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Key words
WCDMA, interference, main, diversity, RTWP, inter-modulation
Abstract
The document describes how to locate and solve interference issue in WCDMA network optimization.
Full Spelling
PIM
RTWP
BCCH
Broadcasting Channel
FNE
AOA
Angle of Arrival
The external interference includes in-band signal interference and out-band strong signal
interference. The typical types are Personal Handy phone System (PHS) interference,
repeater interference, and interference from handset interferer.
1.1.2 Criteria
The interference belongs to external interference if it meets the following judgment criteria:
The external interference affects multiple cells that are geographically bordering.
The interference which is not external interference is internal interference, so it follows the internal interference
processing procedures. Locating external interference takes more effort and time than locating internal
interference. Therefore, if the interference is not confirmed to be internal interference, it must be rechecked.
The inter-modulation interference which takes a high ratio in internal interference features typically as below:
The RTWP of main and diversity is usually irrelevant. If the RTWP is relevant, there
must be special causes, such as the main and diversity are combined at some point.
The interference is related to traffic. The interference occurs less probably when traffic is
lower.
The RTWP fluctuates sharply, as great as about 10 dB, or even greater than 10 dB.
The interference will last for a period, without mutational change, which is different
from that of external interference.
The inter-modulation usually meets one or more of the previous five features. If the five features are all met, it
must be inter-modulation.
For better understanding of the previous judgment criteria, the following examples provide direct phenomena of
various interference from actual networks. Therefore no specific locating process is provided.
Directional Antenna
Type of connector
Directional antenna
Equipment or document
Type of connector
Bandpass filter
1/2 jumper x3
1/2 jumper x2
Preparation for different connectors is a little complex and patient work. Its better try each connection
before go to test. Otherwise, you have to waste your time on spot.
Locating Interference
Step 2 If the uplink RF channel has not been adjusted, check whether the configured gain (especially
TMAs are used) of RF channel is correct. It is better to adjust uplink RF channel gain so that
these problems will not bother locating interference. To check UL RF channel gain , the
following steps has to be taken:
Start NodeB LMT, Input MML command: SET TXSW: TXSW = OFF to switch off
related PA in case of unexpected damage;
The RTWP normal value range is -105-106dBm, Check whether measured RTWP
value is in this range or not; If not, set attenuation of this channel to adjust RTWP to
normal value. MML command: SET RXATTEN: ATTEN=***;
Uplink RF channel gain adjustment is not routine operation, which should be performed by RAN
engineer when RAN engineer is available.
Step 3 If a DCS1800M network and a WCDMA network are combined, you must check the
frequency configuration with operators. Meanwhile you must check whether the third order
intermodulation (2f1-f2 and 2f2-f1) of the combined DCS1800M frequency is within the RX
band (1920 MHz to 1980 MHz). If yes, negotiate with operators to change the improper
frequency configuration.
If the interference remains after the previous operations, you must locate interference on site.
If successful in locating the interference, you can summarize the problem in the form of
interference location cases based on "xx Interference Location Detailed Record". Send
the cases to the Headquarter for filing.
If failing in locating the interference, you can send the "xx Interference Location
Detailed Record" to technical support engineers in the Headquarter for help.
1. Needed Data
You need the following data:
The RTWP data for 7 (days, at least 3 days) x 24 (hours) of cells to be located
The data is obtainable in "Collecting Data and Confirming Interference" section.
The MapInfo map of site distribution, the relative location of sites, and the distance
between sites
You can use Nastar to obtain these information.
Analyze the long-time feature and short-time feature of RTWP data for the cell to be
located in different periods
Analyze the environment of the cell to be located with cell distribution diagram and
surveying photo
Analyze the relativity of main and diversity of the cell to be located according to the
antenna-feeder structure diagram
Use angle of arrival (AOA) to summarize the RTWP data of the cell to be located, the
RTWP data of adjacent cells, antenna azimuth, and antenna height so that the location of
the interference source can be estimated.
Locate the direction of the interference source by cell antennas of multiple NodeBs. Draw on a map, the crossing
point of the direction of each antenna is the interference source.
Conclusion: where to locate.
If successful in locating the interference, you can summarize the problem in the form of
interference location cases based on "xx Interference Location Detailed Record". Send
the cases to the Headquarter for filing.
If failing in locating the interference, you can send the "xx Interference Location
Detailed Record" to technical support engineers in the Headquarter for help.
Case study
The interference in the cell is caused by a load with loose connection. Once the load is touched, the RTWP
changes sharply.
The RTWP changes as below:
Figure 3-4 shows the variation of RTWP due to improper connection of feeder and jumper.
Figure 3-4 Variation of RTWP
In Figure 3-5, the main interference (in red) is caused by intermodulation of DCS signals and 3G signals at a
connector.
The diversity is not connected to antenna. The external signals near cabinet interferes diversity.
In the network as shown in Figure 3-6, a 3G repeater close to the NodeB 501800 transmits a self-excitation signal
every hour approximately. Therefore the uplink in multiple cells is interfered. The uplink interference varies
according to the direction and the distance between the cell and the repeater. However, it is clear that the uplink
interference occurs every hour approximately.
Figure 3-7 Variation of RTWP in adjacent cells (1)
The interference influences multiple cells that are close to each other
After adjustment of the repeater gain to 70 dB, the RTWP becomes normal.
The RTWP variations feature the same as that of improperly configured gain of repeater. Namely, the interference
is strong and stable.
shown in Figure 3-15, the 3G antenna is a diversity antenna and the main antenna is far from 2G antenna.
Figure 3-15 Antenna location
Figure 3-21 RTWP variation due to power on or off of indoor emergency lights
Figure 3-28 shows the short-time RTWP variation of the interference like self-excitation.
Figure 3-28 Short-time RTWP variation of the interference like self-excitation
Appendix
1920 to 1980
2110 to 2170
Insertion Loss
19121987
21062177
Out-of-band suppression
70 dB (19001999 MHz)
70 dB (20902192 MHz)
Operating Frequency
(MHz)
1920 to 1980
2110 to 2170
VSWR
< 1.15
< 1.15
3050
3050
4.1.3 Antenna
An omni-directional antenna can be used for electromagnetic interference measurement, but it is not favorable for
locating interference sources. It is recommended that a directional antenna be used to locate interference sources.
The higher the antenna directivity is, the higher the gain and the search capability are. Common directional
antennas include plate antennas, Yagi antennas, and log periodic antennas. For convenience, only a directional
antenna is used for tests in different directions. A Yagi antenna is used for narrowband and high-gain short-wave
communication. A Yagi antenna is simple, light but solid, and convenient to feed, however, the frequency band of
such an antenna is narrow and the resistance to interference is low. A log periodic antenna is a broadband antenna
or a frequency-independent antenna. Compared with other high-gain antennas, a log periodic antenna has a higher
directivity and a larger attenuation to signals in unexpected directions. Therefore, a log periodic antenna is
preferred in interference tests. A log periodic antenna (see Figure 4-2) made by Shenglu Antenna Co., Ltd. is used.
For the major technical specifications, see Table 4-3.
SL14088A
Frequency Range
VSWR
< 1.5
Input Impedance
50
Gain
11 dBi
Front-to-Back Ratio
12 dB
5010
40
Polarization Mode
Vertical or horizontal
Maximum Power
50 W
Grounding Mode
DC grounding
Input Interface
N female connector
If no log periodic antenna is available, a Yagi antenna can be used. Table 4-4 lists the major technical
specifications of a Yagi antenna manufactured by Shenglu Antenna Co., Ltd.
Table 4-4 Major technical specifications of a Yagi antenna
Major Technical Specifications
Model
TDJ-1800/2000B14G13
Frequency Range
VSWR
<1.5
Input Impedance
50
Gain
13 dBi
18 dB
Lobe Width
41
Polarization Mode
Vertical or horizontal
Maximum Power
150 W
Grounding Mode
DC grounding
Input Interface
N female connector
An omni-directional vehicle mounted antenna (see Figure 4-3) manufactured by Shenglu Antenna Co., Ltd. is
used. Table 4-5 lists the major technical specifications.
Figure 4-3 Omni-directional vehicle mounted antenna SL15209A
SL15209A
Frequency Range
VSWR
<2.0
Input Impedance
50
Gain
3 dBi
Polarization Mode
Vertical
Maximum Power
50 W
Input Interface
SMA-J
Step 2 Move an omni-directional antenna towards the interference source and determine the position
relationship between the speed of signal change and the interference source.
Step 3 Use a directional antenna nearby the interference source to find out its specific position.
from the device and use a short conductor as an antenna to accurately locate the interference source.