What is Optimization? A look at the clean simplicity of good performance, contrasted with the Pandora’s box of problems which weigh down system performance.
Foundations: Call Processing, Messaging –The steps involved in call processing, with special attention to what happens over the air interface. The system elements, algorithms and handset actions involved at each step are fully explained. This provides a solid foundation for acquisition, setup, call, handoff and drop troubleshooting.
Easily Monitored CDMA Performance Indicators – CDMA performance-indicating measurements come from both the system and the mobile. This chapter explores the five most commonly used indicators of the RF environment during calls..
“Signatures” of Indicators under Normal and Abnormal RF Conditions- There are tell-tale relationships between the five common CDMA performance indicators and several specific types of CDMA performance problems. We call these unmistakeable indicators “signatures” and analyze how the reveal specific problems.
Search Windows – CDMA base station sectors use timing delays to distinguish themselves. However, the timing delay of a CDMA signal increases as it travels from the site to the user. Handling these incidental extra delays requires “search windows”. Search windows too narrow can cause mobiles to ignore signals and drop calls. Search windows too wide can cause mobiles to mis-identify signals and drop calls. We demonstrate how to choose search window widths properly and avoid these problems.
Basic PN Planning– The choice of base station sector timing delays (‘PN offsets’) is crucially important. A careless design can cause ambiguous signals in significant areas, causing mis-directed handoffs, dropped calls, and even areas where a mobile is unable to lock to the system. We examine the various mechanisms of trouble and how to avoid them. From this the general principles of design are developed.
Using System Statistics to guide Optimization – The system is the best source of total information on dropped calls, access failures, failed handoffs, blocking of every type, and resources issues. We examine the indications available, what they mean, Total Drop Call Percentage and general industry norms for what constitutes good performance and bad.
Introduction to Field Optimization Tools– Field measuring equipment is the best source for studying specific call performance problems at specific geographic locations. We explore the main field tools in use today for collecting and analyzing event details.
Multiple-Carrier and Intersystem Boundary Optimization Issues– All of the
problems discussed thus far can happen in a simple one-carrier CDMA network. A whole world of additional problems are possible when a network has multiple carriers, especially if the number of carriers varies in different parts of the system We look at the methods of providing system acquisition, idle management, call setup, and call management in the mult-carrier environment.
CDMA 2000 1xRTT System Performance Optimization– 1xRTT data introduces an additional layer of variability in the performance scene. We explore how to identify the causes of reduced throughput and other issues involving both RF and IP issues.
