THE ANALYSIS OF KEY

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
(KPI) IN 4G/LTE NETWORKS

Mr. Fidel Krasniqi,

Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje
TOPICS
 Main objectives
 Literature review
 General aspects and network architecture of 4G/LTE
 The KPI indicators in 4G/LTE network
 KPI analysis in 4G/LTE network; Mobility, Integrity and Availability
 Case study: Analysis of KPI parameters in TK network
 Cluster for measurement purposes in TK 4G/LTE network
 Radio frequency quality measurements in TK cluster
 Drive Test measurement activities
 Mobility analysis in TK network
 Integrity analysis in TK network
 Availability analysis in TK network

 Conclusions and future work

MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THIS
PRESENTATION
 In this presentation, we will address the main key
performance indicators in order to optimize the quality
experience (QoE) and quality of service (QoS) in the 4G/LTE
networks.
 The main objectives of this presentation include the following
points:
 Literature review
 Analysis of the main KPI parameters which impact the quality:
mobility, integrity and availability. Our analysis will be performed in
real network implemented in Telecom of Kosovo (TK), as the main
mobile Operator in Kosovo
 Recommendations and conclusions based on the analysis of the
abovementioned KPI indictors
LITERATURE REVIEW
 Authors in [1] authors discussed regarding the performance and power
characteristics of 4G/LTE in comparison with 3G/Wi-Fi networks.
 Authors in [2] have addressed the KPI performance indicators in order
to monitor and optimize the mobile network performance. They have
been focused only in two parameters, such as accessibility and the
retainability.
 Authors in [3] have treated the aspects of security in 4G networks and
the role of security in the overall performance.
 The security issues and the impact in the performance of 4G/LTE have
been studied from authors in [4] also.
LITERATURE REVIEW
 Authors in [5] have treated the performance analysis and optimization
of LTE key features. They concluded that the current deployment of the
LTE system involves several levels of optimizations and enhancements
to offer to the users in the network.
 Recently, a lot of studies addressed the performance analysis of the 5G
networks also [6-13].
GENERAL ASPECTS AND
NETWORK ARCHITECTURE OF
4G/LTE
 Third Generation Partnership, called 3GPP (Third Generation
Partnership Project), decided to redesign the two parts of the system; the
radio part and the backbone part.
 The development of the network from the perspective of the speed of
data traffic is presented in Figure 1.
GENERAL ASPECTS AND
NETWORK ARCHITECTURE OF
4G/LTE (CONT)
 A key requirement for LTE was to facilitate a smooth
transition from the current mobile communications systems
to the new systems.
 This is made possible by the reuse of the current spectrum
of previous technologies, the interaction between the current
and the future system and the reuse of existing network
infrastructure.
 All 4G/LTE network interfaces are based on IP (Internet
Protocol).
GENERAL 4G/LTE
ARCHITECTURE
 The overall architecture of the LTE network is similar with the GSM
and UMTS networks.
 In principle, the network is divided in radio network part and the central
network part, as shown in Figure 2.
 However, the number of logical network nodes has been reduced to
simplify the overall architecture.
 Simplification of the architecture will reduce the cost as well as overall
delays in the network [2] [18-19].
 Figure 2 will give an overview of the LTE network and its elements.
The tasks of each elements will be clarified like below:
 LTE ARCHITECTURE
ACCORDING TO 3GPP RELEASE 8

eNodeB
MME HSS PCRF

IP Networks
IMS
LTE User S-GW P-GW
equipment Internet
Apps

eNodeB
E-UTRAN EPC
THE KPI (KEY PERFORMANCE
INDICATORS) IN 4G/LTE NETWORK
 The 4G/LTE optimization process is very complex and a demanding
task for the MNOs (Mobile Network Operators). This process includes
the effects of multiple factors which should be considered separately.
 Today, MNOs are facing with a lot of challenges like changing service
requirements, technologies, competition, etc.
 In some ways, this has changed the business model of MNOs, and new
tools are not used only to manage the network but the subscribers also.
 The network performance is measured using KPI. These KPI should be
selected in a way that they measure end-user performances and the
resource utilization [2].
THE KPI (KEY PERFORMANCE
INDICATORS) IN 4G/LTE NETWORK
(CONT)
The 3GPP standardized 4G/LTE networking KPIs are presented in
Figure 3 and are categorized as follows: accessibility, retainability,
mobility, integrity and availability [15-17].
 In this proposal, we will analyze only these three parameters: Mobility,
Integrity and Availability

Integrity
Usage
Accessibility
eNodeB2
eNodeB1
InterRAT
Distance between 2 eNodeBs redirection

Mobility
Retainability
KEY PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS IN
4G/LTE NETWORK; MOBILITY,
INTEGRITY AND AVAILABILITY
 The process of optimization of the 4G/LTE network is very complex
and a demanding task for the MNOs.
 This includes the effects of multiple factors which should be considered
carefully.
 The best way to measure the network performance is using KPIs.
 These indicators can be used to detect unacceptable performances
issues. In most states, regulatory authorities publish target levels of the
KPIs values and MNOs are obliged to meet.
 The 3GPP standardized 4G/LTE networking KPIs are presented in
Figure 3 and are categorized as follows: accessibility, retainability,
mobility, integrity and availability [15-17].
MOBILITY
 Mobility is one of the fundamental functions, which enables
continuous services for the mobile users inside one
particular zone.
 Mobility KPIs are related to Handover (HO).
 The measurements include the Hos inside the E-UTRAN
and the others between different radio technologies
(interRAT).
 These measurements should be performed in the cell level
or group of cells.
INTEGRITY
 The integrity KPI parameters show the impact of E-UTRAN
in the quality of service.

 These parameters can be calculated in the level of cells or

clusters.
AVAILABILITY

 The availability KPIs measure the percentage of time during

which the network cells have not been available.

 According to 3GPP, one cell is considered to be available

when eNodeB can offer E-RAB services in that particular
cell.
CASE STUDY: ANALYSIS OF
KPI PARAMETERS IN TK
 In this section, we will analyze some of the main KPI indicators in
4G/LTE network implemented in TK: mobility, integrity and
availability.
 These indicators are measured at the cluster level, the measurements
have been performed in a cluster in Pristina City that includes the
neighborhoods like "Dardania", "Ulpiana" and part of the "Sunny Hill".
 Drive testing are performed using the Swiss Qual Diversity Ranger and
Free Rider III equipment. Data processing are done with the ATOL
application.
 This cluster consists of 24 eNodeB (sites) with a total of 63 cells.
CLUSTER CREATED FOR
MEASUREMENT PURPOSES IN
TK 4G/LTE
 The details for a cluster created for measurements in TK
network are shown in Table 1.

Technology Sites Cells

2G 41 115
3G 24 63
4G 24 63
RADIO FREQUENCY QUALITY IN
THE CLUSTER WHERE
MEASUREMENTS ARE CONDUCTED
 The values for the radio frequency quality are shown in Figure 4. These
values are presented as average values for the entire cluster where the
measurements are performed.
 From the results shown in Fig. 4, there can be seen value of 67.7 % of
coverage and quality.
 Also, from the Fig. 4 it can be seen that we are dealing with good
coverage and quality in 15.7% of measured samples.
 Poor coverage areas have been identified in 15.7% of the measured
samples, whereas poor quality and interference in 0.9% of the measured
samples.
RADIO FREQUENCY QUALITY IN
THE CLUSTER WHERE
MEASUREMENTS ARE CONDUCTED
 Radio frequency quality in the cluster where measurements are
conducted can be seen in figure 4 (below):
DRIVE TEST MEASUREMENTS
ACTIVITIES
In general, in the considered cluster in 4G/LTE TK network, 140 call
attempts were made, 978 Handovers 4G-4G, 289 Handovers UTRAN
(3G-4G) and 254 Location Updates, as shown in Table 2.
 Based on these activities we will also present KPIs of the 4G network
(Mobility, integrity and availability) in this cluster.

Ping Delay Avg (ms) 53.40

Ping Delay Max (ms) 53.81
Ping Delay Min (ms) 52.99
Call attempt 140
Call reselection from 119
UTRAN
Location area Update 254
Handover 4G-4G 978
Handover 3G-4G 289
MOBILITY ANALYSIS IN TK
NETWORK
 In 4G network implemented in TK, as it is given into details in table 3,
the main KPI parameters which measure the mobility in TK network,
are: Intra eNodeB Handover Success rate and Inter E-nodeB X2 HO
success rate.
 These indicators have been activated during the measurements that we
performed and the results are shown in the figure 5.
THROUGHPUT/INTEGRITY
ANALYSIS IN TK NETWORK
 Throughput in 4G/LTE network in TK the main indicators which
measure the bit rate in uplink and downlink are: Max App DL
throughput (kbps) and Avg App DL throughput (kbps) as well as for
uplink Max App UL throughput (kbps) and Avg App UL throughput
(kbps).
 We have activated these indicators and we gained these values:

 Max App DL throughput (kbit/s) = 60542.44 kbit/s = 59.12 Mbit/s

 Avg App DL throughput (kbit/s) = 48530.14 kbit/s = 47.39 Mbit/s
 Max App UL throughput (kbit/s) = 34377.71 kbit/s = 33.57 Mbit/s
 Avg App UL throughput (kbit/s) = 30551.23 kbit/s = 29.84 Mbit/s
AVAILABILITY ANALYSIS IN
TK NETWORK
 We have analyzed this parameter in 4G/LTE TK network also. The
results gathered will be presented in the table 4.

4G KPI Availability

ALU 96.81%

June 2018 NOKIA 97.53%

Total 97.17%

Threshold >99%
CONCLUSIONS
 In this paper we presented a case study of the implemented 4G/LTE in
TK.
 We have analyzed three of the main KPI indicators: mobility, integrity
and availability.
 The data obtained from the measurements and analysis show high
performance of the 4G/LTE TK network.
 The only KPI indicator, which is not within the recommended values of
3GPP and by manufacturers, is Availability.
 From the results, it can be seen that the average value of this indicator
for both manufacturers (Nokia and Alcatel) is below the required
threshold (higher than 99%).
 This problem is due to the power shortages in some zones, transmission
problems, and hardware defects.
 The Mobility and Integrity are within the recommended values.
CONCLUSIONS (CONT)
 From this study we have found that the main challenge for this real
network is the huge increase in the demand for access to 4G/LTE
services and the rapid growth in the volume of data traffic that may
affect the network performance.
 The possible degradation of these KPIs should direct TK to increase the
network coverage of 4G/LTE, especially in some areas where coverage
does not meet the criteria in accordance with standards and
manufacturers.
 From measurement results and analysis, we have learned that TK needs
to make greater efforts and investments to cover with signal these
problematic areas, particularly with 3G and 4G, as the only alternative
for having access in Internet and other multimedia services.
 Mainly it is recommended to have tools for optimization, it can include
both hardware and software upgrade system.
 Faced with increasing data traffic, there is a need to check constantly
key performance indicators and adapt the network with such increases
FUTURE WORK …
 Our future work will be focused on analyzing the QoS and
QoE in the overall 4G/LTE network implemented in TK.
 Also, we will try to address the main challenges that the
Operators will face during the transition process from 4G to
5G technologies.
 THANK YOU FOR
YOUR ATTENTIONS!