Actix analyzer training_manual_for_gsm

Introduction to A-SVS for Network Optimization - GSM

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Introduction.........................................................................................................6 Scope of the Course..........................................................................................6 Who Should Attend Analyzer Training?.............................................................6 Prerequisites .....................................................................................................7 Topics to Be Covered........................................................................................8 Introduction to Actix Analyzer ............................................................................9 Analyzer’s Key Features .................................................................................10

What’s New in A-SVS Version 1.6....................................................................11 Technology Enhancements.............................................................................11 Data Visualization............................................................................................11 Licensing .........................................................................................................12

Getting Started With Analyzer .........................................................................13 Starting Analyzer .............................................................................................13 Configuring Analyzer .......................................................................................15 Configuring Analyzer .......................................................................................15

Setting up Maps .......................................................................................15 More Pan and Zoom Options ..........................................................................19

Map Scale and Coordinates .....................................................................20 Loading Cell Site Data .............................................................................20 Displaying Site Labels..............................................................................21

Coloring Sectors on the Map...........................................................................23 Viewing Cell Site Information ...................................................................26

Searching for Cells ......................................................................................27 Data Aggregation (Binning) .............................................................................29

Exploring the Workspace.................................................................................31 Loading Files ...................................................................................................31 Viewing Scanner Data in Analyzer ..................................................................34 Independent Node Data in Analyzer................................................................34 Searching for Attributes...................................................................................36 The Favorites Group .......................................................................................36

Sharing Favorites.........................................................................................37 Viewing Data in Analyzer .................................................................................38

Viewing Data on Maps ....................................................................................38 Modifying Legend Ranges........................................................................39 The Map Offset Tool ................................................................................40 Creating a Multi-Dimensional Map Stream...............................................42 Lines to Cells and Cell History .................................................................43 Displaying Data Values as Text on Maps.................................................45

The Direction Button ....................................................................................49 Region Filtering............................................................................................49 Printing Maps...............................................................................................51

Viewing Data on Charts...................................................................................53 Modifying Chart Properties.......................................................................55

Viewing Data in Tables....................................................................................57


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Viewing Data in the Message Browser............................................................58 Viewing Data in the Protocol Stack Browser ...................................................60 Viewing Data on Workbooks ...........................................................................62 Delta Plots .......................................................................................................63 The Replay Tool ..............................................................................................66

Docking the Replay Tool ..........................................................................67 Viewing Data on Stateforms............................................................................68

Using Preconfigured StateForms .............................................................68 Viewing Custom Forms with the StateForms Editor .................................73 Modifying an Existing StateForms File .....................................................74 Creating Your Own StateForms File ........................................................77

Uplink Data Analysis ........................................................................................80 Exploring Call Trace Data ...............................................................................80 Superstreaming Call Trace and Drive Test Data .............................................81

Merging Multiple Drive Files in the Workspace..............................................83 The Network Image ...........................................................................................84

Use a Pre-Configured Template to Create a New Network Image..................84 Batch Load Files Into the Network Image........................................................86 Display Data for the Entire Network ................................................................87 Start a New Day – Attaching a Network Image ...............................................87 Create a Custom Network Image Template ....................................................88

Analyzer Queries and Filters ...........................................................................95 Filter Analysis ..................................................................................................96 Binned Query / Custom Analysis Query ........................................................100

ServingCellDistance in Miles..................................................................100 Dragging Handover Query .....................................................................101

Crosstab Query – Sort by Site and Sector ....................................................104 Display the Crosstab Query Results ......................................................106 Filter the Crosstab Query Results ..........................................................106

Event Query - Dropped Call Window.............................................................108 Displaying Event Queries .......................................................................112

Statistic Analysis ...........................................................................................113 Generate Statistics for a Binned Query..................................................113

Cell Site Configuration Using the Network Explorer ...................................114 Importing Network Data.................................................................................114

Obtaining Site Data in Tabular Format...................................................114 Guidelines for Formatting Tabular Data .................................................117 Obtaining the File to be Populated With Formatted Data .......................118 Importing the Data..................................................................................119

Updating Cell Site Data .................................................................................126 Automatic Import of Cell Site Data .........................................................126

Reporting GSM Network Performance..........................................................128 Application Packages ....................................................................................128

Running Application Packs.....................................................................128


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DT Design Validation and Quick Analysis ..............................................130 DT Handover Settings and Power Control .............................................131

Running a Pre-Defined Report ......................................................................132 Creating a Custom Report.............................................................................134

Running Your Report with New Data .....................................................136 Where to Get More Help .................................................................................137

Help File ........................................................................................................137 Technical Support .........................................................................................139 Actix Web Site ...............................................................................................140 Contact Your Instructor .................................................................................140 More Advanced Training ...............................................................................140

Appendix A – GSM Event Definitions............................................................141 Appendix B – GPRS Optimization Parameters.............................................143

GPRS Test Design ........................................................................................143 GPRS Data Analysis .....................................................................................144

Appendix C – StateForms Attributes ............................................................149


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Actix Analyzer Sales 12012 Sunset Hills Rd Suite 910 Reston, VA 20190

Telephone: (703) 707-4777 Fax: (703) 707-4778 Web Site: http://www.actix.comEmail: [email protected]

Document Revision 2.0, December 2004 For Actix A-SVS-GP1 Version 1.6 Course: NTII All contents of this document are the property of Actix Inc and are provided for informational purposes only. The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Actix will not be held liable for technical or editorial omissions made herein, and will not be held liable for incidental, consequential, or other similar damages resulting from the use of its products. Copyright © Actix Inc. 2002, All Rights Reserved


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Introduction Scope of the Course

Introduction to Analyzer for Network Optimization provides a comprehensive overview of Actix Analyzer – Service Verification Solution (‘Analyzer’). Our goal is to give new users an understanding of what Analyzer can do and how it can help them improve the quality of service for their network subscribers. This course is led by experienced instructors. These instructors are experts in using Analyzer to increase productivity and are familiar with the challenges faced by engineers working in cellular/PCS environments. Class size is limited to ensure that everyone receives extensive one on one instruction. Participants are given ample opportunity to ask questions relevant to their particular optimization needs. Upon completing the course, participants will be able to put what they learned in the class to work to identify and solve real network problems. Introduction to Analyzer for Network Optimization begins with a high-level presentation of the Analyzer interface and its capabilities. We will then cover how Analyzer can be customized to tailor existing optimization processes to the specific needs of the participants.

Who Should Attend Analyzer Training?

Engineers responsible for enhancing cellular performance and implementing wireless system optimization

System Performance Engineers responsible for measuring and quantifying network quality relative to competitors and/or established benchmarks

Engineers looking to further understand the application of drive test, call trace and protocol data in optimizing networks

Experienced technicians involved in field optimization Anyone looking to maximize the return on their investment in Actix

Analyzer


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Prerequisites

Familiarity with network infrastructure and operation of the air interface A general understanding of drive test and call trace collection and post-

processing methodology and advantages and limitations of each dataset Access to Actix Analyzer software Basic computer literacy, including familiarity with Windows and MS Office

applications A computer running either Windows XP or Windows 2000 operating

system. Windows XP is recommended for optimal performance. Also, the computer should meet the minimal hardware requirements outlined below:

Hardware Optimal Performance

Minimal Performance

Processor: P4 2.6 GHz Pentium II 440 MHz

Memory (RAM) 1 GB 256 MB

Disk Space 60+ GB Available 1 GB Available

CD-ROM Drive -To install the application-

One Parallel or USB Port

-For Single-User Hardware Key-

Monitor 1280x1024x64k color resolution or higher

1024x768x256 color resolution

Other Mouse and Keyboard

In addition to the hardware requirements listed above, Analyzer performs best when the Windows Virtual Memory Paging size is set to between 1000 and 1500 MB. The method for setting this parameter varies by operating system. Please consult your OS help for specific instructions regarding this parameter.


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Topics to Be Covered

Configuring your Analyzer workspace including map, cell site, and parameter configuration in order to display your geographic area and network cell plan

Viewing data in a variety of ways to gain insight into possible network problems

Diagnosing and solving quality of service problems with drive test and switch data

Using pre-defined and custom analyses to analyze data and devise tailored optimization solutions

Identifying the impact of wide area network optimization changes in terms of quality of service using advanced features that allow Analyzer to be tailored to integrate seamlessly into developed optimization processes and procedures

Using some of the latest task-oriented application packages and their supporting engineering notes, which highlight how Analyzer can be used to fine-tune network performance and further enhance quality of service

Using the Help options and maximizing the benefit of technical support


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Introduction to Actix Analyzer

Mobile phone network operators strive to maximize the capacity and quality of their networks in order to ensure customer satisfaction and increase revenues. The collection and analysis of network performance metrics forms a large part of this effort. There are many sources of performance data available, including field-test equipment, scanners, and call traces. Actix Analyzer provides the ideal solution for your network optimization problems. It supports a wide range of file formats and provides you with a straightforward user interface. Actix Analyzer is a post-processing tool for the top-down optimization of wireless networks. Actix supports a wide variety of collection file formats, including:

Drive Test Collection Tools, including Ericsson TEMS, Nemo TOM, Comarco Baseline, Xtel, Grayson Invex, Xplor, Dingli, and Ascom Q-voice.

Switch (Mobile Traffic Records) Traces, including Ericsson MTR, and Nokia Online

Protocol Analyzers on the A, Abis, and Gb interfaces for GSM/GPRS networks including Tektronix K1205, Ocean, and Nethawk.


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Analyzer’s Key Features

Supports most of the industry standard file formats for drive-test, OMC-R traces, and A, Gb, and Abis traces

Easy-to-understand Windows user interface means information can be interpreted quickly

Data may be queried on user-defined criteria and filtered accordingly Access to high-level statistical information and detailed engineering

parameters Analyses may be run quickly using pre-defined report templates The most commonly requested analyses and calculations are carried out

automatically Drive test and call trace files may be combined to link forward and reverse

link data Interface with Excel allows detailed statistical and mathematical analysis

of any data set The Network Image feature enables aggregation of large volumes of drive

test data into one file, including only key parameters, resulting in a much smaller file


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What’s New in A-SVS Version 1.6 Technology Enhancements

AMR Measurements – Adaptive multi-rate (AMR) parameters available for analysis include Setup Parameters and Frame Measurements. AMR measurements are currently available for the TEMS, Invex 3G and XTel data collection formats. GPRS and EDGE Protocols - A-SVS supports the analysis of GPRS and EDGE networks. GPRS parameters are available for all major collection vendors. EDGE support is currently available for Nemo, and will soon be available for TEMS and XTel. Data testing measurements provide technology independent data protocol metrics provided by wireless data collection equipment. E-GSM Improvements – A-SVS v1.6 provides improved support for extended GSM band test and measurement (T+M) devices.

Data Visualization

Preconfigured StateForms - A number of preconfigured GSM and GPRS StateForms enable the user to quickly identify and troubleshoot important network events. Protocol Stack Browser – The Protocol Stack Browser allows the user to quickly browse through messages by examining the header only. Once a message of interest is identified in the top pane of the Protocol Stack Browser, the details of the message can be examined in the bottom pane. Cell Site Configuration – The Network Explorer has been updated to ease the cell site configuration process. The Auto Import feature is available to automatically update the cellrefs file with changes to network data. The Display Cell Data view provides easy access to network data details within the workspace. Search for Attributes – It is now possible to search for specific attributes within the tree structure of all open data streams within the Workspace Explorer. The results of the search will be displayed in the new “Search Results” tab. Region Filtering - A filtering mechanism has been implemented at the map layer level. This feature allows for one or more polygons of any desired size and shape to be drawn on a map. Data can then be filtered either inside or outside this defined region.


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Direction Button – It is now possible to display directional arrows on any drive-test map. These arrows indicate the direction of the drive test vehicle during collection.

Licensing

Several licensing options are available to meet the varied needs of different customers. Stand-alone Configurations – Users from the same customer will be able to readily interchange hardware keys without the inconvenience of having to move, copy, or replace license files. Commutable Network Configurations – The Actix customer who uses the Analyzer in a commutable network configuration will now have more flexibility in configuring the use of licenses to support usage in the office and in the field.


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Getting Started With Analyzer Starting Analyzer

As with any Windows application, you can start Analyzer in several ways. When you install Analyzer, a folder is created from the Start button that contains a shortcut for Analyzer.

To use this shortcut to start Analyzer, select Start → Programs → Actix → Analyzer.

Note: If you would like to add an Analyzer shortcut to your desktop, right-click on the Analyzer item on the start menu and choose Create Shortcut. It will appear on the desktop.

Figure 1 - Starting Analyzer Using the Shortcut on the Start Menu

Actix Folder Analyzer Shortcut

Start Button


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After starting Analyzer, the splash screen is displayed while the application loads. A blank Analyzer workspace then opens:

Figure 2 - An Empty Workspace in Analyzer

Workspace

Toolbar

Main Menu


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Configuring Analyzer

Before you can begin analyzing data, there are a few configuration matters to attend to. In order to obtain some geographical reference points for your log files, you will need to load some MapInfo maps and point Analyzer to a valid, applicable cell site database, known in Analyzer as a “cellrefs” file.

Setting up Maps This section shows you how to load MapInfo tabular (.tab) data to present data analyses on map backdrops.

1. Open a new map by selecting View → Display new Map 2. Click on the Maximize icon to maximize the Map window.

3. In the Map Window, click on the Layers icon: . 4. The Layer Control Dialog will open:

Figure 3 - The Layer Control Dialog

5. In the Layer Control dialog, click Add to open the Open Layer dialog.

6. Select or type in the name of a MapInfo Map (*.tab) file, then click Open. In class, the map file we will open is Maesseh.tab, which can be found in:

C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\MapFiles\Maesse

Current Layers

Layer Options

Layer Properties Layer Reorder


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MapInfo layers are named according to the geographic location of the data (usually abbreviated US state name and county name), and by the type of data contained in the file. The following table lists some of the common abbreviations used for MapInfo data types:

Suffix Layer Type Y1 RtHwy010_Top Y2 RtHwy010_Bot X1 IntShld010 X2 IntShld1040 Pc Cultural Points Pn Natural Points Pm Municipal Points R Railroads H Highways S Streets Wr Water (rivers) Wb Water (bodies of water) Lm Landmarks Cb City Boundary Mc Minor Civic Division Cy County Other MapInfo layers: Voting District, Native American Lands, Sub-MCD, State level tables (school districts and elevation contours)

For example, the MapInfo layer named Maesseh.tab contains highway-level data for Essex County, Massachusetts.

7. You may want to modify the layer properties by selecting the layer and choosing the various options within the Layer Control Dialog:

A. Properties → Labels: Use the Label Properties dialog to show, hide, or modify map labels.

To turn off labels (recommended to improve map load time), uncheck both the Display within range box.

Check boxes also are also available to Allow Overlapped Text and Allow Duplicated Text.

The label font can be controlled through the Label Style button.


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The label position and label offset can be modified at the bottom right corner of the dialog.

Select OK to exit the Label Properties dialog.

B. Properties → Display: Use the Display Properties dialog to control the display features of the map layer.

Override the default vector coloring by checking Override Style and modifying the Layer Style.

Select OK to exit the Display Properties dialog.

C. Reorder → Up and Reorder → Down: Use the Reorder buttons to change the ordering of the layers.

Moving map layers toward the bottom layer is recommended to set them as a backdrop for displaying cell site data and logfile parameters.

Layer Accessibility: To display a layer, check the box next to the layer name under the eye icon . To make a layer selectable, check the box next to the layer name under the arrow icon . To make a layer writeable, check the box next to the layer name under the pencil icon .

Layers → Remove: Use the Remove button to remove a map layer from the workspace.

8. In addition to the Essex County highway layer, open the

Middlesex and Suffolk County highway layers and modify their labels and visibility as in Step 7.

9. After modifying any desired layer properties, close the Layer Control dialog with the Close button and changes will take effect.


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Figure 4 - MapInfo Layer for Essex County Highways Displayed on a Map

9. Pan the map viewing area to the new map by right-clicking in the map area, then choosing Zoom → Go to Layer and selecting the map layer you just added.

10. Reorder the map layers using the Up and Down buttons on the Map Layer dialog to improve the appearance of the map

11. Right-click on the map and choose Zoom → Zoom In from the pop-up menu or click on the Zoom In button on the Map toolbar.

12. Click and drag a rectangle around a small area of interest on the map. Return the cursor to the passive mode by clicking on the Select button.

13. To return to the previous view, right-click on the map and choose Zoom →Previous View.

14. For some detailed layers, like the street layers, you can control at what degree of magnification they become visible. This helps to eliminate cluttered map displays. In the case of the highway layer, you can control the point at which the highway names and highway numbers become visible on the map. In the Map Layers, select the highway layer, and use the Properties Display dialog to set the Display within Zoom levels 0-10 miles. For the highway numbers, use the Properties Labels to set the visible range to 0-3 miles. Investigate the impact of your changes.

Map Toolbar


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More Pan and Zoom Options

The pop-up menu in the Map window offers a variety of convenient pan and zoom options.

Previous View – Right-click in the map and select Zoom → Previous View. Returns to the last zoom setting by undoing the last zoom operation.

View Entire Map – Right-click in the map and select Zoom → View Entire Map. Zooms out to show the entire map area you have defined.

Panning – Right-click in the map and select Tool → Pan. The cursor will change to a hand symbol. Click and drag to move the map in the viewing pane.

Centering – Right-click in the map and select Tool → Center, then click on a point in the map window. The map will pan with the point you selected as the center. Measuring Distances on the Map – Right-click in the map and select Tool → Distance. Click the first point of the two you would like to measure the distance between, and then drag the cursor to the second point. Notice that the distance is displayed next to the cursor and is continuously updated as you drag. The units are not displayed, so if you are not sure what the current units setting is, check under Map Units → Distance, changing the unit type if appropriate. Other Mapping Options Copy to Clipboard allows the current map to be pasted into other MS applications for reporting and presentation Export Map - allows the map to be saved to many common graphical formats for viewing outside Analyzer Zoom to Map Scale - permits the user to display the map based on common map scales. This may be useful if it is desired to overlay printed maps from Analyzer over other maps or coverage predictions New Raster - allows the importation of raster images for use as backdrops. One application of this would be to bring in raster maps of coverage predictions from a planning tool for visual inspection of predicted against measured coverage. Note: When you are finished panning and zooming, and have the map showing the area you are interested in, remember to return the cursor to the passive mode by clicking on the Select button on the map toolbar.


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Map Scale and Coordinates By default, the map scale will appear in the lower left corner of the map window. In addition, the latitude and longitude coordinates of the cursor can be displayed.

To turn the scale on or off, right-click on the map area and click to check or uncheck Show Scale.

To show or hide the cursor coordinates, right-click on the map area and click to check or uncheck Show Lat/Long.

Loading Cell Site Data In order to display cell sites in Analyzer, and integrate cell site data with real-time measurements, a formatted database must exist containing location and configuration data for each cell site. In Analyzer, we refer to this file as the ‘cellrefs’ file, although it can have any name. Later in the course, we will show you how to format your own data for recognition by Analyzer. For now, we will point Analyzer to a pre-formatted cellrefs file, and then display the sites on the map. Follow these steps to point Analyzer to a formatted cell site file:

1. From the main menu, select Tools → Preferences. 2. In the Change Preferences dialog, on the File Location line, double-click

on the name of the current cellrefs file. 3. In the Open dialog, navigate to the cellrefs file you would like to use and

select Open. In class the file we will use is called ‘Training GSM Cellrefs.txt’ which has been installed in the following location:

C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Bin\Cellrefs 4. Click OK to close the Preferences dialog. 5. A message box will be displayed saying that the new cellrefs file takes

effect when a new workspace is loaded. Click OK to close the message box. Analyzer loads cells upon opening Analyzer or starting a new workspace. From the Main Menu, choose File → New Workspace to create a new workspace. At this point, there is no need to save the current workspace.

6. In the new workspace, click View →Display New Map.

By default the cell sites are now visible:


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Figure 5 - Map with Cell Sites Displayed

Displaying Site Labels

By default, site and cell labels will be displayed on the map. You can leave the labels as they are, modify the way they are displayed, or turn them off entirely. The site labels are displayed independently of cell labels. This allows you to display Site Name or Site ID in addition to or instead of BCCH, Azimuth, or Beamwidth. In Analyzer, “sectors” are called “cells” based on the European terminology. The following instructions specify first site labeling, then cell labeling:

1. In the Layer Control dialog box, select the site layer (named

GSM_Site-Site_Name) 2. Under the Properties heading in the Layer Control dialog, press

the Labels button.


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3. The MapInfo-style Label Properties box will appear. Verify that each of the following options is checked:

Show Allow overlapped text (recommended) Hide adjacent duplicate text (optional)

4. In the Label Properties box, use the drop down Data Field menu to determine the label format to display. Currently, there are two label formats from which to choose:

The Site_Name (default) shows only the site name. The Key Field label shows only the site ID.

5. If you wish to offset the label from the cell site symbol, use the options in the Position box in the Label Properties dialog.

6. If you wish to change the font of the labels, use the Label Style button in the Properties dialog.

7. Select OK to exit the Label Properties dialog.

The Site Labels have been formatted. Next, format the Cell Labels: 1. In the Layer Control dialog box, select the cell layer, which is named

GSM_Cell-BCCH-Beamwidth 2. Under the Properties heading in the Layer Control dialog, press

the Labels button 3. The MapInfo-style Label Properties box will appear. Verify that each

of the following boxes is checked: Show Allow overlapped text (recommended) Hide adjacent duplicate text (optional)

4. In the Label Properties box, use the drop down Data Field menu to determine the label format to display. All GSM_Cell parameters are available as options for labeling. BCCH is a popular labeling option, as it allows you to quickly identify the BCCH frequency on each sector.

5. If you want to offset the label from the cell site symbol, use the options in the Position box in the Label Properties dialog.

6. If you want to change the font of the labels, use the Label Style button in the Properties dialog.


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7. Click OK in the Label Properties dialog, and then OK in the Layers dialog to apply the labels.

Figure 6 - Formatted Cell and Site Labels

Coloring Sectors on the Map

By default, sectors are colored by BCCH on the map. To color the sectors according to a different field (i.e. Sector_ID, to color sectors by face), or to make all sectors the same color:

1. Click the Cell Sites button at the top of the map. 2. In the Series drop-down, choose GSM_Cell. 3. Use the Cell Color drop-down to choose the field to color by.

To make all sectors the same color, specify an unused field (i.e. MCC). To color sectors by face (i.e. 1 = red, 2 = yellow, 3 = blue), choose Sector_ID.

4. Click OK to exit the Sites / Cell Properties dialog.


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5. Site coloring will appear as specified. To modify face colors, expand the GSM_Cell parameter in the legend. Right-click on individual ranges and choose Selected Range’s Style to modify colors.

Figure 7 - Sites / Cell Properties Dialog

Note that the sector need not be colored and labelled by the same parameter. The figure below shows sectors colored by Sector_ID and labelled with the BCCH. Use the Layer Control dialog to adjust labelling as desired.


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Figure 8 - Sectors Colored by Sector_ID on Map


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Viewing Cell Site Information A cell’s Azimuth, Beamwidth and Sector ID can be obtained by running the mouse over a sector on the map. To obtain more detailed information on each site or sector:

1. Display site data of interest on the map. 2. From the main menu, select Cells → Display Cell Data. 3. From the main menu, select Window → Tile Horizontally or

Window → Tile Vertically. 4. Click on a sector wedge or site dot on the map. Details about that

sector or site will appear in the Display Cell Data window.

Figure 9 - Display Cell Data Window


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Searching for Cells Search for Cells provides a mechanism for locating specific cell sites based on user-defined search criteria. To conduct a search:

1. Display site data of interest on the map. 2. From the main menu, select Cells → Search for Cells. 3. From the main menu, select Window → Tile Horizontally or

Window → Tile Vertically to arrange the CellRefs Search dialog and the map in the workspace.

4. Ensure that GSM is visible in the Technology drop-down. 5. Use the Add, Edit and Delete buttons to modify search criteria. 6. Click the Search Now button to show in the Results window all

matching cell sites from the current cellrefs file.

Figure 10 - CellRefs Search Dialog


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7. From the Results window, select a row to highlight and center the corresponding sector on the map.

8. Click the Highlight All button to highlight all matching sectors on the map.

Figure 11 - Map Highlighting All Sectors Meeting Search Criteria


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Data Aggregation (Binning)

Analyzer aggregates data into groups called bins in order to provide a reasonable number of data points from a computing and analysis perspective. The aggregation method used to create one bin from many data points depends on the type of parameter. For example measurement parameters, such as RxLev and RxQual, are binned by averaging all component measurements into one data point. For network state parameters, such as ServBCCH and ServBSIC, a bin is given the most frequently occurring value in the component measurements. Events, such as Dropped Calls and Handovers are binned by the number of events occurring within the component measurements. There are four modes for determining how to divide data into bins:

Time-based binning Distance binning Message binning Location binning

Time-based binning combines data in the time domain using a

user-specified duration for the bin. The speed of travel during logging will affect how many log files you see in a certain area. The diagram below looks at a one-second bin.

Distance binning combines data into bins corresponding to the

distance traveled by the test mobile. This mode is commonly used for drive test analyses when viewing on a map to ensure plot points are evenly spaced.


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Message binning sets the number of messages to average equal to 1. Each message is placed into its own bin with the net result of no averaging of the data. Message binning should not be set to any value other than 1.

Location binning - analogous to overlaying a spatial grid on top of the data with a user-definable granularity. This can be used when examining several drive files crossing over the same geographic area. This method is often used for SuperStreams.

To set the binning mode 1 In the Tools → Preferences dialog, click on the ‘+’ next to

Binning to expand it 2 Set the binning mode for maps, charts, and reports to Time

based.

3 Highlight the time field and set the Time to 1000 ms.

All points in this box will be binned together to produce one plot point

Grid (not seen) Drive Routes


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Exploring the Workspace Loading Files

Now that you are more familiar with the Analyzer environment, we will move on to some of the basic viewing options for drive test data.

1. Load the following drive test files by selecting File → Open Logfile or by

clicking the Open Logfile icon: . These files are located in the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Actix\Analyzer\DataFiles directory:

Nemo Drive Test 1.dt1 TEMS Investigation 1.log

2. Expand the file tree in the workspace and select the NemoGSM (0) stream from the Nemo Drive Test 1 file.

3. Expand the layers under the NemoGSM (0) stream, then expand the GSM node and examine each data group and parameter, as shown in Figure 7.

Figure 12 - Expanded Workspace Showing Data Groups and Parameters


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Upon loading a GSM data file, note that several data groups are created for each device contained in the file. To see these data groups, open any log file contained in the training package. The following data groups are created under the GSM node:

Statistics Data – Information about handover interval and duration Serving Cell Parameters – Information about the serving cell identity,

serving BCCH, and BSIC. Target Cell Info – Information about the target cell for a handoff including

BCCH and BSIC. Dedicated Radio Link – Once a call has been established, parameters

that are associated with the cell serving the call are contained here. Device Info – Information about the specifications of the mobile making

the call. Downlink Measurements – Serving RxLev and RxQual measurements

made by the mobile, which are also broken out by ARFCN. Neighbor Cell Info – BCCH, BSIC, and RxLev for each neighbor. In

addition, all neighbor measurements are broken out by channel number. Event Data – Call events triggered by Layer 3 messaging or registered by

the drive test vendor’s equipment. If an event is not present in the tree, it did not occur in the file.

GPRS Measurements – Metrics associated with GPRS data calls, including throughput, coding scheme, channel usage, TBF information and events can be found here.

AMR Measurements – Call setup and inband signaling measurements extracted from AMR-enabled handsets are contained in this group.

Vendor Specific – Measurements that are specific to the particular collection device used. Specific events registered by the T+M vendors’ hardware not derived from layer 3 messaging by Analyzer are included here.

The Data Testing node in a GPRS or EDGE handset stream provides data parameters that are not specific to the air interface. Under the Data Testing node, the following groups may be found:

Application Measurements – Find instantaneous application layer throughput here. This is the value that most closely approximates the end user’s experience.

Protocol Measurements – This group contains throughput values for each layer in the IP stack. This group contains statistics for the IP, PPP, TCP, ICMP and RLP2 layers.


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• IP (Internet Protocol) provides a connectionless addressing scheme of packets, or datagrams, to be delivered in a packet-switched data network.

• TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) establishes a virtual connection between a source and a destination in a data network.

• PPP (Point to Point Protocol) serves primarily to provide some security to datagrams in the IP network.

• ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) supports error, control and informational messages within the data network.

Task Settings – This group contains task identifiers including Task_Id, Task_Name and Task_Key.

Task Summary – This group contains application level parameters summarizing the entire task.

Ping Statistics – This group contains metrics for any ping session within the logfile.

Application Statistics – This group contains the number of bytes transmitted by the data application.

Connection – This group contains details for data connections activated within the logfile.

HTTP Statistics – This group contains metrics for any HTTP session within the logfile.

Right-click on several of the parameters under each group and note that they can be displayed on tables, maps, charts, and in workbooks.


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Viewing Scanner Data in Analyzer

Analyzer supports the GSM scanners including the TEMS scanner, Nemo Seegull, Comarco baseline, and XK series scanner devices. To better understand the Scanner data that is presented, open logfile Grayson CW Scan.LOG and expand the stream Spectrum Tracker (0):

Figure 13 - Scanner Stream Expanded to Show Its Contents

Note that under the Scanner data group, several groups have been created to help you easily drill down into the data.

Independent Node Data in Analyzer

The Independent data node in Analyzer includes measurements that are technology and T+M vendor independent. This includes GPS information, Site Data Node information and Message Type information. Information for the site data node parameters will be generated if a valid cellrefs file is loaded in the Analyzer when a logfile is loaded. The site data node contains information resulting from the integration of the cell plan information and drive test data. This information can be displayed on maps, charts, tables, and workbooks like all regular drive test parameters. The site


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data node information appears in the workspace similar to the illustration below.

Figure 14 - Expanded Site Data Node in the Workspace

The Site Data Node contains the parameters listed below:

ServingCellDistance – The distance between each point on the drive and the current serving cellsite

ServingCellLat – The latitude of the serving cellsite at each point along the drive route

ServingCellLon – The longitude of the serving cellsite at each point along the drive route

ServingCellID/SectorID – The alphanumeric identity from the cellrefs file of the serving site name and sector name. This data can be viewed on a table synchronized to a map to eliminate the need to look up channel/color code information to determine the serving cell at each point on the drive

NeighborCellDistance/Lat/Long/CellID/SectorID - The same information as above for each neighbor position along the drive.


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Searching for Attributes

With such a high number of attributes (or parameters) available for analysis, it can become quite tedious to locate the exact attribute that one might need. The “Search for Attributes” feature allows a user to search the parameter trees of all open data streams within the Workspace Explorer. The results of the search will be displayed in the Search Results tab of the Workspace Explorer.

1. From the main toolbar, select Tools → Find Attribute. The search panel

will open as part of the Workspace Explorer window. 2. In the Find What field, type some text that is part of the required attribute. 3. Select the Stream in which to search for the attribute. The default is set to

<All Streams>. 4. Select either of the Settings options – if desired. 5. Select the Direction in which to search. 6. Click Find Next or Find All. 7. When finished, click Done. The search panel will close. However, all of

the results will remain visible in the Search Results tab. The Favorites Group

Having access to all of the parameters within a logfile in the Workspace is sometimes not necessary and it can make finding key parameters more difficult. Analyzer allows for the identification of a subset of parameters that need to be accessed regularly by placing them in a Favorites Group. This group can be viewed by clicking on the Favorites tab in the Workspace. Try setting the following favorites for GSM parameters based on drive test measurements of “Nemo Drive Test 1”: 1. In the workspace, click to select the ServRxLevSub parameter from the

Downlink Measurements group, then right-click on it and choose Add to Favorites from the pop-up menu.

2. Under Downlink Measurements, find ServRxQualSub and add it to Favorites.

3. Under Events, find CallDropped and HandoverOK and add them to Favorites.

4. Under Serving Cell Parameters, find ServBCCH and add it to Favorites.


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5. In the Workspace, click on the Favorites tab . A tree view of the items you added is displayed. You can easily move between All and Favorites as necessary.

Figure 15 - Workspace Showing the Favorites Parameters Displayed

6. The parameters that you define as Favorites will be available on

the Favorites tab for any data file open in the workspace that contains those parameters, as well as for any new files opened that contain the specified parameters.

7. To remove a parameter from favorites, select the parameter. Right-click on it and choose ‘Remove Favorite.’

Sharing Favorites

Favorites can be shared among users. Favorites are saved in the Favorites.dat file located in the C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Actix\ Analyzer\Bin\XMLFiles directory. To share Favorites with another user, copy the Favorites.dat file to the same directory on the desired machine. The user of that machine will then have access to those Favorites each time Analyzer is launched.

Favorites Tab


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Viewing Data in Analyzer

In Analyzer, data can be viewed in a variety of ways to facilitate easy analysis. You can plot parameters on maps and display them on charts, tables, and in workbooks.

Viewing Data on Maps

There are two options for viewing data on maps: To view any parameter on a new map: Right-click on the

parameter of interest in the Workspace Browser and select Display on Map.

To view a parameter on a map already open in the workspace: Click and drag the parameter of interest onto a map already open in the workspace.

1. Display the serving cell signal level for the handset stream NemoGSM (0)

on the map from the file Nemo Drive Test 1. First, select Downlink Measurements → ServRxLevSub. Then right-click and select Display on Map.

Figure 16 - RxLevSub Displayed On a Map


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Notice that the legend appears to the left of the map. The count for each range is in parentheses to the right of the range.

2. If you would like to display a second parameter, you have two options: You can add the second parameter to the same map as the first by

clicking on the second parameter in the Workspace Browser and dragging it onto the original map.

You can display each parameter on a separate map by right-clicking on the second parameter in the Workspace Browser and choosing Display on Map.

Modifying Legend Ranges

1. Select the ServRxLevSub stream in the Map Legend window and right-click on it. Choose the Modify ranges option to change the number of legend ranges and some of the range boundaries.

Figure 17 - Modify Ranges Dialog For RxLevSub


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2. Delete ranges you don’t need by selecting them one at a time and pressing the Remove button.

3. To edit an existing range to match your network thresholds, select and type in the new maximum or minimum and click on the Update button to register the changes.

4. To add a new range, type the maximum and minimum in the spaces provided and click on the Add button.

5. If at any time you want to back out of all of the changes you have made, click on the Cancel button. Note: The ranges set for the map are also used for grouping data for histograms in workbooks and the histogram tab on tables. Changes made to the ranges on the map legend will also be made to these other views.

6. Modify the colors of each range to match your network schema from within the Modify Ranges dialog by selecting the range, clicking on the Selected button in the Set Colors box, and picking a new color from the palette. Note: These changes to the ranges are saved automatically. One file is created for each parameter range. These files are located in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Actix\Analyzer\Bin\FormatGroups\UserSettings. This file can be copied and shared with other members of your team.

7. To accept the changes you have made to the legend settings, click OK.

8. After clicking OK, you will be presented with the Selected Legend box. To overwrite the existing default legend range settings with your new settings, click OK. To keep your default legend range settings as they are and add your new legend settings as an alternate set of legend ranges, type in a name for the new set of ranges, then click OK.

The Map Offset Tool 1. To add the RxQual from the handset to the current map, select

Downlink Measurements → ServRxQualSub. Drag the selected parameter onto the map. The RxQual is drawn directly on top of the RxLev trail.

2. Click on the Layers button on the map toolbar to open the layers dialog.


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3. Select the ServRxQualSub layer and click on the Offset button. You can use the Offset box to enter an amount to move the RxQual in the x and y directions.

4. If you prefer, you can use the Offset Tool instead of entering specific x and y offsets. a. To use the Offset Tool to offset RxQual from RxLev, click on the

Layers button to get into the Layer Control Dialog. b. Click on the Offset Tool button. Your cursor will change from an

arrow to a ‘+’. c. Click any where on the map. Your cursor will stay at ‘+’ and will

now have a dotted line connecting it to the point you just clicked. d. The dotted line indicated by how much the ServRxQualSub layer

will be shifted. Click on a second point to complete the offset. 5. You can return a layer to its original position by manually setting the x

and y offsets to zero or by clicking on the Reset button in the Map Offset Tool.

Figure 18 - Map of RxLev and RxQual Data

RxQual Stream

RxLev Stream

Visibility Check Boxes


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6. Turn layer visibility on and off by clicking the layer’s checkbox in the legend.

Creating a Multi-Dimensional Map Stream You can create a two-dimensional map by dragging two parameters onto a map, then dragging one on top of the other in the legend. This will replace the two data streams with one composite stream. The color of the points in the resulting stream will be determined by the value of the stream that was dragged and the size of the points is determined by the value of the other stream.

1. Close the current map. 2. Display ServRxLevSub and ServRxQualSub on a map. 3. In the legend, drag the RxLev layer on top of the RxQual layer in

the legend. The points will be colored by RxLev with their size determined by RxQual.

Figure 19 - Multi-Dimensional Map Trail

4. A third dimension can be added to the plot. You can set the symbol type to denote the value of the third parameter.

5. Drag the ServBCCH from the Serving Cell Parameters group onto the map.


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6. In the legend, drag ServBCCH on top of the ServRxLev and ServRxQual multi-dimensional stream. Note that the new plot shows color corresponding to RxLev, symbol size based on RxQual and symbol type denoting serving BCCH. The legend information is automatically updated when multi-dimensional plots are created.

7. Remove the multi-dimensional layer through the Layers dialog by selecting it and clicking the Delete button.

Note: Separate legend ranges exist for each parameter for the size, symbol, and color ranges. For example, you may choose to display ServRSSISub divided into five ranges when it is viewed by color, and only two ranges when viewing it by size.

Lines to Cells and Cell History With a cell plan loaded, lines from each location on the drive route to their corresponding serving cell and neighbor cells will be drawn. Set the map cursor in the Select mode and click on any point on the drive route.

Figure 20 - Map Showing Lines to Cells

Lines to Neighbor Cells

Line to Serving Cell


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You can view the serving or neighbor cells for more than one point on the map by clicking on the Area Select button on the map toolbar and choosing one of the options now available on the toolbar, either Select Box, Select Radius, or Polygon Select. In addition to viewing serving and neighbor cells for an individual point data point or a subset of the data, a Cell History plot can be drawn. This plot shows the line to the serving cell for each point on the drive route.

1. To create this type of plot, click on the Layers button on the map toolbar.

2. Select the ‘GSM_Cell-Beamwidth’ layer.

3. Select Properties → Lines to access the dialog below:

Figure 21 - Line Layer Properties Dialog

4. Select the All datapoints option for the Lines draw mode. 5. For the Color lines with, choose ServBCCH. 6. For Label lines with, choose None.


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Figure 22 - Map Showing Lines to Serving Cell For Each Point

Displaying Data Values as Text on Maps The values for one or more parameters can be displayed as text on the map. This can be used to display the serving cell number value or serving site identity name adjacent to the drive route. All the options are controlled through the Label Properties dialog accessed from the Map Layers for the layer under observation.

1. Drag RxLevSub, RxQualSub, and ServBCCH onto the map. 2. Move ServBCCH below the RxLev and RxQual layers in the Map

Layer dialog. 3. Move the RxLev layer between the RxQual and BCCH layers. 4. With the BCCH layer selected, click on the Label button to see the

dialog box below:


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Figure 23 - Label Properties Dialog

The settings on this dialog are as follows: Data

Data Field – Select this option to display the parameter value next to the data point. Formatted Field – Select this option to display the parameter name and value next to the data point.

Visibility

Show – Controls whether or not the labels appear on the map. Allow Overlapped Text – Use this option to draw all labels, even if they overlap partially or fully. Hide adjacent duplicate text – Controls whether each adjacent bin with the same data value has a label displayed. Disable this feature for


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parameters like Serving Channel Number or Site ID where the point of interest is where a change occurred. Display within range – Use this option for layers like maps or cell sites when you would like to see the values when zoomed in close to the area but the labels clutter then viewing area when zoomed farther out.

Styles

Label style – This button opens the Text Style box. From this box you can modify the font face, size, background color, and text effects for the label text.

Figure 24 - Text Style Box

Position Across the line – Used with Lines to Cells layers, choose this option to have the labels drawn in the direction of the line to cell. Along the line – Used with Lines to Cells layers, choose this option to have the labels drawn horizontally, across the line to cell. Vertical – Draws label from left to right. Horizontal – Rotates the label 90 degrees. Alignment – Choose Left, Center, or Right. Label X offset – Set the vertical distance from the label to its data point. Label Y offset – Set the horizontal distance from the label to its data point.


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5. For the ServBCCH layer, Data Field. For visibility, check Show and

Allow overlapped text. For the position, set Label X offset to -10 and Label Y offset to 5.

6. In the Layer Control dialog, select the RxLev. Select the Data Field option. For visibility, check Show and Allow overlapped text. For the position, set Label X offset to 10 and Label Y offset to -15.

Figure 25 - Map with Labels Displayed and Formatted For RxLev and

ServBCCH


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The Direction Button The Direction button allows the user to display directional arrows on any drive-test map. These arrows indicate the direction of the drive test vehicle during collection. The Direction button is located on the Map Toolbar.

Figure 26: Map with Directional Arrows Displayed

Region Filtering

The Region Filter can be used to filter data displayed on maps. It can be very helpful when trying to isolate data in one geographical area.

1. From the Map Toolbar, click the Region Filter button. Three

additional options will now appear on the map toolbar; including a Polygon drawing tool. The cursor will now appear as a cross-hair on the map.

2. Draw the polygon over a certain map area by clicking on a series of points. The first click on the map starts the polygon. Drag the cursor

Direction button

Directional arrows


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to each corner of the desired region to filter and click the mouse once. To finish drawing the polygon, double-click near the starting point to establish a line between the last point and the first point.

3. Draw any other polygons, as needed. 4. To filter data, click the down-arrow next to Filter and select either

Include or Exclude. “Include” is the default filter. [Note: Any additional attributes that are dragged onto a map using regional filtering will also be filtered].

5. To remove the filter, select Remove All from the map toolbar. This will delete all existing region filters in that map. Region filters in other map windows are unaffected.

Figure 27: Region Filtering using "Include"


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Printing Maps

A-SVS-DO1 features five different ways to obtain printable map outputs: Print using “Quick Print” Print using Map Layout Designer Copy to Clipboard Export Map to a different file format Export individual map layers to MapInfo

The recommended method is the Quick Print. The Quick Print option bypasses the Map Layout Designer and prints the map with a legend in a fixed position. To print a map using the Quick Print option:

1. Display data on a map in the workspace. 2. Select the Print button from the map toolbar. 3. Select the paper source, page orientation, and margin sizes. 4. Use the Options button in the lower left hand corner of the Print

Setup dialog to adjust map size, content, legend visibility, and scale.

5. In the Print Setup dialog, select OK to print the map. The Map Layout Designer may be used to arrange the map and legend on the page, add a title, and preview the output. To print a map using the Map Layout Designer:

1. Open a map with data in the workspace. 2. Select the Layout button from the toolbar. 3. Choose the page layout for the map and select OK to

bring up the Map Layout Designer. 4. Double-click on the Label box to change the title of the

map. 5. Move the label box and the map so that they are not

overlapping. Resize the text box as necessary. With the Label Box selected, choose Properties from the Toolbar to change the label font.


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6. Move the legend so that it is not overlapping the map trail. Resize the legend as necessary.

7. Select Print Preview from the Toolbar to determine what the printed page will look like. Close Print Preview to make any modifications necessary.

8. Select Print to print the map. You can also print a map by copying it to the clipboard. 1. Right-click on the map to be copied and select Copy to Clipboard.

2. Paste the map into another application and use that application’s print function to print the map.

A fourth option is to convert the map to a different file format and use a compatible program to print the output file. Analyzer supports the exporting of maps to the following formats: BMP, JPG, WMF, PNG, TIF, GIF, and PSD. 1. Right-click on the map and choose Export Map.

2. Select the desired file format. Finally, a fifth option is to export individual map layer(s) directly into MapInfo. To do this:

a. From the map view, open the Layer Control dialog box. b. Select Export. c. Choose the layers to be exported. Browse to the

appropriate destination folder. d. Click OK.


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Viewing Data on Charts

Analyzer can create a variety of charts for the analysis and inspection of data. 1. With the Nemo Drive Test 1 file open in the Workspace, expand

Downlink Measurements and select ServRxLevSub. 2. Right-click on ServRxLevSub and choose Display on Chart from

the pop-up menu. Your chart should look like this:

Figure 28 - RxLev Displayed On a Chart

3. Click on the Histogram button to view the data as a distribution.

4. Click on the Series button to return the chart to a time series chart.

5. Select ServRxQual and drag and drop it onto the first chart to display both parameters on one chart.

6. From the Neighbor Cell Info node, expand the NborRxLev node, and drag and drop NborRxLev_0 onto the chart. Your chart should look like the figure below.


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Figure 29 - RxLev, RxQual And Strongest Neighbor RxLev displayed On a Chart

Note that RxQual appears on a separate axis from the RxLev values. Multiple values can be dragged onto a single chart. When parameters are expressed in different units they will appear on separate y axes.

7. Drag and drop a few events onto this chart. The events will appear

on the chart as vertical lines.

You can zoom in on a section of interest, such as a dropped call, by dragging a rectangle from upper-left to lower-right. You can return to the original view by clicking and dragging a rectangle from lower-right to upper-left.

1. Drag and drop the dropped call event onto the chart you currently have open.

2. Click and drag a rectangle from upper-left to lower-right on the chart around the second dropped call.


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Figure 30 - Chart Zoomed In On a Dropped Call

Modifying Chart Properties

1. Many chart properties can be customized through the Properties dialog. Right-click on the chart and choose Chart Properties from the menu.

2. Use the Axis dialog to increase the RxLev max value to -15 dBm. 3. Reposition the Properties Dialog so that you can see the chart with

the dialog open. As you change the properties of the chart, the chart is automatically updated.

4. On the Chart Series page, click on Titles… to change one of the titles.

5. Still on the Chart Series page, use the up and down arrows to change the order in which the parameters are plotted.

6. On the Chart Legend page, modify the fonts and colors. 7. On the Chart Axis page, redefine the style for the axis, labels, and

ticks.


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8. Create a three-dimensional chart using the options on the Chart → 3D page.

9. Click on the Copy icon to place a copy of your chart on the clipboard.

10. In Word or PowerPoint, click Edit → Paste to paste your chart into that application.

11. In Analyzer, with the chart still open, create a map displaying the same data. Click to select data on either the map or the chart and notice that the views are synchronized.

If you want to select a point on the map, click the Select button to activate the selection cursor.


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Viewing Data in Tables

Tables provide a quick and simple view of numeric data for a selected attribute. You can look at statistics, such as mean, minimum, and maximum, histogram distribution information, and the time series data for the parameter displayed the a table.

1. Display ServRxQualSub from the Nemo Drive Test 1 handset on a table. To do this, select Downlink Measurements → ServRxQualSub, then right-click and select Display on Table.

Figure 31 - RxQual Series Data Displayed in a Table

2. Click on the Histogram tab to see the ranges and their counts. The

ranges on the Histogram tab are determined by the ranges set in the map legend.

3. Click on the Statistics tab to view the automatically calculated statistics.

4. Add RxLev to the table by right-clicking on the RxLevSub parameter in the workspace and dragging it onto the table.

5. Display the dropped call event on a map. Click on the dropped calls to synch the map with the table.

Tabs for View Options


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Viewing Data in the Message Browser

Analyzer provides the Message Browser to allow you to analyze all the messaging seen from the phone. The browser also includes events derived from the Layer 3 messaging, searching, and filtering operations on the data. To open the browser right-click on the stream name NemoGSM (0) in the workspace and choose Display Message Browser from the pop-up menu.

Figure 32 - Messaging Displayed in the Message Browser

1. Click on an event in the Event Panel. Watch as the Messaging Window synchronizes to display the messaging information corresponding to the event you selected.

2. In the Search box, type ‘drop’, then click the Find Next button to find the next occurrence of this text string in the file. Continue

the search by clicking the Find Next icon to find each subsequent occurrence of the string.

3. Select a section of text in the Message Browser and click on the Copy icon.


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4. Open Word and click Edit → Paste to paste the text into the current document.

5. In Analyzer, click on the Properties button then on the Message Format tab, and investigate the results of checking some of the options.

6. In the Properties dialog, click on the Message Format tab and modify the Font for the Message Browser.

7. Investigate the use of bookmarks by selecting a subset of messages and marking them with the Toggle button and then using the adjacent Next and Previous Toggle buttons to step through them.

As with the maps and charts, the message browser synchs with other Analyzer data views. To try this out, display a parameter, such as ServRxLev or ServRxQual, on a map or chart. Click on a point on the map or chart, and watch as the message browser scrolls to highlight the messaging corresponding to that point in time. If you click to synch the message browser with an event, it will point to the message whose receipt triggers that event.


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Viewing Data in the Protocol Stack Browser

The Protocol Stack Browser is another view that allows the user to quickly browse through messages by examining the header only. Once a message of interest is identified in the top pane of the Protocol Stack Browser, the details of the message can be examined in the bottom pane. The following Protocol Stack Browser views are available for GSM and GPRS drive test data:

Layer 3 – Message pane displays GSM Layer 3 messages and message direction

Layer 3 Signalling – Message pane displays GSM Layer 3 messages only

All – Message pane displays all GSM Layer 3 and handset-specific messages

GPRS Events – Message pane displays messages signifying GPRS events

GPRS RLC / MAC – Message pane displays GSM Layer 3, and GPRS RLC and MAC messages

Figure 33 - GSM Layer 3 Protocol Stack Browser


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Open the Layer 3 Protocol Stack Browser view for the Nemo Drive Test 1 sample file:

1. Right-click on the NemoGSM (0) stream in the workspace and choose Protocol Stack Browser → GSM Layer 3 from the pop-up menu.

2. Click on a message header from the series in the top portion of the Browser Window and notice the complete message displayed in the bottom pane for the message you selected.

3. In the Search box, type ‘CC Release’, then click the Find Next button to find the next occurrence of this text string in the file. Continue the search by clicking the Find Next icon to find each subsequent occurrence of the string.

4. Select the All Rows button at the top of the Protocol Stack Browser to view all messages including Layer 3 and handset-specific messages.

As with the maps and charts, the Protocol Stack Browser synchronizes with other data views. To try this out, display a parameter, such as ServRxLevSub on a map. Click on a point on the map and watch as the Protocol Stack Browser scrolls to highlight the message in the top pane and display the complete message contents in the bottom pane.


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Viewing Data on Workbooks

The Workbook feature allows you to manipulate data within a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet environment, provided that you have Excel installed on your computer. You can display the data in charts, produce reports, and save and share your work. If you just want to browse numerical data, you may find Analyzer’s table feature easier to use. If you are looking to save your results or do more comprehensive formatting, a workbook is the best choice.

1. Select Downlink Measurements → ServRxQualSub, then right-click and select Display on Workbook. Notice the series data being displayed in Excel with time, latitude, and longitude.

Figure 34 - RxQual Displayed in a Workbook

2. Click on the Histogram tab to view the ranges and counts. 3. Click on the Statistics tab to see the automatically calculated

statistics.


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Delta Plots

Delta plots provide a way to compare parameters from two different data streams. This feature calculates the difference between the attribute values logged in the same location in two successive drive tests and returns the results as a binned dataset that can be plotted on a map or displayed on a chart, table or workbook.

Figure 35: Creating a Delta Plot

1. To create a delta plot, select Tools → Tasks → Delta Plots 2. In the Choose your technology drop down, select “GSM

Handset” or “GPRS Handset” 3. In the Select the attribute to “delta” drop down, select the

desired attribute. Note: It is possible to “delta” any parameter. If the desired parameter is not in the drop down list for a given technology, select “Add…” and type the name of the parameter exactly as


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it appears in the Attribute Explorer. Press “Enter” to reactivate the page.

4. Select “Click Here” on the Binning line to enter the Preferences dialog. Change the binning settings to:

a. Binning Mode = Location b. Projection = Default (meters) [Scroll up from default entry

to find this option] c. X size = 50 d. Y size = 50 e. Unit = Meters

Figure 36: Setting the Binning for Delta Plot Creation

5. Select the “Before” stream 6. Select the “After” stream 7. Enter an alternative name for the delta stream (if desired).

Press “Enter” when done to reactivate the task page 8. Click the “Create Delta Plot” button

The delta value is calculated by subtracting the “After” stream from the “Before” stream. Once the delta plot has been created, a map will appear containing the two original streams and the delta value between the two streams.


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Figure 37: Delta Plot Display

It is also possible to display the results of the binned delta analysis on a chart, table or workbook. To do this, right-click on the binned delta analysis and select the desired data view.


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The Replay Tool

The replay tool allows you to sequentially view data points in the files you are analyzing. Resembling the controls of a VCR, you can move forward or backward, automatically or manually advancing through the data. You can move through data displayed on a chart, map, or table. The stream selection box allows you to choose which stream to watch. It will display all open logfiles, whether or not you have a parameter from the stream displayed.

1. Display RxLev from NemoGSM (0) on a map, then drag the dropped call event onto the same map.

2. Display the dropped call, RxQual, RxLev, and ServBCCH on a table.

3. Use the Window menu to tile the map and table horizontally. 4. To access the replay tool, select Tools → Display Replay.

Figure 38 - The Replay Tool

5. Making sure that the NemoGSM (0) stream is selected in the replay

tool, select a point on the map, near the beginning of the drive. 6. Click on the Step Forward button to move to the next point on the

drive. 7. Notice that the selection box on the map moves to the next data point

in the drive. The table has also updated by highlighting the relevant data.

8. Experiment with the remaining buttons to see how they interact with the rest of the views.

Play

Play Speed

Stream Selection Step Forward

Step Back Reverse Stop


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Docking the Replay Tool You may find it more convenient to position the Replay Tool under the Workspace Browser. The procedure for doing this is called docking.

1. Click on the left-most of the four buttons at the upper right-hand side of the Replay Tool . If there are only three buttons, minimize and then restore the Replay Tool to make the fourth button appear.

2. The Replay Tool will now show up along the right side of the Workspace Browser. To move it under the Workspace Browser, click on the thin gray bar at the top of the Replay Tool and drag it to the far left side of your screen.


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Viewing Data on Stateforms

Actix StateForms allow you to view multiple performance metrics simultaneously. Used in conjunction with the replay tool, maps, tables, and charts, you can quickly ascertain the values of several optimization parameters for problem identification.

Using Preconfigured StateForms A number of preconfigured GSM, GPRS and EGPRS StateForms enable the user to quickly identify and troubleshoot important network events. View the GSM Current Channel form for the Nemo Drive Test 1 sample file:

1. Right-click on the stream name NemoGSM(0) in the workspace and choose Display Form → GSM Current Channel. Forms can also be selected from the View → Forms option on the main menu.

Figure 39: Select GSM Current Channel Form

2. In general, when selecting a form, make sure that the form that you have selected applies to the type of data you want to analyze. For example, do not select the GSM CW Scan chart for a logfile containing handset data.


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3. If the Stream Selector is not visible, right-click on the form and select Stream Selector. The Stream Selector drop-down will appear. Use the drop-down list to select the stream you wish to view data for. If you are not seeing information in the forms, verify that the right data stream is selected.

Figure 40: GSM Current Channel Form with Stream Selector Visible

4. Forms with measurement views like the GSM Current Channel form or the GSM Call Events form may be best viewed when docked on the side of the screen as seen in the figure below:

Figure 41 - GSM Current Channel Form Docked in Workspace

Stream Selector


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To dock a form on the left side of the workspace, bring up the form and click the docking button (to the left of the minimize button). Click the gray horizontal line at the top of the form, drag over the bottom section of the Workspace Browser, and release. Once docked like in the view above, you can adjust the top and right-hand borders to allow for more viewing space in the platform.

5. Forms with chart views like the GSM Event Navigator or the GSM RxLev Measurement Chart may be best viewed when docked at the bottom of the screen as shown below.

Figure 42 - GSM Event Navigator Form Docked in Workspace

To dock a form at the bottom of the workspace, bring up the form and use the docking button (to the left of the minimize button) to dock it next the Workspace Browser. Then, making sure that the right border of the form does not stretch past the midpoint of the entire Analyzer viewing platform, drag the thin gray line of the form to the bottom right side of the screen so that it is completely on the left half of the viewing platform. Once docked like in the view above, you can adjust the top border to allow for more viewing space in the platform.


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The preconfigured forms available for GSM drive test data are:

GSM Call Events GSM Channel Data GSM Channel Info GSM Distant Server GSM Handset GSM Hopping GSM Current Channel GSM Event Navigator GSM Neighbor Table GSM Neighbor Chart GSM Neighbors GSM Neighbors with Distance GSM Serving + Neighbors GSM Serving + Neighbor Info GSM Radio Parameters GSM RxLev Measurement Chart GSM Scan Chart GSM CW Scan GSM Scanner Top 3

The preconfigured forms available for GPRS drive test data are:

GPRS Data Session GPRS Data Analysis Chart GPRS Data Timeslots GPRS Event Navigator GPRS PDP Context GPRS Radio Chart GPRS Status


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GPRS Throughput (DL) GPRS Throughput (UL)

The preconfigured forms available for EGPRS drive test data are:

EGPRS BEP Charts EGPRS Current Channel EGPRS Data Events EGPRS Data Session Parameters EGPRS Data Session EGPRS Downlink Analysis Chart EGPRS Status EGPRS Summary EGPRS Throughput Charts EGPRS Uplink Analysis Chart

Preconfigured forms can be edited to meet your individual analysis needs. The following sections describe the modification of existing forms, and the creation of new forms using the Stateforms Editor.


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Viewing Custom Forms with the StateForms Editor The StateForms Editor allows you to view custom forms, modify existing forms, and build new forms from scratch. The components of the StateForms Editor window are shown in the figure below.

Figure 43 - The StateForms Editor with Sheet Selector and Options Toolbar Visible

1. From the Tools menu, select StateForms Editor.

Note: If the generic GSM handset form does not launch, right-click on the blank StateForms box and select Open File. Browse to the C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Stateforms directory and open the file called gsm handset.axl.

2. Once loaded, make sure the appropriate stream is selected in the StateForms stream selection box. In this case, with the Nemo Drive Test 1.dt1 file open, select the NemoGSM(0) stream. Note: If the stream selection box is not visible, right-click on the StateForms box and select Stream Selector. The stream selection box will appear.

3. The selected stream must correspond to data currently displayed on another Analyzer view (map, chart, table or message browser). In this case, display ServRxLevSub on a table.

4. Select any point on a map, chart, or table and notice that the contents of the form will update to reflect the state of the network at the point you selected.

Sheet Selector/ File Options Toolbar


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Modifying an Existing StateForms File

You can use an existing StateForms file as it is, or you can make modifications to it. Suppose the GSM handset file has almost everything you would like to see, but that you are also interested in the timing advance. To modify the StateForms display:

1. If you do not already have the StateForms file displayed, click Tools StateForms Editor. Click Open File and choose the gsm handset.axl file.

2. Click on the Toggle Design Mode button on the StateForms File Options Toolbar. Note: If the File Options Toolbar is not visible, right-click on the form area and choose Show Stream Selector.

3. The StateForms window now shows the design view: The attribute window will be displayed, showing all of the attributes that can be set for the selected object and the Design Mode toolbar will be displayed, showing all of the types of objects that can be added to a form along the options for manipulating objects already on the form.

Figure 44 - StateForms Window in Design Mode

The buttons on the StateForms toolbar are, from left to right, Delete, Cut, Copy, Paste, Toggle Design Mode, Select, Label, Attribute Value, Array Attribute Value, Line Chart, Scan Chart, and Group Box.

Delete – Removes an object from the form. Using the delete key on your keyboard will not work. Cut – Removes an object from the form and puts it on the clipboard.

StateForms Design ToolBar

Attribute Window


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Copy – Copies an object to the clipboard. Paste – Places a copy of the object on the clipboard on the upper-left corner of the form. Toggle Design Mode – To exit the design mode and return to the view mode, click the Toggle Design Mode button. Select – To put the cursor into select mode to allow you to select an object on the form. Label – Click and drag a rectangle, then type your text into the Caption field in the attribute window. Attribute Value – Click and drag a rectangle then choose an attribute from the list. The attribute value can be displayed as a text value or on a scale bar. In addition to being able to display parameter values, expression values can be shown. Array Attribute Value – Click and drag to define a table. In the attribute window, specify the number of rows and columns your table will have. For the attribute corresponding to this table, select a parameter that is collected as an array, such as Neighbor Cell Info → NborRxLev. Time Chart – Click and drag to define the chart area. One or more parameters can be displayed on a line chart to see how the values vary across the drive. Scan Chart – Click and drag to define the chart area. This type of chart is used to display information like signal levels from neighbor or scanner information in bar chart form. Group Box – Used to visually group attributes on your form that belong together, click and drag to define a rectangle.

On the GSM handset form currently open, we will add timing advance and serving cell distance, with serving cell distance displayed in miles instead of meters.

1. Click on the Toggle Design Mode button to open the StateForms file in design mode if you are not in design mode already.

2. Hold down the CTRL key and select the RxLev and RxQual meters, as well as the labels for those meters. With these items selected, click the Delete button.

3. Add the ‘Timing Advance’ label by clicking on the Label button. Click and drag the rectangle where you would like the label to appear.


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4. Select the label object, and modify the Caption in the Attribute Window to read ‘Timing Advance’. If all of the text does not fit in the label, expand the label object by dragging a corner handle.

5. For Auto Size Font, choose False. 6. To create the timing advance attribute, click the Attribute Value

button and drag a rectangle to the right of the timing advance label object.

7. Select the timing advance attribute object and click on the box next to the Attribute field in the Attribute Window. Use the Attribute Picker to select GSM → Dedicated Radio Link → ServTimingAdvanceActual.

8. For the Bar Color, choose the same color as the background of your form.

9. For Use Value to Color, choose 0) None. 10. For Font Auto Size, choose False. 11. To add the information about serving cell distance, create a label

whose caption is ‘Serving Cell Distance’. You can do this by creating a label from scratch or by copying and pasting an existing label. Note that pasted objects always appear in the upper-left corner of the form.

12. For the Bar Color, choose the same color as the background of your form.

13. For Use Value to Color, choose 0) None. 14. For Font Auto Size, choose False. 15. For the Expression, enter ‘ServingCellDistance/1609.344’. 16. For the Expr. Decimals, enter 2. 17. Click on the Save button to save the changes you have made. 18. Click on the Toggle Design Mode button to return to the View Mode.

Notice that the Stateform now incorporates the changes that have been made.


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Figure 45 - StateForm Modified to Include Timing Advance Parameter

Creating Your Own StateForms File

Several sample StateForms are provided by Actix. You can also design your own forms from scratch, or modify an existing form to better meet your needs. You can start a new StateForms file or you can add a sheet to an existing file. We will create a new file for this example. Our form will look like this:

Figure 46 - New StateForms File

If you do not have the StateForms window open, click Tools → StateForms Editor.

1. To start a new StateForms file, click the New File button .

New Timing Advance and Serving Cell Distance Parameters


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2. To begin adding objects to the StateForms sheet, click the Toggle Design Mode button to open the sheet in Design Mode.

3. Add the RxLev label by clicking the Label button. Click and drag the rectangle.

4. Select the label object and make these modifications in Attribute Window:

Caption: RxLev Autosize Font: False Font Height: 10

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for the RxQual label, setting the caption to ‘RxQual’.

6. To create the Attribute Bar for RxLev, click the Attribute Value button and drag a rectangle to the right of the RxLev label object.

7. Select the RxLev Attribute Value object and make the following modifications in Attribute Window:

Specify Min+Max: True Bar Range Max: -50 Bar Range Min: -100 Bar Color: Use the pallet to pick blue Show Min Text: True Show Max Text: True Use Value to Color: 3) Value Bar

Attribute: GSM → Downlink Measurements → ServRxLevSub Font Auto Size: False Font Height: 10 Extent Right: True Extent Bottom: True

8. For the RxQual attribute value, click the Attribute Bar button and drag a rectangle to the right of the RxQual Attribute object.

9. Select the RxQual Attribute Bar object and make the following changes in the Attribute Window:

Specify Min+Max: True Bar Range Max: 7


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Bar Range Min: 0 Bar Color: Use the pallet to pick purple Show Min Text: True Show Max Text: True Use Value to Color: 3) Value Bar

Attribute: GSM → Downlink Measurements → ServRxQualSub

Font Auto Size: False Font Height: 10 Extent Right: True Extent Bottom: True

10. To add the Group Box object, click the Group Box button and click and drag a rectangle around the other objects on the form.

11. Select the Group Box object and make the following modifications in the Attribute Window:

Caption: Network Parameters Text Color: Use the pallet to select dark blue Font Auto Size: False Font Height: 12 Font Use Default: False Font Bold: True

12. Click the Save As button and save the StateForms file in the Stateforms directory and call it Training StateForms.axl.

13. Return to the View Mode by clicking the Toggle Design View button. 14. Test your new StateForms file by displaying a parameter from the

NemoGSM(0) stream on a map, selecting that stream in the StateForms window, then selecting a point on the map.


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Uplink Data Analysis Uplink data is as important as downlink data to the overall heath of a wireless network. Because uplink data is collected at the base station, without the benefit of associated GPS data, it is not possible to view uplink parameters such as Uplink RxLev and Uplink RxQual on a map. Analyzer supports GSM call trace data from most major base station equipment vendors. Call trace data by itself may be displayed on an Analyzer table, chart, workbook, or message browser. When merged with drive test data collected at the same time as the call trace, GPS coordinates contained in the drive test file are associated to data points from the call trace. This procedure allows the display of uplink data on a map, and allows the engineer to obtain a picture of the uplink performance of the network. In this section, you will look for uplink problems on the sample network using call trace and drive test data.

Exploring Call Trace Data

Call trace data may be opened in Analyzer using the same method as opening drive test files. Simply use the Open Logfile button and browse to find the files of interest. 1. Load the following call trace files into the Analyzer workspace. The logfiles

can be found in the C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\DataFiles folder. Ericsson MTR 1.txt Ericsson MTR 2.txt

2. Expand the Ericsson MTR 1 data file and explore the contents. Display a parameter on a table. Notice that the file includes downlink and uplink parameter values, but does not contain location data for each parameter.

3. Display the parameter ULRxQualFull from the Uplink Measurements group on a chart. Though it is easy to see when the areas of poor uplink RxQual occurred, there is no way to know where in the network these areas are located.


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Superstreaming Call Trace and Drive Test Data

Analyzer allows you to synchronize data from the different data sources it supports. The functionality supports a collection method where drive test and switch data are collected simultaneously on a cluster of cells of interest. It aligns the information in the files based on a parameter that was collected by both the drive test and switch trace devices. This allows you to plot uplink information on a map, or to plot the difference between uplink and downlink parameters on a map. The process is called superstreaming. In this example, a parameter common to the drive test and call trace files is specified in order to merge on. Files may also be merged on time, as long as the base station and drive test equipment times are synchronized.

1. Load the drive test and the switch data files from the CD into the Workspace:

Drive test: Nemo Drive Test 1.dt1 Call trace: Ericsson MTR 1.txt

2. Select Tools → Create Superstream. 3. Change the name of the superstream from the default of

SuperStream001 to Uplink and Downlink Data. 4. In the SuperStreaming dialog, check the Nemo Drive Test 1 (drive

test) and Ericsson MTR 1 (switch file) streams. 5. Click the Settings button to display the Merge Method options. 6. Select Correlated Parameters as the merge method. 7. Highlight the Nemo Drive Test 1 stream. Use the attribute picker

next to Correlated Parameters to select GSM → Downlink Measurements → ServRxQualSub as the correlating parameter for the Nemo file. The attribute picker is the button with the right-arrow icon . Used throughout Analyzer, an attribute picker allows you to select the Analyzer parameter of interest without the risk of mistyping the parameter name.

8. Highlight the Ericsson MTR 1 stream. Use the attribute picker to select GSM → Downlink Measurements → ServRxQualSub as the correlating parameter for the Ericsson file.

9. Click OK to create the superstream. Note: In the Superstreaming dialog box, the parameter that you associate with a stream of one type (i.e. .DT1, .TXT) will appear in the Attribute


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column for all streams of that type. However, only streams with check marks will be merged into the resulting superstream.

10. When Analyzer has finished creating the superstream, it will appear in the Workspace: . You can perform analyses on the Superstream using the map, chart, message browser, and table features discussed earlier. Display ULRxQualSub from the Uplink Measurements group of the newly created superstream on the map. Notice how easy it is to locate areas containing poor uplink quality! These trouble spots are caused by the phone’s inability to communicate back to the base station, and may be attributed to a mobile failing to increase its transmit power when required or to excessive path loss between the phone and the base station.


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Merging Multiple Drive Files in the Workspace Analyzer’s superstream mechanism may be used to merge multiple files collected on the same link (i.e. drive test or call trace). Superstreaming multiple drive test files is desirable when you require one-click functionality for displaying the same parameter from multiple streams on any Analyzer view, or when aggregate statistics on multiple drives are required. Superstreaming creates a pointer to files already open in the workspace and does not create any new files. Superstreams may be saved in workspaces, as long as all component files are saved in the same workspace. To create a superstream containing several drive test files:

1. Ensure that the following files are loaded in the Analyzer workspace: Network Drive 1.dt1 Network Drive 2.dt1 Network Drive 3.dt1

2. Select Tools → Create Superstream. 3. Name the superstream Merged Handset Data. 4. In the SuperStreaming dialog, check the Network Drive 1, Network

Drive 2, and Network Drive 3 streams. 5. Use Timestamps is the default Merge Method. Click OK in the

SuperStreaming dialog to create the superstream merged using timestamps.

When Analyzer has finished creating the superstream, it will appear in the Workspace: . You can perform analyses on the superstream using the map, chart, message browser, and query features discussed earlier.


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The Network Image Frequently, optimization engineers are asked to provide a complete network overview for management, customer service, and planning purposes. A complete network drive may consist of a large number of data files from different sources, that when combined include a very large amount of data. All of the parameters, messaging, and other information available from a logfile may be helpful when performing an in-depth analysis, but when you are interested only in general information about the state of your network, this information may not be worth the time required to load and manipulate it. Actix Analyzer allows you to create a composite database consisting of multiple drives that is much smaller than the sum of the individual drive files. This is accomplished in Analyzer using the Network Image feature. Network Images extract the most commonly used network parameters and store them in an external file (*.dat). This is useful when you are performing a system-wide analysis or benchmarking activity. Because only key parameters are saved into the Network Image file, this file is much smaller than the sum of its component files. A network image populated with data is saved as a separate, smaller file from the original logfile. The original logfile is not altered in the creation of a network image repository. The data contained in a network image file differs from normal logfiles, in that the image file contains only the parameters specified and is binned according to the image definition. Network image files are pre-configured by Actix. Please contact Actix technical support for any specific requests for network image templates.

Use a Pre-Configured Template to Create a New Network Image

Assume you were asked to combine four logfiles representing a day’s worth of driving by four different engineers. We will create a network image to consolidate the data into one reasonably sized file:

1. Create a network image by selecting Network Image → Create Network Image from the main Analyzer menu.

2. For the name, enter ‘Cluster Level Data’. 3. Select the GSM → Handset → Location Binned (5 sec) Image, then

click OK. This will create a network image of the data sets that is binned based on location with a grid size of three arc seconds.


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Figure 47 - Creating a Network Image

4. In the Save dialog, save the file in a convenient location.

Your workspace will update after creating the network image. Browse the workspace and investigate the new template called Network Drive. This template is currently an empty shell that will be populated with data extracted from logfiles.

Figure 48 - Workspace Showing the Network Image


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Batch Load Files Into the Network Image

The Network Image that you just created is nothing more than an empty directory structure. You must now add data from log files into this structure. Files do not need to be open in the workspace in order to be added to the Network Image. 1. To load files into the network image, right-click on the Network Drive

network image in the workspace and select Batch Load Files. 2. In the resulting dialog, select the following files located in C:\Program

Files\Actix\Analyzer\Data Files\ (Note: Unlike with the superstream, these files DO NOT need to be open in the workspace).

3. Click Open to begin processing the files. 4. A Load Results report, like the one shown below, will appear once

processing is complete. Select OK to close the report.

Figure 49 - Analyzer Dialog Showing That File Processing is Complete


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Display Data for the Entire Network

Many logfiles contain data for more than one device. Network image templates, such as the time binned template used in this example, can accommodate multiple data streams collected under a single logfile.

1. Expand the Cluster Level Data Network Image. Notice that key optimization parameters in the Serving Cell Parameters, Downlink Measurements, Neighbor Cell Info, Dedicated Radio Link, and Event Data groups are included in the network image.

2. Using standard Analyzer actions, display some parameters on charts, maps, and tables.

Note that you can process scanner and handset data into a single network image or create a separate network image for scanner data, using the templates supplied with your Analyzer installation.

Start a New Day – Attaching a Network Image

Saving multiple files into one Network Image will allow a significantly faster load time than when loading each file individually. Demonstrate the faster load time by starting a new workspace and attaching the network image.

1. Create a new workspace by selecting File → New Workspace from

the main Analyzer toolbar. 2. Attach the previously created network image by selecting Network

Image → Attach Network Image. 3. In the resulting dialog, browse and select the Cluster Level Data

Network Image. 4. Select Open to attach to the network image. The workspace will

update to reflect the change. Notice how quickly the network image attaches!

5. Expand the Network Drive. Display some parameters on Charts, Maps, and Tables.

Key optimization parameters from three separate files have been combined into a single, smaller file that loads into Analyzer much faster than the original files.


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Create a Custom Network Image Template

Some pre-configured Network Image templates are packaged with Actix solutions. It is also possible to create custom Network Image templates within the Analyzer workspace. This section describes the creation of custom Network Image templates using the Network Image Template Wizard. To create a custom Network Image template, start the Network Image Template Wizard by selecting Network Image → Network Image Template Wizard from the main menu1. Complete each of the steps in the Wizard:

• Step 1 – Create a New Template / Open an Existing Template: o To create a new template, click Next to continue. o To import and modify an existing template, click Open. Note

that only templates created using the Wizard are fully supported. Older templates created by hand will be imported but may not behave as expected. In this case, a warning message will be displayed.

Figure 50 – Create a New Template / Open an Existing Template

1 If you plan to include any Queries in your custom Network Image template, ensure that the Queries are available in the workspace before beginning this procedure.


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• Step 2 – Choose Your Devices: o You may want to process different data streams in different

ways. For example, you may want to extract different attributes for handset and scanner data captured in the same logfile. You can define a meaningful Device Name and specify a Filter to uniquely identify each device within a logfile. When populating the Network Image, only data streams with names containing the Filter text will be processed into each device.

o If there are logfiles loaded into the workspace, the streams in those files will be displayed in the ‘Currently Loaded Devices’ panel on the left:

Figure 51 – Choose Your Devices

o Click the Add button to add a new device:


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Figure 52 - Add Device Name Dialog

o Enter the Device Name and the related Filter that identifies the

stream of interest within the logfile. The Device Name is a label that has meaning to the user. The software determines whether data from a stream should be loaded into the Device based on whether the Filter text matches any text in the data stream name. In this example, the Filter 1) uniquely identifies the handset stream in the file, while using an identifier that is common to many types of logfiles. If the Filter field is left empty, data from all streams will be loaded into the Device.

o Click OK to add the Device to the Device List. o A Network Image template may contain multiple devices. Once

all the Devices have been entered, click Next to continue.

Figure 53 - Devices Added to the Device List


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• Step 3 – Choose Your Attributes: o Select a Device from the panel on the right, and then use the

Add button to select the required attributes from the Attribute Picker panel on the left.

o If you select an array attribute (i.e. ScanSortSigLevel_by_SigLevel[]), a dialog will prompt you for the range of indices. Enter the start and end values and click OK.

o In addition to standard analysis parameters, we recommend adding the Independent → FileName parameter to each Device in a Network Image. FileName can be used to trace data points in the Network Image to the original source file. This method is used to perform detailed analysis on problems spotted in the high level Network Image.

o Attributes are assigned to one Device at a time. To duplicate the attributes selected for one Device into another Device, select the Device with the required attributes and click Copy. Then select the second Device and click Paste.

o Once you have added all required attributes, click Next to continue.

Figure 54 – Choose Your Attributes


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• Step 4 – Choose Settings For Your Devices: o To create a binned dataset, ensure the Binned checkbox is

enabled and choose the appropriate Binning Settings. We recommend the following Binning Settings for Network Images:

Time Binning – 3 second or larger bins Location Binning – 50 x 50 meter or larger bins

o To create a histogram of the data, check the Histogram box. o To create a statistical summary of the data, check the Statistics

box. o Note that Binning Settings are assigned to one Device at a time.

Repeat this process for each Device. o Click Next to continue.

Figure 55 – Binning Settings Dialog

• Step 5 – Choose Your Queries:

o Note that only queries available in the workspace can be added. o Select a Query from the left pane. o Select a Device from the right pane. o Click Add to use the selected Query in the selected Device. o Continue until all the required Queries have been added to the

appropriate Devices. o Click Next to Continue.


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Figure 56 - Choose Your Queries

• Step 5 – Confirm Your Selection:

o This window summarizes the contents of the Network Image template.

o After reviewing the contents, click Finish to open the Save As dialog.

o The Network Image template must be saved in C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Bin\NetworkImageDefns or a subfolder. Saving in this location ensures that the template will be available as a selection in the Create Network Image dialog box. Enter a filename and click Save.


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Figure 57 - Confirm Your Selection

After saving the new Network Image template in the \Bin\NetworkImageDefns folder, the template will be available in the Create Network Image dialog. You can now create and populate a Network Image repository using your custom template!


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Analyzer Queries and Filters You can create customized analyses within the Analyzer. You may want to highlight potential problem areas, or test for common symptoms of bad radio link quality for the purpose of speeding up the analysis of data. Your customized analysis, called a query, can be saved in a Workspace and reused for future drive data. The queries can be created, accessed, and edited in the Workspace through the Analysis Manager. Queries are a means of searching and filtering data based on events and thresholds you define. Queries operate on binned data and are written using Boolean expressions and arithmetic operations containing data parameters from one or more data streams. Analyzer supports six types of query and filter analyses:

Filter Analysis Binned Query Analysis Crosstab Query Analysis Statistic Analysis Histogram Analysis Event Query Analysis

Analyzer includes the ability to use queries to assist in the detection, correction, and presentation of network problems. You can save any or all of the analyses you create to use later and share with coworkers. These analyses can be saved in individual files or into a single file. In Analyzer, files of analyses have the AQF extension.

All custom analyses can be saved for future use through the Analysis Manager:

Select Tools → Analysis Manager In the Analysis Manager, select the Existing Analysis tab Select any queries to save and click the Export button Browse to a folder that you wish to save your query in. Analyzer’s

default structure provides the C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Queries folder for an easy place to store queries.

Name the *.aqf file Training_Class_Queries. All queries created during training may be stored in the same file.

To import the queries into a new Analyzer session, go to the Existing Analysis tab of the Analysis Manager and select the Import button. Open the saved *.aqf query file.


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Filter Analysis

You can create a filter that highlights those points that have RxQual greater than or equal to 4 to identify all the locations on the drive with poor quality of service. A filter analysis tests data on a single criterion and passes the data if the criterion is met. Follow the steps to create a new filter: 1. From the Nemo Drive Test 1 data stream, display ServRxQualSub on a

map.

2. Right-click on the Nemo Drive Test 1 data stream and select Filter → Create a New Filter.

3. For the Filter Name, enter ‘PoorRxQual’. 4. For the expression, choose the ServRxQualSub from the attribute

picker. Access the attribute picker by selecting the right arrow icon . 5. For the operation, choose >=. 6. For the Threshold, enter ‘4’.

Figure 58 - Filter Wizard

7. Click OK to create the filter. Analyzer will automatically apply the filter to

any information already displayed in the workspace.

8. Confirm that the query was created by going to Tools → Analysis Manager and clicking on the Existing Analyses tab. The filter should be under the Filters category.


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9. Add the ServRxLev and ServBCCH parameters to the map. Note that the data for all parameters, not just RxQual, is filtered. The points you see now are the values of RxLev and BCCH when RxQual was greater than or equal to 4.

10. To remove a filter, select the stream in the workspace, right-click on it, and uncheck the tick mark against the filter.

11. To edit a query once it is created, select Tools → Analysis Manager, and select the Existing Analyses tab. Highlight the analysis you wish to edit and press the Edit button. All query fields will be available for editing.

12. Save the query to a file called Training_Class_Queries.aqf. Select Tools → Analysis Manager, and select the Existing Analyses tab. Highlight the analysis (or analyses) you wish to save and press the Export button. Browse to a folder you wish to save your query in and click Save. All of the selected queries will be saved to a single file with a *.aqf extension.

Note that the same filter will work on any GSM handset file that contains the ServRxQualSub parameter. Repeat the exercise above to create a filter for good signal strength. Assume that good signal strength is indicated by ServRxLevSub greater than or equal to –90 dB. The Filter dialog should look like this:

Figure 59 - Good RxLev Filter Wizard

Investigate the AND and OR operators when using these two filters. What is indicated by good signal strength and poor call quality? The following figure shows the BCCH parameter from the Nemo Drive Test 1 handset stream with both the Poor RxQual and the Good RxLev filters applied.


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Figure 60 - BCCH Filtered for Poor RxQual and Good RxLev

You can also use the filter function to determine which locations are being served by distant cells. We will use a threshold of 6000 meters for this filter.

The parameter we are interested in for this analysis is Independent → Site Data Node → ServingCellDistance. The Filter Wizard screen should look like this:

Figure 61 - Filter Wizard For Creating the Distant Server Analysis


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You can apply this filter to the Nemo Drive Test 1 handset and display ServRxLevSub on a map. There are only a few points served by distant sectors. You can zoom in on these points, then use the Select cursor to show the lines to cells for each point. That map would look like this:

Figure 62 - Distant Server Filter Results With Lines To Cells Displayed

Save all of the filters you have created to the Training_Class_Queries.aqf file.


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Binned Query / Custom Analysis Query

The Binned Query allows you to define a new parameter based on existing parameters, using functions and inequalities. The results of a binned query can be displayed on a map, chart, table, or workbook. ServingCellDistance in Miles By default, Analyzer displays the serving cell distance in meters. A simple, yet very useful example of a binned query is the conversion of the serving cell distance from meters to miles. Create the ServingCellDistance in Miles query using the Analysis Manager:

1. Select Tools → Analysis Manager. 2. Select the Binned Query icon in the dialog and click on New. 3. For the Description, enter ‘ServingCellDistance in Miles’.

Figure 63 - Creating the ServingCellDistance in Miles Query

4. In the parameters box, find the serving cell distance under

Independent → Site Data Node → ServingCellDistance and double-click on it to add it to the expression.

5. At the end of the text in the Expression Builder, type in ‘/1609.344’. 6. Set the Format to Float. The easiest way to do this is to select the

Format drop down dialog and start typing Float in the window.


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7. Click OK to create the query. 8. Click OK again to close the Analysis Manager. 9. The query will appear in the Queries group under every data stream in

the workspace. Under the handset stream, expand the Queries → Binned Queries group.

10. Right-click on the ServingCellDistance in Miles query and choose Display on Map to display the query results on a map.

Dragging Handover Query Occasionally in a GSM network, handovers do not occur as quickly as they should. This condition occurs in locations where the strongest neighbor is seen at a level that is at least 6-8 dBm stronger than the server. When the neighbor is significantly stronger than the server, the handover should have taken place, and the condition is known as a “dragging handover”. This condition may be indicative of a sector that propagates outside of its intended footprint, and can result in interference and poor perceived call quality when frequency reuse plans get tight. Create the Dragging Handovers ? query to detect locations that are suffering from the dragging handoff condition. The query will detect locations where the strongest neighbor is at least 8 dBm stronger than the server. Create this query using the Analysis Manager:

1. Select Tools → Analysis Manager. 2. Select the Binned Query icon in the dialog and click on New. 3. For the Description, enter ‘Dragging Handovers?’.

Figure 64 - Binned Query Wizard


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We will create a custom parameter that identifies locations where the RxLev for any neighbor is more than 8 dB greater than the RxLev of the serving sector. The Expression is: (array_max(NborRxLev[])-8)>ServRxLevSub 4. In the Expression Builder, type ‘(‘. 5. From the available functions, double-click on the array_max function. This

function will parse an array and select the largest value in it. 6. Click to select the <<attribute[]>> placeholder in the Expression Builder.

In the Parameters pane select GSM → Neighbor Cell Info → NborRxLev and double-click on it to add it to the expression.

7. At the end of the text in the Expression Builder, type in ‘-8)>’. 8. In the attribute pane, go to GSM → Downlink Measurements →

ServRxLevSub and double-click to add it to the expression. 9. Set the Format to Boolean. The easiest way to do this is to select the

Format drop down dialog and start typing Boolean in the window. 10. Click OK to create the query. 11. Click OK again to close the Analysis Manager. 12. The query will appear in a new Queries group under every data stream in

the workspace. Under the Nemo Drive Test 1 handset stream, expand the Queries → Binned Queries group.

13. Right-click on the Dragging Handovers ? query and choose Display on Map to display the query results on a map.


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Figure 65 - Results of the Dragging Handovers Query Displayed On a Map

Determining the locations of dragging handovers in the network may be interesting, but this data is not useful unless you know which frequencies are causing the problem. Once the problem BCCHs are identified, you can perform adjustments to the network to resolve the problems. A custom stateorm may be used in conjunction with the query results the help determine the cause for the dragging handovers. Synchronize the GSM Neighbors stateform with the map to investigate some of the areas suffering from dragging handovers. Refer to the StateForms section for instructions on using Analyzer StateForms.

Figure 66 - GSM Neighbors StateForm


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Crosstab Query – Sort by Site and Sector

The crosstab query is used to group data and display statistics for each group. The groups can be sorted, and a query can contain several options for grouping data. This example will have the Serving Site and Serving Sector as the grouping options, and the mean ServRxLevSub, mean ServRxQualSub, and number of dropped calls as the statistics to display for each group. When the query is completed and the results are displayed on the statistics explorer, it will look like this:

Figure 67 - Results of Crosstab Query on the Statistics Explorer


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To create the crosstab query:

1. Select Tools → Analysis Manager. 2. Select the Crosstab Query icon and click on New. 3. Name the query “Sort by Site and Sector”. 4. Click on the ‘New Dimension’ button. The query dimension allows you to

group and order your results using the attribute you select. Use the attribute chooser to select Independent → Site Data Node → ServingCellID to add the serving site as the first dimension. Use the attribute chooser again to select Independent → Site Data Node → ServingSectorID to add the serving sector as the second dimension.

5. The query statistics are the results that you would like to include for each dimension. The parameters that you choose will be displayed as the columns in the statistics explorer. The statistics that we will include in this query are the mean ServRxLevSub, the mean ServRxQualSub, and the number of dropped calls. All of these statistics will be available for the complete drive, for each serving site and sector. Specific parameters relating to each statistic are included in the table below.

a. Click on the New Statistic button to launch the Statistic Window. b. Enter the Statistic name. c. Use the attribute chooser to select the statistic of interest. d. Select the method to use to calculate the statistic. e. Click OK when finished with the Statistic Window.

Statistic Name Expression Method of Calculation Mean ServRxLevSub ServRxLevSub Mean

Mean ServRxQualSub ServRxQualSub Mean

# Dropped Calls EventCallDropped Count

6. Once completed, click OK in all other active dialogs to complete the query. Be sure to save the Sort by Site and Sector crosstab query, in addition to the other queries you’ve created, in your Training_Class_Queries.aqf file.


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Figure 68 - Specifying the Dimensions and Statistics for the Crosstab Query

Display the Crosstab Query Results Once created, the crosstab query results can be displayed in the Statistics Explorer by right-clicking on the query in the workspace, and selecting Display in Statistics Explorer. The Statistics Explorer will launch and the results can be viewed, sorted by serving channel and color code. The queries can also be displayed in Excel workbooks. Run the crosstab query on the Nemo Drive Test 1 handset stream. Filter the Crosstab Query Results The Filter button on the Statistics Explorer may be used to quickly filter query results in the Stats Explorer and in any other Analyzer view. In this case, it may be useful to view data for only one serving site, such as Site 95.

1. View ServRxLevSub from the Nemo Drive Test 1 handset stream on a map. Display the EventCallDropped event on the same map.


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2. Tile the map and the Statistics Explorer vertically in the workspace by selecting Window → Tile Vertically.

3. In the Statistics Explorer, select the row for Site 95. 4. With the row for Site 95 selected, press the Filter button in the

Statistics Explorer. Notice that only data points served by this site remain in the Statistics Explorer and on the map.

5. To remove filtering, click the Filter button again. The filter will be unapplied from both the map and the Statistics Explorer.


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Event Query - Dropped Call Window

The Event Query allows you to extract key performance statistics for a user-defined time or message window before or after a defined event like a handover failure or dropped call. Viewing the window surrounding an event can provide insight into whether a pattern exists among undesirable events, such as multiple handover failures or drops on the same cell, or multiple drops due to low coverage. We will create an Event Query to return statistics in a five-second window for each dropped call in the file

1. Select Tools → Analysis Manager. 2. Select the Event Query icon in the dialog and click on New.

3. For the Trigger Selection, use the attribute picker to select GSM → Event Data → EventCallDropped. The parameter will show up in the triggering window.

Figure 69 - Setting Up the Event Query


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4. For the Window Range, choose Time Based and set the window to 5,000 milliseconds before the event and 0 milliseconds after the event.

5. Click Next. 6. For the name of the query, enter ‘Dropped Call Window’.

Figure 70 - Defining the Name, Dimensions, and Statistics For the Query

7. To define a statistic to be displayed in the event window, click on the

New Statistic button to launch the Statistic window. 8. For the name, enter ‘Site ID’.


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Figure 71 - Choose a Calculation Method for Each Event Query Statistic

9. Choose the Edit button below the line that reads “Enter the

expression that should be calculated in your statistic:”. 10. The Expression Builder will launch. Inside the top portion of the

window, type State(). This State() function is required to ensure that the last valid value of the parameter persists.

11. Click inside the parentheses of the State() function. In the Parameters area of the Expression Builder, expand the Independent → Site Data Node tree. Double-click on the ServingCellId parameter to insert it into the expression.

12. Click OK to exit the Expression Builder.


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Figure 72 - Expression Builder for the Event Query

13. In the Statistic window, select the method to calculate the statistic. In

this case, select Last Value. Click OK when finished with the Statistic window.

14. Repeat steps 7 through 13 above to define the following statistics (choose an appropriate name for each one). The statistics that do not require the use of the State() function can be picked using the Attribute Chooser instead of the Expression Builder.

15. Once completed, click OK in all other active dialogs to complete the

query.

Expression Method to Calculate State(ServingSectorID) Last Value State(ServBCCH) Last Value State(ServBSIC) Last Value ServRXLev Mean ServRxQual Mean State(NborBCCH[0]) Last Value NborRxLev[0] Mean


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Displaying Event Queries Once created, the event query can be displayed in the Statistics Explorer by right-clicking on the query in the workspace, and selecting Display the Statistics Explorer. The Statistics Explorer will launch and the results can be viewed, sorted by the time of the event (in milliseconds). The queries can also be displayed in Excel workbooks. Run the event query on the Nemo Drive Test 1.dt1 handset stream. How many dropped calls occurred in this file? What appears to be the primary reason for the dropped call(s)?

Figure 73 - Displaying the Results Of the Event Query


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The Statistic Analysis is used in conjunction with a binned query to generate statistics for the results of the query. We will use it to generate statistics for the ServingCellDistance in Miles binned query. Generate Statistics for a Binned Query

1. Select Tools → Analysis Manager. 2. Select the Statistic icon in the dialog and click on New. 3. Enter ‘ServingCellDistance in Miles Stats’ in the Description field. 4. Use the drop down list to select ServingCellDistance in Miles. 5. Do not remove any data points. Click OK to create the analysis. 6. Find the new statistic analysis under the Queries node. Right-click on it

and display it on a table. 7. Click on the statistics tab of the table to view the statistics for the

ServingCellDistance in Miles query.

Statistic Analysis


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Cell Site Configuration Using the Network Explorer The Network Explorer allows you to import network element data into Analyzer, creating a cell plan file called cellrefs.txt. It also lets you browse and edit this network information once it has been loaded into Analyzer. The Automatic Import feature provides an automated method of updating cell site information in Analyzer as changes are made to the network. This section describes how to import delimited data into Analyzer, and how to configure the Automatic Import tool.

Importing Network Data

The important thing to remember about Analyzer’s network data import process is that the process requires two files: 1. A delimited text file that contains unformatted data arranged in tabular

form, with one row for each individual sector in a network. 2. A blank file, containing only Analyzer header information, to be populated

with formatted data. Obtaining Site Data in Tabular Format In order to import cell site data from your own network, you will need to obtain a delimited text file containing the data listed in the table below. To maximize the benefit Analyzer can bring to GSM network analysis, the parameters listed in bold in the table on the following page are REQUIRED for cell data to function with logged data in the main workspace. All other parameters are optional. The data may come from a network database or a planning tool configuration file. As long as the data is in a tabular format with one row for each sector, Analyzer will be able to import the data.


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GSM Cell Site Parameters for Import:

Parameter Analyzer Group Analyzer Name Purpose Site Name GSM_Site SiteName Text description of the Site for

display on map.

Site Number GSM_Site SiteID Numeric identifier for the site.

Latitude GSM_Site Latitude Locates site icons on map.

Longitude GSM_Site Longitude Locates site icons on map.

Sector Number GSM_Cell Sector_ID Sector-specific information useful for display on maps (can

be alpha or numeric)

Azimuth GSM_Cell Azimuth Orients the sector icons on the map.

Beamwidth GSM_Cell Beamwidth Governs the shape of the sector

“wedge” icon to reflect the beamwidth of antenna deployed

at the site.

BCCH GSM_Cell BCCH Used for cell site identification and to calculate lines to cells.

BSIC GSM_Cell BSIC Used for cell site identification

and to calculate lines to cells. BSIC is the concatenation of the NCC and BCC values for a cell.

CI GSM_Cell CI Used for cell site identification

and to calculate lines to cells. This field must be numeric!

Base Station Power GSM_Cell EIRP Base station power, for

informational purposes only. MCC GSM_Cell MCC Mobile country code, for

informational purposes only. MNC GSM_Cell MNC Mobile network code, for

informational purposes only. LAC GSM_Cell LAC Location area code, for

informational purposes only. BSC Name GSM_BSC BSCName BSC name, for use with A and Abis

link data. BSC ID GSM_BSC ID BSC identity, for use with A and

Abis link data. MSC Name GSM_MSC MSCName MSC name, for use with A and

Abis link data. MSC ID GSM_MSC ID MSC identity, for use with A and

Abis link data.


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Parameter Analyzer Group Analyzer Name Purpose Sector Display – Wildcard

GSM_Cell Face_Display Use to color sectors on the map by a custom integer field.

Sector Display – Wildcard

GSM_Cell Azimuth_Display Use to color sectors on the map by a custom integer field.

Sector Display – Wildcard

GSM_Cell Phase_Display Use to color sectors on the map by a custom integer field.

Routing Area Code GSM_Cell RAC Routing area code, for informational purposes only.

Layer Type GSM_Cell LayerType Use this field to manage multiple cell layers to be displayed and hidden separately.


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The figure below is an example of a delimited GSM file that could be used to import a site list into Analyzer. Though the columns can be in any order for import into Analyzer, the figure shows all of the REQUIRED fields. Additionally, the Excel spreadsheet must be saved as a TEXT file for import into Analyzer.

Figure 74 - GSM Cell Site Data Spreadsheet

Guidelines for Formatting Tabular Data Although Analyzer does not require cell site data fields to be listed in a particular order, following these guidelines will provide the best results: 1. The Site ID field must contain a unique value for each site location.

Beware of non-unique Site ID's - that is, entries that have multiple sets of lats/longs for the same Site ID. Non-unique Site ID's will result in site markers appearing on the map without sector wedges. Site Names need not be unique - they are used for labeling purposes only.

2. Position information must be accurate in order for Analyzer to display sites in the correct location on the map. Longitudes that have a 'West' notation should be represented as a negative decimal, as should latitudes with a 'South' notation. Sites will appear skewed on the map if the latitude and longitude fields are transposed.


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Obtaining the File to be Populated With Formatted Data Before importing new cells into Analyzer, ensure that Analyzer is pointing to a valid cell site database.

A valid cell site database is a text file in which the first line contains the text below:

; #NetworkData – datafile Every Analyzer installation comes with a clean file called cellrefs.txt

located in the directory called: C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Bin\Cellrefs

The file to be populated need not be named “cellrefs.txt”. We recommend renaming this file with a meaningful name in order to prevent the file from being overwritten during reinstallation.

To point the Analyzer to the file you wish to populate with the new cell site data, use the File Location line in the Tools → Preferences dialog. See the section on Loading Cell Site Data on page 19 for more details.


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Importing the Data Once you have obtained your cell site database in delimited format and pointed Analyzer to a valid cellrefs file, you are ready to open the Network Explorer and import the site information.

1. To access the Network Explorer select Cells → Network Explorer

Figure 75 - Network Explorer Window

The Network Explorer display consists of two panels. The left panel contains a tree view of the network element data. The right panel shows details about relevant parameters for the current selection. If you have pointed Analyzer to a cellrefs file containing only header information, you will not see any cell site data at this time.

2. On the toolbar select Import → Import From New Template to open the Import dialog.

3. Select the appropriate network data file and click Open to display the Import Settings dialog.


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Figure 76 - Import Settings Dialog (Step 1 of 2)

4. Give the Template a meaningful Template Name. 5. Check the appropriate Delimiter. 6. In most cases, the default information under the General Settings and

Coordinate Information headers will apply. Adjust these settings if necessary.

7. Click Next.


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Figure 77 - Settings (Step 2 of 2) – Assign GSM_Site Data

8. Expand the GSM_Site data node. Click in the Column field next to the

Site_Name parameter. Select the parameter name from your site database that corresponds to the Site_Name parameter. Repeat for each of the required fields in the GSM_Site data node, based on the table below:

Field Mapping required for proper operation? Site_Name Optional, but this field is frequently used for

the site label.

SiteID Required, and this field must be unique for each site in the database.

Latitude Required

Longitude Required


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Figure 78 - Column Settings (Step 2 of 2) – Assign GSM_Cell Data

9. Expand the GSM_Cell data node. Click in the Column field next to the

Sector_ID parameter. Select the parameter name from your site database that corresponds to the Sector_ID parameter. Repeat for each of the required fields in the GSM_Cell data node, based on the table below:

Field Required for proper operation? Sector_ID Required

Azimuth Required

Beamwidth Required

EIRP Optional

BCCH Required


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Field Required for proper operation? MCC Optional

MNC Optional

LAC Optional

CI Required, and this field must be unique for each site in the database.

BSIC Required

Face_Display Optional, but map this field to the integer sector ID field (i.e. 1, 2, 3) in order to color sectors on the map by face number (i.e. 1 = red, 2 = blue, 3 = green).

Azimuth_Display Optional, but map this field to the integer azimuth field in order to color sectors on the map by azimuth range.

Phase_Display Optional, but map this field to a custom integer field to color sectors on the map by that field. An example of a custom field would be the phase of the site where: 1 = On Air 2 = Under Construction 3 = Planned for Next Year

RAC Optional

LayerType Optional. Use this field to manage multiple cell layers. Cells can be displayed or hidden on the map by layer.

10. Click Finish when all the columns have been assigned. If the current

workspace contains existing site data, you will be asked whether you want to remove existing data before importing new data. Select Yes to overwrite existing data. Select No to append to existing data.

11. If any errors occur during the import, a pop-up message will indicate that an error log has been created. The error log specifies the cause of each error encountered and can be found in:

C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Bin\Cellrefs\ImportErrors.log


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12. Inspect the cell data in the Network Explorer by expanding the All_GSM_Site_Elements folder in the left-hand pane of the Network Explorer.

13. Double-click on any site name in the right hand pane. The Name, Location and ID of the site will appear, as well as a folder containing GSM Cell Elements. Drill into the GSM Cell Elements folder and examine the values corresponding to each sector.

14. To save the formatted site information, select the Save button. 15. Close the Network Explorer by clicking the “X” at the upper right hand

corner.

16. After closing the Network Explorer, view a new map by selecting View → Display New Map.

17. If cell icons do not appear on the map, right click on the GSM_Cell layer in the map legend at the left hand side of the map window. Select Zoom to Layer to zoom the map to the appropriate location. Be sure to close the map with the “X” at the upper right hand corner to save all changes to the map view.


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Figure 79 - Use Zoom to Layer to Locate Cells on Map


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Updating Cell Site Data

There are two convenient ways to update cell plan information in Analyzer: Minor cell plan changes (a few azimuths, BCCHs, etc.) can be modified

directly from the Network Explorer. Simply browse to find the site and sector of interest and double click on a single parameter to activate the text. Be sure to save the modifications before exiting the Network Explorer!

If the cellplan file is updated (multiple sites added, complete frequency retune), use the Automatic Import feature to detect changes to an existing cell plan and import the updated cell site file into Analyzer. Instructions for using the Automatic Import feature follow.

Automatic Import of Cell Site Data The Automatic Import feature detects changes to cell plan data and updates the configured site data every time Analyzer is opened.

Figure 80 - Automatic Import Setup


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To use the Automatic Import feature:

1. From the Analyzer main menu, select Tools → Preferences. 2. Expand the Automatic Import option under Cellrefs and select the

Enable Automatic Import option. 3. Select the Automatic Import Input File. This is the text file that contains

your delimited site data. 4. Select the Automatic Import Template. Once a template has been

created, a new Analyzer workspace must be started in order for that template to appear in this list. To use a template created on another computer, copy the template of interest from the C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Bin\Cellrefs\Templates directory to the same directory on your machine.

5. Click OK to exit the Change Preferences dialog. A message will appear that Automatic Import has been enabled and that your currently loaded cellrefs will be overwritten the next time Analyzer is restarted.

Once Automatic Import is configured, any changes to the Automatic Import Input File will be detected, and will be changed accordingly in your Analyzer cell site file each time Analyzer is opened.


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Reporting GSM Network Performance The reporting features in Analyzer allow you to create high-level management reports based on your data. Two different mechanisms exist for creating for producing integrated, polished reports that can be used to analyze high-level network statistics or communicate test results in a professional format:

Application Packages are a technology-specific series of reports that are installed automatically with every Analyzer installation. Application Packs are typically used to obtain a high-level overview of call statistics. They can be used when a professional, formatted output is required, but time constraints do not allow for the creation of a custom template.

Reports are user-definable formatted outputs that make use of Analyzer’s integration with Microsoft Excel. Reports may be included with an Analyzer installation (such as the GSM Training Materials), but are not always included. Reports, unlike Application Packs, allow for formatted outputs of multiple streams of data. Use Reports when generating outputs for multiple streams of data and when you want to design a custom formatted template from scratch.

This section describes the use of both reporting mechanisms, including running Application Packs, running pre-defined Reports, and creating custom Reports.

Application Packages

Actix Analyzer v4.1 contains application packages specific to each mobile technology supported by the software. The application packs are a series of reports, each focusing on a particular aspect of mobile network optimization. The two packs currently available for GSM users are:

DT Design Validation and Quick Analysis DT Handover Settings and Power Control

Running Application Packs Once a data file is loaded, the application packages can be accessed in one of two ways:

1. Through the Analysis menu on the main menu bar 2. By right-clicking on the stream name in the Workspace Browser

Note: The application packs require Analyzer to be pointing to a valid cellrefs file in order to function properly.


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Once you have selected one of the Application Packs from the menu, an Application Pack window will appear. The window is divided into two panes. The top panel is referred to the Cell Explorer, and it contains a summary of major call events and statistics for the selected stream. Information in the cell explorer is organized by serving site and sector. The bottom pane is called the Report window and contains a list of available reports associated with the selected application pack. Once executed, the results of the reports can be saved, printed, and shown in their raw form in Microsoft Excel.

Figure 81 - Report Options for the DT Design Validation and Quick Analysis

Cell Explorer

Report Window


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DT Design Validation and Quick Analysis This application pack contains the following reports:

1. Call Details - A summary of the number of occurrences of various messages and events

2. Design Validation - Classifies data points as having good or bad design according to interference, quality, and dominance thresholds

3. Measurement Charts - Charts showing the distributions for RxLevSub, RxSubQual, and TA

4. Neighbor Level Single – Band - Percentage of samples where at least one neighbor is stronger than the serving cell and all neighbors within 5 dBm from the server for PDF and CDF in tables and graphs

5. Neighbor Level - Dual Band - Shows percentage of band usage, intra/interband handover and neighbors with 5dBm of the server for PDF and CDF, as tables and graphs

An example of the Call Details report output is shown below:

Figure 82 - Call Details Report


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DT Handover Settings and Power Control This application pack contains the following reports:

1. Handover Quality - Chart of quality measurements for the whole file, and for the five seconds before and after each handover

2. Handover Level - Chart of the change in downlink received level due to handover, measured in five second windows before and after each handover

3. Handover Interval - Chart showing the interval between handovers 4. Handover Classification - Percentage breakdown between good and

poor design, and breakdown poor design by class 5. Power Distribution – Histogram of power, in dBm, by number of

occurrences and includes the mean dBm 6. Power Step Distribution – Histogram of power step changes, in dB 7. Power Step Interval – Histogram of the time interval, in seconds,

between power step changes

The Handover Interval report is shown below:

Figure 83 - Handover Interval Report


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Running a Pre-Defined Report

Since Application Packs are built into the Analyzer, they may not exactly meet your team’s reporting requirements. Additionally, App Packs can only be run on a single stream of data. Analyzer Reports allow you to create custom reports using Microsoft Excel, and those reports may include data from multiple streams. Reports from multiple measurement sources allow you to compare data collected simultaneously or look at your network before and after making a change. In this section, you will populate a pre-defined Analyzer Report template that contains multiple data streams. In the next section, you will create a custom report from scratch. To run the pre-defined report:

1. From the Analyzer main menu select Workbook → Open Workbook/Report.

2. Navigate to C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Reports and Open the report called GSM Before and After Network Change.xls.

3. Analyzer prompts you to select a data stream to replace the ‘before’ stream. Select the handset stream from Nemo Drive Test 1.dt1 and click OK.

4. Analyzer then prompts you to select a second data stream. Select the handset stream from Nemo Drive Test 2.dt1 and click OK.

5. Analyzer will generate the report and launch Excel. Expect for this to take a few moments. When this is complete, click on the Report tab in the Excel workbook and examine the formatted report.

The output of the report is shown on the following page.


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Figure 84 - Results of the Before and After Network Change Report

The Analyzer GSM Training Materials come with several pre-defined reports that can be run according to the steps above. These reports are:

GSM Before and After Network Change – Presents key call statistics for two different data streams.

GSM Cluster Optimization Report – Designed for use during integration of a new site or cluster. Compares actual statistics against pre-defined metrics.

GSM RxLev and RxQual Report – Presents key performance statistics for RxLev and RxQual, including graphical representations.


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Creating a Custom Report

Creating your own formatted report template is as easy as viewing the data you require on a workbook, and then formatting the report page using Excel. The objective of this section is to create a simple report, like the one shown below, to display a histogram distribution and statistics for the RxQualSub parameter. Since RxQual is the parameter that provides the best estimate of user-perceived voice quality, the value of this parameter throughout a network is of great importance.

Figure 85 - RxQual Histogram and Statistics Report

To create this report:

1. Ensure that the Nemo Drive Test 1 file is loaded into the Workspace.

2. Select the parameter ServRxQualSub from GSM → Downlink Measurements. Right-click on it and choose Display on Workbook.

Excel will launch. The Workbook will contain three sheets, which can be accessed by clicking on the corresponding tab at the bottom sheet window.


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3. Click on any blank sheet in the workbook and rename the sheet “Report”.

4. Click on the Histogram Formatted Data tab. Click and drag to define a window around the data set, including the column headers.

5. Select the chart icon from the top menu bar of Excel: . 6. The chart wizard will open:

Figure 86 - Chart Wizard in Excel

7. Select a simple column chart and follow the Wizard prompts and

instructions. 8. Click the Finish button in the chart wizard and a basic chart will be

created. 9. Cut and paste the new chart onto the “Report” sheet in the workbook

or choose to have the chart inserted as an object on the Report sheet. 10. To place the mean and standard deviation statistics in the table in your

report, type “=” in the cell you would like to hold the value on the Report sheet. Then switch to the Statistic Formatted Data tab and select the cell containing the data you wish to add to your report. Press Enter after selecting that cell to create the reference.

11. Add a title to the worksheet, position the histogram on the page, format a table around the statistics and add any other desired formatting.


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12. From the Excel main menu, select File → Save. Save the file in C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Reports folder and name it RxQual_Histogram_and_Statistics_Report.

13. Close the Excel workbook. Running Your Report with New Data

1. Ensure that the Nemo Drive Test 2 file is loaded into the Workspace.

2. Select Workbook → Open Workbook to open the RxQual_Histogram_and_Statistics_Report saved previously to the C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Reports directory.

3. A dialog will appear that prompts you to select a data stream(s):

Figure 87 - Running the Report on New Data

4. Select the Nemo Drive Test 2 handset stream and watch the

formatted report regenerate for the new data.


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Where to Get More Help Help File

Analyzer includes comprehensive online help, which can be accessed by clicking on Help menu on the main menu. The primary help documentation can be found under Help → Contents. You can look up information about a particular topic either by choosing an item from the index or by entering keywords and performing a search.

Figure 88 - Actix Online Help Options


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Specific information, like the definition of engineering parameters, can be accessed by clicking on Help → Attribute Help. You can look up an item in the alphabetized list, or you can open the Attribute Help window, and then click on an item in the Workspace.

Figure 89 - Highlighted Parameter and Corresponding Attribute Help Entry

The contents of the Help window can be printed, stored under Favorites, and resized or minimized to enable side-by-side review as operations are performed in Analyzer.


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Technical Support

Technical support is available by phone, email, and on the Actix Web site. Technical personnel are located in Reston, VA, USA, London UK, and Singapore to provide assistance. In the US technical support can be reached at:

Phone: 1 (877) 72-ACTIX (toll free) 1 (877) 722-2849 Between the hours of 09:00-17:00 EST If you are calling outside of hours, please leave your contact information and a brief description of the nature of the call.

Email: [email protected]

On the Web: www.actix.com/html/support.htm When contacting Actix Support please have your license key number and the software revision number you are using ready to speed up the resolution of your problem. The version number of the software is available by going to Help → About Analyzer.

Figure 90 - About Analyzer Window


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Actix Web Site

Our Web site is located at: www.actix.com and can be accessed directly from the Online Help menu under Visit the Actix Web site. In addition to containing information about Actix, the Analyzer, and other products, it contains further application modules for Analyzer for common optimization tasks, and sections on Frequently Asked Questions. Actix frequently improves the Analyzer with incremental updates to the software as further test and measurement vendors’ formats integrated into the tool or updated in accordance with new versions of phones or infrastructure. To confirm you are using the most current version of the software please check under the Help → About Analyzer menu and compare that with the current release cited on the Web site. Upgrades can be downloaded from the web providing the support and maintenance contract purchased with the software is still current. If you have any questions please contact our support staff.

Contact Your Instructor

The objective of this training session is to provide all attendees with the knowledge and desire to use Analyzer on returning from the course. To confirm the training has met your expectations you are invited to complete a post training survey and highlight any aspect of the course that could be improved or did not meet your expectations. Unless you specifically decline, the instructor may contact you within six weeks of this course to follow up and discuss further any questions you have. Additional copies of this manual are available from Actix support or from your instructor

More Advanced Training

Actix offers a range of training courses designed to improve the understanding, proficiency and productivity of engineers using Actix Analyzer for network optimization and performance in the fast paced world of wireless communications. For more information, or to book any of these courses, please contact your instructor or sales manager at:

Actix Inc (Sales), 12012 Sunset Hills Rd, Ste 910 Reston, VA 20190, USA Phone: (703) 707-4777 Email: [email protected] Fax: (703) 707-4778 On the Web: www.actix.com


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Appendix A – GSM Event Definitions

Event Definition Call Completed For GSM log files that contain air interface messaging, a Call

Completed event is triggered if the following criteria occur:

• Outgoing Call Setup OK or Incoming Call Setup OK

• Followed by RR: Channel Release with Cause=Normal

Call Dropped For GSM log files that contain air interface messaging, a Call

Dropped event is triggered if the following criteria occur:

• Outgoing Call Setup OK or Incoming Call Setup OK

• Not followed by RR: Channel Release with Cause = Normal

• Followed by a transition to idle mode

Handover OK Contains geographically referenced occurrences of all successful handoff events.

For LCC GSM, it defines a successful handover and is obtained from the RR Handover Complete message.

For Grayson GSM and compatible log files, a HandoffOK event is triggered if the following occurs:

• Requirement: CC: Handover Command • Not Followed By: A transition to idle mode • Followed By: CC: Handover Complete

Handover Fail Contains geographically referenced occurrences for all handoff failures.

For Grayson and compatible GSM log files, a handoff failure event is triggered if the following sequence of messages occurs:

• First Requirement: CC: Handover Command • Not Followed By: A transition to idle mode • Followed By: CC: Handover Failure

Location Update OK Contains geographically referenced points where a location update occurred successfully.

Location Update Fail Contains geographically referenced points where a location update failed.


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Event Definition Assignment OK Contains geographically referenced points where a traffic

channel/slot was assigned.

Assignment Fail Contains geographically referenced points where a traffic

channel/slot assignment failed.

Incoming Call OK An incoming call initiation event is triggered if the following

sequence of messages occurs:

• DL CC: Setup • UL CC: Alerting

Incoming Call Setup Fail An incoming call setup failure is triggered if the following sequence of messages occurs:

• CC: Setup • Followed by CC: Call Confirmed • Followed by a transition back to idle mode

Outgoing Call OK A successful mobile origination is triggered if the following requirements are met:

• UL CC: Setup • DL CC: Alerting

Outgoing Call Setup Fail An outgoing initiation failure is triggered if the following sequence of messages occurs:

• CC: Setup • Not followed by CC: Call Confirmed • Followed by a transition back to idle mode


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Appendix B – GPRS Optimization Parameters As GPRS network become more prevalent, GSM performance engineers will become responsible for ensuring the integrity of these data networks. Although GPRS networks share radio resources with GSM network, the analysis and optimization procedures for these two types of networks are not the same. GPRS network drive tests must be designed to capture the aspect of the network of interest. When analyzing GPRS drive test data, the parameters of interest are different than when analyzing GSM drive test data. This document provides some suggestions for the design of GPRS drive test scenarios, and describes areas of interest when analyzing this data with Actix A-Solutions. GPRS Test Design

Different tests may be designed for testing different aspects of GPRS network performance: • Throughput analysis

o The purpose of this test is to determine the GPRS data rate over the air interface and for the end user application.

o FTP uploads and downloads provide the maximum channel usage over a continuous time period, providing a good picture of maximum throughput attainable.

o FTP test files should be large enough to provide a good test case, but small enough to avoid being affected by uncontrollable variables. Ideal file sizes are 300 kb for download testing and 100 kb per upload testing. Zipped files are ideal, as they contain compressed data that will not be subject to very much extra compression during transmission.

o The FTP server ideally should be located within the GPRS network on the Gi interface. Locating the server within the GPRS network eliminates internet-related variables for testing purposes.

o Stationary testing is preferable over mobile testing to reduce the effect of cell updates on throughput. Ideally, the test should be conducted in an area of strong radio coverage.

• Latency and signaling analysis

o The purpose of this test is to verify the GPRS message sequences, and the time between key GPRS events. This type of test might be used to verify the operation of new network equipment.

o Ping is a good application for this type of analysis based on its relatively simple command structure and concrete timing expectations.


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Typical ping delay over GPRS is 750 ms. o An IP sniffer such as Ethereal may be used to view communication

between the client computer and the server at the IP level (as opposed to communication between the mobile and the server seen from the GPRS handset).

• Analysis of the effects of the RF environment on the GPRS network

o The purpose of this test is to determine how well the GPRS data network operates in the existing GSM radio environment.

o Stationary testing in areas of high potential usage is recommended to analyze GPRS behavior with typical RF conditions.

o Mobile testing on highways or commuter transit routes is recommended for testing the effects of cell updates and mobility on the GPRS network. In a GPRS network, cell updates are initiated by the mobile which breaks the connection with the abandoned cell before reselecting a new cell. A cell update typically results in 3-5 seconds of down time before communication with the new cell is established.

GPRS Data Analysis

Once GPRS data has been collected, various parameters can be used to analyze the performance of the network. Each parameter described here can be viewed using the Actix Analyzer platform, provided the parameter has been collected by the collection equipment.

• Throughput – GPRS logfiles contain throughput values collected within the

GPRS network and at the application level. RLC Throughput and Application Throughput are the most commonly used for analysis of GPRS networks.

o RLC Throughput (Radio Link Control) provides data rate for the logical link between the mobile and the PCU and can be found in the GSM → GPRS Data → Vendor Specific group. RLC throughput provides the best indication of data transfer over the air interface.

o LLC Throughput (Logical Link Control) provides the data rate between the mobile and the SGSN and can be found in the GSM → GPRS Data → Vendor Specific group.

o TCP Throughput provides the data rate on the logical link maintaining flow and congestion control between the two communicating computers. TCP throughput can be found in the Data Testing → Protocol Measurements group.

o Application Throughput most closely approximates the end user experience and can be found in the Data Testing → Application


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Measurements group. Target application throughput for GPRS is 11-13 kbps per timeslot for Coding Scheme 2 (CS 2).

Figure 91 - Uplink RLC and Application Throughput

• Timeslot Usage – The more timeslots allocated to a GPRS data session, the

higher the resulting throughput. Timeslots may be allocated based on data rate requested and network congestion. Check timeslot usage with the parameters in the GSM → GPRS Data → GPRS RMAC → Dedicated Radio Link group.

• Coding Scheme Usage – GPRS relies on four different coding schemes to

provide an appropriate balance between error correction and maximum data rate. CS 1 provides substantial error correction, resulting in a lower maximum data rate. CS 4 provides virtually no error correction and the highest maximum data rate, but should only be used in areas where RF conditions are excellent to avoid losing packets. CS usage information can be found in the GSM → GPRS Data → GPRS RMAC → Dedicated Radio Link group.

• GPRS Radio Conditions – The best indicators of GPRS radio conditions are

RLC_DL_BLER and RLC_UL_Retransmissions, both of which can be found in the GSM → GPRS Data → Vendor Specific group. RLC_DL_BLER indicates the percentage of corrupt blocks received that cannot be decoded by the mobile. RLC_UL_Retransmissions indicates unacknowledged blocks sent by the mobile that must be resent. High RCL_DL_BLER or RLC_UL_Retransmission values typically result in lower throughput.


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Figure 92 - RLC DL Throughput and BLER

• Cell Updates – In GPRS networks, cell updates are controlled by the handset

rather than by the network. The handset measures and updates the serving cell based on local radio conditions. Because the connection with the abandoned cell is broken before the connection is resumed with the target cell, there is a 3-5 second break in data transfer during a cell update. Use the ServCI parameter in the GSM → Serving Cell Parameters group to determine whether multiple cell updates are affecting GPRS throughput.

• TFI and TBF – Timeslots are shared between GPRS users. Each GPRS user

is granted a Temporary Flow Identity (TFI), Temporary Block Flow (TBF) on the uplink and on the downlink. Each data transmission in a timeslot includes a TFI indicating to which mobile the data corresponds. During a constant stream of data (i.e. FTP download), the mobile will keep the same TFI. During sporadic transmit or receive activity, the mobile will constantly release and be allocated new TFIs. During sporadic activity, TFIs will be assigned in consecutive numerical order if no other users are on the cell. TFI numbers will jump if there are multiple users on the cell. GPRS performance will suffer the more users share the same resources.

Diminished throughput and high BLER


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Figure 93 - File Download Throughput and TFI

• GPRS Signaling – All GPRS signaling can be accessed via the Analyzer

message browser or Protocol Stack Browser. Knowledge of protocol signaling can help to identify and pinpoint network-based problems. Protocol analyzer traces on the Gb link may be used to see whether a problem is more widespread than just the test mobile.

o RLC-based Protocols provide communication between the mobile and the PCU. The RLC layer ensures that the mobile has sufficient resources to communicate on the radio link. RLC messages and procedures include Channel Request, Immediate Assignment, Acks & Nacks, and presence messaging.

o LLC-based Protocols provide communication between the mobile and the SGSN. LLC procedures include mobile attach messaging, PDP context activation, and acknowledgement of the mobile on the network.

• TCP Behavior – TCP is in place to maintain a problem-free connection

between two computers via a system of sequence numbers and acknowledgements. The sequence numbers and acknowledgements can be examined in an IP sniffer file such as Ethereal. TCP behavior analysis is a good place to start if RF conditions and RLC throughput looks good, but application throughput is poor. Some potential TCP problems are:

Bursty TFI during bursty download activity


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o Missing Packets - TCP behavior causes the receiver to acknowledge packets with the number of the next expected packet. If the receiver misses a packet it will acknowledge the number of the missing packet, even as other packets are sent and received, until the missing packet is finally received.

o Receive Buffer Size Window – The receive buffer size window, or RWIN setting, defines how many packets can be sent out by the sender without receiving an acknowledgement from the receiver. If the RWIN setting is too small, the sender may hold data and reduce throughput while waiting for earlier packets to be acknowledged.


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Appendix C – StateForms Attributes There are six types of objects that can be placed on a StateForms sheet. In addition, the sheet itself has attributes which can be set. Below is a list of the attributes associated with the sheet and with the Label, Attribute Value, and Array Attribute Value objects. Sheet Attributes – To access the sheet properties, click on any part of the sheet that is not occupied by an object. Attribute Function Sheet Width Set the width of the StateForms sheet Sheet Height Set the height of the StateForms sheet Auto Scale When set to ‘True’ the size of the objects on the sheet will

scale up or down to fill the sheet as the sheet window size is changed

Background Set the background color of the sheet Grid Size Set the spacing for the design mode grid of dots Snap to Grid Set to ‘True’ to automatically align the top left corner of the

object with the design grid Label Attributes Attribute Function Caption The text that will be displayed in the

label Back Color Background color of the label Back Color Override Set to ‘True’ to activate the

background color you have selected Border Line Adds a border around the label Border Sunken Makes the label appear pressed in Text Color Select a text color Font Auto Size Set to ‘True’ to have the font size

change to fill the label area or set to ‘False’ to set the font size yourself

Font Height Select a font size Font Use Default Set to ‘True’ to keep the font plain, set

to ‘False’ to Activate Bold and Italic settings

Font Name Select a font face Font Italic Make the text italicized Font Bold Make the text bold


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Left Distance from the left edge of the label to the left edge of the form

Top Distance from the top of the label to the top of the form

Width Width of the label Height Height of the label Extent Right Set to ‘True’ to make the contents of

the label scale as the form size is changed in View Mode.

Extent Bottom Set to ‘True’ to make the contents of the label scale as the form size is changed in View Mode.

Attribute Value – The attribute value Attribute Function Specify Min+Max Set to ‘True’ to specify the minimum

and maximum values when the attribute value object is used as an attribute value bar

Bar Range Min Set the minimum value for the attribute value bar

Bar Range Max Set the maximum value for the attribute value bar

Bar Color Set the color that will fill the attribute bar as the parameter value changes

Use Value Color 0) None – used when you want to displayed the attribute value as text without a color behind it.

1) Text – used to display the parameter value as text rather than a level bar.

2) Background – used to fill in the entire attribute value bar in with the bar color.

3) Value Bar – Use this setting to fill the attribute value bar in with the bar color to indicate the level of the parameter value.

Show Value Text Set to ‘True’ to display the parameter value as text


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Show Min Text Set to ‘True’ to display the text showing the minimum value of the attribute level bar

Show Max Text Set to ‘True’ to display the text showing the maximum value of the attribute level bar

Show Minor Ticks Set to ‘True’ to display the divisions you would like to divide the attribute level bar into

Show Major Ticks Set to ‘True’ to display the subdivisions you would like to divide the attribute level bar into

Minor Tick Spacing Set the size of the divisions into which you would like to divide the attribute level bar.

Major Tick Spacing Set the size of the subdivisions into which you would like to divide the attribute level bar.

Attribute Use the Analyzer tree of parameters to select the attribute whose value you would like to display.

Attr. Array Index For parameters that are arrays, enter the index of the array element whose value you would like to display.

Attr. Value Hold Holds the last valid value of the parameter until a new valid value is collected.

Expression To display an expression instead of a straight parameter value, type the expression here as it would appear in the Binned Query expression builder.

Expr Format Group Select the format group for the expression you are using

Expr. Fmt. Mode 0) Normal – 1) No Default – 2) Append Units – Use to display

the units that correspond to the expression when a format group for the expression has been set.

3) Convert Units –

Expr. Decimals Set the number of decimal places in the result of the expression.


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Display Validity ---- Text Change Flag Set to ‘True’ to highlights changes in

the parameter value from the preceding data point to the current data point by changing the color used to display the parameter value.

Text Change Color Set the color used to indicate a change in the parameter’s value.

Color Legend ---- Color by Format Group Set to ‘True’ to color the level bars

using the color scheme established in the map legend

Color Value Expr. ---- Back Color Background color of the attribute value Back Color Override Set to ‘True’ to activate the background

color you have selected Border Line Adds a border around the attribute

value Border Sunken Makes the attribute value appear

pressed in Text Color Select a text color Font Auto Size Set to ‘True’ to have the font size

change to fill the array value area or set to ‘False’ to set the font size yourself



Font Name Select a font face Font Italic Make the text italicized Font Bold Make the text bold Left Distance from the left edge of the

attribute value to the left edge of the form

Top Distance from the top of the attribute value to the top of the form

Width Width of the attribute value Height Height of the attribute value Extent Bottom Set to ‘True’ to make the contents of

the attribute value scale as the form size is changed in View Mode.


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Extent Right Set to ‘True’ to make the contents of the attribute value scale as the form size is changed in View Mode.

Array Attribute Value Attribute Function Array Columns Number of columns in the array

attribute value matrix Array Rows Number of rows in the array attribute

value matrix Array Base Offset To begin displaying parameter values

starting at a location in the array other than its beginning, specify the index of the first array element you would like to display.

Specify Min+Max Set to ‘True’ to specify the minimum and maximum values when the attribute value object is used as an attribute value bar

Bar Range Min Set the minimum value for the attribute value bar

Bar Range Max Set the maximum value for the attribute value bar

Bar Color Set the color that will fill the attribute bar as the parameter value changes

Use Value Color 1) None – used when you want to displayed the attribute value as text without a color behind it.

2) Text – used to display the parameter value as text rather than a level bar.

3) Background – used to fill in the entire attribute value bar in with the bar color.

4) Value Bar – Use this setting to fill the attribute value bar in with the bar color to indicate the level of the parameter value.

Show Value Text Set to ‘True’ to display the parameter value as text


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Show Min Text Set to ‘True’ to display the text showing the minimum value of the attribute level bar

Show Max Text Set to ‘True’ to display the text showing the maximum value of the attribute level bar

Show Minor Ticks Set to ‘True’ to display the divisions you would like to divide the attribute level bar into

Show Major Ticks Set to ‘True’ to display the subdivisions you would like to divide the attribute level bar into

Minor Tick Spacing Set the size of the divisions into which you would like to divide the attribute level bar.

Major Tick Spacing Set the size of the subdivisions into which you would like to divide the attribute level bar.

Attribute Use the Analyzer tree of parameters to select the attribute whose value you would like to display.

Attr. Value Hold Holds the last valid value of the parameter until a new valid value is collected.

Expression If you would like to display the value of an expression instead of a simple parameter, enter the expression here as it would appear in the expression builder

Expr. Format Group If you are using an expression, select the format group for the expression to be displayed

Expr. Frmt. Mode Select the format group for the expression you are using

Expr. Mode 0) Normal – 1) No Default – 2) Append Units – Use to display

the units that correspond to the expression when a format group for the expression has been set.

3) Convert Units –


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Expr. Decimal Set the number of decimal places in the result of the expression.

Display Validity ---- Text Change Flag Set to ‘True’ to highlights changes in

the parameter value from the preceding data point to the current data point by changing the color used to display the parameter value.

Text Change Color Set the color used to indicate a change in the parameter’s value.

Color Legend ---- Color by Format Group Set to ‘True’ to color the level bars

using the color scheme established in the map legend

Color Value Expr. ---- Back Color Background color of the array attribute

value Back Color Override Set to ‘True’ to activate the background

color you have selected Border Line Adds a border around the array

attribute value Border Sunken Makes the array attribute value appear

pressed in Text Color Select a text color Font Auto Size Set to ‘True’ to have the font size

change to fill the array attribute value area or set to ‘False’ to set the font size yourself



Font Name Select a font face Font Italic Make the text italicized Font Bold Make the text bold Left Distance from the left edge of the array

attribute value to the left edge of the form

Top Distance from the top of the array attribute value to the top of the form

Width Width of the array attribute value Height Height of the array attribute value


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Extent Bottom Set to ‘True’ to make the contents of the array attribute value scale as the form size is changed in View Mode.

Extent Right Set to ‘True’ to make the contents of the array attribute value scale as the form size is changed in View Mode.

Actix analyzer training_manual_for_gsm

Engineering

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