xAFP Training

December 2009

Training Course Objectives

Intended for RF planning and optimization engineers, this course is an introduction to the Optimi xAFP tool and the frequency planning process.
Students will be learning how to:
Collect relevant input data required to build AFP projects Build AFP projects Analyze and validate input data Perform BCCH, TCH, BSIC, retunes Create reports and export frequency plans.

Duration of this course is 3 Days

Agenda Day 1 - Morning

9:00am to 12:30pm, with 3x 10 min breaks
Tool Installation.....................Slide 9
License Request 9 Install full installation 9 Install upgrades 9

The xAFP environmentSlides 10-22

Map view 11 Layers manager 14 Message Log 15 Pivot table 17 Edit Sector / Edit Network 18 Task flow manager/Executor 20 Default Parameters Importation 22 Organizing File and Folder Structure 24 xAFP Project Creation Overview and Summary Physical Data Importation 29 Creating Groups 32
3

xAFP Project Creation from RAW Data .........Slides 23-49

26

Agenda Day 1 - Afternoon

2:00pm to 5:30pm, with 3x 10 min breaks
xAFP Project Creation from RAW Data (Conted).....Slides 23-49
Network Data Importation Traffic Data Importation Importing RXQUAL / RXLEV Traffic Spreading between layers HO Data Importation TCH demand Importation Database Cross Validation & Consistency Checks BSIC Audit and mobile measurements collection Sources for IM generation Scan List Generator MMR Importation Managing Multiple IMs IM validation 33 36 38 39 40 41 42 45 51 56 58 66 68

Interference Matrix (IM). Slides 50-78

Agenda Day 2 - Morning

9:00am to 12:30pm, with 3x 10 min breaks
Interference Matrix (IM)(Conted).. Slides 50-78
IM validation Tests 69 Consistency Check Report 74 IM Validation via RxQual Comparison

77

QoS simulator..Slides 79-92

Simulator Overview 80 Curves Data 81 QoS Simulator Settings 82 Correlation Reports Analysis and Results 86

IM update...Slides 93-98
Blind Spots 95 Interferers insertion 97

Optimization.Slides 99-124
Setup Network parameters 100 AFP settings (explanation of constraints) 103

Agenda Day 2 - Afternoon

2:00pm to 5:30pm, with 3x 10 min breaks
Optimization (Conted).Slides 99-124
Optimizable parameters Optimization Parameters Optimization costs Default Settings for Ad-Hoc Optimizer Costs Per Sector/Freq Report HSN/MAIO Planning BCCH and TCH Plan Review Global Frequency Plan Review Simulation with the Optimized Freq Plan Scoring and comparing frequency plans xAFP exports 104 109 112 113 116 117 118 119 121 122 124

Agenda Day 3 - Morning

9:00am to 12:30pm, with 3x 10 min breaks
xAFP Additional FeaturesSlides 125-130
IM Override 127 Inserting Site/Sectors 128 Neighbor List Audit 129

xAFP Displays and Reports.Slides 131-151 TCH Retune Methodology Key Points & SummarySlides 152-161 Frequency Planning Strategies 153 BCCH retune methodology 154 TCH retune methodology 156 Retune Process Summary 159 Support Information.Slide 162

Agenda Day 3 - Afternoon

2:00pm to 5:30pm, with 3x 10 min breaks
Hands on Exercise Lab Session
Full xAFP exercise (Part 1) Import all required data Validate imported data (physical data, traffic, IM..) Create groups (Optimization area, buffer area.) Set appropriate parameters values (for Simulation and Optimization) Run QOS (Validate Predicted vs. Measured QOS, RMSE, scattered plot..) Run Optimization (multiple scenarios, comparisons Review results, spot retunes, worst offenders..

Tool Installation and License Info

Send e-mail to license@optimi.com, to request a license Install xAFP
Full Installation Upgrade to a new version if you already have xAFP installed

Copy license file, .lic, to the \Optimi\Optimi X\ folder Run xAFP

Double click on AcpAfp.exe Create a shortcut for AcpAfp.exe on the desktop

Send e-mail to Optimi License to get an activation code

Do not hit CANCEL on the activation window

Copy and paste (or type) the activation code xAFP is running on your local machine If license expires send an e-mail to Optimi License to request a new license:
You will need to attach your license file, .lic Optimi will send you a new .lic file to install

xAFP Environment

The xAFP Environment

Chapter 1
10

The xAFP Environment

Four Main Windows to view, edit, and modify data. Spatial view (map view) Tools/View (layers manager) Olap view (pivot table) Edit sector, and network view (forms)
Spatial view, layers, forms, and pivot tables are synchronized
11

The xAFP Environment

Main Menu

& Toolbar

Spatial View

Runs on all Windows Platforms Menu Driven Application Tool Bar Available for major operations

12

The xAFP Environment

Earth Tab

13

Layers Manager

Layer Manager

Network Manager

Configuration Manager

Menu Items

Layer Manager -> Allows users to enabled/disable layers for display such as Polygons, Rasters, Maps, and project specific Physical, Network, RF, QoS and Traffic data. Network Manager -> It allows users to view and access Project Network Information in a tree like format like that of Windows Explorer. Configuration Manager -> Allows users to view information about different configurations Menu items -> It allows uses access all Menu through tree like format
14

Message Log

Dockable Tools/Views Customizable toolbars Colored and dockable message Log

15

User Messages are presented in different colors depending on the importance of the message

Message Log
Records error and warning messages Limited display length:
Open general.log in C:\Documents and Settings\<user_name>\Application Data\Optimi\user

View Message Log (CTRL+M)

16

Pivot Table
View OLAP Table Network GSM BCCH distribution OR

Menu Items Layer View OLAP Table Network GSM BCCH distribution

Export to CSV, Excel, XML and HTML Graphical distribution of parameter values

Olap View (Pivot Table)

Convenient way to select and filter sectors based on parameter values Allows user to analyze Physical Network RF Traffic QoS

17

Edit Sector
Edit Sector or Menu Item Layer Edit Sector..

Groups

List of sectors

Edit Sector View

Name Query

Displays the hard and soft parameters for every sector in the network Tab Driven Form Editing of Multiple sectors supported

18

Edit Network
Frequency Allocations
BCCH/TCH Add/Remove Frequencies
Edit Network or

Menu Item Layer Edit Network

MA Lists
View/Edit Hopping Lists

System Parameters
Edit System Properties Access Method Channel Allocation

Spatial View Settings

Adjust Spatial View C/I

Pivot Table
Adjust/Edit Pivot table View Settings

19

Task Flow Manager Executor

Designed to simplify the navigation of the tool menu and to assist in the creation of reproducible engineering processes
Once a Task Flow is defined, it can be distributed to other engineers

2 modes of operation
(TFM) Manager ability to define the steps needed to reproduce a process (TFE) Executor follow the steps defined by the manager

20

Task Flow Manager / Executor

Creating a process is as simple as dragging and dropping a menu item from the right side of the screen to the left All menu items in the application are available in the TFM, including Pivot Tables and Spatial views Each Task Flow that you create as user is stored in an xml file in [inst_folder]\Optimi X\system\tasktemplates

21

Default Parameters importation

xAFP presents a grand variety of parameters that can be tuned to adapt xAFP to a great variety of networks and situations. Optimization and/or simulation parameters can be imported (default.sim, default.gop) Importation to current project and/or default directory Great advantage: company specific default parameters can be distributed to its engineers

22

xAFP project creation from RAW data

Chapter 2
23

File and Folder Structure Program files

Default

Projects
Recommendation:
Keep well organized Give meaningful names One project can contain multiple configurations (different frequency plans)

24

Copying & Organizing data into folders

25

xAFP Project Creation Overview

26

xAFP Project Creation Summary

Physical Data
All sites to be retuned (core) as well as all relevant outer tiers (buffer) must be included and flagged as core or buffer

Switch Files
BSC readout Files (one per BSC)

Mobile Measurements
Mobile measurement reports from Nokia, Siemens, Ericsson, Motorola, Alcatel , Huawei and ZTE are supported Collected daily in defined periods

RxQual & RxLev Stat per Sector Basis

Traffic, Hand-off Statistics and RxQual/RxLev data collected at the same time MMR is collected or at least during busy hours

27

xAFP Project Creation Summary

Frequency planning constraints Combiner constraints, repeaters, local knowledge information. Traffic Use the last 4 weeks. Average the top 4 peak traffic ISBH values. Interference is dependent on the ABSOLUTE traffic. Plan integrity needs to be high during its busiest time

HO Stats Use the most recent DAILY HO attempts. Last 4 weeks Remove outliers/glitches, take daily average

28

Import Physical database

File Import Physical Generic Importer

29

Importing Physical Database

Generic Importer Allows user to specify the Physical database format through the Data Format Tab Allows to Mapped physical database fields to Optimi xAFP format through the Field Mapping Tab. It also allows to save a template for future use.

30

Import Physical database

As a result of the importation the following Optimi files are created:
<project-name>.physical.sector.csv <project-name>.physical.site.csv

The list of cells in the physical database will decide the set of cells we will be working with. How to create xAFP physical files
Using XLS From Wizard From Planet EV Pegaplan

31

Creation of Groups
Objective/Comments
Classify sectors in various groups (Create .csv file, see sample file format) You may use any groups you would like. Examples include: TCH_Frequency_Group BCCH_Frequency_Group BSC # TRXs Cell Status (ON-AIR or New)

To Import groups - File Import Groups Ensure all sectors belong to a group
Use View Pivot Table Network GSM All Ensure no group has the option Unassigned

Practice how to select sectors from various groups

For example, sectors with Status=On-Air

Create groups within the tool (Edit Group)

32

Import of Network Configuration (I)

Parameter Filter
Sectors Filters by Group Input Data Filter

Main xAFP files

<project-name>.network.gsm.sector.csv (BCCH,BSIC,MAL,UL/OL) <project-name>.network.gsm.trx.csv (TCH TRX per cell, MAIO, TCH channel, hopping type) <project-name>.network.gsm.mal.csv (frequencies in each MAL) <project-name>.network.gsm.neighbor.csv (neighbor list)

33

Import of Network Configuration (II)

Import Options Merge into Current Configuration Updates network data for the sectors being imported

Overwrite clears out all existing network information from the configuration and imports all network data from scratch.
Preserve existing neighbor relationships, preserves existing neighbor lists during the import for all cells in the configuration. Preserve unique MAL definitions, keeps the existing MAL names within the configuration.

34

Import of Network Configuration (III)

Network Data (GSM) Contains: Project Frequency Band Sector BCCH Frequencies Sector BSIC Sector TRX Information Sector MA List Sector HSN #

Network Data (Neighbors) Contains: Neighbor Relations HO Counts BCCH/BSIC pair of Neighbor External Neighbor Info can also be viewed
35

Traffic data creation for AFP and QoS

Objective
Import busy hour (ISBH) traffic data to use for optimization Import traffic for the Joint RXQUAL/RXLEV recording period for IM validation Create the Optimi X format Multiple traffic values per cell Tool average out traffic values and assigns it per cell

Main Optimi X files created

<project-name>. traffic.voice.gsm.csv
36

Generating Traffic from SACCH Reports

Objective/Comments
Create traffic data in Optimi X format from Joint RXLEV/RXQUAL Compare estimated traffic from Joint RXLEV/RXQUAL with traffic from switch Every measurement report has a duration of 480 msec (GSM SACCH period) If we have 1,000,000 reports received by the cell site it means that the cell was utilized for 1,000,000*480 msec=480,000 secs = 8,000 minutes or 8,000 MoUs If these reports were recorded during the entire day, i. 24 hrs then Traffic in Erlangs = 8,000 MoUs/(24*60 minutes) = 5.55 erlangs Converting # of SACCH Measurement Reports to Subscriber Erlangs MoUs= (# of SACCH Reports)*(0.48/60) minutes Traffic(E) =MoUs/(60*# of Hours of Recording) Note that Traffic (E) represents Subscriber Erlangs, i.e. does not account for HR traffic

How to calculate Erlangs from Joint RXLEV/RXQUAL report

x-AFPSpecial utilities

Number of total hours or MRR/RxQual recordings

37

Measured RXQUAL and RXLEV Data

Objective/Comments
Import Measured RXQUAL data per cell Import Measured RXLEV data per cell Compare Measured RXQUAL with Predicted RXQUAL The comparison will tell us how accurately we can predict RXQUAL

Main Optimi X files created

<project-name>.gsm.qos.measured.rx.csv

38

Traffic spreading on channel groups and UL/OL

Use xAFP Special Utilities
x-AFP Special Utilities Split Traffic Between Underlays/Overlays

Objective
Spread traffic on channel groups

39

HO attempts data creation

Objective Convert a report of Daily # of HO attempts to an Optimi X format Output is the average daily of # of HO attempts for each neighbor relationship Optimi X file created <project-name>. network.gsm.ho.csv Importing HO stats in Optimi X File Import Network GSM HO Counts Optimi Spreading # of HO attempts in the UL/OL x-AFP Special Utilities Split Handoff Statistics Between Underlay/Overlay

40

Import # of TCH TRUs per cell

Objective Show a sample file that can be used to import the # of TCH TRUs in xAFP xAFP file modified <project-name>. network.gsm.trx.csv xAFP file to be imported <any name>.network.gsm.tch_demand.csv Importing TCH TRU demand File Import Network GSM TCH Demand Optimi Two Options Merge and Append Note that if # of TCH TRUs is LESS than current configuration then #TRX is NOT updated!!!!

41

Database Cross Validation

How to identify inconsistencies
Reconciliation files after importing data Review sectors with no BCCH, no neighbors (Potential Missing Data) Review the xAFP messages in Msg Log Window Run Consistency Check Options tool

42

Consistency Check
Objectives Identify database inconsistencies amongst:
ON-AIR cells Traffic report Switch file Mobile measurement reports RxQual/RxLev measurements

Typical database inconsistencies/flags Physical Database cells not On-Air On-Air cells not in Physical Database On-Air cells in traffic report but have very low traffic Co/Adj Channel Conflicts On-Air cells in IM but with very few interferers Wrong location On-Air neighbor cells not declared in the active BA list
43

Consistency Check
Severity and suggestion to fix each inconsistency are logged

44

BSIC Audit (Before running Recordings)

Objective Identify a list of cells with close Co-BCCH-BSIC reuse (< 15 miles/24 Km) Retune the BSIC for this set of cells Use BSIC Report in xAFP to determine the cells with Co-BCCHBSIC reuse: View Pivot Table Network GSM CO-BCCH/BSIC Conflict Report Distance is specified in Km ( Dist(miles) = Dist(Km)/1.6 ) Select to optimize the BSIC ONLY for cells with Co-BCCH-BSIC reuse < 15 miles Optimize BSIC for cells with Co-BCCH-BSIC reuse < 15 miles x-AFP Optimization Select BSIC to optimize

45

BSIC Audit (Sample BSIC Report)

46

BSIC Optimization Default Settings

Interference Matrix can be used as interference source (if IM is available) If previous option is used while calculating the interference signal levels, the optimizer will consider the C/I values from the project IM
47

BSIC Optimization Default Settings

Additional costs for second order relations: Neighbor-Neighbor Neighbor-Interferer External neighbor-External Neighbor
48

BCCH & BSIC conflict resolution

BCCH & BSIC conflict report improved to perform consistency checks on external neighbors and 2nd order neighbors:
"2nd Order Ext Nbrs" checks the conflicts if two sectors that are neighbor to same external cell share the same BCCH-BSIC combination "2nd Order Nbr-Interf" column checks if the "sector" is a neighbor of a common cell while "sector2" is the interferer of that cell.

49

Interference Matrix (IM)

Chapter 3

50

IM Sources of Generation Drive test IM

Useful in performing what-if scenarios, i.e., RF changes can be drive tested to generate new IM matrix Time intensive to collect Require several scanners running simultaneously

Switch based IM
Provides interference picture exactly where mobile calls are placed Takes some time to collect (Approx 2 Weeks)

Propagation model IM
Fastest way to generate IM IM can be modified immediately based on RF changes Heavily dependent on the accuracy of the propagation model
51

Drive Test IM
Pros:
Accurate RSSI measurements Provides a very accurate C/I description at every measured location Serving area of the victim cell
Independent of the frequency assignment Based on the strongest RSSI and hysteresis value

Cons:
Very expensive and time consuming RSSI measured on street level only
Does not take in-building measurements Subscriber traffic distribution is uniform along roads

Actual traffic not represented Older drive test equipment cannot always differentiate between interferers Incorrect BSIC or readings are likely to occur

52

Switched Based IM
Pros:
High accuracy (based on RSSI measurements on the phone) Takes into account EXACT traffic distribution of subscribers
C/I calculated exactly where calls are placed Accounts for subscribers in buildings

Less time and money No need to define actual cell serving areas Takes into account
HCS, Underlay / Overlay, Handovers, Neighbor relations

Cons:
No location information, i.e. coordinates Interferer is identified by BCCH-BSIC Blind Spots often occur
Interference form sectors with same BCCH Error decoding BSIC if Victim-Interferer RSL is small Accuracy of the IM is somewhat dependent on the BSIC plan BCCH-BSIC reuse needs to be optimized Serving areas dependent on frequency plan

A mapping of BCCH/BSIC to cell ID is required Missing neighbors and interferers

Only the 6 strongest interferers are reported (neighbors are a priority) Max # of interferers per victim cell is 64
53

Propagation Model IM
Pros:
If you dont model tune, can be fast and cheap. Most complete IM (unlimited # of relationships) Serving area of the victim cell is independent of the frequency plan Based on the strongest server RSL [dBm] and hysteresis margin Can be used to fill in missing data in other types of IM

Cons:
Model tuning can take time and money due to required drive measurements C/I calculated levels on the ground (does not account for subs in buildings) Subscriber traffic distribution is a best guess
Roads Clutter database

Low accuracy (dependent on the accuracy of propagation model)

Standard deviation = 6 to 12 dB

Serving area boundaries are inaccurate Relies on the accuracy of the site database, clutter file, terrain file and propagation model
54

Switched Based IM
Steps required to get a valid IM:
1.
2.

Generate scan lists within xAFP

Generate and activate switch commands to collect measurements

3.
4. 5.

Import MMR files into xAFP

Generate IM within the tool Validate accuracy of IM

55

Generate Scan Lists

x-AFP Scan List Generator

xAFP predictions
Reliable 1st cut IM: - propagation tool - old measurement-based IM

56

Generate Scan Lists

Activate Rotating BALs

Specify folder where commands will be generated

when number of BCCH channels is greater than 32

57

Import MMR files into xAFP

Objective
Match Mobile Measurements with switch files Import Mobile Measurements File Generate IM from MM file

xAFP file created

<project-name>.rf.mm.gsm.csv (MM file) <project-name>.cid (xAFP IM)

Generating IM from Mobile Measurements

x-AFP Interference Matrix Tools Generate IM From Mobile Measurements

58

Mobile Measurements Import

59

BCCH-BSIC Matching rules

Rule 1:
A C B

Maximum distance to resolve BCCH/BSIC pairs

Rule 2:
R1

If beyond distance in Rule 1, apply antenna beamwidth to decide

R2

Rules can be extended to discard unique matches.

D E F

Does not account for power: - Propagation recommended

60

Mobile Measurements Import Log Check informational message after importation

Verify that relationships have been created and interferers have been resolved

61

MMR Diagnostics (I)

This functionality allows the users to analyze automatically imported measurements based on.: The HO Percentage represented by the IM relations. Number of collection days The amount of traffic per sector
.
62

MMR Diagnostics (II)

Analyzing each of the point mentioned in previous slide, this functionality estimates the number and the quality of MMR Measurements and scores them as Poor, Good or Excellent

63

Mobile Measurement Files

Victim DS100A DS100A

Total Measurements 39000 23000

BCCH/BSIC 233/23 235/46

Threshold 1 1234 2341

Threshold 2 234 1345

DS100B

10045

212/34

3908

2789

64

Switched Based IM using xAFP

Two thresholds are set, e.g. -3dB and 12dB

Assume Gaussian distribution of values The user specifies the relative thresholds of signal strength between the serving and measured BTS. When a measurement reports includes a C/I < -3dB, counter 1 is incremented and if it is also below 12dB, counter 2 increments together with counter 1. With these two thresholds, it is easy to fit a Gaussian curve and calculate the Mean and Standard Deviation C/I. Pr{X<-3dB} and Pr{X<12dB}

Gaussian Cumulative Distribution

120 120 100 100

Gaussian Cumulative Distribution

80

80

Prob. %

Pr {X < C/I}

60

60

40

40

20

20

0 -15 -12 -9 -6 -3 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 42 45 48 51 54 57 60 63 66 69 72 75 78 81 C/I [dB]

C/I
65

Multiple IM management
Tool allows to store /manage several IM files in the same project. Manage IM functionality is available from:
1. xAFP Interference Matrix Tools Manage IMs 2. GSM Simulation Parameters dialog 3. GSM Optimization Parameters dialog 3

66

View IM Relationships

From Edit Sector Dialog RF Tab OR Olap View OR Spatial view The Source parameter represents the source of the interference and it can have values such as: ADDED (copied from others or added in edit sector), MEASUREMENT (from MMR), PREDICTION (insert interferers feature), MEASUREMENT + AIC, PEGAPLAN, UNKNOWN
67

IM validation Critical part of retuning process Validation Tests Additional Audits How to improve IM Generate a more complete IM

68

IM validation tests
Validation Tests
Cells with 0 IM relationships View Pivot Table RF Interference Matrix IM Statistics Cells with very few IM relationships (< 5: rural cells, indoor, pico cells are explained) View Pivot Table RF Interference Matrix IM Statistics IM relationships with very few counts (< 500) View Pivot Table RF Interference Matrix IM Statistics Identify cells with ISBH outside the recording period Neighbors with missing IM relationships View Pivot Table RF Interference Matrix IM Neighbor (GSM) Consistency Check Report x-AFP Consistency Check or F6
69

Cells with 0 or few (<5) IM relationships

View OLAP Table RF Interference Matrix IM Statistics

Sort by # of Interferers

70

IM relationships with few IM counts (<500)

View OLAP Table RF Interference Matrix IM Detail Sort by IM Count

71

Neighbors with missing IM relationships

View OLAP Table RF Interference Matrix IM Neighbor (GSM) Sort by HO Count

72

Cells missing HO data

Identify cells with 0 # of OUTGOING HO attempts View OLAP Table Network GSM Neighbors Sort by HO counts

73

Consistency Check Report

Sectors Tests Identify cell Not in Interference Matrix and Sectors with < 5 Interferers

x-AFP Consistency Check or F6

74

Consistency Check Report

Relationship Tests Identify cells in Interference Matrix but with < 100 IM counts

x-AFP Consistency Check or F6

75

IM Validation
Additional Audits IM validation via RXQUAL comparison IM Normalization Additional Interference Constraints Report

76

IM validation via RXQUAL comparison

Use spreadsheet PrVsMrCorrelationTemplate.xls
Comes with xAFP installation []\Optimi\Optimi X\support

Import Measured RXQUAL for the date you want to compare Import network configuration for the same date in On-Air project Use traffic data for the same recording period as the measured RXQUAL Run QoS simulation to obtain predicted RXQUAL.
x-Simulator GSM Simulation See next slides for recommended settings

Overview of QoS Simulator (while simulation is running) Export to the Predicted vs Measured RXQUAL to use in PrVsMrCorrelationTemplate.xls
View Pivot Table QoS RXQUAL Predicted vs Measured

77

IM Validation
How to improve IM
Identify cells with BH outside the recording period
IM based on those recordings might not be significant out of the ISBH

Before the start of measurements collection process:

BSIC audit and BSIC optimization Would reduce BCCH-NCC-BCC reuse and improve import MMR

Run additional recordings for 1-3 days Extend to recording period and try to capture cell BH

Generate more complete IM

Import ALL recordings and perform IM validation again Identify cells with no or few IM relationships
Use older IM data to fill in such holes

Blind spots
Use older IM data to fill in such holes

78

QoS Simulator

Chapter 4
79

QoS Simulator
Mobile distribution

Simulations For every sector For every mobile # of Iterations User defined Other parameters Adjacent Channel Rejection Call drop %FER target DL PC gain UL and DL DTX UL and DL Minimum RSL threshold
QoS Predictions

Resource allocation C/I predictions per mobile Mapping of C/I

Store temporary results

More iterations

Results

Hardware Fractional Loading Erlang Fractional Loading Offered Traffic Carried Traffic Dropped Calls Blocked Calls

80

Curves Data
Mapping
C/I to BER C/I to FER Relation C/I to a QoS Metric Assigned to sector curve.gsm.sector file

Mapping function of :
Speech codec Mobile speed Radio channel

81

QoS Simulator Settings

Call Drop FER: This value specifies the FER value at which calls are considered dropped Power Control Gain supplies the parameters needed to account for power control on TCH channels DTX Factor specifies the time that a call is transmitting Manage IM allows the user to specify which IM will be used when running the simulator.

82

QoS Simulator Settings

Use RXLEV If checked the simulator will take into account poor quality due to low signal strength

83

QoS Simulator Settings

Specifies which KPIs will be calculated by the simulator. If a box is checked the simulator will compile stats for the given KPI for all sectors.

84

QoS Simulator Settings

The software will estimate the number of Monte Carlo runs needed to meet the convergence parameters specified in the Edit Network parameters. Typically this corresponds to a confidence level of 95% that your simulation results are within +/- 1%.

85

Correlation Report Analysis

RXQual Predicted Vs. Measured Correlation
Refine the Report to view Predicted, Measured, Pr- Mr, and |Pr-Mr|, Total Erlang Refine Report to view RxQual 5-7

86

Correlation Report Analysis

How to Evaluate Results:

Review RMSE Thresholds Review Scatter Charts Review Bar Charts

87

Correlation Report Analysis

88

Predicted vs Measured Plot

Use excel template OR ViewPivot Table QoS RxQual Predicted vs. Measured Chart
89

What is a good range of results?

For Simulation using C/I Only (RXLEV NOT checked)

Er*RMSE ~ 6% RMSE ~ 7% Correlation ~ 0.3 0.4 70% of cells within 5% Error, 90% of cells within 10% Error Yellow line Regression slope (underpredicting)

For Simulation using C/I and C/N (RXLEV checked)

Er*RMSE ~ 3% to 4% RMSE ~ 3% to 5% Correlation ~ 0.6 0.8 85% of cells within 5% Error, 95% of cells within 10% Error Regression Slope close to 1.00 (0.9 to 1.1)

90

Correlation Report Analysis What to do for Poor Correlation?

Measured RxQual Review Sectors with no measured data Load single day of Mobile Measurements and review qos.measured file with the raw measured data file randomly for a few sectors Load each day at a time an correlate Aggregate good individual days into a composite IM Traffic Data Check Traffic is accurate for the period of the recording. This is critical and accounts for many correlation problems. Network Data Check Network configuration after importing RAW data Physical Data Import at least 1 to 2 weeks of Mobile Measurements Verify data was collected for the same periods. (i.e., 3PM to 7 PM) Check, Check, and Check Again..

91

View QoS Predictions Results

Examine results using Spatial View Spatial View (GUI)
Predicted RxQual C/I FER TCH BCCH Combined

92

IM Update

Chapter 5
93

Update IM For Optimization Update IM

Insert Blind Spots
Previous IM Predictions

Insert relations for cells with missing or few IM relationships

Previous IM

Insert Interferers for new cells

Predictions

94

Blind Spots

Neighbor Non Neighbor

Site 300
C

Site 600 C 212 B

A 223 B B 209 C Site 400

Site 200 A 214 C B 212 A C B Site 100

95

Insert Blind Spots From Old IM

Insert Interferers or Menu Item Layer Insert Interferers

96

Insert interferers
Insert IM relationships for sectors with few IM relationships from OLD IM Insert Interferers or Menu Item Layer Insert Interferers

97

Insert Interferers
Creating IM for new sectors Insert Interferers or Menu Item Layer Insert Interferers

98

Optimization

Chapter 6
99

Setup Network Parameters

Edit Network or Menu Item Layer Edit Network

Configure BCCH/TCH Channels Configure MA Lists Configure System Settings

100

Setup Network Parameters

Edit Network or Menu Item Layer Edit Network

Configure BCCH/TCH Channels Configure TCH Lists to be used for optimization Configure System Settings
Create a New TCH list that contains all the available frequencies in TCH

101

Setup Network Parameters

Edit Network or Menu Item Layer Edit Network

Configure BCCH/TCH Channels Configure MA Lists Configure System Settings

102

Edit Sector AFP settings

103

Optimizable Parameters
Edit Sector or Menu Item Layer Edit Sector

Optimizable Parameters

104

Optimizable Parameters
Edit Sector or Menu Item Layer Edit Sector TRX Override

Enables users to globally change the TCH TRX type between BB Hopping, BB Hopping on BCCH, SY Hopping and Fixed
105

Optimizable Parameters (cont.)

User selects which variables to optimize

106

Optimizable Parameters (cont.)

User selects which variable to optimize

107

Import/export BCCH and TCH optimization channels

It allows the user to export/import the current configuration channels to be used in the BCCH an TCH optimization
BCCH Channels TCH Channels
File Import Network GSM Valid Optimizable channels

108

Optimization Parameters (I)

Optimization Parameters x-AFP Optimization Go to GSM Tab

109

Optimization Parameters (II)

Optimization Parameters x-AFP Optimization Go to Optimizer Tab

110

Optimization Parameters (III)

Optimization Parameters x-AFP Optimization Go to BCCH/TCH Tab

111

Optimization Costs

Sector Weight * [ Constraints + RF Costs + Handoff costs ]

Sector Weight = User setting in the AFP tab of Edit Sector Constraints = User settings in the Optimizer Tab RF Costs = 100 * Probability of Interference * Traffic (If Specified) Hand Off Costs = [ Number of HO between Vict_Int pair / Avg # of HO between Vict_Int pair in project ] * Specified Cost

112

Default Settings for Ad-Hoc Optimizer

Optimization Parameters x-AFP Optimization Constrains for Ad Hoc BCCH TCH optimizer Go to Basic Settings Press Basic/Advanced Settings Button

113

Default Settings for Ad-Hoc Optimizer

Optimization Parameters x-AFP Optimization Constrains for Ad Hoc BCCH TCH optimizer

114

Ad Hoc optimization cost function visualization

The initial, current and best costs for the Ad Hoc optimizer are graphically presented during optimization process
115

Costs Per Sector/Freq Report

Pivot table reports that represents the Ad hoc Optimizer costs on sector basis: View Pivot Table Network GSM Ad Hoc Frequency Cost PT Ad Hoc Detailed Cost PT
116

HSN/MAIO Planning
HSN planning Maximize distance between Co-MAL Co-HSN MAIO planning (Optimize Option) Avoid Co-channel TCH between TCH TRXs within the sector Avoid Co-channel TCH between TCH TRXs within sectors of same site Avoid Adj-channel TCH between TCH TRXs within the sector Avoid Adj-channel TCH between TCH TRXs within sectors of same site If interference cannot be avoided, interference is pushed on higher TRX numbers Produces random MAIO assignments MAIO planning (Plan Option) Avoids co-channel and adjacent within TRXs of same sector and same site If not possible then makes no effort. Assigns MAIOs using a pattern Use this only if you are certain that co and adjacent can be avoided.

117

BCCH and TCH Plan Review

Generate Channel reuse report
View Pivot Table Network GSM Channel Reuse OR File Export Network GSM Detailed Channel Reuse Use File Export for a large project when TCH plan present (much faster) Identify worst CO-BCCH-BCCH reuse relationships Sort by worst RXQUAL5-7 Ignore reuse with RXQUAL5-7 < 0.1% Identify closest CO-BCCH-BCCH reuse relationships Sort by closest distance Pay attention to relationships with NO IM data (Mean = 777) Perform visual spot checks of the CO-BCCH-BCCH reuse View Spatial Layers Sector Network GSM BCCH Co View Spatial Layers Sector RF Interference Matrix DL Interferers Potential Co DL Co-Channel Interferer Mean BCCH-BCCH-CO displays interferers that have CO-BCCH-BCCH reuse Identify worst CO-TCH-TCH reuse relationships Sort by worst RXQUAL5-7 Ignore reuse with RXQUAL5-7 < 0.1% Identify worst CO-TCH-TCH Neighbors Sort by highest HO Severity (Collision Probability in %) Perform visual spot checks of the CO-TCH-TCH reuse View Spatial Layers Sector Network GSM MAL Reuse View Spatial Layers Sector Network GSM C/I during HO (dB)
118

BCCH Plan Review

TCH Plan Review

Network Frequency Retunes

Scoring Frequency Plans

File Export Network GSM Frequency Plan Global Metrics

Consult

sample IMPORTANT_FrequencyPlanGlobalMetrics.xls
119

Global Frequency Plan Review

This is way to quantify and quality distinct frequency plans
Optimi xAFP allows to compare two frequency plans using the Compare FPGM option

Select the configuration with the actual frequency plan

Tools Options Tools Reports AFP Compare FPGM

120

Simulation with the Optimized Freq Plan

As the IM has been changed after introducing interference from Blindspots and for the new cells

Export the pivot table QoS > RxQual > Predicted

Filtered out by RxQual 5-7

121

Comparison Template
Simulations of up to 6 different freq plans can be compared in the template MultiplanComparitiveScoring.xls ([]\Optimi\Optimi X\support)
Data to be pasted from the pivot table QoS > RxQual > Predicted

Each freq plan simulation must be pasted in PredQoS tabs

122

Comparison Template
Different tabs to score the frequency plans
Percentage of cells

Percentage of samples with RxQual 5-7

123

xAFP Exports
Physical
ASSET3G, Atoll, Planet EV, Pegaplan and Wizard

Network
Optimi Channel Plan Nokia Channel Plan Ericsson CNA Siemens Channel Plan Mapinfo Table Pegaplan Channel Plan Detailed Channel Reuse Next Best Channels Frequency Plan Global Metrics Neighbor Diagnostics Optimizable Channels RF Interference Matrix QoS Predicted Quality Predicted vs. Measured Quality Default Parameters For Simulation For Optimization
124

xAFP Additional Features

Chapter 7
125

xAFP Additional Features

BCCH retunes
IM Overrides (Local Knowledge IM)
Edit Sector RF DL Overrides

Next Best BCCH Channel

View Pivot Table Network GSM Next Best BCCH

Adding new sectors and sites

Add one by one
Insert Sectors

Add multiple ones via single import

File Import Physical Optimi

Neighbor Audit Database Filtering

x-AFP Neighbor List Audit

126

IM Overrides
Use for Local Market Knowledge of Interference RF Tab under Edit Sector Maximum Value = 100

127

Insert Site/Sectors
Insert Sectors
Click Add Sites to insert site level data

128

Neighbor List Audit (I)

x-AFP Neighbor List Audit

Filter Based on: Handoff Counts

Distance
IM Relationships Channel Reuse Add relationships:

Enforce Symmetry
Co-Sites All Possible Neighbors Set Filtering Options

129

Neighbor List Audit (II)

NOTE: Audit results will be overwritten if another audit is executed and the results will be cleared if a new neighbor import is performed
130

xAFP Displays and Reports

xAFP most commonly used displays and reports

Chapter 8
131

BCCH reuse

132

BCCH reuse (Numerical display)

133

Channel reuse (for BCCH and TCH)

134

MAL channel reuse (for TCH reuse)

135

Neighbor List

136

# of HO attempts from serving cell to neighbor

137

Optimizable parameters

138

IM displays

Probability of Interference
Prob{ C/I < Target C/I } Assumes that both server and interferer have a co-channel BCCH (full power)

5th percentile C/I in dB

5% of the time the C/I goes below the 5th percentile C/I Think of it as the Lowest C/I victim experiences User defined, i.e. you can use 2nd, 5th, 10th , etc. percentile

Target C/I and C/I Percentile Settings

Edit Network System See GUI on the next slide

139

Target C/I and C/I Percentile Settings

140

Probability of Interference in %

141

5th Percentile C/I (dB)

142

BCCH distribution
View OLAP Table Network GSM BCCH Distribution

143

Consistency Check Sectors

xAFP > Consistency Check or F6

144

Consistency Check Relationships

xAFP > Consistency Check or F6

145

BSIC Report
View OLAP Table Network GSM CO-BCCH-BSIC and CO-BCCH-BCC Conflict Reports

146

Optimizable Attributes
View OLAP Table Network GSM Optimizable Attributes

147

IM statistics
View OLAP Table RF Interference Matrix IM Statistics

148

IM Neighbor Analysis
View OLAP Table RF Interference Matrix IM Neighbor (GSM)

149

QoS (Predicted vs. Measured)

View OLAP Table QoS RXQUAL Predicted vs. Measured

150

QoS (Predicted RXQUAL)

View OLAP Table QoS RXQUAL Predicted

151

xAFP Displays and Reports

TCH Retune Methodology Key Points & Summary

Chapter 9
152

Frequency Planning Strategies Pros & Cons

1x1 REUSE (BCCH, TCH separate) No need to do TCH planning Need to do MAIO planning to avoid MAIO collisions between co-sited sectors All cells have same REUSE (cannot avoid bad REUSE) 1x3 REUSE (BCCH, TCH separate) No need to do TCH planning (secA=MAL1, secB=MAL2, secC=MAL3) No need to do MAIO planning. Typically, better performance than 1x1 REUSE Mixed BCCH/TCH Ad-Hoc Improves REUSE for the BCCH (more channels to plan the BCCH) Better switch IM recordings (since co-BCCH reuse is loose) TCH degrades since it has interference from BCCH Requires planning of TCH layer. Need to use an AFP tool. Need to check for interference from BCCH to TCH, TCH to BCCH in addition Ad-Hoc TCH (BCCH, TCH separate) Improves the reuse of TCH since no need to have the constraint of too few MALs Allows assignment of low Pc between bad reuse and high Pc between good reuse Easier to manage than Mixed BCCH/TCH. Needs AFP tool for planning. Ad-Hoc TCH, 1x1 REUSE within Site (BCCH, TCH separate) Same as above; allows looser reuse between sites in networks with small spectrum Staggered BCCH BCCH is interleaved in between TCH channels. Avoids Adj-BCCH/BCCH reuse. In small spectrum improves BCCH performance but introduces Adj-BCCH/TCH reuse TCH/BCCH/TCH Increases frequency diversity since TCH frequencies are spaced farther apart. Lower probability of RXLEV fading. Introduces Adj-BCCH/TCH interference.

153

BCCH Retune Methodology Key Points

Optimization Objectives No Co BCCH/BCCH 1st order nbrs allowed (Hard Constraint) Minimize BCCH QoS (% of erlangs with BCCH RXQUAL5-7) Avoid interferers with Prob{C/I<12 dB} > 10% (AFP setting) Minimize 2nd order nbrs that Have high # of HO attempts Are close in distance Have orientations that shoot into each other Use metric % of HO affected by CO BCCH/BCCH 2nd order Nbr reuse Optimizer No penalty for Adj BCCH/BCCH nbrs (at C/I=-3 dB, HO occurs) Set the Adj Rej Factor from 18 dB to 100 dB Account for Adj BCCH/TCH since TCH powers down Balance BCCH QoS and # of HO affected by 2nd order nbr reuse

154

BCCH Retune Methodology Key Points contd

Nbr list optimization before BCCH retune
Delete a nbr if
# of daily HOs <= 1 AND Its 2-way nbr has # of daily HOs <= 1 AND % of daily HO relative to victim cell <= 5% AND NOT a Co-Sited nbr ~1% to 4% of the nbrs could be deleted

Use xAFP Neighbor List Audit Tool

x-AFP Neighbor List Audit

155

TCH Retune Methodology Key Points

1 MAL per sector
No adjacent channels in MAL to avoid same sector adjacent TCH/TCH interference

Min MAL size = 3

Increasing MAL size causes QoS to degrade exponentially Increasing MAL size from 3 to 4 channels improves frequency diversity gain only by 0.5 dB in interference and 0.5 dB in coverage

HSN Planning
Plan HSN per sector Randomize adj TCH/TCH between sectors of the same site that reduces interference No need to plan MAIOs

MAIO Planning
Set MAIO to default

Other Options
MAL per site for sites with few TCH TRUs Can do a combination of MAL/site and MAL/sector. Sites with low # of TRUs use MAL/site otherwise use MAL/sector HSN per site with MAIO planning if # of TCH TRXs<= MALSize/2

156

TCH Retune Methodology Key Points Frequency Diversity

Min Chan Sep = 3 channels/600 kHz between TCH channels whenever possible Spectrum allocation: TCH-BCCH-TCH

Hard Constraints
No Co TCH/TCH on sectors of same site No Adj BCCH/TCH on sectors of same site No Adj BCCH/TCH on same sector No penalty for Same Site Adj TCH/TCH

157

TCH Retune Methodology Key Points contd Blind spots

No blind spots added from predictions Adding predicted IM decreases QoS prediction reliability Assumption: If Co BCCH exists and is acceptable then Co TCH can exist as well with acceptable performance Fill in Blind Spots from older IM data

158

Retune Process Summary/Big Picture (I)

PRE -RETUNE CHECKLIST INPUT DATA MEASUREMENT/ DATA COLLECTION . DATABASE CROSS VALIDATION CREATE BASELINE PROJECT IM & HO STATS VALIDATION POST RETUNE CHECKS DELTA REPORT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION DATAFILL PREP

MOP / LOGISTICS

OPTIMIZE BSIC

NO

IS IM VALID ? YES CREATE PLAN PROJECT PRE OPTIMIZATION SCENARIOS / ANALYSIS CALIBRATE COSTS SETTINGS

OPTIMIZE HSN / MAIO

Motorola REVIEW SCORE BCCH /TCH CHANNEL REUSE RPT FREQUENCY PLAN SELECTION

159

Retune Process Summary/Big Picture (II)

Develop a Project Plan Identify all tasks that need to be done Amount of time retune activities will take in order to understand deadlines Data Integrity Tests Database Cross Validation Tests (Identify correct list of On-Air cells) BSIC Audit Check for BCCH-BSIC reuse distance. Retune BSICs with close reuse (<15 miles) Interferer CELLID matching with BCCH:BSIC depends highly on BSIC plan Mobile Measurement Recordings and IM generation Collect for 2 weeks (make sure to include the BH traffic) Perform IM validation, run additional recordings, use older IM data to fill missing IM data HO stats Collect Daily HO attempts 2-4 weeks before retune Ensure HO data is complete (HO data validation) Ensure the data used is up to date. Plan performance is degraded with out of date data!!! Traffic Data Collect traffic data for the time period as measured RXQUAL (for RXQUAL prediction) Collect ISBH traffic for the last 2-4 weeks (For Frequency Planning) Traffic for AFP = Average of 4 Peak ISBH values for each cell Measured RXQUAL Recordings Collect measured RXQUAL recordings (preferable for BH traffic, busiest days) Obtain TRU growth Neighbor-List Optimization Neighbor Deletions Neighbor Additions
160

Retune Process Summary/Big Picture (III)

Create Projects for AFP
On-Air configuration with current frequency plan (BASELINE) On-Air configuration to be used to optimize current plan (OPTIMIZED) FORECAST configuration (On-Air plan + New sites) to plan for new sectors/sites (FORECAST)

Run Optimizer, obtain various frequency plan scenarios, decide on the final plan Review plan Generate reports and identify cells with potential problems (Channel Reuse Report) Feedback from engineers, visual checks Export final plan for implementation Post retune activities Monitor KPIs 5 days after and 5 days before Compare Designed plan vs Implemented plan Compare Nbr-List used in plan vs Implemented Nbr-List

161

Summary of Support Information

Phone
HOW TO CONTACT

Mail Support
support@optimi.com

Licenses
license@optimi.com

Web
Ask for a GoToMeetingTM session
Mondays - Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CET
Live support using remote desktop. Requires internet connection. Available in Windows (UNIX through remote computer)

+34 95202 8059

SERVICE TIMES

Mondays - Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CET Urgent incidents Complex problem

Requests 24h/7d Reply within 24h

Any type of incidents Need to attach documents High priority issues

Mondays - Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CET

Requests for new licenses License renewals Incidents with licenses

USE FOR

162