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Configuration Options for LTE eNBs
Configuration Options
for LTE eNBs
© Informa Telecoms & Media


A Context for LTE Optimisation 4
Keep it Simple 6
Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) 8
Frequency Allocation 8
Bandwidth Configuration 8
LTE Frequency Bands 10
Centre Frequencies and EARFCNs 12
SFN or Frequency Plan 14
Interference Mitigation 16
Cyclic Prefix Length 18
Downlink/Uplink Switching in TDD Mode 20
MIMO Options 22
Control Channel Configuration 24
SON Concepts 26
Configuration for eMBMS 28
© Informa Telecoms & Media

A Context for LTE Optimisation

At first sight the task of optimising an LTE network can seem a daunting one. There are far
more variables and ways in which network performance could be measured in LTE than
has been the case in legacy technologies. For example, the optimiser is commonly involved
in ensuring handovers are successful, but in LTE they must consider not only LTE–LTE
handovers but potential handover functionality with GSM/GPRS, UMTS/HSPA and 1x/1xEV.
In terms of service provision, the optimiser needs to be concerned with variable bandwidth
and delay requirements. The optimiser needs to understand how resources are allocated
and all the factors that could affect the performance of an established connection.
The diagram shows a general interpretation of a typical work flow. The network management
function generally takes a whole-network view and considers whether the network is functioning
correctly in terms of defined KPIs and customer satisfaction. Once a problem has been
identified it will be escalated to the optimisation function. An important first task for optimisation
is to verify that the problem exists and that it is caused by a weakness in the part of the network
of interest. To do this the optimiser needs to have an awareness of dependencies with functionality
in other parts of the network.
LTE network represents the first widespread use of Self Optimising Network (SON) functionality,
but it would be a mistake to assume that this removes the need for network performance
monitoring and optimisation. Indeed, it is likely that a greater understanding of network
behaviour will be required.
4 © Informa Telecoms & Media

• Capacity
• Quality
• Latency
• Throughput
• Interference
• Scheduling
• Coverage
• Channel configuration
• Neighbour lists
• Cell selection/reselection
• Handover
• IRAT interaction
• Power control Problem • Network performance
• Advanced antenna meets KPIs?
features Cause & Solution • Subscribers happy?
• SON functions
Optimisation Network
• Verifty problem management
• Identify cause
• Identify solution MME
EUTRAN SGW EPC P-GW
Fig. 1 – Optimisation Context
© Informa Telecoms & Media 5

Keep it Simple
There are a great many parameters defined that can influence the behaviour of the LTE radio
interface. Whilst it may be tempting to experiment with very fine control using a large number
of parameters, the unpredictable nature of radio signals and the potential for error in parameter
setting suggest a simple-is-best approach. This not a new concept for LTE, but the more
complex a system becomes, the greater the need to control carefully those adjustments that
are made to the system.
The advice of fourteenth-century English academic and monk William of Ockham (Occam)
translates more or less as “plurality should not be posited without necessity”. It remains a good
starting point for anyone dealing with potentially complex problems.

Occam’s Razor
PLURALITAS NON EST PONENDA
SINE NECESSITATE
Plurality must not be posited

without necessity
or
‘Keep it simple!’
Fig. 2 – Keep it Simple

Physical Cell Identifier (PCI)

The PCI defines the coding of the reference signal on the cell. It acts as a local identifier
differentiating a cell from its immediate neighbours. The PCI values must be allocated such
that a UE will not see two cells on the same frequency with the same PCI value.
There are 504 PCI values available organised into 168 groups of 3. Note that there is no
requirement for the grouping to be related to the association between an eNB and its cells.
Although the PCI value can be manually planned and configured, it is a likely parameter to
part of a Self Optimising Network (SON) solution.
Frequency Allocation
In most cases an LTE network is organised into frequency layers so there is no requirement
for frequency planning. A cell’s type will determine its frequency allocation by default. Even
where frequency planning is being used it is a simple process and it may be that the antenna
orientation determines the frequency allocation. The frequency is identified using an E-UTRA
Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (EARFCN).
Bandwidth Configuration
LTE is often described as ‘bandwidth agnostic’, which refers to the potential for this single
technology to be configured to operate in a range of different bandwidths. There are many
factors that may determine a cell’s configured bandwidth, including licence conditions, power
availability, service requirements, hardware performance, infrastructure sharing and the band
in use. It is by no means the case that an operator must use the same bandwidth on all cells,
or even that they use the same bandwidth in the uplink and downlink directions.

eNB eNB
eNB eNB
Each cell on each eNB requires: eNB
Physical Cell Identifier (PCI)

(504 options in 168 groups of 3)
eNB
Frequency allocation – EARFCN
(range dependent on band)
Bandwidth configuration
(1.4, 3,5,10,15 or 20 MHz)
Fig. 3 – Basic Cell Configuration Parameters

LTE Frequency Bands

A very large number of FDD and TDD frequency bands are defined for the operation of LTE.
This reflects a need to accommodate as many different regulatory environments as possible
in order that LTE should be a viable option in any geographical region.
The bands reflect both those currently in use for 2G and 3G technologies of various types
as well as new blocks of spectrum that are already, or may in the near future, become available
for use in the wireless broadband market.

FDD TDD
(Frequency Division Duplex) (Time Division Duplex)
Band UL Range DL Range Band UL/DL Range (MHz)
(MHz) (MHz) 33 1900 – 1920
1 1920 – 1980 2110 – 2170 34 2010 – 2025
2 1850 – 1910 1930 – 1990 35 1850 – 1910
3 1710 – 1785 1805 – 1880 36 1930 – 1990
4 1710 – 1755 2110 – 2155 37 1910 – 1930
5 824 – 849 869 – 894 38 2570 – 2620
6 830 – 840 875 – 885 39 1880 – 1920
7 2500 – 2570 2620 – 2690 40 2300 – 2400
8 880 – 915 925 – 960
9 1749.9 – 1784.9 1844.9 – 1879.9
10 1710 – 1770 2110 – 2170
11 1427.9 – 1447.9 1475.9 – 1495.9
12 698 – 716 728 – 746
13 777 – 787 746 – 756
14 788 – 798 758 – 768
... ... ...
17 704 – 716 734 – 746
18 815 – 830 860 – 875
19 830 – 845 875 – 890
20 832 – 862 791 – 821
21 1447.9 – 1462.9 1495.9 – 1510.9
Fig. 4 – FDD and TDD Bands

Centre Frequencies and EARFCNs

LTE channel centre frequencies are identified with a numerical value known as an E-UTRA
Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (EARFCN). For FDD channels a separate EARCFN
describes the uplink and downlink. For TDD channels one EARFCN describes both the uplink
and downlink directions.
EARFCNs are spaced in steps of 100 kHz across each defined LTE band. It is up to an operator
to decide which EARFCN to use; however, account must be taken of the channel bandwidth
since transmission cannot be made outside the licensed spectrum. This means that dependent
on the band and bandwidth in use, some EARFCNs will be unusable.
The diagram shows the formulae for nominal adjacent channel spacing and for the
determination of channel centre frequency from a given EARFCN.
Exercise
Answer the following questions. You may find the Excel spreadsheet “ARFCN Calculations”
useful for question 2.
1. Write a formula for the determination of EARFCN from a given channel centre frequency.
2. Assuming an operator has a licence for the lowest 15 MHz of band 7 and intends to use
15 MHz bandwidth, what uplink and downlink EARFCNs should be used?

EARFCN
100 kHz step
Nominal Channel spacing = (BWChannel(1) + BWChannel(2))/2
FDL = FDL_low + 0.1(NDL – NOffs-DL)
FUL = FUL_low + 0.1(NUL – NOffs-UL)
Where the values of FDL_low, FUL_low, NOffs-DL, and NOffs-UL are band dependent defined values
(see 3GPPTS 36.104 5.7.3)
Fig. 5 – Application of ARFCNs

SFN or Frequency Plan

LTE offers great flexibility to an operator in respect of how licensed spectrum is utilised.
At its most basic level this includes the possibility to opt for a Single Frequency Network (SFN)
approach or to use some form of frequency planning strategy.
The SFN approach enables an operator to use the widest channel bandwidth with consequent
benefits in terms of potential cell throughput. However, there will be an impact in terms of
interference, particularly at the cell edge.
The frequency-planned approach mitigates, to some extent, the problems of inter-cell

interference, but at the cost of absolute cell throughput. However, individual users may still
receive an acceptable service and the reduction in interference could result in more consistent
performance across the coverage area.

Licensed bandwidth
F1 F1 F2 F3
F1 F1 F1 F2
eNB eNB
F1 F3
Fig. 6 – SFN or Frequency Plan

Interference Mitigation
Potential interference between eNBs allocated the same channel frequencies can be avoided,
or at least mitigated, through coordinated resource allocation. Because the LTE air interface is
based on a multicarrier physical layer, OFDMA and SC-FDMA, when a resource is allocated it
represents only a fraction of the complete resource available in a cell. As shown in the diagram,
UEs in the edge-of-cell area can be allocated different blocks from the available spectrum.
UEs in the centre of the cell coverage area can potentially be allocated larger resources
because interference potential is significantly lower in this region. Thus UEs 1 and 4 could use
the same spectrum simultaneously while UEs 2 and 3 need to be allocated different spectrum.
To some extent this process will occur naturally through the action of the resource allocation
algorithm and, of course, an eNB can coordinate resource allocation between all the cells that
it controls. However, if an X2 interface exists between eNBs then they can communicate directly
to negotiate resource allocation.

X2 interface interference
mitigation procedures
UE3
eNB eNB
UE1 F1 F1 UE4
UE2
F1 F1
Fig. 7 – SFN Interference Mitigation

Cyclic Prefix Length

LTE offers the choice of two Cyclic Prefix (CP) lengths, Normal and Extended, both of which
are applicable to FDD and TDD modes. The CP provides protection against the effects of time
dispersion in the channel. The amount of time dispersion present in a channel is determined
by the physical environment. In most cases the RMS delay spread will be less than about
6 μs and therefore the normal CP is applicable for most cells.
More extreme time dispersion may occur when there are distant strong reflectors within the cell
coverage area. Common examples are hilly or mountainous terrain or suburban areas with sight
of a high-rise dense urban district. In such cases much longer time dispersion can occur and
the expended cyclic prefix should be used.
The CP reduces the number of OFDM symbols per slot from seven to six with a consequent
reduction in potential capacity in the ratio 6/7. Therefore the CP should only be used by
exception and then usually only if a time dispersion problem has been detected and confirmed.

Normal CP
c. 5 µs
Power
Time
RMS delay spread
Extended CP
c. 15 µs
Power
Time
RMS delay spread
Fig. 8 – Normal and Extended CP

Downlink/Uplink Switching in TDD Mode

The diagram shows the frame structure used on a TDD (Time Division Duplex) channel. It has an
identical overall timing structure to the FDD frame, but with modifications to subframes 1 and 6.
Subframes 1 and 6 are referred to as ‘special subframes’; subframe 1 is mandatory and

subframe 6 is optional. As can be seen, the structure of the special subframes contains periods
referred to as the DwPTS (Downlink Pilot Time Slot) and UpPTS (Uplink Pilot Time Slot); these
are separated in the sub-frame by a guard period (GP). DwPTS and UpPTS can contain
scheduled data, but the GP provides time for downlink to uplink switching. The points for uplink
to downlink are variable in location and the options are given in the table. There are seven
different frame configurations.

One radio frame, Tf = 307200 TS = 10 mS
One half frame, 153600 TS = 5 mS
One slot,
Tslot =
15360 TS 30720 TS
Subframe #0 Subframe #2 Subframe #3 Subframe #4 Subframe #5 Subframe #7 Subframe #8
One subframe
30720 TS
GP GP
DwPTS UpPTS DwPTS UpPTS
Configuration Switch-point Sub-frame number

periodicity 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0 5 ms D S U U U D S U U U
1 5 ms D S U U D D S U U D
2 5 ms D S U D D D S U D D
3 10 ms D S U U U D D D D D
4 10 ms D S U U D D D D D D
5 10 ms D S U D D D D D D D
6 10 ms D S U U U D S U U D
Fig. 9 – TDD DL/UL Switching Options

MIMO Options
Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) is fully supported by LTE at release 8/9 up to rank 2
(2x2 MIMO) and partially supported up to rank 4 (4x4 MIMO). Most LTE systems include MIMO
capability although full support cannot be assumed for all devices and it may not be an
appropriate option for use in all scenarios.
Transmit Diversity
In cases where the eNB has MIMO capability but the UE does not it is still possible to use
the eNB’s antenna array to create transmit diversity in the downlink channel. This will provide
increased throughput in any given channel conditions.
SU-MIMO
Single User MIMO (SU-MIMO) is the standard MIMO configuration where the feature is fully
supported by both eNB and UE. The most common implementation is 2x2 MIMO.
MU-MIMO
Multi User MIMO (MU-MIMO) is a feature for use only in the uplink direction where an eNB has
MIMO capability but the UE does not. The uplink channel is configured such that a MIMO effect
is created from two separate UE sharing the same allocated resource. This enables the capacity
gains of MIMO to be realised at cell level, although individual users are limited to rates equivalent
to those of a non-MIMO (SISO) channel. This benefit is limited in scope since it works best when
the uplink channel conditions for the two UEs in the MU-MIMO pair are coherent.
Beamforming
It is possible to use the precoding and antenna array associated with MIMO support to create
a beamforming effect. Additional features such as UE-specific reference signals are included
in the LTE standards to enhance this capability.

Transmit diversity SU-MIMO
MU-MIMO Beamforming
Fig. 10 – LTE MIMO Options

Control Channel Configuration

There is very little that needs to be manually configured in terms of control channel configuration
in LTE. Indeed, in most cases the control channel configuration is implicit or driven dynamically
according to the mode of operation, the traffic mix being carried, and the nature of the particular
vendor’s scheduling algorithm.
The chief options, however, are the number of OFDM symbols occupied in each subframe in the
downlink direction by the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), and the number of slots
per subframe occupied in the uplink direction by the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUSCH).
In both these cases the configuration on a working cell would typically be dynamic and determined
by instantaneous need. In some cases, however, the optimiser may have the ability to limit the
range of dynamic operation. Additionally, if use is being made of a coverage planning tool or
an automatic cell planning tool, then typical values may need to be entered for static simulations.
There are also several possibilities for the range of scheduling modes and signalling formats that
may be used in the PDCCH.
One exception in terms of optimisation potential is the Physical Random Access Channel
(PRACH), for which there are many configuration options. Configuration of this channel may also
be covered by SON functionality, but even in this case careful consideration should be given to
the setting of operating rules for the SON algorithm.

Channel Configuration Options Comments
PDCCH Number of OFDM symbols occupied Dynamic dependent on requirement.
at the start of each subframe Potential for optimisation of range and
(1,2 or 3 for normal operation). scheduling algorithm inputs.
Range of scheduling modes and signalling Dynamic dependent on requirement
formats available. and vendor option support. Potential
for optimisation of range and scheduling
algorithm inputs.
PUCCH Number of slots occupied in each subframe. Dynamic dependent on requirement.
Potential for optimisation of range and
scheduling algorithm inputs.
PRACH Many options in terms of capacity, Could be limited by vendor support.
signalling format, open loop power control Could require manual setting by optimiser
and overall robustness. or may be part of SON. Even if part of SON
constraints may need to be applied manually.
Fig. 11 – Control Channel Configuration

SON Concepts
The LTE technical standards outline the principles of Self-configuring and self-Optimising
Networks (SON). However, the standards do not define how the aims of SON would be
achieved; the solutions themselves are proprietary vendor solutions. TS 36.902 outlines
nine intended use cases for SON as follows:
• Coverage and capacity optimisation

• Energy savings
• Interference reduction
• Automated configuration of PCI
• Mobility robustness optimisation
• Mobility load balancing optimisation
• RACH optimisation
• Automatic neighbour relation function
• Inter-cell interference coordination

SON Use Cases
• Coverage and capacity optimisation
• Energy savings
• Interference reduction
• Automated configuration of PCI
• Mobility robustness optimisation
• Mobility load balancing optimisation SON
• RACH optimisation functions
• Automatic neighbour relation function
• Inter-cell interference coordination
SON OAM
functions
EUTRAN
Fig. 12 – Use Cases for SON

Configuration for eMBMS

The LTE standards include provision for the support of the Multimedia Multicast Broadcast
Service (MBMS) in the form of a collection of features generally referred to as enhanced
MBMS (eMBMS).
MBMS data is is passed to the EUTRAN using two additional functional nodes, the Multi-cell/
multicast Coordination Entity (MCE) and the MBMS Gateway (MBMS GW). The MCE deals
with admission control and the efficient and coordinated allocations of resources across multiple
eNBs. The MBMS GW acts as the collation point for MBMS data from providers for onward
transmission to eNBs.
It is possible to implement eMBMS in a single cell using a defined set of logical and transport
channels intended solely for this purpose. However, a much more efficient solution is to
use these channels in a multicell context. This mode of operation is referred to as Multicast
Broadcast Single Frequency Network (MBSFN). This mode of operation is applied only in
TDD mode and involves the use of a halving of the standard subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz to
just 7.5 kHz. This results in a doubling of the OFDM symbol period, which in turn allows the
extended CP to be doubled to approximately 30 μs.
MBMS data is then transmitted simultaneously from multiple synchronised LTE cells to a defined
MBSFN synchronisation area. UEs supporting the service receive the data from multiple cells
and the extended CP enables them to deal with the more extreme time dispersion that results
from variable propagation delay.

MCE MME MBMS
GW
EUTRAN SGW EPC P-GW

MBSFN mode
Synchronised Symbol period and

eNBs in CP doubled through
TDD mode the use of 7.5 kHz
transmitting subcarrier spacing
MBMS data
CP Symbol Period
CP Symbol Period
Smartphone
or dedicated CP Symbol Period
mobile
TV device Time dispersion due to
propagation delay variation
Fig. 13 – Configuration for eMBMS

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Configuration Options for LTE eNBs

© Informa Telecoms & Media

Configuration Options for LTE eNBs

© Informa Telecoms & Media

A Context for LTE Optimisation

4 © Informa Telecoms & Media

EUTRAN SGW EPC P-GW

Fig. 1 – Optimisation Context

© Informa Telecoms & Media 5

6 © Informa Telecoms & Media

Plurality must not be posited

Fig. 2 – Keep it Simple

© Informa Telecoms & Media 7

Physical Cell Identifier (PCI)

8 © Informa Telecoms & Media

Each cell on each eNB requires: eNB

Physical Cell Identifier (PCI)

Fig. 3 – Basic Cell Configuration Parameters

© Informa Telecoms & Media 9

LTE Frequency Bands

10 © Informa Telecoms & Media

Fig. 4 – FDD and TDD Bands

© Informa Telecoms & Media 11

Centre Frequencies and EARFCNs

12 © Informa Telecoms & Media

100 kHz step

Nominal Channel spacing = (BWChannel(1) + BWChannel(2))/2

FDL = FDL_low + 0.1(NDL – NOffs-DL)

FUL = FUL_low + 0.1(NUL – NOffs-UL)

Fig. 5 – Application of ARFCNs

© Informa Telecoms & Media 13

SFN or Frequency Plan

The frequency-planned approach mitigates, to some extent, the problems of inter-cell

14 © Informa Telecoms & Media

Fig. 6 – SFN or Frequency Plan

© Informa Telecoms & Media 15

16 © Informa Telecoms & Media

Fig. 7 – SFN Interference Mitigation

© Informa Telecoms & Media 17

Cyclic Prefix Length

18 © Informa Telecoms & Media

Fig. 8 – Normal and Extended CP

© Informa Telecoms & Media 19

Downlink/Uplink Switching in TDD Mode

Subframes 1 and 6 are referred to as ‘special subframes’; subframe 1 is mandatory and

20 © Informa Telecoms & Media

One half frame, 153600 TS = 5 mS

Subframe #0 Subframe #2 Subframe #3 Subframe #4 Subframe #5 Subframe #7 Subframe #8

Configuration Switch-point Sub-frame number

Fig. 9 – TDD DL/UL Switching Options

© Informa Telecoms & Media 21

22 © Informa Telecoms & Media

Fig. 10 – LTE MIMO Options

© Informa Telecoms & Media 23

Control Channel Configuration

24 © Informa Telecoms & Media

Fig. 11 – Control Channel Configuration

© Informa Telecoms & Media 25

• Coverage and capacity optimisation

26 © Informa Telecoms & Media

Fig. 12 – Use Cases for SON

© Informa Telecoms & Media 27

Configuration for eMBMS

28 © Informa Telecoms & Media