GSM BSS Network KPI (Network Coverage) Optimization Manual

V1.0 INTERNAL

Product Name Confidentiality Level

G3BSC INTERNAL
Product Version Total 20 pages

GSM BSS Network KPI (Network Coverage)

Optimization Manual V1.0
For internal use only

Prepared by GSM&UMTS Network Xie Date 2008-6-3

Performance Research Department Haibin

Reviewed by Date

Reviewed by Date

Granted by Date

Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

All rights reserved

 GSM BSS Network KPI (Network Coverage) Optimization Manual
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Contents
1 Coverage Capability.................................................................................................................. 5
2 Analysis of Top Problems in Network Coverage Cases ............................................................ 7
2.1 Engineering Quality ...................................................................................................... 7
2.2 Network Planning and Optimization ............................................................................. 8
2.2.1 Network Parameter Settings .............................................................................. 8
2.2.2 CDU Configuration ........................................................................................... 9
2.2.3 Missing Configuration of Neighboring Cell Relations ................................... 10
2.3 Non-Huawei Devices .................................................................................................. 10
2.4 Equipment Faults ........................................................................................................ 11
3 Troubleshooting Process of Coverage Problems ..................................................................... 11
4 Typical Cases .......................................................................................................................... 16
 GSM BSS Network KPI (Network Coverage) Optimization Manual
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Revision Record

Date Revision Change Description Author

Version
2008-6-3 1.0 Draft completed. Xie
Haibin
 GSM BSS Network KPI (Network Coverage) Optimization Manual
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GSM BSS Network KPI (Network Coverage)

Optimization Manual

Keywords: network coverage, optimization

Abstract: This document analyzes the top problems in the cases submitted at
http://support.huawei.com/support/, describes the troubleshooting procedures, and provides
optimization methods.
Abbreviations:
Abbreviation Full Spelling
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Preface
This document compares the transmit power on top of the cabinet and receiver sensitivity
between Huawei products and non-Huawei products. It also analyzes the top coverage problems in
the collected cases. In addition, it provide the troubleshooting procedures and coverage
optimization methods for the onsite engineers.

1 Coverage Capability

Conclusion: The BTS312 and BTS3012 from Huawei can replace the BTSs from other
vendors. After the replacement, the transmit power on top of the BTS cabinet is the same or even
higher and thus normal network coverage can be ensured. With the large-scale commercial use of
the BTS3012 and the development of the cavity combiner, the coverage capability of Huawei
equipment is greatly enhanced. In addition, the DBS3900 GSM has a distributed structure. It can
be mounted on a tower, thus reducing the feeder loss and expanding the coverage area without
power boost.
Our rich crisis handling experience proves that the decrease in the coverage area of a BTS is
closely related to the engineering quality, network optimization parameters, geographical factors,
and electromagnetic environment. The technical specifications, such as the frequency, sensitivity,
and power of the system, do not degrade in performance and further cause decrease in the
coverage area unless a board is faulty.

Table 1 Comparison on the coverage capability between Huawei and non-Huawei products in the GSM900
band
Maximum Transmit Power on Top of the Cabinet in the GSM900 Band (dBm)
Cell
HW3012 HW3012
Configuration E(2202)/E(2206) M (Horizon)/ II N (Ultrasite) S (BS240) HW312*
DTRU QTRU***

S1–2, EDU 45.5 46.2/46.6 45.4 45.6 44.8/46.2/47.8 46.8 47.8/49.0 (1 TRX)
42.5
42.3 (measured 43.2 (measured
S1–2, CDU 42 (measured 40.9/42.3/43.9 43.3 47/47.8 (2 TRXs)
result) result)/43.5
result)
42.5
42.3 (measured 44.8/46.0 (3
S3–4, CDU 43.2/43.5 42 (measured 40.9/42.3/43.9 43.3
result) TRXs)
result))

39.3
40.2 (measured
S5–6, SCU 38.6 (measured 37.9/39.3/40.9 40.2 44/44.8 (4 TRXs)
result)/39.4
result)

39.3
40.2 (measured
S7–8, SCU 38.6 (measured 37.9/39.3/40.9 40.2 43/44 (5 TRXs)
result)/39.4
result)
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44.4 (measured 44.2 (measured 44.6 (typical 40.8/43.0 (6

S4–S12, cavity 43.7 43
result) result) value)** TRXs)

Normal: –111
–112 dBm
Sensitivity –113 dBm –111 dBm dBm
-110.5 dBm (measured –112.5 dBm –112.5 dBm
(static) (measured result) (measured result) EDGE: –112
result)
dBm
*Remarks: The three values in each cell of this column indicate the output power of the 40 W BTS312, 60 W BTS312, and 40
W+PBU BTS312 respectively.
**Remarks: For the four-in-one cavity, the typical insertion loss is 2.5 dB and the maximum insertion loss is 3.5 dB; for the
six-in-one cavity, the typical insertion loss is 3 dB and the maximum insertion loss is 3.5 dB. In this document, 3 dB is used as
the typical value.
***Remarks: The output power of the QTRU varies according to the number of configured TRXs. The three values in each cell
of this column indicate the normal output power, the enhanced output power, and the number of TRXs respectively.

Table 1 Comparison on the coverage capability between Huawei and non-Huawei products in the DCS1800
band
Cell Maximum Transmit Power on Top of the Cabinet in the DCS1800 Band (dBm)
Configuration E(2202)/E(2206) M (Horizon)/ II N (Ultrasite) S (BS240) Huawei312* Huawei3012

S1–2, EDU 44.5 45.6/46 45.3 43.7 44.8/46.2/47.8 46.8

42.6 (measured 40.5 (measured

S1–2, CDU 41.3 41.9 40.9/42.3/43.9 43.3
result)/42.4 result)
42.6 (measured 40.5 (measured
S3–4, CDU 41.3 41.9 40.9/42.3/43.9 43.3
result)/42.4 result)

38.5 dBm 37.3 (measured

S5–6, SCU 39.6/38.4 37.9/39.3/40.9 40.2
(measured result) result)
38.5 dBm 37.3 (measured
S7–8, SCU 39.6/38.4 37.9/39.3/40.9 40.2
(measured result) result)
42.1 dBm 41.2 dBm to 40.7
S4–S12, cavity 43.1 44.1
(measured result) dBm

–113
Sensitivity –112 dBm –113 dBm Normal: –111 Bm
dBm(measured –112 dBm -112.5 dBm
(static) (measured result) (measured result) EDGE: –112 dBm
result)

*Remarks: The three values in each cell of this column indicate the output power of the 40 W BTS312, 60 W BTS312, and 40
W+PBU BTS312 respectively.

Note:
1. The minimum transmit power on top of the cabinet of Huawei BTS is listed. The actually
measured value may be slightly larger.
2. The transmit power on top of the BTS312 cabinet takes the surge protector loss into
consideration. The BTS3012 uses the new surge protection design without the surge
protector.
3. After network replacement, the coverage may change because of the introduction of
additional losses, such as the additional jumpers, added TMA, and surge protector.
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4. On the Local Maintenance Terminal (LMT) of the BTS3900 GSM and DBS3900 GSM, the
output power of the TRX is set the same as the transmit power on top of the cabinet, which is
different from the value before network replacement.

2 Analysis of Top Problems in Network Coverage Cases

To solve the coverage problems, the onsite engineers need to analyze them first and then
identify the problems by following the troubleshooting procedures.
Before network replacement, test the coverage of the original network, especially in the
important areas. After network replacement, compare the coverage before and after network
replacement. In addition, reasonably configure the BTS antenna according to the principles of
configuring the antenna before network replacement. Coverage comparison before and after the
network replacement provides valid evidence and is effective for locating the coverage problems.
Nearly 80% of the coverage problems are caused by the poor engineering quality, network
optimization problems, faults in non-Huawei devices, and equipment faults. The following section
analyzes the coverage problems from these aspects.

2.1 Engineering Quality

Cable faults

Antenna Incorrect
faults feeder
connections

Figure 1 Pie chart of engineering quality causes

 During the deployment, capacity expansion, or replacement of a BTS, the feeders are
usually reversely connected, thus reducing the traffic volume and decreasing the
network coverage. You can identify this problem by performing a drive test and
checking the antenna and the feeder. A high voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR)
increases the power loss. You can use the SITEMASTER to test the VSWR, check the
VSWR alarm, and check the feeder connections for problem identification. The
GSM&UMTS Network Performance Research Department will develop a tool for
locating the problems of the antenna and feeder. For details, see Case 1.
 The fault in the RX signal cable may deteriorate the uplink signals and decrease the
coverage. You can identify the problem by checking the cable connections, analyzing
the balance between the uplink and downlink, and querying the main and diversity
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alarms. For details, see Case 2.

 Check whether the tilt and azimuth of the antenna change after network replacement.
The change of the main BCCH antenna, especially the omnidirectional antenna, before
and after network replacement also affects the coverage. That is, the area of good
coverage may become an area of poor coverage and the area of poor area may become
an area of good coverage; however, the customers have concern about only the latter
situation and may make complaints. For details, see Case 3.
Summary: The poor engineering quality is the main cause of the coverage problem. The use
of double-antenna, transmit diversity, and COBCCH pose increasingly high requirements for the
engineering quality in antenna installation. To solve the coverage problems, ensure that the feeders
and connectors are securely and correctly connected. For details, see Case 4.

2.2 Network Planning and Optimization

Network planning
problems
Improper CDU
configuration

Incorrect
antenna type
Improper network
parameter settings
Missing configuration of
neighboring cell relations

Figure 2 Pie chart of network planning and optimization causes

2.2.1 Network Parameter Settings

The parameters that have an impact on the coverage include Power Class, RACH

Min.Access Level, and RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN.

 Power Class

To suppress the co-channel interference and adjacent-channel interference, you can lower the

antenna, increase the tilt angle of the antenna, or reduce the transmit power of the BTS in planning

the network in urban areas. Generally, the indoor coverage may become poor if the transmit power
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of the BTS is reduced. You are advised to lower the antenna or increase the tilt angle of the

antenna. When the coverage is poor, ensure that the transmit power level is 0.

 RACH Min.Access Level

If this parameter is set to a smaller value, the MS can easily access the RACH and call drops

are more likely to occur. If this parameter is set to a larger value, some MSs may fail to make calls

even if they have strong signals. When the coverage is poor, ensure that the value of RACH

Min.Access Level is smaller than or equal to 1. For details, see Case 5.

 RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN

If this parameter is set to a smaller value, the required access signal level is low; therefore,

many MSs attempt to camp on this cell, thus increasing the cell load and call drop rate. If this

parameter is set to a larger value, the coverage area of the cell decreases. Therefore, you need to

set this parameter to a reasonable value to balance the uplink with the downlink. When the

coverage is poor, set this parameter to a smaller value. For details, see Case 6.

 Other parameters

Other parameters, such as the Cell Layer, CRO (cell reselection offset),

MS_TXPWR_MAX_CCH, and TMA Power Attenuation Factor, also affect the coverage. For

the settings of these parameters, see the Help on the LMT. For details, see Case 7.

Improper settings of network parameters are the important cause for the poor coverage. If

you increase the value of RACH Min.Access Level to increase the call completion rate and

decrease the call drop rate, the actual coverage area may become smaller. Therefore, in a

wide-coverage area, pay attention to the balance between the coverage area and the coverage

quality. During network replacement, ensure that the coverage quality does not decrease and then

ensure the KPIs using other methods.

2.2.2 CDU Configuration

BTS capacity expansion causes insertion loss. For example, when the BTS capacity increases
from two TRXs to three or four TRXs, 3 dB loss is introduced, thus deteriorating the coverage.
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Sometimes, network planning is carried out by the customer. During capacity expansion of a
BTS after network replacement, the change in the combination mode increases the loss, thus
deteriorating the coverage. In this case, the customer may misunderstand that the coverage
problem is caused by Huawei products. To avoid the preceding situation, check and compare the
TRX configuration and combination mode before and after the network replacement for prompt
problem identification. For details, see Case 8.
It is normal that the power level decreases after a combiner is added during capacity
expansion. Use the recommended configuration to avoid the loss due to capacity expansion. If you
have to use different combination modes, negotiate with the customer in advance to minimize the
adverse impact. If the coverage problems are caused by the capacity expansion carried out by the
customer, explain and clarify the situation to the customer.

2.2.3 Missing Configuration of Neighboring Cell Relations

During network replacement, pay special attention to the configuration of neighboring

cell relations. Ensure that each cell in the local BTS is configured with neighboring cells in the
neighboring BTSs and configured as a neighboring cell of other cells in the neighboring BTSs.
The cells in the BTSs under the control of different BSCs must be configured as external
neighboring cells with each other.
The missing configuration of neighboring cell relations decreases the handover success
rate, increases the call drop rate, and reduces the traffic volume. The BTS coverage seems to
decrease; however, the coverage does not change actually. For details, see Case 9.
It is easy to avoid the missing configuration of neighboring cell relations; however, it is
difficult to solve the coverage problem caused by the missing configuration of neighboring cell
relations. Therefore, great care is required in initial data configuration and data check in the case
of problems to avoid subsequent ineffective input.

2.3 Non-Huawei Devices

Surge protector
faults
Booster
amplifier
faults

Repeater
faults

TMA faults

Figure 3 Pie chart of the non-Huawei devices that cause the coverage problem

To reuse the original antenna after network replacement, check whether the TMA is used
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before network replacement. If the TMA is used, ensure that the TMA matches the Huawei
equipment. For the BTS312, ensure that the surge protector is properly installed. For details,
see Case 10.
Summary: The non-Huawei devices are difficult to monitor. In addition, the active devices
such as booster amplifier, repeater, and TMA are liable to fail. Therefore, when a coverage
problem occurs, carefully check the non-Huawei devices in use.

2.4 Equipment Faults

TRX faults

Combiner
faults

Clock faults

Figure 4 Pie chart of the equipment faults that cause the coverage problem

Summary: The poor coverage is also caused by the clock fault, intermittent transmission
disconnection, communication failure on a board, and radio link fault. You can learn the
equipment fault through alarms and rectify the fault by replacing the faulty part with a new one.
For details, see Case 11.

3 Troubleshooting Process of Coverage Problems

In case of coverage problems, the onsite engineers can do as follows to handle the problems:
1. Analyze the hardware configuration, parameter settings, traffic statistics, and alarms.
2. Check the BTS hardware, test the TRX power and the transmit power on top of the
cabinet, and perform drive tests on site.
3. Communicate with the customer that makes the complaints and perform field tests.
Then, most coverage problems can be solved.
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Check whether
the BTS is an
operational Possible cause Possible cause
Huawei BTS analysis 1 analysis 2

1. Check the Coverage decrease is Check for TRX fault or TRX

hardware caused by combination insufficiency, which may cause
configuration loss due to capacity congestion and traffic volume decrease.
expansion?

2. Check the Configuration of Check the parameters: Cell Layer,

parameter neighboring cell Power Class, RACH Min.Access Level,
settings relations is missing? RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN, and CRO.

Check for clock faults,

radio link faults, Check whether congestion occurs and
3. Check the
intermittent whether coverage is normal according to
alarms and traffic
disconnection, or traffic statistics, and check the uplink and
statistics
TRX communication downlink receive quality.
fault.
Compare the drive test
4. Compare the data before and after Communicate with the customer that
drive test data network swapping. If the makes complaints and conduct field
coverage is normal, the tests to obtain the first-hand data.
BTS fault is excluded
from the cause.
Check antenna and
5. Check the Check whether the tilt or azimuth angle of
feeder connections,
BTS antenna the antenna changes , because the main
connectors, combiner,
and feeder and diversity of the BCCH omnidirectional
and VSWR. Check
antenna may change the coverage area,
whether the antenna is
thus decreasing the traffic volume.
aging.

Test the power on top of

6. Test the the cabinet. If the power Check whether additional losses are
power on top of and receive sensitivity introduced, such as the additional
the cabinet are normal, exclude the jumpers, added TMA, and surge
BTS fault from the protector.
cause.

7. Find out
other possible
causes

Figure 5 Troubleshooting process of coverage problems

The troubleshooting process is as follows:

4. Check the hardware configuration: Check whether capacity expansion is performed and
whether the combination mode changes according to the TRX configuration provided by
the customer. Checking the hardware configuration helps determine whether a TRX is
faulty or whether the TRXs are sufficient, because the number of TRXs may be smaller
than that before network replacement, which leads to congestion and traffic decrease.
Objective: To solve the coverage problem caused by the combination loss due to
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capacity expansion.
5. Check the parameter settings: Check the PDCH configuration and settings of the
parameters closely related to the coverage, such as Power Class (0), RACH
Min.Access Level (≤1), RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN, and Cell Layer (same as the layer
of the neighboring cell). In addition, check the configuration of the neighboring cell
relations. Cells in the same BSC should be configured as bidirectional neighboring cells;
cells between different BSCs should be configured as external neighboring cells. Note
that the serving cell should be configured as the neighboring cell of other cells.
Objective: To solve the coverage problem caused by the missing configuration of
neighboring cell relations or by improper settings of the network optimization
parameters.
6. Check the alarms and traffic statistics:
 The coverage-related alarms are generated mainly because the TRX is faulty.
i) Hardware alarms: LAPD alarm, TRX configuration alarm, TRX processor running
Alarm, radio link critical alarm, TRX power decrease alarm, TRX power amplifier
shutdown alarm, TRX voltage abnormal alarm, TRX hardware alarm, TRX VSWR
alarm, TRX board communication alarm, CDU level-1 VSWR alarm, and CDU
level-2 VSWR alarm.
Note: After network replacement, the output power of the TRX may be manually
decreased to clear the VSWR alarm. This only covers the problem but not solves the
problem. Meanwhile, the coverage shrinks and the traffic volume decreases.
ii) Clock alarms: clock reference abnormal alarm, frame or TS number alarm, TRX
clock major alarm, phase-locked loop critical alarm, and TMU clock alarm.
iii) Transmission alarms: LAPD OML fault alarm, E1 remote alarm, and E1 local
alarm.
The preceding alarms do not necessarily cause the coverage decrease; however, if
alarms are generated and cleared frequently, the coverage seems to be poor and the
signal seems to fluctuate for the customer. In problem identification, handle these alarms
first.
 The measurement counters are related to KPI Measurement per Cell,
Incoming/Outgoing Internal/External Inter-Cell Handover Measurement per
Cell, Measurement of Power Control Messages per Cell, Receive Quality
Measurement per TRX, and Uplink-and-Downlink Balance Measurement per
TRX.
i) Compare the number of SDCCH requests and the number of TCH requests
respectively before and after network replacement to check whether the number of
SDCCH requests and the number of TCH requests during paging response are
normal.
ii) Check whether congestion occurs according to the congestion rate. If the
congestion rate is high, access to the network becomes difficult, thus causing
complaints.
iii) Compare the traffic volume in busy hours before and after network replacement to
check whether the traffic volume decreases. Traffic volume is an important
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indicator of the coverage.

iv) Compare the number of incoming inter-cell handovers and the number of outgoing
inter-cell handovers respectively before and after network replacement to check
whether the cooperation with the neighboring BTS is normal.
v) Check the average receive level and the average receive quality in the uplink and
the downlink.
Objective: To solve the coverage problem caused by the equipment faults by analyzing
the traffic statistics, which are important for problem identification.
7. Compare the drive test data before and after network replacement: This method is
effective to solve the coverage problem and can provide valid evidence for coverage
decrease. If network replacement is performed by the customer, the drive test data
before network replacement may be unavailable; therefore, identifying the coverage
problem becomes more difficult. You can perform drive tests after network replacement
and check the BTS to identify the problems such as reverse connection of the feeder,
poor coverage of the antenna, and handover failure. In addition, you need to
communicate with the customer that makes the complaints and perform field tests to
obtain the firsthand data for future comparison.
Objective: To identify the coverage problem by comparing the coverage before and after
network replacement. If the drive test data before network replacement is unavailable,
drive tests can still be performed, which are important for problem identification.
8. Check the BTS antenna and feeder: With the drive test results, check the antenna and
feeder connections. If the drive test results show that the antenna coverage is poor, use
the SITEMASTER to test whether the VSWR is smaller than 1.5. If the VSWR is
greater than 1.5, check whether water runs into the antenna connector or feeder
connector and whether the surge protector is faulty. If there are complaints about poor
coverage after network replacement but the drive test results show that the coverage is
normal, the poor coverage in some areas may be concerned with the antenna, especially
the omnidirectional antenna, of the main BCCH changes, or the tilt or azimuth angle of
the antenna changes. If the TMA is installed, you need to check whether the TMA is
activated and functional.
Objective: To ensure that the link between the top of the cabinet and the antenna is
normal by checking the BTS antenna system.
9. Test the transmit power on top of the cabinet: Ensure that the cables are securely
connected. Then, check whether the transmit power on top of the cabinet is normal. If
the transmit power is abnormal, use a power meter to check the power of the TRX and
combiner. If the TRX power decreases or the combiner loss is too high, replace the
faulty TRX or combiner. The receiver sensitivity can be tested by only the CMD57,
which is unavailable on site. Therefore, you can replace the faulty TRX.
Objective: To identify the coverage problem caused by the BTS. If the transmit power
on top of the cabinet is normal and is not lower than that of the non-Huawei equipment
before network replacement, the BTS fault can be excluded from the cause of poor
coverage.
10. Find out other causes: insufficient coverage, interference, poor electromagnetic
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environment, MS fault, SIM fault, or mistaken complaints due to the surrounding

environment of the antenna, building in the cell, vegetation in the cell, transmission
model, and emergence of new hotspot areas.
Remarks: For other causes, see the Guide to Dealing With Wireless Coverage Problems.
Objective: To identify the coverage problem by finding out possible causes.

Appendix: Check Items in Locating Coverage Problems

Check Item Remarks Objective

To check whether the TRX capacity is expanded. If the TRX

BTS TRX Capacity expansion information
capacity is expanded, check whether the combination mode
configuration provided by the customer
changes.

To ensure the power consistency before and after network

Power consistency before and after
Transmit power replacement. Higher power may cause interference and lower power
network replacement
may decrease the coverage.

To check the settings of the network optimization parameters,

Data configuration *.dat file
neighboring cell relations, and power configuration.

Hardware, clock, and transmission To check whether these alarms are generated in the cell. Handle the
Alarm information
alarms (self-check) alarms if they are generated.

To check whether the paging and coverage are normal by

comparing the number of SDCCH requests and the number of TCH

KPI Measurement per Cell
requests respectively and comparing the traffic volume before and

after network replacement.

Intra-cell Handover Measurement per

To compare the number of incoming inter-cell handovers and the
Cell
number of outgoing inter-cell handovers respectively before and
Traffic Incoming/Outgoing Internal/External
after network replacement to check whether the cooperation with
measurements Inter-Cell Handover Measurement per
the neighboring BTS is normal.
Cell

Measurement of Power Control

Messages per Cell

To check whether the receive quality in the uplink and the downlink
Receive Quality Measurement per TRX
is normal respectively.
Uplink-and-Downlink Balance

Measurement per TRX

To identify the coverage problem by comparing the coverage before

Drive test data *.log (*.cell) or *.ant file
and after network replacement.

Engineering parameter table and To check the geographical information through the NASTAR
Others
electronic map software.
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4 Typical Cases

Case 1: BTS coverage decrease caused by the loose connection of the jumper on the antenna side

Problem Description:
The customer complains that the coverage of a BTS decreases and call setup is difficult; however, no alarm
is found on the LMT.
Conclusion:

The receive level at the site with complaints ranges from –75 dBm to –95 dBm. Sometimes the signal level
fluctuates greatly and the call connection is abnormal. The local customer reports that the BTS operates normally
during initial deployment, the signal level is stable, and no interference exists. Check the hardware and cable
connections of the BTS. No problem is found. Use the power meter to test the transmit power of the TRX. The
transmit power of the TRX is normal. Test the VSWR of the antenna. The VSWR of the antenna is 1.5, which is a
little big. It is found that the VSWR on the antenna side is bigger. Then, climb up the tower for checking and find
that the connectors of the two feeders are securely connected. The jumper on the antenna side is too long, and the
waterproof curve on the jumper is too deep and is wobbling. It is doubted that the jumper and the antenna are in
loose contact. Pull the jumper and find that the jumper and the antenna are in loose contact.

Solution:

Reinstall and wrap the connectors of the jumper and the antenna and reinstall the antenna. Then, make the
curve slighter. Wrap the jumper with straps. The jumper is no longer wobbling. Restart the BTS and perform a test
at the site with complaints. The signal level becomes normal and the problem is solved.

Case 2: Imbalance between the uplink and the downlink caused by the RX cable fault

Problem Description:

The signals of a BTS deteriorate remarkably. The local residents complain about call setup failures. The
onsite test result shows that the call cannot be set up; however, the signal level in the cell is –70 dBm, which is not
weak.

Conclusion:

If the signal in the cell is strong, then call setup failure is caused by the uplink faulty. Check the data
configuration and the cable connections on the top of the cabinet. The antenna and feeder are securely connected
and the connectors are in good contact. Exchange the TX/RX feeder with the RX feeder on top of the cabinet and
then perform the test again. The fault persists, which proves that the antenna and feeder connections are normal.
The analysis of traffic statistics shows that the uplink and the downlink of this cell are not in balance. Replace the
TRX and perform the test again. The fault persists, which proves that the TRX is normal. Finally, it is found that
the RX cable is faulty.
Solution:

Replace the faulty RX cable and perform the test again. The test result and traffic statistics show that the
fault is rectified.

Case 3: Traffic volume decrease caused by the change of the main BCCH antenna
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Problem Description:

In April 2007, the traffic volume of a BTS decreased by 50% after network replacement.

Conclusion:

The check on the onsite network optimization parameters proves that the fault is not caused by the product
defects or improper settings of network optimization parameters. Instead, the onsite engineers did not follow the
guidelines for network replacement. Therefore, the main BCCH antenna changes after replacement. That is, the
omnidirectional antenna is used after network replacement; therefore, the traffic volume of the directional cells on
the two sides of the tower is different from that before network replacement.

Solution:

Change the BCCH antenna to the one before network replacement by exchanging the jumpers. The coverage
problem is solved. The traffic volume increases by nearly 40% compared with that before network replacement.

Case 4: Weak coverage in the GSM900 band in a dual-band network

Problem Description:

In March 2007, the traffic volume of a dual-band (GSM900&DCS1800) network decreased and the coverage
area shrunk after COBCCH is enabled.

Conclusion:

The comparison on the drive test data before and after COBCCH is enabled and the analysis of the related
traffic statistics show that the coverage of the GSM900 band is weak. After COBCCH is enabled, the main BCCH
is on the DCS1800 network. Therefore, the coverage decreases and the traffic absorption of the TRXs in the
original DCS1800 band decreases, thus decreasing the overall traffic volume.

Solution:

Before enabling COBCCH in a dual-band network, check the hardware and antenna of the BTS in the
network for correctness. Otherwise, the COBCCH-related KPIs are affected.

Case 5: Call access failure because the value of RACH Min.Access Level is too great

Problem Description:

A lot of complaints are raised concerning BTS M because of the call setup failure and high call drop rate.
BTS M with wide coverage is located in a mountainous area.

Conclusion:

Check the data of the existing network and find that the value of RACH Min.Access Level is 5. Check the
list of complaints and find that the complaints have been made since May 8. It is learnt that a BSC cutover was
performed in the early morning on May 8.Therefore, it is doubted that the data changes after the cutover. Compare
the data before and after the cutover and find that the value of RACH Min.Access Level is 0 before the cutover
and 5 by default in the current network.
Solution:

Change the value of RACH Min.Access Level to 0. The problem is solved and complaints about call setup
failure are no longer made. The call drop rate remains high because of the wide coverage. After communication,
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the customer expresses understanding of call drops at the site. In this case, the complaints about call setup failure
are the major problem while the call drops caused by the environment are the minor problem.

Case 6: Disconnection of the MS from the network because the value of RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN is too great

Problem Description:

Customers complain that the signal level in the rural area covered by a BTS fluctuates frequently and the MS
is frequently disconnected from the network indoors. The result of the field test on site with the network
optimization engineer of the customer proves that the symptom is true.

Conclusion:

Query the alarms, analyze the traffic statistics, and perform dialing tests and frequency scanning tests on
site. As a result, the hardware fault and interference are excluded from the cause. Checking the CGI data at the
MSC shows that the CGI data is consistent between the BSC and the MSC. Then, check the settings of the
parameters that may affect the MS access, such as RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN and RACH Min.Access Level. The
value of RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN is 12, which is too great.

Solution:

Change the value of RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN to a smaller value. The problem is solved.

Case 7: Improper setting of MS_TXPWR_MAX_CCH

Problem Description:

A customer complains that the coverage of some BTSs, including the GSM900 BTSs and DCS1800 BTSs,
becomes smaller than before.

Conclusion:

Check the network parameters and find that the customer sets MS_TXPWR_MAX_CCH of some GSM900
cells to 0 and sets MS_TXPWR_MAX_CCH of some DCS1800 cells to 5. The improper setting of
MS_TXPWR_MAX_CCH causes the network coverage decrease.

Solution:

Set MS_TXPWR_MAX_CCH to 5 (33 dBm) in the GSM900 cell and 0 (30 dBm) in the DCS1800 cell.
Then, perform a test in the network. The problem is solved.

Case 8: Coverage decrease due to combination loss introduced by capacity expansion

Problem Description:

At the end of March 2007, local office Y reported that the BTS312 started operating at the end of 2006. Late
in March 2007, the customer started to complain about the defects of the BTS312. The decrease in the BTS
coverage was the main problem.

Conclusion:

The problem is not concerned with the product quality. According to the statistics, the areas with decreased
coverage are all the cells where capacity expansion is performed. Generally, the capacity increases from two TRXs
to three TRXs. In this case, cable connections need to be changed. After the main BCCH TRX signals are
processed by the CDU and then transmitted by the duplexer, the loss increases by 3 dB and the coverage decreases.
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Solution:

The customer agrees that the BTS312 functions well and the coverage decrease caused by capacity
expansion is reasonable. To solve the problem, the customer decides to add BTSs to increase coverage.

Case 9: Missing configuration of neighboring cell relations

Problem Description:

In May 2007, the customer complained that the coverage became smaller after an Ericsson BTS was
replaced by a Huawei BTS.

Cause Analysis:

The coverage decreases because the BTS is not configured with neighboring cells. During the coverage test,
the call made near the BTS cannot be handed over to this BTS. Therefore, the customer misunderstands that the
coverage decreases. After the BTS is configured with neighboring cells, the problem is solved.

Conclusion:

Actually, the problem is not coverage decrease. Instead, the problem occurs because the BTS is not
configured with neighboring cells. Thus, the handover cannot be performed and the traffic volume decreases. In
this case, the problem is subjectively conceived as coverage decrease.

Case 10: Faults in the third-party booster amplifier

Problem Description:

A BTS works in S2/1/1 configuration mode after network replacement and works in S4/1/1 configuration
mode after capacity expansion. After capacity expansion, the subscribers in the area covered by cell A complain
that the signal strength indicator of a mobile phone is full when no call is made but the signal strength drops
sharply when a call is made.

Cause Analysis:

It is found that the booster amplifier of one TRX is burnt out. In addition, the cable connections of the other
two TRXs are incorrect; therefore, the signal cannot be sent out from the antenna. Only the signals on the main
BCCH TRX can be sent out while the signals on the other three TRXs cannot, thus causing heavy congestion. The
signals on the main BCCH TRX are strong; therefore, when the TCH on the non-main BCCH TRX is assigned to a
call, the signal level fluctuates.

Conclusion:

The problem is caused by the third-party booster amplifier of poor performance. Replace the booster
amplifier and connect the cables correctly. Then, the problems of congestion and signal fluctuation are solved.

Case 11: No response to paging due to clock faults

Problem Description:

When initiating a call, the calling party is informed that "The number you dialed is out of service now."

Cause Analysis:

After initiating a call, the calling party is informed that "The number you dialed is out of service now.",
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indicating that the called party makes no response. Check the BTS clock and find that the clocks of multiple BTSs
are in free-run mode, because the BSC clock is not in locked mode.

Conclusion:

After the clock fault is rectified, the called party can normally respond to the paging. This
proves that the problem is caused by the clock fault.