RF design & Optimization

Drive Testing

GSM/UMTS/LTE RF Drive Testing

Our Drive test teams collect data relating to the network

itself, services running on the network such as voice or

data services, radio frequency scanner information and

GPS information to provide location logging.

The dataset collected during drive testing field measurements can report information such as:
• Signal intensity
• Signal quality
• Interference
• Dropped calls
• Blocked calls
• Anomalous events
• Call statistics
• Service level statistics
• QoS information
• Handover information
• Neighboring cell information
• GPS location co-ordinates

Interference Analysis – External

In preparation for a co-location intermodulation interference analysis, edge performs inventory to identify all frequencies, receive and transmit, in use at a site. These may include cellular, WiMax, Microwave, public safety, and AM, FM, TV broadcast transmitters. A suitable database is prepared which contains detailed parameters of each operation. At complex cell towers or rooftops, the data acquisition phase may be intense, at times requiring field audits. The quality of this step dictates the reliability of the intermodulation outcome that include:

•Frequency and Wavelength
•Amplitude Units
•Decibels and Ratios
•Antenna Fundamentals
•Amplitude Modulation
•Frequency Modulation
•Phase Modulation
•Frequency Range and Span
•Amplitude, Units and Detection Options
•Sensitivity and Noise Figure
•Sweep Options
•Finding Interference

 

RF Design Service

 UTMS/LTE RF Design
At Edge we understand the art of Radio Frequency design. Our team has mastered reuse, propagation, reflection, signal to noise, and protocols through the GSM, CDMA and LTE system deployment and optimization. Whether the customer is defining their coverage, expanding capacity, or overlaying technologies, Edge can provide assistance through implementation.

Our long-standing relationships with equipment manufacturers provide a full assortment of system enhancements and upgrades ranging from Tower Mounted Amplifiers, Cross Pole and Space Diversity, In-building coverage design and testing, and E-911 wireless system deployment.

Other Design & Planning services include:

• Database audit
• Traffic engineering & studies
• Antenna system design
• Frequency planning/PN planning
• Wi-Fi, Mesh networking, OFDM design
• Multiple protocol usage in single frequency block
• Ancillary system deployment

RF Tuning / Shaping

When talking about self optimizing networks, today operators focus on the initial configuration of Network Elements by deploying self sensing techniques or automatic network configuring designs.

To achieve substantial performance improvements, optimization itself lies in Self Optimization, specifically RF shaping techniques, deploying RF impacting changes, i.e. tilt and power changes.

Today’s cellular networks are becoming more and more complex. New technologies, such as LTE, small cells, femtocells and others are entering the field. Furthermore, in the highly competitive space the operators are working in necessitates a multi-vendor environment.

These factors call for a more efficient way of managing and optimizing the radio networks. Edge delivers this experience to achieve a more self optimized environment.

Edge brings the complex task of RF shaping required to manage and automate self optimizing networks. This includes Interference Control, Load balancing and Capacity Optimization can be improved. This involves using either drive test data or geo-located measurements to assess existing coverage, interference and overshooting problems in a given area.

Model Tuning

Effective model tuning starts with collecting survey data and a selected coverage area. Edge uses post data processing and measurements to determine values targeted for tuning.

Edge guides the carriers’ objectives and helps decide on which parameters will be tuned through a Mathematical verification. This gives the operator optimal choice and efficiency of properly tuned coverage areas.

DAS Indoor / Outdoor

Today’s DAS design should meet performance standards demanded by the participating wireless providers and building owner. Edge understands how to integrate a vendor’s equipment to meet a wider range of frequency bands and higher power outputs to address higher standards.

Edge will address the Key performance indicators for DAS design includes frequency bands, signal protocols, sectors, coverage and interference, among other parameters. This addresses future growth a flexible architecture while mitigating uplink noise.

RF optimization service

On-Going UMTS/LTE Optimization
Edge’s experience ensures that your RAN NEs are optimally configured to deliver peak quality of service and the efficient use of all Cells. We maximize your service connectivity, revenues and customer satisfaction while minimizing your RAN OpEx and churn.

Edge experts deploy RAN data-monitoring tools or use existing probes to capture performance date including cell utilization. We analyze results and provide reports that identify possible network issues and recommend changes to optimize performance.

Pre-Launch Post Processing and Optimization

To ensure legacy or 4G/LTE network performance, the time-consuming manual processing or reprocessing of drive test data can be a costly task. Carriers must be able to collect and analyze this data in a quick, easy, and cost-effective manner and from a variety of sources.

Edge’s network post processing solution, wireless network testing and benchmarking data are processed only once, saving time, effort, and the potential lost revenue associated with network downtime. From this data, Edge can generate a variety of predefined, customized summary reports that can be automatically distributed with drill down information to troubleshoot the root cause of a problem.

This will enable the engineer to determine if the problem is related to a bad handover, overshooting cell, poor coverage area, or something else, and then take the necessary steps to quickly fix the problem.

Parameters Audits
KPI reporting and monitoring
Our KPI reporting targets the Operators’ specifications:

• Coverage of Service Area: Urban, Suburban, Roads or the Rural areas
• Call Success Rate
• Minimizing Handover failures
• Rx quality
• Improve Speech Quality Index for higher Network quality
• Satisfied customers resulting in low churn
• Efficient network utilization
• Reduced investment costs and increased revenue for the customers