2G Data Performance Dimensioning & Optimization Project

2G Data Performance Dimensioning ,Planning & Optimization Project Prepared by Vusal Suleymanov (NPO Consultant) 01/09/2012

Objectives In order to improve 2G Data performance and increase capacity we should have the starting points. For this purpose the general way of EGPRS dimensioning, planning and optimization procedure is listed below:

(E)GPRS Dimensioning and Planning Operators business plan investigation Operators BSS network structure audit (with core network) Deployment plan preparation Capacity calculations based on deployment plan Parameter setting

(E)GPRS Optimization Configuration and feature audit BSS and E2E Performance measurements GSM network optimization (E)GPRS network optimization

Methodology Required information for 2G Data performance dimensioning:

1. Network Configuration and Feature Audit End-to-end Network Configuration BSS Network Configuration BSS Features and Traffic Management2. Network Performance Audit Live Test Analysis (Stationary Tests & Mobility Tests) OSS KPI Analysis3. GSM Coverage and Quality Optimization EGPRS Coverage Estimation Site Arrangement and Frequency Allocation4. (E)GPRS Optimization Accessibility Optimization Capacity Optimization Mobility Optimization

Required Equipment & Post processing Tools: 1. Stats extracting Tools from OSS ( Vendor specific) 2. ASCOM/TEMS for live test 3. Data card TEMS supported ( To make stationary tests ) 3. Mapinfo Professional and Actix Analyzer 4. MML access

Based on above mentioned type of reports the following results should be sorted out:2G data OSS main KPI results ( Traffic, Availability, Accessibility, Quality)Current SW versions of each network element (BTS,BSC,SGSN,GGSNand etc.)# of BSCs, # of BTSs, # of TRXs, TRX/cell ratioIdle mode related parameters (Cell-reselect hysteresis, Rx Lev Access min)RF capacity-Configuration and parameters (2G data network strategy) Special feature related parameters & Timers (All the CSW and PSW BSS features that are impacting the PSW traffic have to be explained) Abis capacity- Configuration and Parameters (# of Abis TSLs per BTSs , # of PCUs per BSC, # of sites and etc.)DL FTP throughput performance and reliability on cell and network level.RTD (Round trip delay- the time interval on the Um interface) & Ping delay time (Ping request & response between MS and IP server)The impact of cell-reselection outage on data rate. C/I estimationGb capacity/Downlink Gb load (Link between BSC/PCU and SGSN)

Analysis

Optimal GSM Network for Data Services o As high signal level as possible It means that even the indoor signal level should be high enough to have MCS9 for getting the highest data rate on RLC/MAC layer. o As low interference as possible The aim of having high C/I is to avoid throughput reduction based on interference. o As few cell-reselection as possible The dominant cell coverage is important to avoid unnecessary cell-reselections in mobility. Dominant cell structure can help to maximize the signal level and reduce the interference, too. o Enough capacity Enough hardware capacity is needed to provide the required capacity for PSW services in time. Both CSW and PSW traffic management should be harmonized with the layer structure and long term plans. o Features All the features should be used which can improve the PSW service coverage, capacity and quality in general.

Actions After all data collecting and statistical analysis we will have the idea about 2G data performance of the current network. Then we can start the optimization and capacity increase by predefined plan:

Increase RTSL/static PDTCHs ( Cell level changes where we have hard PS blockings)Expansion TRXs ( Cell level where we have blocking probability according the Erlang B table in CS )Increase Abis TS ( Site level changes which allocated to EGPRS where we have DAP congestion)Expansion E1 size (Where we have congestion due to DAP and not enough Abis capacity)PCU/Boards expansion/rehome if required (PCU utilization keep in recommended level 60%-70 % by avoiding PCU limitations)EGPRS related BSS parameters retune and feature activation.Physical optimization of existing network (Azimuth/Antenna type/Tilt change)New site planning to improve coverage and capacity if requiredNew SW versions upgrade if the current one is old.

Plan activities In order to see initial results and improvements in each BSC level 2G Data performance and KPIs need for one week after starting optimization and implementation process on existing resources. But in case of HW/Link expansion it depends on how long it will take.

Geo-marketing initiatives & Spatial Inputs Geo-marketing related information will be useful in 2G data performance and capacity improve project. Location analysis, plan and optimize sites, sales areas, client segments by the use of different spatial area structures or vector raster, and illustrate the potential/ benefits of spatial analysis from 2G data service point of view. Hot-spot points stationary live test need to be done in order to see the DL/UL application throughput.Geo-marketing actions:Spatial analysis and Statistical/Geo-statistical data evaluation on markets and potentialSupport in the planning and optimization of sales areasComplex site planning with numerous influencing factors The first step is to define where data users reside. After defining where the customers reside we can determine which geographical areas to monitor. We want to track areas with a population over a determined threshold or the areas where we have a certain number of sales in stores. We can segment customers based on the area where they reside. Once segmented, we can determine the most relevant KPIs to track and look at the data to understand how to best serve customers in different regions.

Conclusion & Outcomes The mentioned actions above contain the all main directions of 2G data performance improvement from professional network planning & optimization point of view approach. If the all required actions will be implemented in the base of dimensioning and analysis, 2G Data Performance and Capacity must be increased and operator will achieve its targets. The network CS (voice) performance must be considered during PS (data) capacity increase and optimization process. Always the voice in the first priority.