Ultima Forte v5 0 Release Notes

Ultima Forte™ v5.
0
Release Notes
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Copyright ©2011 Schema Ltd.

Ultima Forte™ v5.0 Release Notes
Table of Contents
1 Overview............................................................................................................. 4
2 New Functionalities ............................................................................................ 5
2.1 Traffic Load Balancing ...................................................................................... 5
2.2 Spectrum Re-farming....................................................................................... 7
2.3 Enterprise Server Integration ............................................................................ 8
2.3.1 Scheduling Data Collection Tasks on the Server ............................................ 8
2.3.2 Scheduling Modeling Tasks on the Server .................................................... 9
2.3.3 Scheduling Recurring Traffic Load Balancing Optimization Tasks on the Server 10
2.4 Server-Client Integration ................................................................................ 11
2.4.1 Importing Network Data from the Server ................................................... 11
2.4.2 Executing Traffic Load Balancing Optimization with Server Data ................... 12
2.4.3 Server Indication on Forte Client Status Bar ............................................... 12
2.4.4 Server Menu .......................................................................................... 13
3 New and Updated Hardware Vendor Support .................................................... 14
3.1 Nokia Updates .............................................................................................. 14
3.2 Huawei Updates ............................................................................................ 16
3.3 Motorola Updates .......................................................................................... 16
4 Feature Enhancements and Updates ................................................................. 17
4.1 Enhancements .............................................................................................. 17
4.1.1 Planet Integration Updates ...................................................................... 17
4.1.2 Noises Utility - Always Apply Filter Option .................................................. 17
4.2 Modeler Updates ........................................................................................... 18
4.2.1 GSM/UMTS Modeler ................................................................................ 18
4.3 Frequency Optimization Updates ..................................................................... 20
4.3.1 Maximal Frequency Separation Constraints ................................................ 20
4.3.2 GSM/UMTS Shared-band Frequency Planning ............................................. 21
4.4 Quality Evaluator Updates .............................................................................. 23
4.4.1 UMTS-to-GSM Interference Impact Simulation ........................................... 23
4.5 Import Updates ............................................................................................. 23
4.5.1 UMTS Network Visualization ..................................................................... 23
4.5.2 Import UMTS Traffic and Power Statistics .................................................. 23
4.6 Schema Format Changes ................................................................................ 24
4.6.1 UMTS/GSM Interference .......................................................................... 24
4.6.2 Frequency Separation File Structure Change .............................................. 24
4.7 Applicative Changes ...................................................................................... 25
4.7.1 PLAN HSN for Base-Band (change default) ................................................. 25
4.7.2 AMR Penetration (change default) ............................................................. 25
5 GUI and Usability Enhancements ...................................................................... 26
5.1 Save Sector Selection as Layer ....................................................................... 26
5.2 Select Sectors by Property ............................................................................. 26
5.3 Actions Removed from Right-Click Menu .......................................................... 27
5.4 Open Destination Folder ................................................................................. 27
5.5 Sector Resize Hotkeys ................................................................................... 27
5.6 Support for Google Earth Format Files ............................................................. 27
5.7 Show GSM/UMTS Sector Interference .............................................................. 28
6 Hardware Requirements ................................................................................... 29
7 Software Requirements .................................................................................... 30
7.1 OFP Evaluator – Required Microsoft Firewall Settings ......................................... 30
8 Documentation ................................................................................................. 32
Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 2 of 32

List of Figures
Figure 1: Traffic Load Balancing Optimization ................................................................ 5
Figure 2: New RAN Feature Plan Optimization Wizard – Traffic Balancing .......................... 6
Figure 3: UMTS-to-GSM Incoming Interference Visualization ........................................... 7
Figure 4: Scheduled GSM Collection Tasks .................................................................... 8
Figure 5: Server Modeling Wizard (Step 1) ................................................................... 9
Figure 6: Server Optimization Wizard (Step 1) – Traffic Load Balancing ........................... 10
Figure 7: Import Window ........................................................................................... 11
Figure 8: New RAN Feature Plan Wizard – Import from Server ....................................... 12
Figure 9: Indication of Server Connection and Running Server Tasks on Status Bar .......... 12
Figure 10: Server Menu ............................................................................................. 13
Figure 11: Nokia Export FP - XML Script Methodology ................................................... 14
Figure 12: Nokia XML Export – Split Scripts per BSC ..................................................... 15
Figure 13: Nokia Export Handovers Plan – Selecting the Switch Dump Version ................. 15
Figure 14: Nokia Export FP MML – Lock All Sectors ....................................................... 16
Figure 15: Sector Noises – “Always Apply this Filter” Option .......................................... 17
Figure 16: GSM/UMTS Modeler Window ....................................................................... 18
Figure 17: GSM UMTS Model Advanced Parameters ....................................................... 19
Figure 18: Minimum/Maximum Frequency Separation Constraints................................... 20
Figure 19: Frequency Optimizer - GSM UMTS Impact Parameters ................................... 22
Figure 20: Frequency Optimizer – GSM/UMTS Violated Constraints Report ....................... 22
Figure 21: Schema Format – UMTS Traffic and Power Statistics File ................................ 23
Figure 22: Schema Format–UMTS-to-GSM Interference ................................................. 24
Figure 23: Schema Format–GSM-to-UMTS Interference ................................................. 24
Figure 24: Schema Format Frequency Separation File Structure ..................................... 24
Figure 25: Sector Selection Layer ............................................................................... 26
Figure 26: Select Sectors by Property Window ............................................................. 26
Figure 27: Open Destination Folder Option ................................................................... 27
Figure 28: Export GIS Layer in KML Format ................................................................. 27
Figure 29: Show Sector Interference ........................................................................... 28
Figure 30: Selecting OFP Evaluator Client .................................................................... 30
Figure 31: OFP Evaluator Client Added to List of Enabled Applications ............................. 31

1 Overview
This document accompanies the release of Ultima Forte version 5.0. It includes information
specific to Ultima Forte version 5.0 and the supported mobile technologies. However,
depending on the product license purchased, some information may not apply.
Ultima Forte version 5.0 is a major upgrade of Ultima Forte version 4.4.1. This upgrade
contains a number of issue resolutions as well as the inclusion of key feature sets, as
outlined below.
This document contains the following information:

 New Functionalities, described in section ‎2
 New and Updated Hardware Vendor Support, described in section ‎3
 Feature Enhancements and Updates, described in section ‎4
 GUI and Usability Enhancements, described in section ‎5
 Hardware Requirements, described in section ‎6
 Software Requirements, described in section ‎7
 Documentation, described in section ‎8

2 New Functionalities
Ultima Forte version 5.0 contains several new product features, as detailed below.
2.1 Traffic Load Balancing

Version 5.0 introduces a new parameter optimization (add-on) module dedicated to Traffic
Load Balancing for GSM networks. The new licensed add-on focuses on identifying and
resolving network capacity issues through the optimization of traffic and mobility-related
parameters, and is a central ingredient to successfully executing UMTS900/LTE1800
spectrum re-farming projects.
The scope of this release includes support for Ericsson, Nokia, Siemens, Huawei, and
Motorola networks, and supports parameter optimization of the following features:
 TBHO (Traffic-based Handovers)
 HR (Half Rate) optimization (including TRX removal recommendation)
 PBGT (Power Budget) handover margin (Hysteresis)
 HCS (Hierarchical Cell Structure)
 Handover failure reduction (Mobility)
Similar to other optimizations, the traffic load balancing optimization includes a 4-step
easy-to-use wizard that guides the user through the process.
Figure 1: Traffic Load Balancing Optimization

The following data sources are utilized in order to derive the Traffic Load Balancing
optimization recommendations:
 Network configuration
 Physical cell configuration
 KPI statistics (hourly raw data):
 Traffic (e.g., FR, AMR-FR, HR, and AMR-HR)
 Blockage rate per cell, per hour (optional)
 Utilization level per cell, per hour (optional)
 Interference matrix (C/I and I distribution, RxLevel)
 Quality statistics (RxQual)
 Handover statistics (pair-wise HO attempts and successful HO attempts)
With the above capabilities, cell size can be tuned to avoid congestion, thereby maximizing
network capacity and utilization with the existing infrastructure deployed in the network. In
addition, network handover performance is improved by optimizing handover-controlling
parameters.
Figure 2: New RAN Feature Plan Optimization Wizard – Traffic Balancing

2.2 Spectrum Re-farming

Version 5.0 introduces a set of new features intended to assist operators in the migration of
spectrum from their legacy GSM networks to UMTS or LTE. The process of clearing spectrum
from a GSM network to allow deployment of UMTS900 or LTE1800 is commonly referred to
as spectrum re-farming (or spectrum carving).
As GSM networks are likely to continue to be a significant core business for operators in the
coming years, it is critical that operators engaged in the re-farming process continue
to maintain GSM network performance and avoid inter-system interference.
The set of features added in version 5.0 not only support the re-farming process, but also
provide the capabilities to manage GSM networks while simultaneously operating multiple
technologies on the same spectrum band (e.g., GSM900 and UMTS900).
Version 5.0 spectrum re-farming supports the following features:

 Traffic Load Balancing add-on, described in section ‎2.1
 UMTS network visualization, described in section ‎4.5.1
 GSM/UMTS interference modeling (GSM/UMTS Modeler), described in section ‎4.2.1
 UMTS to GSM interference impact simulation, described in section ‎4.4.1
 GSM/UMTS shared-band frequency planning, described in section ‎4.3.2
Figure 3: UMTS-to-GSM Incoming Interference Visualization

2.3 Enterprise Server Integration

Forte has been enhanced to work in conjunction with Schema’s enterprise solution that now
supports GSM/GPRS/EDGE along with previously supported technologies including
UMTS/HSPA to enable shorter optimization cycles by supporting periodic automated data
collection, generation of up-to-date network environments, and recurring optimization
cycles.
The following sections highlight the main server functionalities (new or updated) introduced
in version 5.0 to support the enterprise architecture. For more details, refer to the Ultima
Forte Online Help.
2.3.1 Scheduling Data Collection Tasks on the Server

The enterprise server performs periodic automated collection tasks from several sources,
according to the schedule set when defining the network elements.
The collection tasks integrated into version 5.0 include:

 Physical Data Collection (physical configuration data)
 Network Configuration Collection (switch dump)
 Counter Collection (handover statistics, aggregated traffic, and hourly traffic)
 Mobile Statistics Collection (mobile measurement reports)
The Collection Tasks pane displays the details of each of the data types to be collected
from the network elements belonging to the servers to which you are currently connected,
as shown below.
Figure 4: Scheduled GSM Collection Tasks

2.3.2 Scheduling Modeling Tasks on the Server

After successfully collecting the raw data, as described above, a modeling task can be
scheduled on the server which will automatically create the network model (interference
matrix) representing the time period of the utilized raw data.
Modeling tasks process multiple data sources including RxLevel, Traffic, RxQual, and Timing
Advance in conjunction with C/I measurements. Adding a modeling task to the server is
conducted using a 3-step wizard, which enables the user to define the following:
 General Modeling Period Properties (step 1)
 Modeling Period (step 2)
 Scheduling Modeling Periods (step 3)
Figure 5: Server Modeling Wizard (Step 1)

2.3.3 Scheduling Recurring Traffic Load Balancing Optimization

Tasks on the Server
After creating a Traffic Load Balancing optimization plan on the Forte client (described in
section ‎2.1), users can select it and then schedule it to be run automatically by the Schema
server. This is performed via the Calculation Menu or the right-click shortcut menu. A
progress bar is displayed while the optimization details are submitted to the server, and
then the New Optimization Task wizard is displayed, enabling you to schedule the
recurrence of the task.
Figure 6: Server Optimization Wizard (Step 1) – Traffic Load Balancing
Note: The scope of available optimization tasks available on the server will be expanded in
future versions of Forte.

2.4 Server-Client Integration

The following section details the Forte client enhancements included in version 5.0 that
support the integration with Schema’s Enterprise server, as described in section ‎2.3.
2.4.1 Importing Network Data from the Server

If the Schema server is deployed, users can import the most up-to-date network
configuration data, including a model, directly from the server, using the Import window.
In the Method field, select Import from Server.
Figure 7: Import Window
If the Include Model checkbox is selected, the import process will fetch the network
environment with a model from the server. In addition, quality, handover, and timing-
advance statistics matching the model date range selected will also be imported
automatically. For more details, refer to the Ultima Forte Online Help.

2.4.2 Executing Traffic Load Balancing Optimization with Server

Data
Traffic Load Balancing optimization plans created on the Forte client can leverage the data
automatically collected by the Schema server. KPI statistics and up-to-date network
configuration can be fetched directly from the server by selecting the Import from Server
option in the Import method field in step 1 of the New RAN Feature Plan wizard, as shown
below.
Figure 8: New RAN Feature Plan Wizard – Import from Server
2.4.3 Server Indication on Forte Client Status Bar

The Forte client status bar has been enhanced to show server indications including server
connection status, indication of user’s running tasks on the server, and the name of the
optimization cluster.
If Forte is connected to the Schema server, the name of the server is displayed. If there are
unread notifications from the server, an envelope icon is displayed. You can double-click
the icon to display the notifications.
If there are any running tasks, the number of running tasks is displayed in the Running
Tasks area of the Status bar. You can double-click this area to open the Server Admin –
Optimizations dialog box, or right-click this area to display a menu that enables you to
open the Server Admin application, or the Server Admin – Optimizations dialog box.
Figure 9: Indication of Server Connection and Running Server Tasks on Status Bar

2.4.4 Server Menu

Version 5.0 includes a new Server menu enabling the following:
 Server Admin – enables you to log on to the Server Admin application directly from the
Forte client.
 Notifications – displays the notifications relevant to the current clusters.
 Optimization Task Occurrences - displays the optimization task occurrences relevant
to the current clusters.
 Log On/Off - enables you to log on to or off from the Schema server.
Figure 10: Server Menu

3 New and Updated Hardware Vendor

Support
3.1 Nokia Updates

Version 5.0 includes the following updates for Nokia networks:
 The XML provisioning scripts updating the frequency plan on Nokia networks have been
restructured. As of version 5.0, the commands are divided and reorganized into service
affecting and non-service affecting categories. Non-service affecting commands can be
provisioned outside of the “maintenance-window” (for example, creation of new MA-lists
without affecting service) which significantly shortens the implementation time.
The script methodology used (previous version is also supported) is controlled via the
network parameter, SPLIT_SERVICE_AFFECTING_XML (default=Yes).
This parameter can be accessed as follows:
Network  Network Properties  Advanced Tab  Export FP Nokia 
SPLIT_SERVICE_AFFECTING_XML, as shown below.
Figure 11: Nokia Export FP - XML Script Methodology

 The Nokia XML measurement plan, frequency plan, and neighbor-list plan scripts created
in version 5.0 can automatically be divided per BSC. This is controlled via the network
parameter, EXPORT_NOKIA_XML_PER_BSC (default=No).
Network  Network Properties  Advanced Tab  Export Nokia 
EXPORT_NOKIA_XML_PER_BSC, as shown below.
Figure 12: Nokia XML Export – Split Scripts per BSC
 A drop-down list incorporating all supported Nokia BSS switch dump versions has been
added to the Nokia Export Handovers dialog box. Users must select the applicable
switch dump version for their network, as shown below:
Figure 13: Nokia Export Handovers Plan – Selecting the Switch Dump Version

 Required sector locking command in MML provisioning scripts updating the frequency
plan on Nokia networks can now be performed sector-by-sector. However, the previous
locking command for the entire BSC remains the default behavior. This is controlled via
the network parameter, LOCK_ALL_SECTORS (default=Yes).
Network  Network Properties  Advanced Tab  Export FP Nokia 
LOCK_ALL_SECTORS, as shown below.
Figure 14: Nokia Export FP MML – Lock All Sectors
3.2 Huawei Updates

Version 5.0 includes the following updates for Huawei networks:
 Huawei BSC6900 BSS version R12 is now supported.
 BSC6000 & BSC6900 measurement plan process has been enhanced to support
networks with extended neighbor lists of up to 64 neighbor relations.
Note: The parameter NUMBER_OF_UMTS_FREQUENCIES (default = 0) must be set
to the correct number of allocated UMTS carriers. To set this parameter, click Network
 Network Properties  Advanced Tab  Environment.
3.3 Motorola Updates

Version 5.0 includes the following update for Motorola networks:
 A new column, OMC Name, which contains the name of the OMC network configuration
folder, was added to the bscIndex table. This supports multi-OMC MPs that contain the
same BSC ID in different OMCs.

4 Feature Enhancements and Updates
4.1 Enhancements
4.1.1 Planet Integration Updates

Version 5.0 is seamlessly integrated with Mentum Planet v5.2, supporting all previous
features.
4.1.2 Noises Utility - Always Apply Filter Option

An ―Always apply this filter‖ checkbox has been added to the Sector Noises utility.
Selecting this option always applies the selected filter settings, even when moving between
channel groups, channel types, or when opening a new Noises dialog box, as shown below.
Figure 15: Sector Noises – ―Always Apply this Filter‖ Option

4.2 Modeler Updates
4.2.1 GSM/UMTS Modeler

The objective of the GSM/UMTS Modeler functionality introduced in version 5.0 is to model
the interference created by UMTS sectors on the GSM network operating in the same
spectrum band (e.g., GSM900 and UMTS900) and vice versa. The interference relations
calculated by this new functionality are then utilized during simulations and frequency
planning processes.
This new functionality utilizes the existing GSM model, UMTS carrier attributes (e.g.,
UARFCN, bandwidth), UMTS sector power settings, and UMTS sector traffic statistics in order
to calculate the mutual interference.
To access the GSM/UMTS Modeler feature:

On the Network menu, select Modeler  GSM/UMTS Modeler.
-OR-
On the Workflow toolbar, click the arrow next to the Modeler button, and then click
GSM/UMTS Modeler.
If there are no UMTS traffic and power statistics in the network, the GSM/UMTS Modeler
window opens.
Figure 16: GSM/UMTS Modeler Window
Select one of the following options:

 Import UMTS traffic and power statistics from a file: Power and Traffic values are
set per UMTS sector carrier, as described in section ‎4.6.1.
 Calculate model with Schema default values: Use the default values for power and
traffic, as defined in by the parameters below.
A set of network parameters has been added in version 5.0 to support this functionality.
 UMTS_DEFAULT_POWER (dBm) – The average power transmitted by the UMTS
sectors (default = 37 dBm).
 UMTS_DEFAULT_TRAFFIC (Erlang) – The average traffic carried by the UMTS sectors
(default = 15 Erlang).
 UMTS_INTERFERENCE_MODEL – The manner in which the UMTS sector interference
is distributed across the carrier — Uniform or Trapezoid (default = Trapezoid).

These parameters can be accessed as follows:

Network  Network Properties  Advanced Tab  GSM UMTS Model, as shown
below.
Figure 17: GSM UMTS Model Advanced Parameters

4.3 Frequency Optimization Updates
4.3.1 Maximal Frequency Separation Constraints

The latest BTS systems released by leading equipment vendors such as Ericsson RBS6000,
NSN Flexi-BTS, and Huawei BSS6900 include multi-radio technology support (Single-RAN).
This new radio unit architecture has introduced stricter hardware limitations on the
maximum bandwidth supported by the embedded filters.
In previous versions, the GSM tab of the Sector Properties included a single parameter
enabling the user to define the minimum frequency separation per sector (numeric
difference between two allocated frequency channels). In version 5.0, the GSM tab includes
two frequency separation parameters, enabling the user to define the minimum and/or
maximum required separation per sector (numeric difference between two allocated
frequency channels), as shown below.
Figure 18: Minimum/Maximum Frequency Separation Constraints

4.3.2 GSM/UMTS Shared-band Frequency Planning

The Frequency Optimizer has been enhanced in version 5.0 to support GSM/UMTS network
environments sharing the same frequency band (e.g., GSM900 and UMTS900). The
frequency optimizer will automatically consider the impact UMTS sectors have on the GSM
network layer, taking into account the incoming UMTS-to-GSM interference created by the
GSM/UMTS Modeler functionality, described in section ‎4.2.1.
The objective of this enhancement is to minimize the impact UMTS sectors have on the GSM
network, while maximizing the reuse of spectrum for utilization by both technologies. This
capability enables users to transparently account for future or existing shared-band UMTS
carriers.
A set of network parameters has been added in version 5.0 to support this functionality.
 CARRIER_BLOCK_WIDTH (MHz) - Carrier block width (default = 5.0 MHz)
 GSM_TO_UMTS_HANDOVER_CO_IMPACT (%) – Percentage of affected traffic in
cases of GSM-to-UMTS neighbor relation co-reuse.
 GSM_TO_UMTS_HANDOVER_ADJ_IMPACT (%) – Percentage of affected traffic in
cases of GSM-to-UMTS neighbor relation adjacent-reuse.
 UMTS_TO_GSM_HANDOVER_CO_IMPACT (%) – Percentage of affected traffic in
cases of UMTS-to-GSM neighbor relation co-reuse.
 UMTS_TO_GSM_HANDOVER_ADJ_IMPACT (%) – Percentage of affected traffic in
cases of UMTS-to-GSM neighbor relation adjacent-reuse.
 ALLOW_CO_SITE_UMTS_GSM_REUSES - Allow co-site GSM-UMTS reuses.

These parameters can be accessed as follows:

Network  Network Properties  Advanced Tab  Frequency Plan Optimizer, as
shown below.
Figure 19: Frequency Optimizer - GSM UMTS Impact Parameters
The Frequency Plan Optimizer report, Violated Constraints, has been updated to support
GSM/UMTS shared-band frequency planning, as shown in the sample report below.
Figure 20: Frequency Optimizer – GSM/UMTS Violated Constraints Report

4.4 Quality Evaluator Updates
4.4.1 UMTS-to-GSM Interference Impact Simulation

The Quality Evaluator has been enhanced to also simulate the performance impact UMTS
sectors have on the GSM network layer sharing the same frequency band (e.g., UMTS900
impact on GSM900). Version 5.0 provides an accurate performance simulation for such
network environments. The process is completely transparent to the user.
4.5 Import Updates
4.5.1 UMTS Network Visualization

UMTS network visualization (see Figure 3), introduced in version 4.0 as part of a licensed
add-on, is now available for all users in version 5.0, supporting Ericsson, NSN, and Huawei.
The available functionalities include:
 Import UMTS network (UTRAN configuration)
 GSM-UMTS Discrepancy report
 GSM-UMTS neighbor-list visualization
For more information, refer to the Ultima Forte Online Help.
4.5.2 Import UMTS Traffic and Power Statistics

A new Schema Format file, UMTS Traffic and Power Statistics (UmtsTrafficPowerStats.txt),
which contains information about the UMTS traffic and power statistics per sector carrier,
has been added in version 5.0. To import this file, on the File menu, click Import  UMTS
Traffic and Power Statistics.
Column Range Description Units
Sector Carrier Name string The name of the UMTS sector carrier.
Traffic 0 to 200 Average UMTS traffic of the sector carrier. Erlang
Power 0 to 60 Average transmitted power of the sector carrier. dBm
Figure 21: Schema Format – UMTS Traffic and Power Statistics File

4.6 Schema Format Changes

4.6.1 UMTS/GSM Interference
Two new Schema Format files for interference are included in version 5.0: UMTS-to-GSM
interference relations (UmtsToGsmInterference.txt) and GSM-to-UMTS interference relations
(GsmToUmtsInterference.txt).
Field Range Description Units

Victim GSM Sector String The name of the GSM sector.
Interferer Sector Carrier String The name of the interfering UMTS sector carrier.
Mean -40…100 dB
STD 0…30 dB
Figure 22: Schema Format–UMTS-to-GSM Interference
Field Range Description Units

Victim Sector Carrier String The name of the UMTS sector carrier.
Interferer GSM Sector String The name of the interfering GSM sector.
Mean -40…100 dB
STD 0…30 dB
Figure 23: Schema Format–GSM-to-UMTS Interference
4.6.2 Frequency Separation File Structure Change

The Schema Format Frequency Separations file format has been modified to support both
Minimum and Maximum Frequency Separation constraints, (shown below), as described in
section ‎4.3.1.
Example 15MHz
Maximum
Frequency
Separation
Example 10MHz
Maximum
Frequency
Separation
Example 20MHz
Maximum
Frequency
Separation
Figure 24: Schema Format Frequency Separation File Structure
Details on how to import these constraints can be found in the Ultima Forte Online Help –
“Importing Sector Frequency Separations” section.

4.7 Applicative Changes
4.7.1 PLAN HSN for Base-Band (change default)

The default value of the advanced network property, PLAN_HSN_FOR_BASE_BAND, has
been changed to “Yes” in version 5.0.
4.7.2 AMR Penetration (change default)

The default value of the advanced network property, AMR_PENETRATION_RATE, has
been changed to “80%” in version 5.0.

5 GUI and Usability Enhancements
5.1 Save Sector Selection as Layer

Users can now save sector selections as a GIS layer. This feature can be used instead of
saving a selection set as a .txt file. To save a selection as a layer, select the Save
Selection as Layer command from the right-click menu or from the Selection menu bar.
After saving the selection as a layer, it will appear in the list of GIS layers. As with all other
GIS layers, the saved selection layer’s legend can be edited to be any color. Additionally,
the sectors used for the layer can be selected by using the command Display Selection
Set on Map from the right-click menu of the saved layer.
Figure 25: Sector Selection Layer
5.2 Select Sectors by Property

Users can now select sectors with specific properties, for example, sector name, sync group,
HR threshold, site name, and any user defined custom property, on the map. By default,
Forte zooms in on the matching selection. To select sectors by specific properties on the
map, select the Select Sectors by Property command from the Selection menu bar or
use the Ctrl+T hotkey combination.
Figure 26: Select Sectors by Property Window

5.3 Actions Removed from Right-Click Menu

The Copy/Delete site/sector actions have been removed from the right-click menu in
order to simplify it. These actions are still accessible through the Edit menu.
5.4 Open Destination Folder

The Open Folder action has been added to all export functionalities, enabling direct access
to the destination folder containing the exported data (e.g., scripts, reports).
Figure 27: Open Destination Folder Option
5.5 Sector Resize Hotkeys

Version 5.0 includes two new hotkeys to resize sectors on the map:
 Alt+I – Increases shape size
 Alt+D – Decreases shape size
5.6 Support for Google Earth Format Files

It is now possible to export individual Forte layers to Google Earth File (*.kml) format.
To export the layer to Google Earth File format, right-click the layer in the Layers pane,
select Export Layer, and then in the Files of type field, select Google Earth File (*.kml).
Figure 28: Export GIS Layer in KML Format

5.7 Show GSM/UMTS Sector Interference

The show incoming/outgoing interference on the map functionality has been enhanced to
also display interference between GSM and UMTS sectors (shown in Figure 3 above). In a
dual-technology (GSM/UMTS) network, users can show the interfered or interfering UMTS
sectors by:
 Right-clicking a sector and from the menu selecting Show Sector Interference 
Show GSM/UMTS  Outgoing Interference or Incoming Interference.
 Clicking Network  Show Sector Interference  Show GSM/UMTS  Outgoing
Interference or Incoming Interference to show the interfered or interfering UMTS
sectors.
 Clicking the arrow next to the Show Sector Interference button on the Standard
toolbar, selecting Show GSM/UMTS, and then selecting either the outgoing or incoming
interference, as shown below.
Figure 29: Show Sector Interference

6 Hardware Requirements
Ultima Forte is a Windows®-based application that operates independently on any personal
computer with the following attributes:
 CPU: Pentium 4 with a 3 GHz processor (preferred: Dual Core, 2.4Ghz)
 OS: Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / Windows 7
 Microsoft Office: 2000 / XP / 2003 / 2007 / 2010
 RAM: 2 GB (large environments )
 Hard Disk: 100GB (optional: additional storage for raw data)
Note: Contact the Schema Customer Support Center for advice on fine-tuning the Ultima Forte™ memory settings
for environments of 10,000 cells or more.

7 Software Requirements
7.1 OFP Evaluator Required Microsoft Firewall Settings

The OFP Evaluator application can be utilized to speed up the Ultima Forte optimization
process by enabling additional Evaluators to run concurrently on a local or remote machine.
The following configuration changes must be made to the Microsoft ® firewall so that remote
evaluators can connect to the OFP.
1. On the Start menu, select Settings and then Control Panel.
2. In the Control Panel, select Windows Firewall and then select the Exceptions tab.
3. Click Add Program and select the Ultima OFP Evaluator Client application, as shown
below.
Figure 30: Selecting OFP Evaluator Client

4. Click OK. The OFP Evaluator Client is added to the list of applications enabled for
communication, as shown below.
Figure 31: OFP Evaluator Client Added to List of Enabled Applications

8 Documentation
Ultima Forte includes an extensive array of resources that help you to use the software
effectively. For complete details, please refer to the application’s Online Help.
You can access the Online Help topics from within Ultima Forte in several ways:
 Choose Help  Help Contents
 Press the F1 key from within any Ultima Forte window
 Click the icon at the bottom of any dialog box in which this icon appears. The Online
Help is context sensitive and leads you directly to the relevant Help topic while pointing
to the position of the topic in the Table of Contents.

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Ultima Forte™ v5.

Copyright ©2011 Schema Ltd.

Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 2 of 32

Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 3 of 32

This document contains the following information:

Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 4 of 32

2.1 Traffic Load Balancing

 TBHO (Traffic-based Handovers)

 HR (Half Rate) optimization (including TRX removal recommendation)

 PBGT (Power Budget) handover margin (Hysteresis)

 HCS (Hierarchical Cell Structure)

 Handover failure reduction (Mobility)

Figure 1: Traffic Load Balancing Optimization

Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 5 of 32

Figure 2: New RAN Feature Plan Optimization Wizard – Traffic Balancing

Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 6 of 32

2.2 Spectrum Re-farming

Version 5.0 spectrum re-farming supports the following features:

Figure 3: UMTS-to-GSM Incoming Interference Visualization

Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 7 of 32

2.3 Enterprise Server Integration

2.3.1 Scheduling Data Collection Tasks on the Server

The collection tasks integrated into version 5.0 include:

Figure 4: Scheduled GSM Collection Tasks

Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 8 of 32

2.3.2 Scheduling Modeling Tasks on the Server

Figure 5: Server Modeling Wizard (Step 1)

Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 9 of 32

2.3.3 Scheduling Recurring Traffic Load Balancing Optimization

Figure 6: Server Optimization Wizard (Step 1) – Traffic Load Balancing

Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 10 of 32

2.4 Server-Client Integration

2.4.1 Importing Network Data from the Server

Figure 7: Import Window

Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 11 of 32

2.4.2 Executing Traffic Load Balancing Optimization with Server

Figure 8: New RAN Feature Plan Wizard – Import from Server

2.4.3 Server Indication on Forte Client Status Bar

Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 12 of 32

2.4.4 Server Menu

Figure 10: Server Menu

Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 13 of 32

3 New and Updated Hardware Vendor

3.1 Nokia Updates

Figure 11: Nokia Export FP - XML Script Methodology

Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 14 of 32

Figure 12: Nokia XML Export – Split Scripts per BSC

Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 15 of 32

Figure 14: Nokia Export FP MML – Lock All Sectors

3.2 Huawei Updates

3.3 Motorola Updates

Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 16 of 32

4 Feature Enhancements and Updates

4.1.1 Planet Integration Updates

4.1.2 Noises Utility - Always Apply Filter Option

Figure 15: Sector Noises – ―Always Apply this Filter‖ Option

Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 17 of 32

4.2 Modeler Updates

4.2.1 GSM/UMTS Modeler

To access the GSM/UMTS Modeler feature:

Figure 16: GSM/UMTS Modeler Window

Select one of the following options:

Schema Confidential & Proprietary June 2011 page 18 of 32

These parameters can be accessed as follows: