tektronix application manual

Application Manual

Network and Service Analyzer

071-1759-05

This document supports software version 1.8 andabove.

Revised: March 2007

Copyright � Tektronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Licensed software products are owned byTektronix or its suppliers and are protected by United States copyright laws and internationaltreaty provisions.

Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set forth insubparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at DFARS252.227-7013, or subparagraphs (c)(1) and (2) of the Commercial Computer Software –Restricted Rights clause at FAR 52.227-19, as applicable.

Tektronix products are covered by U.S. and foreign patents, issued and pending. Information inthis publication supercedes that in all previously published material. Specifications and pricechange privileges reserved.

TEKTRONIX and TEK are registered trademarks of Tektronix, Inc.

Contacting Tektronix

Tektronix, Inc.14200 SW Karl Braun Drive or P.O. Box 500Beaverton, OR 97077 USA

For product information, sales, service, and technical support:

� In North America, call 1-800-833-9200.

� Worldwide, visit www.tektronix.com to find contacts in your area.

Network and Service Analyzer – Application Manual i

Table of Contents

Preface vii. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Product Description 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Features and Benefits 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . System Overview 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Software Concept 6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Hardware Configuration 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Working With One External PC 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Working With Multiple External PCs 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Basic Steps 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Software Configuration 17. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Global and User Preferences 18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Probe Configuration 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Network Configuration – Topology Map 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Capturing Data 33. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Online Capturing 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Offline Capturing 41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visualizing Captured Data 43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Analyzing Data 51. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Open a Captured Session 52. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . View Analysis Summary 54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . View Cell Matrix 60. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . View KPI Analysis 61. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . View Call Table 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . View Frame Monitor 66. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Other Activities Related to Sessions 67. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Import Session 67. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Export Session 68. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Table of Contents

ii Network and Service Analyzer – Application Manual

Frequently Asked Questions 69. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Reference 73. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . User Interface 73. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Keyboard Shortcuts 77. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Glossary G-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Index Index-1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Network and Service Analyzer – Application Manual iii

List of Figures

Figure 18: Working with one external PC 12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 19: Working with multiple external PCs 13. . . . . . . . . .

Figure 20: Global Preferences toolbar button 19. . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 21: Global Preferences dialog box 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 22: User Preferences dialog box 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 23: Probe Configuration main view 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 24: Probe Management Control Area 24. . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 25: Port Configuration Area 25. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 26: Probe Configuration 28. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 27: Network Configuration main view 29. . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 28: Online Capturing Workflow 34. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 29: Manual Capture Button 35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 30: New Manual Capture Session dialog box 36. . . . . .

Figure 31: Scheduled Capture Button 37. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 32: New Scheduled Capture Session dialog box 38. . . .

Figure 33: Application Configuration dialog box 39. . . . . . . . .

Figure 34: Stop Capturing button 40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 35: Offline Capturing Workflow 41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 36: Re-Run Monitoring Session dialog box 42. . . . . . . .

Figure 37: Visualizing captured data 43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 38: Recorder Information Content 44. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 39: Frame Monitor 45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 40: Call Table 47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 41: Call Sequence Diagram 49. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 42: Modules to analyze captured data 51. . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 43: Open Session dialog box 52. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

List of Figures

iv Network and Service Analyzer – Application Manual

Figure 44: Analysis Summary 53. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 45: Analysis Summary 54. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 46: Analysis Summary left side – Dimensions 55. . . . .

Figure 47: Analysis Summary – related to the above picture 56

Figure 48: Drill Down Windows 57. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 49: Network Configuration 59. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 50: Cell Matrix 60. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 51: KPI Analysis 61. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 52: Analysis Content 62. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 53: View Call Table 65. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 54: Import Session dialog box 67. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 55: Export Session dialog box 68. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 56: Menu Bar 73. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 57: Toolbar 73. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 58: Record Bar 74. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 59: Tab Controls 74. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 60: Content View and Main View 75. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Figure 61: Online Help 76. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Network and Service Analyzer – Application Manual v

Preface

This manual gives you a basic overview about the functionality of theNetwork and Service Analyzer. Its purpose is to be a quick guide throughthe application and should help you to become familiar with basic tasksand workflows.

To work with the Network and Service Analyzer, you should have thefollowing qualifications:

� Knowledge of the measurement application field as well as experiencewith communications test applications

� Familiarity with signaling protocols

� Knowledge of PC and Windows XP

� Familiarity with the safety requirements for electrical equipment formeasurement, control and laboratory use

� Completion of a K15 training course

NOTE. The participation in a K15 training course is recommended.Information on training courses is available from your local sales partner,via the support unit, or from www.tektronix.com/signaling/nd-academy .

Preface

vi Network and Service Analyzer – Application Manual

About This ManualThis manual is divided into the following sections:

� Preface contains a brief introduction of the manual.

� Product Description provides an overview of features, components andconcepts of the Network and Service Analyzer.

� Hardware Configuration describes common types of configuration andbasic steps to configure the hardware.

� Software Configuration describes the basic steps to configure thesoftware.

� Data Capturing describes the difference between online and offlinecapturing. It provides an overview of all available modules to visualizecaptured data.

� Data Analyzing provides an overview of all available modules toanalyze captured data.

� Other Activities related to Sessions describes how to import RF5 orCAP files into new sessions and how to export data.

� This chapter discusses some general aspects of the NSA which areessential for the understanding of the product.

� Reference comprises an encyclopedia of topics that describe the userinterface.

� Abbreviations provides explanations of unique or uncommonabbreviations related to the measurements.

� Index provides page number references to topics in alphabetical order.

NOTE. More detailed information about each of the sections contained inthese chapters can be found in the Online Help.

Preface

Network and Service Analyzer – Application Manual vii

ConventionsThe following text styles and markings have specific meaning in thismanual:

Text style Description

in italics Italics fonts indicate menus and menu functions as wellas commands, parameters and examples.

<Key> Keys or key sequences are in angle brackets.

Bold Bold fonts indicate buttons of the Graphical UserInterface.

Additionally, this manual uses the following conventions:

� The names of panel connectors and LEDs appear in the manual in thesame format as found on the panel-label.

� In reference to the instrument, the following conventions apply:

� When referring to the Network and Service Analyzer applicationsoftware, ’Network and Service Analyzer’ is used.

� When referring to the protocol tester (unit of hardware andsoftware), ’K15’ is used.

� When referring to a measurement board (probe), the individualmodule name is used.

Preface

viii Network and Service Analyzer – Application Manual

Related Manuals and Online DocumentationThis manual is part of a document set of standard-accessory manuals andonline documentation. See the following list for other documentssupporting the Network and Service Analyzer:

� The K15 Protocol Tester User Manual provides all user-relevantproduct information. It assists you when setting up and starting theprotocol tester for the first time. This user manual is available asprinted version and as a PDF online manual. The PDF online manual islocated in the \hlp\ sub–directory of the installation directory.

� A context-sensitive online help system is the reference documentationfor the graphical user interface. To open the Help window, press <F1>from within an application window of the Network and ServiceAnalyzer. Press <F2> to open the protocol help.

� The Release Notes are delivered separately and contain the latestinformation on the current software version (readme.txt).

� Microsoft Windows XPe is described in the Windows XPe online help:Click in the taskbar on Start: Help and Support.

Help and Support is your comprehensive resource for information andtools. Use Search, Index, or the Table of Contents to gain access to theextensive Online Help system.

NOTE. Microsoft Support Services cannot be used for the Windows XPeinstallation. The K15 Protocol Tester is supported by Tektronix only.

Network and Service Analyzer – Application Manual 1

Product Description

The Network and Service Analyzer is a suite of software applications fortroubleshooting and optimization of 3G networks and services based on theK15 platform. The Network and Service Analyzer enables 3G MobileNetwork Operators and Equipment Manufacturers to identify the rootcause of poor quality of 3G services, by mapping 3G service problems intothe underlying network problems.

The Network and Service Analyzer offers real time and offline softwareapplications running on the K15 platform and on a Microsoft Windows XPbased PC:

� The K15 platform performs real time capture under heavy load fromSTM-1/OC-3 optical interfaces, hardware filtering (such as controlplane/user plane or VPI/VCI) and first level hardware processing (suchas RLC/MAC reassembling).

� The PC performs application measurements and acts as a data archiveserver. Several clients can be connected to the PC for multi-useroperation.

Communication between the K15 platform and the PC is achieved througha 100BaseT Fast Ethernet standard infrastructure.

Product Description

2 Network and Service Analyzer – Application Manual

Features and BenefitsAutomatic Topology Discovery. This real time expert software applicationprovides a graphical map of the network topology being monitored by theinstrument. Network elements (such as cell, NodeB, RNC, SGSN, andMSC), logical interfaces (such as Iub, Iur, Iu-PS, and Iu-CS) and logicallinks (such as control plane channels and user plane channels) aredisplayed in a graphical environment that represents the starting point foran analysis session. The application enables network operators to navigatethrough the network topology under examination. The application focuseson the analysis of specific network elements, logical interfaces, and/orlogical links with a simple mouse-click operation.

Automatic Instrument Configuration. This expert software applicationprovides automatic configuration of all the necessary parameters tomonitor the UTRAN Iub, Iur, Iu-PS, and Iu-CS interfaces by listening tolive or simulated traffic. This reduces the equipment setup time to a fewminutes. Both control plane and user plane channels are automaticallydetected and configured, enabling the user to focus on measurementsactivities rather than spend time on instrument configuration.

Multi Interface Call Trace. This software application for Iub, Iu-PS, and Iu-CSinterfaces allows you to trace subscribers’ calls both in real time andoffline, as they travel across the network over multiple interfaces, overseveral network elements, including both control plane and user planeanalysis. This enables fast and easy identification of network problems and3G service quality degradation from the symptom down to the root cause.

The GUI allows drill-down troubleshooting from the problem symptom tothe root cause with just a mouse-click featuring four windows: theAnalysis Table, the Call Table, the Call Sequence Diagram and thedetailed Frame Monitor.

The Analysis Table displays all events that have occurred within a sessionon a very high level. It provides insight into problems that have occurredto find some associations of problems.

In the Call Table each line represents a call with its most importantattributes.

Product Description


The Call Sequence Diagram graphically shows the call message flow(arrows) and the involved network elements (vertical lines). Deep protocolknowledge is not required.

For in-depth troubleshooting of the problem’s root cause, all details aboutthe protocol messages and their parameters are shown in the FrameMonitor.

Key Performance Indicators. This software application provides a compre-hensive set of UTRAN and 3G Services Key Performance Indicators(KPI). This allows domain area identification of service problems,mapping of service problems into network problems and time reduction fornetwork optimization and troubleshooting activities.

The application enables you to correlate radio measurements (such asBER, BLER, SIR, Transmitted Code Power or Received Total WidebandPower) with control plane KPI (e.g. RRC/GMM/MM/SM/CC proceduresuccess/failure rate with distribution per cause) and user plane KPI (suchas throughput) to understand the influence of the radio link quality and ofthe handovers on the network behavior.

The application enables you to look at the same set of KPI from differentperspectives by enabling KPI calculation and analysis:

� per service (voice, video, packet),

� per network element (cell, NodeB, RNC, SGSN),

� per subscriber (IMSI) and

� per handset type (IMEI).

The interface supports one-click troubleshooting from the problemsymptom down to the root cause. Color codes can be set to indicate whenmeasurements exceed predefined thresholds. It is possible to navigate fromany KPI measurement to the detailed list of calls that contributed to thegeneration of that KPI and to the detailed decoding of each single call.

The application provides a graphical environment to define custom KPI toallow technicians to carry out ad hoc benchmarking activities.

The KPI measurements are stored in an open MySQL database and can beaccessed by third-party tools to allow easy integration of the solution intoalready existing measurement systems.

Product Description


Cell Matrix. A software application generates the RNC Cell OverlappedMatrix by collecting radio interface measurements that are constantlyflowing from the handsets (RRC measurement reports) and from theNodeB (NBAP measurement reports). This enables reduction of drive testactivities and RNC reconfiguration tasks for performance optimization.

The application calculates a matrix that shows the best neighbor cells forany given cell and can therefore be used for optimizing the scramblingcode plan and as the checklist for the neighbors plan.

Multi User Operation. The distributed software architecture of the Networkand Service Analyzer enables several technicians to work in parallel andshare the same information collected by the measurement device. Thisincreases work productivity by reducing wait time to access test andmeasurement equipment.

Product Description


System OverviewThe K15 Protocol Tester consists of the following components:

� K15 platform (K15 unit or a rack of K15 probes)

� Local or external file server

The file server allows you to import and export RF5 files.

If the file server acts on your local machine, it is an invisible part of thesoftware. To save hardware resources, you can outsource the file serverto another PC in the network (external file server).

File sharing or direct user access is not necessary, the communicationand the access is provided by the NSA Server software.

� SQL database

The SQL database stores local preferences linked to the client software(like additional external files or databases) and captured data. Allinformation captured during the session is stored in the MySQLdatabase.

For database access you need a MySQL database server version 4.1.You need also a MySQL user account who has write access to theMySQL database to perform SQL specific database updates and createstatements. The connection to the databases is provided by the Networkand Service Analyzer.

� Network and Service Analyzer software

The Network and Service Analyzer software is needed to performmeasurements. It can be installed directly on a K15 platform or on anyhigh performance external PC. It is connected to all other networkcomponents via a TCP/IP connection.

The Network and Service Analyzer software is Java-based whichrequires a Java Runtime Environment version 1.5 or higher.

Product Description


Software ConceptAfter configuring essential information — such as the available probes, thevendor release and protocol types — the client will automatically startreceiving incoming traffic. During the capture process the client calculatesand displays the network topology.

The topology is drawn as a realistic image of the available network. It ispossible to navigate through the topology display, view or change thelogical links, view or change the names of the network elements and filterspecific elements. Furthermore it is possible to reconfigure your protocolsettings and force the application to redetect the topology with the newprobe settings.

Product Description


Data Capturing and Visualizing. After configuration, the online capturingprocess can be started. The K15 will receive all incoming calls (dependingon the license model) and save them in a local database.

After the online capture it is possible to repeat the capturing processoffline to filter essential information (rerun capture sessions) or visualizethe captured data in different analyzing tables.

Modules to visualize captured data are:

� Recorder

The Recorder is a control table which gives a quick overview of allreceived traffic. The control table informs about open or completedcalls during the capturing process. This can help detect possiblebottlenecks during the capture process.

The control table is an information module that works like theWindows task manager. It reports hard disk usage (to prevent loss ofcapture information due to disk space limitations), the number offrames that are detected by the probe per second and the buffered dataduring the capture process.

� Online Call Table with Call Details

The Call Table is an analyzing table. The Call Table is available duringthe capture process, during the analysis of offline sessions or duringpreviously captured sessions. The information provided is different forthe Online Call Table (displayed during the capture process) and for theOffline Call Table (displayed during offline sessions).

The Online Call Table shows all incoming, completed, failed and notcompleted calls in a data grid. The data grid indicates which calls passthe captured network. The data grid will show also the call status; forexample “Timed out”, “Forced” or “Missing” status will be indicated.

The Call Details form another analyzing module, linked to the CallTable. There you can see which network elements the call has alreadypassed through; for example a call passed from RNC1 to Node-B3 toCell 4. You can also get detailed information about the messagesequence of each call. Please note, that currently only the last network

Product Description


element is displayed, if the call passes several network elements of thesame type.

� Online Network Configuration

The Online Network Configuration is a feature which allows you tovisualize a logical representation of a given UMTS network. Physicalelements like RNCs and Node-Bs are displayed. The Network andService Analyzer automatically detects and creates the NetworkConfiguration using the captured signaling. If some probes wereactivated during the configuration, the Network Configuration will beautomatically drawn in the background.

Furthermore it is possible to show cells (represent the UMTS receptionof a Node-B) and topology links. These links represent the connectionbetween RNCs and Node-Bs and are a collection of logical links. It ispossible to navigate through this map, which means you can zoom inand out and navigate through the map, add or delete elements,customize element names and change the topology links between theelements. All manipulated data will be manifested in the subsequentcapture sessions.

� Frame Monitor

The Frame Monitor presents the analyzing table with a high level ofdetail. It shows all received traffic during the capture session. In thistable all possible network information elements related to calls aredisplayed in real time (the table refreshes immediately).

The Frame Monitor real time display is only available during thecapturing process.

During the capturing process all captured information is saved in a localdatabase. It is possible to review, analyze, and rerun saved capturesessions.

Product Description


Data Analyzing. The following modules can be used to analyze the capturedsession:

� Analysis Table

The Analysis Table is a matrix, which allows multiple filter settingsand navigation through different views. There are several possibilitiesto filter and view different parts of the recorded errors during thesession.

Within the Analysis Table different events of different networkelements can be filtered. For example, it is possible to analyze typicalerrors appearing for specific Node-B’s.

Specific values from the Analysis Table can be forwarded to otheranalyzing modules. Furthermore it is possible to take specific entriesand export them as RF5.

The Analysis Table is also the main entry point for accessing KPIvalues.

� Offline Call Table and Topology

The Offline Call Table has the same design as the Online Call Table,but has no dynamic content: the values listed are static. They will notbe refreshed, because no data is actually captured. This table servesoffline analyzing purposes only.

In this Call Table you can display only completed calls with theattribute Error and Completed. The status Incomplete is not available(no calls are incomplete or active during an offline session, because nocalls are started or received there). The other capabilities of this OfflineCall Table are similar to the Online Call Table.

Within this table you can filter or drill down the entries to get moredetailed information about the call itself. So it is possible, for example,to view the sequence of a specific call by double-clicking the tableitem (to explore the Call Details) or filter specific errors.

Furthermore it is also possible to review the whole Call Table,Topology and Call Details here, similar to the capture session.

Product Description


� Offline Network Configuration

The Offline Network Configuration is similar to the Online TopologyMap, except that also all values shown here are static. Thus, thetopology display of the map cannot be changed.


Hardware Configuration

For optimal performance, the Network and Service Analyzer should be runon an external PC that is part of a dedicated gigabit Ethernet network,together with a K15-2 Protocol Tester for example. With this configura-tion, it is possible to share the required resources over the network. Theresource sharing optimizes hardware performance.

It is also possible to run the Network and Service Analyzer directly on aProtocol Tester. The Protocol Tester runs the installed probes, acts as clientPC, as SQL database and as file server. However, the performance of sucha configuration may not match the measurement requirements.



Working With One External PCThe following section describes how to operate the Network and ServiceAnalyzer on an external client PC.

K15 with2 Probes

Client PC +Backend ServerSwitch

Figure 1: Working with one external PC

This is the recommended scenario for working with the K15 ProtocolTester. This scenario requires the following:

� A K15 Protocol Tester and a high performance client PC must beconnected via gigabit Ethernet. A PC with a 3 GHz CPU, 2 GB ofRAM and a 80 GB hard disk will do.

� All components must be part of a working network, which includescorrect IP addresses and unfirewalled UDP/TCP unicast and broadcastcommunication between all components.

� Each probe must be connected with it’s external Ethernet port to themeasurement network. Because more than one Ethernet connection isneeded between the PC and the probes, a Hub or (better) a fast layer 2gigabit Ethernet switch is required also.

� The file server and the SQL database should be installed or executedon the client PC.



Working With Multiple External PCsThe following section describes how to further distribute the workloadwhen operating the K15 in with several external PCs in a network.

K15 with3 Probes

Client PCBackend Server SQL DatabaseSwitch

Figure 2: Working with multiple external PCs

This is a very common scenario for the use of the K15 Protocol Tester.This scenario requires the following four network components:

� A properly connected K15 Protocol Tester with at least one probeconnected.

� A file server PC and an SQL database server PC

These two servers could also be one machine. The external file serverrequires also a correct installed and running the Network and ServiceAnalyzer.

� A client PC, which controls all components. This should be a fast clientPC connected with the other network components via dedicated gigabitEthernet.

All four components must be part of a network, which includes correct IPaddresses and unfirewalled UDP/TCP communication using unicast andbroadcast datagrams between the components. Because more than one



Ethernet connection is needed between the PCs and the probes, a Hub or(better) a fast layer 2 gigabit Ethernet switch is required also.

After starting the client on the working machine, the user will setup theconnection in the global preferences, described in chapter GlobalPreferences.

The four components in the network should now start their communica-tion. The probes mounted in the K15 Protocol Tester sends the data, thedatabase server saves the data and the file server is used for RF5 storage.The Network and Service Analyzer software running on the client PCcontrols these network components and redirects the incoming andoutgoing data to the correct component. The client PC is able to drop theconnection to the NSA server and to stop the application as well.

NOTE. The NSA server process will broadcast to 255.255.255.255 on port5050/UDP to find the correct IP addresses of connected probes. The probeswill answer these requests on their external Ethernet port only. Alldetected probes are offered within the Network and Service Analyzer clientuser interface when creating or opening sessions.



Basic StepsUse the following basic steps to configure your hardware:

1. Install and mount several probes on your K15 Protocol Tester andconnect it with a UMTS network and a local dedicated gigabitEthernet.

2. Connect your working PC with the dedicated gigabit Ethernet.

3. Start the Network and Service Analyzer on your workstation.

Hardware Autodetection. The Network and Service Analyzer checks yourlocal environment: when the software is started, the file server and thedatabase are detected automatically.

If network problems occur and some probes are not automaticallydetected, add them in the Global Preferences dialog box. This shows theNetwork and Service Analyzer, where the probe is located in the network(see the Global Preferences section). Afterwards the system will look forthe probe and add it in the Probe Manager.

If no data is received from a manually added probe, contact your localnetwork administrator to solve the network problem.

CAUTION. If a manually added probe is removed, any incoming networktraffic from the probe will be dropped and the previously received captureinformation will be lost.


Software Configuration

After you have successfully configured your hardware, you can configurethe Network and Service Analyzer software. To do so, use the followingbasic steps:

1. Install and start the MySQL Server as well as the Network and ServiceAnalyzer software on your local PC as described in the InstallationNotes for Network and Service Analyzer available as PDF file on theinstallation CD.

2. Start the Network and Service Analyzer Software.

The initial preferences database is automatically recognized. Thesystem automatically detects all connected probes. The detected probesare displayed by the application in the Probe Configuration view (seefigure 6).

3. Configure your file server and the SQL database server on your localmachine as described in the Global Preferences section.

4. Go to the Probe Configuration main view and check whether theconnected probes are automatically detected. If not, go to the GlobalPreferences dialog box and add them.

5. Go to the Network Configuration main view and check if your UMTSnetwork is detected correctly. If not, modify it according to yourrequirements.



Global and User PreferencesTo configure your software you must define the correct Global and UserPreferences.

� Global Preferences are mainly responsible for the correct databaseconnection to manage the list of already captured sessions for yourenvironment.

Global Preferences can be used to change the database where the actualcapture data is stored and to edit all external references to file server orprobes.

� The User Preferences include the basic configuration settings. Thecentral database is used for the local application properties and thefileserver is used for the instant capture process. The User Preferencesallow you to edit the local settings, which are only necessary if basicpreferences changes on the local system; for example if the user of theMySQL database changes.

Global Preferences

To connect all of the components in the network (file server, probes andworkstation) a TCP/IP connection is used. In Global Preferences, you canclassify the probes, the file server and the database server either via IPaddress or DNS name. Both classification communicate according toTCP/IP standards.

If automatic detection of the probes failed, the Global Preferences can beused to add probes to the Network and Service Analyzer software. Afterprobes are entered in the Global Preferences dialog box, the system willlook for the probe and add it in the Probe Manager.

The Global Preferences option is available through a toolbar button inevery main view, the Option menu bar or the <CTRL+G> keyboardshortcut.



Figure 3: Global Preferences toolbar button

Press this button to open the Global Preferences dialog box.

Figure 4: Global Preferences dialog box

To configure the software, modify the following settings within the GlobalPreferences dialog box:

� Probe Settings

In this area, you can add, modify or delete probes. Add the probes thatwill be needed for the capturing session, but were not automaticallyrecognized by the client software (this can happen during networkerrors).



Enter a name for each probe to differentiate between manually addedand automatically detected probes. The name of the probe is onlyimportant to you. This name denotes the physical probe within the theNetwork and Service Analyzer session.

Push the Test button to test your settings. If the probe is not available— for example because of a wrong IP address — the application willreport an error.

� Database Server

In this area you can add, modify or delete database settings. Before youstart a capture session, select the external or internal database serverwhere captured information will be stored.

You can connect the Network and Service Analyzer to external or localdatabases by adding the full host name, the server type, a database username and the mandatory SQL-user-password.

Push the Test button to test your settings. If the database is notavailable, the application will report an error.

� File Storage

In this area you can add, delete, modify and test the internal or externalfile server. The file server provides the possibility to store RF5 files aswell as import and export Network and Service Analyzer sessions.

Set up the correct name, address and path of the file server to ensurethe correct function. If the client PC is used as the file server, use“localhost” as Address and enter the Path to a local directory.

To use an external file server (described in the Working in a Heteroge-neous Network section), enter the IP address or the correct DNS nameand ensure that the Network and Service Analyzer software is installedand running on the external server also.



User Preferences

In the User Preferences dialog box, you can specify the local databasesettings and the file server. You can also specify whether the “WelcomeScreen” appears on startup.

Open the User Preferences dialog box by using the Option menu bar or the<CTRL+U> shortcut.

Figure 5: User Preferences dialog box

The Central Database stores the common Global Preferences, which maybe shared during different sessions and on different Client PCs.

In the User Preference dialog box, you can specify Server Type, Hostname,Port number, Databasename, Username and the Password of the CentralDatabase.

Also enter the Server Name or IP address of the NSA Server, which isnecessary for correct connection.



Probe ConfigurationAs soon as the probes are correctly connected and the Network and ServiceAnalyzer client software is started, the probe configuration begins. If someprobes are not available or are not detected correctly, change the GlobalPreferences and reset the probe configuration. If you want to use a probeyou must activate it using the specific check box at the left.

Click to activate expanded view

Port Configuration AreaProbe Configuration Toolbar

Probe Content AreaCheckbox to activate probe

Figure 6: Probe Configuration main view



NOTE. If a probe is activated (in use) by one user, it is locked and cannotbe used by others.

The probes indicate their status and show you if data is running throughthe client.

The probe window itself is divided into two parts. The main view showsall available and properly initialized probes. The Control Area shows asmall window which allows you to configure the protocol used for eachprobe and the Probe Management. In the Control Area, a tree view of allavailable probes allows you to activate and deactivate probes.

Probe Configuration Toolbar. Using the buttons in the Probe Configurationtoolbar you can expand or collapse all probe information.



Probe Management

The Probe Management feature provides a tree view overview of allprobes available on the network. All probes are grouped and displayedunder the K15 unit icon or K15 rack icon the probes belong to.

In this area you can add probes or remove autodetected probes from yourmeasurement setup. Depending on the chosen probes, other UMTSnetwork elements will be detected and the network topology display willchange.

Figure 7: Probe Management Control Area

You can select or deselect the probes to use for capturing signaling data.By default, the K15 probes that were detected during the Network andService Analyzer server startup are selected.

Probes in use by other capture sessions are grayed out.



Port Configuration Area

Using the Port Configuration Area, you can change the various protocolsettings. It is necessary to adapt these settings to the network underinvestigation. Otherwise the Network and Service Analyzer may fail toanalyze the network traffic correctly.

Figure 8: Port Configuration Area

� Radio Mode: Defines the radio mode in use within your network: FDD,TDD-128 or TDD-384. This setting is a global setting — valid once percapture session, not per single port.

� Release: The major UMTS release in use within your network (forexample “Release 99”). One Release setting per port is allowed.

� Version: The minor release version for the UMTS network you aremonitoring, for example Version “2004-06”. The list of availablesettings is limited by the major release that is selected. One Versionsetting per port is allowed.

� Vendor: The vendor of the network equipment (for example RNCs) youare monitoring. One Vendor setting per port is allowed.

After changing these settings, it is possible to customize some moreadvanced settings depending on the release and version (using the



Advanced button). These settings include the associated protocol stacks,where you modify the stacks for all supported protocols.

After you change these values, you must assign these settings to all probesor to specific probes.

After completing the customization, check in the Connection Status tab ofthe single probes whether data is received or configuration errors occur.

A configuration error will occur if the configuration is incorrect; often theerror involves the assignment of vendors or stacks. If many errors occur,you should check whether the vendor releases are set up correctly for thegiven UMTS network.



Probe Content Area

In the Probe Content Area an element is displayed for each activatedprobe. For more details about probe configuration, refer to the GlobalPreferences section. Each of these elements has five menus which can beexpanded or collapsed.

These menus are:

� Probe <name>

The <name> indicates the name of the probe. This tab shows the frontview of the specific hardware probe, indicating which ports of theprobe are connected, which ports are in use and which port is used foruplink and downlink.

� Port Configuration

Allows you to customize the exact Protocol and Stack settings for eachsingle port. To see how to change the settings, refer to the ProbeControl Area section.

� Configuration Information

Displays how much incoming and outgoing traffic is streaming throughthe K15 probe. Available ports are shown, unavailable or unused portsare grayed out.

� Configuration Errors

Displays a complete list of all incoming error messages. These errormessages will show up, when the protocol or stack configuration doesnot match the network under investigation.



� Logical Links

This tab allows to you to add, delete or modify the logical links relatedto the specific probe. These links are needed for the correct capturesession and will be manifested in the metrics of the capture session andin the topology map. Port, VPI, VCI, and Protocol Type must bedefined correctly. The links are normally detected automatically. Youshould only need this view to verify the settings and make correctionsif necessary.

Figure 9: Probe Configuration



Network Configuration – Topology MapLike the Probe Configuration, the Network Configuration, also referred toas the Topology Map, starts working when the probes are plugged in andthe Global Preferences are set up correctly. The application interpretsevery incoming message and renders an accurate topology of the presentmobile network.

Network ConfigurationToolbar

Configuration InformationTab

NetworkOverview

Network Configuration Content AreaUnassigned LogicalLinks Area

Figure 10: Network Configuration main view



In this view you can navigate through the whole topology map using thesmall Network Overview in the upper right corner.

Below the small Network Overview displayed on the right the NetworkNavigation is shown. The Network Navigation shows all available networkelements in a tree view.

On the left side of the window, the Configuration Information area showsinformation of the element selected in the network configuration contentarea. Also a summary of ignored logical links is shown in the UnassignedLogical Links area.

Unassigned logical links can be assigned manually. Add unassigned logicallinks to a network element by marking the network element in the networkconfiguration content area. Select the desired links in the UnassignedLogicial Links area. Click the Add to Topology button.

You can edit the displayed and recorded information for a network elementshown in the Configuration Information area also.

The colors of the topology links represent different characteristics:

� Blue means that the link contains Control Plane only.

� Black means that the link contains both Control Plane and User Plane.

Network Configuration Toolbar. Using the buttons in the Network Configura-tion toolbar, you can zoom in and out the topology map, display detailedinformation about all elements, apply filters and add or remove elements.



Manual Changes of the Topology

In addition to automatic configuration, you can manually change the setupfor the following capture session. You can design the entire communica-tion model.

� In the topology map you can change all of the displayed elements,allowing you to design the entire communication model, includinglogical and topological links.

� You can disable elements either in a map or in the content view (rightclick). This is not limited to Node-Bs.

� You can add new elements to the map by using the Add Elementtoolbar button.

Filter

Using the Filter button in the Network Configuration toolbar, you canapply filters to all elements in the topology map. This allows you tocontrol whether an element is ignored during the capture session. The filtersettings apply to specified elements or topological links.

For example, the filter allows you to exclude specific network elementslike Node-B’s or change the displayed control planes.

In addition, you can set filter criteria for links which are displayed as blacklines within the Topology Map. You can click each topology link and set itto capture all traffic (including the user plane), control-traffic only, or notraffic at all. The selected value is indicated by the color.

Path ID Tables

When you mark a Node-B element, the Configuration Information areashows the Show Path–ID Table button which allows you to view or changethe Path ID Table. This could be useful if a single Node-B is mismatchedin the map.


Capturing Data

Data capturing is one of the main functions of the Network and ServiceAnalyzer.

There are two types of data capturing:

� Online Capturing: Collects all incoming calls (depending on yourlicense model) and saves them in a local database.

� Offline Capturing: Reruns online capture sessions offline to filteressential information.

This chapter provides a short overview of online and offline capturesessions.

Capturing Data


Online CapturingIn this section describes how to start timed and manual capture sessions,which elements are shown in the current capture session and how to verifythe capture session.

Set Global and UserPreferences

Probe Configuration

Network Configuration

Starting a Manual Capture Session Starting a Scheduled Capture Session

Configuring Applications Configuring Applications

Starting the Capture Session

Starting the Client

Figure 11: Online Capturing Workflow

To start an online capture session start the client, configure the correctGlobal and User Preferences and check if the probes and network arecorrectly configured as described in the preceding sections.

Capturing Data


Starting a Manual Capture Session

Using the manual record function, you can quickly initialize a capturesession. To start and stop this capture session, press the Manual Capturebutton in the main toolbar.

Figure 12: Manual Capture Button

Press this button to open the New Manual Capture Session dialog box.

Capturing Data


Figure 13: New Manual Capture Session dialog box

This dialog box allows you to change the default name of the session andsome advanced settings. The advanced settings allow you to change thefile server and the database server where the data will be saved.

Capturing Data


Starting a Scheduled Capture Session

For Scheduled Capture sessions you can define a time index whichcontrols the automatic start and stop of the capture session without anyonebeing present.

To start a Scheduled Capture session, press the Scheduled Capture buttonin the main toolbar.

Figure 14: Scheduled Capture Button

Press this button to open the New Scheduled Capture Session dialog box.

Capturing Data


Figure 15: New Scheduled Capture Session dialog box

In this dialog box you can define either a start and a stop time or a capturetime which for example allows you to capture for five hours straight.

Capturing Data


Configuring Applications

If you press the Configure Applications... button in the New Scheduled-Capture Session dialog box, the Application Configuration dialog boxopens.

Figure 16: Application Configuration dialog box

In this dialog box you can enable or disable the applications that shouldrun within the capture. These are:

� Call Tracer

� KPI

� Frame Monitor

Capturing Data


Depending on the licenses that were purchased some of these applicationsmay not be available. Additionally, you may want to disable theseapplications for performance reasons.

Starting and Stopping the Capture Session

To start the configured capture session, press the OK button in the NewScheduled Capture Session / New Manual Capture Session dialog box.Depending on the enabled applications, specific tasks (such as the CallTracer View) will start working. A Manual Record session will startimmediately, a Scheduled Record session will start at the designated time

To stop a session, press the Stop button in the main toolbar at any time.

Figure 17: Stop Capturing button

Capturing Data


Offline CapturingOffline capturing repeats an online capturing process in offline mode.Re–running a capture session offline enables you to apply differentconfigurations and/or different product versions.

Starting NSA

Selecting a Stored Capture Session

Starting the Offline Capture Session

Figure 18: Offline Capturing Workflow

To rerun a capture session offline, the software must to be started. At leastone stored capture session must be available.

Capturing Data


Selecting a Stored Capture Session

To select a stored capture session, select Re-Run Monitoring Session in theSession main menu. The Re-Run Session dialog box opens.

Figure 19: Re-Run Monitoring Session dialog box

Starting the Offline Capture Session

To start the offline capture session, press the Select button in the Re-RunSession dialog box.

Capturing Data


Visualizing Captured DataDuring capturing you can watch and interact with several monitors anddetailed information. The following flow chart shows the possibilities todisplay or process captured data:

ViewSessionStatus

Starting Capturing

Set Filters

ViewFrameMonitor (Details)

ViewFrame Monitor

(Overview)

ViewCall Table

ViewCall Sequence

Diagram(Call Details)

Set Colors

Set Columns

Figure 20: Visualizing captured data

Capturing Data


View Session Status

To view the current session status, open the Recorder view. The Recorderview is available on the Recorder tab in each main view. It shows detailedinformation about the running capture session. This view is for monitoringpurposes only; you cannot change information.

Figure 21: Recorder Information Content

This view gives you information about:

� Hard Disc for Capture and RF5 Files(MB)Indicates the hard disk utilization of the chosen file server.

� Loaded Frames (per second)Indicates the signaling utilization of the probes.

� Capture Buffer Usage (MB)Indicates the memory utilization of the probes.

Capturing Data


View Frame Monitor

To open the Frame Monitor select the Frames tab in the Recorder view. Awelcome screen presents informative text and the Open Frame Monitorbutton. Press this button to activate the Frame Monitor.

The Frame Monitor shows you detailed information about all incomingand outgoing data which the K15 Protocol Tester transmits to the Networkand Service Analyzer client.

Figure 22: Frame Monitor

Monitor Panes. The monitor features three panes that display measurementdata at three different levels of detail.

The Short View window pane lists the data packets (frames) recorded bythe Network and Service Analyzer, displaying signaling data in single rowsand short form. The preset columns display the time stamps, logical links,protocol names, and messages of levels 2 to 4.

Capturing Data


The Frame View window pane shows the frame selected in the Short View.The displayed frame is decoded down to the bit level. The first columnshows the selected octet, the second column shows the name / meaning ofthe octet and the third column shows the comment or value of theparameter. The protocol stacks loaded with the scenario determine whichprotocol parameters are shown.

The Packet View window pane displays the frame selected in Short View inHEX or ASCII, HEX plus ASCII, Binary or EBCDIC. If you select anindividual protocol parameter in the Frame View, the corresponding valuesare highlighted in the Packet View matrix (refer to the Online Help forfurther details).

Monitor Status Bar. The status bar is located at the bottom edge of the FrameMonitor. It shows information about the selected frame, the evaluation oftime differences and the current effective zoom or filter settings.

NOTE. You can find details on all menus, buttons and functions in theappropriate help topics.

Capturing Data


View Call Table

The Call Table is available on the Calls tab in the Recorder view. It is adetailed view of all calls. The table is separated into active and completedcalls.

Figure 23: Call Table

In the Call Table you can apply filters to view only the details of specificlinks and network elements under investigation. This could be necessary tofind detailed information about specific elements in the network.Furthermore, you can apply colors to specific elements in the table toimprove the readability of the displayed information.

Capturing Data


To set filter and view settings, proceed as follows:

� Set FilterPress the Filter button in the Call Table toolbar to define filters for thedisplayed table. This is a mandatory task to get detailed values out of ahuge amount of data.

� Set ColorsPress the Colors button in the Call Table toolbar to define specificcolors to values in the displayed table. This helps you analyze thedifferent information tables.

� Set ColumnsPress the Columns button in the Call Table toolbar to customize thecolumns being displayed within the Call Table. By default, a standardset of columns is displayed, containing IMEI, IMSI, TMSI, P–TMSI,Start-Time, End-Time and duration of the call.

Additionally, the following columns can be selected:

� Release cause columns: These columns will display release causes.Only the activated protocol types are shown.

� Network element columns: These columns will display the networkelement names related to a call. Only the activated network elementtypes are shown.

Capturing Data


View Call Sequence Diagram

You can also double-click a single call in the Call Table to open a new tabthat shows detailed information about the chosen call, known as CallSequence Diagram (CSD) or Call Details.

The Call Sequence Diagram

� identifies network elements involved in a call,

� identifies messages exchanged between network elements,

� indicates the message direction,

� shows message content and

� correlates all call related interfaces.

Figure 24: Call Sequence Diagram

Capturing Data


The window is separated into two views. The first view shows the messageflow, information about the elements used in the network and informationabout the transferred messages.

The second view (the bottom part of the window) shows detailedinformation about the transfer time and other details of the selected framein the form of a tree view.

This is static information which you cannot be changed. It is supplied foranalyzing and monitoring purposes.

View Frame Monitor (Detail)

Double-click a protocol in the Call Details view to open the FrameMonitor. In this case, the Frame Monitor displays information only aboutthe selected protocol.


Analyzing Data

There are several ways to analyze a session after capturing. This sectiondescribes all available analyzing modules and how to use them.

The following figure shows the five main modules to analyze captureddata.

ViewAnalysis

Open a Captured Session

ViewCell Matris

ViewNetwork with

ViewCall Table

ViewFrame

Summary KPI Analysis Monitor

Figure 25: Modules to analyze captured data

Analyzing Data


Open a Captured SessionTo analyze captured data, use the following basic steps:

1. Select Session – Open Session from the main menu of the Network andService Analyzer. The Open Session dialog box opens.

Figure 26: Open Session dialog box

2. Select a session and press the Open button. The selected session isimmediately loaded.

Analyzing Data


Figure 27: Analysis Summary

3. Select one of the displayed modules to analyze the data of the selectedsession. Modules are: Cell Matrix, Network, Call Table and KPI.

Analyzing Data


View Analysis SummaryThe Analysis Summary is a matrix which allows multiple filter settingsand navigation through different views. There are many possibilities tofilter and view different parts of the recorded errors during the session.

Within the Analysis Summary you can filter different events of differentnetwork elements. It is possible to analyze typical errors appearing onspecific network elements.

The Analysis Summary is only available if the KPI module was selected atthe start of the Capture Session (see figure 16 on page 39).

Set FiltersView

Analysis Summary

Export to RF5 FormatDrill Down Analysis

Figure 28: Analysis Summary

Analyzing Data


The content area of the Analysis Summary displays two areas:

� The left side lets you select different Dimensions for analysis. Thedimensions are displayed within a categorized tree view in the contentarea. This tree view represents the dimensions selected in their correctorder.

At the very beginning, when no dimension is selected, the tree viewcontains only one node: the Complete Session.

As an example, select the dimension Date/Time, which means that youwant to analyze on a chronological basis. From that moment on, thedata will be categorized by time.

Figure 29: Analysis Summary left side – Dimensions

You can continue to select other dimensions for analysis. From thatmoment on, the tree view will change to another layout (depending on thedata captured):

Analyzing Data


Figure 30: Analysis Summary – related to the above picture

Of course, you can change the order of dimensions. This will force arefresh of the tree view and the appended data to reflect the changes.

For each Key Performance Indicator (KPI), a separate column isdisplayed within the data table. Within the column header, the KPI isdescribed. A KPI is a measured indicator containing both the event andthe event value, for example “RRC Release Cause – Unspecified”. Fordetails refer to the View KPI Analysis section below.

The rows of the table are defined by the tree view for all dimensioncombinations. When you collapse one node in the tree, the appropriatetable rows are hidden. The chosen filter criteria are applied for all datadisplayed.

For each table cell, when you click on the cell, you can either analyzethe values or look at the appropriate calls either within an existingAnalyze window/Call table or within a new one.

Analyzing Data


Analysis Summary – Toolbar

To understand how to apply filters and colors, read the following section.

These buttons are available during the work with the Analysis Summary(refer to the section concerning the Analysis Summary).

� Set FilterAllows you to apply filters to the table. This is an optional task to getdetailed values out of a huge amount of data.

� Set Trouble CriteriaBy default, a common set of trouble criteria, including its thresholds, isprovided for display. You can customize the trouble criteria (add,delete, reorder and edit trouble criteria and their thresholds).

� Export to RF5When this button is pressed, correlated frames are exported to an RF5file. Note that the RF5 export is independent from license module, sothe export can also be started with, for example, no available KPImodule.

Drill Down Analysis

The GUI allows drill down troubleshooting from the problem symptom tothe root cause with just a mouse-click featuring four windows: theAnalysis Summary, the Call Table, the Call Sequence Diagram and thedetailed Frame Monitor.

ViewFrame View

Call Table

ViewAnalysis

ViewCall Sequence

Diagram MonitorSummary

Figure 31: Drill Down Windows

Analysis Summary. The Analysis Summary displays all events that haveoccurred within a session on a very high level. It provides an insight aboutproblems that have occurred and will help to find problem causes (e.g. thesame problem on all Node-Bs of a certain RNC).

Analyzing Data


Call Table. In the Call Table each line represents a call with its mostimportant attributes. The Call Detail Record (CDR) contains summaryinformation about the call (start and stop time, call status, call type, NBAP,RRC, NAS, RNSAP release cause, IMSI, TMSI, P-TMSI, IMEI, IMEI-SV,MSISDN, Calling Party Number, Called Party Number, Radio link ID, CellID, NodeB ID, RNC ID, SGSN ID, and MSC ID).

Different color codes can be attributed to calls, depending on the contentof the fields in the CDR, to highlight specific calls characteristics underanalysis (for example all video calls can be highlighted in red). Filteringcan be applied to the content of the fields in the CDR, to focus on aspecific subset of calls (for example all calls placed by a specificsubscriber can be isolated). The summary information of the call containedin the CDR and the detailed decoding of the protocol messages containedin the call can be exported to the standard CSV file format to create reportsabout network problems.

The user plane of each call can also be exported to allow a subsequentoffline analysis of voice/video quality.

Call Sequence Diagram. The Call Sequence Diagram graphically shows themessage flow (arrows) of the call and the involved network elements(vertical lines). A deep understanding of protocols is not required.

Frame Monitor. The detailed Frame Frame Monitor shows all details aboutthe protocol messages and their parameters. This allows in-depthtroubleshooting and getting at a problem’s root cause.

Analyzing Data


Network Configuration

The offline Network Configuration offered is similar to the one describedin the Network Configuration section. The only difference is that youcannot change the topology display here. The Network Configuration-shows the setup used during the capture session.

Figure 32: Network Configuration

Analyzing Data


View Cell MatrixThe Cell Matrix displays detected cells in a cross reference table. It ispossible to analyze and optimize the cell overlap area with this view.

Figure 33: Cell Matrix

Change the Cell Matrix display by selecting different settings in the CellMatrix Parameters control area displayed to the left. It is possible to selecta specific set of cells. Cell area traffic may be displayed using absolute orrelative (percentage) values.

Analyzing Data


View KPI AnalysisThe analysis of events and measurements allows you to compare valuesfrom different network elements and different time intervals. This will helpto find associations and possible problem sources. The KPI Analysismodule is available only if the KPI application was activated duringcapturing (see figure 16 on page 39).

Set FiltersView KPI Analysis

Open Call TableNetwork Element Comparison

Figure 34: KPI Analysis

Analyzing Data


To open the KPI Analysis table, select the appropriate command in thecontext menu of the Analysis entry window (see figure 27).

Figure 35: Analysis Content

Analyzing Data


The main content area of the KPI Analysis table is separated horizontallyinto two sub-areas:

� Network Element Comparison

On the Network Element Comparison, you can select the events and/ormeasurements you want to compare. For each event, you can see thenumber of occurrences within the tree view, and for each measurementthe statistical values average, standard deviation, minimum andmaximum. In addition, you can select the type of network element youwant to compare (for example all Node-Bs or all cells).

For each network element, the values are displayed within a diagramon the right side of the window. The values for each network elementare grouped together and each event/measurement being compared isdisplayed in its own color. For each event/measurement, the scale isadjusted automatically for best display values.

For specific events (for example “Release Comp Cause – User Busy”)the count of occurrence is displayed as a simple bar. For a measure-ment value, a bar representing the average value, standard deviationand minimum/maximum is displayed (for example, for “TransmittedCarrier Power”). Clicking on the bar shows the appropriate value (e.g.“Release Comp Cause – User Busy for Node-B 53”) displayed withinthe time-based view.

� Time-Based View

The Time-Based View also has a tree view, representing the topology.For each network element, you can look at the events and measure-ments that have occurred, containing the number of occurrence orstatistical values for each specific network element. When clicking onone of those values, it is displayed to the right within the Histogram.

The Histogram, displays the appropriate value (count for events,average for measurements) for each dot on the diagram, where each dotrepresents a time-slice. The whole area fits to the time-interval asspecified within the filter criteria.

Analyzing Data


Using mouse Click-and-Drag operations, you can zoom in to the graph,which narrows the filter criteria (for example to look at a certain time).

Analysis – Toolbar

The following elements are available when you use the analysis model:

� Apply FilterEdits the filter that is applied during this analysis session. This involvesthe basic time-from-to-filter for the range to be analyzed. No furtherfilter is available (further filtering is done implicitly within the ContentArea).

� New Call TableAt any time while working with Analysis, you can select Call Tableactions to open the currently analyzed data within the Call Table.

� Add to Call TableThis action fulfills the same purpose, except that the values are addedto an existing Call Table. A dialog box is also provided to allow you toselect the desired Call Table tab in case more than one exists.

Analyzing Data


View Call TableThe Call Table provides detailed information about all captured calls.Using this table, you can see which calls pass through the capturednetwork and their status.

You can customize the Call Table view according to your individualrequirements by setting filters, colors and columns.

The Call Table is directly linked to further analyzing modules, such as theCall Sequences Diagram and the Frame Monitor. Using these modules, youcan analyze each individual call in more detail. Furthermore, you can saveall calls in an RF5 file within the Call Table.

Set Filters

ViewFrameMonitor(Details)

ViewCall Table

ViewCall Sequence

Diagram(Call Details)

Set Colors

Set Columns

Save Callas RF5

Figure 36: View Call Table

To open the Call Table, select the Call Table entry in the AnalysisSummary (see figure 27).

The Call Table that opens is the same as the one described on page 47except that active calls are not displayed. Only released calls are shown.

View Call Sequence Diagram. To view detailed information about a selectedcall you can double-click a single call in the Call Table. The CallSequence Diagram (see figure 24) opens and shows all information aboutthe message flow of the selected call.

Analyzing Data


View Frame Monitor (Detail). To view protocols of a selected call within theFrame Monitor, select the desired protocol in the Call Sequence Diagram.In the Actions menu select the Frame Monitor command. Alternativelypress <CTRL+4>.

Export as RF5. To save a call as an RF5 file, open the Actions menu andselect the Export RF5 command. Alternatively press <CTRL+3>.

The Target RF5 Directory dialog opens. The process of exporting isexplained in detail in the Export Data section.

NOTE. The Export - RF5 feature is available only in offline mode.

View Frame MonitorThe Frame Monitor shows detailed information of all signaling datacaptured during one session. To open this window, select Frame Monitorin the Analysis Summary (see figure 27).

For further information about the Frame Monitor, refer to the appropriateOnline Help topics.


Other Activities Related to Sessions

In this section, you will learn more about how to import and export capturesession data from/to RF5 files.

Import SessionImporting data into the Network and Service Analyzer is useful foranalyzing stored data.

Figure 37: Import Session dialog box

To import data, click the Session – Import Session menu bar. A smallmenu will ask you for the session name and the destination folder wherethe import data is located.

Using advanced options, you can also change the database and file server.If not selected, the program will search for the import data on the specifiedservers indicated in the Global Preferences (refer to the Global Preferencessection).

Other Activities Related to Sessions


When the import process is finished, you can work with the data the sameas analyzing after the capture process (see the Analyzing Data section formore information about analyzing).

Export SessionYou can also export data capture sessions into RF5 files to transport themto other work stations or to store them in another location and make themavailable for later analyzing purposes.

Figure 38: Export Session dialog box

To do this, open the session either by import or perform this task after acomplete capture session.

Next, use the Session –> Export Session menu bar to open the exportmenu. Enter a session name and a folder name which will be located at theassigned file server in the Global Preferences (refer to the GlobalPreferences section).


Frequently Asked Questions

This chapter discusses some general aspects of the NSA which areessential for the understanding of the product.

Q

How can I save and retrieve a topology map?

A

A topology map is always linked with a session, and is saved in thedatabase with that session. When you select “New Online Session” withthe “Use Configuration from Session” option, the topology map of thissaved session is loaded.



Q

Is the topology constantly learning? If there is a new network element:how long does it take to update the topology? What does it depend on?

A

The topology is constantly learning and dynamically updated. However,the update depends on the traffic that runs through a new network element.If there is no call going through a new network element, the networkelement will not be recognized.

As soon as there is traffic (1 call at minimum, however, depending on theelement more than 1 call and specific messages have to run through theelement), the network element is recognized. To have the changesdisplayed in the topology map (topology rendering), click the “RefreshTopology” button.

To talk in this context about an “update rate” might be misleading becauseit assumes fixed intervals for updates, which is not the case.

Since all other measurements rely on the topology, they are directly being“fed” with the updates.

Q

If a topology element disappears (for example, a Node–B is taken off thenetwork) does the topology map display this ?

A

No, the topology map does not let you know when elements are taken offthe network. In this example, the Node–B will not be deleted automati-cally from the topology map. You must remove it manually and then clickthe “Refresh Topology” button for a changed topology rendering.

Q

What is the difference between online and offline topology?

A

The online topology is always dynamic: starting point is a live network,the network elements are automatically detected and added.



Starting point for an offline topology is always a static source (with datathat was captured, in a first step, from a live network). With Re–RunMonitor Session you can then – as far as the topology is concerned –simulate the “dynamic” detection of the network elements.


Reference

User InterfaceThe main screen is a graphical user interface which – depending on yourcurrent task – reacts with dynamic content to your interactions. Thefollowing paragraphs will give an overview of the different dynamic panelobjects. Some panels are briefly mentioned here and are described in thespecific chapters in more detail.

Menu Bar

Figure 39: Menu Bar

The menu bar gives access to overall program commands. It is possible toquickly open an old session, activate a new capture session, manipulate theglobal and user preferences, perform dynamic actions (depending on youractive working task) and view the online help.

Toolbar

Figure 40: Toolbar

This object contains buttons for frequent tasks. The display depends on thetask you are performing. The following elements are always available:

Reference


� New Capture Session: Starts a new Capture Session; every sessiondepending configuration option is set to the defaults.

� View Existing Capture Session: Allows you to view existing sessions.

� Preferences: Link to global and user preferences

Depending on your task, the toolbar could also contain other elements.These elements are described in the linked sections.

Record Bar

Figure 41: Record Bar

The Record Bar is available during the capture session. It allows you tostart (refer to the Manual Record section), time (refer to the Timer Recordsection) or quit a capture session. Furthermore, you can activate the viewof online calls and online frames if the appropriate applications have beenselected for capture processing.

Tab Controls

Opened Sessions Views of Selected Session Dynamic Toolbar

Figure 42: Tab Controls

Reference


The tab controls allow you to select the active view window. Depending onyour task, you can view probe settings, capture details or analyze frames.

The tab control is divided into two areas: The upper area contains openedsessions; you can switch between all opened offline or online sessions. Inthe lower area you can switch between the views of an opened session.

Main View – Content Area

Content AreaControl Area

Figure 43: Content View and Main View

The content of the selected task will be shown in a view. This is theprimary user interface and within this part of the panel most actions will beperformed and visualized. Also known as the Content Area.

Control Area

This part of the main panel shows, depending on your active task, possiblecontrol properties and action items to change the current display or view.

Reference


Online Help

Figure 44: Online Help

The Online Help is available via the Help main menu (see figure 39) andwill be started as its own window. The JavaHelp helpset viewer provides atree view for navigation and a comprehensive full text search feature.

Reference


Keyboard Shortcuts Keyboard shortcuts are also available when working through theapplication. There are static shortcuts which are always available and bringyou to the same task every time. These shortcuts are:

� CTRL + NStarts a new online session

� CTRL + LCloses the online session

� CTRL + OOpens a captured session

� CTRL + FOpens a RF5 capture file

� CTRL + IImports a session

� CTRL + EExports a session

� CTRL + MStarts the session management task

� CTRL + XExits the application

� CTRL + CStarts a manual record

� CTRL + TStarts a timed record

� CTRL + UOpens the User Preferences dialog

� CTRL + GOpens the Global Preferences dialog

� F1Starts the context based Online Help

Reference


There are also dynamic shortcuts available which have different function-ality depending on the Network and Service Analyzer module you areusing. Basically these shortcuts are

CTRL + 1, CTRL + 2 ... CTRL + 9

So if you are in the Probe Configuration panel, for example, the shortcutswill react and change the content (main view) of the probes and expand orcollapse different views. This is in contrast to the Network Configuration,where the shortcuts will make various changes to the main view of thetopology map or add and delete selected elements.

Network and Service Analyzer – Application Manual G-1

Glossary

Analysis SummaryThis is the main entry point for accessing KPI values (Key Perfor-mance Indicator 6). There are many possibilities to filter and viewdifferent parts of the recorded errors during the session. The AnalysisSummary Table is a matrix, which allows multiple filter settings andnavigation through different views. Within the Analysis Summary youcan filter different events of different network elements. You cananalyze typical errors appearing in specific Node–Bs. Alternatively,you can take specific values from the Analysis Summary Table andforward them to other analyzing modules. You can export specificentries as RF5 data.

Auto NameNetwork element names refer to Node B, RNC, MSC, SGSN namesand are automatically assigned.

Call TableThe Call Table informs you about all finished or canceled offline oronline calls in the network. The Call Table is an analyzing table,which is available during capturing process and during the analysis ofoffline sessions or previously captured sessions. The information isdifferent between the Online Call Table and the Offline Call Table;the Online Call Table is used during capture processes while theOffline Call Table is used during off line sessions. The Online CallTable shows all incoming, completed, failed, and uncompleted calls ina huge data grid. You can see which calls are traveling during thecaptured network and their status. In the Offline Call Table, you cananalyze the same call information as in the Online Call Table, exceptthe uncompleted calls (this is not possible because the data is alreadycaptured). Within this table you can filter or drill down the entries toget more detailed information about the call itself. You can view thesequence of a specific call by double clicking the table item (andexplore the Call Details) or filter specific errors.

Glossary

G-2 Network and Service Analyzer – Application Manual

Capture SessionA Capture Session, or online session is used when you start capturingdata. The data which is detected by the probes and stored in thedatabases is the captured data of the capture session.

CellA Cell is the area where a specific Node–B can send its data to. It isthe reception area of a specific Node–B. This reception area canoverlap to improve the UMTS signal.

Control AreaThe Control Area is linked with the specific module you are workingwith. The Control Area is always located at the left side of theapplication and allows you to ”control” the module or the Main View.Depending on the actual module, you can perform specific actions orget specific task related information.

Control PlaneThe Control Plane includes the Application Protocol and the SignalingBearer for transporting the Application Protocol Messages betweenthe Radio Network Layer and the Transport Network Layer in theUTRAN Protocol Model.

Glossary


Database ServerThis server is typically represented by a MySQL database. Two termsare important while working with the Database Server: the SQLDatabase and the SQL Server.

� SQL DatabaseSQL databases are needed to store captured data. SQL, thestructured query language, is a relational database and is atechnology that stores data in tables.

� SQL ServerThe SQL server (type MySQL) is the required tool to provideSQL database access across the network or on a single PC. TheSQL server runs as a backup process on the PC, which allowsthe storing, defining, and administration of SQL databases.Within the Network and Service Analyzer, a SQL server for thepreferences (local) database and for the captured data is needed.This can also be installed on a different PC than your worksta-tion.

Downlink Data TransferData transfer from the network to the terminal equipment (mobiletelephone).

File ServerThe File Server represents a normal PC that can handle exported files,such as RF5 files. The File server acts as network client that allowsthe storage of data. (Windows File Sharing).

KPIKey Performance Indicator. The KPI supports the possibility toanalyze and compare events and measurements over analyze–dimen-sions and time–sequences.

Logical LinkLogical Link is the physical connection of two UMTS Networkelements.

Glossary


Main ViewThe Main View, or Content, is the main information element of aspecific module. It is the central element in the module. In the MainView all module specific tasks can be performed or module specificinformation is provided.

Menu BarThe Menu bar is above the toolbar and allows you to navigate to thecommon tasks of the application.

MGWThe MGW is the Media Gateway in the UTRAN Network andperforms the switching of network interworking processing and theuser data.

Frame Monitor – Call TracerThe Call Tracer is an online analyzing table. It allows you to view allonline received traffic during the capture session. In this table, allpossible network information related to calls is displayed in areal–time refreshing table. The detail level of this analyzing table isvery high. The Frame Monitor is only available during the captureprocess and is not available for already captured or offline sessions.

MSCThe MSC communicates with the RNC in a hierarchical way. It cantransfer controlling signals and perform resource management in theUMTS Network.

Network Configuration, TopologyThe Network Configuration or Topology is a graphical image of thedetected UMTS Network. Within this topology all detected UMTSNetwork elements are displayed and connected via Logical andTopological links.

Glossary


Node–BA Node–B’s job is to identify the mobile communication within theUMTS Network. The Node–B uses the Network Layer and theTransport Network Layer in the UTRAN Protocol Model. TheNode–B has to manage several Cells (typically 3) and transports theincoming data via an Iub Interface to the related RNC where the datais transferred to the receiver. It can detect the power of the radiosignal and communicates this information to the RNC.

NSA ServerThe NSA Server software is part of the Network and ServiceAnalyzer. It provides access to required parts of the capture andmeasurement process. The NSA Server communicates with theprobes, the SQL Databases, and the Network and Service Analyzertasks. It provides the correct data to the Client and allows the sharingof resources across the network.

Point CodeUnique binary address of a signaling point (node) in the network.

ProbeThe Probes are the heart of the Network and Service Analyzer. Theprobes can receive the data stream via their ports from the specificnetwork. For the correct use and detection, each probe needs a validTCP/IP Address. Furthermore, each probe has a unique name thatcannot be changed.

Glossary


RecorderThe Recorder is a control table that gives you a quick overview of allreceived traffic and provides information of open or uncompletedcalls during the capture process. The window is a task manager thatallows you to view the following items:

� Hard Disk UsageDisplays the available hard disk space. Sessions should beclosed before hard disk space becomes critical.

� Loaded (Frames)Informs you of the total number of frames per second detectedby the probes used for the selected online or re–run session.

� Capture Buffer UsageShows the usage of the capture buffer, which informs you aboutthe buffered data during capture process. This could be helpfulif resource problems appear due to high data and call trafficvolumes.

RF5RF5 is the file format to save captured data with analyzed protocols.

RNCThe Radio Network Controller is responsible for the connected Cellsand the next element in the UMTS Network. The RNC provides thecommunication between the incoming calls and related Node–Bs. TheRNC is responsible for controlling the power of the radio–signaltransferred to the Cells.

SessionThe word session is linked with the capture process. If a captureprocess is started, it is an online session. On contrast, if you open orimport an already captured data, an offline session is loaded.

SGSNServing GPRS Support Node, which covers functionality similar tothe MSC for packet data.

Glossary


TCP/IPTCP/IP is the common used protocol for network connection aroundthe world. It based on the OSI Model and provides a Layer–basedTransportation Protocol. The identification between two networkelements is possible by a unique IP (Internet Protocol) Addresses.

Topology LinkA Topology link is an abstract connection between two Topologyelements. The Topology Link can consist of zero or more LogicalLinks.

ToolbarThe Toolbar is the icon bar on the top of the application window. Youcan either start common and available tasks, such as the Preferences.There are always dynamic buttons available that will change whenyou work in different modules of the application.

UMTS NetworkUMTS Network is the third generation of mobile telecommunication.The 3G System is designed to continue the second generation mobilecommunication system GSM (Global System for Mobil Communica-tion). It provides a fast 1920 kbit/s data transfer rate and allows avariety of services around telecommunication

Uplink Data TransferData transfer from the terminal equipment (mobile telephone) to thenetwork.

User PlaneThe User Plane includes the Data Streams and the Data Bearers forthe Data Streams that are one of the Planes in the UTRAN ProtocolModel between the Radio network and the Transport Network Layer.

Glossary


Network and Service Analyzer – Application Manual Index-1

Index

AAdd to Call Table, 64Analysis

Content, 62Summary, 53Table, 54Toolbar, 64

Analysis Summary, 54, 56, 57left side – Dimensions, 55

Analysis Table, 9Analyzing Data, 51Application Configuration, 39Apply Filter, 64Assistance, viiiAutomatic

Instrument Configuration, 2Topology Discovery, 2

BBasic Steps, 15

CCall

Details, 7Sequence Diagram, 49, 58, 65Table, 47, 58, 65

Capture, Session, 40, 52, 67Captured data, Modules to analyze, 51Capturing Data, 33Cell Matrix, 4, 60Configuring Applications, 39Content View, 75Control Area, 75

DData

Analyzing, 9Capturing and Visualizing, 7

Drill DownAnalysis, 57Windows, 57

EExport

as RF5, 66Session, 68

Index

Index-2 Network and Service Analyzer – Application Manual

FFeatures and Benefits, 2File server, 5Filter, 31, 48Frame Monitor, 8, 45, 58

Detail View, 50, 66Monitor panes, 45Monitor status bar, 46

Frame View, 46

GGigabit Ethernet, 11Global Preferences, 18

HHardware

Autodetection, 15Configuration, 11

IImport Session, 67

KKey Performance Indicators (KPI), 3KPI

Analysis, 61Application, 61

LLogical Links, 28

MMain View, 75Manual

Application, viiiConventions, viiOverview, viUser, viii

Manual Changes of the Topology, 31Manual Record Button, 35Manual Record Session, 35Markings, viiMenu Bar, 73Multi Interface Call Trace, 2Multi User Operation, 4MySQL, Database, 5

NNetwork and Service Analyzer, Software,

5Network Configuration

main view, 29Toolbar, 30Topology Map, 29

Network Element Comparison, 63New Call Table, 64New Manual Capture Session, 36New Scheduled Capture Session, 38

Index

Network and Service Analyzer – Application Manual Index-3

OOffline

Call Table, 9Capture Session, 42Capturing, 41Topology Map, 10

OnlineCall Table, 7Capturing, 34Help, 76Manuals, viiiNetwork Configuration, 8

Open Session, 52

PPacket View, 46Path ID Tables, 31Prerequisites, Training, vProbe

Configuration, 22, 28Content Area, 27Control Area, 25Management, 24Manager, 18Settings, 19

Product Description, 1

QQualifications, v

RRe–Run Monitoring Session, 42Record Bar, 74Recorder, 7Release notes, viiiRF5 files, 67

SSafety, vScheduled Capture , Session, 37set filter, 48Short View, 45Shortcuts, 77Software

Concept, 6Configuration, 17

SQL database, 5Stop Capturing button, 40Stored Capture Session, 42System Overview, 5

TTab Controls, 74TCP/IP, 5Time

Based View, 63Differences, 46

Timer Record, Button, 37Toolbar, 73Topology, 9

Map, 29, 59Training, v

Index

Index-4 Network and Service Analyzer – Application Manual

UUser Interface, 73User Manual, viiiUser Preferences, 18, 21

VView

Analysis Table, 54Call Sequence Diagram, 49, 65Call Table, 47, 65Cell Matrix, 60Frame Monitor, 45, 66Frame Monitor (Detail), 66KPI Analysis, 61Session Status, 44Settings, 48

Visualizing Captured Data, 43

WWindows XPe, viiiWorking With

Multiple External PCs, 13One External PC, 12

ZZoom settings, 46

tektronix application manual

Documents