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Network Performance data can be collected from a variety of points in the 3G radio
network and only by utilizing data from a combination of these sources can a full picture
of the performance of the network be obtained. Each point offers different strengths and
weaknesses in areas such as:
Type of information (e.g. radio link information, circuit call information, or packet data
information).
Availability of data collection devices (delays in handset availability could limit the
usefulness of this data source).
Granularity of data (ability to use data to solve specific problems)
Ease / cost of data collection.
Volume of data that can be collected.
Once collected, the data must be filtered and reduced before it can be used to make
decisions on improving network performance. In addition, collecting and analyzing
various sources of data at the same time allows efficient utilization of resources.
Although based primarily on the harmonized 3GPP standard for WCDMA (UTRA-FDD),
much of this document is also applicable to the TDD mode (UTRA-TDD), which is still in
the process of being harmonized with the TD-SCDMA contribution from the CWTS
standards group of China.
Uu: Air-interface
Iub: RNC-Node B interface
Iu CS: RNC-MSC interface
Iu PS: RNC-SGSN interface
OMC: Performance Counters
OMC: Measurement Programs
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Iup
Uu
SGSN
Iub
RNC
Iur
Iuc
MSC
RNC
UE
OMC
Node B
Call Trace
Measurement
Program
Peg
Counter
Statistics
Protocol
Analyzer
Drive Test
Notebook
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Drive Test Strengths
Good source of RF data with detailed position information that can be used to
identify and resolve RF problems.
Scanner data is already available for multiple vendors.
Drive Test Weaknesses
Can be time-consuming and expensive to perform measurements. Many operators
look to minimize drive testing for this reason.
Measurements do not accurately represent the experience of pedestrian and inbuilding users.
Measurements do not give performance information on all subscribers, only on an
individual call. As a result, performance is only measured for the network
components serving that specific call.
There are many vendors with many different formats, which are usually proprietary.
Large-scale production of handsets for testing may not happen until optimization is
well underway.
Protocol Analyzer
Using protocol analyzers available from a number of vendors, operators can collect
performance data directly from key infrastructure interface points including the Iu CS, Iu
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PS, and Iub interfaces. Because these interfaces are based on open standards, the
development of collection equipment and analysis software can be completed during
infrastructure development. It is then available for use during the planning and lab/field
trial phases prior to system launch. Protocol analyzers can collect a wide range of data:
from performance data on the packet and circuit interfaces down to RF data as reported
by the User Equipment.
Protocol Analyzer Strengths
Good source of low resolution RF data for both links as well as packet and circuit-link
performance data.
Typically available in early stage trials before system launch, even for new
technologies.
Easy to compare and combine data across multiple vendors, since collected data is
typically based on open standards.
Very useful for analyzing detailed RF usage of packet and circuit connections.
Since data is based on actual subscribers, it accurately reflects indoor and
pedestrian performance issues.
The cost to perform measurements, excluding hardware costs, is relatively low and a
large quantity of data can be collected very quickly for many network elements.
The only limitation to how much data can be collected is the hardware configuration.
Data for all subscribers can be collected, reduced and analyzed.
Protocol Analyzer Weaknesses
Equipment can be expensive, although less expensive alternatives are increasingly
available.
If there is no traffic on the network, no data is generated.
Specialized knowledge is required for connecting and operating equipment, although
the task itself is quite simple and fast once learned.
No position information; however, location may be estimated using propagation delay
information.
Specific vendors may wrap open-interface protocol data into a proprietary interface,
which must be decoded before accessing the open interface data.
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Compilation of overall system performance can be very difficult when using different
vendors for various network elements, due to lack of integration between elements,
and differences in definitions of individual counters.
Very limited ability to drill-down into lower-level causes of problems: counters
typically only record what happened in a 5-15 minute block with no detailed data for
troubleshooting.
No position information for data (other than sector level).
Many vendors with many different formats, which are usually proprietary.
Operators typically have a number of vendors for different types of drive test and
protocol analyzer equipment, each with a unique interface format.
Operators often use measurement programs from different technology networks (e.g.
GSM and WCDMA) and/or different infrastructure vendors, each with a unique
interface format.
Data sets collected at different interface points may need to be synchronized so that
they can be merged for troubleshooting across network elements.
Data sets may be extremely large (many gigabytes). Key information must be filtered
and reduced before it can be used to make decisions.
Formats are constantly being updated. The technology of the air-interface is
constantly changing (e.g. 3G rolling out on the back of 2.5G technology).
Many engineers have limited training and experience with newer technologies.
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The system shown below in Figure 2 is designed to collect data from all available links
from the air-interface through to the switch / SGSN. Data may be collected in discrete
log files and processed through a desktop application for manual, on-the-spot analysis.
Data may also be collected from any source and processed and loaded into a database
system from which it may be served up through a web browser or other client.
Iup
Uu
SGSN
RNC
Iuc
Node B
MSC
Drive Test
Notebook
Protocol
Analyzer
Many
data
files
Loader
UE
Iub
PreProcessor
Trace
File
Protocol
File
Drive
Test
File
Transfer
Server
Desktop
Analysis
Vendor
performance
comparison
Engineering
users
Detailed RF
performance
optimization
Operations
users
Performance
Benchmarking
Intranet Reports
Management
users
Optimization
engineers
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Applications Based on Performance Data
Once the data have been collected, operators can use the data to perform a variety of
critical applications including:
Please visit the Actix website, www.actix.com, for more information on Actix products.