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Network Performance data can be collected from a variety of points in the 3G radio
network and only by utilizing data from a combination of these sources can a full picture
of the performance of the network be obtained. Each point offers different strengths and
weaknesses in areas such as:
§ Type of information (e.g. radio link information, circuit call information, or packet data
information).
§ Availability of data collection devices (delays in handset availability could limit the
usefulness of this data source).
§ Granularity of data (ability to use data to solve specific problems)
§ Ease / cost of data collection.
§ Volume of data that can be collected.
Once collected, the data must be filtered and reduced before it can be used to make
decisions on improving network performance. In addition, collecting and analyzing
various sources of data at the same time allows efficient utilization of resources.
Although based primarily on the harmonized 3GPP standard for WCDMA (UTRA-FDD),
much of this document is also applicable to the TDD mode (UTRA-TDD), which is still in
the process of being harmonized with the TD-SCDMA contribution from the CWTS
standards group of China.
§ Uu: Air-interface
§ Iub: RNC-Node B interface
§ Iu CS: RNC-MSC interface
§ Iu PS: RNC-SGSN interface
§ OMC: Performance Counters
§ OMC: Measurement Programs
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Iup
SGSN Uu
RNC Iub
Iur
Iuc
MSC
RNC
UE
OMC
Node B
Open standards are available for most of these interfaces; however, OMC performance
counters and measurement programs almost always utilize proprietary interfaces and
output data formats. In addition, infrastructure vendors do not always implement all
available open interfaces, particularly in the case of the Iub interface.
Scanners passively measure desired and interfering RF signals from base stations faster
and with better accuracy than test mobiles, thereby complimenting the measurements
available from the phone. In many cases, scanners can detect the underlying RF causes
of the performance problems detected by test mobiles.
Some vendors also offer drive test equipment that can be operated by remote control,
allowing equipment to be placed in technicians' vehicles or fleet vehicles (such as taxi
cabs), for automatic data collection.
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Drive Test – Strengths
§ Good source of RF data with detailed position information that can be used to
identify and resolve RF problems.
§ Scanner data is already available for multiple vendors.
Protocol Analyzer
Using protocol analyzers available from a number of vendors, operators can collect
performance data directly from key infrastructure interface points including the Iu CS, Iu
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PS, and Iub interfaces. Because these interfaces are based on open standards, the
development of collection equipment and analysis software can be completed during
infrastructure development. It is then available for use during the planning and lab/field
trial phases prior to system launch. Protocol analyzers can collect a wide range of data:
from performance data on the packet and circuit interfaces down to RF data as reported
by the User Equipment.
§ Operators typically have a number of vendors for different types of drive test and
protocol analyzer equipment, each with a unique interface format.
§ Operators often use measurement programs from different technology networks (e.g.
GSM and WCDMA) and/or different infrastructure vendors, each with a unique
interface format.
§ Data sets collected at different interface points may need to be synchronized so that
they can be merged for troubleshooting across network elements.
§ Data sets may be extremely large (many gigabytes). Key information must be filtered
and reduced before it can be used to make decisions.
§ Formats are constantly being updated. The technology of the air-interface is
constantly changing (e.g. 3G rolling out on the back of 2.5G technology).
§ Many engineers have limited training and experience with newer technologies.
Iup
SGSN Uu
UE
RNC Iub
Iuc
Node B
MSC
Protocol Drive Test
Analyzer Notebook
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Analysis
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Vendor Detailed RF Performance engineers
performance performance Benchmarking
comparison optimization Intranet Reports
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