Introduction

Network optimization phase begins after sites have been commissioned and integrated into the network. The optimization process would involve

- System performance measurements- Analysis of measurement data- Refining system parameters to achieve optimum performance.

Goals1. Optimization is performed in order to: Ensure that system operation is in accordance with design- to move measured network performance closer toward predicted and desired performance objectives.- the prediction is refined with measured network performance data collected during the optimization process.

2. Tune system parameters- Handoff parameters, neighbor lists, Frequency planning, etc.

3. Quantify problems with the network and identify solutions to those problems- Engineers enabled to quickly isolate problems, correctly determine and implement solutions to those problems

and quickly test the solution.

Cluster Optimization Steps

Detailed steps involved in cluster optimization is displayed in the below provided flowchart indicating the Network Audit process at start till Final Acceptance of the cluster.

In general, the steps involved include1. Network Audit – Includes checking design predictions, parameter settings, physical connections, antenna

configurations, drive test route selections, etc.2. Performing SCFT at sites in a cluster - the site is tested to verify that it is functioning properly. This includes

checking VSWR (MSP scope), basic call processing, etc.3. Performing pre-drive & implementing 1st level changes – Onto which the network issues are initially identified &

recommendations for changes in the network issued in agreement with Uninor & MSP.4. Implementing recommendations & Performing post-drive for the whole cluster thereby ensuring the drive KPI’s

are met.5. Monitoring Network KPI & performing necessary changes at identified site locations.

Tools RequiredMapInfo Licensed VersionMIPT Tool Asset Planning Tool GPS Drive Test Licensed Software Engineering Handsets Magnetic GPS Drive Logs Processing ToolCompassMechanical Tilt Measuring ToolLaser Distance calculator/Measuring TapeSpannersLaptop, Vehicle for Drive test, Power Supply for Notebook, etc.

Efforts requiredThe cluster optimization needs rigorous & continuous changes in physical as well in parameters.

To gather the physical data, requires rigger to climb each of the towers & provides the accurate height, mechanical tilt, electrical tilt & orientation of GSM antenna for each site of cluster.

The physical data need to be loaded to the planning tool & do the necessary physical changes in cells to optimize the cluster but in consideration with traffic distribution & clutter so that minimal impact on subscribers. This requires to run the planning tool several time to reach the final prediction plot & required physical data for each cell of sites

The audit of the implemented parameters to the base line is required & necessary correction is to be made. The tuning of the frequency plan, neighbor plan is also required.

The validated plan is to be implemented by visiting each site & to check any difficulty in implementing the same. The difficulty is to be discussed with the planning team & alternate plan to be made.

After Physical & parameter changes, drive test team collect the drive logs for all the motorable roads & verify the implemented parameters vs planned data. Any deviation is to be reported & corrected immediately.

Analysis of the logs is required to fine tune further for the overshooting cells & neighbor plan to fully optimize the cluster.

The required physical/ parameter changes are to be done & re-drive is required to see the improvement.

Final report preparation & submission

Risks involvedThere are various risks involved while performing the optimization activity as follows,

- Since we are performing the optimization for the whole cluster, the sites alarms under the cluster needs to be monitored continuously expecting very less support from MSP

- Troubleshooting of existing sites at various levels of optimization may be performed by Implementation team expecting very less support from MSP. This is based on ALU IM team’s present experience.

- Since sites involved in cluster optimization are subject to change based on various issues noticed which can impact the KPI or Traffic of the same site or surrounding site. Since no KPI holiday provided in Uninor network, this may lead to additional troubleshooting of day to day issues which needs a dedicated O&M, Drive test team & performance monitoring team.

- As per ALU IM team’s present experience, sites were oriented towards certain areas as part of special coverage or traffic requirements in coordination with MSP even though there is KPI degradation. These sites may get affected as part of the Optimization which can lead to traffic loss (Important factor for E// circle Uninor customer).

- Frequency planning issues were faced presently since ALU IM team planning differs from E// MSP planning. The MSP team is not entirely willing to implement BCCH or TCH frequency as per ALU IM plan. So, while performing cluster optimization, MSP involvement needs to be clarified for planning part which can be avoided by ALU IM team.

- MSP team must report all the changes for cluster sites (physical/parameter if they required) to ALU team during the process of cluster optimization