MSI London Mobile Systems International Group Gaia - Basic Training Tunisia

Tunisia - 10th - 11th April 2008

www.msiuk.com Adnan Salkic

This report is confidential and intended solely for the use and information of the audience to whom it is addressed.

Confidential

MSI Mobile Systems International

Independent specialist provider of solutions. Established in London, United Kingdom in 1989. Provider of software applications Highly experienced wireless consultants Long term successful engagements with leading telecommunication service providers and equipment manufacturers. Engagements in Europe, Middle East, Africa, North America, CALA and APAC.

MSI Mobile Systems International

An independent specialist provider of solutions established in London, United Kingdom since 1989. Our solutions encompass software applications and highly experienced wireless consultants to wireless communications providers globally. Mobile Systems Int Founded Mobile Systems & Metapath merged Ericsson Acquired Marconi

1989

1992

1999

2000

2001

2002

2006

Metapath Founded

MSI acquired by Marconi Marconi Wireless

Established in 1989 In 1999 Merged with Metapath Software International Acquired by Marconi in 2000 Ericsson Acquires Marconi in 2005 And MSI Consultancy is formed

MSI Ltd Consultancy

MSI Background
17 years experience in the wireless communication industry. More than 600 consultants deployed across the world Global 'Centers of Excellence' for GSM, CDMA, UMTS, LMDS, TETRA, WiMAX. Extensive Engineering expertise in license bids, network planning, network management and performance optimization.

In excess of 100,000 cell sites and Node-Bs have been designed and optimized by our experts globally; State of the art software applications: - Gaia network planning and optimization application; - Focus Strategic decision support and performance management application; Outstanding world wide customer support; Strategic alliances with a number of global companies and solution providers.

MSI - Global Presence

Mobile Services International Inc.

Offices in: United Kingdom (London and Newcastle) United States (Florida and New Jersey) Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mexico Colombia Ecuador Peru Bolivia Brazil Uruguay Venezuela Guatemala Argentina Paraguay Chile Puerto Rico.

References

Saudi Telecom; NEC Europe; Etisalat Egypt; CERT Tunisia; MTC / ZAIN; NAWRAS OMAN Go Mobile Malta (under trial);

MSI - Credentials

Why MSI?
Global reach: MSIs global presence means we can offer local insight like no other company, while providing clients with the skills, cost benefits and scalability of global sourcing to achieve high performance.

Strategic Alliances: MSI maintains strategic

alliances with industry leaders and uses these relationships to provide benefits to its clients.

GSM CDMA

Inhouse tools development: The MSI software

house provides unmatched expertise in developing and AMPS tailoring tools to the need of our clients. MSI has pioneered planning tools for mobile technologies.
WCDMA

Extensive Industry Experience: Our mobile

solutions are based on our profound knowledge of the Telecommunications industry.

TETRA WiMAX

Business process expertise: Our experience in

optimizing business processes across many industries ensures a perfect match between process and technology.

MSI - Solutions

NETWORK SERVICE CYCLE

Network Evolution
Technology Selection OPEX/CAPEX requirements Feature Deployment Marketing requirements Strategy for coverage & services

Network Design
Core Network Design RF Network Design IP Network Design Transmission Network Design VAS Infrastructure Design

Network Operations
Network Implementation Network configuration Testing and commissioning Performance improvements Benchmarking Optimisation Process reviews

Network Performance
Establish KPIs Core Network Performance RF Network Performance Data/IP Network Performance SS Network Performance Transmission Network Performance VAS Performance

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

MSI - Expertise

Strategic Planning Network Planning RF CORE TX Vendor Selection (Hardware provider) Network Design Site Acquisition (site location) Installation and Commissioning Network Configuration Network Optimization Software Tools

IN/VAS Business

Transmission Networks

Voice Mail CP load Design Provisioning Planning MMS Reliability Operations Utilisation SMS Engineering Capacity Qos Redundancy End 2 End Trends OSS Links utilisation Complaints Audit Loads Capacity Capacity Quality Coverage Benchmark OSS RF BSS Data Transmission Core VAS / IN

Processes

Core Network Performance

Customer Satisfaction

RF Performance

Network Design

MSI Value Add

Profit Revenue New Services

Network Quality Evolution

Operator MSI

Customer Satisfaction Challenges

Technical Issues Competition Logistics

Technology Challenges
Hardware / Software Capabilities

Resources

Training

Business Processes Strategic Planning

Performance Services Rollout Services

Operator Success

MSI Understanding Market Needs

New Services
Exceed Landline Quality VOIP Mobile / Home TV on demand

Mobile / Home Broadband

Simultaneous, Voice, Video and Data HSPA

Existing Services
Capacity & Quality Streaming Quality

Delay & Jitter

Mobile Data

WAP

Data rate

Voice
Mobile voice and Mobile Data GSM WCDMA 384Kpbs
64Kbps

Video
Mobile Broadband HSDPA 1.4Mbs
384Kbps

Data
Home/Mobile Broadband , Digital TV HSPA 14Mbs 1.4Mbps WIMAX 4G

HSUPA 1.4Mbs 760Kbps

MSI New Revenue Streams Identification

KEY ENABLERS
Early Adoption of Mobile Services
Simplicity of Service Rightly Priced
SUBSCRIBER SATISFACTION Manage Service Performance Customer Care Solutions Manage Overall Service Life Cycle EXPLORE Understand the Market
Understand the Service Business Model

SERVICE DEVEOPMENT Solution Identification

Vendor Selection

SERVICE DEPLOYMENT STIMULATE NEEDS Marketing Campaign

Price Strategy Launch Timing

Implement Solution
Test Services Prepare for Market Take up

MSI Tools

FINANCIAL MODELLING

RECOMMENDATIONS REPORTS ACTIONS

RF Planning

Intelligent Network Performance

CUSTOMER CARE RECORDS

NETWORK PARAMETERS

Performance Management Management Information System WEB Interface Modularity & Scalability Multi Vendor / Multi Technology Intelligent Decision Making Knowledge Warehouse

NETWORK TRACES

DRIVE TEST DATA

STS COUNTERS

Gaia Overview
Gaia is a fully customized radio planning and optimization software solution, which modules around your existing business process. It captures the most critical network design aspects, affecting capital and operational spend for growing or mature wireless operator.

Gaia is: multi-technology (2G,2.5G,3G, and 3.5G) radio network planning and optimization tool; uses standard databases including Oracle and SQL server; uses open structure files allowing operators and users to easily integrate with their existing and establishment engineering processes thus reducing deployment and training cost.

Gaia- Overview

Gaia offers: latest 3D visualization and user friendly interface; Single and multi network deployment; captures and integrates engineering process to deliver maximum efficiency at a low cost throughout the network life cycle; An engineering tool that can span across the various departments in your organization.

The latest advancement in software development technology, allowing the tool to integrate within any organizations existing and complex IT platforms, to seamlessly interchange relevant information

Gaia- Overview

Software application that is designed to help plan and operate a cellular radio network; Powerful database; Optimum settings for the network equipment; Fast signal prediction with coverage and quality; expensive problems can be avoided and trouble spots can be identified early and fixed quickly; Excellent visualization with reflect on the terrain of the service area; Multi combination of the map, ground profiles and the 3D view can save engineers visiting sites.

Why Gaia?

RF Design Multi Technology User Friendly Interface Web Enabled Full 2D and 3D representation of network Powerful GIS functionality GSM coverage and interference layers Full UMTS and HSDPA analysis

Why Gaia?

3D visualization of antenna patterns; Automatic Scrambling Code Planning; Drive test survey presentation in 2D and 3D views; Compatibility with NASA Worldwide data; Easy of use, and intuitive user interface; Unique 3D view of the planning area; Build in web browser for integration with internet; Ability to Export-Import on Goggle Earth and MapInfo; Real time predictions capabilities.
RD Design UMTS

2D - 3D 2G-3G

GSM

HSDPA WCDMA

Lesson 1

Gaia training overview During the basic training course, you will learn about the many description of Gaia. Your instructor will guide you through RF engineering workflow so that you can practice using Gaia to perform network-planning activities. Course schedule During this course, you will learn about and practice the procedures that you need in order to use Gaia effectively in your daily work. In order to meet the needs of each class, the schedule and the time spent on each topic may vary between courses. You will have a break every couple of hours and a one-hour lunch break around noon each day. Course format Each lesson in this training manual contains the following types of information: Learning objectiveswhat you will be able to do after completing the lesson; Process flowa high-level view of the steps required to complete a task; Background informationwhat you need to know about a Gaia feature before you begin a related procedure; Procedure introductionsthe what, when, and why for each procedure; Step-by-step procedureshow to perform a task and to obtain the expected results.

Lesson 1

Gaia System Requirements Gaia requires the following minimum specification: Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Intel Pentium 4 Processor with a clock speed of 2GHz Hard disc space of 1Gb/ RAM 256Mb but 1024Mb (1 Gb) is recommended Menus The menu options provide access to commands for File, Edit, View, Network, Tools, Help. As you work through the exercises in this course, you will learn how to use the menus. Gaia basic terminology
The following terms are commonly used throughout this course: Project - all Gaia data relating to the network Configuration - the information relating to the contents of the Project Network - all equipment contained within the project Site - location and logical container for multiple cells Cell - equipment on a site that serves a coverage area Grid - type of file that contains raster data Predictions information relating to path loss due to propagation and propagation path. Model - information relating to the method used to determine the prediction Clutter - information about the environment such as land use Analysis layers - prediction files generated by the network analysis Survey data - drive test data including carrier wave and scanner data Table - flat file used to store data records such as site and cell

Lesson 1

Gaia Projects Introduction The first step in using Gaia is to set up a project and configuration. A Gaia project relates to all information required by Gaia for the network. This includes: Mapping Site database Network files and configuration Equipment files Properties, such as color profiles, for the analysis layers that you will generate System settings, such as power units, height, and distance At start-up, Gaia needs a minimum of a Mapping folder (containing Heights and Clutter data inappropriate folders), a Network folder, and Equipment folder. Several other files and folders are essential requirements for Gaia operation, but Gaia will generate default files in appropriate folders if data does not already exist. Once you have defined a project and run analyses, you can create new projects by copying folders in new locations. In this way, you can make changes while retaining the original data. You can create one project for one network, or you can create multiple projects for one network in order to see the effects of changing the network configuration

Lesson 1

For example, you could create a project that includes only sites for a network that covers a particular geographic area. Then you could create a second project that uses the same network settings, equipment and models, but that covers a network that is geographically adjacent to the first one.
You must retain the file structure within the Mapping, Equipment and Network folders. If you move these folders you must change the file paths in the configuration file to reflect those changes.

Files and folder structure The majority of the files are stored in three folders; the Network folder, the Equipment folder, and the Mapping folder. The location of these folders is defined in the configuration file. The configuration filename convention is <filename>.config. The default filename for the Gaia configuration file is Gaia.config. The simplest way to start Gaia is from a shortcut on the Windows desktop or Start menu. The path to the configuration file can be specifiedin the Target field in the properties of the shortcut, where the syntax used is <Gaia Executable path> <Configuration file path>.

Lesson 1

The configuration file is in XML format and can be edited by any text editor. The path to the 3 main folders used by Gaia are specified amongst the very first entries in the file, and must be specified correctly e.g. <NetworkFolder>C:\Gaia\GaiaApplication\Gaia\Tun isia\Network\</NetworkFolder> <EquipFolder>C:\Gaia\GaiaApplication\Gaia\Tunisi a\Equipment\</EquipFolder> <MapFolder>C:\Gaia\GaiaApplication\Gaia\Tunisia \Mapping\</MapFolder> The paths can be: absolute: e.g. C:\Gaia Application\Gaia\\Tunisia\Network\ Relative paths are to the folder containing the Gaia.config file, not the Gaia executable

Lesson 1

Network Folder The Database tag defines how the data is stored: <Database>MS Access</Database> Formats supported are: Tag : MS Access XML Zipped XML Mapping Folder Including the size of the mapping data tiles, the extent limits of the overview map, the projection information, and the land usage index of the values in the clutter data. The following table gives details of sub-folders contained within the Mapping folder: 3D Objects: Height Clutter Vector Text Overview.bmp Equipment folder This folder contains all the files relating to the equipment used by the project: Antenna/ Base Station/ Feeder/ Mobile/ ModelServices

Lesson 1

Workflow for creating a project To set up a Gaia project, complete the following tasks. Step 1: Source appropriate Mapping data (with Heights, Clutter and mapping.config as a minimum) Step 2: Create the Equipment and Network folders Step 3: Copy the gaia.config file from the folder containing the Gaia executable Step 4: Edit the copy of the gaia.config file to specify the following: Database type Edit the database tag e.g. <Database>MS Access</Database> File paths for Network, Equipment and Mapping folders, e.g. <NetworkFolder>C:\Gaia\GaiaApplication\Gaia\Tunisia\Network\</NetworkFolder> <EquipFolder>C:\Gaia\GaiaApplication\Gaia\Tunisia\Equipment\</EquipFolder> <MapFolder>C:\Gaia\GaiaApplication\Gaia\Tunisia\Mapping\</MapFolder> Step 5: Save the configuration file with a new name. Step 6: Create a desktop shortcut to the Gaia executable. Step 7: Specify the path to the configuration file in the desktop shortcut, and save the changes. Step 8: Start Gaia from the desktop shortcut. Step 9: Gaia should start without prompting for file paths. Step 10: To close the project Choose File Exit.

Lesson 1

Saving Projects The project settings are separate from the project or network/site data, is saved as the project configuration and is stored in the configuration file. This includes the map items currently displayed in the map window, as well as project options settings, such as contour settings, network settings, WCDMA settings etc. The configuration is saved by selecting File Save Configuration. The project data (network and sites information) is stored separately. Network, equipment, antennas, models etc are stored in their respective files in the Equipment and Network folders. The site information is stored in the site database. To save the site data select File Save Configuration.

Lesson 2

Gaia Project Display Settings and Options Introduction The left panel contains information about the active sites, site data, and legend. The right panel contains the map tab, 3D view tab, site data tab, and a number of snap tabs. Map View The color of the site/antenna is defined in the Options window located under the Tools menu. Clicking on a site makes that site the selected site, thus displaying it in one of the Site Data tabs. The status bar at the bottom of Gaias window will display the current coordinates of the mouse pointer in the map, and also the ground height at that point. The map context menu contains the following functions
Copy ViewPath Loss Signal Strength Neighbors Co-Channel Zoom Center On Measure / Measure Profile Show/Hide Profile Snapshot Visible Items

Lesson 2

The map tab toolbar contains the following functions:Zoom In Zoom Out Select Pan Measure / Measure Profile Snap MeasureTo Site Show / Hide Profile Map Snapshot Visible Items

Lesson 2

Map Profile The Profile sub-panel of the map displays a cross-section of the terrain. The profile panel is displayed either by clicking the Show Profile button on the maps toolbar, or by choosing the option on the maps context menu. Drawing the profile is achieved by either: i) Clicking on the Measure Profile icon on the map toolbar and then clicking on the start and end points. ii) Selecting Measure Profile from the maps context menu and then clicking on the start and end points. While drawing the profile, the end point shows the distance and azimuth from the start point.

Lesson 2

3D view This tab page provides a real world view of the sites in the network. This can help visualize the layout of the terrain and give an indication of where is likely to have line of sight to an antenna. The display of antenna patterns allows a sanity check of whether a reasonable downtilt has been selected. The height and direction of the viewpoint (indicated in the panel at top left) can be adjusted by clicking the mouse at appropriate edge of the view. Alternatively, the view can also be adjusted by dragging it with the mouse.

Lesson 2

Legend and Overview The overview map indicates the current location of the Map, or where the viewpoint of the 3D View is. A mouse click on the overview map will also move the Map or 3D View to the relevant location. The legend gives a key to the clutter, vectors and layers displayed on the map. Each key can be collapsed by clicking on the key title, thus freeing up the legend area for other keys. Legend If the Mouse Information checkbox is ticked, when the mouse is moved over the map the legend is replaced by a list of the layers on the map and their value at the current mouse position.

Lesson 2

Options The Options window allows the customization of several aspects of Gaia, including the colors and size of items displayed on the Map and 3D View. The window is divided over 10 tab pages, General, Contours, Profile, WCDMA, Frequency, Sites, Mapping,Text, Vectors and Clutter. The settings defined in the options window can be stored for future sessions by selecting File,Save Configuration.

Lesson 3

Lesson 3

Workflow for placing sites (Optional) Analyze Current Network Coverage. It is usually useful to know what the network coverage is without the new site. Step 1: On the map, zoom to the area of interest and then on the main menu select View GSM Serving Signal. Step 2:Click OK and wait as the coverage is calculated. The Gaia status bar will show the cell being calculated. Step 3:In the Map tab page select Visible Items from the context menu, click on the layer and then un-tick the box next to the layer. Step 4Click OK and the coverage will have been hidden from view.

Lesson 3

Create a new site Step 1:In the menu select File New Site Step 2: In the Sites data window; you now have the choice of creating the site by using the currently selected site as a template and click OK. Step 3:The New Site dialog box opens. Step 4:To create a new empty site, click OK on the list box and select Empty Site Step 5:Gaia will show a hexagon at the cursor to indicate to indicate the approximate coverage of the site. (If the site is a copy of a complete site then Gaia will provide an on-the-fly prediction of coverage). Step 6:The site is now positioned at these coordinates and the ground height is displayed.

Lesson 3 For site copies steps 7 to 14 are not required, make changes only as required. Step 7:We can now add an Antenna System to the site Step 8:Select Antenna System from the menu: File New Antenna Step 9:The first Antenna System has been now added on the site Step 10:Change any parameter such as Antenna Type, Azimuth, Feeder, Model or Tilt Step 11:For a three-sector site, add two more Antenna Systems on the site: File New Antenna Step 12:Add a new Base Station: File New Base station Step 13:Define the type of equipment and Parent BSC Step 14:Make the connection between the cells and each Antenna System, by selecting the antenna entry in the cell, and selecting the appropriate antenna in the cell antenna system window cells Step 15:To check coverage with the new site select View GSM Serving Signal. Step 16:To save, select File Save Sites from the menu, or by clicking on the button on Gaias toolbar.

Lesson 1

Antenna Details The Antenna Details window provides information about the antennas used in the network. It is accessed:
Through the Network menu; Or by double clicking on an antenna type in the site data panel.

Both the horizontal and vertical antenna pattern can be viewed, as well as a 3D representation of the two patterns combined. The viewing angle of the 3D pattern can be adjusted by left-clicking and hold then dragging the mouse cursor up or down.

Lesson 3

Model Details The Model Details window provides information about the models used in the network. It is accessed
Through the Network menu Or by double clicking on antenna system model in the site data panel

A set of model parameters can be defined for each of the frequency bands used by the network.

Lesson 1

Base Station Details The Base Station Details window provides information about the base station equipment used in the network. It is accessed
Through the Network menu Or by double clicking on base station equipment in the site data panel

The base station equipment defines how the cells behave and are displayed. Each base station equipment must be given a technology (GSM, WCDMA etc) and a frequency band designation from those contained in the network.

Lesson 4

Lesson 4

Traffic Introduction The trafficfunctionality is designed to predict the amount of traffic using each cell in the network, and thus allow the user to assign the correct number of TRXs to a cell before it experiences any congestion. At the heart of the traffic functionality is the traffic grid. This represents a rectangular portion of the networks service area, and defines the amount of traffic generated at regular points over that area. A traffic grid is generated from the current cell traffic (or clutter if no network data is available).

Lesson 4

In the GSM analysis it can be used to predict the amount of traffic using each cell in the network, and thus allow the user to assign the correct number of TRXs to a cell before it experiences any congestion. In the WCDMA analysis it can be used to determine the distribution of services across the network, and hence the load on the various parts of the network, the consequence of which is the interference across the network and also consequential demand on network resources. Gaias traffic functionality can also be used as an input to pollution table creation, and consequently influences the results of tools that are using the pollution table as an input. For example Automatic Frequency Planning, Neighbour planning and Scrambling Code Planning.

Lesson 4

Step 1: Select area of interest Step 2: Tool Traffic Create Grid From Clutter, Step 3: Add the amount of traffic that is defined for each clutter type. Step 4: Click Save will then store the grid, which will be in an ESRI ASCII grid format. To view the traffic on the map, tick the check box at the bottom of the window. The window is extended to display a preview panel and the definition of four contours. The traffic is displayed on the map after it is saved.

Lesson 4

Scale Grid This increases the amount of traffic in each pixel of the traffic grid. Clutter is used to scale the grid, thus allowing different growth rates in various areas of the network. If the network is in the design stage, no cell traffic data is available. In this case creating a traffic grid from clutter can give a useful estimate.

GSM Analysis A GSM analysis calculates the amount of traffic in each cell and the number of TRXs that are required to serve that amount of traffic. After the analysis is performed, the site data can then be updated with the new TRX requirements. The traffic analysis tool calculates the amount of traffic in each cell and the number of TRXs that are required to serve that amount of traffic. The analysis is performed for the GSM cells only. After choosing the appropriate traffic grid, it is displayed and the user can choose to calculate for the cells in visible map area or just in the selected area. After selecting OK, the cell areas are calculated and the amount of traffic they could potentially capture. The results for each cell are then presented in a new window.

Lesson 1

The table in the window displays the: Cell ids, Number of TRXs currently on the cells Number of timeslots capable of carrying traffic Resulting capacity of the cells Amount of traffic generated in the cell How many timeslots are required And resulting the number of TRXs required The two buttons Remove TRXs and Add TRXs update the site data with the calculated number of TRXs. Care must be taken here as the changes are made globally for all appropriate cells in the table.

The Erlang Table button opens the Erlang B table window. The Options button opens the Traffic Options window, where it is possible to specify the required number Timeslots and TRXs for the analysis.

Lesson 5

Lesson 5

Neighbor lists are a fundamental requirement for all networks, in order to provide mobiles with sufficient information for handover between cells. The Neighbor list is also an input to frequency planning. Pollution tables are used in the production of neighbour lists, as well as for frequency plans. A pollution table defines how much each cell would interfere with each other cell if they were on the same frequency. This information is used in the AFP, to reduce the interference in the network. It is also used in the creation of the Neighbor relations as the most polluting cells are the neighbor cells The Pollution Threshold defines the difference in received signal strength that must exist in an individual map pixel before a cell is considered a polluter to the serving cell. Once calculated, the table is saved to disk in XML format. For every cell, the file lists the: - Total coverage area; - A list of polluting cells; - The amount area that would suffer from a C/I less than the pollution threshold if the polluting cell had the same frequency

Lesson 5

Workflow for creating a Pollution Table Step 1: Select area of interest Step 2: Choose Tools Pollution table Step 3: Click OK Step 4: Save file (*. pollution) to disk

Lesson 5

Neighbor Calculator Neighbor Calculator allows the automatic creation of neighbour definitions. The calculation is based on a pollution table as the polluting cells are also likely to be the neighbours. The Neighbor Calculator creates neighbor definitions for each of the cells in the visible map area or in the selected area. The neighbors are calculated as those cells that pollute the serving cell and are added in the order of biggest polluter first until the maximum number of neighbors for the base station equipment is achieved. If the Delete current neighbor definitions box is ticked, the neighbor lists are calculated from scratch, otherwise they are just appended to.

Workflow for Neighbor list creation To create neighbor definitions using the Neighbor Calculator: Step 1: Create a pollution table for the whole area of interest at the desired frequency band. Save this to disk when prompted. Step 2: Optionally draw the selection box around the sites that you want to plan the neighbors for. Step 3: Choose Tools Neighbor Calculator. Step 4: Click on the button next to the Pollution Table text box and open the pollution table created in step 1. Step 5: Click OK. The neighbor definitions can be viewed geographically be choosing View Neighbors in the Map context menu.

Lesson 6

Lesson 6 Workflow to create a frequency plan using the AFP:

Step 1: at Step 2: Step 3: Step 4: Step 5: Step 6: Step 7: Step 8:

Create a pollution table for the whole area of interest the desired frequency band. Save this to disk when prompted. Optionally draw the selection box around the sites that you want to plan the frequencies for. Choose Tools Frequency PlanningAutomatic. Open the pollution table created in step1. Click OK. When planning is complete, examine the changes and then click Yes to make these changes to Gaias site data. Choose ViewCo-channel C/I in order to visualize where the remaining interference is.

AFP results show: List of the transceivers (TRXs) Violation table values Co-channel interference values Selecting an alternative frequency updates the list of TRXs, recalculating the violations and interference

Lesson 7

Lesson 7

Lesson 7

Lesson 7

Lesson 7

Lesson 7

Lesson 7

Lesson 7

Lesson 7

Lesson 7

Distributed Computing

Gaia uses all the latest development technology;

Lightweight Efficient Simple deployment Distributed computing not necessary.

E.g. On a typical laptop a 30km prediction takes typically.

AEON Database

Gaia uses a centralised database system allowing for:

Shared use of all planning information Includes versioning

67

GIS

Gaias primary functionality is with Radio Planning, GIS manipulation is best performed in tools designed for the task; Gaia permits import and export of Sites in MapInfo, compatible formats; All Gaia layers may be exported in MapInfo compatible formats.

Import - Export
The Import format is XML, plus any other format depending on which plug-ins are loaded (e.g. Planet 2.8, Excel, Access); The export format select user such as: XML, or depending on which plug-ins are loaded (e.g. Planet, Excel XML, MapInfo, Google Earth, Worldwind).

File formats supported by Gaia: XML built into the main Gaia executable file; XML Schema (.XSD) - writes an XML Schema file which defines the XML file format; Microsoft Access (.mdb) - writes the site database to a Microsoft Access file; All Equipment (XML) Exports all the equipment data used in the project to an XML file format (Base Station, Mobile Equipment, Antennas, Feeders, Services and Models).

Import - Export
Microsoft Excel (XLS) - Saves the planning data and each site component is written to a separate .xls worksheet; Frequency Plan (.FREQ) - XML format file also enabling this data to be shared with 3rd party tools; Google Earth (.KML) - Exports the site data to a Google Earth KML file format; MapInfo Sites A MapInfo Interchange Format (MIF) file is exported containing point data for all of the sites in the network; The associated MID enabling MapInfo to label the sites or color code them via a thematic map.

Measurement Data

Support for Surveys and test mobile; Measurements are colour coded and plotted as circles onto the map; The displayed data can represent a wide variety of measurements, for example signal strength, quality and timing advance; Non-numeric information such as handovers and call drops can be displayed by number representing the event; Survey needs to be converted to a file formatted as comma-separated value (CSV); Development if required.

Efficiency

Typical prediction time 30 km prediction; 100 site (300 sector) analysis GSM & WCDMA ; 300 sector Pollution table; 300 sector Frequency plan; 300 sector neighbour generation.

Propagation Modelling

Planet propagation model supported; APIs for support of alternative models including microcell models; Development if required.

Traffic Planning

Support for traffic grids; Grids can be created from Clutter and from Cell Data; GSM traffic analysis:
Traffic capacity calculation Hardware requirements determination.

WCDMA :
spread traffic from traffic grids sector based traffic loads, network loads.

Frequency Planning-AFP
Gaia Frequency Planning Tool is compromised of: Automatic Frequency planning; Manual Frequency planning; Pollution Tables; The configuration of the AFP (the frequencies and cost factors) can be saved to disk ; The file Frequency Plan.config is automatically loaded the first time the AFP is started, but other configurations can be saved and loaded to allow for differences in various areas of the network.

Frequency Planning-AFP
AFP results show: List of the transceivers (TRXs) Violation table values Co-channel interference values Selecting an alternative frequency updates the list of TRXs, recalculating the violations and interference. MFP Mechanical Frequency Planning Using the MFP is an iterative technique, so at different stages Gaias update site data and then the interference viewed on the map in order to show the process is progressing. Changing any cell configuration the pollution table needs to be recalculated.

Neighbour Planning

Neighbor Calculator creates neighbor definitions for each of the cells in the visible map; Neighbors calculations shows pollution at serving cells; Pollution table results are added in the order of biggest polluter first until the maximum number of neighbors for the base station equipment is achieved; Create pollution table for the area of interest at the desired frequency band; Different neighbors scenarios are possible, depends of the user preferences; Displaying maximum number of neighbors; View neighbor show cell data in new neighbors tab; Analyses neighbors statistics for each cell.

Neighbour Planning

Multi add of the neighbors: 5. 6. Graphically Add Neighbor On Map; Add Neighbor Cell Id;

3G simulator (R99 & HSPA) and analysis of results

To create a WCDMA Monte Carlo analysis: Easy pre setting Map window for WCDMA analysis; Run Monte Carlo simulation window from the tools menu; Desired naming convention is available for each analysis; Availability to specify desired analysis resolution and snapshots to run; Automatically update of Traffic Power %' and 'Target. Noise Rise dB' values form MC simulation; Ability to specify traffic grid scaling for each service included within analysis.

3G simulator (R99 & HSPA) and analysis of results

Generating analysis of different layers: Specific and desired services; Curriers; Downlink and Uplink layers for every combination of carrier, service and selected downlink or uplink layer.

3G simulator (R99 & HSPA) and analysis of results

The WCDMA Monte Carlo results are presented: Statistically; Graphically.

The WCDMA Monte Carlo Results dialog will browse all completedanalyses, selectlayers to display and view statistical results; CPICH and Handover layers are only generated for the service that was specified when the Monte Carlo analysis was generated.

3G layers

3G layers

Intersystem Planning

Multiple technologies supported in same project and session;

Inter RAB Neighbour planning is supported.

AFP/ACP integrated or interfaces

Open APIs provide simple support for third party products; AFPs; ACPs; Propagation Models including microcell.