Security Level:

03/24/15

LTE RF
Optimization Guide
V1.0

LTE RNPS
www.huawei.com

HUAWEI TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.

Huawei Confidential

Contents

Network and RF Optimization Processes

LTE RF Optimization Objects

Troubleshooting
Coverage
Signal quality
Handover success rate

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Page 2

Network Optimization Flowchart

New site
on air

RF optimization

Service test and

parameter optimization

Single site
verification

No
Are clusters
ready?
No

Yes

Are KPI
requirements met?

Yes
End

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Network Optimization Process

Single site verification

Single site verification, the first phase of network optimization, involves
function verification at each new site. Single site verification aims to ensure
that each site is properly installed and that parameters are correctly
configured.

RF optimization
RF (or cluster) optimization starts after all sites in a planned area are
installed and verified. RF optimization aims to control pilot pollution while
optimizing signal coverage, increase handover success rates, and ensure
normal distribution of radio signals before parameter optimization. RF
optimization involves optimization and adjustment of antenna system
hardware and neighbor lists. The first RF optimization test must traverse all
cells in an area to rectify hardware faults.

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RF Optimization Flowchart

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Network Optimization Methods

Tilt Adjustment

Power Adjustment

Azimuth Adjustment

Network
Optimization

Antenna Height

Reselection and
Handover
Parameter Adjustment

Feature Configuration

RF optimization involves adjustment of azimuths, tilts, antenna height, eNodeB transmit

power, feature algorithms, and performance parameters. Optimization methods in different
standards are similar, but each standard has its own measurement definition.

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Contents

Network and RF Optimization Processes

LTE RF Optimization Objects

Troubleshooting
Coverage
Signal quality
Handover success rate

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LTE RF Optimization Objects and

Target Baseline
What are
differences
between LTE
and 3G
optimization?

SINR

RSRP

LTE
optimization
objects

How are
these
counters
defined?

Text
Handover
success rate

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RSRP
Reference signal received power (RSRP), is determined for a
considered cell as the linear average over the power

3GPP
definition

contributions (in [W]) of the resource elements that carry cellspecific reference signals within the considered measurement
frequency bandwidth.

Note: Different from GSM or TD-SCDMA systems, TD-LTE systems have multiple subcarriers multiplexed.
Therefore, the measured pilot signal strength is the RSRP of a single subcarrier (15 kHz) not the total
bandwidth power of the frequency.

The RSRPs near a cell, in the middle of a cell, and at the edge of a cell are determined based on the

distribution of signals on the entire network. Generally, the RSRP near a cell is -85 dBm, the RSRP in the
middle of a cell is -95 dBm, and the RSRP at the edge of a cell is -105 dBm.
Currently, the minimum RSRP for UEs to camp on a cell is -120 dBm.
Empirical RSRP at the edge of a cell:
The RSRP is greater than -110 dBm in 99% areas at the TD-LTE site in Norway.
The RSRP is greater than -110 dBm in 98.09% areas in the Huayang field in Chengdu.

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SINR
The SINR is not specifically defined in 3GPP specifications. A common formula is as
follows:
SINR = S/(I + N)

S: indicates the power of measured usable signals. Reference signals (RS) and physical

downlink shared channels (PDSCHs) are mainly involved.

I: indicates the power of measured signals or channel interference signals from other

cells in the current system and from inter-RAT cells.

N: indicates background noise, which is related to measurement bandwidths and receiver

noise coefficients.
Empirical SINR at the edge of a cell:

The SINR is greater than -3 dB in 99% areas in Norway.

The SINR is greater than -3 dB in 99.25% areas in the Huayang field in Chengdu.

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Handover Success Rate

According to the signaling process in 3GPP TS 36.331,

eNodeB statistics

(1) Handover success rate = Number of handovers/Number of handover

attempts x 100%
(2) Number of handover attempts: indicates the number of eNodeB-transmitted
RRCConnectionReconfiguration messages for handovers.
(3) Number of handovers: indicates the number of eNodeB-received
RRCConnectionReconfigurationComplete messages for handovers.
Handover success rate

The handover success rate is greater than 97% at the TD-LTE site in Norway.
The handover success rate is 100% in the Huayang field in Chengdu.

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Power Adjustment Method

Subcarriers share the transmit power of an eNodeB, and therefore the transmit power
of each subcarrier depends on the configured system bandwidth (such as 5 MHz and 10

Definitions in
3GPP
specifications

MHz). A larger bandwidth will result in lower power of each subcarrier. LTE uses PA and
PB parameters to adjust power.
A: indicates the ratio of the data subcarrier power of OFDM symbols excluding pilot
symbols to the pilot subcarrier power.
B: indicates the ratio of the data subcarrier power of OFDM symbols including pilot
symbols to the pilot subcarrier power.

Service power configuration (calculating PDSCH power based

on RS power)
RS power PA and PB are delivered using RRC signaling. For two
antennas, PA is A and B is calculated based on the right table.
PDSCH power is calculated based on PA and PB. Currently, it is
recommended that PB be set to 1 dB and PA be set to -3 dB.
That is, the pilot power for symbols including pilot symbols

Control channels

accounts for 1/3. This setting optimizes network performance

Power of PDCCHs, PHICHs, PCFICHs,

and ensures that the pilot power for Type A and Type B symbols
is equivalent to the service channel power. In scenarios with

PBCHs, primary synchronization channels,

special requirements, for example, in rural scenarios requiring

and secondary synchronization channels is

low edge rates, PB can be set to 2 or 3 dB to enhance coverage.

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set using an offset from RS power.

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Contents

Network and RF Optimization Processes

LTE RF Optimization Objects

Troubleshooting
Coverage
Signal quality
Handover success rate

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Page 13

Classification of Coverage Problems

(RSRP is mainly involved)
Weak coverage and
coverage holes
Continuous
coverage must be
ensured.

Imbalance between
uplink and downlink

Cross coverage
The actual
coverage must be
consistent with the
planned one to
prevent service
drops caused by
isolated islands
during handovers.

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Uplink and
downlink losses
must be balanced
to resolve uplink
and downlink
coverage
problems.

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Lack of a
dominant cell
Each cell on a
network must
have a dominant
coverage area to
prevent frequent
reselections or
handovers
caused by signal
changes.

Page 14

Factors Affecting Coverage

2

1
Downlink:
Equivalent isotropic
radiated power (EIRP)
Total transmit power
Combining loss
Path loss (PL)
Frequency band
Distance between a receive
point and an eNodeB
Scenarios (urban and
suburban areas) and terrains
(plains, mountains, and hills)
of electric wave propagation
Antenna gain
Antenna height
Antenna parameters
(antenna pattern)
Antenna tilt
Antenna azimuth

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Uplink:
eNodeB receiver sensitivity
Antenna diversity gain
UE transmit power
Propagation loss of uplink
radio signals
Impact of tower-mounted
amplifiers (TMAs) on uplink

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Page 15

Weak Coverage and Coverage Holes

The signal quality in cells is poorer than the optimization baseline in an area.

Weak
coverag
e

As a result, UEs cannot be registered with the network or accessed services

cannot meet QoS requirements.

If there is no network coverage or coverage levels are excessively low in an area, the
area is called a weak coverage area. The receive level of a UE is less than its
minimum access level (RXLEV_ACCESS_MIN) because downlink receive levels in a

Coverage holes

weak coverage area are unstable. In this situation, the UE is disconnected from the
network. After entering a weak coverage area, UEs in connected mode cannot be
handed over to a high-level cell, and even service drops occur because of low levels
and signal quality.

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Resolving Weak Coverage Problems

Analyze geographical

Deploy new eNodeBs if

Use RRUs, indoor

environments and check the

receive levels of adjacent

coverage hole problems

cannot be resolved by

distribution systems, leaky

feeders, and directional

eNodeBs.
Analyze the EIRP of each

adjusting antennas.
Increase coverage by

antennas to resolve the

problem with blind spots in

sector based on parameter

configurations and ensure

adjacent eNodeBs to achieve

large coverage overlapping

elevator shafts, tunnels,

underground garages or

EIRPs can reach maximum

values if possible.

between two eNodeBs and

ensure a moderate handover

basements, and high

buildings.

Increase pilot power.

Analyze the impact of

Adjust antenna azimuths and

area.
Note: Increasing coverage

tilts, increase antenna height,

and use high-gain antennas.

may lead to co-channel and

adjacent-channel

scenarios and terrains on

coverage.

interference.

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Case: Searching for a Weak Coverage Area by

Using a Scanner or Performing Drive Tests on
UEs
Perform drive tests in zeroload environments to obtain
the distribution of signals on
test routes. Then, find a
weak coverage area based
on the distribution, as
shown in the figure.
Adjust RF parameters of the
eNodeB covering the area.

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Weak
coverage
area

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Page 18

Lack of a Dominant Cell

In an area without a dominant cell, the receive level of the serving cell is similar to the
receive levels of its neighboring cells and the receive levels of downlink signals between
different cells are close to cell reselection thresholds. Receive levels in an area without a

Lack of a
dominant
cell

dominant cell are also unsatisfactory. The SINR of the serving cell becomes unstable
because of frequency reuse, and even receive quality becomes unsatisfactory. In this
situation, a dominant cell is frequently reselected and changed in idle mode. As a result,
frequent handovers or service drops occur on UEs in connected mode because of poor
signal quality. An area without a dominant cell can also be regarded as a weak coverage
area.

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Resolving Problems with Lack of a

Dominant Cell
Determine cells covering an

Adjust engineering

area without a dominant cell

during network planning, and

parameters of a cell that can

optimally cover the area as

adjust antenna tilts and

required.

azimuths to increase coverage

by a cell with strong signals

and decrease coverage of

other cells with weak signals.

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Case: Searching for an Area

Without a Dominant Cell
Symptom
UEs frequently perform cell reselections
or handovers between identical cells.
Analysis
Analysis can be based on signaling
procedures and PCI distribution.
According to PCI distribution shown in
the figure, PCIs alternate in two or more
colors if there is no dominant cell.
Solution
According to the coverage plan, cell 337
is a dominant cell covering the area and cell
49 also has strong signals. To ensure
handovers between cells 337 and 49 at
crossroads, increase tilts in cell 49.

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distribution in cluster xx

Lack of a
dominant
cell

Page 21

Cross Coverage
Cross coverage means that the coverage scope of an eNodeB exceeds the planned one and
generates discontinuous dominant areas in the coverage scope of other eNodeBs. For
example, if the height of a site is much higher than the average height of surrounding
buildings, its transmit signals propagate far along hills or roads and form dominant
coverage in the coverage scope of other eNodeBs. This is an island phenomenon. If a call

Cross
coverage

is connected to an island that is far away from an eNodeB but is still served by the eNodeB,
and cells around the island are not configured as neighboring cells of the current cell when
cell handover parameters are configured, call drops may occur immediately once UEs leave
the island. If neighboring cells are configured but the island is excessively small, call drops
may also occur because UEs are not promptly handed over. In addition, cross coverage
occurs on two sides of a bay because a short distance between the two sides. Therefore,
eNodeBs on two sides of a bay must be specifically designed.

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Resolving Cross Coverage Problems

Adjust antenna azimuths

Adjust antenna tilts or

Decrease the antenna

properly so that the direction

of the main lobe slightly

replace antennas with large-tilt

antennas while ensuring

height for a high site.

Decrease transmit power of

obliques from the direction of

a street. This reduces

proper antenna azimuths. Tilt

adjustment is the most

carriers when cell

performance is not affected.

excessively far coverage by

electric waves because of

effective approach to control

coverage. Tilts are classified

into electrical tilts and

mechanical tilts. Electrical tilts

reflection from buildings on

two sides of the street.

are preferentially adjusted if

possible.

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Case: Cross Coverage Caused

by Improper Tilt Settings

Symptom
As shown in the upper right figure, cross
coverage occurs in a cell whose PCI is
288. Therefore, the cell interferes with
other cells, which increases the
probability of service drops.
Analysis
The most possible cause for cross
coverage is excessively antenna height
or improper tilt settings. According to a
check on the current engineering
parameter settings, the tilt is set to an
excessively small value. Therefore, it is
recommended that the tilt be increased.
Solution
Adjust the tilt of cell 288 from 3 to 6. As
shown in the lower right figure, cross
coverage of cell 288 is significantly
reduced after the tilt is adjusted.

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Case: Inverse Connections Involved

in the Antenna System
Symptom

The RSRPs of cells 0 and 2 at the Expo Village site are low and high respectively in
the red area shown in the figure. The signal quality of cells 0 and 2 is satisfactory in
the areas covered by cells 2 and 0 respectively.

Analysis

After installation and commissioning are complete, the RSRP in the direction of the
main lobe in cell 0 is low. After cell 0 is disabled and cell 2 is enabled, the RSRP in cell
2 is normal and the SINR is higher than that tested in cell 0. Therefore, this problem
may occur because the antenna systems in the two cells are connected inversely. Test
results are as expected after optical fibers on the baseband board are swapped.

Solution

Swap optical fibers on the baseband board or adjust feeders and antennas properly. It
is recommended that optical fibers on the baseband board be swapped because this
operation can be performed in the equipment room.

Suggestions

Network planning personnel must participate in installation. Alternatively, customer

service personnel have detailed network planning materials and strictly supervise
project constructors for installation. After installation is complete, labels must be
attached and installation materials must be filed.

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Imbalance Between Uplink and

Downlink

When UE transmit power is less than eNodeB transmit power, UEs in idle mode may receive
eNodeB signals and successfully register in cells. However, the eNodeB cannot receive
uplink signals because of limited power when UEs perform random access or upload data.

Imbalance
between
uplink and
downlink

In this situation, the uplink coverage distance is less than the downlink coverage distance.
Imbalance between uplink and downlink involves limited uplink or downlink coverage. In
limited uplink coverage, UE transmit power reaches its maximum but still cannot meet the
requirement for uplink BLERs. In limited downlink coverage, the downlink DCH transmit
code power reaches its maximum but still cannot meet the requirement for the downlink
BLER. Imbalance between uplink and downlink leads to service drops. The most common
cause is limited uplink coverage.

Downlink coverage area

Uplink coverage area
coverage area

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Resolving Problems with Imbalance

Between Uplink and Downlink

If no performance data is available for

If uplink interference leads to imbalance

RF optimization, trace a single user in the

OMC equipment room to obtain uplink

between uplink and downlink, monitor

eNodeB alarms to check for interference.

measurement reports on the Uu interface,

and then analyze the measurement

Check whether equipment works properly

reports and drive test files.

If performance data is available, check

and whether alarms are generated if

imbalance between uplink and downlink is

each carrier in each cell for imbalance

between uplink and downlink based on

caused by other factors, for example, uplink

and downlink gains of repeaters and trunk
amplifiers areset incorrectly, the antenna

uplink and downlink balance

measurements.

system for receive diversity is faulty when

reception and transmission are separated,
or power amplifiers are faulty. If equipment
works properly or alarms are generated,
take measures such as replacement,
isolation, and adjustment.

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Contents

Network and RF Optimization Processes

LTE RF Optimization Objects

Troubleshooting
Coverage
Signal quality
Handover success rate

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Signal Quality (SINR is mainly

involved)

Cell layout

Site
selection
Antenna
height

Frequency
plan

lems
b
o
r
p
R
zing SIN
y
l
a
n
a
f
o
Process

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Antenna
azimuths
Antenna tilts

Resolving Signal Quality Problems

Caused by Improper Parameter Settings
Optimizing
frequencies

Adjusting the
antenna

Change and optimize frequencies based on drive test and

performance measurement data.

Adjust antenna azimuths and tilts to change the distribution of signals in an

interfered area by increasing the level of a dominant sector and decreasing levels of
other sectors.

system
Adding
dominant

Increase power of a cell and decrease power of other cells to form a dominant
cell.

coverage

Adjusting
power

Decrease RS power to reduce coverage if the antenna pattern is distorted because

of a large antenna tilt.
Power adjustment and antenna system adjustment can be used together.

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Case: Adjusting Antenna Azimuths and Tilts

to Reduce Interference
Symptom
Cross coverage occurs at sites 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, and co-channel interference occurs
in many areas.
Analysis
According to the analysis of engineering parameters and drive test data, cell density is large in
coverage areas. Coverage by each cell can be reduced by adjusting antenna azimuths and tilts.
Solution
Change the tilt in cell 28 from 2 degrees to 4 degrees so that the direction points to a
demonstration route. Change the tilt in cell 33 from 3 degrees to 6 degrees so that the direction
points to the Wanke Pavilion. Change the tilt in cells 50 and 51 from 3 degrees to 6 degrees so
that the direction points to the Communication Pavilion. Decrease the transmit power in cell 33 by
3 dB to reduce its interference to overhead footpaths near China Pavilion.

Poor signal
quality before
optimization

SINR before optimization in Puxi

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SINR after optimization in Puxi

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Page 31

Case: Changing PCIs of Intra-frequency Cells

toSymptom
Reduce Interference
Near Japan Pavilion, UEs access a cell whose PCI is 3 and SINRs are low. UEs are about 200 m away from the
eNodeB. This problem may be caused by co-channel interference.

Analysis
This problem is not caused by co-channel interference because no neighboring cell has the same frequency as
the current cell. Cell 6 interferes with cell 3. SINRs increase after cell 6 is disabled. In theory, staggered PCIs can
reduce interference.

Solution
Change PCI 6 to PCI 8. Test results show that SINRs increase by about 10 dB.

SINR when cell 6 is enabled

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SINR when cell 6 is disabled

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SINR when PCI 6 is changed to PCI 8

Page 32

Case: Handover Failure Caused by

Severe Interference

Symptom
During a test, handovers from PCI 281 to PCI 279 fail.
Analysis
Cell 281 is a source cell and is interfered by cells 279 and 178. Delivered handover
commands always fail and cannot be received correctly by UEs. Cell 279 is a target cell
for handover, and its coverage is not adjusted preferentially because the signal strength
in the handover area can ensure signal quality after handovers. Therefore, cell 178 must
be adjusted to reduce its interference to cell 281.
Solution
Adjust antenna tilts to decrease coverage by cell 178.

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Contents

Network and RF Optimization Processes

LTE RF Optimization Objects

Troubleshooting
Coverage
Signal quality
Handover success rate

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Page 34

Analysis of Handover Success Rate

Problems

Neighboring cell optimization must be performed to ensure that UEs in idle or

connected mode can promptly perform reselection to or be handed over to
optimal serving cells. This helps achieve continuous coverage. In addition,
problems with delay, ping-pong, and non-logical handovers can be resolved by
optimizing coverage, interference, and handover parameters.

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Handover Problem Analysis

Checking handover validity
Obtain source and target cells using drive test software and then check whether handovers are
performed between two cells that are geographically far using Mapinfo.

Checking interference
Check interference in both source and target cells because handover failures may be caused
by uplink or downlink interference.

Checking coverage
Check source and target cells for cross coverage, imbalance between uplink and downlink, and
carrier-level receive quality and level.

Check contents
Check handovers based on RSRPs measured in UE drive tests.
1. Verify that RSRPs in the expected source and target cells are maximum.
2. Verify that the absolute RSRPs in the source and target cells are reasonable at a
handover point. In other words, handovers are not allowed if signal quality is excessively
poor. Specific RSRPs are determined based on the entire RSRPs on a network.

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Case: Service Drops Caused by Missing

Neighboring Cell Configuration
Symptom
As shown in the upper right figure, a
UE sends multiple measurement
reports but is not handed over,
which may be caused by missing
neighboring cell configuration.
Analysis
According to measurement reports,
the UE sends an A3 report of cell
64. However, the
RRCConnectionReconfiguration
message in the lower right figure
shows that the current cell is cell
278 (the first cell) and cell 64 is not
included in the message. This
indicates that cells 278 and 64 are
not configured as neighboring cells.
Neighboring cell configuration on
live networks can be checked for
further confirmation.
Solution
Configure cells 278 and 64 as
neighboring cells.

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Thank you
www.huawei.com

Muhaamma
MUHAMMAD JAVID.
CSSCorp Company.