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Enhanced optimization service for microwave networks

Enhanced optimization service

for microwave networks
Microwave network bandwidth is expanding rapidly; comprehensive, dedicated optimization support is needed if
increasingly IP-based network architecture is to be best leveraged.
By Geng Jianxu & Ma Bin

U
ltra-broadband microwave network
service is increasingly being handled
on an IP-basis, but this transition is
proving very challenging for operators
and vendors alike, as service downtime must be
minimized, QoS assured, and costs reduced. A
systematic, customized optimization service that
covers measurement, implementation and delivery
tools is needed; the key elements of this service
would be legacy network evaluation, network
planning, and third-party services.

Three key elements

Assessment of current network KPIs
Though cost-effective, microwave transmission
is quite sensitive, it can be hampered and even
interrupted by obstructions and inclement weather
conditions such as rain, snow, and fog. A network
evaluation system with a complete set of real-
life KPIs would help operators collect network
performance data in real time, which would then
be analyzed to reveal bottlenecks, redundancies,
and other flaws.

Planning network targets

Network optimization is not an academic
activity; operators have a business to run. Network
planning must be comprehensive and creative,
as microwave network migration may involve
network combination or site/cluster relocation;
both require customized services. Security and
feasibility indices must also be simulated if a plan
is to remain useful by the time the new network is
implemented. Above all, target planning must keep
in mind as the downtime must be minimized as
much as possible.

49 JAN 2012 . ISSUE 64


Catering to multi-vendor
infrastructure
Microwave network hardware
typically is purchased from multiple
vendors, so a network optimization
service must be vendor-agnostic, or at
least flexible. The service provider must
understand the networking architecture
and configurations/protocols that each
vendor employs so that it can collect
data accurately and extend network
management system (NMS) coverage.
The provider must also have a robust
analysis capability, as it will be dealing
with data in varying formats.
Enhanced network
optimization service
Years of experience have yielded
the tools with which Huawei offers a
complete solution set for microwave
network optimization, suitable for any
phase of network evolution, including
current state evaluation, LOS survey,
network planning, project delivery, and
network migration planning. With its
refined methodology and real-world
KPI system, Huawei can help evolve a
network towards a specific target, or it
can optimize on a more general basis.
Comprehensive KPIs that
matter
If microwave network upgrade
is to prove successful, a networks
p e r f o r m a n c e , c a p a c i t y, r e s o u r c e
usage, and redundancies must be
well understood. Details relevant to
upgrade might include the number of
empty subrack slots, vacancies for new
antennas, and port bandwidth upgrade
compliance for intermediate frequency
boards. Huawei has established dual KPI
systems that cover either performance
or comprehensiveness. Overall, more
than forty items are indexed into seven
categories, so that any microwave
network can be analyzed in a refined
and quantitative manner.
Performance covers eight indices,
including link availability, fade margin
(FM), and unavailable second (UAS),
all of which reflect microwave link
availability (typically ranging from
99.995 to 99.997%) and provide
references for link optimization and
capacity expansion. Comprehensive
indices are intended to reflect overall
network status in terms of capacity,
frequency, topology, or resources.
These indices help identify utilized/
idle network resources and network
bottlenecks, while facilitating long-
term optimization preparation. Both
index categories help operators manage
their network status and optimize
accordingly.
Efficient optimization tools
Huawei has also developed a series
of tools, including Pathloss, Eplise,
D e s i g n e r, a n d t h e A M S 5 0 0 0 , t o
facilitate network evaluation, network
planning and project implementation.
T h e s e t o o l s e n a b l e n e t w o rk d a t a
collection, KPI analysis, air interface
design, service planning, and equipment
migration, while greatly enhancing
network efficiency and quality; they
are suitable for most key elements of
microwave network optimization.
First, the AMS5000 collects live
network data, evaluates network KPIs,
and creates reports that aid the drafting
of network optimization schemes. It can
then simulate the target network, adjust
relevant parameters, and update the
helped the operator evaluate over
overall plan accordingly. After this plan
is confirmed, tools such as Pathloss and
Eplise can be used for air interface design,
with Designer used for service design.
Throughout the entire process, Huawei
service teams cooperate with licensed
partners to deliver these optimization
services in a timely and efficient manner.
Efficient third-party migration
Hu a w e i n e t w o r k o p t i m i z a t i o n
services cover third-party equipment
evaluation and migration; with said
migration divided into three phases.
Huawei Communicate
First, data concerning network topology,
equipment structure, and radio
protection configuration is collected and
analyzed. Second, network planning
schemes that minimize downtime
a re d r a w n u p ; a n d t h i rd , p ro j e c t
management and delivery are carried
out, with legacy equipment reused as
much as possible.
Successful practices
Huawei has successfully carried out
network optimization for over 100
operators; twenty of these projects
focused on microwave, including those
for Ufone and CMPAK (Pakistan),
as well as AxB (Bangladesh). Huawei
also has over 100 microwave network
migrations under its belt, including
projects for Globe (the Philippines).
As an example, a certain operator had
commenced its network deployment
in 2001 with support from multiple
vendors, gradually building a microwave
network of over 6,000 hops. Network
upgrades, however, did not bring
enhanced user experience; it actually
brought lowered KPIs, degraded multi-
hop link performance, and antenna
overloading. In addition, its legacy
networks were TDM-microwave, which
could not meet the needs of its booming
wireless data services; upgrade was
clearly necessary.
T h i s o p e r a t o r p a r t n e re d w i t h
Huawei for phased optimization of
its microwave infrastructure. Huawei
20 KPI items, re-plan the network
topology, adjust tower loads, identify &
eliminate frequency interference, remove
network bottlenecks, and reuse/migrate
legacy equipment. As a result, network
performance has been significantly
enhanced.
With its experience and competence,
Huawei was able to provide a competitive
microwave network, which now forms
the wireless backhaul foundation for this
operators plans to be a leading carrier in
its region.
Editor: Li Xuefeng xuefengli@huawei.com
JAN 2012 . ISSUE 64 50