7 basic steps to optimize a huawei network

Ultima Forté – Seven Basic Steps to Optimize a Huawei Network

April 08 Proprietary and Confidential 1 of 107 Schema

Ultima Forté™

Seven Basic Steps to Optimize

a Huawei Network

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Copyright ©2008 Schema

Table of Contents



1 Introduction.............................................................................................. 9 2 Create Your Environment Using Importer ............................................... 10

2.1 Organizing Network Configuration Data on the Computer ................................... 10 2.1.1 Project Folder..................................................................................... 10 2.1.2 DB Folder .......................................................................................... 10 2.1.3 MS Folder .......................................................................................... 11 2.1.4 HO Folder .......................................................................................... 11

2.2 Import the Environment ................................................................................ 14 3 Planning MS Recordings.......................................................................... 18

3.1 Planning MS Recordings for Huawei ................................................................. 18 3.2 Creating a Measurement Plan ......................................................................... 19

4 Create a Model Using the Modeler ........................................................... 25 4.1 Create a Model............................................................................................. 25 4.2 Model Statistical Validation ............................................................................ 26

4.2.1 Model Creation Overview Report ........................................................... 27 4.2.2 Model Creation Overview per Sector Report ............................................ 27 4.2.3 Server-BSIC-BCCH Pairing Overview Report ........................................... 27 4.2.4 Unpaired Server-BSIC-BCCH Relations Report......................................... 27

5 Using the Evaluator to Evaluate a Plan.................................................... 29 5.1 Select the Optimization Area .......................................................................... 29 5.2 Run Evaluator on Current Frequency Plan......................................................... 33

5.2.1 New Evaluation Run — General............................................................. 34 5.2.2 New Evaluation Run — Settings ............................................................ 34 5.2.3 New Evaluation Run — Reports ............................................................. 35 5.2.4 New Evaluation Run — Summary .......................................................... 38

5.3 Model validation: Compare Model to Measured RxQual ....................................... 39 5.4 Visual Analysis of Bad Quality......................................................................... 41

6 Neighbor List Optimization...................................................................... 43 6.1 Import Handover Statistics ............................................................................ 43 6.2 Reselect Optimization Area ............................................................................ 44 6.3 Handover Planning........................................................................................ 44

6.3.1 New Handover Plan – General .............................................................. 45 6.3.2 New Handover Plan – Parameters ......................................................... 45

6.4 Review Handovers Optimization Reports .......................................................... 48 6.5 Load Handover Plan to Network ...................................................................... 48 6.6 View Handover Changes ................................................................................ 49 6.7 Export Handover Plan to Retune Format........................................................... 49

7 OFP – Frequency Planning....................................................................... 51 7.1 Reselect Optimization Area ............................................................................ 51



7.2 Import Frequency Restrictions ........................................................................ 51 7.3 Start Optimizer ............................................................................................ 52

7.3.1 New Frequency Plan – General.............................................................. 52 7.3.2 New Frequency Plan – Goals................................................................. 53 7.3.3 New Frequency Plan – Spectrum........................................................... 54 7.3.4 New Frequency Plan – BCCH/TCH Domains............................................. 54 7.3.5 New Frequency Plan – SFH Plans........................................................... 55 7.3.6 New Frequency Plan – Separation Constraints......................................... 58 7.3.7 New Frequency Plan – Summary........................................................... 61

7.4 Frequency Plan Progress................................................................................ 62 7.5 Load Plan to Network .................................................................................... 64 7.6 Use Frequency Plan Report ............................................................................ 65

8 Evaluate New Frequency Plan ................................................................. 66 8.1 Run Evaluator .............................................................................................. 66 8.2 Comparison to Baseline ................................................................................. 66

9 Appendix A: Exporting a Network to the Schema Format ........................ 68 10 Appendix B: Exporting a Frequency Plan or Handover Plan..................... 69 11 Appendix C: Adding New Site Sectors ..................................................... 70

11.1 Adding a Single Site...................................................................................... 70 11.2 Updating a Model for New Sites ...................................................................... 73 11.3 Adding Clusters of New Sites.......................................................................... 76 11.4 Planning Frequency for New Sites ................................................................... 78

11.4.1 Method 1— New Sectors Only............................................................... 78 11.4.2 Method 2 — New and Existing Sectors ................................................... 78

12 Appendix D: Updating an Existing Model ................................................. 80 12.1 Cross-band Measurements Update .................................................................. 80 12.2 Update a Model Using an External IM .............................................................. 81

13 Appendix E: Ultima Forté Advanced Actions ............................................ 83 14 Appendix F: Ultima Forté Preferences ..................................................... 86 15 Appendix G: Ultima Forté Network Properties......................................... 87

15.1 Advanced Properties ..................................................................................... 88 15.1.1 Environment ...................................................................................... 89 15.1.2 Environment Huawei ........................................................................... 90 15.1.3 GPRS and EDGE ................................................................................. 91 15.1.4 GSM ................................................................................................. 93 15.1.5 GSM UMTS Handover Optimization and Measurement Plan........................ 94 15.1.6 Handover Optimization ........................................................................ 94 15.1.7 Measurements Plan - General ............................................................... 96 15.1.8 Modeler............................................................................................. 97 15.1.9 Evaluator (QE) ................................................................................... 99



15.1.10 RF Features ................................................................................. 100 15.1.11 Spectrum Optimizer ...................................................................... 101 15.1.12 Statistics ..................................................................................... 103

16 Appendix H: RF Feature Optimizer ........................................................ 104 16.1 Reselect Optimization Area .......................................................................... 104 16.2 RAN Feature Optimizer ................................................................................ 104

16.2.1 New RAN Feature Plan – General ........................................................ 104 16.2.2 New RAN Feature Plan – Parameters ................................................... 105 16.2.3 New RAN Feature Plan – Summary...................................................... 106

16.3 Review RAN Feature Optimization Reports...................................................... 107 16.4 Load Changes to Network ............................................................................ 107



Table of Figures Figure 1: Import Window.............................................................................................. 14 Figure 2: Import Data Path........................................................................................... 15 Figure 3: Import Source Path and Type .......................................................................... 16 Figure 4: Selection of Source Folder............................................................................... 17 Figure 5: Measurements Plan - Step 1............................................................................ 19 Figure 6: Measurements Plan- Step 2............................................................................. 21 Figure 7: Measurement Plan - Recording Plan Chart ......................................................... 21 Figure 8: Measurements Plan - Step 3............................................................................ 22 Figure 9: Measurements Plan - Step 3 (Details) ............................................................... 23 Figure 10: Measurements Plan Exporting Progress ........................................................... 23 Figure 11: Measurements Plan Completion Notice ............................................................ 23 Figure 12: Measurements Plan Reports Screen ................................................................ 24 Figure 13: Huawei Measurement Plan Sample ................................................................. 24 Figure 14: Mobile Statistics Folder Selection.................................................................... 25 Figure 15: New Model General Tab................................................................................. 26 Figure 16: Load Selection Screen................................................................................... 29 Figure 17: Highlighted Network Cells.............................................................................. 30 Figure 18: Demo Properties .......................................................................................... 31 Figure 19: Addition of a New Keyword............................................................................ 32 Figure 20: Sector Selection by Keyword.......................................................................... 33 Figure 21: New Evaluation Run - Step 1 ......................................................................... 34 Figure 22: New Evaluation Run - Step 2 ......................................................................... 35 Figure 23: New Evaluation Run - Step 3 ......................................................................... 36 Figure 24: Edit Analysis Report Dialog Box...................................................................... 37 Figure 25: New Evaluation Run - Step 4 ......................................................................... 38 Figure 26: Compared Measured RxQual .......................................................................... 39 Figure 27: Notification of Lack of Measured RxQual .......................................................... 40 Figure 28: Measured RxQual Comparison........................................................................ 40 Figure 29: Load Evaluation Layers ................................................................................. 41 Figure 30: Comparison Screen Results ........................................................................... 42 Figure 31: Import Handover Statistics ............................................................................ 43 Figure 32: HO Statistics File Selection ............................................................................ 44



Figure 33: Optimization Handover Plan........................................................................... 44 Figure 34: New Handover Plan - Step 1 .......................................................................... 45 Figure 35: New Handover Plan - Step 2 .......................................................................... 46 Figure 36: New Handover Plan - Step 3 .......................................................................... 47 Figure 37: Calculations - Open Reports........................................................................... 48 Figure 38: Reports Screen ............................................................................................ 48 Figure 39: Plan Application ........................................................................................... 49 Figure 40: Handovers Export ........................................................................................ 50 Figure 41: Output Storage............................................................................................ 50 Figure 42: Frequency Restrictions.................................................................................. 51 Figure 43: New Frequency Plan - Step 1 ......................................................................... 52 Figure 44: New Frequency Plan - Step 2 ......................................................................... 53 Figure 45: New Frequency Plan - Step 3 ......................................................................... 54 Figure 46: New Frequency Plan - Step 4 ......................................................................... 55 Figure 47: New Frequency Plan - Step 5 ......................................................................... 56 Figure 48: MAL Length Screen....................................................................................... 56 Figure 49: Edit MAL Screen........................................................................................... 57 Figure 50: New Frequency Plan - Step 6 ......................................................................... 58 Figure 51: Separations and Constraints (BCCH-BCCH) ...................................................... 59 Figure 52: Separation and Constraints (BCCH-NB/BB) ...................................................... 60 Figure 53: Separation and Constraints (BCCH-SFH).......................................................... 61 Figure 54: New Frequency Plan - Step 7 ......................................................................... 62 Figure 55: Frequency Plan Progress ............................................................................... 63 Figure 56: Apply Frequency Plan ................................................................................... 64 Figure 57: Open Reuse Reports ..................................................................................... 65 Figure 58: Compare Evaluations .................................................................................... 66 Figure 59: Graphs and Reports...................................................................................... 67 Figure 60: Export Schema Format ................................................................................. 68 Figure 61: Export Frequency Plan .................................................................................. 69 Figure 62: New Site Popup Window................................................................................ 70 Figure 63: New Site Dropdown Menu.............................................................................. 70 Figure 64: New Sector Window...................................................................................... 71 Figure 65: New Channel Group Window.......................................................................... 72



Figure 66: Channel Group Added (BCCH TRX) ................................................................. 73 Figure 67: New Sector Dialog Box.................................................................................. 73 Figure 68: Updating a Model ......................................................................................... 74 Figure 69: Update a model according to sector additions/removals ..................................... 74 Figure 70: Noises for Sector Site ................................................................................... 75 Figure 71: Noises for Sector Site Detail .......................................................................... 76 Figure 72: Import Sectors and Channel Groups................................................................ 77 Figure 73: Sector Selection........................................................................................... 77 Figure 74: Adding Handovers ........................................................................................ 78 Figure 75: Minimizing Number of Changes ...................................................................... 79 Figure 76: Updating a Model ......................................................................................... 80 Figure 77: Calculate Cross-band Interference .................................................................. 81 Figure 78: Updating a Model ......................................................................................... 81 Figure 79: Merge constraints lists into model................................................................... 82 Figure 80: Network-Advanced Actions Menu.................................................................... 83 Figure 81: Cleaning Submenu ....................................................................................... 84 Figure 82: Add TRX / Add Sub-cell Submenus ................................................................. 84 Figure 83: Switch Hopping Method Submenu................................................................... 85 Figure 84: Advanced Actions Dialog Box ......................................................................... 85 Figure 85: Preferences Submenu ................................................................................... 86 Figure 86: Network Properties Submenu......................................................................... 87 Figure 87: Network Properties-Advanced Properties Tab ................................................... 88 Figure 88: Network Properties Advanced Tab -Environment Group...................................... 89 Figure 89: Network Properties Advanced Tab -Environment Huawei Group........................... 90 Figure 90: Network Properties Advanced Tab - GPRS and EDGE Group................................ 91 Figure 91: End User Throughput Experience for Various MCSs ........................................... 92 Figure 92: Network Properties Advanced Tab - GSM Group................................................ 93 Figure 93: C/I-RxQual Translation Table ......................................................................... 93 Figure 94: Network Properties Advanced Tab - Handover Optimization Group....................... 94 Figure 95: Network Properties Advanced Tab - Measurement Plan General Group ................. 96 Figure 96: Network Properties Advanced Tab - Modeler Group ........................................... 97 Figure 97: Network Properties Advanced Tab - QE Group .................................................. 99 Figure 98: Network Properties Advanced Tab - RF Features Group.................................... 100



Figure 99: Network Properties Advanced Tab - Spectrum Optimizer Group......................... 101 Figure 100: Network Properties Advanced Tab - Statistics Group...................................... 103 Figure 101: New RAN Feature Plan - Step 1 .................................................................. 104 Figure 102: New RAN Feature Plan - Step 2 .................................................................. 105 Figure 103: New RAN Feature Plan - Step 3 .................................................................. 106 Figure 104: Calculations-Open Reports......................................................................... 107



1 Introduction The following document describes seven basics steps to optimize your GSM network using Ultima Forté.

Import Modeling Evaluation Optimization Evaluation & AnalysisImport Modeling Evaluation Optimization Evaluation & Analysis

The seven basic steps are:

• Import the network environment using the IMPORT tool.

• Activate mobile measurements using the MEASUREMENT PLAN module.

• Run the MODELER, based on Mobile Statistics.

• Evaluate the current Frequency Plan using EVALUATOR.

• Run the NEIGHBOR OPTIMIZER to generate a new Neighbor List.

• Run the FREQUENCY OPTIMIZER to generate a new Frequency plan.

• EVALUATE the new Frequency Plan, and compare it to the Baseline.



2 Create Your Environment Using Importer

2.1 Organizing Network Configuration Data on the Computer

The project folder could be created anywhere in the C: drive. For easier access, place it under \My Documents. Create a Project folder (e.g., New York Project) with a DB folder, an MS folder, and an HO folder.

2.1.1 Project Folder

The Project folder should contain:

• DB folder (Section 2.1.2)

• MS folder (Section 2.1.3)

• HO folder (Section 2.1.4)

2.1.2 DB Folder

Currently, Huawei Versions R002, R007, and S6000 are supported by Ultima Forte (release 4.1 and later versions).

The DB folder should contain:

• Network configuration dumps

• A coordinates file, with the lat/long and azimuth of all cells. The two optional columns, LAC and CI, are used to match sector information. Additional “Keywords” columns can be added to import user-defined Keywords.

Be sure the names of the sectors in the Coordinate file match the names in the switch dumps. If the names do not match, add columns LAC and CI to match sector information.



2.1.3 MS Folder

The MS folder should contain sub-folders that include the dates when data was collected.

Each folder should have:

• Mobile Statistics data and RxQual data

o For version R002, and R007:

Defined Adjacent Cell, with measurements for sectors defined as neighbors.

Undefined Adjacent Cell, with measurements for sectors not defined as neighbors.

Receiving Level Measurement Function (Full rate), with RxLevel, RxQuality, and traffic data.

Receiving Level Measurement Function (Half rate), with RxLevel, RxQuality, and traffic data.

o For version S6000

Neighbor Measures, with C/I data.

Receiving Level Measurement Function (Full rate 0-4), with RxLevel, RxQuality, and traffic data for the first 5 RxLevel ranges.

Receiving Level Measurement Function (Full rate 5-7), with RxLevel, RxQuality, and traffic data for the last 3 RxLevel ranges.

Receiving Level Measurement Function (Half rate 0-4), with RxLevel, RxQuality, and traffic data for the first 5 RxLevel ranges.

Receiving Level Measurement Function (Half rate 5-7), with RxLevel, RxQuality, and traffic data for the last 3 RxLevel ranges.

• Network configuration dumps that correspond to each date.

2.1.4 HO Folder

The Handover Statistics file should be stored in the HO folder. This file contains the handover attempts for three to five consecutive days.



Example - (Version R002, R007):

DB

MS

HO

OMCR2

OMCR1

ABISCIR.DBFBSCCELL.DBFBSCTRX.DBF

BTSPWRC.DBFCELLCFG.DBF

CELLDESC.DBFCIRCSWIT.DBFEXTCELL.DBF

FREECHPR.DBFHOPDATA.DBFNEBCELL.DBFPWRCTLS.DBF

RCCFG.DBFSWCTRL.DBF

SYMGDATL.DBF

OMCR1

Defined Adjacent CellUndefined Adjacent Cell

Receiving Level Measurement Function (Full rate)Receiving Level Measurement Function (Half rate)





RCCFG.DBFSWCTRL.DBF

SYMGDATL.DBFHandovers-Attempts.txt

Coordinates.txt

20080101

20080102

20080103

BSC1

BSC1

DB

MS

HO

OMCR2

OMCR1





RCCFG.DBFSWCTRL.DBF

SYMGDATL.DBF

OMCR1

Defined Adjacent CellUndefined Adjacent Cell

Receiving Level Measurement Function (Full rate)Receiving Level Measurement Function (Half rate)





RCCFG.DBFSWCTRL.DBF

SYMGDATL.DBFHandovers-Attempts.txt

Coordinates.txt

20080101

20080102

20080103

BSC1BSC1

BSC1BSC1



Example - (Version S6000):

DB

MS

HO

OMCR2

OMCR12G adjacent relations data.csv

2G External Cell Data.csvcell channel management data.csv

cell common data.csvcell fh data.csv

cell frequency data.csvcell handover data.csv

cell power control data.csvchannel data.csv

other cell attributes.csvsite common data.csv

TRX data.csvTRX frequency data.csv

OMCR1

NeighborMeasurement.csvRLMF_FR(0-4).csvRLMF_FR(5-7).csvRLMF_HR(0-4).csvRLMF_HR(5-7).csv

2G adjacent relations data.csv2G External Cell Data.csv

cell channel management data.csvcell common data.csv

cell fh data.csvcell frequency data.csvcell handover data.csv




Handovers-Attempts.txt

Coordinates.txt

20080101

20080102

20080103

BSC1

BSC1

DB

MS

HO

OMCR2

OMCR12G adjacent relations data.csv

2G External Cell Data.csvcell channel management data.csv

cell common data.csvcell fh data.csv

cell frequency data.csvcell handover data.csv




OMCR1

NeighborMeasurement.csvRLMF_FR(0-4).csvRLMF_FR(5-7).csvRLMF_HR(0-4).csvRLMF_HR(5-7).csv

2G adjacent relations data.csv2G External Cell Data.csv

cell channel management data.csvcell common data.csv

cell fh data.csvcell frequency data.csvcell handover data.csv




Handovers-Attempts.txt

Coordinates.txt

20080101

20080102

20080103

BSC1BSC1

BSC1BSC1



2.2 Import the Environment 1. Click the Importer button on the toolbar.

The Import window opens.

Figure 1: Import Window

2. Browse to find the database file in the data sources to create the new network field.

3. Browse to find the Coordinates file in the Coordinates file field.

4. Browse to find the Schema properties network file in the Network properties field (optional).

5. Click OK.

Note: In addition Version 4.0 and later versions feature an option to import a UMTS network with the GSM network. Please contact customer support ([email protected]) for additional details on this feature.

Note: In order to use Chinese characters and headers when importing a Huawei s6000 network, the advanced parameter, HUAWEI_FILES_ENCODING, must be set to GB2312 in Advanced Network Properties under Environment Huawei.



Figure 2: Import Data Path

It is possible to import multiple vendors or multiple versions of the same vendor (R002, R007 or S6000) simultaneously by selecting the folder containing the desired network configuration. In the example below, a folder containing an Ericsson subfolder and two Huawei subfolders were selected for two different releases. Each subfolder includes the network configuration file for the respective vendor/release. Once the subfolders are selected, the inter-vendor HO can be imported.



Figure 3: Import Source Path and Type



Figure 4: Selection of Source Folder



3 Planning MS Recordings

3.1 Planning MS Recordings for Huawei The goal of the Measurement Plan (MP) is to make sure that all the BCCHs used in the network are measured by each sector so that all possible interferers are captured. To accomplish this goal, the MP generates scripts that add frequency to the BA list of each sector by defining new neighbor relations. The end result is that a desired frequency of the target sector is a BCCH.

The Huawei Mobile Statistics are in the following OMC files:

Version R002, R007:

1. Defined Adjacent Cell – C/I data for neighbors

2. Undefined Adjacent Cell – C/I data for the non-neighbor sectors.

3. Receiving Level Measurement Function (Full rate) –Full-Rate RxLevel and RxQuality data

4. Receiving Level Measurement Function (Half rate)-Half-Rate RxLevel and RxQuality data

Version S6000:

1. NeighborMeasurements.csv - contains C/I data.

RLMF_FR (0-4) - contains Full-Rate RxLevel and RxQuality data, for Rxlevel between 0 and 4, RxQuality 0-7.

RLMF_FR (5-7) - contains Full-Rate RxLevel and RxQuality data, for Rxlevel between 5 and 7, RxQuality 0-7.

RLMF_HR (0-4) - contains Half-Rate RxLevel and RxQuality data, for Rxlevel between 0 and 4, RxQuality 0-7. Not mandatory.

RLMF_HR (5-7) - contains Half-Rate RxLevel and RxQuality data, for Rxlevel between 5 and 7, RxQuality 0-7. Not mandatory.

Data collection should be activated per BSC, and should generate MS files daily for each BSC. The MS file contains C/I data of all neighbor cells in a given sector. By configuring new or virtual neighbor relations in all sectors, a complete picture of the interference data for each sector can be obtained.

Forté provides automatic Mobile statistics planning, using MP (Measurement Plan functionality), which generates the command files that Huawei OSS uses to implement this plan.

The files contain:

1. New or virtual neighbor relation definitions for cells with desired BCCHs, as well as existing neighbor relation definitions for every day of measurements.



2. The Handover Plan from the last day, which refers only to real neighbor relations.

3.2 Creating a Measurement Plan To create command files for MS recordings from Forté:

1. Create an environment from the most recent switch dump.

Select sectors for which MS recordings are required.

Click Tools Measurements Plan… on the Tools menu, and the Measurements Plan – Step 1 window is displayed.

Figure 5: Measurements Plan - Step 1



Inputs (Step 1):

• The Network Configuration is the folder into which the switch dump is imported. In order to minimize mismatches and inaccuracies, this switch dump should be the same as the switch dump used to create the environment.

• Output command files are written into the Output Directory folder. Commands are written into subfolders, which are created for each recorded BSC.

• The Maximal BAL (BCCH Allocation List) length is the maximum number of BAL frequencies defined for any sector.

• The Cross Band Measurements feature is deactivated to minimize the length of time for recording measurements in dual band networks. While it is possible to measure both bands for serving sectors in a dual band network, when more than one band is measured, the measurement recording time increases. (In theory, cross band measurements are only needed.) Therefore, this feature should only be used in one of the circumstances described below:

o If a network has a mixed configuration of Common BCCH or CBCCH (e.g., BCCH on band 850/900 and TCH on band 1900/1800– within the same sector) and Multiple BCCH or MBCCH (e.g., two co-sited sectors, one with 850/900 BCCH and one with 1900/1800 BCCH), interferences from both bands (mandatory) should be measured.

o If cross-band HO optimization is required: The C/I between sectors belonging to different bands must be available for the user to optimize the handovers between those sectors. Therefore, the measurement recording on both bands should be activated. If this is not possible, Forté can estimate cross-band measurements in the model by using intra-band measurements, and applying an attenuation value based on the difference in propagation between the bands. (The Calculate Cross-Band Interference option topic in the Appendix contains further information.)

• The Available Frequencies should contain all BCCH frequencies used, both in the optimized area and on the border with the optimized area (simulation set and affected set, or guard zone). Any frequencies not defined here will not be measured (or recorded), and the interferers will be omitted.

Inputs (Step 2):

Switch dump version: Please consult an OMC Expert. Forté Version 4.1 and later versions support versions S6000, R002 and R007.



Figure 6: Measurements Plan- Step 2

After selecting the Switch dump version, click the Next button and the Measurement Plan – Recording Plan Chart screen appears.

Figure 7: Measurement Plan - Recording Plan Chart

Evaluate the number of days required for data collection.



Figure 8: Measurements Plan - Step 3

Inputs (Step 3):

The graph on this panel shows the percent of sectors for which all daily required frequencies have been recorded.

The maximal number of days refers to the number of days to record. If the value is manually set by the user to fewer than the maximum number of days on the graph, some sectors will not record all interfering frequencies. Only the most important daily frequencies will be selected for recording (based on the number of neighboring tiers in order to capture the most probable interferers).

If too many days are selected, and the report shows that only a few sectors involve the greatest number of days, the neighbor list can then be optimized for those sectors (with more empty places in BAL), and the MP can be rerun.

Next, click on Accept parameters for measurement plan, and then click Finish.



Figure 9: Measurements Plan - Step 3 (Details)

The next Exporting screen appears follow by the final Reports screen.

Figure 10: Measurements Plan Exporting Progress

Figure 11: Measurements Plan Completion Notice

Click on the Reports button to access the Excel reports screen



Figure 12: Measurements Plan Reports Screen

Select the individual report and click Open to read the user-friendly Excel Reports or click Save As… to save both reports to a specific location.

Outputs:

The command files, which are run later as part of the mobile statistics recording process, are produced as output with the reports. A set command is created for each BSC per day of recording.

The outputs command files are exported to the location indicated in Step 1 – Output Directory

Figure 13: Huawei Measurement Plan Sample



4 Create a Model Using the Modeler

4.1 Create a Model The Modeler processes the Mobile Statistics data into an Interference Matrix.

To Start the Modeler Process:

1. Click the Modeler button on the toolbar, and save the network.

2. After saving the network, select the MS folder with the saved mobile statistics.

Figure 14: Mobile Statistics Folder Selection

3. Click OK. The New Model dialog box appears, specifying the dates during which Mobile Statistics are available in the MS folder.

4. Select the dates for the modeler to process. If RxStatistics data were collected for the selected dates, there is no need to select a traffic file, since traffic data is extracted from the RxStatistics data. However, an external traffic file should be used to capture the network Busy Hour traffic, since traffic extracted from recordings is the average traffic for all recorded hours, and does not necessarily capture the busiest hour of the network.



Figure 15: New Model General Tab

5. Click OK to start the Modeler.

4.2 Model Statistical Validation The following model reports should be used to confirm the statistical validity of the model:

• Model Creation Overview

• Model Creation Overview per Sector

• Unpaired Server-BSIC-BCCH Relations

• Server-BSIC-BCCH Pairing Overview.

To view the reports, go to Network Open Network Reports Model Reports.



4.2.1 Model Creation Overview Report

This report checks whether there are enough recording samples, and statistically validates the model. While the quality of the model is not yet guaranteed, this report provides an indication of statistical validity. The Compare to RxQual process further checks accuracy. More information is contained in Section 5.3.

At least 95% of the sectors should have a Medium or High number of recordings.

4.2.2 Model Creation Overview per Sector Report

This report shows the level of measurements per sector, so that specific sectors with low counts can be pinpointed. Sectors without recordings will not be reflected in this report.

4.2.3 Server-BSIC-BCCH Pairing Overview Report

Impacts are reflected in the MS raw data by pairs of serving cells and the BCCH/BSIC that represent the interferences.

This report reveals the percentage of decoded impacts. The number of unpaired relations with estimated impacts above 3% (impacts that were not decoded) should remain very low (less than a few percent of the total) and should be investigated with the detailed report.

4.2.4 Unpaired Server-BSIC-BCCH Relations Report

If the interferer cannot be identified from some measured BCCH-BSIC pair (when no sector with this specific BCCH-BSIC is located within the default distance threshold of 50 km/miles defined in the environment) the measurement will not be included in the model.

Field Impact=% of affected traffic, these values are also in the Sector Properties Interference tab.

This report should be filtered by elements with Impact≥3.



If, after completing the filtering process, there are many unpaired relations, check the following:

• Coordinates.txt, to determine whether sectors are missing or in the wrong location.

• Changes in the network (especially in the BCCH or BSIC), since the BCCH-BSIC pair measured as an interferer sector on a given day may not be the same as the BCCH-BSIC for the same sector in the switch dump taken before or after the measurement collection.

• The IDENTIFICATION_MAXIMAL_DISTANCE parameter in Net Properties. There may be interferers outside the default radius of 50 km. (This phenomenon occurs more often than expected.) Go to Network Network Properties Advanced Modeler.

• Neighboring networks, such as when a network is located at the boundary of a BTA, market, or international border, with another operator using same band. Frequency Restrictions can be created, generating a list of unpaired BCCHs with cells belonging to the other carrier

All of the relevant entries can be taken from the report, and the format adjusted to the freqConstraints.txt file in Schema format. It can then be imported to Forté.

Suggested field values are:

• Penalty = Impact value from the report.

• Violation type = Allowed

• Channel Type = All

• Sector = Serving Sector value from the report

• Frequency = BCCH value from the report

Interference can be taken into account even when the interferer is unknown.



5 Using the Evaluator to Evaluate a Plan

5.1 Select the Optimization Area An optimization area should be defined for all optimization processes and for the Evaluator run.

Since the Modeler imports all available mobile statistics to the network, it is not necessary to specify an optimization area.

The Load Selection from File method is only one of several methods for selecting an optimization area to retune.

To select the optimization area sectors:

1. Prepare a text file in advance, with a header called Sector, which contains a list of all the sectors in the optimization area.

2. Select Selection Load Sector Selection… from the menu bar. When the Load Selection window opens, browse to the Selection file that was prepared in advance.

Figure 16: Load Selection Screen

When the selection is loaded, the selected Cells are highlighted.



Figure 17: Highlighted Network Cells

3. Save the selection in the environment, using a keyword, by right clicking on one of the selected sectors and selecting Properties (not Sector Properties). This keyword will appear in every selected sector property list. If the environment is exported, the keyword will also be in the Sectors.txt file.



Figure 18: Demo Properties

When the Multi-Select dialog box opens, click on the Keywords tab and add a new keyword.



Figure 19: Addition of a New Keyword

This selection may later be selected by going to Selection Select Sectors by Keyword…



Figure 20: Sector Selection by Keyword

5.2 Run Evaluator on Current Frequency Plan Running the Evaluator on the current frequency plan will strengthen confidence in the model and create a baseline for comparison to a new frequency plan.

To Start the Evaluator process:

1. Click on the Evaluator button in the toolbar.

2. Save the network.

3. Continue with the Evaluator steps, displayed in the following windows:



5.2.1 New Evaluation Run — General 1. Name the evaluation.

2. Select the accuracy level (the Sector or Channel group levels are recommended for comparison purposes).

3. Click Next.

Figure 21: New Evaluation Run - Step 1

5.2.2 New Evaluation Run — Settings

Tune the vocoder ratio between EFR and AMR, based on the network distribution, by setting the AMR penetration rate to User-defined. If external traffic was imported with the optional AMR penetration rate field for each cell, use the Network Settings option.



Set the DTX DL, Power control DL, Intra cell HO and Channel type Priority to Network Settings (the default value). Network settings will use the Network value extracted from the switch dump file (and available in Sector Properties).


5.2.3 New Evaluation Run — Reports

It is possible to create new reports, in addition to the three default reports.

Reports can be generated for the whole Evaluation set (global report) or for a cell, a sub cell, or a channel group for more detailed analysis (based on the accuracy level selected in Step 1). C/I, Rxqual or FER KPIs can be used to analyze quality problems caused by interference or lack of coverage. The Interference report analyzes quality problems for traffic that is served with sufficient signal strength (SS). The Coverage report, on the other hand, lists the bad quality issues involved with a low SS.



These reports can be saved and loaded for future use.


It is possible to create a graphic report that displays the Bad RxQual for the current Frequency Plan.

1. Click the New tab in the New Evaluation Run – Step 3 window. The Edit Analysis Report dialog box is displayed.



Figure 24: Edit Analysis Report Dialog Box

2. Select the definitions and parameters displayed in the Edit Analysis Report dialog box above.

3. Click OK and continue to Step 4.




5.2.4 New Evaluation Run — Summary

The Evaluator runs a data consistency check.

1. Review the Errors/Warning information and carry out the appropriate troubleshooting activities. This information also indicates which sectors in the selection or affected area lack mobile statistics, RX levels, or traffic.

2. If there are no Errors, select the Allow Auto Recovery of Consistency Check option, and then click Finish. The Evaluator run is launched and a corresponding entry is displayed in the Calculations panel on the lower left portion of the window.



5.3 Model validation: Compare Model to Measured RxQual

The main advantage of the Evaluator is that it allows a comparison between predicted and actual measured Rxqual.

1. Right click on the new evaluation (here, the Market Baseline, created under the Calculations panel).

2. Select Compare To Measured RxQual…

Figure 26: Compared Measured RxQual

If no RxQual data was imported, the Application notifies the user of this fact.



Figure 27: Notification of Lack of Measured RxQual

3. Click OK and Import the RxQual data to one of the dates in the MS folder (preferably the last day) with a copy of all recording files by going to File Import RxQual.

4. Right click on the Evaluation button, and select Compare to Measured RxQual again. Forté includes a correlation for Uplink, Downlink, by Traffic, or by Percentage. (Traffic and Downlink provide more accurate correlations.)

Figure 28: Measured RxQual Comparison

A model with a traffic correlation of 0.7 or more is considered good; one above 0.8 is considered excellent. A correlation of 0.6 or more may be sufficient in some cases.



The ratio of predicted to measured Bad Quality should be as close as possible to 1:1, so that the model neither over- nor under-predicts.

The % of sectors within 5% to 10% error should be high, if possible over 90%.

The user should be aware that those value may vary from vendor to vendor and from network to network, based on the size of the optimization area, as well the accuracy of the input data (traffic and measured RxQual/RxLev distribution). Some sectors with hardware issues may have very high bad Rxqual, which cannot be predicted by the tool.

5.4 Visual Analysis of Bad Quality 1. Right click on the evaluation (here, the Market Baseline created under the Calculations

panel) and select Load Evaluation Layers.

Figure 29: Load Evaluation Layers

2. A new layer, called RxQual 95, is displayed. (Unselect this layer to disable it.)

The network view displayed below shows the quality of 95% of the samples of each sector. If 95% of the samples have a value of 2, the sector is performing very well. However, if 95% of the samples fall within the 5-7 range of bad quality, the frequency should be retuned.



Figure 30: Comparison Screen Results



6 Neighbor List Optimization Note: This feature was intended to be used to add/delete neighbors for existing sites with C2I data. It was not intended to plan neighbors for new sites (for which a model could not be created).

6.1 Import Handover Statistics Forté currently supports the Schema format for import files, which is a text file with three columns, as shown below:

Serving Sector Target Sector HO Attempts

The Handover Statistics file is obtained from the Schema format export of the environment (hostats.txt). Once the HO Attempts column is filled, the Handover Statistics file may be re-imported.

To import the Handover statistics

1. Click File Import Handover Statistics… The Import Handover Statistics window is displayed.

2. Browse to the HO statistics.txt file in the HO folder.

Figure 31: Import Handover Statistics



Figure 32: HO Statistics File Selection

6.2 Reselect Optimization Area Subsection 5 contains the instructions for reselecting an optimization area.

6.3 Handover Planning 3. Click on Optimization Handover Plan…

Figure 33: Optimization Handover Plan

4. Save the network again.

5. Follow the steps in the Handover Optimizer windows displayed below.



6.3.1 New Handover Plan – General

Enter a Handover plan name. An option is available in Version 4.0 (and later versions) to plan IRAT HO between GSM and UMTS networks.

Figure 34: New Handover Plan - Step 1

6.3.2 New Handover Plan – Parameters

The Optimization parameters are:

Max. Number of NBR per Sector – the maximum number of handovers per sector in the optimization area (default is 20).

Distance Factor – the maximum distance threshold for the addition of new handovers (an interfering sector located further than the average distance to the interferer, multiplied by the Distance Factor) is excluded.

Target HCS Threshold (dBm) – relevant (and visible) only for dual band networks in which Hierarchical Cell Structure (also called umbrella cell or layer structure) is used. This HO signal threshold defines the SS criteria used to hand off from a low priority band to high priority bands. This setting is only relevant for new neighbor relations, created by the Optimizer. The



currently defined values are used for existing neighbor relations (based on the parameter imported from the network configuration file during the import process).

Allow handover changes – when set to Minimum, fewer handovers will be deleted from, or added to, the network during the optimization process. When set to High, more handovers will be deleted from, or added to, the network.

Symmetric handovers – determines whether to take both incoming and outgoing handovers into account (for example, handovers both from Sector A to Sector B and from Sector B to Sector A) or to account only for incoming interference.

• Select Not Required to allow non-symmetric handover changes.

• Select Recommended to favor symmetric handover changes.

• Select Required to make symmetric HO relations mandatory.




New Handover Plan – Summary

Step 3 displays a summary of various optimization statistics, as well as details on

warnings/errors that occur during optimization.

If the warnings/errors are not considered significant, check the Allow auto-recovery of data

inconsistencies check box, and click Finish.




6.4 Review Handovers Optimization Reports

Figure 37: Calculations - Open Reports

Right click on Handover Plan 1 on the Calculation menu, and then click on Open Reports…

Select handovers to add to, or delete from, the list in the optimization area.

Figure 38: Reports Screen

6.5 Load Handover Plan to Network Right click on Handover Plan 1, and select Apply Handover Plan…



Figure 39: Plan Application

6.6 View Handover Changes

Click on the button on the toolbar to view handover changes, and then click on a sector to view relevant suggested changes.

6.7 Export Handover Plan to Retune Format 1. Apply the handover plan to the network as shown above.

The entire network is selected by default unless the optimization area is selected.

2. To export the plan, click File Export Handovers.



Figure 40: Handovers Export

In the Export Handovers screen:

3. Browse to the switch dump folder (for the switch dump used to build the network) in the Import From Folder dropdown menu.

4. Browse to an empty folder to store the output in the Export to Folder dropdown menu.

Figure 41: Output Storage



7 OFP – Frequency Planning

7.1 Reselect Optimization Area Subsection 5 contains the instructions for reselecting an optimization area.

7.2 Import Frequency Restrictions Frequency restrictions can be imported before running the Frequency Plan through the Import Menu. The Frequency Restriction file is a simple text file with cell name and a list of forbidden frequencies.

Figure 42: Frequency Restrictions



7.3 Start Optimizer 1. Click on the Frequency Plan button in the toolbar.

2. Save the network again.

3. Follow the steps in the windows displayed in the following subsections.

7.3.1 New Frequency Plan – General

Select a Frequency Plan name. Otherwise, browse Originated from template to load a frequency plan setting from a previously created template.

Figure 43: New Frequency Plan - Step 1



7.3.2 New Frequency Plan – Goals Select an optimization goal from the Maximize the amount of traffic dropdown menu. (The choices are FER, RxQual, or BER.) In the example below, the goal is to maximize the amount of traffic below RxQual of 5.

4. Check the optimized domains: BCCH/BSIC, TCH/HSN/MAIO, and Bands: 900, 1800.


Note 1: The Reveal Shadowing checkbox option can be used to take Shadowed impact into account. Shadowed impacts are created during the modeling process to evaluate the C/I between “shadowed” sectors. For example, two sectors using the same BCCH will be considered shadowed (The interference between the two will only be estimated.) When this option (recommended the first time a new FP is created) is selected, Forté uses the estimated impact.

Note 2: The Minimize number of changes option should be used for smaller scale retunes, (i.e., adding new sites), since the overall number of changes are minimized.

Note 3: The Only TRXs with missing or redundant frequencies option should be used to plan frequency for a large number of additional TRXs, when manual planning becomes too cumbersome. This option is only available for base band hopping or non-hopping sectors.



7.3.3 New Frequency Plan – Spectrum

Select the available lower and higher frequencies (BCCH and TCH) from the dropdown menus.


7.3.4 New Frequency Plan – BCCH/TCH Domains

This step defines a separate frequency spectrum for BCCH and TCH. The Advanced BCCH/TCH frequency domain definitions define more complex configuration when:

1. Different BCCH\TCH domains are required in different areas of the network, particularly near network border areas.

2. Different frequencies are assigned to indoor and outdoor cells. Sector selection can be loaded to define which group of cells uses a specific band.




7.3.5 New Frequency Plan – SFH Plans

Note: This step is not displayed if SFH is not used in the network.

The TCH can be allocated by one of the following SFH allocation methods:

• Ad-Hoc Per Sector – Each sector is assigned a unique MAL (a different set of frequencies).

• Ad-Hoc Per Site – Each site is assigned a unique MAL (a different set of frequencies).

• Fixed Per Sector – Fixed MALs are defined, one to each sector.

• Fixed Per Site – Fixed MALs are defined, one to each site.




1. Click on Next.

2. If one of the ad hoc planning methods was selected, click on the MALs… button, and the Edit MAL screen is displayed.

3. Click Select all and click the Edit… button to launch the MAL Length window.

Figure 48: MAL Length Screen



4. Set the MAL length as [the number of SFH TRXs per Sectors + 1] and click OK to apply the new rule to all of the MALs. In the Edit MAL screen below, sectors with 6 or fewer TRXs are assigned a MAL frequency equal to the number of TRXs plus 1, while sectors with more than 6 TRXs are assigned a MAL frequency exactly equal to the number of TRXs.

Figure 49: Edit MAL Screen



7.3.6 New Frequency Plan – Separation Constraints


This screen is used to define logical constraints, such as co-cell or co-site frequency separation, required by hardware constraints.

Use the existing constraint and separation default values or modify them by selecting the relation roll (e.g., BCCH to BCCH) and clicking Edit… if different values are to be set.

Additional logical constraints (Handover, Accessibility, and Triangulation) can be defined per channel type, including:



• Handover to prevent two neighbors from using the same BCCH. This option should be selected for BCCH to BCCH only.

• Accessibility to simulate the constant transmission and interference of a BCCH channel (not a TCH, which only transmits when it has traffic). This option should be selected for BCCH to BCCH and (depending on the needs of the user) eventually for BCCH to TCH.

• Triangulation to prevent second tier neighbors (two non-neighbor cells with a common neighbor) from using the same BCCH. This option should NOT be selected.

Figure 51: Separations and Constraints (BCCH-BCCH)



Figure 52: Separation and Constraints (BCCH-NB/BB)



Figure 53: Separation and Constraints (BCCH-SFH)

7.3.7 New Frequency Plan – Summary

This screen displays a summary of optimization area statistics and warning/error details in the environment.

1. If the warnings/errors are insignificant, check the Allow auto recovery of data inconsistencies check box, and click Finish.

2. Click the Save Template button to save and reuse all settings from New Frequency Plan Steps 1-6.




7.4 Frequency Plan Progress The Optimizer engine begins searching for new solutions. The progress bar indicates the number of solutions the Optimizer has found (with every red dot representing a solution). When the Optimizer finds a better solution, that solution appears on the progress bar. The Y-axis indicates the amount of affected traffic (due to bad reuse) for each solution, with the goal being to minimize affected traffic. Click the Stop button when the progress graph flattens to show that the latest solutions are not significantly better than the previous solutions.



Figure 55: Frequency Plan Progress

When the Optimizer stops, Forte automatically notifies the user of the need to plan the BSIC (if BSIC planning was selected in Step 2), based on the NCC settings (specified in Step 3).



7.5 Load Plan to Network Right click on FP in the Calculations window, and then click on Apply Frequency Plan.

Figure 56: Apply Frequency Plan

After the new plan has been applied, click Network Open BCCH BSIC Reuse Report to check BCCH and BCCH/BSIC reuse, based on distance.



Figure 57: Open Reuse Reports

Note: The BSIC Reuse report is available to check the quality of the BSIC plan as soon as the environment has been created.

7.6 Use Frequency Plan Report Forté generates several reports, including one that indicates which constraints have been violated. This report shows which constraints were applied to a new plan, but were not respected in an existing plan (e.g., frequency restrictions, neighbors using co-channel BCCH). It also indicates the cost of constraints in terms of Erlangs, and shows forbidden constraints.

Another report lists BCCH reuse by distance, which can be used to check the closest reuses.



8 Evaluate New Frequency Plan

8.1 Run Evaluator Run the Evaluator again by repeating the procedure in Section 5.2, but this time, use a new name and do not recheck the correlation (which is used to validate the quality of the model of the existing plan).

8.2 Comparison to Baseline It is possible to quickly compare one or more scenarios in the original (baseline) plan with a new plan by selecting all of the evaluations. Click on Calculations, select the evaluations, and then click on Compare Evaluations.

Figure 58: Compare Evaluations

The Compare Evaluations dialog box is displayed, providing graphs and reports on the selected evaluation comparisons (available for the following KPIs: Rxqual, FER, and C/I).



Figure 59: Graphs and Reports



9 Appendix A: Exporting a Network to the Schema Format

To export the output files of a network environment into the Schema format (flat text files):

1. Go to File Export Schema Format…

2. Browse to the target folder into which the database will be exported.

The Frequency Plan is stored in the Sectors.txt (BCCH, BSIC) and ChannelGroups.txt (all others) files. The Schema format is useful for sending an environment to another user or computer, to create backups, or to make modifications. An environment can be re-imported later.

Figure 60: Export Schema Format



10 Appendix B: Exporting a Frequency Plan or Handover Plan

To export a frequency plan into switch dump file format (for retuning) go to File Export Frequency Plan or Handover.

In the Export to Folder window, provide the name of an empty folder in which to create the output.

Notes:

A switch dump folder name (preferably the switch dump used to build the environment, and not a folder with Schema Format files) should be provided in the Import from folder field.

A requirement for exporting a frequency plan in Huawei format (Release R002 and Release R007) is that the frequenciesTable.txt file must exist for each BSC.

Figure 61: Export Frequency Plan



11 Appendix C: Adding New Site Sectors

Several site sectors can be added to the environment, as detailed in the subsections below.

11.1 Adding a Single Site Right click anywhere on the map to which a new site is to be added, and select New Site. The exact site coordinates may be specified later.

Figure 62: New Site Popup Window

Figure 63: New Site Dropdown Menu

1. Use the dropdown menu to choose the BSC, to name the site, and to set the latitude and longitude.



2. Click OK.

3. The New Sector window appears. Click on the Frequencies* tab (in red), then click on the New… button to add a new channel group.

Figure 64: New Sector Window



Figure 65: New Channel Group Window

For example, for an RF hopping sector, add one channel group for BCCH TRX and another channel group for the hopper TRXs. (A channel group is a group of TRXs with a common frequency band.)

When the New Channel Group dialog box is displayed, set the Contains BCCH field to Yes or No (whichever is relevant), fill in a number in the No. of TRXs field, and select the hopping method from the Hopping method dropdown menu.



The screenshot below shows a Channel Group being added for a BCCH in the New Channel Group.

Figure 66: Channel Group Added (BCCH TRX)

After adding all of the TRXs for the new sector, click OK. The New Sector popup box allows a new sector to be added to the site. Click Yes to add the new sector.

Figure 67: New Sector Dialog Box

11.2 Updating a Model for New Sites If mobile statistics are available for the new sector, run the Modeler again. Otherwise, click on Modeler Update Model… to create an estimated model for a new site that is not yet on the air.



Figure 68: Updating a Model

The Update Model window is displayed. Click on the Update model according to sector addition/removals button. This option will create an estimated model based on the model of the surrounding sectors. This approximation is acceptable in most cases.

Figure 69: Update a model according to sector additions/removals

Release 4.1 includes the possibility of importing an external IM for new sites (e.g., from a planning tool) by clicking on the Merge constraints lists into Model radio button. This import provides more accurate results in a less dense environment.

To assign only a few frequencies manually (BCCH and TCH), right click on the sector, and select the Noises… option. Section 11.4 provides more information on automatic frequency planning.



Figure 70: Noises for Sector Site

The Noises for Sector Site report indicates the cleanest BCCH, based on interference level. Switch to another Channel group ID to find the cleanest TCH.

If neighbors have been added to a new sector, click on Frequency roll to check whether the selected frequency is already being used by one of the sector’s neighbors.



Figure 71: Noises for Sector Site Detail

11.3 Adding Clusters of New Sites 1. Before adding a cluster of new sites, prepare the following three text files:

• NewSectors.txt – a Schema format file. Fill in only the fields relevant to a specific task. Fill in irrelevant fields with N/A.

• NewChannelGroups.txt – a Schema format file.

• NewHandoff.txt – a Schema format file. If the Handover has not yet been planned, use the Neighbor List Optimizer for new site neighbors after updating the model.

Note: Use the Keyword column on the NewSectors.txt option to mark cells as new so they can be selected via the Select Sectors by Keyword option.

2. Go to File Import to Network Sectors and Channel Groups.



Figure 72: Import Sectors and Channel Groups

3. In the Import Sectors and Channel Groups popup box, browse the Sectors and Channel Groups text files to select the files that were prepared in advance.

Figure 73: Sector Selection

4. To import the hand off, go to File Import to Network Handovers.

5. From the Import Handovers window, click either the Add Handovers radio button or the Replace existing Handovers radio button. Then browse to the hand off file that was prepared in advance.



Figure 74: Adding Handovers

11.4 Planning Frequency for New Sites

11.4.1 Method 1— New Sectors Only

Run the Frequency Plan Optimizer for new selected sectors.

The advantages of this method are that no changes are made to the current network, and new cells are easily integrated.

The disadvantage of this method is that the frequency plan will not be optimized for new sectors due to existing constraints.

11.4.2 Method 2 — New and Existing Sectors

Select the new and existing sectors on which to run the Frequency plan optimizer. To minimize impact on the current plan, select the Minimize number of changes option in Step 2.



Figure 75: Minimizing Number of Changes

The advantage of this method is that there are fewer constraints, based on the existing plan.

The disadvantage of this method is that if there are changes in the current network, the integration of the new cells must be coordinated with frequency changes on existing sites.



12 Appendix D: Updating an Existing Model

12.1 Cross-band Measurements Update Forté can create cross-band measurements in the model by using intra-band measurements and applying an attenuation value, calculated from the difference in propagation between bands (based on a Forté internal parameter BANDS_OFFSET, defined in the Advanced Properties/Modeler).

BANDS_OFFSET (dB) is used to account for the difference in propagation between the 850/900 band and the 1800/1900 band in a network that uses Multiple BCCH (MBCCH) (850/900 or 1900/1800).

The cross-band interference between 1800 channels and 900 channels can either be measured or estimated using the Calculate Cross-band interference option. If estimated, the interference is calculated using the measured interference between 900 BCCH (or 1800 BCCH), and the BANDS_OFFSET is applied to account for the difference in propagation between the 850/900 band and the 1800/1900 band.

To use this option, click on Modeler Update Model… to create an estimated model for cross-band interference.


The Update Model window is displayed. Click on the Calculate cross-band interference button. This option will create an estimated model based on the existing intra-band model, which is acceptable in most cases.



Figure 77: Calculate Cross-band Interference

This option is useful if cross-band HO optimization is required in a network using MBCCH. The C/I between sectors belonging to different bands must be available for the user to optimize handovers between those sectors. Therefore, measurement recording on both bands should be activated or estimated using the Calculate Cross-band Interference option.

Note: If a sector has a Common BCCH or CBCCH (e.g., BCCH on band 850/900 and TCH on band 1900/1800– within the same sector), interferences should be measured from both bands, in which case, the Forté Modeler automatically calculates cross-band interference (using hidden parameter DUAL_BAND_OFFSET set to the same default value as BANDS_OFFSET). The Calculate Cross-band interference option does not apply.

12.2 Update a Model Using an External IM If mobile statistics are not available for a new sector, an external IM may be imported (from planning tool and drive test) into Forté. Click on Modeler Update Model…




The Update Model window is displayed. Click on the Merge constraints lists into model button. This option will merge the existing Mobile Statistics based model with an external IM (e.g., for new sites).

Figure 79: Merge constraints lists into model

This option was introduced in Release 4.1 to include the possibility of importing an external IM for new sites (e.g., from a planning tool) by clicking on the Merge constraints lists into model radio button. This import provides more accurate results in a less dense environment.



13 Appendix E: Ultima Forté Advanced Actions In order to view the Advanced actions, select a group of cells and then go to Network Advanced actions.

Figure 80: Network-Advanced Actions Menu



1. Select Cleaning to open the Cleaning submenu, and to remove various items, including removal of: frequency plans, separations, and restrictions, interferences, handovers, and handover locking, RxQual, sub-band, and relation constraints.

Figure 81: Cleaning Submenu

1. Select Add TRX or Add Sub-cell to add a predefined number of TRXs or a sub-cell structures for the selected cells.

Figure 82: Add TRX / Add Sub-cell Submenus



2. Select Switch Hopping Method to change the hopping method for selected cells.

Figure 83: Switch Hopping Method Submenu

3. Select Split BCCH/TCH Channel Groups to split a channel group -- one for BCCH and one for TCH.

After changes have been implemented, the following dialog box is displayed:

Figure 84: Advanced Actions Dialog Box



14 Appendix F: Ultima Forté Preferences Certain internal configurable preferences in Ultima Forté may be modified in the Network Preference tab.

To view the preferences, go to File Preferences.

Figure 85: Preferences Submenu

1. Click on the General tab to see a general description of user settings, including measurement units, database connection information, and visible status bar fields.

2. Click on the Default Legends tab to see the default legend used for Handover and Interference.

3. Click on the Advanced tab for more specific settings, including the number of lines displayed in Import reports, (while the default is 50, it can be increased to up to 100000 lines), searching by sectors or CI, and font size.



15 Appendix G: Ultima Forté Network Properties Ultima Forté has several internal configurable parameters that can be modified under the Network Properties tab by going to Network Network Properties.

Figure 86: Network Properties Submenu

1. Click on the General tab for a general description of the current network.

2. Click on the Sub-cells tab to display the current sub-cell definition (e.g., OL/UL 900, OL/UL 1800) imported from the network configuration, and defined in the environment. Additional sub-cells may be defined for further optimization.

3. Click on the Coordinates tab to define a coordinate type, which can be modified using Ultima Forté preferences, described in Appendix E.

4. Click on the Statistics tab to display overall network statistics, including the number of BSCs, sites, sectors, channel groups, and TRXs.

5. Click on the Advanced tab to display Ultima Forté’s internal parameters.



15.1 Advanced Properties The Network Properties Advanced tab displays information on many useful properties, as shown in the following screenshot.

Figure 87: Network Properties-Advanced Properties Tab

Any changes made in Advanced Properties, are saved in the Ultima Forté Network Properties file, which can be exported to Schema format, as explained in Appendix A. The Network Properties File .txt file can then be imported into either the same or another environment using File Import_Network_Properties.

This tab is also helpful when creating a new network to reflect the user-defined network properties of each user.



15.1.1 Environment

Figure 88: Network Properties Advanced Tab -Environment Group

The Environment group contains the following modifiable fields:

1. AMR_PENETRATION_RATE (%) is the default AMR penetration rate for the network, and is used by default in Step 2 of the Evaluator.

2. BTS_NOISE_FIGURE (dB) is used in the uplink coverage threshold calculation.

3. GPRS_ACTIVITY_FACTOR (%) is used for the traffic calculation for the GPRS-dedicated time slot.

4. MS-NOISE_FIGURE (dB) is used in the downlink coverage threshold calculation.

5. OUTDOOR_LOW_SPEED_PERCENT (%) is the default TU3 penetration rate for the network. This parameter is used by default in Step 2 of the Evaluator. Based on the GSM norm, TU3 mobiles are considered slow moving, while TU50 MS mobiles are considered fast moving. The set percentage only impacts FER calculations.



6. The Importer uses SITE_BY_DISTANCE and SITE_DIAMETER to define whether sectors within a short distance of each other are co-sited.

7. The TMA_SENSITIVITY_GAIN is added to the Rxlev Uplink calculation performed during the Modeling phase for sectors using a tower-mounted amplifier (TMA).

8. The UPLINK_DIVERSITY_GAIN is added to the Rxlev Uplink calculation performed during the modeling phase for sectors using uplink antenna diversity.

15.1.2 Environment Huawei

Figure 89: Network Properties Advanced Tab -Environment Huawei Group

The Environment Huawei group contains the following modifiable fields:

1. HUAWEI_EXPORT_HEADERS_LANGUAGE is the default Language used in the headers when exporting files from Forté to Huawei-specific format. For example, when exporting a frequency table or a handover table for a Huawei infrastructure, this parameter determines whether the header will be in Chinese or in English.



2. HUAWEI_FILES_ENCODING is used whenever Huawei input is imported; this parameter determines the encoding of the input. Note: When importing a Huawei s6000 network, in order to use Chinese character, parameter HUAWEI_FILES_ENCODING needs to be set to GB2312.

15.1.3 GPRS and EDGE

Figure 90: Network Properties Advanced Tab - GPRS and EDGE Group

The GPRS and EDGE group contains the following modifiable fields:

1. EDGE_MAXIMAL_ALLOWED_MCS is the maximum Modulation and Coding Scheme available for EDGE. (The GSM norm allows for up to eight different Modulation and Coding schemes (MCSs). The MCS is dynamically selected to maximize throughput, depending on the radio link conditions.



2. GPRS_MAXIMAL_ALLOWED_CS is the maximum Coding Scheme available for GPRS. (The GSM norm allows for 1-4 available CSs.)

3. EDGE_MCS1_MCS2 (dB) defines the C/I threshold, below which MCS1 will be switched to MCS2 (If C/I goes from 7 to 5, the coding scheme also changes from MCS2 to MCS1.)

4. The above changes also apply to the remaining GPRS and EDGE parameters.

Figure 91: End User Throughput Experience for Various MCSs



15.1.4 GSM

Figure 92: Network Properties Advanced Tab - GSM Group

The GSM group contains the Rxqual curves for AMR_FR, AMR_HR, EFR_FR, and HR. These curves are used in the translation between C/I and Rxqual, as shown in the following table.

Figure 93: C/I-RxQual Translation Table



15.1.5 GSM UMTS Handover Optimization and Measurement Plan

The GSM UMTS Handover Optimization and the GSM UMTS Measurement Plan groups contain fields related to the IRAT handover optimization and the measurement plan, and are not part of the basic Ultima Forté package. Please contact Customer Support at [email protected] for more information.

15.1.6 Handover Optimization

Figure 94: Network Properties Advanced Tab - Handover Optimization Group

The Handover Optimization group contains fields related to the Handover Optimization process defined in Section 5:

1. If the value of ALLOW_BCCH_BSIC_REUSE_IN_BAL is set to No, neighbors with a co-BCCH-BSIC are deleted from the handover plan.



2. If the value of ALLOW_BCCH_REUSE_IN_BAL is set to Yes, BCCH reuses are allowed as part of the Handover plan.

3. The default value of the DISTANCE_FACTOR is displayed in Step 2 of the HO optimization wizard, and is part of the HO optimization algorithm.

4. The default value of the ENFORCE_REQUIRED_SYMMETRY is displayed in Step 2 of the HO optimization wizard, and is part of the HO optimization algorithm.

5. If the value of HANDLE_CO_SITED_ HANDOVERS_AS_LOCKED is set to Yes, neighboring relations between two sectors of the same site will not be deleted.

6. MAX_OUTGOING_NBR_PER_SECTOR defines the maximum number of neighbor relations per cell (normally 32), and is part of the HO optimization algorithm.

7. The default value of the REQUIRED_OUTGOING_NBR_PER_SECTOR is displayed in Step 2 of the HO optimization wizard, and is part of the HO optimization algorithm. This value represents the desired maximum number of neighbor relations per cell, and should always be lower than MAX_OUTGOING_NBR_PER_SECTOR, which is more of a system limitation than an optimization goal.

8. The parameters dealing with maximum, medium, and minimum changes are part of the HO optimization algorithm, and define an approach (aggressive or conservative) to adding or deleting neighbors. Based on the level of changes allowed in Step 2 of the HO optimization wizard (Minimum, Medium, Maximum), only one class of parameters applies.

9. The probability threshold is part of the HO optimization algorithm, and based on the level of changes allowed in Step 2 of the HO optimization wizard (Minimum, Medium, and Maximum), the relevant parameter will apply (Max Change Probability Threshold, Medium Change Probability Threshold, and Minimum Change Probability Threshold). The threshold defines the probability that an interferer (regardless of whether it is a neighbor) is stronger than the server. Only pairs of cells that meet this threshold may be added.

10. The significance threshold is part of the HO optimization algorithm, and based on the level of changes allowed in Step 2 of the HO optimization wizard (Minimum, Medium, Maximum), the relevant parameter will apply (Max Change Sign Threshold, Medium Change Sign Threshold, Minimum Change Sign Threshold). The threshold is calculated by dividing the number of HO attempts for a specific pair of cells by the total number of HO attempts for an individual cell. Pairs of cells below that do not meet this threshold may be deleted.



15.1.7 Measurements Plan - General

Figure 95: Network Properties Advanced Tab - Measurement Plan General Group

The Measurements Plan General group contains fields involved in the MP process, and only applies to GSM HO. (See GSM UMTS Handover Optimization and Measurement Plan .)

1. If the value of EXCLUDE_WEEKENDS is set to Yes, weekends will be excluded from the Measurement Plan.

2. The default value of WEEKEND_DAYS is Saturday and Sunday, but the value can also be set to Friday and Saturday.



15.1.8 Modeler

Figure 96: Network Properties Advanced Tab - Modeler Group

The Modeler group contains the following fields:

1. The value of Adj-Channel_C2I_Threshold is used in calculating interference from adjacent channels.

2. Co–Channel_C2I_Threshold is used in calculating interference from co-channels.

3. BANDS_OFFSET (dB) is used to account for the difference in propagation between the 850/900 band and the 1800/1900 band in a network using Multiple BCCH (MBCCH) (850/900 or 1900/1800). The cross-band interference between 1800 channels and 900 channels can either be measured or estimated using the Calculate Cross-band interference option, in which case, interference is calculated using the measured interference between 900 BCCH (or 1800 BCCH), and the BANDS_OFFSET is applied to account for the difference in propagation between the 850/900 band and the 1800/1900 band.



Note: This is useful if cross-band HO optimization is required. The C/I between sectors belonging to different bands must be available for the user to optimize the handovers between those sectors. Therefore, the measurement recording on both bands should be activated or estimated using the Calculate Cross-band interference option.

Note: If a sector has a Common BCCH or CBCCH (e.g., BCCH on band 850/900 and TCH on band 1900/1800– within the same sector), the sector should consider measuring interferences from both bands. The Forté Modeler automatically calculates the cross-band interference (using hidden parameter DUAL_BAND_OFFSET set to same default value as BANDS_OFFSET). The Calculate Cross-band interference option does not apply

4. DURATION is measured in hours, and only applies to Huawei and Siemens.

5. IDENTIFICATION_MAXIMAL_DISTANCE (km) is the maximal distance used to identify BCCH/BSIC pairs, below which the Modeler ignores reported BCCH/BSIC pairs.

6. IMPACT_THRESHOLD_FOR_IDENTIFICATION_REPORT is used as a threshold in the Modeling reports (Unpaired Server-BSIC-BCCH Relations and Server-BSIC-BCCH Pairing Overview reports), to identify the worst undefined BCCH/BSIC pairs in term of potential affected traffic.

7. The values for MERGE_STRATEGY are Add, Light, Moderate and Replace. These values are part of the C/I merging process when there are several days of recordings.

• Add treats all days equally, and averages the measured C/I over the entire period.

• Replace always uses the last day.

• Light and Moderate are a compromise between Add and Replace, as they place more or less weight on the latest available data.

8. A value corresponding to the SHADOWING_C2I_OFFSET (dB) value is applied as a default C/I value when a pair of cells are identified as shadowed.

9. SHADOWING_MAXIMAL_DISTANCE (Km) is the maximal distance used to classify a pair of cells as shadowed. The Modeler ignores any potential shadowed impact pairs over that maximal distance.

10. TRAFFIC_AGGREGATION_WEIGHT is used to average traffic among several days of recordings.

11. UTILIZATION_THRESHOLD (dB) is the minimum threshold below which utilization is not allowed.



15.1.9 Evaluator (QE)

Figure 97: Network Properties Advanced Tab - QE Group

The Evaluator (QE) group contains the following fields, which relate to the number of iterations that the Evaluator runs:

1. CONVERGENCE_ACCURACY_RATIO is the accuracy ratio to consider when the Evaluator Monte-Carlo algorithm has converged, meaning that 90% of the cells have reached a 5% accuracy ratio within fewer than 500 iterations.

2. CONVERGENCE_PERCENTAGE_OF_NETWORK_ELEMENTS (%) is the percentage of network elements (Sectors, sub-cells or channel group, depending on the settings specified in Step1 of the Evaluator) needed to consider when the Evaluator Monte-Carlo algorithm has converged as defined by the CONVERGENCE_ACCURACY_RATIO.

3. NUMBER_OF_ITERATIONS is the maximum number of iterations allowed.



15.1.10 RF Features

Figure 98: Network Properties Advanced Tab - RF Features Group

The RF features group contains the following fields:

1. The HALF_RATE_AMR_ACTIVATION_THRESHOLD (dB) is a C/I threshold used to switch a call from AMR FR to AMR HR during Evaluator iterations. For any C/I value above that threshold, AMR HR will be considered to be based on traffic loading.

2. IUO_ACTIVATION_THRESHOLD is the C/I threshold used to activate the Nokia Intelligent Underlay Overlay (IUO) feature, supported by Ultima Forté. This advanced feature enables the use of TCH channels from neighboring sectors when no deterioration in performance is expected. The feature is automatically detected by the Ultima Forte Importer when the network environment is imported from the Nokia OSS. The IUO prefix is automatically added to the channel group name with this feature, and imported into Ultima Forté. An IUO channel group is recognized and accounted for by the Evaluation process.



3. The VOICE_ACTIVITY_FACTOR (%) is the default used when discontinuous transmission (DTX) is active on a cell.

15.1.11 Spectrum Optimizer

Figure 99: Network Properties Advanced Tab - Spectrum Optimizer Group

The Spectrum Optimizer group contains the following fields:

1. The HANDOVER_ADJ_IMPACT (%) percentage is used in Step 6 of the OFP process, when handover logical constraints are selected to weigh the impact of adjacent frequencies between two neighboring cells.

2. If the value of HANDOVER CONSTRAINTS LIST CALCULATION is set to Handover Statistics, handover constraints in the OFP are weighed on the basis of the number of handover attempts made. If the value is set to fixed, handover attempts are not considered.



3. The HANDOVER_CO_IMPACT (%) is used in Step 6 of the OFP process, when Handover Logical Constraints is selected in weighing the impact of co-channel frequency between two neighboring cells.

4. The HIGH_OPTIMIZATION_PRIORITY_GUARD is used to increase the C/I parameter Co–Channel_C2I_Threshold (e.g., increasing it from 12 to 9, based on a default offset value), defined in the Modeler section for High Priority cells, as defined in the Sector Channel group properties.

5. IGNORE_EGSM_DEFINITIONS is used either to ignore or to apply EGSM sub-band definitions; this parameter is only relevant for 900MHz bands, and the default is Yes (to ignore definitions).

6. The LOW_OPTIMICATION_PRIORITY_GUARD is used to lower the C/I parameter Co–Channel_C2I_Threshold (for example by lowering it from 12 to 15, based on a default offset value) defined in the Modeler section for Low Priority cells, as defined in the Sector Channel group properties.

7. The MAX _DISTANCE_FOR_BCCH_BSIC_REUSES (Km) setting displays only the BCCH-BSIC reuses below a certain distance (preset to 30 Km) in the BCCH-BSIC reuses report.

8. The MAX _DISTANCE_FOR_BCCH _REUSES (Km) setting displays only the BCCH reuses below a certain distance (preset to 5 Km) in the BCCH-BSIC reuses report.

9. The MINIMIZE_CHANGES_HIGH (%) sets a percentage of frequency changes allowed when the Minimum Changes option in Step 2 of the OFP is set to High.

10. The MINIMIZE_CHANGES_LOW (%) sets a percentage of frequency changes allowed when the Minimum Changes option in Step 2 of the OFP is set to Low.

11. The MINIMUM_CHANGES_MEDIUM (%) sets a percentage of frequency changes allowed when the Minimum Changes option in Step 2 of the OFP is set to Medium.

12. MIN_CARRIED_TRAFFIC_PER_TRX allows users to define a minimum traffic threshold value for each TRX. This value overrides any actual TRX value that falls below the threshold. This makes it possible for users to compensate sectors and TRXs with low traffic levels.

13. PLAN_HSN_FOR_BASE_BAND plans HSN for baseband channel groups. Version 4.1 supports HSN optimization for baseband hopping schemes (by changing the value to Yes).

14. PLAN_MAL_PER_CHANNEL_GROUP plans a separate MAL, HSN, and MAIO allocation for each SFH channel group.



15. The TRIANGULATION_ADJ_IMPACT (%) percentage is used in Step 6 of the OFP process, when Triangulation Logical Constraints is selected, to weigh the impact of adjacent frequencies between second-tier neighbors.

16. The TRIANGULATION_CO_IMPACT (%) percentage is used in Step 6 of the OFP process, when the Triangulation Logical Constraints is selected, to weigh the impact of co-frequencies between second-tier neighbors.

15.1.12 Statistics

Figure 100: Network Properties Advanced Tab - Statistics Group

The Statistics group contains the following fields:

1. The BAD_QUALITY_FER (%) percentage threshold is used to classify traffic as being affected by bad FER in the Evaluator.

2. The BAD_QUALITY_RXQUAL threshold is used to classify traffic as being affected by bad Rxqual in the Evaluator.



16 Appendix H: RF Feature Optimizer Note: This feature was intended to be used to add or delete sub-cells in existing sectors, and to optimize TCH Allocation priorities per cell.

16.1 Reselect Optimization Area Section 5 explains how to reselect an optimization area.

16.2 RAN Feature Optimizer 1. Click on Optimization RF features…

2. Resave the network.

3. Enter a RAN Feature plan name.

16.2.1 New RAN Feature Plan – General

Figure 101: New RAN Feature Plan - Step 1



16.2.2 New RAN Feature Plan – Parameters

The Optimization parameters are:

• Maximize the amount of traffic with FER below (%) – Set the target FER threshold for optimization.

• Optimize TCH Allocation Priority – Check this box to optimize the TCH Allocation Priority.

• Optimize OL/UL – Check this box to optimize OL/UL.

• Allow TRXs to move between OL and UL – Check this box to allow the optimizer to move TRXs between layers, based on the FER target threshold.

• Minimum Number of TRXs on the outer sub-cell – Set the minimum number of TRXs on the outer sub-cell (Underlay in Ericsson, Overlay in Nokia).

• Minimal serving threshold (dBm) - Set the minimum serving threshold.

• Maximal serving threshold (dBm) - Set the maximum serving threshold.




16.2.3 New RAN Feature Plan – Summary The New RAN Feature Plan summary displays various optimization statistics and details on

warnings/errors that occurred during optimization.

If the warnings/errors are not considered significant, check the Allow auto-recovery of data inconsistencies check box, and then click Finish.




16.3 Review RAN Feature Optimization Reports

Figure 104: Calculations-Open Reports

To open reports, right click on RAN Feature Plan 1 on the Calculation menu, and then click on Open Reports…

16.4 Load Changes to Network To apply a plan, right click on RAN Feature Plan 1 on the Calculation menu, and then click on Apply Plan.

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