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Key words
WCDMA, interference, main, diversity, RTWP, inter-modulation
Abstract
The document describes how to locate and solve interference issue in WCDMA network optimization.
Acronyms and abbreviations:
Acronyms and
Full Spelling
abbreviations
1.1.2 Criteria
The interference belongs to external interference if it meets the following judgment criteria:
The interference to main or diversity is relevant. Namely, in terms of time, the
interference to main or diversity trends similarly, and the difference between them is
within 5 dB.
The external interference affects multiple cells that are geographically bordering.
In terms of time feature of RTWP, the external interference is mutational, the
interference occurs at a regular point and in a regular period, and lasts for a regular
period (exceptions are microwave interference, improperly configured gain of repeaters,
so the RTWP is not mutational)
The interference which is not external interference is internal interference, so it follows the internal interference
processing procedures. Locating external interference takes more effort and time than locating internal
interference. Therefore, if the interference is not confirmed to be internal interference, it must be rechecked.
The inter-modulation interference which takes a high ratio in internal interference features typically as below:
The RTWP of main and diversity is usually irrelevant. If the RTWP is relevant, there
must be special causes, such as the main and diversity are combined at some point.
The interference is related to traffic. The interference occurs less probably when traffic is
lower.
The RTWP fluctuates sharply, as great as about 10 dB, or even greater than 10 dB.
The interference will last for a period, without mutational change, which is different
from that of external interference.
In terms of time feature of RTWP, the RTWP changes irregularly.
The inter-modulation usually meets one or more of the previous five features. If the five features are all met, it
must be inter-modulation.
For better understanding of the previous judgment criteria, the following examples provide direct phenomena of
various interference from actual networks. Therefore no specific locating process is provided.
Preparation for different connectors is a little complex and patient work. Its better try each connection
before go to test. Otherwise, you have to waste your time on spot.
2 Locating Interference
Figure 1.1 RTWP variation when the diversity reception is not configured
Step 3 If the uplink RF channel has not been adjusted, check whether the configured gain
(especially TMAs are used) of RF channel is correct. It is better to adjust uplink RF channel
gain so that these problems will not bother locating interference. To check UL RF channel
gain , the following steps has to be taken:
Install dummy load to the port to be checked;
Start NodeB LMT, Input MML command: SET TXSW: TXSW = OFF to switch off
related PA in case of unexpected damage;
The RTWP normal value range is -105-107dBm ( Tolerance ), Check whether
measured RTWP value is in this range or not; If not, set attenuation of this channel to
adjust RTWP to normal value. MML command: SET RXATTEN: ATTEN=***;
Uplink RF channel gain adjustment is not routine operation, which should be performed by RAN
engineer when RAN engineer is available.
Step 4 If a DCS1800M network and a WCDMA network are combined, you must check the
frequency configuration with operators. Meanwhile you must check whether the third order
intermodulation (2f1-f2 and 2f2-f1) of the combined DCS1800M frequency is within the RX
band (1920 MHz to 1980 MHz). If yes, negotiate with operators to change the improper
frequency configuration.
If the interference remains after the previous operations, you must locate interference on site.
2. Needed Data
You need the following data:
The RTWP data for 7 (days, at least 3 days) x 24 (hours) of cells to be located
The data is obtainable in "Collecting Data and Confirming Interference" section.
The MapInfo map of site distribution, the relative location of sites, and the distance
between sites
You can use Nastar to obtain these information.
Antenna azimuth and height of cells
Photos for surveying sites
Whether the cell to be located is the host cell of a repeater
The distribution of 2G and 3G repeaters around the cell to be located
The distribution of PHS BTSs around the cell to be located
The antenna-feeder structure diagram of the cell to be located
The interference in the cell is caused by a load with loose connection. Once the load is touched, the RTWP
changes sharply.
The RTWP changes as below:
The main and diversity are irrelevant
The RTWP fluctuates sharply
The interference lasts for a period
The RTWP changes irregularly in terms of time
3.1.2 Multi-frequency Intermodulation Due to
Improper Connection of Multiple RF
The multiple RF connection involves duplexer, feeder, and jumper connector.
The site is constructed with indoor distribution system shared by multiple operators. The antenna-feeder structure
is complex. Wherein, multiple hybrid couplers, feeders, and jumpers are improperly connected, so the RTWP is as
shown in 3.1.2.
3.1.3 shows the variation of RTWP due to improper connection of feeder and jumper.
In 3.1.4, the main interference (in red) is caused by intermodulation of DCS signals and 3G signals at a connector.
The diversity is not connected to antenna. The external signals near cabinet interferes diversity.
The RTWP changes as below:
The main and diversity are irrelevant
The RTWP fluctuates sharply
The interference lasts for a period
The RTWP changes irregularly in terms of time
In the network as shown in 3.2.1, a 3G NodeB 12PKP012 transmits a self-excitation signal every hour
approximately. Therefore the uplink in multiple cells is interfered. The uplink interference varies according to the
direction and the distance between the cell and the repeater. However, it is clear that the uplink interference occurs
every hour approximately.
After adjustment of the repeater gain to 70 dB, the RTWP becomes normal.
The RTWP variations feature the same as that of improperly configured gain of repeater. Namely, the interference
is strong and stable.
Figure 1.20 RTWP variation due to power on or off of outdoor air-conditioner of other operator
Figure 1.24 Frequency spectrum when the directional antenna approaches the YBT250
3.2.12 shows the short-time RTWP variation of the interference like self-excitation.
4.1.3 Antenna
An omni-directional antenna can be used for electromagnetic interference measurement, but it is not favorable for
locating interference sources. It is recommended that a directional antenna be used to locate interference sources.
The higher the antenna directivity is, the higher the gain and the search capability are. Common directional
antennas include plate antennas, Yagi antennas, and log periodic antennas. For convenience, only a directional
antenna is used for tests in different directions. A Yagi antenna is used for narrowband and high-gain short-wave
communication. A Yagi antenna is simple, light but solid, and convenient to feed, however, the frequency band of
such an antenna is narrow and the resistance to interference is low. A log periodic antenna is a broadband antenna
or a frequency-independent antenna. Compared with other high-gain antennas, a log periodic antenna has a higher
directivity and a larger attenuation to signals in unexpected directions. Therefore, a log periodic antenna is
preferred in interference tests. A log periodic antenna (see 4.1.3) made by Shenglu Antenna Co., Ltd. is used. For
the major technical specifications, see 4.1.3.
Figure 1.31 Log periodic antenna SL14088A
If no log periodic antenna is available, a Yagi antenna can be used. 4.1.3 lists the major technical specifications of
a Yagi antenna manufactured by Shenglu Antenna Co., Ltd.
An omni-directional vehicle mounted antenna (see 4.1.3) manufactured by Shenglu Antenna Co., Ltd. is used.
4.1.3 lists the major technical specifications.
Determine the possible location of interference according to RTWP statistics and environment. Perform
bidirectional test around the interference source to approach the source. This is called the middle location.
The precaution for this method is that you must know the approximate interference direction. In the direction,
measure the signals to compare the signal strength in two selected spots. Locate the interference by calculating the
variation of interference strength.
To use the variation of signal strength for interference location, you must know the direction and approximate
location of interference. Then move a omnidirectional antenna to the interference and judge the location
relationship between the omnidirectional antenna and the interference. Finally fix the specific location of
interference near the interference source by using the directional antenna.