BTS Maintenance

Preface:
The hand out is prepared as per the guidelines of BSNL Corporate office letter No. 31-1/2010 –Trg dated
15/12/2010. The handout is prepared in 10 chapters. The chapter 1 to 6 gives the basic idea about GSM-BTS
and it working along with call handover, power measurement issues , VSWR issues and day to maintenance
of the BTS.
There are three annexure attached with the handout to get more inside of GSM basics and BTS
maintenance. Also 11 exercise/ Jobs are kept for trainees to understand the real world problems. 2 Software
that is OMT for Ericsson BTS access and RBS element manager for accessing Node-B are also kept with
this handout for ready to use.
For further detail GSM & AN faculty , BRBRAITT , Jabalpur may be contacted for reference and
support.

For internal use only. All right reserved by BSNL, BRBRAITT, , Jabalpur

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1. The System Architecture of GSM: A Network of Cells

Like all modern mobile networks, GSM utilizes a cellular structure as illustrated in Figure. The basic idea of
a cellular network is to partition the available frequency range, to assign only parts of that frequency
spectrum to any base transceiver station, and to reduce the range of a base station in order to reuse the scarce
frequencies as often as possible. One of the major goals of network planning is to reduce interference
between different base stations. Anyone who starts thinking about possible alternatives should be reminded
that current mobile networks operate in frequency ranges where attenuation is substantial. In particular, for
mobile stations with low power emission, only small distances (less than 5 km) to a base station are feasible.
Besides the advantage of reusing frequencies, a cellular network also comes with the following
disadvantages:
An increasing number of base stations increases the cost of infrastructure and access lines.
All cellular networks require that, as the mobile station moves, an active call is handed over from one cell to
another, a process known as handover.

Fig : A Network of Cells

The network has to be kept informed of the approximate location of the mobile station, even without a call in
progress, to be able to deliver an incoming call to that mobile station.
The second and third items require extensive communication between the mobile station and the network, as
well as between the various network elements. That communication is referred to as signaling and goes far
beyond the extent of signaling that fixed networks use. The extension of communications requires a cellular
network to be of modular or hierarchical structure. A single central computer could not process the amount
of information involved.

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An Overview on the GSM Subsystems
A GSM network comprises several elements: the mobile station (MS), the subscriber identity module (SIM),
the base transceiver station (BTS), the base station controller (BSC), the transcoding rate and adaptation unit
(TRAU), the mobile services switching center (MSC), the home location register (HLR), the visitor location
register (VLR), and the equipment identity register (EIR). Together, they form a public land mobile network
(PLMN). Figure provides an overview of the GSM subsystems.

Fig : GSM Subsystems

Mobile Station
GSM-PLMN contains as many MSs as possible, available in various styles and power classes. In particular,
the handheld and portable stations need to be distinguished.
Subscriber Identity Module
GSM distinguishes between the identity of the subscriber and that of the mobile equipment. The SIM
determines the directory number and the calls billed to a subscriber. The SIM is a database on the user side.
Physically, it consists of a chip, which the user must insert into the GSM telephone before it can be used. To
make its handling easier, the SIM has the format of a credit card or is inserted as a plug-in SIM. The SIM
communicates directly with the VLR and indirectly with the HLR.
Base Transceiver Station
A large number of BTSs which take care of the radio-related tasks and provide the connectivity between the
network and the mobile station via the Air-interface.
Base Station Controller
The BTSs of an area (e.g., the size of a medium-size town) are connected to the BSC via an interface called
the Abis-interface. The BSC takes care of all the central functions and the control of the subsystem, referred
to as the base station subsystem (BSS). The BSS comprises the BSC itself and the connected BTSs.
Transcoding Rate and Adaptation Unit
One of the most important aspects of a mobile network is the effectiveness with which it uses the available
frequency resources. Effectiveness addresses how many calls can be made by using a certain bandwidth,
which in turn translates into the necessity to compress data, at least over the Air-interface. In a GSM system,
data compression is performed in both the MS and the TRAU. From the architecture perspective, the TRAU
is part of the BSS. An appropriate graphical representation of the TRAU is a black box or, more
symbolically, a clamp.
Mobile Services Switching Center
A large number of BSCs are connected to the MSC via the A-interface. The MSC is very similar to a regular
digital telephone exchange and is accessed by external networks exactly the same way. The major tasks of

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an MSC are the routing of incoming and outgoing alls and the assignment of user channels on the A-
interface.
Home Location Register
The MSC is only one subcenter of a GSM network. Another subcenter s the HLR, a repository that stores the
data of a large number of subscribers. An HLR can be regarded as a large database that administers he data
of literally hundreds of thousands of subscribers. Every PMN requires at least one HLR.
Visitor Location Register
The VLR was devised so that the HLR would not be overloaded with enquiries on data about its subscribers.
Like the HLR, a VLR contains subscriber data, but only part of the data in the HLR and only while the
particular subscriber roams in the area for which the VLR is responsible. When the subscriber moves out of
the VLR area, the HLR requests removal of the data related to a subscriber from the VLR. The geographic
area of the VLR consists of the total area covered by those BTSs that are related to the MSCs for which the
VLR provides its services.
Equipment Identity Register
The theft of GSM mobile telephones seems attractive, since the identities of subscribers and their mobile
equipment are separate. Stolen equipment can be reused simply by using any valid SIM. Barring of a
subscriber by the operator does not bar the mobile equipment. To prevent that kind of misuse, every GSM
terminal equipment contains a unique identifier, the international mobile equipment identity (IMEI). It lies
within the realm of responsibilities of a network operator to equip the PLNM with an additional database,
the EIR, in which stolen equipment is registered and so can be used to bar fraudulent calls and even,
theoretically, to track down a thief (by analyzing the related SIM data).

Base Transceiver Station (BTS)

The BTS provides the physical connection of an MS to the network in form of the Air-interface. On the
other side, toward the NSS, the BTS is connected to the BSC via the Abis-interface. The manufacturers of
BTS equipment have been able to reduce its size substantially. The typical size in 1991 was that of an
armoire; today the size is comparable to that of a mailbox. The basic structure of the BTS, however, has not
changed. The block diagram and the signal flow of a BTS with one TRX are shown in Figure .
The GSM Recommendations allow for one BTS to host up to 18 TRXs (1 TRX is one frequency and in
GSM 1 frequency is having 8 timeslots, each frequency is given a number called as ARFCN – Absolute
Radio Frequecy Carrier Number) (6+6+6- 6 Frequencies in each sector / 3 Sectors). In the field, the majority
of the BTSs host between one and twelve TRXs.(4+4+4) (3 Sector each with 4 frequencies)

Fig: Block diagram of a BTS with one TRX

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Fig : BTS Overall architecture

Transmitter/Receiver Module
The TRX module is, from the perspective of signal processing, the most important part of a BTS. The TRX
consists of a low-frequency part for digital signal processing and a high-frequency part for GMSK
modulation and demodulation. Both parts are connected via a separate or an integrated frequency hopping
unit. All other parts of the BTS are more or less associated with the TRXs and perform auxiliary or
administrative tasks.
Operations and Maintenance Module
The operations and maintenance (O&M) module consists of minimum one central unit, which administers all
other parts of the BTS. For those purposes, it is connected directly to the BSC by means of a specifically
assigned O&M channel. That allows the O&M module to process the commands from the BSC or the MSC
directly into the BTS and vice-versa. Typically, the central unit also contains the system and operations
software of the TRXs. So it allows BTS to be reloaded when necessary, without the need to “consult” the
BSC. Furthermore, the O&M module provides a human-machine interface (HMI), which allows for local
control of the BTS.
Clock Module
The modules for clock generation and distribution are also are part of the O&M area. Although the trend is
to derive the reference clock from the PCM signal on the Abis-interface, a BTS internal clock generation is
mandatory. It is especially needed when a BTS has to be tested in a standalone environment, that is, without
a connection to a BSC or when the PCM clock is not available due to link failure. Still, there is a cost
savings benefit in the approach of deriving the clock from the PCM signal. By doing so, much cheaper
internal clock generators can be applied, because they do not require the same long-term stability as an
independent clock generator. Besides, there is no need for frequent maintenance checks on the clock
modules, since they synchronize themselves with the clock coming from the PCM link. When analyzing
errors in call handling, particularly in the area of handover, even minor deviations from the clock have to be
considered as possible
GSM requires that all the TRXs of a BTS use the same clock signal. The accuracy of the signal has to have a
precision of at least 0.05 parts per million (ppm). For example, a clock generator that derives the clock from
a 10 MHz signal has to be able to provide a clock with a frequency accuracy of 10 MHz 0.5 Hz
Input and Output Filters

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Both input and output filters are used to limit the bandwidth of the received and the transmitted signals. The
input filter typically is a nonadjustable wideband filter that lets pass all GSM 900, all DCS 1800, or all PCS
1900 frequencies in the uplink direction. In contrast, remote-controllable filters or wideband filters are used
for the downlink direction that limits the bandwidth of the output signal to 200 kHz. When necessary, the
O&M center (OMC) controls the settings of the filters, as in the case of a change in frequency.
Base Transceiver Station Configurations
Different BTS configurations, depending on load, subscriber behavior, and morph structure, have to be
considered to provide optimum radio coverage of an area.
Standard Configuration
All BTSs are assigned different cell identities (CIs). (A BTS if sectoral discussed later can have multiple CI.
In general BSNL urban sites have 3 sector each having one CI). A number of BTSs (in some cases, a single
BTS) form a location area . Figure shows three location areas with one, three, and five BTSs. That method of
implementing BTSs is the one most frequently used. For urban areas with growing traffic density, that may
change soon. For this situation, the configurations described in next Sections
Umbrella Cell Configuration
The umbrella cell configuration consists of one BTS with high transmission power and an antenna installed
high above the ground that serves as an “umbrella” for a number of BTSs with low transmission power and
small diameters (Figure ). Such a configuration appears to make no sense at first, because the frequency of
the umbrella cell cannot be reused in all the cells of that area due to interference. Interference even over a
large distance was one of the reasons why the high radio and television towers were abandoned as sites for
antennas shortly after they were brought into service at the initial network startup.
The umbrella cell configuration still has its merits in certain situations and therefore may result in relief from
load and an improvement of the network. For example, when cars are moving at rather high speeds through
a network of small cells, almost consecutive handovers from one cell to the next are necessary to maintain an
active call. This situation is applicable in every urban environment that features city highways.
Consequently, the handovers result in a substantial increase of the signaling load for the network as well as
in an unbearable signal quality degradation for the end user. On the other hand, small cells are required to
cope with the coverage demand in an urban environment.
The way out of this dilemma is to use both large and small cells at the same time, that is, the umbrella cell
configuration (As shown in figure) . The umbrella cell can be protected from overload when traffic from
only fast-moving users is assigned to it. This, on the other hand, reduces the signaling load of the small cells
and improves the signal quality for the fast-moving traffic. The speed of a user can be determined to
sufficient accuracy by the change of the timing advance (TA) parameter. Its value is updated in the BSC
every 480 milliseconds (ms) by means of the data provided in the MEAS_RES message. The BSC decides
whether to use the umbrella cell or one of the small cells. GSM has not specified the umbrella cell
configuration, which requires additional functionality in the BSC, a manufacturer’s proprietary function.
Sectorized (Collocated) Base Transceiver Stations
The term sectorized, or collocated, BTSs refers to a configuration in which several BTSs are collocated at
one site but their antennas cover only an area of 120 or 180 degrees. Figure 3.4 illustrates the concept.
Typically, it is implemented with BTSs with few TRXs and low transmission power. Like the umbrella cell
configuration, this configuration is used mostly in highly populated areas. A peculiarity is that it is fairly
easy to fine-synchronize the cells with each other, which allows for synchronized handover between them.
Even though in a collocated configuration, one channel per BTS has to be used for the generation of the
BCCH, such a configuration has the following advantages:
 Sectorized, or collocated, BTSs are well suited for a serial connection of the Abis-interface. This
configuration has the potential to save costs for access lines to the BSC. Otherwise, multiple sites
require multiple (leased) lines.
 From the radio perspective, the advantage of using cells with a 120-degree angle is that it allows
reuse of frequencies in one sector (one direction), which otherwise would cause interference with
neighbor cells if an omnidirectional cell were used.
 Sectorization eases the demand for frequencies, particularly in an urban environment.

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Fig : BTSs in standard configuration.

Fig: Umbrella cell with five smaller cells

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Fig: Sectorised BTS

In the diagram one sector is shown as one BTS but in practice a BTS has 3 sectors at 120 degree apart with 3
antennas.

Air Interface (Um)

The FDMA/TDMA Scheme
GSMutilizes a combination of frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and time division multiple access
(TDMA) on the Air-interface. That results in a two-dimensional channel structure, which is presented in
Figure below. Older standards of mobile systems use only FDMA. In such a pure FDMA system, one
specific frequency is allocated for every user during a call. That quickly leads to overload situations in cases
of high demand. GSM took into account the overload problem, which caused most mobile communications
systems to fail sooner or later, by defining a two-dimensional access scheme. In full rate configuration, eight
time slots (TSs) are mapped on every frequency; in a halfrate configuration there are 16 TSs per frequency.
In other words, in a TDMA system, each user sends an impulse like signal only periodically, while a user in
a FDMA system sends the signal permanently. The difference between the two is illustrated in Figure.
Frequency 1 (f1) in the figure represents a GSM frequency with one active TS, that is, where a signal is sent
once per TDMA frame. That allows TDMA to simultaneously serve seven other channels on the same
frequency (with fullrate configuration) and manifests the major advantage of TDMA over FDMA (f2). The
spectral implications that result from the emission of impulses are not discussed here. It needs to be mentioned
that two TSs are required to support duplex service, that is, to allow for simultaneous transmission and reception. The
downlink, one can imagine the uplink as a similar picture on another frequency. GSM uses the modulation technique
of Gaussian minimum shift keying (GMSK). GMSK comes with a narrow frequency spectrum and theoretically no
amplitude modulation (AM) part.

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Fig: The FDMA/TDMA structure of GSM.

Logical-Channel Configuration
One or more logical channels can be transmitted on a physical channel. There are different types of logical
channels. The type of logical channel is determined by the function of the information transmitted over it.
The following types of logical channels exist:
 Traffic channels
 Broadcast channels
 Common control channels
 Dedicated control channels
Note that the first channel type carries speech and data, and the other types control information (signaling).

Traffic Channels
The traffic channels are used to send speech or data services. There are two types of traffic channels. They
are distinguished by their transmission rates.
The following traffic channels are provided:

TCH/F (Traffic CHannel Full rate)

The TCH/F carries information at a gross bit rate of 22.8 kbit/s (after channel coding). The net (or effective)
bit rate at the TCH/F is for speech 13 kbit/s and for data 12, 6 or 3.6 kbit/s (before channel coding). The
transmission rates of the data services allow services which are compatible to the existing, respectively, 9.6,
4.8 and 2.4 kbit/s PSTN and ISDN services.

TCH/H (Traffic Channel Half rate)

The TCH/H carries information at a gross bit rate of 11.4 kbit/s. The net bit rate at the TCH/H is for speech
5.6 kbit/s and for data 6 or 3.6 kbit/s.

TCH/EFR (Enhanced Full rate)

The EFR provides a voice coding algorithm offering improved speech quality. The algorithm is fully
compatible with a BSM speech quality. The algorithm is fully compatible with a GSM 13 kbit/s speech
channel. The main benefit will be improved voice quality which offers prospects to compete with PSTN
networks. A TCH/F or a TCH/H may also be used to send signaling information (for example call
forwarding and short messages).

Broadcast Channels
The information distributed over the broadcast channels helps the mobile stations to orient themselves in the
mobile radio network.

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The broadcast channels are point-to-multipoint channels which are only defined for the downlink direction
(BTS to the mobile station). They are four types:

BCCH (Broadcast Control CHannel)

Via the BCCH the mobile station is informed about the system configuration parameters (for example Local
Area Identification, Cell Identity and Neighbor Cells). Using this information the mobile stations can choose
the best cell to attach to. The BCCH is also known as beacon.

FCCH (Frequency Correction CHannel)

To communicate with the BTS the mobile station must tune to the BTS. The FCCH transmits a constant
frequency shift of the radio frequency carrier that can be used by the mobile station for frequency correction.

SCH (Synchronization CHannel)

The SCH is used to time synchronize the mobile stations. The data on this channel carries the TDMA frame
number and the BSIC (Base Station Identity Code).

CBCH (Cell Broadcast CHannel)

The CBCH is used for the transmission of generally accessible information (Short Message Service
messages) in a cell, which can be polled by the mobile station.

Common Control Channels

Common control channels are specified as point-to-multipoint channels which only operate in one direction
of transmission, either in the uplink or downlink direction. There are three types:-

PCH (Paging CHannel)

The PCH is used in the downlink direction for paging the mobile stations.

AGCH (Access Grant CHannel)

The AGCH is also used in the downlink direction. A logical channel for a connection is allocated via the
AGCH if the mobile station has requested such a channel via the RACH.

RACH (Random Access CHannel)

The RACH is used in the uplink direction by the mobile stations for requesting a channel for a connection. It
is an access channel that uses the slotted Aloha access scheme.
The Following figure gives an overview of the different types of logical channels.
Full Rate TCH/F
Traffic
Channels
Haft Rate TCH/H
BCCH
Broadcast Down FCCH
Logical Channels Link SCH
Channels CBCH
Common
Signaling Down PCH
Control
Channels Channels Link ACCH
Up
RACH
Link
Dedicated Slow SACCH
Control SDCCH
Channels Fast
FACCH

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Dedicated Control Channels
Dedicated control channels are full-duplex, point-to-point channels. They are used for signaling between the
BTS and a certain mobile station.
They are three types:

SACCH (Slow Associated Control CHannel)

The SACCH is a duplex channel which is always allocated to a TCH or SDCCH. The SACCH is used for
transmission of signaling data, radio link supervision measurements, transmit power control and timing
advance data. Note that the SACCH is only used for non-urgent procedures.

FACCH (Fast Associated Control CHannel)

The FACCH is used as a main signaling link for the transmission of signaling data (for example handover
commands). It is also required for every call set-up and release. During the call the FACCH data is
transmitted over the allocated TCH instead of traffic data; this is marked by a flag called a stealing flag. The
process of stealing a TCH for FACCH data is called pre-emption.

SDCCH (Stand-alone Dedicated Control CHannel)

The SDCCH is a duplex, point-to-point channel which is used for signaling in higher layers. It carries all
signaling between the BTS and the mobile station when no TCH is allocated. The SDCCHs are used for
service requests (for example Short Message Service), location updates, subscriber authentication, ciphering
initiation, equipment validation and assignment to a TCH. The net SDCCH bit rate is about 0.8 kbit/s.

Multiplexing Logical Channels onto Physical Channels

Several of the above-mentioned types of logical channels can be transmitted over one single physical
channel (timeslot). The GSM specifications 05.02 specify several combinations of channel types (the
sequence of logical channels is fixed). The order of the logical channels depends on the channel
combination.

Channel combinations
The channel combinations are:
1. TCH/F + FACCH/F + SACCH/F
2. TCH/H + FACCH/H + SACCH/H
3. (TCH/F + FACCH/F + SACCH/F) or (TCH/H + FACCH/H + SACCH/H)
4. FCCH + SCH + CCCH + BCCH
5. FCCH + SCH + CCCH + BCCH + SDCCH/4 + SACCH/4
6. CCCH + BCCH
7. SDCCH/8 + SACCH/8

Definitions
The CCCH is a channel that carries both the PCH and the AGCH on the downlink, and the RACH on the
uplink.
The extensions “/4” and “/8” in the above mentioned terms mean, respectively, that four and eight logical
channels are mapped onto one physical channel (timeslot).
Note that in channel combination 4, 5 the BCCH is always transmitted in timeslot 0 on the first defined
frequency.

Frame Types on the Um-interface

The GSM-900 and GSM-1800 specifications define several types of frames:

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TDMA frame
A TDMA frame consists of eight timeslots (physical channels). The length of a timeslot is 0.577 ms. The
length of a TDMA frame is therefore 4.62 ms. Note: because data on a timeslot is transmitted in bursts, the
length of a timeslot is often expressed in BP (Burst Period); 1 BP represents the length of 1 timeslot.

26-TDMA multi-frame
This multi-frame is defined as a succession of 26 TDMA frames, and corresponds to the 26 x 8 BP or 120
ms cycle used in the definition of the TCH/F and TCH/H.

51-TDMA multi-frame
This multi frame is defined as a succession of 51 TDMA frames, and corresponds to the 51 x 8 BP cycle
used in the definition of the TCH/F, TCH/H and of the common channels.

Super frame
The super frame is a succession of 51 x 26 TDMA frames (6.12 sec), and corresponds to the smallest cycle
for which the organization of all channels is repeated.

Hyper frame
The hyper frame is the numbering period. It is 2048 x 51 x 26 x 8 BP long, or 3 hours, 28 minutes, 53
seconds and 760 milliseconds. It is a multiple of all previously cited cycles, and determines all the cycles in
the transmission of the radio path. It is in particular the smallest cycle for frequency hopping and for
ciphering.
The figure shows the frames types. (Fig in next page)

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The Abis Interface

Situation of the BTS

The Abis-interface is the interface between the BTS and the BSC. It is a PCM 30 interface, like all the other
terrestrial interfaces in GSM. It is specified by ITU in the G-series of recommendations. The transmission
rateis2.048Mbps, which is partitioned into 32 channels of 64 Kbps each. The compression techniques that

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GSM utilizes packs upto 8 GSM traffic channels into a single 64-Kbps channel GSM never specified the
Abis-interface in every detail, as was also the case with the B-interface (the interface between the MSC and
the VLR). The Abis-interface is regarded as proprietary, which leads to variations in the Layer 2 protocol
between manufacturers, as well as to different channel configurations. The consequence is that, normally ,a
BTS from manufacturer A cannot be used with a BSC from manufacturer B.
Channel Configurations
Figure presents two possible channel configurations of the Abis-interface. Note the fixed mapping of the air-
interface traffic channels (Air0, Air1, …) onto a time slot of the Abis-interface. This fixed mapping has the
advantage that it is possible to determine which Abis time slot will be used when a particular air-interface
channel is assigned. Generally we connect 12 TRX mapping to 1 PCM in BSNL and if more TRX are used
we go for second PCM.

Fig : Channel configuration on PCM

FAS Frame alignment signal. Term from transmission systems. The FAS is used in a PCM system and
transmitted in time slot 0. It allows for synchronization of sender and receiver on the frame structure.
O & M Data: Data required for operation and maintenance of BTS such as software download, alarm
extension and reporting by BTS to BSC.
TRX signaling : Siganlling related to TRX and cell/sector.

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Alternatives for Connecting the BTS to the BSC
The line resources on the Abis-interface usually are not used efficiently. The reason is that a BTS, typically,
has only a few TRXs, which implies small traffic volume capability. Consequently, the line between the
BTS and the BSC is used only to a fraction of its capacity. Figure, the star configuration, shows the case of a
BTS with four TRXs, in which only 47% of the 2 Mbps actually is needed. The shaded areas mark the
unused channels in above figure of PCM configuration. When the BTS has only one TRX, that value goes
down to 16%. When GSM specified the BTS, it defined that a BTS may have up to 16 TRXs. Two 2-Mbps
interfaces are required to connect such a BTS to the BSC, because a single 2-Mbps interface is able to
support only up to 12 TRXs, including O&M signaling.
Proportionally fewer resources are required on the Abis-interface when a BTS with a smaller number of
TRXs is installed. The remainder cannot easily be used. Experience has shown that the optimum for a BTS
is in the range of one to four TRXs. This compromise reflects several parameters:
• Capacity of BTS is defined as the number of traffic and signaling channels does a BTS need to provide, on
average and during busy hours, to avoid an overload condition.
• Available frequency range.is defined as the minimum distance between BTSs beyond which a given TRX
frequency may be reused
Network operators worldwide have had bad experiences, particularly with the latter point. When digital
radio was introduced, the assumption was that the impact of the disturbances, same-channel interference or
neighbor channel interference, would be relatively minor. Soon after the introduction of commercial service,
that assumption was found to be wrong, when more and more interference problems between BTSs appeared
and degraded the quality of service. Problems with large, powerful cells were experienced, particularly in
urban areas and city centers, where more and more mini cells and microcells are being used.
The conclusion was to move in the direction of using more cells with fewer TRXs and smaller output power
(<1W) rather than in the direction of fewer cells with more TRXs and high output power. That configuration
requires a larger number of BTSs than the alternative to cover any given area. Connecting the larger number
of BTSs to the BSCs, in turn, requires a larger number of links (Abis-interfaces). Because of that trend,
together with the high costs for links between the BTS and the BSC and the low efficiency when using such
links, another configuration was introduced, the serial connection of BTSs.

BTS Connection in a Serial Configuration

In a serial configuration, the BTSs are connected in a line or a ring topology. Only one BTS, for the line
topology, or two BTSs, for the ring topology, are physically connected to the BSC. Figures illustrate those
topologies.
For the network operator, the advantage of the serial approach over the star configuration is that it saves line
costs. Furthermore, the serial connection allows for more efficient use of resources, as illustrated in Figure.
This advantage becomes particularly obvious, when colocated or sectored BTSs are used. The disadvantage,
however, is that a single link failure causes the loss of the connection to a large number of BTSs

Fig: Serial connection of BTSs in a line topology. The disadvantage is that a single link failure results in
total loss of connection to a number of BTSs.

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Fig: Serial connection of BTSs in a ring topology. The advantage is that a single link failure never results in
total loss of connection to any BTS.

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2. Call Handover/Handoff
Handover is done on five conditions
– Interference
– RXQUAL
– RXLEV
– Distance or Timing Advance
– Power Budget
(For detail see Annexure below)
The user movements can produce the need to change the channel or cell, especially when the quality of the
communication is decreasing. This procedure of changing the resources is called handover. Four different
types of handovers can be distinguished:
 Handover of channels in the same cell. (Intra BTS intra cell)
 Handover of cells controlled by the same BSC. (Inter BTS, intra BSC)
 Handover of cells belonging to the same MSC but controlled by different BSCs. (Inter BSC intra
MSC)
 Handover of cells controlled by different MSCs. (Inter MSC)
Handovers are mainly controlled by the MSC. However in order to avoid unnecessary signaling information,
the first two types of handovers are managed by the concerned BSC (in this case, the MSC is only notified of
the handover).
The mobile station is the active participant in this procedure. In order to perform the handover, the mobile
station controls continuously its own signal strength and the signal strength of the neighboring cells (On
SACCH channel). The list of cells that must be monitored by the mobile station is given by the base station.
The power measurements allow deciding which the best cell is in order to maintain the quality of the
communication link. Two basic algorithms are used for the handover:
 The `minimum acceptable performance' algorithm. When the quality of the transmission decreases
(i.e. the signal is deteriorated), the power level of the mobile is increased. This is done until the
increase of the power level has no effect on the quality of the signal. When this happens, a handover
is performed.
 The `power budget' algorithm. This algorithm performs a handover, instead of continuously
increasing the power level, in order to obtain a good communication quality.
Intra-BTS Handover
In intra-BTS handover, a new channel in the same BTS is assigned to the MS. The intra-BTS handover does
not distinguish whether the new channel is just on another timeslot in the same TRX (frequency) or whether
the TRX changes as well. An intra-BTS handover is performed particularly when the RXQUAL (Refer
annexure of this handout) values in uplink or downlink are relatively bad, while the RXLEV (Refer appendix
of this handout) values stay good (interference). Figure illustrates the intra-BTS handover. The procedure
usually is executed autonomously by the BSC, but the MSC also may be in charge. It is worth pointing out
that an intra-BTS handover is always synchronized, since all TRXs of a BTS have to use the same clock.
Figure presents the corresponding scenario. Note that for an intra-BTS handover boththe ASS_CMD
message and the HND_CMD message may be applied.

Fig: The intra-BTS handover

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Intra-BSC Handover
In the intra-BSC handover, an MS changes the BTS but not the BSC, as illustrated in Figure. Like the intra-
BTS handover, the intra-BSC handover may be carried out autonomously by the BSC, without support from
the MSC. It is an option by the network operator, to decide that the MSC supervises the process.

Fig: The intra-BSC handover

The following figure shows an intra-BSS, inter-cell handover

MS BSS MSC

Signal Strength
 Measurements

SACCH


 Handover Command
FACCH



Handover Access

 FACCH


Handover Command

FACCH

 Handover Performed




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3. Routine Check point in BTS inspection (VSWR, Alarms, PP/BB,

Media, DG set), faults and there solutions

VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio)

In any transmission system, a source sends energy to a load, such as an antenna. Ideally, we design the
transmission network such that the characteristic impedances of the source, the transmission line and the
load are all identical. Unfortunately, many real-world situations prevent the match from being perfect.
For example, we might want an antenna (the load) to be useful over a broad range of frequencies. But the
characteristic impedance of an antenna is unlikely to stay constant with frequency, especially if the
frequency span is great. When the transmission line impedance does not match that of the load, part of the
transmitted waveform is reflected back towards the source. The reflected wave, which varies in phase and
magnitude, adds to the incident (transmitted) wave and the sum is called a Standing Wave. (Refer figure; A.)

Fig. A

The reflected wave causes the amplitude to vary as a function of position along the transmission line. The
Standing Wave Ratio (SWR), which is the ratio between the maximum and minimum amplitudes of the total
waveform, will in this case be greater than one. If there is no reflected wave, i.e., if the impedance match is
perfect, the amplitude of the total waveform (incident plus reflected wave) will be the constant, regardless of
where we measure it along the transmission line. The result is a SWR of 1. SWR = 1 indicates maximum
power transfer to the load.
General Instruction which are to be considered:
1. Jumpers & feeders are properly routed & no sharp bends/loops are advisable. Practically if we bend the
cable is more than ten times the diameter of waveguide/RF jumpers, no problems of poor VSWR are
observed.
2. SMA /N /DNC type connecters are to be properly tightened with torque wrench (Practically one should
not be able to loose such RF connecters with hand).because we are opening the connecters for measurements
& later on not properly tightening them.
3. Proper connecters/bullets for conversion (from fedder cable to jumper cable).
4. RF meters should be properly calibrated every year & certificate from manufacturer or other test lab
should be available. With time readings from these meters are not proper.
6. Recommended VSWR values should be less than 1.3
7. Check power meters is able to handle required power of BTS otherwise use attenuators
(calibrated).Otherwise it will burn sensor of meters.
8. Diversity is enabled & Diversity cable should be checked

TEST PROCEDURES:
1. First lock the BTS from OMC-R or through LMT.
2. Remove the jumper cable at the top of BTS rack (say Na, Nb, Pa, Pb, Qa, Qb).
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3. After switch ON the VSWR meter first select type of feeder cable ( like 7/8” foam LDFS cable type)
Calibrate it (for open/short and load at o/p port). This is required every time the meter is switched ON.
Frequency range should be set in VSWR Meter along X-axis (for GSM-900 in BSNL the range is 890 MHz
to 960 MHz). Along Y-axis VSWR value should be set. Say min 1 to max 1.5. Site master (VSWR Meter) is
to be calibrated with open, short & load accessories coming with site master. Thus VSWR meter is ready for
VSWR measurement.
4. Connect one end of connector cable to Na terminal of jumper cable and another to VSWR meter directly.
5. A steady spectrum will appear on the screen. Minimum and Maximum will give min and Max VSWR.
These values may be recorded in VSWR table. Sometimes spectrum may not remain steady on account of
interference received from other networks. Band-pass filters are being introduced to avoid unwanted
interference of frequencies. VSWR should be within 1 to 1.3 only irrespective of whether filters are added or
otherwise.
6. After recording the readings, restore the connections properly as earlier.
7. Repeat the same procedure for other sectors and note down the readings in the table as below.

8. Unlock the BTS from OMC-R to restore the services. (Note :- During the maintenance ,an individual
sector may also be locked for the routine check purpose without affecting coverage of other sectors.)
9. Extension of VSWR alarms in OMC-R should be confirmed during the Acceptance Test for VSWR going
beyond a set threshold limit value say 1.5, VSWR Alarm in the form of Warning should appear in OMC-R
and if it goes beyond 2,the sector should go down or go off.
10. Echo & hollowing , crackling etc is observed while talking.

Possible causes of mismatches along a transmission line (VSWR):

· Loose connections
· Water in the transmission line
· Antenna degradations
· Damage to the transmission line (Improper grounding connection, strained cable due to sharp bends, bullet
holes, etc)

Effect of VSWR increase :

1. Call dropping problems may occur.
2. Poor coverage.
3. Degradation of services.
4. VSWR Higher than 1.5 ( OMC-R setting to generate alarm) than complete sector will be down resulting
in black out or a dead cell area.
Advice on cable loss:
· Any cable added for measurement configuration will add some loss that must be accounted for: For
examples a jumper cable placed between the measuring device and the antenna feedline which are connected
will add some amount of loss to measurement. If for addition of a jumper cable to measurement
configuration it is a must that calibrate out loss associated with the cable otherwise your measurement results will be
inaccurate likely adjust your transmit parameter in error

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Alarms in BTS
There are two classes of alarms in BTS:
1. External Alarms
2. Internal Alarms
External Alarms: These alarms are external in nature and are caused due to environmental conditions or
infrastructural failure:
 Power plant & Battery:- Generally BTS are inside over exchanges so they take power from existing
power plant if not at least 25-50 A module power plant with 200 AH battery set must be provided.
The health of the battery is very crucial as at most of the site it is seen that BTS is off due to no
battery backup and DG.
 Engine Alternator: Ensure the working of engine alternator make sure that battery of DG set is
working properly and ensure the starting of DG when mains fails. Timely check the DG (periodically
test)
0 0
 Air-conditioning: Check the site condition recommended Temp 23 C + 3 C, (AC control panel
should work properly so that they can swapped automatically).
 Fire detection system should be available.
 Tower: Tower earthing should be proper and separate from DC earth.
 Earthing : Measure earth resistance range <0.5 ohms
 Media: Check the PCM if possible give a redundant PCM(optional).
 Shelter : cleaning of shelter. It should be dust free. No additional items should be available in shelter
as it causes troubles.
 VSWR
Internal Alarms: They are internal to the BTS system:
 BTS fail.
 TRX card faulty
 Coupler/Combiner faulty
 High coupler/combiner loss
 Swapping of feeder cable with adjacent sector.
 BCCH TRX failure
 High BER in PCM
 Power failure
 TRX failure
 Media failure
 Fan failure Alarm

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4. Trouble shooting of critical faults

Here is the list of some critical faults that occurs in BTS:
 BTS control card faulty
 Multiple TRX faulty
 Power plant faulty
 Battery faulty or deeply discharged
 Cable swapping of two sectors
 Media fail.
 BTS completely functional but no call is landing on BTS
 Call drop after immediate connection.
All this problems can be solved in manner show below:
Let us say a BTS is faulty and down. The step for trouble shooting are as follows:

Enter into the BTS room or see the shelter (outdoor BTS)
for physical examine the environment of BTS, Check for
fire, smoke, humidity and absence of physical damage to
BTS or infrastructure. (Also check alarms). If OK
proceed further.

If alarms are available go to subsequent step or go sequence

by sequence. First check the control card and its LEDs
Generally it contains the media termination also. So check
for media LED if media is down. Verify by giving the loop
in both the directions. ( If OK, Go to check TRX step)

If Control Card itself is faulty, replace it with new one or tested

card form other site. Also try to reset the control card so that
software can be reloaded to it. If possible, locally access the
control card and follow the instructions given by vendor.

If media and control card both are OK, then proceed to the
TRX cards. Check the LEDs on TRX card (on all card). Mark
the TRX card which is showing fault.

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If TRX Card itself is faulty then only in one sectors some frequency
will not work or sector will not work if BCCH carrier is down, replace
it with new one or from tested card form other site. If not possible,
replace it with other TRX card of same BTS of other sector or same
sector but it should not contain the BCCH channel carrier. Also check
the cable connection of TRX card and coupler. If this occur frequently
chck the temperature.

If TRX Cards are OK, check the coupler card and also the
status of RF jumper cable connecting the output of TRX or
coupler to the antenna. Look out for VSWR reports.

Consult with the OMC-R team for physical test and media test.
Now if configuration is proper, the BTS should be up and
radiation. Look out for all LEDs and alarms and take
subsequent action

If BTS is radiating and calls are not landing

Check whether BCCH channel is assigned or not if not assigned ,
assign it. Also check the BCCH channel should not be on hopping
frequency. Check the availability of SDCCH channel. Sometime TRX
is also faulty.

If BTS is radiating, call land but not maturing, crosstalk, call drop,
interference
Check whether BCCH channel is assigned or not if not assigned, assign it.
Also check the BCCH channel should not be on hopping frequency and
whether the cable has not been swapped. Also check HSN & MAIO with
adjacent sector.

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5. Antenna Tilt, Tx/Rx power, BTS capacity and coverage

Antennas transform wire-propagated waves into space-propagated waves. They receive electromagnetic
waves and pass them onto a receiver or they transmit electromagnetic waves, which have been produced by
a transmitter. All the features of passive antennas can be applied for reception and transmission alike
(reciprocality). On one side RF cable is connected and the other side it is the environment, therefore the
surroundings of the antenna have a strong influence on the antennas electrical features

The Principle of an antenna:

a) A transmitter sends a high frequency wave into a co-axial cable. A pulsing electrical field is created
between the wires, which cannot free itself from the cable
b) The end of the cable is bent open. The field lines become longer and are orthogonal to the wires.
c) The cable is bent open at right angles. The field lines have now reached a length, which allows the
wave to free itself from the cable. The apparatus radiates an electromagnetic wave, whereby the
length of the two bent pieces of wire corresponds to half of the wavelength. This is the basic
principle of lamda/2-dipole antenna.

Fig: Principle of Antenna

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An electrical field (E) is created due to the voltage potential (U) but also a magnetic field (H) which
is based on the current (I) The amplitude distribution of both fields corresponds to the voltage and current
distribution on the dipole.

Field distribution on a Dipole

The free propagation of the wave from the dipole is achieved by the permanent transformation from
electrical into magnetic energy and vice versa. The thereby resulting electrical and magnetic fields are at
right angles to the direction of propagation

Polarization:

Polarization can be defined as the direction of oscillation of the electrical field vector and has been
discussed earlier.
In Plane polarization, the direction of the 'E' component does NOT change whereas in Circular
polarization, the direction of the 'E' component changes. Plane polarization is generally used in terrestrial
radio systems and Circular in Satellite communications. Nowadays, dual polarized antennae are a common
sight. Polarization helps in discrimination and augmenting the capacity of a radio system as well.

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For Mobile communications generally vertical polarization is used.

For Broadcast systems horizontal polarization is used.

Propagation Pattern/Radiation Pattern:

In most cases the propagation characteristic of an antenna can be described via elevations through the
horizontal and vertical radiation diagrams Very often a 3-dimensional description is chosen to describe a
complex antenna. The radiation pattern diagram leads to Major and Minor Lobes of the antenna. Major
Lobes of the antenna are those radiation patterns in which the intensity or strength of the signal is maximum.
Minor Lobes are those in which the intensity is less.

Half-Power-Beam-Width:

This term defines the aperture of the antenna. The HPBW is defined by the points in the horizontal
and vertical diagram, which show where the radiated power has reached half the amplitude of the main
radiation direction. These points are also called 3 dB points. Normally only the major lobe is considered for
this. .

Fig: Half Power Beam Width

Gain:
An antenna without gain radiates energy in every direction. An antenna with gain concentrates the
energy in a defined angle segment of 3-dimensional space. The l/2-dipole is used as a reference for defining
gain. At higher frequencies the gain is often defined with reference to the isotropic radiator. The isotropic
radiator is a non-existent ideal antenna, which has also an omni directional radiation characteristic in the E-
plane and H-plane.
Impedance

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The impedance of the antenna is simply equal to the voltage applied to its input terminals divided by
the current flow. The frequency dependant impedance of a dipole or antenna is often adjusted via a
symmetry or transformation circuit to meet the 50-Ohm criterion. Adjustment across a wider frequency
range is achieved using compensation circuits.
Mechanical features of antenna:
Antennas are always mounted at exposed sites. As a result the antenna must be designed to withstand
the required mechanical loading.
1.Vehicle antennas, for example, must withstand a high wind velocity, vibrations, saloon washing and still
fulfill a limited wind noise requirement
2.Antennas for portable radio equipment are often exposed to ill handling and sometimes even played with
by the user.
3.Base station antennas are exposed to high wind speed, vibrations, ice, snow, a corrosive environment and
of course also extreme electrostatic loading via lightning

Omni directional Antennas:

The horizontal radiation pattern covers 360 degrees and vertical half power beam width is 78
degrees. Hence there will be lot of waste of energy both upwards and downwards in the desired horizontal
plane.

Omni directional Antennas with Gain:

By connecting single, and vertically stacked dipoles at a middle distance of one wavelength the half
power beam width can be reduced. As a result the radiated power in the horizontal plane is increased. This
increase is called gain, which is nothing other than binding the radiated power in a defined direction. A
doubling of the number of dipoles results in a gain increase of 3 B (double the power).

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Directional Antennas
Directional antennas are provided with reflectors behind the radiating element. This focuses the
energy in a desired direction avoiding transmission in the rear side of the antenna . The directional antennas
are classified into the following types:
1.Grid Parabolic Reflector antennas
2. Parabolic Reflector antennas.
3.Cassegrain antennas.
4. Array antennas.
The first two types of antennas are mainly used in fixed point-to-point radio links and the grid types are
employed up to 2GHz whereas the solid parabolic reflector antennas are used for higher frequencies.
The connectivity between the antennas to the equipments is by coaxial cable up to 2GHz and for
higher frequencies it is by hollow copper tube called wave-guide. The beam width of these antennas depends
on the diameter of the antenna and frequency of operation. They produce very narrow beams.
Cassegrain antennas are associated with Satellite communication are comparatively larger which
makes them to be fixed on the ground or roof tops and orient themselves towards the satellite by operating
gear arrangement either manually or using motors.
Array antennas are more predominantly used in broadcasting and mobile communications. There are
two types
(i)End Fire Arrays,
(ii)Panel Antennas

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End-fire Arrays
Directional antennas whose mechanical features are parallel to the main radiation beam are called
"End-fire Arrays". Examples:
Yagi antennas
logarithmic periodic (log-per) antennas
Yagi antennas are very common due to their simple and cheap method of construction. The gain and
bandwidth of Yagi antennas are electrically coupled with one other which is an electrical disadvantage, ie.
one criterion is weighed off the other. The mechanical concept is not suitable for extreme climatic
conditions.
Panel Antennas-Broadside Arrays
Panel antennas are made up of several dipoles mounted in front of a reflector so that gain can be
achieved from both the horizontal and vertical plane. This type of antenna is very well suited for antenna
combinations.

Antenna Systems
Special applications, which cannot be realised by using a single antanna, are very often achieved via
antenna combinations. The combination is made up of several single antennas and a distribution system
(power splitter and connecting cable). Very often a combination is designed in order to achieve a higher
gain. Many different antennas are also used to achieve a wide range of horizontal radiation characteristics by
varying the number of antennas, the azimuth direction, the spacing, the phase and the power ratio.

Diversity:

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Diversity is used to increase the signal level from the mobile to the base station The problem with
this path is the fact that the mobile telephone only works with low power and a short antenna. Diversity is
applied on the reception side of the base station.

Space Diversity:

This system consists of two reception antennas spaced a distance apart. One antenna has a certain
field strength profile with maxima and minima from its coverage area, the other antenna has a completely
different field strength profile although only spaced a few meters away. Ideally the minima of one antenna
will be completely compensated by the maxima of the other The improvement in the average signal level
achieved with this method is called diversity-gain.
Polarization Diversity
The reflections, which take place within urban areas, are not all of the same polarization, ie.
Horizontal components also exist. Furthermore a mobile telephone is never held exactly upright which
means that all polarizations between vertical and horizontal are possible. It is therefore logical that these
signals be also used. Space diversity uses 2 vertically polarized antennas as reception antennas and compares
the signal level. Polarization diversity uses 2 orthogonally polarized antennas and compares the resulting
signals.

Horizontal and Vertical Polarization

The dipoles of both antenna systems are horizontally and vertically polarized respectively. A spatial
separation is not necessary which means that the differently polarized dipoles can be mounted in a common
housing. Sufficient isolation can be achieved even if the dipoles are interlocked into one unit so that the
dimensions of a dual-polarized antenna are not greater than that of a normal polarized antenna.

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A minimum horizontal spacing is only required between the antennas, the antennas can also be
mounted one above the other on the same mast. This makes the complete sector very compact, thereby
easing permission procedures.

Polarization +45°/-45°
It is also possible to use dipoles at +45°/-45° instead of horizontally and vertically (0°/90°) placed.
One now has two identical systems, which are able to handle both horizontally and vertically polarized
components.

Antenna tilt

Generally two types of tilts

1. Mechanical
2. Electrical

Mechanical
Often the base station antenna provides over coverage. There is large overlap between two adjacent cells,
which causes increase in handover between the base stations. This puts a strain on the system. This may also
cause disturbances in a neighboring cell which has the same frequency. For the coverage of the sector, the
only that energy which is radiated below the horizon can be used.. Down tilting the antenna limits the range
by reducing the field strength in the horizon and increases the radiated power in the cell that is actually to be
covered. Different methods of down tilting are used. The simplest method of down tilting the vertical

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diagram of a directional antenna is the mechanical method to achieve a certain angle while using an
adjustable joint. (Figure below) But the required down tilt is only valid for the main direction of the
horizontal radiation pattern. In the tilt axis direction (+/-90° from main beam) there is no down tilt at all.
Between the angles of 0° and 90° the down tilt angle varies according to the azimuth direction. These results
in a horizontal half-power beam width, which gets bigger with increasing down tilt angles. The resulting
gain reduction depends on the azimuth direction. Practically upto 6 degree is advisably further reduce the
antenna height.

Mechanically down tilt of Panel

Electrical
The other method used is electrical down tilt. In this method, the phases of the signal are being altered to fed
to dipoles of an antenna. By altering the phases, the main direction of the vertical radiation pattern can be
adjusted. Figure, shows dipoles that are fed from top to bottom with a rising phase of 70°. The different
phases are achieved by using feeder cables of different lengths for each dipole. The electrical down tilt has
the advantage, that the adjusted down tilt angle is constant over the whole azimuth range. The horizontal
half-power beam width remains unaltered. However, the down tilt angle is fixed and cannot be changed.
Practically upto 6 degree is advisable further reducing the antenna height.

Fig: Electrical down tilt and the effect on radiation pattern at differing down tilt.

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When Electrical tilt is given it is not advisable to give mechanical tilt and vise-versa (First preference should
be given to electrical tilt as its horizontal half-power beam width remains unaltered

POWER MEASUREMENT at TRE/TRX PORT.

General: The entity “power” plays important role in any RF network.
· Power must be set accurately for optimal coverage.
· If power is set too high ,interference can occur.
· If power is too little, it may result in coverage gaps between sites.

Power Measurement Table

At TRE PORT (20 to 63 watts )

OR
(43.0 dBm to 47.993 dBm)
Power Measurement at Ant Port:
For measurement of Power at Antenna Port, same procedure may be adopted by connecting power meter to
Ant. Port with proper male connector.

Formula for conversion of Watts to dbm:

Pdbm=10 log (Pw/0.001)
Formula for conversion of dbm to Watts:
Pw=0.001(10 logPdbm/10)
Watts Vs dBm Conversion Table

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BTS Capacity and coverage

BTS capcity can be calculated in two ways:
1. Thumb rule or general rule:

Total No. of TRX in BTS =x

Possible calls on TRX =8
Total No. of simultaneous calls = 8x

Say for standard BTS x=12

Therefore total calls = 8*12=96

Suppose 1:10 concentration ration of call to idle subscriber than number of subscriber are

96*10=960.

We can say that there can be 1000 subscriber per BTS of 12 carriers

2. Exact method:

In this case total No. of TCH are calculated and corresponding to that grade of service is notified. By
No. of TCH and GOS erlang traffic supported by that TCH group is calculated from Erlang B Table.

No. of subscriber= Total No. of erlang trafiic (from B table)

Erlang traffic required by each subscriber

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Example 8 TCH =say 3 Erlangs (just an example) , and traffic of each subscriber is say 0.25 Erlang
so number of subscriber will be 3/0.25=12

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6. Reasons of call drop and handover failure

Call drops in GSM network can be caused by the following:
 Bad Signal strength
 Improper Link budget(VSWR (voltage standing wave ratio): VSWR caused by poor connections on
feeders, water penetration, fault on antenna etc
 Elevation in terrain causes sudden drop
 Intereference (Co-channel, Adjacent-Channel or from CDMA etc.)
 Congestion in TCH after successful SDCCH establishment
 Neighbour cell not defined (During handover, if the interference from the neighbouring BTS is too
high, the call may be dropped. Appropriate Radio Planning and the adjustment of Antenna's Down
Tilt is very much important to resolve this problem)
 Cell parameters are not optimized (Somtimes SACCH, FACCH signalling channels are not available
to provide a TCH channel. In that case call may be dropped. Repeated SACCH, FACCH can solve
this problem.)
 Timing advance specially on borders ( see annexure)
 Non-availability of transcoder towards NSS
 Transmission problem: If transmission is not perfect, high B.E.R (Bit error ratio) or other factors
causing inaccuracy of transmission.
 Sometimes due to inappropiate radio network planning, some pockets are may form where call may
drops. Appropriate Radio Planning and the adjustment of Antenna's Down Tilt is very much
important to resolve this problem.
 When tracing a call protocol, one occasionally sees MEAS_RES messages, which do not contain a
MEAS_REP. This happens when if the BTS is unable to decode the uplink SACCH, because of
problems in the area of radio transmission. In that case, typically, the connection breaks down shortly
due to radio link timeout. This type of call drop cannot be prevented completely. A closer
investigation is necessary, however, if such failure rate is relatively high or is increasing dramatically
than a drive test should be performed in order to check the C/I ration of all the signals in that are..

QUICK GUIDE TO FAULT RESTORATION :

Problem type Probable cause
TCH failures Mostly occur due to faulty TREs/TRX , check TRE report

Call drops Check frequency plan for co & adjacant channel interference, check HO list, also
check for CDMA interference then check H/W installation for cable swap, VSWR
etc. Perform Drive test in problem area and analyze. Check MSC issues, check
media for BER..

Poor CSSR (Call Check faulty TRE, check freq. Plan & HO list and parameters. check H/W
setup Success rate) installation for cable swap, VSWR etc.

HO failures Check HO list & optimize, remove un-necessary HO, remove congestion in
neighboring cells, refer cell specific HO reports for details. Perform Drive test in
problem area and analyze.

TCH Congestion Look for proper BTS configuration, add TRE, implement half rate, check to tilt if
necessary, then propose for new site. (Also try AMR)

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CDMA interference Causes random call drops, install CDMA filters.

SDCCH congestion Mostly found at BSC border sites where Location updates frequently. Check for
enough SDCCH defined in cell, optimize BSC border area to minimize LU event.

HO failure due to Check for co & adj. interference (BCCH-BSIC) which also may cause frequent
reversion HO attempts. check H/W installation for cable swap.

Indoor coverage Check for the feasibility of Micro BTS / Repeater

problem

Sudden drop in BSC Check all the cards status of BSC at OMCR. Faulty cards degrades the whole BSC
CSSR performance

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ANNEXURE-I
RXQUAL values, like the ones for RXLEV, are relevant for the decision of a BSC on power control and
handover. They indicate the bit error rate that was measured on the Air-interface. The bit error rate can be
determined by facilitating the training sequence The current values of RXQUAL for an active connection
can be tracked in the MEAS_RES/MEAS_REP messages by using a protocol analyzer on the Abis interface.
Values with active DTX (SUBSET) have to be distinguished from values without DTX (FULL or ALL).
RXLEV values are coded the same way for uplink and downlink and are 3 bits long, which allows for a
range of 0 through 7. Coding of RX_QUAL is shown in Table.

RXLEV : Provides the results of the measurement of the receiving level on the Air-interface. These
measurements are performed independently by the MS and the BTS. The BTS measures the receiving level
for an active connection. The MS measures the receiving level of that BTS, where an active connection
exists (serving cell) plus the receiving level of the neighbor cells indicated in the SYS_INFO 2. The values
of both RXLEV and RXQUAL are sent to the BSC in a MEAS_RES/MEAS_REP, as basis for a decision by
the BSC on power control or handover. It has to be distinguished between values with active DTX
(SUBSET) and values without DTX (FULL or ALL). RXLEV values are coded the same way for uplink and
downlink. A 5-bit-long, binary coded RXLEV value can directly be converted into a receiver-level dBm.
The procedure outlined in Table is applicable.

Timing advance (TA).

The agreement in a GSM system is for the MS to send its data three time slots after it received the data from
the BTS. The BTS then expects the bursts from the MS in a well-defined time frame. This prevents collision
with data from other mobile stations. The mechanism works fine, as long as the distance between MS and
BTS is rather small. Increasing distance requires taking into account the propagation delay of downlink
bursts and uplink bursts. Consequently, the mobile station needs to transmit earlier than defined by the
“three time slots delay” rule. The information about how much earlier a burst has to be sent is conveyed to
the mobile station by the TA. The TA is dynamic and changes in time. Its current value is sent to the mobile
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station within the layer 1 header of each SACCH. In the opposite direction, the BTS sends the current value
for TA within the MEAS_RES messages to the BSC (e.g., for handover consideration). The farther the MS
is away from the BTS, the larger is the required TA. Figure G.62 illustrates the relation between distance and
TA.

Figure The dependency of TA from the distance.

Using the TA allows the BTS to receive the bursts from a particular MS in the proper receiver window. The
BTS calculates the first TA when receiving a RACH and reports the value to the BSC. TA can take any
value between 0 and 63, which relates to a distance between 0 km and 35 km. The steps are about 550 m (35
km/63 ≈ 550 m). With respect to time, the different values of TA refer to the interval 0 μs through 232 μs, in
steps of 48/13 μs. It is important to note that this value of TA represents twice the propagation delay. Figure
G.63 illustrates the effect of TA by an example in which a connection is active on TS 1.

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ANNEXURE-II
GSM BASICS
BCH Channels
BCCH( Broadcast Control Channel )
• Downlink only
• Broadcasts general information of the serving cell called System Information
• BCCH is transmitted on timeslot zero of BCCH carrier
• Read only by idle mobile at least once every 30 secs.
•
SCH( Synchronization Channel )
• Downlink only
• Carries information for frame synchronization. Contains TDMA frame number and BSIC.

FCCH( Frequency Correction Channel )

• Downlink only.
• Enables MS to synchronize to the frequency.

CCCH Channels
RACH( Random Access Channel )
• Uplink only
• Used by the MS to access the Network.

AGCH( Access Grant Channel )

• Downlink only
• Used by the network to assign a signalling channel upon successfull decoding of access
bursts.

PCH( Paging Channel )

• Downlink only.
• Used by the Network to contact the MS.

DCCH Channels
SDCCH( Standalone Dedicated Control Channel )
• Uplink and Downlink
• Used for call setup, location update and SMS.

SACCH( Slow Associated Control Channel )

• Used on Uplink and Downlink only in dedicated mode.
• Uplink SACCH messages - Measurement reports.
• Downlink SACCH messages - control info.

FACCH( Fast Associated Control Channel )

• Uplink and Downlink.
• Associated with TCH only.
• Is used to send fast messages like handover messages.
• Works by stealing traffic bursts.

WHAT IS INTERFERNCE ?

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• Interference is the sum of all signal contributions that are either noise or the unwanted signal.

• There are two types of system generated interference

Inband
– Co-channel interference
– Adjacent channel interference
• Out band
– From other technolgies such as CDMA (which can be removed by filter)
Co-Channel Interference
• This type of interference is the due to frequency reuse , i.e. several cells use the same set of
frequency.
• These cells are called co-channel cells.
• Co-channel interference cannot be combated by increasing the power of the transmitter. This is
because an increase in carrier transmit power increases the interference to neighboring co-
channel cells.
• To reduce co-channel interference, co-channel cells must be physically separated by a minimum
distance to provide sufficient isolation due to propagation or reduce the footprint of the cell.

Adjacent-Channel Interference
• Interference resulting from signals which are adjacent in frequency to the desired signal is
called adjacent channel interference.
• Adjacent channel interference results from imperfect receiver filters which allow nearby
frequencies to leak into the pass band.
• By keeping the frequency separation between each channel in a given cell as large as possible,
the adjacent interference may be reduced considerably.

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HANDOVER CONDITIONS:-

Handover is done on five conditions

 Interference
 RXQUAL
 RXLEV
 Distance or Timing Advance
 Power Budget

Interference - If signal level is high and still there is RXQUAL problem, then the RXQUAL problem is
because of interference.
RXQUAL - It is the receive quality. It ranges from 0 to 7 , 0 being the best and 7 the worst
RXLEV - It is the receive level. It varies from -47dBm to -110dBm.
Timing Advance - Ranges from 0 to 63.
Power budget - It is used to save the power of the MS.

Location Area Codes (LAC):-

 Purpose
1. Identify location area of Mobile station
2. In incoming call is paged to all BTS’s within LA

Base Transceiver Station Identity Code (BSIC):-

 BSIC = NCC (3bits) + BCC (3bits)

Where,
NCC Network (PLMN) Colour Code (Unique for Network) 3
BCC - Base Transceiver Station (BTS) Colour Code (Can be Planned) Range: 0 - 7

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 BTS Maintenance

NOTE: - The same combination BCCH/BSIC must not be used on cell influencing on
each other.

Hopping Basic:-

Mobile Allocation (MA) list, the list of frequencies for the TRX to hop on
Hopping Sequence Number (HSN). Value between 0 and 63. 0 means Cyclic Hopping the rest are
for Random Hopping
Mobile Allocation Index Offset (MAIO). MAIO defines where to start Hopping in the MA list

NOTE: - Two channels with the same HSN but different MAIO never use the same frequency
at the same time

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 BTS Maintenance

ANNEXURE-III
Steps for checking the BTS at site
S. Item Ok/Nok
No.
1. P/P
2. Bty (s)– 2 X 200AH

3. Any physical Burnt DC

power extension to BTS
(power control card of
BTS)
4. Earthing
5. AC power supply
6. DG set
7. TX media (DTA tester or
loop test)
8. TRX cards
9. Coupling and combiner
card
10. Control card
11. Test – call

12. Consult OMC-R team

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 BTS Maintenance

1. Table showing BTS capacity with TRX.

2. List of 900 Band ARFCNs assigned to BSNL.
3. Practical assignment of HSN, MAIO, BSIC case of Jabalpur Telecom
4. Presentation on better practices on radio network.
5. Presentation on Case on poor frequency planning.
6. BTS in cascade.
7. Case of TA value setting for border area BTSs case of Agartala city.
8. Exercise on frequency planning
9. Exercise on BTS –restoration, intelligence and group discussion thereof.
10. Case of number of SDCCH assigned in configuration wise.
11. Demo on cable swap fault localization and trouble shooting.
12. Software to access node –B.-RBS Node Manager
13. software to access BTS-OMT

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