure 5-10 clearly shows that 2 cells suffer significant TCH congestion and 7 cells
suffer radio interference or radio hardware related problems. Resolution of the TCH
blocking and radio interference/radio hardware issues on the cells will raise the call
set-up performance of the Nantes region to a very high level.
6 Database Parameters Impacting Call Set-Up Success Rate
The database parameters and features discussed in this section all have a direct
impact on the call set-up success rate. The recommended settings for each
database parameter are designed to maximise the call set-up success rate.
6.1 assign_successful => 15000
This BSC call processing timer is used by the SSM software process at the BSC
during an assignment or intra cell handover procedure to guard against not
receiving a response from the RRSM software process at the BTS indicating either
a successful or unsuccessful assignment or intra cell handover. To maximise the
assignment/handover success rate this timer should be long enough to allow the
MS to receive the assignment command over the air interface, attempt and fail to
access the target channel and return to the source channel, including all LAPDm
layer 2 repeats at each stage. The timer should not be so long that resources are
held up unnecessarily introducing channel congestion.
To maximise the assignment success rate and hence the call set-up success rate, it
is recommended that this timer should be set to 15000ms.
6.2 bssmap_t10 => 14000
This BTS call processing timer is used by the RRSM software process at the BTS
during an assignment or intra cell handover procedure to guard against not
receiving a response from the mobile indicating either a successful or unsuccessful
assignment or intra cell handover. To maximise the assignment/handover success
rate this timer should be long enough to allow the MS to receive the assignment
command over the air interface, attempt and fail to access the target channel and
return to the source channel, including all LAPDm layer 2 repeats at each stage.
The timer should not be so long that resources are held up unnecessarily
introducing channel congestion. The timer should be set in cascade with the SSM
timer assign_successful such that bssmap_t10 is less than assign_successful.
To maximise the assignment success rate and hence the call set-up success rate, it
is recommended that this timer should be set to 14000ms.
6.3 interfer_bands,4 => 63
This database parameter sets the upper limit of uplink interference for channel
allocation. In order to ensure that an SDCCH or TCH resource is allocated for every
system access, regardless of uplink interference, it is recommended that
interfer_bands,4 is set to a value of 63, the maximum. If interfer_bands,4 is set to a
value less than 63 and the uplink interference level measured for an individual
channel falls between interfer_bands,4 and 63 then that channel will not be
available for allocation to a mobile station. Although it is recommended to set this
parameter at the maximum of 63, channels that fall into the final interference band
will always be allocated last. From GSR4 onwards SDCCHs will always be allocated
regardless of the interference band.
6.4 rxlev_access_min =>8
Rxlev_access_min is a standard GSM parameter broadcast in the System
Information on the BCCH and used by the mobile station to calculate the path loss
criterion C1 for cell selection and reselection. If rxlev_access_min is set very low
then mobiles will be allowed to access the network in areas of poor coverage at the
risk of dropping calls due to poor signal strength. Setting rxlev_access_min at a
slightly higher level will ensure that the mobile station is in an area of reasonable
radio coverage before a call is attempted, improving the chances of successful
system access and call establishment. However rxlev_access_min should not be
set too high otherwise the network coverage as perceived by the subscriber through
Configuration Page 23
the mobile station display will be reduced. Additionally in an effort to attract roaming
subscribers it is advantageous to set rxlev_access_min to a lower value than
competitor networks. If there is an aim to maximise network performance then it is
recommended to set rxlev_access_min to a value of 8.
6.5 Congestion Relief/Call Queuing
If the network suffers light levels of TCH blocking then either call queuing or
congestion relief should be utilised. Call queuing should be deployed first in an
attempt to prevent TCH blocking. Congestion relief provides a more aggressive
queuing mechanism, handing over mobiles already active in a call to neighbouring
cells that meet a user specified handover margin, lower than the standard handover
margin. If TCH congestion is more widespread and not prevented through
congestion relief then more radios must be deployed.
For call queuing the MSC must set the queuing indicator in the BSSMAP
Assignment Request message and the following settings are recommended to
configure the BSS to queue a maximum of 10 TCH requests for a maximum of 5
seconds.
queue_management_information 10
max_q_length_full_rate_channel 10
bssmap_t11 5000
6.6 Discontinuous Transmission (DTX)
In order to minimise radio interference and maximise the call set-up success rate it
is recommended that uplink and downlink DTX are both enabled.
6.7 Power Control
In order to minimise radio interference and maximise the call set-up success rate it
is recommended that uplink and downlink power control are both enabled. The fast
mobile power down and optimised power control (from GSR4) features should be
utilised to maximise the impact of power control to reduce interference levels.
6.8 Location Area Optimisation
If a mobile station attempts to make a call in the region of a location area boundary
then the call set-up may not start on the strongest available cell, due to the effect of
the cell_reselect_hysteresis parameter. This GSM parameter sets a margin to
prevent the mobile making multiple ping pong location updates. If the mobile does
make a call attempt on a cell other than the strongest cell then there is a risk of call
set-up failure doe to RF interference. To minimise the interference and maximise
the call set-up success rate, it is recommended that the number of location areas
are minimised and the boundaries are located in areas of lower call activity.
6.9 Carrier Prioritisation
From GSR 4 onwards the carrier prioritisation feature should be used to minimise
radio interference. The feature should be configured to allocate BCCH TCHs in
preference to non-BCCH TCHs, since the BCCH radio transmits at full power at all
times regardless of whether TCHs or SDCCHs on the BCCH carrier are in use.
Further careful prioritisation of non-BCCH TCHs in tandem with local cells utilising
the same frequency allocation can help further reduce interference levels and help
call set-up success rate.
6.10 SDCCH Placement
If BCCH frequencies are planned with a less aggressive repeat pattern than non-
BCCH frequencies then from GSR 4 onwards it is recommend that the SDCCH
placement feature is used to configure SDCCHs on the BCCH carrier. This
configuration will help minimise SDCCH radio interference and maximise call set-up
success rate.
Appendix B Page 25
APPENDIX A: PERFORMANCE METRIC DEFINITIONS
This appendix defines the performance metrics used within the report to benchmark
network performance. Each metric is an arithmetic calculation of raw statistics.
Call Set-Up Success Rate
The proportion of mobiles which successfully access a TCH, having requested an
appropriate service on accessing the SDCCH.
( TOTAL_ CALLS + CONGEST_ ASSIGN_ HO_ SUC )
( OK_ ACC_ PROC[cm_ serv_ req_ call] + OK_ ACC_ PROC[cm_ reestablish]
+ OK_ ACC_ PROC[page_ response] + OK_ ACC_ PROC[cm_ serv_ req_ sms]
+ OK_ ACC_ PROC[cm_ ser_ req_ emerg] - SMS_ INIT_ ON_ SDCCH )
100%
Call Set-Up TCH Blocking Rate
The proportion of all call origination requests for TCH resources which fail due to no
available TCH resources.
100%
MSC _ FROM _ REQ _ MA
MS_BLKD MA_CMD_TO_
SDCCH RF Loss Rate

The proportion of SDCCH activations resulting in a successful mobile access which
subsequently suffer an RF loss.
RF_ LOSSES_ SD
ALLOC_ SDCCH - CHAN_ REQ_ MS_ FAIL
100%
TCH Radio Assignment Failure Rate
The proportion of attempted TCH assignments that result in the mobile failing to
successfully accessing the TCH. Assignments for call establishment and intra cell
handover are both included.
100% )
MS MA_CMD_TO_
_HO INTRA_CELL S TOTAL_CALL
1 (
+

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