FDD-LTE Network Optimization Process

Contents

1 Roles and Responsibilities ......................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Project leader..................................................................................................................................... 1

1.2 RF manager ....................................................................................................................................... 1

1.3 RF Sub-project manager ................................................................................................................... 2

1.4 Network planning and optimization engineer ................................................................................... 2

1.5 Product Support Engineer ................................................................................................................. 3

1.6 Drive Test Engineer........................................................................................................................... 3

1.7 Customer ........................................................................................................................................... 3

2 Description of the Standard Process ......................................................................................................... 4

2.1 Project Initiation ................................................................................................................................ 4

2.2 Project Planning ................................................................................................................................ 5

2.3 Project Implementation ..................................................................................................................... 6

2.3.1 Performance monitoring......................................................................................................... 7

2.3.2 Check the radio parameters .................................................................................................... 7

2.3.3 Single Site Verification Test ................................................................................................... 8

2.3.4 Before optimization evaluation .............................................................................................. 8

2.3.5 Complaints handling .............................................................................................................. 8

2.3.6 Single Site Optimization ........................................................................................................ 8

2.3.7 Site Cluster Optimization ....................................................................................................... 9

2.3.8 Whole Network Optimization ................................................................................................ 9

2.3.9 Project Acceptance ................................................................................................................. 9

2.4 Project Completion on the Scene .................................................................................................... 11

2.5 Project Reviewing ........................................................................................................................... 11

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1 Roles and Responsibilities

This standard process is applicable for the LTE network optimization projects which
are managed and conducted in project form. By introducing the procedures carried out
in network optimization projects, it regulates the work contents of network
optimization process and provides guidelines for project implementation.

The LTE network optimization is such a process during which the network
optimization engineers make analysis on the existing network based on its actual
behaviors, and then if necessary conduct proper adjustments on network parameters to
improve its performance and enable it to supply as good as possible services under the
current system configuration and meet subscribers‟ increasingly higher requirements.

The “network optimization” mentioned in this standard process involves both RF

optimization and maintenance optimization on LTE networks.

This paper briefly describes all the stages involved in LTE network optimization, given
workflow including RF optimization and maintenance optimized, focuses on
describing the objectives and tasks of RF optimization.

1.1 Project leader

Role name: Project leader

Role description: Responsible for the project start, planning, implementation, control,
acceptance, coordinate all resources to complete the whole process.

1.2 RF manager
Role name: RF manager

Role description: Organize the routine work of network optimization, responsible for
optimizing quality and optimization report

Responsibilities:

1. Collection of network information.

2. Make network optimization work plan.

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 3. Divide the network optimization region and set network optimization team.

4. Ensure optimization tools are enough.

1.3 RF Sub-project manager

Role name: RF Sub-project manager

Role description: Responsible for sub-project optimization

Responsibilities:

1. Decided to the priority sequence of problem solving

2. make daily and weekly report, as well as the next week work plan

3. Maintain records of all the parameters change

4. Determining the points of single-site verification, RF optimization, parameter

optimization

5. Analysis OMC statistics and drive test data

6. Provide solution to the problem such as coverage, call drop, access and other
network performance.

1.4 Network planning and optimization engineer

Role name: Network planning and optimization engineer

Role description: Processing and analysis of collected data, positioning the network
performance problems

Responsibilities:

1. Decided to drive test area and routes.

2. Check the preparation for OMC statistical analysis.

3. OMC statistical data processing and make daily report and data charts.

4. Processing and analysis of drive test data and the OMC statistics

5. Provide solution to the problem such as coverage, call drop, access and other
network performance.

6. Maintenance of drive test data and the OMC statistics

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 7. Weekly routine work: check parameters

1.5 Product Support Engineer

Role name: Product Support Engineer

Role description: Maintain the equipments, help optimization engineers to locate the
network problem

Responsibilities:

1. Check all the related alarms.

2. Check the cell status.

3. Activate all the counters need to use.

4. If necessary tracking signaling

5. If necessary modify the parameters to help optimization engineers to find the

cause reason of the problem

1.6 Drive Test Engineer

Role name: Drive Test Engineer

Role description: Collect drive test data

Responsibilities:

1. Prepare for drive test.

2. Carry out drive test.

3. Execute single site verification.

1.7 Customer
This standard refers to the operators responsible for network planning, construction
department.

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2 Description of the Standard Process

According to the implementation sequence, the work involved in a LTE network

optimization project can be divided into the following five stages.

Figure 2-1 The Standard Process of LTE Network Optimization Project

The Standard Process of LTE Network Optimization Project

Project Initiation Project Planning Implementation Completion on the Scene Reviewing

Project Leader

Start

End
RF Manager

Understanding of
project needs and
expectations to No
achieve
Analysis
demand No
informatio Project
Project
n and
P & O Engineer

planning Reviewing
objectives implement
Meets the Yes
of the network
project optimal
optimization
conditions？
of the target
area Report the
Network
optimizatio
n project
work
Customer

Compliance with Confirm the

customer Yes optimizatio
requirements n project

2.1 Project Initiation

Tailor Note The activity in this stage can not be tailored.
Entry Rule The LTE network optimization project is started.
network optimization project contract, The Report on LTE Network Design or the
Input report on last network optimization, The Individual Base Station Check Report,
Information Table of Network‟s Base Stations
Purpose:
The activity in this stage is mainly to learn the following information:
the detailed information of the network optimization project and the customer‟s goals
on this phase project;
Activity the scope of target area to be optimized, key coverage areas as well as their scopes
Description and environmental characteristics, especially to learn the information of the areas
which have special demands on voice or data service. Additionally, for the data
service, since different areas may have varying service requirements, it needs to
acquire the accurate information in this aspect from the customer;
longitude and latitude, and type of each base station, antenna height, sector

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 orientation, antenna downtilt, antenna type, feeder length, etc.;
the system parameters configuration, including parameters related to the data service
such as parameters configuration of SGW and PDN, the IP address configuration,
etc.;
the existing network problems to which subscribers cannot tolerate most. And these
problems should be given highest priority during network optimization.
When our company conducts the optimization project as a third party for a service
area which adopts other vendors‟ network equipments, above information should be
collected from the customer. While if the network to be optimized uses our
company‟s own network equipments, the needed information by the project can be
learned from other more convenient channels such as through local representative
office of Marketing Departments.
It also needs to learn:
the problems complained by key subscribers, such as the customer‟s leaders, VIP
subscribers, etc., as well as to learn their requirements on network services;
the acceptance criterion of each sub-project of the entire project. These criteria
should be stated clearly in the contract. Actually, these acceptance criteria should be
prepared well in contract revising stage, and in this stage, these criteria need to be
further confirmed;
the customer‟s detailed demands on network testing, including testing time, rules for
the selection of testing routes and locations, calling mode, and so on.
It also needs to confirm the work scope of the customer and our party to make clear
the customer‟s responsibilities and resources he should supply.
1、the minutes of meeting with the operator (Mandatory)
Output 2、the link reference to the project and the document (Optional)
3、Project task report (Mandatory)
Participant
network optimization engineers
Roles
Support
Tools

2.2 Project Planning

Tailor Note The activity in this stage can not be tailored.
Entry Rule The stage of project initiation has been completed.
The Minute for LTE Network Optimization Project Initiation Meeting, The Report on
Input LTE Network Design or the report on last network optimization, and The Individual
Base Station Check Report

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 Purpose:
According to The Minute for LTE Network Optimization Project Initiation Meeting,
make analysis on the customer‟s requirements on network optimization and develop
an appropriate project plan.
Notes:
The project plan is developed based on the organization of project team and
Activity requirements on resources needed by the project. And it needs to be revised and
Description confirmed by the LTE Division and the local representative office of the Marketing
Department.
The project plan needs to present the detailed feasible optimization scheme and its
procedures.
The project plan should give the schedule of the project, including the implementation
period of each sub-project. The project schedule needs to pass the customer‟s
examination and acquire his confirmation.
1、The Plan for Network Optimization Project (Mandatory)
Output
2、The decomposition of the project plan wbs (Optional)
Participant
network optimization engineers
Roles
Support
Tools

2.3 Project Implementation

Tailor Note The activity in this stage can not be tailored.
The Plan for Network Optimization Project has been finished and has passed the
Entry Rule
customer‟s confirmation.
Input The Plan for Network Optimization Project
Purpose:
According to the contents of The Plan for Network Optimization Project, implement
optimization on the network in target service area.
Note:
The details about optimization techniques can be referred to „KPI Optimization
Instructions‟.
Activity
Project requirements
Description
1. Compliance with the specifications for after-sales field service engineers
2. Compliance with the network planning and optimization processes and
specifications that department require
3. the output report must use the template of office document
In addition, in the course of project implementation, concerned about the CI
collection and skills transfer .
1、Project Report - the report that reflects the achievement of the goals, the report for
Output
various stages of the implementation process, the final output of the planning &

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 optimization report (Mandatory)
2、Weekly Report, Monthly Report, etc. (Mandatory)
3、Base station information table (Mandatory)
4、Project Risk and Risk change tracking (large projects needed)
5、Milestone (large projects needed)
Participant
network optimization engineers
Roles
Support
Tools

Mainly related knowledge for the implementation stage:

2.3.1 Performance monitoring

The KPI of data service in Radio network includes the following: Access success rate,
handover success rate, data call drop rate, the number of bad service cell, Data
throughput, etc.

The KPI should be based on the contract signed with the operator and the requirements
of the project team.

2.3.2 Check the radio parameters

1. Radio parameter checking tool

Why should use the tool to check the radio parameters?

You need to monitor multiple network elements at the same time on the parameters
change and check the radio parameters.

You are worried about the radio parameter changed was not notified.

You need to verify whether the radio parameters are reasonable or not when you just
arrive at new project.

When faced with a network problem, radio parameters need to efficiently confirm
whether it is reasonable or not.

2. Radio parameters Documentation

In the process of checking the radio parameter, if there are different views on some
parameters of test results, we can refer to 'LTE radio parameter description'.

The latest version of the parameters documents that be submit to the customer, can get
it from this web site: http://tsm.zte.com.cn.

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2.3.3 Single Site Verification Test

Deal with the alarm and check engineering quality on single station to ensure the
quality of single-station operation. Related operations on the OMC can refer to 'OMC
Operation Guide'.

1. the procedure of single station verification and report templates

Refer to 'Single Station Verification Test' and 'LTE Radio Network Test & Optimization
Guide'.

2. Troubleshooting of antenna and feeding

Refer to 'Topical Analysis of Base Station Antenna & feeding Installation Error'.

2.3.4 Before optimization evaluation

Evaluation methods before network optimization is various, Evaluation points out the
direction of network optimization in the next stage, so the optimization work can be
carried out in a planned way; on the other hand, evaluation before optimization can be
compared with the optimization results.

2.3.5 Complaints handling

The problems or complaints from the various aspects of radio network in the initial
network launch are common, if we are able to resolve the problems and complaints at
the first time, that is very important for the following optimization, acceptance and
maintaining relationships with our customers.

2.3.6 Single Site Optimization

1. Check alarm and single site verification

The detail operation refer to 'single site verification Test'.

2. Radio parameter & neighbor list optimization

Optimize the radio parameter and neighbor list to achieve the improvement of KPI.

3. RF optimization

Adjust the antenna or other RF methods to improve the performance of single site.

4. Monitoring the KPI and failure analyze

Focus on the worst sites for the global KPI, analyze the reason of failure, solve the

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 problem to achieve the improvement of whole network.

2.3.7 Site Cluster Optimization

The methods for site cluster optimization are various for specific projects and specific
issues, the details can refer to ' LTE Radio Network Test & Optimization Guide '.

2.3.8 Whole Network Optimization

After the completion of all the site cluster optimization, we can do the whole network
optimization to solve the problem of crossing the cluster. We focus on the global
performance in whole network optimization stage. The purpose of whole network
optimization:

1. Solve the problems that can't be located or adjustment will have a relatively large
impact in site cluster stage;

2. Optimize the performance of the junction area of different clusters to ensure the
integrity of radio network, especially the handover performance;

3. Checklist of the acceptance of KPI

Ensure that at the end of the whole network optimization, the network required to
achieve acceptance of KPI is reached.

The whole network optimization is mainly using drive test, all the test route design in
whole network optimization should be consistent with the test route in project
acceptance. During the test route design, consideration should focus on the border
areas of the cluster to find cross-cluster issues.

Evaluate the quality of optimized network, identify and solve the problems, be
prepared for the acceptance test. Related topics Optimization can refer to 'Analysis of
data services key performance indicators'.

2.3.9 Project Acceptance

The specific content of project acceptance is determined by the contract of acceptance,

In acceptance phase, maintain closely communication with parties to the project, to
maximize the use of all resources to ensure the progress of project acceptance work
smoothly.

Project acceptance by the customer usually select a number of drive test route in the

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 whole network to do the acceptance test. Before the commercial, the KPI targets of
project acceptance as following (defined by the product line):

target KPI of the whole network optimization

RSRP Min % ≥%
CINR Min % ≥%
Access success rate Min % ≥%
HO success rate Min % ≥%
FTP DL Throughput Average ≥Mbps
Throughput
FTP DL MAX
Throughput MAX Throughput Mbps
FTP UL Throughput Average ≥Mbps
Throughput
FTP UL MAX
Throughput MAXThroughput Mbps

Concerning the output documents of network acceptance and related reports are listed
below:

2.3.9.1 Documents to be submitted to the operator

Acceptance report

Optimization report

Site parameter configuration table

Radio parameter configuration table

The "optimization report" should include the following:

1. project background

2. overview of existing networks

3. acceptance criteria

4. the procedure of network optimization

5. problem analysis, proposed adjustments and the effect after the adjustment

6. acceptance testing and test results

7. Remaining issues and recommendations from the optimization point of view

8. Appendix

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2.3.9.2 Procedural documents and data

Site parameter configuration table

Radio parameter configuration table

2.4 Project Completion on the Scene

Tailor Note The activity in this stage can not be tailored.
Entry Rule The project implementation has been completed.
Input The output reports of implementation phase
Report and verifying the optimization result, If it is not satisfied the needs of the team
or the customers, re-plan the network optimization.
Purpose:
The activity in this stage is mainly to report to the customer about project
Activity implementation and to make the optimization result get the customer‟s confirmation.
Description After acceptance by the customers in the project, must write out the optimization
report.
Note:
By holding meetings, report the project implementation and summarization to the
customer.
RF project manager must prepare the PPT use the optimization report as a basis, to
communicate with the operator. then can understand the idea of the operator for this
optimization and the follow-up optimization or the demand expansion.
1、the minutes of meeting with the operator (Mandatory)
2、the minutes of meeting with Field Project Leader (Mandatory)
3、'Network planning and optimization technology support on-site Feedback Form'
Output
(Mandatory)
4、'Skills transfer information registration form' (Mandatory)
5、Mission reports (Mandatory)
6、Project summary report (Optional)
7 、 the transfer orders and reports about network planning and optimization
information (Optional)
Participant
network optimization engineers
Roles
Support
Tools

2.5 Project Reviewing

Tailor Note The activity in this stage can not be tailored.
Entry Rule The network optimization result has been confirmed by the customer.
Input The output reports of network optimization

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 Purpose:
The activity in this stage is mainly to make a systematic summarization on the entire
network optimization project
Note:
Activity
The network optimization engineers who attended the project need to hold a meeting
Descriptions
after coming back from the project scene to review the project implementation and
share valuable experiences and lessons obtained during network optimization,
meanwhile, they can also put forward proposals for improving the department‟s
project management at the meeting.
Output The Report on CDMA Network Optimization Project Reviewing
Participant
network optimizations engineering
Roles
Support
Tools

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