GSM RF DRIVE TEST AND NETWORK OPTIMIZATION
GSM network should be optimized so that we can achieve the QoS parameters and a trouble free
network. GSM RF drive is done on the required network to be optimized and the suitable actions are
taken to have a good wireless network. GSM RF drive test is done to achieve mainly the following
objective:-
Interference:
The interference occurs due to frequency reuse. There should be no interference of the frequency that is
operating in the cell of the other cluster. The frequency reuse concept should be effectively utilized.
Coverage:
There should be adequate indoor and outdoor coverage in required area. There should be no appreciable
coverage holes.
Traffic handling capacity:
The capacity of network should be such that there is no call blocking during the busy hour. TRX should
be enough to meet the capacity requirement.
Quality of service:
Quality of service includes many parameters like voice quality, call drops, call congestion etc. QoS
Should meet the criteria set by company.
Development in the network:
In the network there should be provisions to extend the capacity and coverage and to provide
supplementary services according to requirement in future.
Cost effective design:
The design of network should be in such a way that there is less expenditure while maintaining the quality
of service and we should optimize the network in such a way to generate more revenue.
The radio network planning area:
Cell:
It is the area covered by the one BTS. The actual size of the cell is depends on the geographical area, no
of users, location of BTS. The group of cells is called cluster. The frequencies that are used in one cell
should not be used in the cell of same cluster.
TRX:
Transceivers are the cards installed in the BTS. One TRX corresponds to the one frequency. The no. of
TRX depends upon the capacity requirement that we have to achieve in a particular area.
Different types of BTS configuration:
Depending upon the area to be covered or capacity the requirement the following types of BTS
configuration
Omni directional:
The Omni directional BTS has the antenna which receives and transmits in 360 degrees. It is not popular
because there are chances of frequency interference are more and gain value is lower.
Sectored BTS:
The Sectored BTS has antenna which receives and transmits in particular direction.
It is of two types
Two sectored: Generally used along the highways where the coverage has to provide along the
road.
Three sectored: it is used where we have to provide the in all the directions like in the city.
Drive test:
Drive test is conducted for planning and optimization of radio network. It may include
Routine drive test
Drive test for Troubleshooting of network
Drive test on Addition or deletion of site
Drive test on making changes in RF plan
Routine test:
It is conducted after regular interval of time to maintain quality parameters. It is also done for submitting
QoS reports. QoS parameters in an area can change due to development in nearby area, any seasonal
changes and in order to keep network optimized, routine drive test are done.
Troubleshooting:
In order to solve the complaints like, call drops, handover problems and blocking of calls in a particular
area.
Addition and Deletion of site:
If we want to install the new sites or remove the existing site from network then the whole network is
required to be optimized for which drive test is done.
On Making changes in RF Plan:-
RF Drive test is done to check interference etc whenever is new frequency plan is implemented in the
network.
Requirements for Drive test
For conducting RF test drive following are required:-
1. Drives test tool kit
2. Digital map
3. Information about existing site
It is in cell file having information like name of site ,ARFCN , position of site (co –ordinates),
types of antenna , Angle of antenna.
4. Area to be covered.
5. Problem in any area reported like
A. handover failure
B. poor coverage
C. call dropping
D. congestion
E. Interference
DRIVE TEST TOOL REQUIRE THE FOLLOWING THINGS(TERMS INCLUDE)
1. Laptop
2. Software
3. GPS tool
4. Hub
5. Handsets( TEMS compatible)
Additional things like Digital camera, Mirror compass, Frequency scanner are also there.
Different types of drive test tools:
1. TEMS
2. Agilent E7475A
3. R&S ROMES4
4. Ericsson RBS6000
TRAFFIC REPORT
These are generated by MSC. It has data about network traffic in busy hour. It shows total calls, total
successful calls, call drops, Maximum call blocking etc. Traffic reports are helpful in solving RF related
problems.
STARTING OF DRIVE TEST:
Opening the TEMS investigation 10.0.3 program
Click start bar > programs > ascom> TEMS product > TEMS investigation data collection 10.0.3
When you start the TEMS investigator data collection 10.0.3, the following window will appear on
laptop’s screen.
When we start ,default windows will appears, we does not require all the windows and we can set the
windows according to our needs as shown above.
MAIN MENU AND BUTTON BAR:
It contains main menu and some shortcut icons to certain functions.
NEVIGATOR:
You can open presentation window. It also displays the settings (color etc.)
WORKSPACE:
Contains few pages that we need.
STATUS BAR:
Contains icon to tools which are connected to the laptop.
