NETWORK ENGG.

DIVISION

Methods & Procedures

For
RF DRIVE TEST
In
GSM Network

Prepared By: Ajay Baranwal

Nagesha K
 NETWORK ENGG. DIVISION

Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………………

1.1 PURPOSE OF DRIVE TEST……………………………………………………………………..

1.2 DRIVE TEST – A PART OF RF OPTIMIZATION……………………………………………..

2. DRIVE TEST TOOLS……………………………………………………………………………….

2.1 DRIVE TEST TOOLS AVAILABLE………………………………………………………………

2.2 TEMS INVESTIGATION GSM 4.0 FROM ERICSSON………………………………………….
2.3 ACCESSORIES……………………………………………………………………………………..

3. PROCEDURES………………………………………………………………………………………..

3.1 CONNCTION PROCEDURE………………………………………………………………………

3.2 TEST PROCEDURE………………………………………………………………………………..
3.3 ASSUMPTIONS…………………………………………………………………………………….

4. REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………………………

Prepared By: Ajay Baranwal

Nagesha K
 NETWORK ENGG. DIVISION

1. INTRODUCTION

This is a general-purpose document on Methods and Procedures of RF drive test in a GSM

network.

1.1 PURPOSE:

Drive test is a method that is adopted to optimize a GSM network. Once a GSM network
is rolled out, based on network planning tool predictions, the network hardly resembles the
predictions. This happens because of complex nature of the underlying principle based on
which GSM wireless cellular network works. So, Network Operators / Service Providers task
becomes to bring the network back , as nearest as possible, towards the prediction. Through
the systematic process of collecting air interface data from the already built network, status
of the existing network gets recorded. This drive-tested data is processed off-line (through
GSM RF Post Processing Tool) to know the deviation from prediction. As per interpretation
of Post Processing result, configuration changes are performed on the network. Further drive
tests are conducted to record the modified network status. After a few iterations, as-built
network is brought very near to as-predicted network. It is said, under this condition, that the
network is optimized.
However, once optimization is reached the need for drive test does not end. A GSM
wireless cellular network does not remain optimized all through. Status change takes place
because of network expansion (in terms of addition of cell sites), competitors network
changes, change of man made ambience etc. Optimization (data collection through drive test)
process goes on to keep a live network optimized during its lifetime.

1.2 DRIVE TEST- A PART OF OPTIMIZATION:

The position of the drive test in the optimization process of a GSM Network is as shown in
the following block diagram.

Drive Testing

Action Steps
Post Processing

Data Analysis

OPTIMIZATION PROCESS BLOCK DIAGRAM

Prepared By: Ajay Baranwal

Nagesha K
 NETWORK ENGG. DIVISION

The drive test is conducted with a goal of collecting measurement data of GSM
network as a function of location. The RF data collected in the drive test is compared with
the corresponding planned data by way of Post Processing. The next step is the Data
Analysis, which results in the recommendation of changes or Action Steps to be taken in
network RF parameters. The drive test needs to be conducted again after implementing the
recommendations. This is how the drive test helps in optimization life cycle of the network.
Thus the drive test helps in creating and maintaining a robust GSM network.

2. DRIVE TEST TOOLS

2.1 TYPES OF TOOLS AVAILABLE:

The drive test tool is available as a product consisting of software and hardware components.
Some of the renowned vendors are Ericsson, Aircom, Agilent etc.

2.2 TEMS INVESTIGATION GSM 4.0 FROM ERICSSON:

Drive test tool used by GTL Ltd. is TEMS Investigation GSM 4.0 from Ericsson.

2.3 ACCESSORIES:

For the drive test, the accessories required as per TEMS Investigation GSM 4.0 test tool are
listed below:

1. A laptop with minimum Pentium-III Processor, 256MB RAM

2. Drive test application software loaded on the laptop (For e.g. TEMS Investigation GSM
4.0)
3. Edgeport (USB to RS232 serial converter)
4. Test Handset (TEMS Phone) with RF antenna and Serial Port data cable.
5. GPS receiver having DC Power cable and Serial Port data cable.

Prepared By: Ajay Baranwal

Nagesha K
 NETWORK ENGG. DIVISION

3. PROCEDURE:

3.1 CONNECTION DIAGRAM:

The above-mentioned drive test accessories are connected as shown in the following
diagram:

RF Antenna
GPS Receiver

USB
Edgeport
Port

C
COM5 COM6 COM7 COM8

Laptop

TEMS Handset

The connection procedure for the drive test tool is as follows:

1.The GPS Receiver and RF antenna extending from TEMS Handset are mounted on the top
of the drive test vehicle and the serial port cables from GPS and TEMS Test Handset are
connected to serial ports on Edgeport.

2.The Edgeport is connected to the laptop on USB port.

3.Power-On the TEMS Handset and connect the power cable of GPS to Cigarette lighter DC
Power Source in the vehicle.

4.Connect car battery terminals to the dc-to-ac Inverter for the Laptop power supply. The
same may be used for charging the handset.

Prepared By: Ajay Baranwal

Nagesha K
 NETWORK ENGG. DIVISION

3.2 TEST PROCEDURE:

After connecting the drive test tool, following activities are carried out during Drive test:

1.TEMS Investigation GSM 4.0 application software is opened in the Laptop. The system by
default opens ‘GSM’ window displaying the empty tables and charts meant for RF
information.

2. Both external devices, TEMS Handset and GPS are configured in the ‘Control &
Configuration’ window by clicking on ‘Equipment Identity’ tool. The systems detects the
devices but are indicated as disconnected with the red color symbol. This changes to green
color after clicking ‘Connect All’ in the Connection Toolbar.

3. Now the mobile is connected in the ‘idle mode’. The GSM window starts displaying the
live network data in the corresponding tables and charts. GPS window shows Latitude &
Longitude of the place.

4.Click ‘Record’ tool bar. Save logfile followed by originating call on the TEMS phone. The
test enters in the ‘dedicated mode’.

5. Drive the roads on routes covering the cell and all neighboring cells.

6. Cell coverage, Received signal strength, Quality and many other RF parameters are
measured. Call connection, call mobility control, call release and many other events are
checked and recorded.

7. Drive test log file is generated and can be exported to different formats for Post Processing
requirements. [Reference- TEMS Investigation 4.0 User Manual, chapter 7.5]

3.3 ASSUMPTIONS:

TEMS Software is installed and Edgeport (USB to serial port converter) is configured.
[Reference- TEMS Investigation GSM 4.0 Getting Started Manual, chapter 4 & 8]

Prepared By: Ajay Baranwal

Nagesha K
 NETWORK ENGG. DIVISION

4. REFERENCES:

References available on RF drive test by TEMS Investigation GSM 4.0 tool are as below:

1. TEMS Investigation GSM 4.0 Getting Started Manual.

2. TEMS Investigation GSM 4.0 User Manual.

3. TEMS Pocket R520 1.1 GSM User Manual.

Prepared By: Ajay Baranwal

Nagesha K