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WHITE PAPER
Monitoring 3G/UMTS Networks
Network-wide Performance & KPI-based Service Management
This document is for informational purposes only, and Tekelec reserves the right to change any
This paper examines
challenges and solutions
associated with
5200 Paramount Parkway
Morrisville, NC 27560 (USA)
1-919.460.5500 or 1-888.628.5527
www.tekelec.com
monitoring 3G/UMTS
networks.

aspect of the products, features or functionality described in this document without notice. Please
contact Tekelec for additional information and updates. Solutions and examples are provided for
illustration only. Actual implementation of these solutions may vary based on individual needs
and circumstances.

2008 Tekelec. All rights reserved. The EAGLE and Tekelec logos are registered trademarks of
Tekelec. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. TKLC-WP-024-NA-
09-2008
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Table of Contents
Introduction.............................................................................................................................................1
.............................1
.............................1
........ 2
New Interfaces...................................................................................................................................................... 2
3
................................ 3
................................ 3
Monitoring System Requirements .........................................................................................................3
Single-system solution......................................................................................................................................... 3
................................ 4
................................ 4
4
Network Usage Tools........................................................................................................................................... 4
................................ 4
Tekelec Solution for Monitoring 3G/UMTS Networks and Services ....................................................5
Summary..................................................................................................................................................6
About Tekelec..........................................................................................................................................6
Appendix: Acronyms Used in This Document .......................................................................................7


About UMTS ...............................................................................................................
Migrating the Network..............................................................................................
New Network Elements ...............................................................................................................................
Monitoring Challenges with 3G/UMTS Networks.................................................................................
Complex Technology............................................................................................................
Billing Complexity ................................................................................................................
End-to-end Call Trace Capability.........................................................................................
Real-time Troubleshooting..................................................................................................
Real-time Subscriber and Service Data...............................................................................................................
Configurable, Signaling-based KPIs....................................................................................

i

3G/UMTS
1
Introduction
Just a few years ago, analysts and operators questioned whether 3G networks would bec
more than 200 million (Strategy Analytics, 12/07/2007) universal mobile telecommunication sy
subscribers around the globe, those conversations have been quieted, and network deploymen
ome a reality. However, with
stem (UMTS)/3G
ts are well underway.
At the start of 2008, there were 203 UMTS networks in 85 countries with 67 more in planning or actual deployment
are no longer satisfied
me to expect from the
aging, gaming, multimedia
s and video on demand. To tap into the revenue streams being created by the new generation of services,
eliver. 2G networks, designed
o drive new data
width-hungry
logys price tag is high. The cost to upgrade an entire network to 3G is prohibitive. As a
viders are deploying 3G/UMTS technology incrementally, creating islands of 3G in a 2/2.5G network
an. e d networks are more difficult to plan, optimize and manage. They require operators to shift their
of overseeing end-to-end
UMTS is a 3G wireless system (protocols, technologies and architecture) that provides the speed and extreme
s for mobile
n multiple access (W-CDMA), providing
evolution of W-CDMA,
re network, an evolution of
e networks with the
rtnership Project (3GPP)
continued the work by defining a mobile system that fulfills the IMT-2000 standard UMTS.
like iFi o h re short-range, high-bandwidth networks developed for data, 3G networks are wide
eo telephony.
er service deployment
upgrades and dynamic
ectivity layer employs asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) or IP as the
transmission technology.
Migrating the Network
Operators typically take one of two routes when transitioning to UMTS/3G. For operators with GSM networks, the
evolution starts with the addition of GPRS. After the addition of GPRS, providers then transition to UMTS. Time
division multiple access (TDMA) networks, deployed primarily in North America, migrate first to enhanced data rates
for GSM evolution (EDGE) and then evolve to UMTS. However, many operators have hybrid networks that incorporate
GPRS, EDGE and UMTS technologies.
(Wireless Week, 2/1/08).
The transition largely is being driven by changing subscriber expectations. Todays consumers
with simple voice services; they want the always-on connectivity and mobility they have co
Internet as well as access to advanced data services like mobile Web, mobile instant mess
service
operators need speed and bandwidth that second generation (2G) networks cannot d
to support voice with relatively slow transmission speeds, simply cannot provide the capacity t
services.
UMTS, with its improved spectral efficiency, enables operators to meet the demand for band
applications, but the techno
result, most pro
oce Thes hybri
focus from basic network monitoring and troubleshooting to advanced systems capable
network connectivity and services.
About UMTS
bandwidth to support voice and data services for mobile users. UMTS evolved from global system
communications (GSM). Its air interface is based on wide-band code divisio
data rates up to two Mbits/second. High-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) protocol, an
enables greater capacity and even higher data transfer rates of up to 14 Mbps. The co
general-packet radio service (GPRS), is built on Internet protocol (IP) technology.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) defined the requirements for global 3G mobil
International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)-2000 standard. The Third Generation Pa
Un W r WLAN, w ich a
area cellular networks. They were evolved to incorporate high-speed Internet access and vid
In contrast to GSM, UMTS creates a layered architecture. The top or services layer enables fast
from a centralized location in the network. The middle layer provides control to facilitate faster
bandwidth allocation. The lower, conn
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White Paper - 2008 Tekelec, Inc.
New Network Elements
rs can be reused. The base
used in the new
ver, they can remain in the network and function in dual network operation where 2G and 3G
networks co-exist.
As the network transition takes place, some existing elements must be retired, and othe
station controller (BSC) and base transceiver station (BTS) from the GSM network cannot be
architecture. Howe

2/2.5/3G Network Diagram
ed on the GSM/GPRS network topology, a number of network elements can be
tity register (EIR)
switching center (MSC)
Authentication center (AUC)
The UMTS architecture introduces two new network resources: radio network controller (RNC), which replaces the
BSC and provides centralized control of Node B elements in its area of coverage; and Node B, which performs
essentially the same function as the BTS, acting as the radio transmission/reception unit for communication between
radio cells and mobile devices.
New Interfaces
3G introduces a new, higher-speed air interface access method W-CDMA. As a result, a new UMTS radio access
network called UTRAN is required as well as several new open interfaces.
Since the UMTS core network is bas
reused, including:
Home location register (HLR)
Visitor location register (VLR)
Equipment iden
Mobile
Serving GPRS support node (SGSN)
Gateway GPRS support node (GGSN)

3G/UMTS
3
Uu: interface between user equipment (UE) and Node B
tched domain
nnects the RNC to the circuit-switched domain
terface
res
er experience and service
management. Network complexity increases dramatically due to the convergence of voice, video and data, creating a
omplex
ental shift in focus from basic network monitoring and troubleshooting tools to advanced
in many networks do not
ultimedia services.
atically heightens the
support a variety of
terconnections between multiple domains. Each new technology introduces new interfaces and
protocols. To deliver mixed services, providers have to support a greater number of network elements to blend real-
preferences.
d a monitoring
nts in the network.
complicated when a subscriber can access both circuit-switched voice and packet-
ome of the time and
ty to deal with rating, mediation
tracted from
ation into a single view is a significant challenge. Implementing multiple
ch, is not a viable solution.
plied uniformly across
and service. As a result,
logy. As new
t and employee training.
Monitoring System Requirements
Single-system solution
A single-system solution is fundamental to monitoring quality of service across multiple interfaces, technologies and
network elements and providing real-time, end-to-end network visibility. Most solutions on the market today collect
performance data locally from network elements, making it difficult for operators to get a holistic view of subscriber
experience and QoS. The better approach is to have a network-wide performance and service management system
that collects control and user plane information and generates accurate performance indicators. By collecting real-
time, network-wide data from a single vantage point, operators can evaluate and characterize network usage to
Iu: interface between the RNC and core network
o Iu-PS: connects the RNC to the packet-swi
o Iu-CS
Iub: RNC to Node B in
: co
Iur: RNC to RNC interface
Monitoring Challenges with 3G/UMTS Networks
With 3G, quality of service (QoS) becomes a major differentiator in a highly competitive environment and requi
operators to have a complete understanding of the network performance, subscrib
need for a system capable of monitoring across all of the technologies used in an increasingly c
communications network.
This requires a fundam
systems capable of monitoring network connectivity and services. Niche solutions deployed
provide the end-to-end visibility across hybrid networks required to ensure QoS for advanced m
Complex Technology
The shift from delivering low-bandwidth voice services to advanced, data applications dram
complexity of network management. The hybrid nature of the network requires operators to
technologies and in
time services such as voice and video with non real-time applications like presence, availability and user
To provide seamless service delivery and ensure QoS in this complex environment, operators nee
system that provides a complete network view, not just snapshots taken locally from various poi
Billing Complexity
Billing becomes much more
switched data. The issue becomes how to bill subscribers when they are on the UMTS network s
on the GSM network at others. Additionally, the hybrid environment requires the abili
and settlements in networks that employ two or more technologies. Usage information is being ex
different network sources; rolling that inform
systems, an expensive and inflexible approa
Limited Network Visibility
Most operators lack a common set of applications and the consolidated expertise that can be ap
all types of network technologies and protocols to gain a network-wide view of the operation
they monitor each network independently with tools and personnel dedicated to each techno
technologies and services are deployed, providers must continue to invest in new equipmen
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White Paper - 2008 Tekelec, Inc.
maximize network resources and reduce operating costs. Complete call flow records and hist
view to the signaling interaction between network resources and pinpoint network and se
detailed netw
orical data provide a
rvice abnormalities. With
ork-wide data, operators can accurately engineer network components and services to ensure the
cols is critical. Operators
ely, and monitor all
ical data are essential to effective
ell as service and revenue assurance. As the networks converge, it is critical to have end-
toring protocols as
bility as new services and
ed. A real-time monitoring and performance system provides the ability to identify
tions in the IP domain and track authentication. Solutions with real-time
fy the cause of
twork (IN) services like
access to data that
ustomer satisfaction and
very of new services, operators need tools that track service availability, reliability and
h real-time data, operators can identify the source of service disruptions before customer
entify the source of
ghput, abort rates and
ce. Service usage data
w, targeted marketing
on. They provide the
etwork elements, perform traffic studies,
l agreements (SLAs).
imension networks
Configurable, Signaling-based KPIs
With a system-wide monitoring solution, operators can collect signaling information to generate xDRs -
call/transaction/session detail records. xDRs can be used to calculate key performance indicators (KPIs) that can be
leveraged to solve many of the problems operators confront as they migrate to UMTS.
Control and user plane-based, configurable KPIs are ideal for a number of reasons. Preconfigured systems with hard-
coded KPIs lack the flexibility required to dynamically manage network performance. With configurable KPIs,
operators can customize performance indicators to match their unique network requirements. Measurements are
based on an independent source network signaling so data is consistently uniform regardless of the network
highest QoS level.
End-to-end Call Trace Capability
The ability to perform a call or session trace network-wide across multiple interfaces/proto
must have the ability to test multiple network technologies, route calls efficiently and effectiv
traffic passing through their networks. Complete, real-time visibility and histor
network management as w
to-end transaction visibility to pinpoint anomalies and understand the customer experience.
Real-time Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting in real time is essential to supervising transactions between domains and moni
they traverse and convert across gateways. It enables operators to test and assure interopera
network elements are deploy
failures between gateways, trace registra
trace capability can pinpoint the data to determine why subscribers cannot access e-mail, identi
download failures from ring-tone servers, and isolate problems with traditional intelligent ne
calling name and number portability.
Real-time Subscriber and Service Data
The key to profitability in delivering multimedia services across converged networks is having
allows the operator to understand the quality of the subscriber experience. To maintain c
ensure the successful deli
delivery. Equipped wit
complaints arise and revenue is lost. They can trace transactions, verify service delivery and id
failed transactions. Real-time statistics for each subscriber, including send/receive time, throu
transmission rates, are critical to understanding service efficiency and the customer experien
also permits providers to identify the most popular services, enabling them to create ne
programs that increase revenue.
Network Usage Tools
Tools that analyze and characterize network usage are critical to successful network operati
detailed reports that enable providers to calculate the throughput of n
identify and quantify voice and data traffic, manage trunk utilization, and support service leve
With detailed network usage data, providers can plan effectively to handle growth and d
accurately to avoid bottlenecks and service-impacting bandwidth constraints.

3G/UMTS
5
element or vendor. The system is synchronized by a single clock source, so all data across the network is naturally
plemented.
analyzing QoS and
generation of day-to-
. Highly targeted
ans that increase profitability can be developed by examining usage patterns by region, IP service, mobile
ss point n The an ta s th rly detection of fraud and potential
d Services
everything going on
brid networks: KPIs;
capabilities; end-to-
end network visibility and call/session tracing. The IAS system processes and archives call detail records (CDRs) from
es, including prepaid,
short message service (SMS), and voice over IP (VoIP). Tekelecs KPI Service Packages provide data usage in
standard browsers.
responses to network
ng troubleshooting time
agnostic. It accesses the signaling network and provides decode and tracing capabilities
perators no longer need to purchase several monitoring
as IP-based networks on a single platform.
IAS currently supports monitoring and troubleshooting of more than 150 protocols (including national
variants) within fixed, wireless (2G, 2.5G, and 3G), IP-based VoIP, and IMS networks. The protocols supported by IAS
to useful business
powerful and
eports for all departments
within the service provider. IAS includes a comprehensive array of performance and service management capabilities
that provide reliable real-time or historical information based on network traffic. IAS can be deployed with or without
probes when integrated with Tekelecs industry-leading EAGLE

5 Integrated Signaling System (ISS)providing

operators with significant cost savings, more efficient operations and a reduced footprint.
Initially developed to support the monitoring of SS7-based protocols, IAS has evolved into a multiprotocol, multi-
technology monitoring solution, with current and planned support for VoIP, IMS, session initiation protocol (SIP) and
other next-gen networks and services. IAS has already been deployed by more than 175 operators to support at least
one network type; in many cases it is being used to monitor two or three different networks for a single operator.
synchronized. Since the solution is not in the critical path, measurement changes are easily im
Using control and user plane-based KPIs, operators can solve a host of business challenges. By
usage patterns, they can determine profitability based on income rather than usage costs. The
day and week-to-week reports enables providers to analyze traffic and identify take-rate trends
marketing pl
type, and acce ame (APN). alysis of origination da enable e ea
revenue leakage.
Tekelec Solution for Monitoring 3G/UMTS Networks an
Tekelecs Integrated Applications Solution (IAS) provides operators with complete visibility to
within their networks. Tekelecs solution supports all of the requirements for monitoring hy
multiprotocol and multi-technology support; real-time and historical data gathering; drill-down
the network that can be used to generate service packages for optimizing a variety of servic
roaming,
the form of reports and customized dashboards, accessible by any authorized user through
IAS provides real-time data and reporting as well as alarming capabilities to ensure proactive
issues. Operators are able to quickly isolate and respond to network problems, cutti
significantly.
The IAS system is vendor
within the signaling system 7 (SS7) as well as IP domains. O
sys ms; IAS supports both tradition te al networks as well
Tek lecs e
fall under the following families:
SS7 - Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) and SIGTRAN (SS7 over IP)
General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)
Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)
VoIP
IMS
Tekelecs IAS provides the tools operators need to capture network traffic data and convert it in
intelligence for troubleshooting and managing traffic, roamers, services and revenues. With its
configurable filtering, IAS sorts through the data to create comprehensive dashboards and r
6

White Paper - 2008 Tekelec, Inc.
Summary
uring service delivery and
ith the flexibility and
uired to proactively
-protocol networks. UMTS/3G networks require a configurable, network-wide
monitoring solution that can provide the domain and subscriber data to enable effective and profitable network
ce and management.
rk solutions enable the
fixed-line subscribers. The
age the diverse applications, devices,
t the demands of todays consumer.
Tekelec uniquely ensures telecom operators have a clear migration path to SIP-based IP networks, and whatever
comes next, with the flexibility to deploy solutions at a pace dictated by their business needs.
For additional information on Tekelecs portfolio of products, please visit www.tekelec.com.
As operators begin to deploy UMTS/3G networks, network-wide visibility is critical to ens
interaction, QoS and protecting revenues. Legacy monitoring systems are not designed w
scalability to provide a complete view of the network with the data, reports and alarms req
manage multi-technology, multi
growth, maintenan
About Tekelec
Found at the heart of most global networks, Tekelecs market-leading, telco-grade netwo
secure and instant delivery of calls and text messages for more than one billion mobile and
companys session management solutions allow telecom operators to man
technologies and protocols, across existing and evolving networks, to mee

3G/UMTS
7
eration
tion Partnership Project
center
fer mode
controller
tion
or GSM evolution
e
ervice
ns
ed downlink packet access
ation register
ile Telecommunications -2000
work
mmunication Union
dicator
g center
e
network
PRS support node
ce
TDM Time division multiplexing
TDMA - Time division multiple access
UE User equipment
UMTS Universal mobile telecommunication system
UTRAN UMTS radio access network
VLR Visitor location register
VoIP Voice over Internet protocol
W-CDMA - Wide-band code division multiple access


Appendix: Acronyms Used in This Document
2G Second gen
3G Third generation
3GPP - Third Genera
APN Access point name
AUC - Authentication
ATM Asynchronous trans
BSC Base station
BTS - Base transceiver sta
CDR Call detail record
EDGE - Enhanced data rates f
EIR Equipment identity register
GGSN - Gateway GPRS support nod
GPRS - General-packet radio s
GSM Global systems for mobile communicatio
HSDPA - High-spe
HLR Home loc
IAS - Integrated Applications Solution
IMT-2000 - International Mob
IN Intelligent net
IP Internet protocol
ITU - International Teleco
KPI Key performance in
MSC Mobile switchin
QoS Quality of servic
RAN Radio access
RNC Radio network controller
SGSN - Serving G
SIP Session initiation protocol
SLA Service level agreement
SMS Short message servi
SS7 Signaling system 7