Dropped Call(TCH Drop-SDCCH Drop)

1. Radio Link Time-Out

Every time a SACCH message can not be decoded the radio link time-out counter is decreased by 1. If the message can be decoded the counter is incremented by 2. However, the value can not exceed the initial value. The initial value is set by the parameter RLINKT for radio link time-out in the mobile station and by RLINKUP for timeout in the BSC. If the mobile moves out of coverage and no measurement reports are received in the BSC, there will be a radio link time-out and the message Channel Release (cause: abnormal release, unspecified) is sent to the mobile station and the SACCH is deactivated in the BTS. A Clear Request message is sent to the MSC. To be sure that the mobile has stopped transmitting, the BSC now waits RLINKT SACCH periods before the timeslot is released and a new call can be established on the channel.

2. Layer 2 Time-OutIf the BTS never get an acknowledge on a Layer 2 message after the time T200XN200, the BTS will send Error Indication (cause: T200 expired) to the BSC, which will send Channel Release (cause: abnormal release, timer expired) to the mobile station and a Clear Request to the MSC. The SACCH is deactivated and the BSC waits RLINKT SACCH periods before the timeslot is released and a new call can use the channel. This is only valid if the call is in steady state, i.e. not during handover or assignment. 

3. Release IndicationWhen the BTS received a layer 2 DISC frame from the mobile it replies with a Layer 2 UA frame to the mobile station and a Release Indication to the BSC. The system does only react on Release Indication if it is received during a normal disconnection situation. If such a message is received unexpectedly this will usually cause radio link time-out or timer T200 expiration as the mobile station stops the transmitting of measurement reports. It is also possible that the release will be normal depending on when the Release Indication is received.

4. MSC Time-OutNormal Release:If the MSC never received a response on a message (e.g. Identity Request) and there is no radio link time-out or layer 2 time-out, the MSC will send a Clear Command to the BSC. The time-out is depending on the message. When receiving Clear Command, the BSC will send a Channel Release (cause: normal release) and then deactivates the SACCH.Reject (only SDCCH):If the MSC never receives a response on the first message after Establish Indication, the MSC will send a reject message. If the connection was a Location Update it will be a Location Update Reject (cause: network failure) and if the connection was a mobile originating call (CM Service Request) a CM Service Reject (cause: network failure) will be sent. The MSC will then send a Clear Command to the BSC and the call is cleared by Channel Release (cause: normal release).

5. Assignment to TCH

Before sending an Assignment Command from the BSC at TCH assignment, the following two criterions have to be fulfilled:a. There must be a TCH channel available, i.e. no congestionb. The locating algorithm must have received at least one valid measurement report.If either of the criterion is not fulfilled, Assignment Command will not be sent and a Channel Release (cause: abnormal release, unspecified) will be sent to the mobile station and a Clear Request to the MSC. 

TCH Drop reason (1)The classification of TCH Drop Reasons are arranged in the order of priority:1.Excessive Timing Advance2.Low Signal Strength3.Bad Quality4.Sudden Loss of Connection5.Other Reasons

Excessive Timing AdvanceThe TCH Drop counters due to Excessive Timing Advance will pegged when the during the time of disconnection, the last Timing Advance value recorded was higher than the TALIM Parameter. This drop reason is commonly apparent to isolated or island sites with a wide coverage area.Action:Check if the cell parameter TALIM is < "63"Solution:Set TALIM to a value close to 63.Tilt antenna/reduce antenna height/output power, etc. for co-channel cells.

TCH Drop Reasons (2)Low Signal Strength on Down or Uplink or Both LinksThe drops counters due to Low Signal Strength will be pegged when the Signal Strength during the last Measurement Report before the call dropped is below the LOWSSDL and/or LOWSSUL Thresholds. LOWSSDL and LOWSSUL are BSC Exchange Property parameters which is used only for statistics purposes and does not affect the behavior of calls. If both UL and DL Signal Strength are below the thresholds, only Drop due to Low SS BL will pegged. Normally a call is dropped at the border of large rural cell with insufficient coverage. Bad tunnel coverage cause many dropped calls as well as so called coverage holes. Bad indoor coverage will result in dropped calls. Building shadowing could be another reason.

Action:Check coverage plots.Check output power.Check power balance and link budget.Check if Omni site.Check antenna configuration & type.Check antenna installation.Perform drive tests & site survey.Check TRX/TS with high CONERRCNT.

Solution:Add a repeater to increase coverage in for example a tunnel.Change to a better antenna (with higher gain) for the base station.Add a new base station if there are large coverage holes.Block/Deblock TRX

TCH Drop Reasons (3)Poor Quality on Down or Uplink or Both LinksThe drops counters due to Bad Quality will be pegged when the Signal Strength during the last Measurement Report before the call dropped is above the BADQDL and/or BADQUL Thresholds. BADQDL and BADQUL (expressed in DTQU) are BSC Exchange Property parameters which is used only for statistics purposes and does not affect the behavior of calls. If both UL and DL Quality are above the thresholds, only Drop due to BAD Quality BL will pegged.Problem on Bad Quality is usually associated with Co-channel Interference on BCCH or TCH. Faulty MAIO assignment can cause frequency collisions on co-sited cells especially on 1x1 Reuse. External interference is also one possible cause of problem on quality.

Action:Check C/I and C/A plots.Check Frequency Plan (Co-BCCH or Co-BSIC Problem).Check MAIO, HOP, HSN parameters.Check FHOP if correctly configured (BB or SY).Check for External Interference.Perform drive tests.

Solution:Change BCCH frequency.

Change BSIC.Change MAIO, HOP, HSN.Change FHOP.Record RIR or on-site Frequency Scanning to identify source of interference.Use available radio features.

TCH Drop Reasons (4)Sudden Loss of ConnectionDrops due to Sudden Loss are drops that have not been registered as low signal strength, excessive timing advance, bad quality or hardware (other) reasons, and the locating procedure indicates missing measurement results from the MS.There are some common scenarios that could lead to Sudden Loss of connections such as very sudden and severe drops in signal strength, such as when subscribers enter into buildings, elevators, parking garages, etc., very sudden and severe occurrence of interference, MS runs out of battery during conversation, Handover Lost, BTS HW faults, Synchronization or A-bis link fault (transmission faults), andMS Faults.

Action:Check BTS Error Logs, Alarms and Fault Codes.Check CONERRCNT per TRX and TS.Check Transmission Link (A-bis).Check for DIP Slips.Check LAPD Congestion.Correlate Handover Lost to Drops due to Sudden Loss

Solution:Fix Hardware Faults and Alarms.Reset TRX with high CONERRCNT.Ensure that Synchronization and A-bis Link are stable.Change RBLT with high DIP Slips.Change CONFACT or increase Transmission CapacityInvestigate HO Lost Problem

TCH Drop Reasons (5)TCH Drops due to Other ReasonsTCH drops due to Other Reasons are computed by subtracting the sum of drops due to Excessive TA, Low SS, Bad Quality and Sudden Loss from the Total TCH Drop Counts. Drops due to Other Reasons are generally associated

with hardware problems, transmission link problems on A-bis, Ater or Ainterfaces, and sometimes Handover Lost.

Action:Check BTS Error Logs.Check Alarms and Fault Codes.Check CONERRCNT per TRX and TS.Check Transmission Link (A-bis).Check for DIP Slips.Correlate Handover Lost to Drops due to Other Reasons

Solution:Fix Hardware Faults and Alarms.Reset TRX with high CONERRCNT.Ensure that Synchronization and A-bis Link are stable.Change RBLT with high DIP Slips.Investigate HO Lost Problem

Problem reason of drop in SDCCH

Low Signal Strength on Down or UplinkThe reason for poor coverage could be too few sites, wrong output power, shadowing, no indoor coverage or network equipment failure.Action: Check coverage plots.Check output power. Perform drive tests. Check BTS error logSolution: Add new sites. Increase output power. Repair faulty equipment.

Poor Quality on Down or UplinkAction: Check C/I and C/A plots. Check frequency plan. Perform drive tests.Solution: Change frequency. Use available radio features.

Too High Timing AdvanceAction: Check if the cell parameter TALIM is < style="font-weight: bold;">Solution: Set TALIM to a value close to 63. Tilt antenna/reduce antenna height/output power, etc. for cochannel cells.

Mobile ErrorSome old mobiles may cause dropped calls if certain radio network features are used. Another reason is that the MS is damaged and not working properly.

Action: Check MS fleet.Solution: Inform operator.

Subscriber BehaviorPoorly educated subscribers could use their handsets incorrectly by not raising antennas, choosing illadvised locations to attempt calls, etc.Action: Check customer complaints and their MS.

Battery FlawWhen a subscriber runs out of battery during a conversation, the call will be registered as dropped call due to low signal strength or others.Action: Check if MS power regulation is used. Check if DTX uplink is used.

Congestion on TCHThe SDCCH is dropped when congestion on TCH.Action: Check TCH congestionSolution: Increase capacity on TCH or using features like Assignment to another cell, Cell Load Sharing, HCS, Dynamic Half-Rate Allocation and FR-HR Mode Adaptation etc

Dropped Call due to Sudden Drop

On circuit switch service, when a call is abnormally disconnected, a Clear Message with cause code Call Control be treated as normal Disconnection is sent to the MSC – named Clear Request Message.Refer to Ericsson system, the following Urgency condition is checked at that time and the relevant counter is incremented as a consequence:

1. Excessive TA2. Low Signal Strength3. Bad Quality4. Sudden Drop

As named, straight forward meaning for the dropped call is described for the first three items. However, Sudden Drop is quite not easy to understand.Sudden Loss is drops that have not been registered as bad quality, signal strength, timing advance. The term Sudden Loss is used because if the network cannot establish a connection with the lost MS after a pre-defined period, the sudden loss counter is incremented if the last reported measurement from the MS does not fulfill any of the reasons mentioned.A connection is marked as sudden loss if none of the three types of urgency states (that is excessive TA, low signal strength or bad quality) are indicated and the locating procedure indicates missing measurement results from the MS.

Drops due to ‘Other’ reasons are generally associated with hardware problems and disturbances; number of drops due to ‘Other’ reasons is obtained by subtracting the drops with known reasons from the total number of drops.Main contributors in sudden and other TCH drop:

Very sudden and severe drop in signal strength, such as when subscribers enter into buildings, elevators, parking garages, etc.

Very sudden and severe occurrence of interference or bad quality. MS running out of battery during conversation. Handover Lost. BTS HW faults. Synchronization or Abis link fault (transmission faults). MS Faults.

Probable Reasons of Bad Handover Performance

---Neighboring Cell RelationAction:Add neighbor cell relation.

---Missed measurement frequencies in BA-listAction: Check measurement frequencies list.

---Permitted Network Color Code problemAction: Check NCC Permitted

---HW faults.Action: Check BTS error log.

---Blocking on Target CellAction: Remove Blocking on Tager Cell

---CongestionA high congestion might lead to dragged calls (handover performed at a not intended location) and a lot of unsuccessful handovers.Action: Check TCH congestion.

---Timer Expire After MS is LostThe MS never answers the base station.Action: Check coverage. Check interference.

---Link Connection or HW FailureAction: Check BTS error log. Perform site visit. Perform link performance measurements.

---Bad Antenna InstallationAction: Perform site survey and check antenna installation. Check antenna cabling.

---Many Neighbors DefinedMany defined measurement frequencies defined (>16) will decrease the accuracy of the mobile measurements to locate the best six servers. Many measurement frequencies mean few samples per frequency and problem for mobiles to decode the BSIC. Action: Check number of definitions.

---Delayed Handover DecisionA delayed handover decision can be due to congestion in the target cell.Action: Check handover parameters.

---Wrong Locating Parameter SettingAction: Check locating parameters.

---Bad Radio CoverageAction: Check coverage plots.

---High Interference, Co-Channel or AdjacentThe potential handover candidate is disturbed by interference. Outgoing handover due to bad uplink quality may indicate interference from co-channel another MS. On the border, the quality may be rather bad and the signal strength low. Bad downlink quality may indicate interference from another co-channel base station.Action: Check interference. Check if many handovers are performed due to downlink or uplink bad quality.

---Receiver Antenna Problem or RBS HW problems (in candidate cell)Action: Check antenna installation. Check RBS HW and Error log of the target cell

---Poor Inter-MSC/BSC Handover PerformanceFor outer or external cell, wrong definitions in either MSC or BSC may be reason for the problem.Action: Check inter-MSC/BSC handover performance.

---Incorrect Down TiltAction: Perform site survey and check antenna installation.Solution: Correct antenna tilting.

Probable Reasons of SDCCH Congestion

---Low AvailabilityAction: Check SDCCH Availability. Check if the channels are manual, control or automatic blocked.

---Increasing Traffic DemandThe high traffic could be related to an occasional event or due to a long term growth.

Action: Check if short term traffic growth. Make trend comparisons. Check if combined SDCCH is used. Check SDCCH dimensioning.

---Bad use of Adaptive configuration of Logical ChannelsBy using the Adaptive configuration of logical channels feature, the basic SDCCH configuration in a cell will be under-dimensioned. If this feature is not used correctly, it will cause SDCCH congestion.Action: Check if ACSTATE is on. Check parameters related to Adaptive configuration of logical channels

---Long Mean Holding TimeIf the mean holding time is long, this generates a higher traffic load.Action: Check SDCCH Mean Holding Time

---Too Frequent Periodic RegistrationAction: Check Random Access Distribution. Check the timer T3212 in the BSC and the parameters

---BTDM and GTDM in the MSCSolution: Decrease the periodic registration.

---Location Area Border CellIf the cell is situated on a misplaced Location Area border, this means that unnecessary many normal LUs are performed.Action: Check site position and location area border. Check Location Update Performance. Check parameter CRH etc.

---Extensive SMS UsageExtensive SMS usage increases the SDCCH traffic and could cause congestion if badly dimensioned SDCCH channels.Action: Check SMS activity.

---Cell Broadcast UsedAction: Check if Cell Broadcast is active. .If active, check if it is used by the operator.

---IMSI Attach/Detach in Use.An introduction of IMSI attach/detach will increase the traffic on SDCCH. However, the benefits are that the paging success rate will increase. The recommendation is to use Attach/Detach.

---Cell Software File CongestionAction: Check SAE setting. High Ratio of Random AccessesAction: Check Random Access performance

SDCCH drop reasons

1)High intreference of freq.,like co-channel2)SDCCH time slot faulty3)Poor TRX DL quality4)Hardware fault like antenna or duplexer malfunction5)May be feeder cable and connectors are faulty.6)Site taking calls from a very far distance.

GSM Mobile Terminated Call

1. The PSTN subscriber dials the MS’s telephone number (MSISDN), the

MSISDN is analyzed in the PSTN, which identifies that this is a call to a

mobile network subscriber. A connection is established to the MS’s

home GMSC. The PSTN sends an Initial Address message (IAM) to the

GMSC.

2. The GMSC analyzes the MSISDN to find out which HLR, the MS

is registered in, and queries the HLR for information about how to

route the call to the serving MSC/VLR. The HLR looks up the MSISDN

and determines the IMSI and the SS7 address for the MSC/VLR that is

servicing the MS. The HLR also checks if theservice, “call forwarding to

C-number” is activated, if so, the call is rerouted by the GMSC to that

number.

3. The HLR then contacts the servicing MSC/VLR and asks it to assign a

MSRN to the call. [MSRN - Mobile Station Routing Number].The

MSC/VLR returns an MSRN via HLR to the GMSC.

4. The GMSC sends an Initial Addressing message (IAM) to the servicing

MSC/VLR and uses the MSRN to route the call to the MSC/VLR. Once

the servicing MSC/VLR receives the call, the MSRN can be released and

may be made available for reassignment.

5. The MSC/VLR then orders all of its BSCs and BTSs to page the MS.

Since the MSC/VLR does not know exactly which BSC and BTS the MS is

monitoring, the page will be sent out across the entireLocation

Area(LA). 

6. When the MS detects the paging message to the BTS’s in the desired

LA. The BTS’s transmit the message over the air interface using PCH.

To page the MS, the network uses an IMSI or TMSI valid only in the

current MSC/VLR service area.

7. When the MS detects the paging message, it sends a request on RACH

for a SDCCH.

8. The BSC provides a SDCCH, using AGCH.

9. SDCCH is used for the call set-up procedures. Over SDCCH all signaling

preceding a call takes place. This includes: Marking the MS as “active”

in the VLR. Authentication procedure (Start ciphering, Equipment

identification).

10.The MSC/VLR instructs the BSC/TRC to allocate an idle TCH. The BTS

and MS are told to tune to the TCH. The mobile phone rings. If the

subscriber answers, the connection is established.

GSM IDENTITY NUMBERS(IMSI,TMSI,CGI,MSRN,IMEI)

GSM identities

The GSM network is complex and consists of the Switching System (SS) and

the Base Station System (BSS). The switching system, which consists of HLR,

MSC, VLR, AUC and EIR, interfaces both the Base Station System and also

other networks like PSTN/ISDN, data networks or other PLMNs.

In order to switch a call to a mobile subscriber, the right entities need to be

involved. It is therefore important to address them correctly. The numbers

used to identify the identities in a GSM/PLMN network is described in this

chapter. See also Figure 56.

Numbering plans are used to identify different networks. For a telephone

number in the PSTN/ISDN network, numbering plans E.164 is used.Mobile Station ISDN Number (MSISDN)

The MSISDN is a number which uniquely identifies a mobile telephone

subscription in the public switched telephone network numbering plan.

According to the CCITT recommendations, the mobile telephone number or

catalogue number to be dialled is composed in the following way:

MSISDN = CC + NDC + SN

CC = Country Code

NDC = National Destination Code

SN = Subscriber Number

A National Destination Code is allocated to each GSM PLMN. In some

countries, more than one NDC may be required for each GSM PLMN. The

international MSISDN number may be of variable length. The maximum

length shall be 15 digits, prefixes not included.

Each subscription is connected to one Home Location Register (HLR).

The length of the MSISDN depends on the structure and numbering plan of

each operator, as an application of CCITT recommendation E.164.

The following is an example of dialling a GSM subscriber.

International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)

The IMSI is the information which uniquely identifies a subscriber in a

GSM/PLMN.

For a correct identification over the radio path and through the GSM PLMN

network, a specific identity is allocated to each subscriber. This identity is

called the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) and is used for all

signalling in the PLMN. It will be stored in the Subscriber Identity Module

(SIM), as well as in the Home Location Register (HLR) and in the serving

Visitor Location Register (VLR).

The IMSI consists of three different parts:IMSI = MCC + MNC + MSIN

MCC = Mobile Country Code (3 digits)

MNC = Mobile Network Code (2 digits)

MSIN = Mobile Subscriber Identification Number (max 10 digits)

According to the GSM recommendations, the IMSI will have a length of

maximum 15 digits.

All network–related subscriber information is connected to the IMSI. See also

Figure 56.

Mobile Station Roaming Number (MSRN)

HLR knows in what MSC/VLR Service Area the subscriber is located. In order

to provide a temporary number to be used for routing, the HLR requests the

current MSC/VLR to allocate and return a Mobile Station Roaming Number

(MSRN) for the called subscriber, see Figure 56.

At reception of the MSRN, HLR sends it to the GMSC, which can now route the

call to the MSC/VLR exchange where the called subscriber is currently

registered.

The interrogation call routing function (request for an MSRN) is part of the

Mobile Application Part (MAP). All data exchanged between the GMSC - HLR -

MSC/VLR for the purpose of interrogation is sent over the No. 7 signalling

network.

The Mobile Station Roaming Number (MSRN), according to the GSM

recommendations, consists of three parts:

MSRN = CC + NDC + SN

CC = Country Code

NDC = National Destination Code

SN = Subscriber Number

Note: In this case, SN is the address to the serving MSC.

Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI)

The TMSI is a temporary number used instead of the IMSI to identify an MS. It

raises the subscriber’s confidentiality and is known within the serving

MSC/VLR-area and changed at certain events or time intervals. The structure

of the TMSI may be chosen by each administration but should have a

maximum length of four octets (8 digits).

International Mobile station Equipment Identity (IMEI)

The IMEI is used for equipment identification. An IMEI uniquely identifies a

mobile station as a piece or assembly of equipment. (See IMEI, chapter 5.)

IMEI = TAC + FAC + SNR + sp

TAC = Type Approval Code (6 digits), determined by a central GSM body

FAC = Final Assembly Code (2 digits), identifies the manufacturer

SNR = Serial Number (6 digits), an individual serial number of six digits

uniquely identifying all equipment within each TAC and FAC

sp = spare for future use (1 digit)

According to the GSM specification, IMEI has the length of 15 digits.

Location Area Identity (LAI)

LAI is used for location updating of mobile subscribers.

LAI = MCC + MNC + LAC

MCC = Mobile Country Code (3 digits), identifies the country. It follows the

same numbering plan as MCC in IMSI.

MNC = Mobile Network Code (2 digits), identifies the GSM/PLMN in that

country and follows the same numbering plan as the MNC in IMSI.

LAC = Location Area Code, identifies a location area within a GSM PLMN

network. The maximum length of LAC is 16 bits, enabling 65 536 different

location areas to be defined in one GSM PLMN.

Cell Global Identity (CGI)

CGI is used for cell identification within the GSM network. This is done by

adding a Cell Identity (CI) to the location area identity.

CGI = MCC + MNC + LAC + CI

CI = Cell Identity, identifies a cell within a location area, maximum 16 bits

Base Station Identity Code (BSIC)

BSIC allows a mobile station to distinguish between different neighboring

base stations.

BSIC = NCC + BCC

NCC = Network Colour Code (3 bits), identifies the GSM PLMN.

Note that it does not uniquely identify the operator. NCC is primarily used to

distinguish between operators on each side of border.

BCC = Base Station Colour Code (3 bits), identifies the Base Station to help

distinguish between BTS using the same BCCH frequencies

Location Number (LN)

Location Number is a number related to a certain geographical area, as

specified by the network operator by ”tying” the location numbers to cells,

location areas, or MSC/VLR service areas.

The Location Number is used to implement features like Regional /Local

subscription and Geographical differentiated charging.

GSM Mobile Originating Call Flow

Mobile User calling a Land Line Subscriber .

1. MS after dialing a number & pressing SEND key, sends Channel

Request(Chan_Req) message on RACH to ask for a

signalingchannel (Radio Resources). [RACH - Random Access channel]

2. The BSC allocates a Traffic Channel(TCH) using AGCH. TCH allocation

assigns a specific Frequency & a Timeslot on that frequency. [AGCH -

Access Grant Channel]

3. The MS sends a call setup request through SDCCH, to the MSC/VLR.

[SDCCH - slow dedicated control channel]. Over SDCCH, all

signaling takes place. This includes: marking the MS status as active in

the VLR

4. Then comes Authentication Procedure which includes Ciphering (The

channel is ciphered so as to protect the call), Equipment Identification,

etc.

5. The MSC/VLR instructs the BSC to allocate an Idle TCH (this message

contains the dialed digits and other information needed for call

establishment). The BTS and MS are told to tune to the TCH. 

6. The MSC allocates a voice circuit on one the digital trunks between the

MSC and the BSS.

7. MSC informs the BSS about the allocated voice circuit. The call is also

switched from signaling to voice.

8. The BSS notifies the Mobile about the changeover to voice mode.

9. The MSC routes the call and sends the call towards the called

subscriber.

10.The PSTN indicates to the MSC that it has received all the digits and

the called subscriber is being rung.

11.The MSC informs the mobile that the called subscriber is

beingalerted via a ring.

12.The called subscriber answers the call.

Drive Testing

The Purpose of Drive Testing

Drive testing is principally applied in both the planning and optimisation stage of networkdevelopment. However, there are other purposes for which drive testing can be used:•To provide path loss data for initial site survey work•To verify the propagation prediction during the initial planning of the network.•To verify the network system parameters, as defined in the EG8: GSM/DCSSystem-Specific Parameters.•To provide the initial test parameters used in Benchmarking (as defined in the“Analysis” section of the Network Performance and Monitoring Guideline).•To verify the performance of the network after changes have been made e.g.When a new TRX is added; the removal or addition of a new site; any powerAdjustments or changes to the antenna; any changes in clutter or traffic habitssuch as the addition of new roads etc.•To measure any interference problems such as coverage from neighboringCountries.•To locate any RF issues relating to traffic problems such as dropped or blockedcalls.•To locate any poor coverage areas.•To monitor the network against a slow degradation over time, as well asMonitoring the network after sudden environmental conditions, such as galesor electrical storms.•To monitor the performance of a competitor’s network.

When to Drive Test

Drive testing can take place during the day or at night and is dependant upon theOperator’s requirements and subscriber habits.Drive testing during the day will mimic the conditions as seen by subscribers, but mayclog up the network if call analysis is being performed.Drive testing during the night will allow a greater area to be surveyed due to the reductionin vehicular congestion. It will also allow for certain test signals to be transmitted andtested, particularly when setting up a new site, without interrupting normal operation.However, night-time testing does not mimic the conditions experienced by subscribers.For planning purposes, drive testing is typically performed at night and for maintenancepurposes, drive testing is performed during the day.

Where to Drive Test

Some areas of a network will have greater performance problems than others. Drivetesting should not be uniform throughout the whole network, but should be weightedtowards areas where there are significant RF problems.There may be other areas of the network that require temporary coverage during a certaintime of the year e.g. an exhibition centre or a sports stadium. These areas should beexamined and planned in greater detail.

It is important that a drive test is documented. This is specified by the Operator and caneither take the form of creating a new item of documentation or filling in an existingdocument. All documentation will be passed to Analysts and Engineers, who will needaccurate records of any test work carried out.----Route PlansThe area to be drive tested is ascertained before leaving the office. There are three levelsof drive testing depending on the purpose of the test:Primary Route: This includes all major roads, highways and throughfares and should begiven priority to all other roads when conducting a coverage test, unless a new site is putinto service for a specific objective.Secondary Route: This includes all streets, by-streets and compounds, where accessible,such as a University Campus. Secondary routes are used in areas where problems havebeen located during a primary route test and further investigation is needed.Miscellaneous Routes: This includes in-building and non-access routes to vehicles suchas shopping malls, golf courses, airports, hotels, conference centres etc.A route is prepared by photocopying a map and highlighting the route to be driven. Forprimary routes, a map of scale no less than 1:20,000 should be used, and a map of scale1:10,000 is recommended for secondary routes. It is recommended that the route ismarked in a contiguous circuit, taking account of one-way streets at this stage.A drive test should be planned in both directions, where possible, and at the same speed.This minimises any errors and checks the point of handovers and cell dimensioning. For

new sites that are being tested, it is recommended that the transceiver is forced to camponto the cell (forbidding any handovers) in order to ascertain the full coverage of the cell.The test should be re-driven with any forced handovers removed.

Layer 1 Messages

Other Layer 1 criteria that is useful for field measurements include:C1• criteriaARFCN of Serving Cell -• (TCH in dedicated mode, BCCH in idle mode))Time• Slot (TS)

Layer 3 Messages

All Layer 3 messages should be collected where possible. Layer 3 Messages are used byAnalysts to determine more accurately the cause of a problem within the network.Some field test equipment can perform basic analysis of particular Layer 3 messagesduring data collection. This enables certain conditions such as call classification orhandovers to be flagged to the survey technician.

Call Classification

In principle there are five call classifications, some of which can be sub-divided further.Good Calls: These are calls that are successfully placed on the network and maintainedfor the required duration.Dropped Calls: These are calls that are successfully placed on to the network but areterminated without authorisation. Using Layer 3 Messages, these calls can be sub-dividedinto:End• User Hang-upSystem Hang-up•Other•Blocked Calls: These are calls that cannot be placed on to the network. Again, usingLayer 3 messages, these can be sub-divided as follows:System• BusyEnd User Engaged•No• ServiceOther•Roamed Calls: These are calls that are successfully placed on another network. Roamedcalls may also be good calls or dropped calls.

Noisy Calls: These are calls which have been successfully completed for the duration ofthe call but which experienced a number of noise bursts that a subscriber may findintolerable. The threshold for determining the level of poor audio is programmed duringthe set-up of the test.In GSM, this particular classification is very difficult to determine with great accuracy. Itshould be noted that it is not enough to monitor just the RxLEV and the RxQUAL.

Troubleshooting

No Data CollectedOccasionally, the equipment fails to trigger the collection device to save the data to file.Check all cables•Ensure• the Processing Unit is poweredRe-start• the laptop computerRe-start the equipment•Re-drive• the test.

No Positional Information CollectedIf data is collected using GPS only, it may be possible that satellite reception was lostduring a drive through a tunnel etc. It is important that back-up equipment is used, such asa Dead-Reckoning device, since a GPS receiver will re-transmit the last known positionuntil it receives an update. If the vehicle moves without GPS cover, the data will beinaccurate and cannot be analysed.Check the GPS antenna• cable to the receiverDrive to an open area• and ensure that the GPS system is working correctlyIf• required, install a back-up positional device to safeguard against lost GPSCoverage HolesIf there are patches of poor coverage in unexpected areas, it may indicate the fringes of acoverage hole. It is important to re-drive this particular area.Complete• a route plan using secondary roads as far as possibleMake• notes of any buildings / obstructions that may cause shadowingTake• note of pedestrian / vehicular habits in the area

Dropped Calls

Dropped calls can be caused by either RF environments or incorrect system parameters.

The following data should be checked to ensure that it has been collected properly.Layer 3 Messages•Neighbour• Cell List (BA Table)RxLEV (Server• & Neighbour)RxQUAL (Server• & Neighbour)Finally, ensure that the automatic setting for the call length is not shorter than that for thetimer monitoring for unauthorised call drop-outs. The setting should be a minimum of 30 seconds.

Handover Problems

Handover problems are generally caused by inaccurate settings of the handover boundary.This can cause ping-ponging, where the server will keep changing, and congestion at theswitch. Check the following.The transceiver antenna• is fitted correctlyCollection of Layer 3• MessagesCollection of Neighbour• Cell List (BA Table)Collection of Scanning• InformationCollection of Cell• IdentitiesCollection of T.Adv for• the Serving CellAlso, ensure that the collection of data from the new serving cell immediately after thehandover has occurred (particularly RxLEV and RxQUAL) is not timed to occur prior tothe-synchronisation of the transceiver itself.If a particular serving cell can be isolated as a potential cause of handover problems,slowly drive around the cell in a radius of around 500m - 1km, checking when handoversoccur.Blocked Calls / System BusyIf calls are repeatedly classified as blocked, it is recommended that the drive test istemporarily halted in order to try and locate the cause.Check• that the number called is fully functionalCheck• that there is adequate coverage from the expected serving BTSCheck• the equipment transceiver is functioning correctly by using an ordinarymobile to call the officeIf all appears• functional, try to place calls through an alternative BTS. If thissucceeds, inform the office immediately and re-suspend the drive test.

Timers and counters for Radio Resource Management

Timers on the Mobile Station Side

T3122: This timer is used during random access, after the receipt of an IMMEDIATE ASSIGN REJECT message.Its value is given by the network in the

IMMEDIATE ASSIGN REJECT message.

T3124: This timer is used in the seizure procedure during a hand-over, when the two cells are not synchronized.Its purpose is to detect the lack of answer

from the network to the special signal. Its value is set to 675 ms if the channel type of the channel allocated in the HANDOVER COMMAND is an

SDCCH (+ SACCH); otherwise its value is set to 320 ms.

T3126:This timer is started either after sending the maximum allowed number of CHANNEL REQUEST messages during an immediate assignment procedure. Or on receipt of an IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT REJECT message,

whichever occurs first. It is stopped at receipt of an IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT message, or an IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT EXTENDED message. At its expiry, the immediate assignment procedure is aborted. The minimum value of this

timer is equal to the time taken by T+2S slots of the mobile station's RACH. S and T. The maximum value of this timer is 5 seconds.

T3128:This timer is started when the mobile station starts the uplink investigation procedure and the uplink is busy.It is stopped at receipt of the

first UPLINK FREE message. At its expiry, the uplink investigation procedure is aborted. The value of this timer is set to 1 second.

T3130:This timer is started after sending the first UPLINK ACCESS message

during a VGCS uplink access procedure.It is stopped at receipt of a VGCS ACCESS GRANT message.At its expiry, the uplink access procedure is

aborted.The value of this timer is set to 5 seconds.

T3110:This timer is used to delay the channel deactivation after the receipt of a (full) CHANNEL RELEASE. Its purpose is to let some time for

disconnection of the main signalling link. Its value is set to such that the DISC frame is sent twice in case of no answer from the network. (It should be

chosen to obtain a good probability of normal termination (i.e. no time out of T3109) of the channel release procedure.)

T3134:This timer is used in the seizure procedure during an RR network commanded cell change order procedure. Its purpose is to detect the lack of answer from the network or the lack of availability of the target cell. Its value

is set to 5 seconds.

T3142:The timer is used during packet access on CCCH, after the receipt of an IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT REJECT message. Its value is given by the

network in the IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT REJECT message.

T3146:This timer is started either after sending the maximum allowed number of CHANNEL REQUEST messages during a packet access procedure.

Or on receipt of an IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT REJECT message during a packet access procedure, whichever occurs first. It is stopped at receipt of an

IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT message, or an IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT EXTENDED message. At its expiry, the packet access procedure is aborted. The minimum value of this timer is equal to the time taken by T+2S slots of

the mobile station's RACH. S and T are defined in section 3.3.1.2. The maximum value of this timer is 5 seconds.

T3164:This timer is used during packet access using CCCH. It is started at the receipt of an IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT message. It is stopped at the

transmission of a RLC/MAC block on the assigned temporary block flow, see GSM 04.60. At expire, the mobile station returns to the packet idle mode. The

value of the timer is 5 seconds.

T3190:The timer is used during packet downlink assignment on CCCH. It is started at the receipt of an IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT message or of an PDCH ASSIGNMENT COMMAND message when in dedicated mode.It is stopped at the receipt of a RLC/MAC block on the assigned temporary block flow, see

GSM 04.60. At expiry, the mobile station returns to the packet idle mode. The value of the timer is 5 seconds.

Timers on the network side

T3101:This timer is started when a channel is allocated with an IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT message. It is stopped when the MS has correctly seized the

channels. Its value is network dependent. NOTE: It could be higher than the maximum time for a L2 establishment attempt.

T3103:This timer is started by the sending of a HANDOVER message and is normally stopped when the MS has correctly seized the new channel. Its purpose is to keep the old channels sufficiently long for the MS to be able to return to the old channels, and to release the channels if the MS is lost. Its value is network dependent. NOTE: It could be higher than the maximum transmission time of the HANDOVER COMMAND, plus the value of T3124, plus the maximum duration of an attempt to establish a data link in multiframe mode.)

T3105:This timer is used for the repetition of the PHYSICAL INFORMATION message during the hand-over procedure. Its value is network dependent. NOTE: This timer may be set to such a low value that the message is in fact continuously transmitted.

T3107:This timer is started by the sending of an ASSIGNMENT COMMAND message and is normally stopped when the MS has correctly seized the new channels. Its purpose is to keep the old channel sufficiently long for the MS to be able to return to the old channels, and to release the channels if the MS is lost. Its value is network dependent. NOTE: It could be higher than the maximum transmission time of the ASSIGNMENT COMMAND message plus twice the maximum duration of an attempt to establish a data link multiframe mode.

T3109:This timer is started when a lower layer failure is detected by the network, when it is not engaged in a RF procedure. It is also used in the channel release procedure. Its purpose is to release the channels in case of loss of communication. Its value is network dependent. NOTE: Its value should be large enough to ensure that the MS detects a radio link failure.T3111:This timer is used to delay the channel deactivation after disconnection of the main signalling link. Its purpose is to let some time for possible repetition of the disconnection. Its value is equal to the value of T3110.

T3113:This timer is started when the network has sent a PAGING REQUEST message and is stopped when the network has received the PAGING RESPONSE message. Its value is network dependent. NOTE: The value could allow for repetitions of the Channel Request message and the requirements associated with T3101.

T3115:This timer is used for the repetition of the VGCS UPLINK GRANT message during the uplink access procedure. Its value is network dependent. NOTE: This timer may be set to such a low value that the message is in fact continuously transmitted.

T3117:This timer is started by the sending of a PDCH ASSIGNMENT COMMAND message and is normally stopped when the MS has correctly accessed the target TBF. Its purpose is to keep the old channel sufficiently

long for the MS to be able to return to the old channels, and to release the channels if the MS is lost. Its value is network dependent. NOTE: It could be higher than the maximum transmission time of the PDCH ASSIGNMENT COMMAND message plus T3132 plus the maximum duration of an attempt to establish a data link in multiframe mode.

T3119:This timer is started by the sending of a RR-CELL CHANGE ORDER message and is normally stopped when the MS has correctly accessed the new cell. Its purpose is to keep the old channels sufficiently long for the MS to be able to return to the old channels, and to release the channels if the MS is lost. Its value is network dependent.NOTE: It could be higher than the maximum transmission time of the RR_CELL CHANGE ORDER, plus T3134, plus the maximum duration of an attempt to establish a data link in multiframe mode.

T3141:This timer is started when a temporary block flow is allocated with an IMMEDIATE ASSIGNMENT message during a packet access procedure. It is stopped when the mobile station has correctly seized the temporary block flow. Its value is network dependent.

KPI Introduction

1. CSSR (CALL SETUP SUCCESS RATE)Definition: Rate of calls going until TCH successful assignment

2. SCR (SUCCESSFULL CALL RATE)Definition: Rate of calls going until normal release that is not interrupted by SDCCH DROP, neither by  assignment failures, and neither by CALL DROP.

3. CALL DROP RATE (CDR)

Definition: Rate of all losses of TCH connections during a call in relation to the number of successful Call Setups

4. HOSR (HAND OVER SUCCESS RATE)Definition: Successful internal and external outgoing handovers of total number of internal and external outgoing handover attempts

5. PSR (PAGING SUCCESS RATE)Definition: Rate of successful paging attempts of total number of paging attempts.The formula is based on NSS point of view (based on MSC or LAC)

6. LOCATION UPDATE SUCCESS RATEDefinition: Successful location update attempts of total number of location update attempts. The formula is based on NSS point of view.

7. SDCCH BLOCK RATEDefinition: SDCCH congestion of total number of SDCCH seizure attempts

8. SDCCH DROP RATEDefinition: Dropped SDCCH connections of total number of SDCCH connections without TCH congestion.

9. TCH ASSIGNMENT BLOCK RATEDefinition: Rate of TCH unsuccessful seizures during assignment procedure due to congestion

10. TCH Assignment Failure Rate (exclude blocking)Definition: Rate of RTCH seizure failed (system + radio) during normal assignment procedure over the total amount of RTCH request for normal assignment procedure

11. EMD (Erlang Minute per Drop)Definition: Total of Erlang minutes (TCH occupation) in one period measurement per drop call (after TCH Assignment).

12. TCH AvailabilityDefinition: Available TCH of total number of defined TCH

13. RACH Success RateDefinition : Rate of Successful RACH over the total number of channel required message received

TCH ASSIGNMENT SUCCESS RATE

Probable Reason:

1) No dominant serving cell: The serving cell cannot cope with the TCH traffic.

2) Severe congestion on TCH: Failing TCH allocation for assignment or handover due to congestion

3) Low signal strength for call access: The signal strength might be higher on the BCCH than on the TCH.

4) Interference: Disturbance on SDCCH or target TCH

5) Faulty transceiver: Faulty equipment

The following procedure should be performed for TCH Assignment analysis:For TCH assignment success rate, the first thing, check the TCH Time Congestion.

If there is congestion on TCH, it is recommend doing the dimensioning and adding TRU based on carried TCH traffic demand.

If there is no congestion on TCH, check the output power of the BTS. If the output power is low, increase the output power.

If the output power is ok, check the faulty BTS by extracting BTS error log.

If hardware fault found, swap or repair HW.

Perform drivetests to check the coverage and received RxLEV.

If no dominant cell or similar signal strengths of a few cells found during drivetests, it is recommended to add BTS.

If there is no problem on the dominant cell, check the interference whether co-channel or adjacent channel.Check the disturbance whether it is on SDCCH or target TCH. If disturbance found, improve the frequency plan.

Mostly, the problems of low TCH assignment are TCH availability and interference.