Atoll 2.

ATOLL TRAINING
Atoll 2.5
Q4 2006 Q1 2007

Atoll2.5_GSM_UMTS_Training v0.5

Atoll 2.5

PART 1: GENERAL FEATURES & GSM

TRAINING PROGRAM
Atoll 2.5
1. General Introduction
2. Working Environment
3. Multi User Environment
4. Setting Up a Project
5. Modeling a Network (Part 1: Sites, Transmitters)
6. Basic Prediction Studies
7. Outputs
8. Acquiring Sites
9. Traffic Data
10. Modeling a Network (Part 2: TRX)
11. GSM Network Performance
12. Propagation Model Tuning
3
3

1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION
Atoll 2.5
G

Training Overview

Atoll General Concepts

Manuals

Help & Support

4
4

TRAINING OVERVIEW
Atoll 2.5
G

Theoretical Parts
I

1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION

GSM/GPRS/EGPRS Features
UMTS / HSDPA Features

Hands-On Exercises

Focus On Practical Training

Training Class Schedule

I
I
I
I

9.00 am to 5.00 pm
15 minute breaks (morning & afternoon)
1 hour break at lunch time
Please: no emails, nor phone calls during the class
5
5

ATOLL OVERVIEW
Atoll 2.5
G

Multi-technology Radio Planning & Optimization Platform

I

1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION

I
I
I
I
I

GSM/GPRS/EDGE
UMTS/HSDPA
CDMA 2000 1xRTT 1xEV-DO
WiMAX
TD-SCDMA
Microwave Links

Open, scalable and flexible

architecture

Advanced Network Design Features

Largest third-party product offering available on the market

(ACP, AFP, Dynamic Simulators, Propagation Models, etc.)

6
6

MANUALS
Atoll 2.5
G

Basic Documentation
I

1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION

User Manual
Technical Reference Guide

Advanced Documentation
I
I
I

Standard Propagation Calibration Guide

Developer Reference Guide
Administrator Manual

7
7

HELP & SUPPORT

Atoll 2.5

1. GENERAL INTRODUCTION

Online Help
I

Help Topics
Accessible via the Help menu
~1000 topics in a
structured organisation

Whats This
Available in any dialog
Description of fields

First Level of Support

I
I
I

Support_us@forsk.com
1-888 GO-ATOLL (1-888-462-8655)
Hotline opening hours: 8.00 am - 8.00 pm EST, Monday - Friday
8
8

TRAINING PROGRAM
Atoll 2.5
1. General Introduction
2. Working Environment
3. Multi User Environment
4. Setting Up a Project
5. Modeling a Network (Part 1: Sites, Transmitters)
6. Basic Prediction Studies
7. Outputs
8. Acquiring Sites
9. Traffic Data
10. Modeling a Network (Part 2: TRX)
11. GSM Network Performance
12. Propagation Model Tuning
9
9

2. Working Environment
Atoll 2.5
G

National Server Configuration

Atoll Platform at Cingular

I

Atoll Multi user environment

Atoll User Interface

I

User Interface

Other Atoll Windows

RF Design Workflow Using Atoll

10
10

NATIONAL SERVER CONFIGURATION

2. WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Atoll 2.5
G

Citrix Thin Client Deployment

Central National Server Farm

I
I

Located in Redmond, WA
Contains:
Oracle Database Server
File Server (or SAN)
Application Servers

Multi-User Environment

Pool of Shared Atoll Licenses

11
11

Centralized Deployment of Atoll

Atoll 2.5

12
12

ATOLL PLATFORM AT CINGULAR

Atoll 2.5
G

Multi-User Environment
I

2. WORKING ENVIRONMENT

.atl project files are created from an central Atoll Oracle Database
.atl projects files are saved on User Home Directories (on file server)

13
13

ATOLL USER INTERFACE

Atoll 2.5
Menu Bar

2. WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Event Viewer
Toolbar

Table

Workspace

Explorer

Map

Panoramic
Point Analysis

Status
bar

14
14

OTHER ATOLL WINDOWS

2. WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Atoll 2.5

I
I

Panoramic
I

Point Analysis

Measurement (CW or Test Mobile Data)

Legend

Event Viewer
15
15

WORKFLOW
Atoll 2.5

2. WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Section 4

Setting up a Project
(Create / Open ATL-Project, Geo Data, )

Section 5

Modeling the Network (Part 1: Sites, Transmitters)

Radio Propagation

4
5
6

(Add Sites, Modify Transmitter, )

Section 6

(Pathloss Calculation, Basic Prediction Studies: Coverage by signal level,

Best Server Plot)

Section 9

Traffic Data
(Define Traffic Maps, Traffic Analysis, )

Modeling the Network (Part 2: TRX)

Section 10

(Frequencies, HSN, BSIC, Cell Type, Neighbors, )

Section 11

Advanced Studies

Outputs

Section 7

(Reports, Plots)

16
16

TRAINING PROGRAM
Atoll 2.5
1. General Introduction
2. Working Environment
3. Multi User Environment
4. Setting Up a Project
5. Modeling a Network (Part 1: Sites, Transmitters)
6. Basic Prediction Studies
7. Outputs
8. Acquiring Sites
9. Traffic Data
10. Modeling a Network (Part 2: TRX)
11. GSM Network Performance
12. Propagation Model Tuning
17
17

3. MULTI USER ENVIRONMENT

Atoll 2.5
G

Shared & Private Data

Pathloss Matrix Storage

Atoll Oracle Database: Exchanges

Atoll Oracle Database: Management

18
18

ATOLL NAMING CONVENTION

Atoll 2.5
5. MODELING A NETWORK (Part 1: Sites, TX)

Pathloss
I

Matrix - defined for each sector - that contains pathloss information for
each pixel up to the calculation radius

Prediction Study
I

Coverage plot containing user-specified information (e.g. best server plot,

signal strength plot, handover study, Ec/Io plot, etc.)

19
19

SHARED & PRIVATE DATA

Atoll 2.5

3. MULTI USER ENVIRONMENT

Shared Data (located on server farm - shared drivers)

I

Oracle Database
Network description data (sites, cells, antennas, ...)

Configuration Files

Path Loss Matrices

Private Data (located on server farm user folder on H: drive)

I

Atoll Project File [*.atl]

Created from the Oracle database
Radio Data
Coverage predictions

Working Environment Data

Private Configuration

Private Path Loss Matrices

20
20

PATHLOSS MATRIX STORAGE

Atoll 2.5
G

Shared Pathloss Matrices

3. MULTI USER ENVIRONMENT

I
I

Stored in a shared folder on the server farm (shared driver)

Batch/Administrator calculation (transparent to the user)
Performed incrementally on a daily basis (overnight)
One public pathloss matrix folder per market per technology - for all users
E.g. one folder for North Texas GSM
one folder for North Texas TDMA
one folder for North Texas UMTS
Accessible as read-only mode (users cannot write in the shared pathloss
matrix folder)

Private Pathloss matrices

I
I

Stored in a private folder on the server farm (user folder on H: drive)

Private pathloss matrices calculated only for sites with invalid or missing
shared pathloss matrices

21
21

ATOLL ORACLE DATABASE: EXCHANGES (1)

Atoll 2.5
G

.atl Project Creation From An Existing Database

3. MULTI USER ENVIRONMENT

Open From Database

Possibility to recover only sites of a list
Memorization Of The Link

No real time update between the .atl project and the Oracle
database

Exchanges between the Oracle database and the .atl project file
I

Archive:
Atoll Atoll Oracle Database
Refresh:
Atoll Oracle Database Atoll

22
22

ATOLL ORACLE DATABASE: EXCHANGES (2)

Atoll 2.5
G

The Archive Command

I

3. MULTI USER ENVIRONMENT

I
I

To use when you are satisfied with your modifications

Update the Oracle database with your changes
Archive permissions are set at the user level & field level

23
23

ATOLL ORACLE DATABASE: EXCHANGES (3)

Atoll 2.5
G

The Refresh Command

3. MULTI USER ENVIRONMENT

Refresh the data of your Atoll project file with the latest Oracle database info

Automatic Database Reload

24
24

ATOLL ORACLE DATABASE: MANAGEMENT

Atoll 2.5

User Privileges/Permissions
I

3. MULTI USER ENVIRONMENT

Conflict Management Between Users

I

Defined in Oracle database

Taken into account by Atoll

Automatic Detection Of Conflicts

Added or modified records
Deleted records
Permissions
Alternative Solutions Proposed By Atoll

Audit Tool To Check The Consistency Of The Tables

I
I

Integrity Checking To Find All The Objects With Problems

Undefined Record Checking
Sites without transmitter
Transmitter with no subcell (GSM)

Duplicate Record Checking

25
25

TRAINING PROGRAM
Atoll 2.5
1. General Introduction
2. Working Environment
3. Multi User Environment
4. Setting Up a Project
5. Modeling a Network (Part 1: Sites, Transmitters)
6. Basic Prediction Studies
7. Outputs
8. Acquiring Sites
9. Traffic Data
10. Modeling a Network (Part 2: TRX)
11. GSM Network Performance
12. Propagation Model Tuning
26
26

4. SETTING UP A PROJECT
Atoll 2.5
G

Workflow

Creating a project from a database

User Configuration

Open, save and close a project

Review project settings

Explorer Window

Table Window

Filtering / Sorting / Grouping

Managing Geo Data Layers

Geo Data Properties

Zones in Atoll

27
27

WORKFLOW
Atoll 2.5

4. SETTING UP A PROJECT

1
1-bis

Load a project in a single-click

(site database, geo data & configuration file)

Load a project (manual steps)

(open from Oracle Database, Load geo data & configuration file)

Save the Project File

Review the Project Settings

Setup / Import the Folder Structure for the Explorer Window

Setup Geo Data

Define Zones
(computation zone, focus zone, filtering zone)

28
28

LOAD A PROJECT (SINGLE CLICK OPTION)

Atoll 2.5

4. SETTING UP A PROJECT

1 Launch Atoll (via Citrix)

2 Click on the icon

3 Select the desired market/technology

I
I

Site base is automatically loaded from the Oracle database

Geo data are automatically loaded

29
29

LOAD A PROJECT (MANUAL OPTION)

Atoll 2.5

This is an alternative option to

the previous slide

4. SETTING UP A PROJECT

1- Open from Oracle database

2- Load User Configuration (Geo Data, Folder Conf., )
I

manually
30
30

SAVE PROJECT
G

Save Project in private folder (Home Directory)

Set Private Pathloss Matrix Storage Location To External

Folder (and not embedded)

4. SETTING UP A PROJECT

Atoll 2.5

31
31

BEAMWIDTH RELATED TRANSMITTER SYMBOL

Atoll 2.5

Set Transmitter Symbol

1 Open Transmitter Properties

4. SETTING UP A PROJECT

2 Click Symbol Type On "Display" Tab (select Automatic)

3 Select Symbol "Beamwidth-related Transmitter Symbol"

1
2

32
32

OPEN, SAVE AND CLOSE A PROJECT

Atoll 2.5
G

Project Is Saved As .atl Project File

4. SETTING UP A PROJECT

Recommendations:
* Save your Atoll Project File every day under a new name
(e.g. Atlanta_GSM_20070104)
* Delete older files (e.g. older than 2 weeks) on regular basis

Possibility To Re-Open An Existing Project (*.atl project file)

33
33

REVIEW PROJECT SETTINGS

Atoll 2.5

4. SETTING UP A PROJECT

Projection system
definition
Display system
definition

Access to
coordinates
catalogues
Degree
formats

Length, height and

offset unit definition

Project System must NOT be changed

34
34

EXPLORER WINDOW
Atoll 2.5
G

3 Tabs

4. SETTING UP A PROJECT

Made Of Folders And Records

I
I
I

Data
Radio Data / Coverage / Measurements
Geo
Raster / Vector / Traffic maps
Modules
Propagation Models

Selection
Visibility
Order

Use Of Context Menus

I
I
I

Access To Properties Dialogs

Access To Tables
Additional Functions (e.G. Centre Map Feature)
35
35

IMPORT GEO DATA

4. SETTING UP A PROJECT

Atoll 2.5
G

Import of configuration file automatically loads all relevant

geo data information

This section describes the import process for additional

and/or updated geo data that may be used

Terrain Height Import

Vector Import

Clutter Class Import

Scan Map / Image Import

36
36

MANAGE GEO DATA LAYERS (1)

4. SETTING UP A PROJECT

Atoll 2.5

Atoll Supports Several Geo Data Types

I

Propagation Calculation
DTM / Clutter classes

Dimensioning
Traffic

Statistics & Prediction Plot Reports

Population

Additional Maps
Vector data (Roads, railways, regions)
Scanned maps

37
37

MANAGE GEO DATA LAYERS (2)

4. SETTING UP A PROJECT

Atoll 2.5

Multi-Layer / Multi-Resolution Management

I

In Each Folder, Priority Layer On Top To Be Used For Calculation :

" WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET (WYSIWYG)
Highest resolution files on top to be used for calculation

Working With Layers Similar To MapInfo

Change The Order Of Layers By Drag And Drop

38
38

GEO DATA PROPERTIES

4. SETTING UP A PROJECT

Atoll 2.5

Generic Display Dialog

Different Properties For Different Geo Data Types

Example: DTM Properties

Check box to display

the DTM legend in
the Legend window

Plot-band
Definition

Relief appearance

DTM map
displayed
between 1:500
and 1:20 000 000

39
39

DO NOT EMBED GEO DATA!

4. SETTING UP A PROJECT

Atoll 2.5

Make sure NOT to embed geo data in your Atoll project

Embedding geo data would increase significantly the size of

your Atoll project and can lead to numerous memory issues

In case, you did embed geo data:

I
I

Delete the embedded file

Re-import the geo data (as previously explained)

Do NOT click on Embed

40
40

ZONES IN ATOLL
Atoll 2.5

Focus Zone

4. SETTING UP A PROJECT

Filtering Zone
I

For Reports

Filters Sites And Transmitters

Computation Zone
I

Limits The Transmitters To Be Calculated

Path loss matrices are calculated for all active
transmitters impacting the computation zone
Computation Zone
Filtering Zone
Focus Zone

41
41

TRAINING PROGRAM
Atoll 2.5
1. General Introduction
2. Working Environment
3. Multi User Environment
4. Setting Up a Project
5. Modeling a Network (Part 1: Sites, Transmitters)
6. Basic Prediction Studies
7. Outputs
8. Acquiring Sites
9. Traffic Data
10. Modeling a Network (Part 2: TRX)
11. GSM Network Performance
12. Propagation Model Tuning
42
42

5. Modeling a Network (Part 1: Sites, TX)

Atoll 2.5
G

Atoll Naming Convention

Sites

Transmitters

Antenna

Station Templates

Changing parameters on the map

Network Element Grouping / Filtering / Sorting

43
43

ATOLL NAMING CONVENTION

Atoll 2.5
5. MODELING A NETWORK (Part 1: Sites, TX)

Site
I

Transmitter (or sector)

I

Radio interface built on a site using antenna(s) and optionally equipment

such as TMA or feeder

Subcell [GSM/TDMA Projects]

I

Geographical location on which the equipment is installed

Set of TRXs of a same type in a transmitter

Pair of (Transmitter & TRX type)
BCCH, TCH, TCH Inner

Cell [UMTS Projects]

I

Specifications of a carrier in a transmitter

Pair of (Transmitter & Carrier)
44
44

SITE (1)
Atoll 2.5
5. MODELING A NETWORK (Part 1: Sites, TX)

Access Site Parameters

I

Double click / Right mouse click on map

Expanding the folder and

click on icons

directly going into the table

45
45

SITE (2)
5. MODELING A NETWORK (Part 1: Sites, TX)

Atoll 2.5

Modify A Site
I

Change Site Position On The Map

Change Site Position In The Properties Dialog / In The Table

Change Symbol, Colour,

Labeling In The
Properties Dialog
46
46

SITE (3)
Atoll 2.5
5. MODELING A NETWORK (Part 1: Sites, TX)

Display A Site

Open Site Properties

Set Display Options

Map Window

47
47

TRANSMITTER (1)
5. MODELING A NETWORK (Part 1: Sites, TX)

Atoll 2.5
G

Access Transmitter Parameters

I

Double click / Right mouse click on map

Expanding the folder and

click on icons

directly going into the table

48
48

TRANSMITTER (2)
5. MODELING A NETWORK (Part 1: Sites, TX)

Atoll 2.5
G

Modify A Transmitter
I

Change Transmitter Azimuth On The Map

Transmitter Offset From Site

Change Properties In The Properties Dialog / Table

Change Symbol, Color, Labeling In The Properties Dialog

49
49

TRANSMITTER (3)
Atoll 2.5
5. MODELING A NETWORK (Part 1: Sites, TX)

Display A Transmitter

Open Transmitter Properties

Set Display Options

Map Window (Label "BCCH")

50
50

ANTENNA (1)
Atoll 2.5
5. MODELING A NETWORK (Part 1: Sites, TX)

Properties
I
I

Definition Of An Isotropic Gain

Definition Of Horizontal And Vertical Patterns
Copy-paste (dialog or table)

Angular attenuation
(in dB) function of the
angle with azimuth

51
51

ANTENNA (2)
5. MODELING A NETWORK (Part 1: Sites, TX)

Atoll 2.5

Import Antenna Files

I
I
I
I

Planet DMS
Planet EV (only via Forsk support)
Wizard 9only via Forsk supporT)
Tabulated Data (ASCII Text File)

Import Of Planet DMS format

52
52

ANTENNA (3)
Atoll 2.5
5. MODELING A NETWORK (Part 1: Sites, TX)

Access All Antenna Patterns at once

I

Open the antenna table

53
53

ACCESSING NETWORK ELEMENTS

5. MODELING A NETWORK (Part 1: Sites, TX)

Atoll 2.5
G

Lists Of Elements And Related Properties

I
I
I
I
I
I
I

Sites
Transmitters
Repeaters
Antennas
Measurement data
Vectors
...

Easy Generic Management

I
I
I

Structure management
Custom fields
Standard shortcuts

54
54

FILTERING/GROUPING/SORTING DATA
5. MODELING A NETWORK (Part 1: Sites, TX)

Atoll 2.5
G

Filters
I
I

Groups
I
I

Applied To Tables, Map, Explorer

Taken Into Account In Computations

Applied To Explorer
Generates Subfolders

Sorts
I

Applied To Tables, Explorer

55
55

FILTERING FUNCTIONNALITIES (1)

5. MODELING A NETWORK (Part 1: Sites, TX)

Atoll 2.5
G

Static Filtering
I
I

Static site lists can be created / edited / deleted

Site list import & export

56
56

FILTERING FUNCTIONNALITIES (2)

Atoll 2.5
5. MODELING A NETWORK (Part 1: Sites, TX)

Dynamic Filtering
I
I
I

Spatial filtering based on geographical zones

Single parameter filtering
Via advanced multi-parameter query

Filtered Sites
User-Drawn
Multiple Polygons

Combination of Static & Dynamic filtering

57
57

TRAINING PROGRAM
Atoll 2.5
1. General Introduction
2. Working Environment
3. Multi User Environment
4. Setting Up a Project
5. Modeling a Network (Part 1: Sites, Transmitters)
6. Basic Prediction Studies
7. Outputs
8. Acquiring Sites
9. Traffic Data
10. Modeling a Network (Part 2: TRX)
11. GSM Network Performance
12. Propagation Model Tuning
58
58

6. Basic Prediction Studies

Atoll 2.5
G

Prediction Study Workflow

Radio Propagation

Pathloss Matrix Setting

Mobile Height Setting

Assigning propagation model

Shadowing Margin

Defining computation zone

Basic Coverage Prediction Studies

Best Server Coverage Plot

Signal Strength Coverage Plot

Point Analysis Tool

59
59

PREDICTION WORKFLOW
Atoll 2.5

6. BASIC PREDICTION STUDIES

Setting Prediction Properties

(Model, Pathloss Matrix Storage, Receiver)

Assigning Propagation Model to the

transmitters

Defining Coverage Predictions

Calculating Pathloss Matrices *

(incl. Computation Zone)

(if not up-to-date)

Calculating Coverage Predictions

Analysis of Predictions

Point Analysis Tool

* done automatically
when calculating
Coverage Predictions

60
60

PROPAGATION MODELS (1)

6. BASIC PREDICTION STUDIES

Atoll 2.5

Calculation Of Losses On The TX-RX Path (Path Loss)

Different Model Types

I
I
I
I

Inputs
I

Standard Propagation Model

Cost Hata
Okumura-Hata

Geographical Information
DTM
Clutter
Information On Site
Type of Antenna
Antenna Pattern
Site Position
Antenna Height
Tilt
Azimuth

EASY MANAGEMENT
61
61

PROPAGATION MODELS (2)

6. BASIC PREDICTION STUDIES

Atoll 2.5

Standard Propagation Model (SPM)

Same equation as the Planet General Model

Deduced From Hata Formulae

Suitable For Predictions

In The 150-2000 MHz Band

Automatic Calibration

62
62

PATHLOSS MATRIX SETTINGS

6. BASIC PREDICTION STUDIES

Atoll 2.5
G

Path Loss Matrix Calculated For Each Transmitter

Setting Of Storage Location

I

Make sure Path-Losses are NEVER embedded!

* Default Prop.model
* Default Resolution for
prediction Studies
Storage Location
for the Path Loss
Matrix

63
63

RECEIVER SETTINGS
Atoll 2.5

6. BASIC PREDICTION STUDIES

Checking The Mobile Settings

Height of the
Receiver

For Interference
Calculation

64
64

ASSIGNING THE PROPAGATION MODEL

Atoll 2.5
G

The following items have been assigned to each transmitter:

I

6. BASIC PREDICTION STUDIES

I
I

Propagation Model
Radius
Resolution

Globally for all

Transmitter

For one specific

Transmitter

65
65

SHADOWING MARGIN
Atoll 2.5

6. BASIC PREDICTION STUDIES

Make sure the shadowing is deactivated in all calculations

Settings for the Coverage Prediction

Settings for the Point Analysis Tool

Margin = 0 dB

Uncheck shadowing
66
66

DEFINING THE COMPUTATION ZONE

6. BASIC PREDICTION STUDIES

Atoll 2.5
G

Import

Draw
Drawn with the mouse in
the map window

Vector File As Computation Zone

Right mouse click on a Vector in the
Map-Window or Explorer-Window

67
67

BASIC COVERAGE PREDICTIONS

6. BASIC PREDICTION STUDIES

Atoll 2.5

Standard Studies
- Common Coverage Predictions
- Specific Coverage Predictions
(GSM / UMTS)
Customized Studies

68
68

BEST SERVER PLOT

Atoll 2.5

6. BASIC PREDICTION STUDIES

Min.
Threshold

2
3
Margin = 0 dB

5
Uncheck
Shadowing

69
69

SIGNAL STRENGTH PLOT

Atoll 2.5

6. BASIC PREDICTION STUDIES

Min.
Threshold

2
3

5
Uncheck
Shadowing

70
70

POINT ANALYSIS - PROFILE

6. BASIC PREDICTION STUDIES

Atoll 2.5

Angle of the
LOS read in the
antenna vertical
pattern

Sig.level at receiver
Propagation Model

Tx-Rx Distance

Diffraction
Losses

Fresnel ellipsoid

Clutter

71
71

POINT ANALYSIS Nth SIGNAL LEVEL

6. BASIC PREDICTION STUDIES

Atoll 2.5

72
72

TRAINING PROGRAM
Atoll 2.5
1. General Introduction
2. Working Environment
3. Multi User Environment
4. Setting Up a Project
5. Modeling a Network (Part 1: Sites, Transmitters)
6. Basic Prediction Studies
7. Outputs
8. Acquiring Sites
9. Traffic Data
10. Modeling a Network (Part 2: TRX)
11. GSM Network Performance
12. Propagation Model Tuning
73
73

7. OUTPUTS
Atoll 2.5
G

Creating a Plot

Export the coverage plot

Reports

Histogram

Best Server Export / Signal Strength Export

74
74

CREATING A PLOT (1)

Atoll 2.5

Workflow
I
I
I

7. OUTPUTS

Defining The Print Area

Setting Up The Page Layout
Optional: Print Preview
Print

Define Print Area

I
I
I

1 Select An Area
2 Set The Print Area
3 Print Area Set

2
3

75
75

CREATING A PLOT (2)

Atoll 2.5
G

Setting Up The Page Layout

I
I
I

7. OUTPUTS

Legend
Rulers
Scale
Paper Settings

Print

76
76

BEST SIGNAL EXPORT (.grd/.grc format)

Atoll 2.5
G

Accessible Via
I

7. OUTPUTS

Menu Tools
Toolbar Item

Pathloss Matrix Required

NO pre-calculated Prediction
Study Required!
I

Calculation is done as part of the

export

REQUIRED

FORMAT

77
77

EXPORT COVERAGE PLOT

G

Via The Context Menu

7. OUTPUTS

Atoll 2.5

Different file formats

2
3
78
78

REPORTS
Atoll 2.5
G

Define Focus Zone

1

7. OUTPUTS

Generate Report
3

79
79

HISTOGRAM
Atoll 2.5
Histogram Report Of Coverage

7. OUTPUTS

80
80

TRAINING PROGRAM
Atoll 2.5
1. General Introduction
2. Working Environment
3. Multi User Environment
4. Setting Up a Project
5. Modeling a Network (Part 1: Sites, Transmitters)
6. Basic Prediction Studies
7. Outputs
8. Acquiring Sites
9. Traffic Data
10. Modeling a Network (Part 2: TRX)
11. GSM Network Performance
12. Propagation Model Tuning
81
81

8. ACQUIRING SITES
Atoll 2.5
G

Adding a New Site to the Network

Comparing Site Candidates

Archive Changes (addition of new site)

82
82

ADDING A NEW SITE

Atoll 2.5
Create Site With Station Template
I

Station Template Selection

Default or user-defined templates

Station Dropping

8. ACQUIRING SITES

Selection of the station

template to be dropped

Tool to drop
a station
Tool to draw hexagons
made of stations

83
83

COMPARING SITE CANDIDATES (1)

Atoll 2.5

8. ACQUIRING SITES

Transmitter
grouped by site

Procedure
1.

Creation of candidates

1.

Deactivate all transmitters

1.

Group transmitters by site

1.

Activate transmitters for candidate 1

1.

Generate signal strength plot for candidate 1

Candidate 1 Signal Strength Plot

84
84

COMPARING SITE CANDIDATES (2)

8. ACQUIRING SITES

Atoll 2.5

Procedure
6.

Deactivate all transmitters

7.

Activate transmitters for site candidate 2

8.

Generate signal strength plot for site candidate 2

9.

Compare coverage provided by the two candidates

Candidate 2 Signal Strength Plot

85
85

ARCHIVE CHANGES
Atoll 2.5
Archive previous changes (addition of new site) to the
central Oracle database

7. OUTPUTS

86
86

TRAINING PROGRAM
Atoll 2.5
1. General Introduction
2. Working Environment
3. Multi User Environment
4. Setting Up a Project
5. Modeling a Network (Part 1: Sites, Transmitters)
6. Basic Prediction Studies
7. Outputs
8. Acquiring Sites
9. Traffic Data
10. Modeling a Network (Part 2: TRX)
11. GSM Network Performance
12. Propagation Model Tuning
87
87

9. TRAFFIC DATA
Atoll 2.5
G

Workflow

Definition of traffic Parameters

Definition of Traffic Maps

88
88

WORKFLOW

9. TRAFFIC DATA

Atoll 2.5

Definition of Traffic Parameters

Import / Creation / Definition of Traffic Maps

Traffic Analysis (covered in the advance training session)

(Service, Terminal, Mobility Type)

(Erlang Maps)

(Traffic Capture)

Dimensioning (covered in the advanced training session)

Configuration of the Network

(Adding and configuring TXs, TRXs)

Quality Analysis
(Interfered Areas, Coverage by C/I)

89
89

DEFINITION OF TRAFFIC PARAMETERS (1)

Atoll 2.5
G
G

9. TRAFFIC DATA

Parameters In The GSM/EGPRS/EGPRS Folder

Description Of Services, Terminals, Mobility Types
Used As Basis For Traffic Maps

90
90

DEFINITION OF TRAFFIC PARAMETERS (2)

Atoll 2.5
G

Services
I

9. TRAFFIC DATA

Circuit Switched
Packet Switched

91
91

DEFINITION OF TRAFFIC PARAMETERS (3)

Atoll 2.5
Terminals

9. TRAFFIC DATA

92
92

DEFINITION OF TRAFFIC MAPS (1)

Atoll 2.5
G

Different Type Of Traffic Maps

9. TRAFFIC DATA

Map Based On Transmitter And Services (Live traffic data)

Service zone of Transmitter A

Service zone of Transmitter B

For each defined packet service

=> Throughputs

For each defined packet service

=> Throughputs

For each defined circuit service

=> Erlangs

For each defined circuit service

=> Erlangs

Map Based On Density

Pixels covered in value intervals of

traffic density (nb of users/km)

93
93

DEFINITION OF TRAFFIC MAPS (2)

Atoll 2.5
G

Traffic Map Based On Network Data (Erlang Maps) (1)

Create A New Map

9. TRAFFIC DATA

AGD format file import

From scratch: Based on a best-server coverage by

transmitter study (defined and calculated) to obtain cells
94
94

DEFINITION OF TRAFFIC MAPS (3)

Atoll 2.5
G

Traffic Map Based On Network Data (Erlang Maps) (2)

Filling the Sector Table in term of Throughputs and Erlangs

Reference prediction
defining service areas

9. TRAFFIC DATA

Defined services

Throughputs and
Erlangs per sector

Defined TXs

95
95

DEFINITION OF TRAFFIC MAPS (4)

Atoll 2.5
G

Traffic Map Based On Network Data (Erlang Maps) (3)

9. TRAFFIC DATA

Traffic Map Properties

Proportion of terminals for

the considered map

Proportion of mobility types

for the considered map

Possible clutter weighting in

order to get an accurate user
distribution

96
96

TRAINING PROGRAM
Atoll 2.5
1. General Introduction
2. Working Environment
3. Multi User Environment
4. Setting Up a Project
5. Modeling a Network (Part 1: Sites, Transmitters)
6. Basic Prediction Studies
7. Outputs
8. Acquiring Sites
9. Traffic Data
10. Modeling a Network (Part 2: TRX)
11. GSM Network Performance
12. Propagation Model Tuning
97
97

10. MODELING A NETWORK (PART 2: TRX)

Atoll 2.5
G

Workflow

Resource Management

Cell Types

TRXs

Frequency Hopping

98
98

WORKFLOW

10. MODELING A NETWORK (PART 2: TRX)

Atoll 2.5

Check / Define Resources

Check / Define Cell Types

(Frequencies, HSN, BSIC)

(also the assignment to the TXs)

Allocate Neighbors
(automatically or manually)

Run Optimi AFP

(not covered in this training session)

Import Frequency Plan from Optimi AFP

99
99

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

10. MODELING A NETWORK (PART 2: TRX)

Atoll 2.5
G

Resources To Be Managed
I
I
I

Frequencies
BSICs
HSNs

Definition Of Domains And Groups

I
I
I

Domain = set of groups

Group = Set of resources
Allocated resources must belong
to the related domains

100
100

CELL TYPES

10. MODELING A NETWORK (PART 2: TRX)

Atoll 2.5

Definition at
Transmitter Level

Cell Type" =
Template For Subcells
I

Set of TRX types

101
101

TRXs

10. MODELING A NETWORK (PART 2: TRX)

Atoll 2.5
G

Properties

Template For Sub Cells

Group Of TRXs Of The Same Type

On A Transmitter

Transmission / Reception Card

(belongs to Transmitter)

102
102

FREQUENCY HOPPING
Atoll 2.5
10. MODELING A NETWORK (PART 2: TRX)

2 Hopping Modes Supported

I
I

Base Band Hopping

Synthesised Frequency Hopping

Hopping Parameters
I
I
I
I

Hopping Sequence Number

Synchronisation
Mobile Allocation List
Mobile Allocation Index Offset

103
103

TRAINING PROGRAM
Atoll 2.5
1. General Introduction
2. Working Environment
3. Multi User Environment
4. Setting Up a Project
5. Modeling a Network (Part 1: Sites, Transmitters)
6. Basic Prediction Studies
7. Outputs
8. Acquiring Sites
9. Traffic Data
10. Modeling a Network (Part 2: TRX)
11. GSM Network Performance
12. Propagation Model Tuning
104
104

11. GSM NETWORK PERFORMANCE

Atoll 2.5
G

Neighbor List

Interface with Optimi AFP

C/I coverage Plot

Display Settings for GSM Predictions

Prediction Examples

105
105

NEIGHBOUR ALLOCATION (1)

Atoll 2.5

11. GSM NETWORK PERFORMANCE

Neighborhood Constraints
I

Possibility To Define Neighborhood Constraints To Be Considered

During The Automatic Neighbor Allocation

List of neighborhood relationships

you may force or forbid

106
106

NEIGHBOUR ALLOCATION (2)

Atoll 2.5
Automatic Neighbour Allocation

11. GSM NETWORK PERFORMANCE

107
107

NEIGHBOUR ALLOCATION (3)

Atoll 2.5

11. GSM NETWORK PERFORMANCE

Graphical Display Of Neighbourhood Links On The Map

I

Select The Icon

Map

In The Toolbar And Click On A Transmitter On The

Inwards link: Site6_1 is

neighbour of Site9_1

Outwards link: Site1_1 is

neighbour of Site6_1

Symmetric link: Site5_1 is

neighbour of Site6_1 and
vice-versa

Neighbourhood relationships of Site6_1

I

Possibility To Add/Remove Neighbourhood Relationships On The Map

Using The Ctrl And Shift Shortcuts

108
108

NEIGHBOUR ALLOCATION (4)

Atoll 2.5

Manual Allocation

11. GSM NETWORK PERFORMANCE

Possibility To
add/remove neighbours in the
Intra-technology Neighbours tab
of the transmitter property dialog
Copy/paste neighbours into the
neighbour list
Import neighbours into the
neighbour list from e.g. a text-files

Neighbour list of
Site6_1

List of transmitters
within a 30 Km
radius from the
selected one
(sorted in a
ascending intersite distance order)

109
109

INTERFACE WITH OPTIMI AFP

11. GSM NETWORK PERFORMANCE

Atoll 2.5
G

Workflow

Export Atoll project into Optimi AFP format

Import generated frequency plan back into Atoll

110
110

WORKFLOW
Atoll 2.5

Export Atoll project in Optimi AFP format

(generation of numerous files)

Run Optimi AFP

(not covered in this training session)

Import Optimi Frequency Plan into Atoll

111
111

EXPORT ATOLL PROJECT IN OPTIMI AFP FORMAT (1)

Atoll 2.5

11. GSM NETWORK PERFORMANCE

3
1

4
112
112

EXPORT ATOLL PROJECT IN OPTIMI AFP FORMAT (2)

Atoll 2.5
G

Procedure

11. GSM NETWORK PERFORMANCE

I
I
I
I
I
I

Launch Atoll Frequency Plan -> Automatic Allocation

Select Optimi AFP
Click Next, Next and Validate
Click Run and then Export
After generation of numerous Optimi AFP files, click cancel
Relevant Optimi AFP files are available under user-defined folder

113
113

IMPORT OPTIMI FREQUENCY PLAN INTO ATOLL (1)

Atoll 2.5

11. GSM NETWORK PERFORMANCE

3
1

4
114
114

IMPORT OPTIMI FREQUENCY PLAN INTO ATOLL (2)

Atoll 2.5
G

Procedure

11. GSM NETWORK PERFORMANCE

I
I
I
I
I

Launch Atoll Frequency Plan -> Automatic Allocation

Select Optimi AFP
Click Next, Next and Validate
Click Run and then Import
After import of frequency plan, click commit

115
115

C/I COVERAGE PLOT

1

Atoll 2.5

11. GSM NETWORK PERFORMANCE

3
5

116
116

INTERFERENCE ANALYSIS (POINT ANALYSIS)

11. GSM NETWORK PERFORMANCE

Atoll 2.5

Interference Area
based on C/I
conditions
Studied
Transmitter,
interference type
and condition

Resulting C/I value

Signal level (C)

of the potential
victim at the
receiver

Received noise (I) from

surrounding co- and
adjacent Channels at the
receiver

Transmitters participating in
the noise determination

117
117

DISPLAY SETTING FOR GSM PREDICTIONS

11. GSM NETWORK PERFORMANCE

Atoll 2.5

118
118

PREDICTION EXAMPLE

11. GSM NETWORK PERFORMANCE

Atoll 2.5

EDGE Prediction Study (Throughput/Timeslot in kBits/s)

119
119

TRAINING PROGRAM
Atoll 2.5
1. General Introduction
2. Working Environment
3. Multi User Environment
4. Setting Up a Project
5. Modeling a Network (Part 1: Sites, Transmitters)
6. Basic Prediction Studies
7. Outputs
8. Acquiring Sites
9. Traffic Data
10. Modeling a Network (Part 2: TRX)
11. GSM Network Performance
12. Propagation Model Tuning
120
120

12. PROPAGATION MODEL TUNING

Atoll 2.5
G

Propagation Model Tuning Workflow

Import of Measurement Data

Managing Measurement Data

Initial Propagation Model

Propagation Model Calibration Wizard

Final Propagation Model

[Reference: Standard Propagation Model Guide]

121
121

PROPAGATION MODEL TUNING WORKFLOW

Atoll 2.5

12. MODEL TUNING

1
2

Import of Measurement Data

(CW Measurement Data)

Data Post-Processing
(Data Analyzing, Data Filtering)

Calibration

Verification

122
122

IMPORT OF MEASUREMENT DATA

Atoll 2.5

12. MODEL TUNING

Import
I

CW Measurement Data
Files for each single transmitter

Supported Files
Any ASCII text file
Survey Files Planet export (*.hd)
Multi-Import Files (*.ami)

Import Via
Generic import (Excel-like)
Possibility to import any additional information
Definition and storage of import configurations

123
123

MANAGING MEASUREMENT DATA (1)

Atoll 2.5

12. MODEL TUNING

CW Measurement Data

Filter per type(s) of

clutter

Filter on distance,
measured signal
level and
angle/azimuth

Two ways of predicting along

CW measurement path :
Using path loss matrix
(if existing)
Choice of a propagation
model to compute in real-time
Statistic reports (Averaged
error and error standard
deviation per clutter class)

Access to a precise
analysis on the points to be
filtered for the calibration
Advanced filter on
additional survey data

124
124

MANAGING MEASUREMENT DATA (2)

Atoll 2.5
G

CW Measurement Data Filtering Assistant

12. MODEL TUNING

Cursor
position
Selection
rectangle
details

Selection
rectangle

Cursor

125
125

INITIAL PROPAGATION MODEL

Atoll 2.5
G

Max Distance
I

12. MODEL TUNING

KCLUTTER
I
I

Forced to 0 during calibration

If >0 no continuity ensured

= 1 is recommended
Multiplying factor
of clutter losses

Minimum Loss
I
I

= Free space loss

Avoid unrealistic values

126
126

CALIBRATION WIZARD
Atoll 2.5
1

12. MODEL TUNING

3
4

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Start the Calibration

Select the measurements which should be used for calibration
Defined the parameters which should be calibrated (+ domain)
Verify the result (and commit the tuned parameter)
Commit the changed parameters

5
127
127

FINAL PROPAGATION MODEL

Atoll 2.5
G

Clutter Loss Weighting

I
I
I

Smooth Clutter Effect

Over A Max Distance From Receiver
Different Weighting Functions

12. MODEL TUNING

f (clutter ) = Li wi
i =1

128
128