Introduction

Network optimization phase begins after sites have been commissioned and integrated into the network. The optimization process would involve - System performance measurements - Analysis of measurement data - Refining system parameters to achieve optimum performance.

Goals
1. Optimization is performed in order to: Ensure that system operation is in accordance with design - to move measured network performance closer toward predicted and desired performance objectives. - the prediction is refined with measured network performance data collected during the optimization process. 2. Tune system parameters - Handoff parameters, neighbor lists, Frequency planning, etc. 3. Quantify problems with the network and identify solutions to those problems - Engineers enabled to quickly isolate problems, correctly determine and implement solutions to those problems and quickly test the solution.

Cluster Optimization Steps

Detailed steps involved in cluster optimization is displayed in the below provided flowchart indicating the Network Audit process at start till Final Acceptance of the cluster. In general, the steps involved include 1. Network Audit Includes checking design predictions, parameter settings, physical connections, antenna configurations, drive test route selections, etc. 2. Performing SCFT at sites in a cluster - the site is tested to verify that it is functioning properly. This includes checking VSWR (MSP scope), basic call processing, etc. 3. Performing pre-drive & implementing 1st level changes Onto which the network issues are initially identified & recommendations for changes in the network issued in agreement with Uninor & MSP. 4. Implementing recommendations & Performing post-drive for the whole cluster thereby ensuring the drive KPIs are met. 5. Monitoring Network KPI & performing necessary changes at identified site locations.

Start

Identify the list of sites & finalise the cluster for Cluster optimisation.

Network Audit - Identify current implemented both Physical (Azimuth, Tilt, Ant. Ht.) & Parameters (OMC Parameters)

- Preparing MDB for the cluster - Baseline OMC parameters to be agreed with Customer - Licensed Mapinfo to be used - Latest Clutter & Vector tabs to be provided by customer

1st level Rectification of both Physical & Parameters issues found after Network Audit. (Frequency planning, HO issues, Antenna configuration, etc.)

- Rectification to be performed based upon customer & MSP approval

Perform prediction Design planning

- Require Prediction planning tool - MANDATORY agreement between ALU & Customer for tuning parameters used in prediction plot - MANDATORY agreement between ALU & Customer for finalizing the coverage area before performing next step

Performance (KPI) report Audit of the whole cluster of sites. Identification of issues in the cluster.

- All necessary KPI reports to be provided by customer or MSP - BBH, NBH, Hourly reports are also to be provided on daily basis - MRR reports to be provided on need basis - CF & TRX Fault reports to be shared on daily basis

Finalise Drive test route selection

- MANDATORY agreement between ALU, Customer & MSP for route finalisation - Final Route recommandation responsibility is with customer.

Perform Pre-drive test of the whole cluster

- Assuming All sites in the cluster is in working condition during pre-drive - Any alarm at the sites has be rectfied by MSP before or during Pre-Drive. - Pre-Drive test for the whole cluster to be performed again In-case of any BTS outages during DT.

Pre-DT-Log Vs Prediction plot analysis & 2nd level changes recommendation

- Mandatory agreement on prediction plot with customer - Recommendation needs to be agreed along with MSP - MSP too provides recommendation based on ALU team inputs - Uninor to consider both the recommendations & finalize the changes

Finalise & Implement the 2nd level changes required along with customer & MSP

- Both Physical & Parameter changes need to be agreed upon between ALU, MSP & Uninor - KPI Impact needs to be monitored & agreed between ALU , Uninor & MSP

Analyse the impact based on above changes & perform any Minor/Major modifications required.

Perform the Post-Drive test

- Assuming All sites in the cluster is in working condition during post-drive - Any alarm at the sites has be rectfied by MSP before or during Post-Drive. - Post-Drive test for the whole cluster to be performed again In-case of any BTS outages during DT.

Finalise & Implement the 3rd level changes required along with customer & MSP

- Both Physical & Parameter changes need to be agreed upon between ALU, MSP & Uninor - KPI Impact needs to be monitored & agreed between ALU , Uninor & MSP

Not Agreed
Perform the Final Post-Drive test

Agreed

Report Submitted & agreed b/w ALU, MSP & Uninor

STOP

Tools Required
MapInfo Licensed Version MIPT Tool Asset Planning Tool GPS Drive Test Licensed Software Engineering Handsets Magnetic GPS Drive Logs Processing Tool Compass Mechanical Tilt Measuring Tool Laser Distance calculator/Measuring Tape Spanners Laptop, Vehicle for Drive test, Power Supply for Notebook, etc.

Efforts required
The cluster optimization needs rigorous & continuous changes in physical as well in parameters. To gather the physical data, requires rigger to climb each of the towers & provides the accurate height, mechanical tilt, electrical tilt & orientation of GSM antenna for each site of cluster. The physical data need to be loaded to the planning tool & do the necessary physical changes in cells to optimize the cluster but in consideration with traffic distribution & clutter so that minimal impact on subscribers. This requires to run the planning tool several time to reach the final prediction plot & required physical data for each cell of sites The audit of the implemented parameters to the base line is required & necessary correction is to be made. The tuning of the frequency plan, neighbor plan is also required. The validated plan is to be implemented by visiting each site & to check any difficulty in implementing the same. The difficulty is to be discussed with the planning team & alternate plan to be made. After Physical & parameter changes, drive test team collect the drive logs for all the motorable roads & verify the implemented parameters vs planned data. Any deviation is to be reported & corrected immediately. Analysis of the logs is required to fine tune further for the overshooting cells & neighbor plan to fully optimize the cluster. The required physical/ parameter changes are to be done & re-drive is required to see the improvement. Final report preparation & submission

Risks involved
There are various risks involved while performing the optimization activity as follows, Since we are performing the optimization for the whole cluster, the sites alarms under the cluster needs to be monitored continuously expecting very less support from MSP Troubleshooting of existing sites at various levels of optimization may be performed by Implementation team expecting very less support from MSP. This is based on ALU IM teams present experience.

Since sites involved in cluster optimization are subject to change based on various issues noticed which can impact the KPI or Traffic of the same site or surrounding site. Since no KPI holiday provided in Uninor network, this may lead to additional troubleshooting of day to day issues which needs a dedicated O&M, Drive test team & performance monitoring team. As per ALU IM teams present experience, sites were oriented towards certain areas as part of special coverage or traffic requirements in coordination with MSP even though there is KPI degradation. These sites may get affected as part of the Optimization which can lead to traffic loss (Important factor for E// circle Uninor customer). Frequency planning issues were faced presently since ALU IM team planning differs from E// MSP planning. The MSP team is not entirely willing to implement BCCH or TCH frequency as per ALU IM plan. So, while performing cluster optimization, MSP involvement needs to be clarified for planning part which can be avoided by ALU IM team. MSP team must report all the changes for cluster sites (physical/parameter if they required) to ALU team during the process of cluster optimization