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Core Network Planning, Optimization and Forecasting in GSM/GPRS Networks
Core Network Planning, Optimization and Forecasting in GSM/GPRS Networks
Networks
C.N.Konstantinopoulou, K.A.Koutsopoulos, G.L.Lyberopoulos
and M.E.Theologou
National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)
Dept. of Electrical Eng. and Computer Sci.
9, Heroon Polytechniou Str.
157 73, Zographou, Athens, GREECE
E-mail: kkoutso@telecom.ntua.gr
Keywords: GSM/GPRS Core Network Planning, Network Dimensioning, Optimization, Network
Evolution, Evaluation Algorithm
Abstract
Despite the wide theoretical and technical knowledge
about the capabilities of Global System for Mobile
communications (GSM) elements, there is no specific
methodology for designing from scratch either the
Network Sub-System (NSS) nor the Base Station
Subsystem (BSS) parts or optimizing and expanding the
existing NSS/BSS architecture, by forecasting future
requirements in terms of network elements/resources.
Thus, for an evolving network operator who wishes to
have a network running at lower cost, offering a
competitive Quality of Service (QoS) to its subscribers,
a Planning, Optimization & Forecasting Tool
(POFTool) is of pivotal importance.
This paper aims at identifying the main features of a
proper POFTool that efficiently supports dimensioning
and optimization studies for combined GSM / General
Packet Radio System (GPRS) networks and to propose
an evaluation methodology which enables the
prioritization of alternative core network configurations
according to operator-driven criteria.
Introduction
SMS-GMSC
SMS-IWMSC
E
SM-SC
C
Gd
MSC/VLR
HLR
D
Gs
TE
MT
R
BSS
Um
SGSN
Gn
Gc
Gr
Gb
SGSN
Gi
PDN
GGSN
Gn
Gp
TE
Gf
EIR
GGSN
Other PLMNs
Signalling Interface
Signalling and Data Transfer Interface
Network optimization shall aim at: (a) increasing the internal traffic
per MSC/SGSN/GGSN and (b) increasing the terminating (to
connected BSS) traffic coming from external POIs. In both cases, the
inter-element traffic and therefore the demand in inter-element Pulse
3.1
Input Data
3.1.1
Traffic-related data
POFTool Description
3.1.2
In certain cases, the operator shall route the prepaid originated traffic,
before reaching the terminating MSC, to the PrePaid platform for
charging purposes.
3.2
Input
Data
GUI
Define/Retrieve/Store
Network Configuration
Assign Destinations/Routes
per Network Element
Results Depiction/Storage, etc.
Calculations
Results
Formulation
3.3
Different scenarios result from the fact that different MSC types (i.e.,
transit, partial transit, pure MSC) with different characteristics in terms
2.
3.
Traffic Estimation
Apply Dimensioning
Rules
SELECTION
OPTIMUM
SCENARIO
SCENARIOS
Prioritized List of
Candidate Scenarios
EVALUATION
Apply Evaluation
Methodology
Traffic
Traffic
Data
Data
Net.
Net.Elem.
Elem.
Data
Data
Identify # of Required
Network Elements
3.3.2
Evaluation
Evaluation
Criteria
Criteria
Values
Values
Weighting
Weighting
Factors
Factors
Config.
Config.
Data
Data
3.3.2.1
q
Dimensioning Sub-Tool
Evaluation Phase
DATA
INPUT
SCENARIOS
IDENTIFICATION
3.3.2.2
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Factor
Performance
New Generation Network Elements
Reusability-Transferability-Simplicity
Cost
Reusability-Transferability-Simplicity
Reusability
Transferability
Simplicity
W11
W12
W13
W21
W22
W31
W32
W33
Algorithm Description
Cost
Criterion
Performance
Reusability
Transferabilty
NewGenerat
MSCs
Simplicity
Application Example
Q1
3
4
3
2
5
Q2
5
5
3
1
5
Q3
1
2
3
4
3
Q4
3
3
5
5
5
Q5
1
2
4
5
3
Q6
2
2
5
5
4
Scoring
0.3627
0.5342
0.7486
0.6129
0.8558
Criterion
W11
W12
3
2
Normalized
value
0.3
0.2
W13
0.5
W21
0.5
W22
0.5
W31
W32
w33
4
3
5
0.33
0.25
0.4167
Factor Value
Performance
New Generation MSCs
Reusability-TransferabilitySimplicity
Cost
Reusability-TransferabilitySimplicity
Reusability
Transferability
Simplicity
Conclusions
References
[1] M. Mouly, M.-B. Pautet, The GSM system for
mobile communications, published by the
authors, Palaiseau, France, 1992.
[2] J. Cai, D.J. Goodman, General packet radio
service in GSM, IEEE Commun. Mag., Vol. 35,
No. 10, Oct. 1997.
[3] R. Kalden, I. Meirick, M. Meyer, Wireless
Internet access based on GPRS, IEEE Personal
Commun., Vol. 7 No. 2, April 2000.
[4] ETSI GSM 3.60 version 7.1.0 Release 1998
"Digital Cellular Telecommunications System
(Phase 2); General Packet Radio Service
(GPRS); Service Description; Stage 2".
[5] C.Bettstetter, H. Vogel, J. Eberspacher, "GSM
Phase 2+ General Packet Radio Service GPRS:
Architecture, Protocols, and Air-Interface", IEEE
Communications Survey, vol. 2 no. 3, 3rd Quarter
1999, http://www.comsoc.org/pubs/surveys.
[6] Anne DePiante Henriksen and Ann Jensen
Traynor,
"A
Practical
R&D
Project
Selection Scoring Tool", IEEE Trans. on
Engineering Management, Vol. 46, No.2, May
1999.