3G Radio Optimization

Introduction
Radio network optimization is done to provide operators with a detailed
understanding of the underlying problems to address, such as network design, UEs
and system. It is performed when all necessary nodes in the area are installed and
operational and when the network is stable and not yet commercially used. It is
also performed when new sites are installed in already commercially launched
areas.

Poor 3G radio optimization results in poor 3G radio performance i.e. call set up
failure, call drop.

Reasons of poor Radio Optimisation

For optimal performance, overlapping of sites should be avoided so that
interference level is minimised and network capacity is maximized. Soft handover
helps in reducing the interference level.
Following may be the reasons for bad radio performance
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)

Poor cell design may be because of not using proper antenna type, height
of antenna and tilt of antenna.
Wrong configuration of site parameters.
Wrong laying of feeder cables.
Wrong definition of neighbour cell definition
Faults in Node-B and RNC.

Optimization is required to identify and improve radio network problems using

statistics, recordings and events, toestablish subscriber behavior and perception and
toensure that traffic growth can be handled. RAN Optimization can result in
changes in the parameter setting for the different functionalities such as idle mode,
radio connection supervision, power control, capacity management, handover and
channel switching.
Solution for Radio Optimisation
In 3G service new challenges are there for QoS, because of new WCDMA radio
interface in comparison to GSM. Therefore for 3G Services, new optimization
methods are required to be applied on totally new radio parameters
For carrying out optimization, it should be checked that all sites are in working
condition and correct parameters are configured. Alarms of Node-B and RNC
should be monitored for any fault. Alarms should be checked for fault in
transmission media, because it affects the network performance. Performance may
be degraded because of lack of transmission capacity and it should be suitably
augmented.
The software in Node-B and RNC should be checked whether it is of latest version
or not.
2

If neighbour cells are not defined properly it will result in improper cell reselection
and affect the soft handover.
Cell load should be checked by seeing the uplink (UL) interference level.
Important key performance Indicator are cell availability,RRC setup and access
complete ratio, RAB setup and complete ratio, RAB drop rate for voice, drop rate
for other RAB.
Cell availability information tells about cell is up and running. RRC setup access
complete ratio gives success rate for the RRC establishment. This information tells
about call setup performance. RAB setup and complete ratio gives success rate for
the RAB establishment.
For performance check, drive test is required.With drive test measurement, key
performance indicators (KPI) can be validated.
Common performance issues are as follows
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)

Voice call performance

CS video call performance
PS call performance
Intersystem handover performance

Call performance may be poor due to poor coverage. For removing this ,antenna
position and cable length may be checked. Presence of shadowing obstacle should
also be checked. If required, new site should be added.
Soft handover failure may be due to wrong overshooting cell.
CS video call performance depends upon downlink(DL)power.Ifthis performance
is poor than increase the DL power.
Good PS call performance results in maximising data throughput. Data throughput
depends upon round trip time (RTT). If RTT is lower thanhigher the throughput.

Conclusion
3G Radio Network Optimization is very much required to maximize coverage, data
capacity, to verify indoor/outdoor coverage, modulation schemes, antenna pattern
adjustments and evaluations, identify traffic related interference growth, refine
coverage relating to power budget etc.