Orchestrating network performance

Planet
Higher Profitability with Live Mobile Network Planning and Optimization
Mobile operators face a considerable challenge they must deliver the mobile data volumes subscribers demand
and provide a good quality of experience (QoE), while keeping capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational
expenditures (OPEX) as low as possible. This forces them to examine new and innovative solutions to bring
efficiency to the Plan Build Operate cycle.

InfoVistas Planet is a market-leading, innovative RF-planning and optimization solution that helps mobile operators meet this
challenge and optimize the performance of the complex wireless access networks of today and of the future. The award-winning
solution ensures network investments are fully utilized while maximizing mobile network coverage, capacity and quality of service
(QoS). Planet combines high accuracy and 3D support with integrated access to live network configuration data, geo-located call
traces and mobile network performance data, creating a unique platform for network planning and network optimization. With an
up-to-date view of the network and the network traffic, mobile operators can proactively handle customer demands for more mobile
data while efficiently managing roll-out of additional coverage, capacity and services. Tier 1 and 2 mobile operators around the world
trust Planet to make the most of their mobile network investments.

Figure 1. Live Planning: Leverage live information captured from the network to be more efficient in the Plan Build Operate cycle.

Pave the Way to the Future

Planet is at the forefront of network planning, design and
optimization, and the solution will empower operators to make
the right decisions. At InfoVista, we believe that planning mobile
networks right at the outset will pave the way for optimal QoE
and ROI in the future. RF Engineers using Planet are able to
proactively deploy successful networks by:

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Identifying challenges
Evaluating strategies
Planning network upgrades
Optimizing network parameters
Achieving high spectral efficiency
Improving indoor and outdoor coverage
Avoiding backhaul bottlenecks
Delivering outstanding performance

Support Todays Complex Networks

Wireless networks are evolving more quickly than ever, and
introduction of new radio access technologies and services is
a costly and complex undertaking for any operator. Network
design and optimization solutions play a critical role in the
assessment, planning and deployment of new wireless
networks. Because of this important role, mobile operators
want to know that their network planning solution is ahead of
the curve when it comes to technology support, and that it will
support the deployment of small cells, HetNets, LTE-Advanced
and other next-generation technologies when needed. They
also want a network planning solution that goes well beyond
the traditional scope of a planning tool, i.e., a software solution
connected to the live network data to support intelligent

3D to Truly Model the World

About 80 percent of mobile traffic is generated indoors and
served by outdoor cells. The subscribers locations impacts signal
strength and interference levels quite a bit, resulting in different
performance levels for a mobile device outside at street level, a
mobile device inside a building at the ground floor and one on
the top floor of a building. This affects the network coverage,
capacity and quality and a mobile operators planning and
optimization solution needs to account for this.

network planning and efficient network optimization. Planet

has remained a technology leader in this industry for more than
three decades due to its technological and innovative features,
with the goal of helping operators plan and optimize mobile
networks in an efficient manner.

True Multi Radio Access Technology Support

zz Small cells including Wi-Fi
zz HetNets
zz 4G: LTE-Advanced, LTE, WiMAX
zz 3G/3G+: HSPA+, HSPA, WCDMA, EVDO, CDMA
zz 2G/2G+: EDGE, GPRS, GSM, iDEN
zz Other: FDMA, TDMA, DVB, TETRA, P25

modeling, traffic maps, network analyses and visualization of

buildings and coverage, all in 3D, engineers are equipped to
plan mobile coverage on the ground level and for buildings top
floors. Combined with subscriber-aware information such as geolocated call traces, the capacity and quality of mobile coverage in
urban areas can be cost-effectively improved.

Detailed City Network Design

zz Predict coverage with a model optimized for 3D propagation
zz Account for indoor traffic with 3D traffic maps

Planets Metro Network Design package enables engineers to

deploy high-performing mobile networks in urban cores by
supporting 3D network planning. With accurate propagation

zz Analyze indoor and outdoor network coverage

Accuracy as a Guiding Principle

Real-world Network Design

The value of any simulation-based planning tool is tied to

its ability to emulate real-world conditions. Planet excels
at accurately modeling changes prior to implementation
so mobile operators can benefit from accurate budgeting,
efficient planning and optimal ROI in their deployed networks.
In addition to industry standard propagation models, Planet
also offers several remarkably accurate and unique models,
such as CRC-Predict, Planet 3D model and Universal Model, a
hybrid model that offers unmatched propagation accuracy in
all environments. Accuracy in propagation modeling enables
Planet simulators (e.g. LTE Monte Carlo simulation) to reliably
replicate mobile network behavior. Another aspect is creation
of traffic maps that accurately reflect the traffic load, now and
in the future. Planet offers a unique set of features to create
accurate traffic maps in both 2D and 3D. Equally important for
accuracy is Planets detailed modeling of the network based
on live network information and the modeling of advanced
antennas.

zz Best-in-class propagation models

zz Visualize multi-floor coverage in 2D or 3D

zz Combine with geo-located call traces

zz Automatic propagation model selection

zz Detailed modeling of access networks
zz Detailed antenna modeling including 3D patterns
zz High accuracy traffic maps in 2D and 3D

Figure 2. Example of 3D visualization of coverage in a city.

Geolocated Call Traces

Traffic measurement recordings, also known as call trace
data, give an unprecedented level of insight into subscribers
behavior. For example, when and where do subscribers use
their mobile devices? How much mobile data do they use? What
quality issues do they experience? The call traces are thoroughly
positioned with a unique RF finger-printing assisted geolocation algorithm. Based on this data, Planet can detect indoor
and outdoor traffic hotspots and plan corresponding network
upgrades. It can also pinpoint areas where subscribers dropped
calls, and identify the reason why this happened. Furthermore,
the solution enables optimal and accurate RF planning by
creating measurement-based Neighbor Plans, PCID, Scrambling

Real-Time Network Performance Management Data

Network planning and optimization strives to optimize mobile
network performance. At the same time, a mobile networks
performance is constantly changing due to the growing traffic
load and any shifts in when and where mobile devices are
being used. As a result, a mobile network may perform well
Monday through Thursday, but have quality issues on Friday
afternoon. Similarly, a popular new store or game day event may
completely change the mobile usage pattern. InfoVistas network
performance management solution, VistaInsight, captures these
changes and the resulting network quality. Planets network
performance module then provides direct access to the multivendor network performance management data through
VistaInsight for Planet. This removes the guess work from
network planning efforts so that RF engineers can focus on the
parts of the network with the worst quality and truly optimize

Live Network Configuration Data

A complete network planning and optimization solution pairs
high accuracy network analyses with live network information
from several sources. Live network configuration is one data
source used by Planet. Network configuration parameters in
Planet can, automatically or on demand, be updated through an
integration with Xeda - InfoVistas multi-vendor configuration
management platform. The integration between Planet
and Xeda ensures that network additions and upgrades are
based on the current network configuration. RF engineers
can closely monitor network roll-outs and get on-air status
for new sites and cells. Implemented network configuration
and parameter settings can be compared to the planned
network; discrepancies can be detected and corrected early

Code, PRACH Root Sequence and TAC plans. Signal strength

and quality maps can also be created based on call trace data.
Overall, it is a valuable input to Automatic Cell Planning (ACP),
especially for small cell planning.

Subscriber-aware data
zz Network information from a mobile user point of view
zz Support of all major vendors across 3G & LTE networks
zz High accuracy geo-location with advanced algorithm
zz Improved accuracy in network planning
zz Optimized critical RF parameters
zz Input for accurate traffic heat maps

subscribers QoE, while lowering CAPEX by knowing what to

prioritize. Temporal selection of data and traffic forecasting
based on traffic trends in the cells makes it the perfect solution
to tailor network capacity to actual subscriber demand now
and in the future. Pre-defined, multi-vendor KPIs displayed
in Planet enable proactive planning and optimization. It also
gives operators direct feedback when rolling out new network
capacity or introducing new services such as VoLTE.

Evolving Network Quality

zz Proactive network planning and optimization
zz Hot spot identification with traffic forecasting
zz WCDMA/HSPA network traffic and LTE/LTE-A cell loads
zz 3G and 4G multi-vendor KPIs for trouble shooting
zz Smooth LTE network roll-out
zz Feedback on service introductions, e.g., VoLTE

in the process. The live networks configuration settings and

soft parameters can be evaluated and optimized in Planet.
Combined with access to geo-located call traces network
performance management data and, the Plan Build Operate
loop becomes even more efficient.

Always up-to-date
zz Live network configuration updates
zz Multi-vendor support for GSM, WCDMA, HSPA, LTE and LTE-A
zz Network planning and design based on the live network
zz Feedback during network roll-outs
zz Comparisons of planned verses implemented
zz Optimization of live networks parameter settings

Accurate View of the Traffic

Planets ability to accurately simulate the real world is used in
the entire lifecycle of a wireless network, from strategic network
planning to network optimization. In particular, Planets
traffic map generation capabilities are key to help operators
estimate mobile data demand. Traffic maps, both in 2D and 3D,
accurately reflect actual and expected traffic loads, offering a
critical input to network planning and optimization during all
network stages. High accuracy is achieved by leveraging such
data with different characteristics. Additionally, geo-located
call traces and social media usage information tells operators
where mobile devices are being used geographically. Network
performance management data can provide not only actual

traffic and cell loads, but also historic data for forecasting traffic
development over time. Combined with detailed geodata and
building polygons, that traffic can be scaled based on operators
business plans.

Multi-source Traffic Maps

zz High resolution geodata and 3D building polygons
zz Demographic data
zz Geo-located call traces
zz Social media usage information
zz Live network traffic and cell loads
zz Traffic forecasting and hotspot identification
zz High accuracy traffic maps in 2D and 3D

Breadth of Capabilities

HetNet and Small Cells support

With unmatched simulation and analytical capabilities, as well

as management of what-if scenarios, InfoVistas Planet offers
the perfect platform to ensure operators make the right business
decisions. By associating live network measurements with
simulations, operators can validate their models and confidently
rely on their simulation results. Heterogeneous networks
(HetNets) and small cells offloading traffic from the macrocellular network can put increased pressure on ensuring that the
network design is right. Planets automatic network planning
suite has been extended with automatic small cell planning for
optimized site locations, site selections and cell configurations.
With the unique optimization target, spectral efficiency, network
capacity can be truly optimized. In addition, Planet offers a
wide range of GIS and statistical analyses that enable engineers
to build their own analyses and reports on top of pre-defined
capabilities.

zz Advanced analytical capabilities

zz Automatic small cell planning
zz 3D planning support
zz Support of multiple scenarios
zz Geo-located call trace for hotspot identification
zz Indoor and outdoor call identification

Figure 3. Example of automatic small cell planning in Planet.

Future-proof and Efficient

In addition to its support for evolving radio technologies,
InfoVista also remains at the forefront of software evolution to
ensure operators investments in Planet will stand the test of
time. Our commitment to innovation has made us an industry
leader with a proven track record of outstanding customer
satisfaction. Building on that legacy, Planet enables operators
to manage, access and utilize data more effectively, not only
for planning purposes, but also to optimize the performance
of the radio access network. As the only planning solution that
embeds MapInfo Professional GIS, Planet allows users easy
access to worldwide data and an advanced GIS toolset that
provides a foundation for managing all necessary geographic
data. Multi-user support and flexible deployment options make
it easy to configure and upgrade Planet in operators own IT

environment or in the cloud. With integrated access to live

network data, automated features and the Planet Open API, RF
engineers have access to an efficient solution which enables
them to make the right decisions at the right time, minimizing
both OPEX and CAPEX.

Flexible .NET-platform
zz Enterprise ready
zz Flexible deployment options
zz Data Manager centralized server
zz Planet Open API
zz Integrations with live network
zz Professional GIS embedded

Solution Packaging

Planet Software Editions

Planet is offered in four distinct editions to match specific requirements and budgets.
zz Planet Basic Edition is an entry-level product that offers strong propagation and modeling capabilities - a great solution for the
engineer who requires a network planning and propagation solution for a smaller network.
zz Planet Professional Edition is focused on small to medium multi-technology deployments.
zz Planet Enterprise Edition is a high-end solution for large operators. It is a multi-user, database-centric solution with in-depth
modeling of multi-technology networks.
zz Planet Ultimate Edition encompasses all InfoVista-developed technology and optional modules available for Planet today and in
the future *.

Planet Technology Modules

InfoVistas Planet consists of a core platform that offers TDMA/FDMA technology
support and a series of additional technology modules. The feature sets of the
core platform and technology modules continuously evolve with new releases
of Planet in order to keep up with the ongoing evolution of wireless standards.
While each technology module is licensed separately, Planet truly supports
multi-technology networks, such as HetNets with small cells, in a single network
planning project.

zz GSM, GPRS, EDGE

zz WCDMA, HSPA
zz CDMA, EVDO
zz LTE, LTE-Advanced
zz WiMAX
zz Wi-Fi

Planet Optional Modules

Planet offers several optional modules that can be used in conjunction with the technology modules.
zz Automatic Network Planning A complete range of automated planning capabilities, including Automatic Cell Planning (ACP),
Automatic Small Cell Planning, Automatic Site Placement, Automatic Site Selection and Single Site Optimization.
zz Network Performance Module Easy access and visualization of live network data. Engineers can conduct network analyses
based on live traffic trends and cell loads.
zz Geo-location Module Enables highly-accurate geo-location and utilization of call trace data.
zz Metro Network Design Package Detailed network design in urban environments, including 3D propagation and visualization.
zz Advanced Measurement Data Package Utilize drive test data in order to improve the accuracy of propagation models.
zz Planet Open API Develop .NET-based applications that utilize the capabilities of Planet.

Enhance Your Solution

Complement the Planet solution with additional options* from InfoVistas portfolio.
zz Universal Model The best-in-class propagation model with clear and tangible benefits, resulting in networks that cost less and
perform better.
zz VistaInsight for Planet A server with pre-packaged integration with leading RAN vendors network performance data.
zz Xeda Live Connects Planet to live network configuration data, including support for leading RAN vendors.
zz Xeus, TAM and Call Trace Readers Automates call trace recordings and parsing of vendor and technology-specific formats.
zz Ellipse Integration of the market-leading solution for wireless backhaul and microwave link planning.
zz Geodata Meets the special requirements of wireless operators and work with any planning solution.
zz Fusion For utilization and sharing of the wireless network and its coverage with stakeholders within and outside the
organization.
* The Planet Ultimate Edition does not include the additional options from InfoVistas portfolio.

Planet Benefits
Unmatched Accuracy. Accurate simulation of real world
conditions enables reliable budgeting, efficient planning
and optimal ROI.
Live Connection. With performance management data, call
traces and network configuration data, Planet offers a live
view of the network.
Superior Platform. Planet builds on the products heritage
as an enterprise-grade RF planning and optimization
solution, while offering the most modern platform in the
industry.
Performance and Scalability. Network operators can
support a countrywide, multi-technology network in a single
project.

Figure 4. The unique 3D capabilities in Planet enhance the accuracy.

Proven Success. Infovista is the trusted source for wireless network planning and optimization solutions, with more than 550
customers globally.
Accessibility. Planet can be deployed to support more than 500 concurrent users, both in the office and in the field.
Ease of use. The modern, contextual interface allows engineers to become familiar with the product quickly.

About InfoVista
InfoVista is the leading provider of IP and RF planning, assurance and optimization software solutions and services that enable
efficient network and IT transformations. Our award-winning solutions empower communications service providers and ITintensive enterprises to deliver high-performing and differentiated services while cost-effectively planning, operating, optimizing
and monetizing their network. InfoVistas combined expertise and technology innovations in radio and IP networks provide more
than 550 customers worldwide with a new level of network intelligence, visibility and control across the entire network life cycle.
Using InfoVistas solutions, they deliver optimal quality of service, ensure a high-quality user experience, invest appropriately and
consolidate their OSS/BSS ecosystems while keeping total cost of ownership as low as possible. For more information, please visit
www.infovista.com.

World and European

Headquarters
Orchestrating network performance

For more information, please visit www.infovista.com

For sales inquiries please email marketing@infovista.com
Copyright 2014-2015 InfoVista S.A.S. All rights reserved.

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