#RF_network_optimization

*The #RF_network_optimization process can be categorized by the following steps:*

*#Problem analysis*

* Analyzing performance retrieved from tool reports and statistics for the worst performing BSCs and/or Sites
*Viewing ARQ reports for BSC/Site performance trends
*Examining planning tool coverage predictions
*Analyzing previous drive test data
*Discussions with local engineers to prioritize problems
*Checking customer complaints reported to local engineer

*#Checks prior to action*

*Cluster definitions by investigating BSC borders, main cities, freeways, major roads
*Investigating customer distribution, customer habits (voice/data usage)
*Running specific traces on network to categorize problems
*Checking trouble ticket history for previous problems
*Checking any fault reports to limit possible hardware problems prior to test.

*#Drive testing*

*Discussion of drive test goals and objectives
*Defining drive test routes
*Collecting log files
*Scanning frequency spectrum for possible interference sources
*Re–driving questionable data.

*#Areas of Investigation*

*Non–working sites/sectors or TRXs
*Improper function of radio network features like frequency hopping, antenna hopping, etc.
*Limited data throughput and performance (GPRS/EGPRS)
*Overshooting sites – coverage overlaps
*Coverage holes
*C/I, C/A analysis
*High interference areas
*Dropped calls
*Capacity problems
*Other interference sources
*Inaccurate neighbor lists (including 1-way neighbor definitions)
*Handover ping-ponging
*Drops due to handovers
*Accessibility and retainability of the network
*Equipment performance
*Faulty Installations

*#After the test*

*Data post processing
*Plotting RX level and quality information for overall picture of the driven area
*Initial discussions on drive test with local engineers
*Reporting urgent problems for immediate action
*Analyzing network feature performance after new implementations
*Transferring comments on parameter implementations after new changes.

*#Recommendations*

*Definition of missing neighbor relations
*Propose new sites or sector additions with before and after coverage plots
*Propose antenna azimuth changes
*Propose antenna tilt changes
*Propose antenna type changes
*Investigation of BTS Equipment/Filter change
*Re–tune of interfered frequencies
*Investigation of BSIC changes
*Adjustment of power settings
*Adjustment of handover margins (Power Budget, Level, Quality, Umbrella HOs)
*Adjustment of accessibility parameters (RX Lev Acc Min, etc.)
*Attenuation of Adds/Removals
*Propose MHA/TMA adds.

*#Other optimization issues*

*Verifying performance of new sites
*Verifying handovers
*Investigating GPRS performance
*Verifying sectorizations
*Collecting DTI scan files
*Verifying coverage
*Verifying propagation model by importing DTI scan files to Planet (any Analyzer)
*Periodic consistency checks
*Frequency planning check
*Analyzing cell access parameters
*Analyzing handover parameters
*Analyzing power control parameters
*Analyzing frequency hopping parameters (HSN, MAIO)
*Implementing/analyzing optional features
*Assisting local engineers with emergency cases
*Benchmarking