Analyzer Training Course
CDMA Network Optimization Actix Training Services
Analyzer Training Course CDMA Network Optimization
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Actix Inc. 12012 Sunset Hills Road
Ste 910
Reston VA 20190
USA
Tel: +1 703 707 4777
Email: [email protected]
Document Revision 1.3, September 2006 For Actix A-SVS-CX1 Version 1.4
All contents of this document are the property of Actix Inc and are provided for information purposes only. The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Actix will not be held liable for technical or editorial omissions made herein, and will not be held liable for incidental, consequential or other similar damages resulting from the use of its products.
Copyright © Actix 2006, All Rights Reserved
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Introduction ..............................................................................................................7 Scope of the Course ...............................................................................................7 Who Should Attend Analyzer Training? ..................................................................7 Prerequisites...........................................................................................................8 Topics to be Covered..............................................................................................9 Introduction to Actix Analyzer ...............................................................................10 Analyzer s Key Features.......................................................................................11
Getting Started With Analyzer...............................................................................12 Starting Analyzer ..................................................................................................12 Configuring Analyzer ............................................................................................13
Setting up Maps......................................................................................................................... 13 More Pan and Zoom Options..................................................................................................... 17
Map Scale and Coordinates .................................................................................................. 18 Loading Cell Site Data........................................................................................................... 18 Displaying Site Labels ........................................................................................................... 19
Coloring Sectors on the Map ..................................................................................................... 21 Viewing Cell Site Information..................................................................................................... 22
Searching for Cells ...............................................................................................23 Data Aggregation (Binning)...................................................................................25
Setting the CDMA Configuration Parameters .......................................................27 Exploring the Workspace ......................................................................................28
Loading Data Files................................................................................................28 Examining CDMA 1x Handset Data ...................................................................................... 28
Examining Technology-Independent Data ................................................................................. 31 Examining PN Scanner Data ..................................................................................................... 32
Searching for Attributes ........................................................................................35 The Favorites Group.............................................................................................35
Sharing Favorites ...................................................................................................................... 36 Viewing Data in Analyzer .......................................................................................37
Viewing Data on Maps..........................................................................................37 Modifying Legend Ranges ......................................................................................................... 37 More Range Display Options..................................................................................................... 38 The Map Offset Tool .................................................................................................................. 39 Adding Annotations to the Map.................................................................................................. 40 Formatting Data Labels on the Map........................................................................................... 41 Displaying Lines to Cells on the Map......................................................................................... 41 The Direction Button.................................................................................................................. 43 Region Filtering ......................................................................................................................... 43 Printing Maps............................................................................................................................. 45
Viewing Data on Charts ........................................................................................47 Modifying Chart Properties ........................................................................................................ 49
Viewing Data in Tables .........................................................................................50 Viewing Data in the Message Browser .................................................................52 Viewing Data in the Protocol Stack Browser.........................................................55 Viewing Data on Workbooks.................................................................................56 The Replay Tool ...................................................................................................57
Docking the Replay Tool............................................................................................................ 58 Viewing Data on Stateforms .................................................................................59
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Using Preconfigured StateForms............................................................................................... 59 Viewing Custom Forms with the StateForms Editor................................................................... 63 Modifying an Existing StateForms File....................................................................................... 64 Creating Your Own StateForms File .......................................................................................... 66
Analysis of Reverse Link Data ..............................................................................69 Exploring Call Trace Data.....................................................................................69
SuperStreaming Call Trace and Drive Test Data .................................................70 Merging Multiple Drive Files in the Workspace ...................................................72 The Network Image ................................................................................................73
Batch Load Files into the Network Image .............................................................75 Display Data for the Entire Network......................................................................76 Start a New Day Attaching a Network Image.....................................................76 Create a Custom Network Image Template..........................................................77
Reporting CDMA Network Performance...............................................................83 Application Packages ...........................................................................................83
Running Application Packs ........................................................................................................ 84 CDMA2000 1x Data Performance Benchmarking ................................................................. 85 CDMA2000 1x Data Call Analysis ......................................................................................... 86 CDMA2000 1x Downlink Data Rate Analysis ........................................................................ 86 CDMA2000 1x Downlink Data Rate Analysis ........................................................................ 87 CDMA Summary Reports...................................................................................................... 88 CDMA Scanner Dist. Server Analysis.................................................................................... 89 CDMA Event Inspection ........................................................................................................ 89 CDMA Cluster Optimization................................................................................................... 90 Running Reports from an Application Pack ........................................................................... 90
Running a Pre-Defined Report .............................................................................91 Reports for Voice Calls: ............................................................................................................. 92 Reports for Data Calls ............................................................................................................... 93 Creating a Custom Report ......................................................................................................... 95
Running Your Report with New Data..................................................................................... 97 Performing Custom Analysis in Analyzer ............................................................98
About Queries.......................................................................................................98 Filter Analysis: Filtering on Poor Quality ...............................................................99 Binned Query Analysis .......................................................................................102
ServingCellDistance in Miles ............................................................................................... 102 Pilot Pollution Query............................................................................................................ 103
The CDMA StateTip: Determining Serving PNs .................................................106 Crosstab Query: Sorting by Data Rate ...............................................................108
Display the Crosstab Query Results.................................................................................... 111 Filter the Crosstab Query Results ....................................................................................... 111
Event Query: Dropped Call Window ...................................................................112 Displaying Event Queries .................................................................................................... 115
Histogram and Statistic Query: Retransmit Rate ................................................116 Saving Your Preferred Layout.............................................................................119 Importing Cell Site Data Using the Network Explorer .......................................120
Importing Network Data ......................................................................................120 Obtaining Site Data in Tabular Format ................................................................................ 120 Guidelines for Formatting Tabular Data............................................................................... 123 Obtaining the File to be Populated With Formatted Data..................................................... 124 Importing the Data............................................................................................................... 125
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Updating Cell Site Data ......................................................................................130 Automatic Import of Cell Site Data ...................................................................................... 131
Using the CDMA Toolkit to Optimize Specific CDMA Network Parameters........133 Exploring the CDMA Toolkit ................................................................................................ 133 Using CDMA Toolkit for Search Window Analysis............................................................... 134 Using CDMA Toolkit for Neighbor List Analysis................................................................... 137 Using the CDMA Toolkit for Coverage Evaluation ............................................................... 141 Creating a Scenario............................................................................................................. 143
CDMA 1x Analysis Data Throughput vs. RF Performance ..............................144 Where to Get More Help.......................................................................................147
Help File .............................................................................................................147 Technical Support...............................................................................................149 Actix Web Site ....................................................................................................150 Contact Your Instructor.......................................................................................151 Additional Copies of this Manual ........................................................................151 More Advanced Training.....................................................................................151
Appendix A CDMA Decode Settings................................................................152 Appendix B CDMA Event Detection.................................................................153
Overview of CDMA Event Detection ...................................................................153 Event Definitions.................................................................................................154
Appendix C: CDMA Toolkit Calculations ...........................................................159 Optimize Search Window Analysis .....................................................................159 Optimize Neighbor List Analysis .........................................................................160 Evaluate Coverage Analysis...............................................................................160
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Introduction
Scope of the Course Introduction to CDMA Network Optimization provides a comprehensive overview of Actix Analyzer
Service Verification Solution ( Analyzer ). Our goal is to give new users an understanding of what Analyzer can do and how it can help them improve the quality of service for their network subscribers. Advanced users will be introduced to Analyzer features they may not know about and to new network applications that can be performed using Analyzer. The instructors for this course are experts in using Analyzer to increase productivity and are familiar with the challenges faced by engineers working in cellular/PCS environments.
Class size is limited to ensure that everyone receives extensive one on one instruction. Participants are given ample opportunity to ask questions relevant to their particular optimization needs. Upon completing the course, participants will be able to put what they learned in the class to work to identify and solve real network problems.
Introduction to CDMA Network Optimization begins with a high-level presentation of the Analyzer interface and its capabilities. We will then cover how Analyzer can be customized to tailor existing optimization processes to the specific needs of the participants.
Who Should Attend Analyzer Training?
Engineers responsible for enhancing cellular performance and implementing wireless system optimization
System Performance Engineers responsible for measuring and quantifying network quality relative to competitors and/or established benchmarks
Engineers looking to further understand the application of drive test, call trace and protocol data in optimizing networks
Experienced technicians involved in field optimization
Anyone looking to maximize the return on their investment in Actix Analyzer
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Prerequisites
Familiarity with network infrastructure and operation of the air interface
A general understanding of drive test and call trace collection and post-processing methodology and advantages/limitations with each dataset
Access to Actix Analyzer software
Basic computer literacy, including familiarity with Windows and MS Office applications
A computer running either Windows XP or Windows 2000 operating system. Windows XP is recommended for optimal performance. Also, the computer should meet the minimal hardware requirements outlined below:
Hardware Optimal
Performance
Minimal
Performance
Processor: P4 2.6 GHz Pentium II 440 MHz
Memory (RAM) 1 GB 256 MB
Disk Space 60+ GB Available 1 GB Available
CD-ROM Drive -To install the application-
One Parallel or USB Port
-For Single-User Hardware Key-
Monitor 1280x1024x64k color resolution or higher
1024x768x256 color resolution
Other Mouse and Keyboard
In addition to the hardware requirements listed above, Analyzer performs best when the Windows Virtual Memory Paging size is set to between 1000 and 1500 MB. The method for setting this parameter varies by operating system. Please consult your OS help for specific instructions regarding this parameter.
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Topics to be Covered
Configuring your Analyzer workspace including map, cell site, and parameter configuration in order to display your geographic area and network cell plan.
Viewing data in a variety of ways to gain insight into possible network problems.
Diagnosing and solving quality of service problems with drive test and switch data.
Using pre-defined and custom analyses to analyze data and devise tailored optimization solutions.
Identifying the impact of wide area network optimization changes in terms of Quality of Service using advanced features that allow Analyzer to be tailored to integrate seamlessly into developed optimization process and procedures.
Using some of the latest task orientated application packages and their supporting engineering notes, which highlight how Analyzer can be used to fine tune network performance and further enhance quality of service.
Using the Help options and maximizing the benefit of technical support.
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Introduction to Actix Analyzer Mobile phone network operators strive to maximize the capacity and quality of their networks in order to ensure customer satisfaction and increase revenues. The collection and analysis of network performance metrics forms a large part of this effort. There are many sources of performance data available, including field-test equipment, scanners, and switch traces.
Actix Analyzer provides the ideal solution for your network optimization problems. It supports a wide range of file formats and provides you with a straightforward user interface.
Actix Analyzer is a post-processing tool for the top-down optimization of wireless networks. It allows you to perform analyses on data that was collected on wireless networks, using:
Drive Test Collection Tools, including Qualcomm MDM, Agilent E64xx and E74xx series scanners, Grayson Surveyor, Comarco baseLINE, and XK Series phone/scanners for CDMA networks
Switch Traces (Mobile Traffic Recordings), including Ericsson SBS, Lucent RFT, Nortel SBS, and Motorola SMAP
Protocol Analyzers will soon support interfaces conforming to CDMA IOS/IS-634 standards A10/A11
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Analyzer s Key Features
Supports most of the industry standard file formats for drive-test and OMC-R traces
Easy-to-understand Windows user interface means information can be interpreted quickly
Data may be queried on user-defined criteria and filtered accordingly
High-level statistical information and detailed engineering parameters are presented
Analyses may be run quickly using pre-defined report templates
The most commonly requested analyses and calculations are carried out automatically
Field-test and call-trace files may be combined to link forward and reverse path data
Built-in spreadsheet tool allows detailed statistical and mathematical analysis of any data set
The Network Image allows you to create a composite of many drives in one file, including only key parameters, resulting in a much smaller file.
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Getting Started With Analyzer
Starting Analyzer As with any Windows application, you can start Analyzer in several ways. When you install Analyzer, a folder is created from the Start button that contains a shortcut for Analyzer.
To use this shortcut to start Analyzer, select Start
Programs
Actix Analyzer.
Note: If you would like to add an Analyzer shortcut
to your desktop, right-click on the Analyzer item on the start menu and choose Create Shortcut. It will appear on the desktop.
Figure 1 - Starting Analyzer Using the Shortcut On the Start Menu
Actix Folder Analyzer Shortcut
Start Button
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After starting Analyzer, the splash screen is displayed while the application loads. A blank Analyzer workspace then opens:
Figure 2 - An Empty Workspace in Analyzer
Configuring Analyzer Before you can begin analyzing data, there are a few configuration matters to attend to. In order to obtain some geographical reference points for your logfiles, you will need to load some MapInfo maps and point Analyzer to a valid, applicable cell site database, known in Analyzer as a cellrefs file.
Setting up Maps
This section shows you how to load MapInfo tabular (.tab) data to present data analyses on map backdrops.
1. Create a new map by selecting View
Display new Map
2. Click on the Maximize icon to maximize the Map window.
3. In the Map Window, click on the Layers icon: .
Status Bar
Workspace Browser
Toolbar
Main Menu
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4. The Layer Control Dialog will open:
Figure 3 - The Layer Control Dialog
5. In the Layer Control dialog, click Add to open the Open Layer dialog.
6. Select or type in the name of a MapInfo Map (*.tab) file, then click Open. In class, the map files we will open are GAFULTS.tab and GACLYTS.tab. Both files can be found within:
C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\MapFiles
MapInfo layers are named according to the geographic location of the data (usually abbreviated US state name and/or county name), and by the type of data contained in the file. The following table lists some of the common abbreviations used for MapInfo data types:
Suffix Layer Type Y1 RtHwy010_Top Y2 RtHwy010_Bot X1 IntShld010 X2 IntShld1040 Pc Cultural Points Pn Natural Points Pm Municipal Points R Railroads H Highways S Streets Wr Water (rivers)
Current Layers
Layer Options
Layer Properties Layer Reorder
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Suffix Layer Type Wb Water (bodies of water) Lm Landmarks Cb City Boundary Mc Minor Civic Division Cy County Other MapInfo layers: Voting District, Native American Lands, Sub-MCD, State level tables (school districts and elevation contours)
For example, the MapInfo layer named GAFULTS.TAB contains street-level data for Fulton County, Georgia.
7. You may want to modify the layer properties by selecting the layer and choosing the various options within the Layer Control Dialog:
A. Properties
Labels: Use the Label Properties dialog to show, hide, or modify map labels.
To turn off labeling (recommended to improve map load time), uncheck the Display within range box.
Check boxes also are also available to Allow Overlapped Text and Allow Duplicated Text.
The label font can be controlled through the Label Style button.
The label position and label offset can be modified at the bottom right corner of the dialog.
Select OK to exit the Label Properties dialog.
B. Properties Display: Use the Display Properties dialog to control the display features of the map layer.
Override the default vector coloring by checking Override Style and modifying the Layer Style.
Select OK to exit the Display Properties dialog.
C. Reorder
Up and Reorder
Down: Use the Reorder buttons to change the ordering of the layers.
Moving map layers to the bottom of the layer stack is recommended to provide an uncluttered backdrop for cell site data and logfile parameters.
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Layer Accessibility: To display a layer, check the box next to the layer name under the eye icon . To make a layer selectable, check the box next to
the layer name under the arrow icon . To make a layer writeable, check the box next to the layer
name under the pencil icon .
Layers
Remove: Use the Remove button to remove a map layer from the workspace.
8. After modifying any desired layer properties, close the Layer Control dialog with the Close button and changes will take effect.
Figure 4
MapInfo Layer Displayed on a Map in Analyzer
9. In a new Analyzer installation, the map location defaults to 0
longitude, 0
latitude. Pan the map viewing area to display the new map by right-clicking in the map area, then choosing Zoom
Go to Layer and selecting the layer you just added.
10. Right-click on the map and choose Zoom
Zoom In from the pop-up menu or click on the Zoom In button on the Map toolbar. Click and drag a rectangle around a small area of
Map Toolbar
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interest on the map. Return the cursor to the passive mode by clicking on the Select button.
11. In order to ensure faster loading of maps in future Analyzer sessions, load only the MapInfo layers that you need. In most cases, street-level data is all that is required for looking at optimization data. Too many layers make the map look cluttered, and increase the time required for the map to load.
More Pan and Zoom Options
The pop-up menu in the Map window offers a variety of convenient pan and zoom options.
Previous View
Right-click in the map and select Zoom
Previous View. Returns to the last zoom setting by undoing the last zoom operation.
View Entire Map
Right-click in the map and select Zoom
View Entire Map. Zooms out to show the entire map area you have defined.
Pan
Right-click in the map and select Tool
Pan. The cursor will change to a hand symbol. Click and drag to move the map in the viewing pane.
Center Right-click in the map and select Tool Center, then click on a point in the map window. The map will pan so that the point you selected is the center.
Measuring Distances on the Map
Right-click in the map and select Tool
Distance. Click the first point of the two you would like to measure the distance between, then drag the cursor to the second point. Notice that the distance is displayed next to the cursor and is continuously updated as you drag. The units are not displayed, so if you are not sure what the current units setting is, right-click on the map, and then select Map Units Distance.
After using any pan or zoom option, return the cursor to the passive mode by clicking on the Select button.
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Map Scale and Coordinates
By default, the map scale will appear in the lower left corner of the map window. In addition, the latitude and longitude coordinates of the cursor can be displayed.
To turn on or off the scale, right-click on the map area and click to check or uncheck Show Scale.
To show or hide the cursor coordinates, right-click on the map area and click to check or uncheck Show Lat/Long.
Loading Cell Site Data
In order to display cell sites in Analyzer, and integrate cell site data with real-time measurements, a formatted cell site database must exist containing location and configuration data for each cell site. In Analyzer, we refer to this file as the Cellrefs file, although this file can have any name.
Later in the course, we will show you how to format your own data for recognition by Analyzer. For now, we will point Analyzer to a pre-formatted cellrefs file, and then display the sites on the map.
1. From the main menu, select Tools Preferences.
2. In the Change Preferences dialog, on the File Location line, double-click on the name of the current cellrefs file.
3. In the Open dialog, navigate to the cellrefs file you would like to use and select Open. In class the file we will use is called Training CDMA Cellrefs.txt which has been installed in the
following location:
C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Bin\Cellrefs
4. Click OK to close the Preferences dialog.
5. A message box will be displayed saying that the new Cellrefs file takes effect when a new workspace is loaded. Click OK to close the message box. Analyzer loads cells upon opening Analyzer or starting a new workspace. From the Main Menu, choose File
New Workspace to create a new workspace. At this point, there is no need to save the current workspace.
6. In the new workspace, click View Display New Map.
By default the cell sites are now visible.
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Displaying Site Labels
By default, site and cell labels will be displayed on the map. You can leave the labels as they are, modify the way they are displayed, or turn them off entirely. The site labels are displayed independently of cell labels. This allows you to display of Site Name or Site ID in addition to or instead of PN, Azimuth, or Beamwidth.
In Analyzer, sectors are called cells based on the European GSM standards terminology.
The following instructions specify first site labeling, then cell labeling:
1. In the Layer Control dialog box, select the site layer (named CDMA_Site-Site_Name).
2. Under the Properties heading in the Layer Control dialog, press the Labels button.
3. The MapInfo-style Label Properties box will appear. Verify that each of the following boxes is checked:
Show
Allow overlapped text (recommended)
Hide adjacent duplicate text (optional)
4. In the Label Properties box, use the drop down Data Field menu to determine the label format to display. Currently, there are two formats of labels from which to choose:
The Site Name (default) shows only the site name.
The Key Field label shows only the site ID.
5. If you wish to offset the label from the cell site symbol, use the options in the Position box in the Label Properties dialog.
6. If you wish to change the font of the labels, use the Label Style button in the Properties dialog.
7. Select OK to exit the Label Properties dialog.
The Site Labels have been formatted. Next, format the Cell Labels:
1. In the Layer Control dialog box, select the cell layer (named CDMA_Cell-Beamwidth-PN).
2. Under the Properties heading in the Layer Control dialog, press the Labels button.
3. The MapInfo-style Label Properties box will appear. Verify that each of the following boxes is checked:
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Show
Allow overlapped text (recommended)
Hide adjacent duplicate text (optional)
5. In the Label Properties box, use the drop down Data Field menu to determine the label format to display. All CDMA_Cell parameters are available as options for labeling. PN is a popular labeling option, as it allows you to quickly identify each sector.
6. If you wish to offset the label from the cell site symbol, use the options in the Position box in the Label Properties dialog.
7. If you wish to change the font of the labels, use the Label Style button in the Properties dialog.
8. Click OK in the Label Properties dialog, and then OK in the Layers dialog to apply the labels.
Figure 5 - Labeled Sites and Sectors on Map in Analyzer
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Coloring Sectors on the Map
By default, sectors are colored by PN on the map. To color the sectors according to a different field (i.e. Sector_ID, to color sectors by face), or to make all sectors the same color:
1. Click the Cell Sites button at the top of the map.
2. In the Series drop-down, choose CDMA_Cell.
3. Use the Cell Color drop-down choose the field to color by. To make all sectors the same color, specify an unused field (i.e. MCC). To color sectors by face (i.e. 1 = red, 2 = yellow, 3 = blue) choose Sector_ID.
4. Click OK to exit the Sites / Cell Properties dialog.
5. Site coloring will appear as specified. To modify face colors, expand the CDMA_Cell parameter in the legend. Right-click on individual ranges and choose Selected Range s Style to modify colors.
Figure 6: Sites/Cells Properties Dialog
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Viewing Cell Site Information
A cell s Azimuth, Beamwidth and Sector ID can be obtained by running the mouse over a sector on the map. To obtain more detailed information on each site or sector:
1. Display site data of interest on the map.
2. From the main menu, select View Display Cell Data.
3. From the main menu, select Window
Tile Horizontally or Window Tile Vertically.
4. Click on a sector wedge or site dot on the map. Details about that sector or site will appear in the Display Cell Data window.
Figure 7 - Display Cell Data Window
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Searching for Cells Search for Cells provides a mechanism for locating specific cell sites based on user-defined search criteria. To conduct a search:
1. Display site data of interest on the map.
2. From the main menu, select Cells Search for Cells.
3. From the main menu, select Window Tile Horizontally or Window Tile Vertically to arrange the CellRefs Search dialog and the map in the workspace.
4. Ensure that CDMA is visible in the Technology drop-down.
5. Use the Add, Edit and Delete buttons to modify search criteria.
6. Click the Search Now button to show in the Results window all matching cell sites from the current cellrefs file.
Figure 8 - CellRefs Search Dialog
7. From the Results window, select a row to highlight and center the corresponding sector on the map.
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8. Click the Highlight All button to highlight all matching sectors on the map.
Figure 9 - Map Highlighting All Sectors Meeting Search Criteria
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Data Aggregation (Binning)
Analyzer aggregates data into groups called bins in order to provide a reasonable number of data points from a computing and analysis perspective. The aggregation method used to create one bin from many data points is dependent on the type of parameter. For example, measurement parameters, such as EcIo_1stBest and ForwardFER, are binned by averaging each of the component measurements into one data point. For network state parameters, such as CDMA HandoffState, a bin is given the value of the parameter that occurred most often in the bin. Events, such as dropped calls and handoffs, are binned by the number of events occurring within the component measurements.
There are four modes for determining how to divide data into bins:
Time-based binning
Distance binning
Message binning
Location binning
Time-based binning combines data in the time domain using a user-specified duration for the bin. The speed of travel during logging will affect how many log files you see in a certain area. The diagram below looks at a one-second bin.
Distance binning combines data into bins corresponding to the distance traveled by the test mobile. This mode is commonly used for drive test analyses when viewing on a map to ensure plot points are evenly spaced.
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Message binning sets the number of messages to average equal to 1. Each message is placed into its own bin with the net result of no averaging of the data. Message binning should not be set to any value other than 1.
Location binning - analogous to overlaying a spatial grid on top of the data with a user-definable granularity. This can be used when examining several drive files crossing over the same geographic area. This method is often used for SuperStreams.
To set the binning mode
1 In the Tools Preferences dialog, click on the + next to Binning to expand it
2 Set the binning mode for maps, charts, and reports to Time based.
3 Highlight the time field and set the Time to 1000 ms
All points in this box will be binned together to produce one plot point
Grid (not seen) Drive Routes
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Setting the CDMA Configuration Parameters CDMA-specific parameters can be changed within the Tools
Preferences dialog box under General Settings
Decode
Settings.
Use the Decode Settings to change the Scanner Ec/Io Threshold (dB) for PN Scanner data. Analyzer will display scanner measurements at or above this threshold:
1. Under Decode Settings, double-click on the Scanner Ec/Io Threshold (dB) line
2. Change the threshold from 15 dB to 18 dB. The CDMA StateTip, which will be introduced later in the course, will now display all measurements at or above 18 dB.
3. A new workspace must be opened for all Preferences settings to take effect.
A detailed list of all the parameters that are located in the Decode Settings dialog box can be found in Appendix A.
Agilent-specific settings can be found in the Tools
Preferences dialog under Agilent MDB and Agilent SD5 . Agilent MDB handset and scanner data are used throughout this training course. Make sure the following options are set for Agilent MDB files:
Show Agilent data selection dialog
this allows you to choose which data streams to load when opening an Agilent file
Remove intermediate files after load
if loading and reloading an Agilent file is anticipated, intermediate files may help improve the load speed. Analyzer s Network Image feature, which will be covered in this course, is the preferred means of improving the load speed.
Use intermediate files if available
if intermediate files are available, they will be used
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Exploring the Workspace
Loading Data Files
Now that you are more familiar with the Analyzer environment, we will move on to opening logfiles and examining the type of information available from these files in Analyzer.
Load the following drive test files by selecting File
Open Logfile
or by clicking the Open Logfile icon: . These files are located in the C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\DataFiles directory.
a. Phone & Scan 1.mdb
b. MDM File 1.mdm
c. CDMA 1x Data Willtech.0401
A + will appear next to the Loaded Data Files folder in the Workspace Browser once files have been loaded. Click on the + to expand the folder and view the loaded files. Notice that all of the files were loaded into this workspace. Data files from any collection equipment supported by Analyzer can be opened and displayed in the same workspace.
Examining CDMA 1x Handset Data
1. Expand the CDMA 1x Data
Willtech file tree in the workspace.
2. Expand the layers under the handset data stream (labelled Kyocera 3G (702) 203-9745, then expand the CDMA node and examine each data group and parameter, as shown in Figure 6.
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Figure 10 - Expanded Handset Stream Showing Data Groups and Parameters
Upon loading a CDMA 1x handset file, note that several data groups are created. These data groups are common in Analyzer to all CDMA handset files, regardless of data collection vendor. Each group will appear as long as at least one parameter within that group was collected by the device.
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The following data groups are created under the CDMA node:
Device Info
Information identifying the collection device in
use for that stream.
Serving Cell Parameters
Information about the current base station sector serving the call, including search window sizes and handoff parameters.
Dedicated Radio Link
Once a call has been established, parameters that are associated with the PNs serving the call, such as Handoff State, are contained here.
Pilot Measurements
Ec/Io and Delay measurements broken out by individual PN. This group also includes measurements broken out by Pilot Set.
Downlink Measurements - Ec/Io, Forward FER and Mobile transmit and receive power measurements.
Fundamental Channel
Information about the channel that provides the primary radio resources for voice or low-rate data in a CDMA 1x network.
Supplemental Channel
Information about the channels that provide the bandwidth resources for high rate data transfer in a CDMA 1x network.
RLP Statistics
Statistics from the radio link protocol, the transport mechanism for data over the air interface in a CDMA 1x network.
Event Data
Call events triggered by IS-95/cdma 1x/cdma2000 messaging. If an event is not present in the tree, it did not occur in the file. See Appendix B for Analyzer event definitions.
Detailed Frame Information
Provides counts of various data frame classes for both the forward and the reverse link, primarily to provide the ability to create custom FER parameters.
Control Channel
Information about the Dedicated Control Channel in a CDMA 1x network.
The Data Testing node in a CDMA 1x handset stream provides data parameters that are not specific to the air interface. Under the Data Testing node, the following groups may be found:
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Application Measurements
Find the instantaneous
application layer throughput here This is the value that most closely approximates the end user s experience.
Protocol Measurements
This group contains throughput values for each layer in the IP stack. This group contains statistics for the IP, PPP, TCP, ICMP and RLP2 layers.
IP (Internet Protocol) provides a connectionless addressing scheme of packets, or datagrams, to be delivered in a packet-switched data network.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) establishes a virtual connection between a source and a destination in a data network.
PPP (Point to Point Protocol) serves primarily to provide some security to datagrams in the IP network.
ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) supports error, control and informational messages within the data network.
RLP2 information is provided in some drive-test formats to represent the physical connection between the mobile and the test system.
Task Settings
This group contains task identifiers including Task_Id, Task_Name and Task_Key.
Task Summary
This group contains application level parameters summarizing the entire task.
Ping Statistics
This group contains metrics for any ping session within the logfile.
Application Statistics
This group contains the number of bytes transmitted by the data application.
Connection
This group contains details for data connections activated within the logfile.
HTTP Statistics
This group contains metrics for any HTTP session within the logfile.
Examining Technology-Independent Data
Under the Phone & Scan 1
Phone, PCS (QCP-2700, CM-B1201SPR) (2) (the handset stream), expand the Independent folder to look at technology independent parameters decoded in the Analyzer. In addition to GPS measurements, device-specific data, and internal Analyzer messages, find the following groups here:
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Site Data Node
If a cell site database is being used in the
Analyzer, the software will automatically calculate these measurements that take both the drive and the cell site information into account. Some of the measurements contained here are:
ServingCellDistance distance, in meters, to the sector serving the Primary PN
NeighborCellDistance distance, in meters, to non-primary serving sectors
Vendor Specific
Measurements that are specific to the particular collection device used. In the case of Agilent measurement equipment, the Agilent user alarms events are contained here.
Examining PN Scanner Data
Due to the nature of the coding scheme in a CDMA system, PN scanner data is an invaluable tool for detecting problems in the network. Because PNs are reused across a CDMA network with a much lower frequency than in an FDMA/TDMA network, each PN scan can be directly linked to a particular site or sector in the network.
The Phone & Scan 1.mdb file already opened in the workspace contains PN Scanner data as well as handset data. The PN Scanner stream is the one that is labelled as the PCS Receiver, in this case HP E6450B (PCS Receiver) 1947.500 MHz (1).
Expand the scanner stream to reveal the contents of the data stream:
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Figure 11 - PN Scanner Stream Expanded to Show Its Contents
Note that under the Pilot Measurements data group, several groups have been created to help you easily drill down into the data. For each scanner stream, the following measurements are available:
EcIo_for_PN Ec/Io measurements for each PN scanned
EcIo_for_Nth_Best_Pilot
Ec/Io measurements ranked from the strongest to the weakest, for the top N best pilots collected
PN_for_Nth_Best_Pilot
The PNs, ranked from strongest to weakest Ec/Io, for the top N best pilots collected
Ec_for_Nth_Best_Pilot
Ec measurements, ranked from strongest to weakest Ec, for the top N best pilots collected
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Expand the Multipath Measurements group. Note that the measurements are divided into Ec/Io measurements and Delay measurements.
The measurements contained in the Ec/Io data group are:
EcIo_Max The instantaneous maximum Ec/Io
EcIo_Spread_for_PN
The difference between the Ec/Io of the first arriving multipath component and the last arriving multipath component for each PN scanned
Multipath_1_EcIo_for_PN
Ec/Io measurement of the first multipath for a given PN above a user-defined threshold. To set this threshold, go to Tools Preferences
Decode Settings. The EcIo Threshold for Delay (dB) parameter defines the threshold for this multipath measurement.
PN_at_EcIo_Max The PN providing at the maximum Ec/Io
The measurements contained in the Delay data group are:
Delay_1_Max
The maximum delay in chips for the first multipath component
Delay_Spread_for_PN
The delay difference (in chips) between the first and last arriving multipath measurements for each PN scanned
Max_Delay_Spread
The maximum delay spread (in chips) for any PN at a given instant
Multipath_1_Delay_for_PN
Delay measurements for the earliest arriving multipath component for each PN scanned above a user-defined threshold. To set this threshold, go to Tools Preferences Decode Settings. The EcIo Threshold for Delay (dB) parameter defines the threshold for this multipath measurement.
PN_at_Delay_1_Max The PN for the maximum delay component of the first multipath
PN_at_Max_Delay_Spread The PN value at the maximum delay spread component
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Searching for Attributes With such a high number of attributes (or parameters) available for analysis, it can become quite tedious to locate the exact attribute that one might need. The Search for Attributes feature allows a user to search the parameter trees of all open data streams within the Workspace Explorer. The results of the search will be displayed in the Search Results tab of the Workspace Explorer.
1. From the main toolbar, select Tools
Find Attribute. The search panel will open as part of the Workspace Explorer window.
2. In the Find What field, type some text that is part of the required attribute.
3. Select the Stream in which to search for the attribute. The default is set to <All Streams>.
4. Select either of the Settings options if desired.
5. Select the Direction in which to search.
6. Click Find Next or Find All.
When finished, click Done. The search panel will close. However, all of the results will remain visible in the Search Results tab.
The Favorites Group Having access to all of the parameters within a logfile in the Workspace is sometimes not necessary and it can make finding key parameters more difficult. Analyzer allows for the identification of a subset of parameters that need to be accessed regularly by placing them in a Favorites Group. This group can be viewed by clicking on the Favorites tab in the Workspace. Try setting the following favorites for CDMA 1x handset parameters based on handset stream of CDMA 1x Data Willtech.0401:
1. In the Workspace, click to select the Pilot Measurements
EcIo_Combined parameter, then right-click on it and choose Add to Favorites from the pop-up menu.
2. Under Downlink Measurements, find ForwardFER and add it to Favorites.
3. Under Event Data, find CallDropped (from the Call Events group) and HandoffOK (from the Handoff Events group) and add them to Favorites.
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4. Under RLP Statistics, find RLP_Rx_Throughput_Instantaneous and RLP_Tx_Throughput_Instantaneous and add them to Favorites.
5. In the Workspace, click on the Favorites tab. A tree view of the items that were added is displayed. You can easily move between All and Favorites as necessary.
The parameters that you define as favorites will be available on the Favorites tab for any data file open in the workspace that contains those parameters, as well as for any new files opened that contain the specified parameters.
Figure 12 - Workspace Showing the Favorites Parameters Displayed
6. To remove a parameter from favorites, select the parameter. Right-click on it and choose Remove Favorite.
Sharing Favorites
Favorites can be shared among users. Favorites are saved in the Favorites.dat file located in the: C:\ProgramFiles\Actix\ Analyzer\Bin\XMLFiles directory.
To share Favorites with another user, copy the Favorites.dat file to the same directory on the desired machine. The user of that machine will then have access to those Favorites each time Analyzer is launched.
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Viewing Data in Analyzer
In Analyzer, data can be viewed in a variety of ways to facilitate easy analysis. You can plot parameters on maps and display them on charts, tables, and in workbooks.
Viewing Data on Maps There are two options for viewing data on maps:
To view any parameter on a new map: Right-click on the parameter of interest in the Workspace Browser and select Display on Map.
To view a parameter on a map already open in the workspace: Click and drag the parameter of interest onto a map already open in the workspace.
Modifying Legend Ranges
From the handset stream of the Phone and Scan 1.mdb file, display EcIo_1stBest on a map and try the following:
1. In the legend, right-click on EcIo_1stBest and select Modify Ranges to change the ranges displayed.
Figure 13 - Modify Ranges Dialog Box
2. Remove any unwanted ranges by highlighting the range and selecting Remove. Ranges must be removed one at a time.
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Analyzer will not allow the deletion of the last two remaining ranges.
3. Enter the maximum and minimum value for each range and click Update to modify an existing range, or Add to add a new range. Use the Below and Above buttons to specify edge ranges. The recommended approach to modifying legend ranges is to start with the minimum value ranges and work your way toward the maximum.
4. Within the Modify Ranges dialog, you can change the color assigned to each of your new ranges. With the range highlighted, click on the Selected Button in the Set Colors section. To set all of the ranges to default colors, click on the Default button in the Set Colors section.
5. Press Close to close the Modify Ranges dialog and return to the workspace. All range and color settings are automatically saved with the Modify Ranges dialog is closed.
Note: Use the Cancel button to back out of any changes you do not want to keep.
More Range Display Options
Right-click on the stream in the legend for more legend options:
Select Attribute Style to change the color, size and shape of the data trail. These parameters affect all data points for this parameter, regardless of value.
Style Setting lets you decide whether to indicate a parameter s value range changes by color, size, or shape.
The Set Legend To menu item allows you to maintain multiple legend configurations for a single parameter. The default legend settings will always be used upon entering a new Analyzer workspace. To maximize the utility of this feature, give each legend configuration for a parameter a unique name and set the preferred configuration to be the default.
The Copy Legend to Clipboard and Export to File options let you create an image of the legend for use in other Windows programs.
Change the style of an individual range without re-entering the Modify Ranges dialog by right-clicking on the range and selecting Selected Range s Style.
Changes to legend settings are automatically saved by Analyzer. This information is saved in XML files, one for each parameter. The files are saved in the C:\Program
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Files\Actix\Analyzer\Bin\FormatGroups\UserSettings folder. After legends have been modified and saved as desired on one computer, you can transfer these files to the same location on another computer to share legend settings between users.
The Map Offset Tool
Offsetting of a data trail on the map may be achieved by manually offsetting the data on the map, or by specifying a numeric distance to offset the trail in the x and y directions.
To use the Offset Tool to offset a trail:
1. View ForwardFER on the map in addition to EcIo_1stBest by dragging ForwardFER onto the existing map.
2. In the Map Layers dialog, highlight the layer you wish to offset and then select Offset Offset Tool.
Move the Offset Tool cursor to determine how much to offset the trails. Click the mouse once to accept the modified position.
Figure 14 - FER and EcIo1st_Best On the Same Map
4. To remove the offset, select the offset layer in the Map Layers dialog, select Offset, and click on Reset.
EcIo1st_Best
ForwardFER
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5. If you wish to specify a specific offset distance, type the distance in the X and Y text boxes in the Offset Layers dialog. Type 0 for both the X and Y offset to return the offset trail to its original position. The distance units for offset are based on the setting found by right-clicking on the map and selecting Map Units
Distance.
Adding Annotations to the Map
Annotations are a means of adding text and simple shapes to your map. You can use these to indicate trouble spots or point out features of interest in your network.
1. In the Layer Control dialog, select the Annotations layer and use the Reorder Up button to move it to the top.
2. Close the Layer Control dialog.
3. Select the Annotations button
from the map toolbar. The annotations toolbar appears on the map. Clicking on the Annotations button again will hide the toolbar.
4. Click on the Text button . The cursor will change to insert text mode.
5. Click on the map to place the text and add the desired text.
6. Return the cursor to the passive mode by clicking on the Select button.
7. To edit the text, select the text using the Edit Text button
.
8. Change the style or font by selecting the text with the Select tool, right clicking and selecting Tool Feature Style.
9. To remove text, select the text box using the Select tool and press the delete key.
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Formatting Data Labels on the Map
Labels can be displayed for any parameter you display on a map. This can be used to show exact values of any parameter at each point.
1. In the Layer Control dialog box, highlight one data stream.
2. From the Properties box, select the Labels button.
3. Select Show to show the values at each data point.
4. Deselect Allow Overlapped Text and Hide Adjacent Duplicate Text , if desired.
5. From the Data Field drop down menu, select ForwardFER to see only the values of that parameter, without the parameter name displayed, shown on the map.
6. Exit the Label Properties dialog and the Layer Control dialog.
Displaying Lines to Cells on the Map
With a cellplan loaded, lines from each location on the drive route to the serving cell and neighbor cells can be drawn. To activate the feature:
1. In the Layer Control dialog box, Select the Cell
Beamwidth layer. When this layer is selected, the Lines option under Properties becomes available. Select Lines.
2. Ensure that Selection is checked for both the Primary Sector and Other Active Sectors tabs. Click OK.
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Figure 15: Lines Configuration Dialog
3. Make sure that the View and the Select boxes for the Site- Site_Name and the Cell Beamwidth layers are checked.
4. Reorder these two layers so that they are the top two layers on the list. Click OK.
5. After closing the Layer Control dialog, use the Select tool to select a point on the map. Lines from the data point to the serving PN cells will be displayed. The solid line points to the strongest PN and the dashed lines point to the other serving PNs
6. There are several options for how the lines will be labelled and colored. By default, the lines will be black and not labelled. You can choose to color the lines by the PN of the strongest Ec/Io, Forward FER, Mobile Receive Power, and a variety of other parameters.
7. In addition to selecting single points, you can select more than one point. Click on the Area Select button on the map toolbar. Use the Select Box tool to select a group of data points on the map. The resulting lines to serving and neighbor cells for multiple data points may be useful in determining whether calls made in an area are being served by the appropriate cells.
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The Direction Button
The Direction button allows the user to display directional arrows on any drive-test map. These arrows indicate the direction of the drive test vehicle during collection. The Direction button is located on the Map Toolbar.
Figure 16: Map with Directional Arrows Displayed
Region Filtering
The Region Filter can be used to filter data displayed on maps. It can be very helpful when trying to isolate data in one geographical area.
1. From the Map Toolbar, click the Region Filter button. Three additional options will now appear on the map toolbar; including a Polygon drawing tool. The cursor will now appear as a cross-hair on the map.
2. Draw the polygon over a certain map area by clicking on a series of points. The first click on the map starts the polygon. Drag the cursor to each corner of the desired region to filter and click the mouse once. To finish drawing the polygon, double-click near the starting point to establish a line between the last point and the first point.
3. Draw any other polygons, as needed. 4. To filter data, click the down-arrow next to Filter and select either
Include or Exclude. Include is the default filter. [Note: Any additional attributes that are dragged onto a map using regional filtering will also be filtered].
Direction button
Directional arrows
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5. To remove the filter, select Remove All from the map toolbar. This will delete all existing region filters in that map. Region filters in other map windows are unaffected.
Figure 17: Region Filtering using "Include"
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Printing Maps
A-RLAS-ID features five different ways to obtain printable map outputs:
Print using Quick Print
Print using Map Layout Designer
Copy to Clipboard
Export Map to a different file format
Export individual map layers to MapInfo
The recommended method is the Quick Print. The Quick Print option bypasses the Map Layout Designer and prints the map with a legend in a fixed position.
To print a map using the Quick Print option:
1. Display data on a map in the workspace.
2. Select the Print button from the map toolbar.
3. Select the paper source, page orientation, and margin sizes.
4. Use the Options button in the lower left hand corner of the Print Setup dialog to adjust map size, content, legend visibility, and scale.
5. In the Print Setup dialog, select OK to print the map.
The Map Layout Designer may be used to arrange the map and legend on the page, add a title, and preview the output. To print a map using the Map Layout Designer:
1. Open a map with data in the workspace.
2. Select the Layout button from the toolbar.
3. Choose the page layout for the map and select OK to bring up the Map Layout Designer.
4. Double-click on the Label box to change the title of the map.
5. Move the label box and the map so that they are not overlapping. Resize the text box as necessary. With the Label Box selected, choose Properties from the Toolbar to change the label font.
6. Move the legend so that it is not overlapping the map trail. Resize the legend as necessary.
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7. Select Print Preview from the Toolbar to determine what the printed page will look like. Close Print Preview to make any modifications necessary.
8. Select Print to print the map.
You can also print a map by copying it to the clipboard.
1. Right-click on the map to be copied and select Copy to Clipboard.
2. Paste the map into another application and use that application s print function to print the map.
A fourth option is to convert the map to a different file format and use a compatible program to print the output file. Analyzer supports the exporting of maps to the following formats: BMP, JPG, WMF, PNG, TIF, GIF, and PSD.
1. Right-click on the map and choose Export Map.
2. Select the desired file format.
Finally, a fifth option is to export individual map layer(s) directly into MapInfo. To do this:
a. From the map view, open the Layer Control dialog box.
b. Select Export.
c. Choose the layers to be exported. Browse to the appropriate destination folder.
d. Click OK.
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Viewing Data on Charts Analyzer can create a variety of charts for the analysis and inspection of data.
There are two ways to view data on charts: 1. To view any parameter on a new chart: Right-click on the
parameter of interest in the Workspace Browser and select Display on Chart.
2. To view a parameter on a chart already open in the workspace: Click and drag the parameter of interest onto a chart already open in the workspace.
To demonstrate some of the chart capabilities in Analyzer, we will create a Time Series chart containing wireless data parameters.
1. In the CDMA 1x Data - Willtech file in the Workspace, expand RLP Statistics Receive Information and select RLP_Rx_Throughput_Instantaneous.
2. Right-click on RLP_Rx_Throughput_Instantaneous and choose Display on Chart from the pop-up menu. Notice that a chart appears with a throughput value at each data point.
3. Click on the Histogram button
to view the data as a distribution. The ranges that appear are the same ranges that were set for this parameter on the map legend.
4. Click on the Series button
to return the chart to a time series chart.
5. You may wish to examine an area with particularly high or low throughput in detail. To zoom in on a section of the chart, click and drag a rectangle, moving from upper left to lower right. To return to the previous zoomed view, click and drag a rectangle moving from lower right to upper left.
6. Drag and drop ForwardFER onto the chart.
7. Drag and drop RLP_Tx_Throughput_Instantaneous (from RLP Statistics Transmit Information) on to the chart. Your chart should look like the figure below.
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Figure 18 - RLP_Rx_Throughput_Instantaneous, RLP_Tx_Throughput_Instantaneous and ForwardFER displayed on a chart
Note that throughput and FER are measured in different units, so they appear on separate axes.
8. Drag and drop the Anchor Transfer event (from the Event Data Data Events group) onto this chart. The events will appear on the chart as vertical lines.
Anchor Transfer is the process used to handle mobility of the supplemental channel during a data call on a CDMA 1x network. The anchor is the site and sector supporting the forward supplemental channel during a CDMA 1x call. Anchor transfer is the term given to the handoff of the anchor from one sector to another.
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Modifying Chart Properties
1. Many chart properties can be customized through the Properties dialog. Right-click on the chart and choose Chart Properties from the menu.
2. Reposition the Properties Dialog so that you can see the chart with the dialog open. As you change the properties of the chart, the chart is automatically updated.
3. On the Chart Series page, click the Title button to change the title of one of the series.
4. Still on the Chart Series page, use the up and down arrows to change the order in which the parameters are plotted. This also affects their position in the legend.
5. On the Chart Axis page, redefine the style for the axis, labels, and ticks.
6. On the Chart Legend page, modify the fonts and colors.
7. Create a three-dimensional chart using the options on the Chart 3D page.
8. Click Close to close the Properties dialog when you are satisfied with the formatting you have done.
9. Click on the Copy icon to place a copy of your chart on the clipboard.
10. In Word or PowerPoint, click Edit
Paste to paste your chart into that application.
11. In Analyzer, with the chart still open, create a map displaying the same data. Make sure that the Select tool is activated on the map. Click to select data on either the map or the chart and notice that the views are synchronized.
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Viewing Data in Tables Tables provide a quick view of numeric data for a selected parameter. You can look at statistics, such as mean, minimum, and maximum, histogram distribution information, or the time series data for the parameter displayed on a spreadsheet. Tables can be synchronized with maps to provide an integrated view of network data. A trouble area that is identified quickly on a map using visual inspection can then be examined more closely on a table by looking at exact numerical values of key parameters.
There are two ways to view data on tables: 1. To view any parameter on a new table: Right-click on the
parameter of interest in the Workspace Browser and select Display on Table.
2. To view a parameter on a table already open in the workspace: Click and drag the parameter of interest onto a table already open in the workspace.
To demonstrate the functionality of the Analyzer table in network optimization applications, we will create a new table containing some parameters related to wireless data network analysis.
1. Display RLP_Rx_Throughput_Instantaneous from the handset stream of CDMA 1x Data
Willtech.0401 on a table. To do this, select RLP Statistics Receive Information RLP_Rx_Throughput_Instantaneous, then right-click and select Display on Table.
Figure 19 - RLP_Rx_Throughput_Instantaneous Displayed on a Table
Stream Selection Box
Options for Viewing Data
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2. Drag App_Throughput_DL (from the Data Testing Application Measurements group) onto the same table to view the values side-by-side. Note that while RLP throughput provides the data rate over the air interface, application throughput provides the data rate experienced by the end user.
3. Click on the Histogram tab and notice the ranges and counts. The histogram ranges correspond to the map legend ranges set for the last parameter displayed on the table. Use the drop-down list at the bottom to switch between histogram values for the different parameters.
4. Click on the Statistics tab and notice the automatically calculated statistics for all parameters displayed on the table.
5. Click on the Series tab to return to that view. Then drag the ForwardFER parameter onto the same table.
6. Display ForwardFER on a new map in the workspace. Make sure that the Select tool is activated on the map.
7. Tile the table and the map in the workspace by selecting Window Tile Horizontally from the main menu.
8. With the table and map visible in the workspace, select a point on the map where FER is high. Notice that the table synchronizes to the same point, and that the throughput and FER values are now visible for the time before and after the instance of poor RF quality. How were RLP and application throughput affected by the poor radio conditions?
9. Open another CDMA 1x handset file in the current workspace. Use the stream selection box to look at new handset data in the same table configuration without having to repeat the work you did to set up the original table.
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Viewing Data in the Message Browser Analyzer provides the Message Browser to allow you to analyze the messaging reported by the logging device. The browser also includes events derived from the Layer 3 messaging and searching and filtering operations on the data. The Message Browser can play an integral part in a problem-area investigation when it is used in conjunction with the Analyzer map and table.
To open the Message Browser right-click on the handset stream under the CDMA 1x Data - Willtech file and choose Display Message Browser from the pop-up menu.
Figure 20 - Messaging Displayed in the Message Browser
1. Click on an event in the Event Panel. Watch as the Messaging Window synchronizes to display the messaging information corresponding to the event you selected. This allows a quick view of the specific messaging associated with a particular event.
Formatted: Bullets andNumbering
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2. The search function can be used to locate a particular parameter in the messaging, even if the message name is unknown. In the Search box, type SOFT_SLOPE , then click
the Find Next button
to find the next occurrence of this text string in the file. Continue the search by clicking the Find Next icon to find each subsequent occurrence of the string. SOFT_SLOPE and ADD_INTERCEPT are new CDMA 1x parameters designed to increase handoff efficiency.
3. Right-click on the message area and choose Properties from the pop-up menu. In the Properties dialog, click on the Message Format tab and modify the Font for the Message Browser.
4. On the Message Filtering Tab of the Properties Dialog, uncheck All Message Types
and check Reverse Link Messages and Forward Link Messages to show only messaging collected while the handset was in call mode. The message filtering capability is useful when investigating specific events, and only the messages associated with those events are of interest.
5. Select a section of text in the Message Browser and click on the Copy icon. Open Microsoft Word and click Edit
Paste to paste the text into the current document.
One type of analysis where the Message Browser comes in handy is the investigation of neighbor list warnings. Most file formats contain a NeighborListWarning event that is triggered when the Pilot Strength Measurement Message (sent on the reverse link) includes a strong measurement of a PN that was not included in the latest Neighbor Update list from the base station.
To perform a basic analysis of missing neighbors using the map and the message browser:
1. Drag the EcIo_1stBest parameter, as well as the NeighborListWarning event from CDMA 1x Data
Willtech.0401 onto a map.
2. Show the Message Browser for CDMA 1x Data
Willtech.0401.
3. Tile the Map and the Message Browser in the workspace so that both are visible.
4. Filter the messages in the Message Browser to display only the Pilot Set Information and Extended Neighbor List Update.
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5. Using the Select tool on the map, select an instance of a NeighborListWarning event.
6. The message browser will sync to the appropriate messaging. Inspection of the messaging will tell which PN was detected but not included in the neighbor list.
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Viewing Data in the Protocol Stack Browser The Protocol Stack Browser is a new view that allows the user to quickly browse through messages by examining the header only. Once a message of interest is identified in the top pane of the Protocol Stack Browser, the details of the message can be examined in the bottom pane. The following Protocol Stack Browser views are available for CDMA and CDMA 1 drive test data:
CDMA Signaling (Radio Interface) - Message pane displays CDMA Channel Type and Layer 3 messaging
CDMA Signaling and Diagnostic Messaging
Message pane displays CDMA Channel Type, CDMA Layer 3 messaging, and handset diagnostic messaging
CDMA Signaling and IP Messaging
Message pane displays CDMA Channel Type, CDMA Layer 3 messaging, PPP messaging and Application Layer messaging
CDMA IP Messaging
Message pane displays PPP, IP and Application Layer messaging
Figure 21 - CDMA Signaling and IP Messaging Protocol Stack Browser
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Viewing Data on Workbooks In some cases, the Analyzer Table may not provide enough flexibility for viewing data. Analyzer s Workbook feature provides a more flexible method for detailed analysis of trouble areas. This format allows data to be searched, sorted, filtered, formatted, and printed through Microsoft Excel.
There are two ways to view data on workbooks: 1. To view any parameter on a new workbook: Right-click on
the parameter of interest in the Workspace Browser and select Display on Workbook.
2. To view a parameter on a workbook that has already been opened: Right-click on the parameter of interest in the Workspace Browser and select Display on Workbook (active).
View the EcIo_Combined parameter from the Willtech Kyocera 3G handset stream on a workbook:
1. Select Pilot Measurements
EcIo_Combined, then right-click and select Display on Workbook.
Notice the series data is displayed in Excel with time, latitude, and longitude
Figure 22 - EcIo_Combined Displayed in a Workbook
2. Click on the Histogram tab and notice the ranges and counts.
3. Click on the Statistics tab and notice the automatically calculated statistics.
4. Close the workbook without saving changes.
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The Replay Tool The Replay Tool allows you to sequentially view data points in the files you are analyzing. Resembling the controls of a VCR, you can use the Replay Tool to move forward or backward, automatically or manually advancing through the data. You can move through data displayed on a Map, Chart, Table or Message Browser. The stream selection box allows you to choose which stream to replay. It will display all open logfiles, whether or not you have a parameter from the stream displayed.
1. Display Forward FER from Phone & Scan 1.mdb on a map, then drag the dropped call onto the same map.
2. Display the dropped call, EcIo_1stBest, Forward FER, Mobile Rx Power and Mobile Tx Power on a table.
3. Use the Window menu to tile the map and table horizontally.
4. To access the replay tool, select Tools Display Replay.
Figure 23 - The Replay Tool
5. Making sure that the phone stream is selected in the replay tool, select a point on the map, near the beginning of the drive.
6. Click on the Step Forward button to move to the next point on the drive.
7. Notice that the selection box on the map moves to the next data point in the drive. The table has also been updated by highlighting the relevant data.
8. Experiment with the remaining buttons to see how they interact with the rest of the views.
Play Forward
Play Speed
Stream Selection
Step Forward Step Backward
Play Backward
Progress Bar
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Docking the Replay Tool
You may find it more convenient to position the Replay Tool under the Workspace Browser. The procedure for doing this is called docking.
1. Click on the left-most of the four buttons at the upper right-
hand side of the Replay Tool . If there are only three buttons, minimize and then restore the Replay Tool to make the fourth button appear.
2. The Replay Tool will now show up along the right side of the Workspace Browser. To move it under the Workspace Browser, click on the thin gray bar at the top of the Replay Tool and drag it to the far left side of your screen.
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Viewing Data on Stateforms
Actix Stateforms allow you to view multiple performance metrics simultaneously. Used in conjunction with the replay tool, maps, tables, and charts, you can quickly ascertain the values of several optimization parameters for problem identification.
Using Preconfigured StateForms
A number of preconfigured CDMA StateForms enable the user to quickly identify and troubleshoot important network events. The preconfigured forms available for CDMA drive test data are:
CDMA Handoff Event Navigator
CDMA Handset PPP Event Navigator
CDMA Handset Summary Information
CDMA RLP Statistics
CDMA Radio Link Summary
CDMA Voice Event Navigator
Figure 24 - CDMA Radio Link Summary Form
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View the CDMA Radio Link Summary form for the CDMA 1x Data Willtech 1 sample file:
1. Right-click on the stream name kyocera3G (702-203-9745) in the workspace and choose Display Form CDMA Radio Link Summary. Forms can also be selected from the View Forms option on the main menu.
2. In general, when selecting a form, make sure that the form that you have selected applies to the type of data you want to analyze. For example, do not select the CDMA RLP Statistics form for a 2G voice logfile.
3. If the Stream Selector is not visible, right-click on the form and select Stream Selector. The Stream Selector drop-down will appear. Use the drop-down list to select the stream you wish to view data for. If you are not seeing information in the forms, verify that the right data stream is selected.
Figure 25 - Select CDMA Radio Link Summary Form
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4. Forms with measurement views like the CDMA Radio Link Summary form or the CDMA RLP Statistics form may be best viewed when docked with the replay tool at the side of the screen as seen in the figure below.
Figure 26 - CDMA Radio Link Summary Form Docked in Workspace
To dock a form on the left side of the workspace, bring up the form and
click the docking button (to the left of the minimize button). Click the gray horizontal line at the top of the form, drag over the bottom section of the Workspace Browser, and release. Once docked, as in the view above, it is possible to adjust the top and right-hand borders to allow for more viewing space in the platform.
5. Forms with chart views like the CDMA Handoff Event Navigator or the CDMA Handset PPP Navigator may be best viewed when docked at the bottom of the screen as shown below.
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Figure 27 - CDMA Handoff Event Navigator Form Docked in Workspace
To dock a form at the bottom of the workspace, bring up the form and use the docking button (to the left of the minimize button) to dock it next the Workspace Browser. Then, making sure that the right border of the form does not stretch past the midpoint of the entire Analyzer viewing platform, drag the thin gray line of the form to the bottom right side of the screen so that it is completely on the left half of the viewing platform. Once docked like in the view above, you can adjust the top border to allow for more viewing space in the platform.
Preconfigured forms can be edited to meet your individual analysis needs. The following sections describe the modification of existing forms, and the creation of new forms from scratch using the Stateforms Editor.
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Viewing Custom Forms with the StateForms Editor
The StateForms Editor allows you to view custom forms, modify existing forms, and build new forms from scratch. The components of the StateForms Editor window are shown in the figure below.
Figure 28 - The StateForms Editor
1. From the Tools menu, select StateForms Editor.
Note: If the generic CDMA handset form does not launch, right-click on the blank stateform box and select Open File. Browse to the C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Stateforms directory and open the file called cdma handset.axl.
2. Once loaded, make sure a stream is selected in the StateForms stream selection box. The selected stream must correspond to data currently displayed on another Analyzer view (map, chart, table or message browser).
Note: If the stream selection box is not visible, right-click on the stateform box and select Stream Selector. The stream selection box will appear.
3. Select any point on a map, chart, or table and notice that the contents of the form will update to reflect the state of the network at the point you selected.
Parameter Values
StateForms Tool Bar
Stream Selection Box
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Note: Verify that the stream selector in the StateForms window is showing the same stream that you are trying to synch with.
Modifying an Existing StateForms File
You can use an existing StateForms file as it is, or you can make modifications to it. Suppose the CDMA handset file has almost everything you would like to see, but that you are also interested in the handoff state. To add handoff state to the StateForms display:
1. If you do not already have the StateForms file displayed, click Tools
Display StateForms. Click Open File and choose the CDMA handset file.
2. Click on the Toggle Design Mode button
on the StateForms tool bar.
3. The StateForms window now shows the design view:
Figure 29 - StateForms Window in Design Mode
The buttons on the StateForms tool bar are, from left to right, Delete, Cut, Copy, Paste, Toggle Design Mode, Select, Label, Attribute Value, Array Attribute Value, Attribute Bar, Time Chart, Scan Chart, and Group Box.
Delete
Removes an object from the form. Using the delete key on your keyboard will not work.
StateForms Tool Bar
Attribute Window
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Cut Removes an object from the form and puts it on the clipboard.
Copy
To copy an object to the clipboard, select it and click the Copy
button.
Toggle Design Mode
To exit the design mode and return to the view mode, click the Toggle Design Mode button.
Select
To put the cursor into select mode to allow you to select an object on the form.
Label Click and drag a rectangle, then type your text into the Caption field in the attribute window.
Attribute Value
Click and drag a rectangle then choose an attribute from the list. The value of that attribute will be displayed in the rectangle you defined.
Array Attribute Value
Click and drag to define a table. In the attribute window, specify the number of rows and columns your table will have.
Attribute Bar
Click and drag a rectangle to define the size of the bar. Use the Attribute Window to choose the parameter whose value will be displayed in the bar, and set the maximum and minimum values for the bar. You can also choose the color used to in the bar to display the parameter s value.
Time Chart
A Navigator Time chart helps to highlight problems or important events within a logfile. An Attribute Time Chart provides more information about a problem by highlighting how values change over time.
Scan Chart
A Spectrum Analyzer -like view; this chart is useful for investigating array data from scanners and neighbor lists.
Group Box
Used to clarify which attributes on your form belong together, click and drag to define a rectangle.
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Creating Your Own StateForms File
Several sample stateforms are provided by Actix. Custom forms can also be designed from scratch. You can do this by creating a new StateForms file or by adding a new sheet to a current file. We will create a new file for this example. The finished form will look like this:
Figure 30 - Completed StateForms File
If you do not have the StateForms window open, click Tools
StateForms Editor.
1. To start a new StateForms file, right-click inside the StateForms Editor and select Design Mode. The stateforms sheet can now be edited and objects can be added.
2. Add the Ec/Io 1st Best label by clicking the Label Button. Click and drag the rectangle.
3. Select the label object and make these modifications in the Attribute Window:
a. Caption: Ec/Io 1st Best
b. Autosize Font: False
c. Font Size: 10
4. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the FER label, setting the caption to FER .
5. To display the value for Ec/Io 1st Best, click the Attribute Value button then click and drag a rectangle to the right of the Ec/Io 1st Best label.
6. Select the Ec/Io 1st Best Attribute Value object and make the following modifications:
a. Attribute: CDMA
Downlink Measurements
EcIo_1stBest
b. Show Value Change: True
c. Autosize Font: False
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d. Font Size: 10
7. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for the FER Attribute Value, setting the attribute to ForwardFER.
8. To create the Attribute Bar for Ec/Io 1st Best, click on the Attribute Bar button then click and drag a rectangle to the right of the Ec/Io 1st Best attribute value object.
9. Select the EcIo 1st Best Attribute Bar and make the following modifications in the Attribute Window:
a. Attribute: CDMA
Downlink Measurements
EcIo_1stBest
b. Max Value: 0
c. Min Value: -18
d. Autosize Font: False
e. Font Size: 10
10. To create the FER attribute bar, the Attribute Bar button, then click and drag a rectangle to the right of the FER attribute value object.
11. Select the FER Attribute Bar object and make the following modifications in the Attribute Window:
a. Attribute: CDMA
Downlink Measurements
ForwardFER
b. Max Value: 100
c. Min Value: 0
d. Autosize Font: False
e. Font Size: 10
12. To add the Group Box object, click on the Group Box button, then click and drag a rectangle around all of the items on your form.
13. Select the Group Box object and make the following modification in the Attribute Window:
a. Caption: Network Parameters
b. Fore Color: Dark Blue
c. Autosize Font: False
d. Font Size: 12
e. Default Font: False
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f. Font Bold: True
14. Click the Save As button and save the StateForms file in the Stateforms directory and call it Training StateForms.axw.
15. Return to the View Mode by clicking on the Toggle Design Mode button.
16. Test your new StateForms file by displaying a parameter from the Phone & Scan 1 file s handset stream on a map. Make sure that the handset stream is selected in the StateForms stream selector box. Click on any point on the map, and see the parameter values for Forward FER and Ec/Io 1st Best appear on your StateForm.
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Analysis of Reverse Link Data
Reverse link data is as important as forward link data to the overall health of a wireless network. Because reverse link data is collected at the base station, without the benefit of associated GPS data, it is not possible to view reverse link parameters such as EbNo and Reverse FER on a map. Analyzer supports CDMA call trace data from most major base station equipment vendors. Call trace data by itself may be displayed on an Analyzer table, chart, workbook, or message browser. When merged with drive test data collected at the same time as the call trace, GPS coordinates contained in the drive test file are associated to data points from the call trace. This procedure allows the display of reverse link data on a map, and allows the engineer to obtain a picture of the reverse link performance of the network. In this section, you will look for reverse link problems on the sample network using call trace and drive test data.
Exploring Call Trace Data Call trace data may be opened in Analyzer using the same method as opening drive test files. Simply use the Open Logfile button and browse to find the files of interest.
Load the following call trace files into the Analyzer workspace. The logfiles can be found in the C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\DataFiles folder.
Lucent Call Trace 1.rft
Lucent Call Trace 2.rft
Expand the Lucent Call Trace 1 data file and explore the contents. Display a parameter on a table. Notice that the file includes uplink parameter values, but does not contain location data for each parameter.
Display the parameter ReverseFER from the Uplink Measurements group on a chart. Though it is easy to see when the areas of poor reverse FER occurred, there is no way to know where in the network these areas are located.
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SuperStreaming Call Trace and Drive Test Data
Analyzer allows you to synchronize data from the different data sources it supports. This functionality supports a collection method where drive test and switch data are collected simultaneously on a cluster of cells of interest. It aligns the information in the files based on a parameter that was collected by both the drive test and switch trace devices. This allows you to plot reverse link information on a map, or to plot the difference between reverse and forward parameters on a map. The process is called SuperStreaming.
In this example, a parameter common to the drive test and call trace files is specified in order to merge the files. Files may also be merged based on time, as long as the base station and drive test equipment times are synchronized.
1. Load the drive test and the switch data files from the CD into the Workspace:
Drive test: MDM_File_2.mdm
Call trace: Lucent Call Trace 2.rft
2. Select Tools Create SuperStream.
3. Change the name of the SuperStream from the default of SuperStream001 to Forward and Reverse Data.
4. In the SuperStreaming dialog, check the MDM_File_2 (drive test) and Lucent Call Trace 2 (switch file) streams.
5. Click the Settings button to display the Merge Method options.
6. Select Correlated Parameters as the merge method.
7. Highlight the MDM_File_2.mdm stream. Use the attribute chooser next to Correlated Parameters to select PN_Primary (from CDMA
Pilot Measurements group) as the correlating parameter for the MDM file. The attribute
chooser is the button with the right-arrow icon . Used throughout Analyzer, an attribute chooser allows you to select the Analyzer parameter of interest without the risk of mistyping the parameter name.
8. Highlight the Lucent Call Trace 2.rft stream. Use the attribute chooser to select CellPN_Primary from CDMA
Uplink Measurements group.
9. Click OK to create the SuperStream.
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Note: In the SuperStreaming dialog box, the parameter that you associate with a stream of one type (i.e. .MDM, .RFT) will appear in the Attribute column for all streams of that type. However, only streams with check marks will be merged into the resulting SuperStream.
When Analyzer has finished creating the SuperStream, it will appear
in the Workspace: . You can perform analyses on the SuperStream using the map, chart, message browser, workbook, and table features discussed earlier.
Display ReverseFER from the Uplink Measurements group of the newly created SuperStream on the map. Notice how easy it is to locate areas containing poor reverse link quality! These trouble spots are caused by the phone s inability to communicate back to the base station, and may be attributed to a mobile failing to increase its transmit power when required or to excessive path loss between the phone and the base station.
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Merging Multiple Drive Files in the Workspace
Analyzer s SuperStream feature may be used to merge multiple files collected on the same link (i.e. drive test or call trace). SuperStreaming multiple drive test files is desirable when you require one-click functionality for displaying the same parameter from multiple streams on any Analyzer view, or when aggregate statistics on multiple drives are required. SuperStreaming creates a pointer to files already open in the workspace and does not create any new files. SuperStreams may be saved in workspaces, as long as all component files are saved in the same workspace.
To create a SuperStream containing several drive test files:
1. Ensure that the following files are loaded in the Analyzer workspace:
MDM File 1.mdm
MDM File 2.mdm
MDM File 3.mdm
2. Select Tools Create SuperStream.
3. Name the SuperStream Merged Handset Data.
4. In the SuperStreaming dialog, check the MDM File 1, MDM File 2, and MDM File 3 streams.
5. Use Timestamps is the default Merge Method. Click OK in the SuperStreaming dialog to create the SuperStream merged using timestamps.
When Analyzer has finished creating the SuperStream, it will appear
in the Workspace: . You can perform analyses on the SuperStream using the map, chart, message browser, and query features discussed earlier.
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The Network Image
Frequently, optimization engineers are asked to provide a complete network overview for management, customer service, and planning purposes. A complete network drive may consist of a large number of data files from different sources, that when combined include a very large amount of data. All of the parameters, messaging, and other information available from a logfile may be helpful when performing an in-depth analysis, but when you are interested only in general information about the state of your network, this information may not be worth the time required to load and manipulate it.
Actix Analyzer allows you to create a composite database consisting of multiple drives that is much smaller than the sum of the individual drive files. This is accomplished in Analyzer using the Network Image feature. Network Images extract the most commonly used network parameters and store them in an external file (*.dat). This is useful when you are performing a system-wide analysis or benchmarking activity. Because only key parameters are saved into the Network Image file, this file is much smaller than the sum of its component files.
A Network Image populated with data is saved as a separate, smaller file from the original logfile. The original logfile is not altered in the creation of a Network Image repository.
The data contained in a Network Image file differs from normal logfiles, in that the image file contains only the parameters specified and is binned according to the image template. Some pre-configured Network Image templates are packaged with the Actix software. It is also possible to create custom Network Image templates within the Analyzer workspace.
This document describes the use of pre-configured templates and the creation of custom Network Image templates.
Use
Assume you were asked to combine several logfiles representing a day s worth of driving by three different engineers. We will create a Network Image to consolidate the data into one reasonably sized file:
1. Create a Network Image by selecting Network Image
Create Network Image from the main Analyzer menu.
2. For the name, enter Cluster Level Data .
3. Select the CDMA
Handset
Time Binned (5 Seconds) pre-configured template, and then click OK. This will create a Network Image of the data sets that are binned every 5 seconds.
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Figure 31 - Creating a Network Image Using a Pre-Configured Template
4. In the Save dialog, save the file in a convenient location.
Your workspace will update after creating the Network Image. Browse the workspace and investigate the new Network Image called Cluster Level Data. This Network Image is currently an empty shell that will be populated with data extracted from logfiles.
Figure 32 - Workspace Showing the Network Image
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Batch Load Files into the Network Image The Network Image that you just created is nothing more than an empty directory structure. You must now add data from log files into this structure. Files do not need to be open in the workspace in order to be added to the Network Image.
1. To load files into the Network Image, right-click on the Cluster Level Data Network Image in the workspace and select Batch Load Files.
2. In the resulting dialog, browse and select several CDMA handset files (Note: Unlike with the Superstream, these files DO NOT need to be open in the workspace).
3. Click Open to begin processing the files.
4. A Load Results report, like the one shown below, will appear once processing is complete. Select OK to close the report.
Figure 33 - Analyzer Dialog Showing That File Processing is Complete
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Display Data for the Entire Network Many logfiles contain data for more than one device. Network Image templates, such as the Time Binned template used in this example, can accommodate multiple data streams collected under a single logfile.
1. Expand the Cluster Level Data Network Image. Notice that key optimization parameters in the Time Series, Downlink Measurements, Dedicated Radio Link and Event Data groups are included in the Network Image.
2. Using standard Analyzer actions, display some parameters on charts, maps, and tables.
Note that you can process scanner and handset data into a single Network Image or create a separate Network Image for scanner data, using the templates supplied with your Analyzer installation.
Start a New Day Attaching a Network Image Saving multiple files into one Network Image will allow a significantly faster load time than when loading each file individually. Demonstrate the faster load time by starting a new Workspace and attaching the Network Image.
1. Create a new Workspace by selecting File
New Workspace from the main menu.
2. Attach the previously created Network Image by selecting Network Image Attach Network Image.
3. In the resulting dialog, browse and select the Cluster Level Data Network Image.
4. Select Open to attach to the Network Image. The Workspace will update to reflect the change. Notice how quickly the Network Image attaches!
5. Expand the Network Image. Display some parameters on Charts, Maps, and Tables.
Key optimization parameters from multiple files have been combined into a single, smaller file that loads into Analyzer much faster than the original files.
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Create a Custom Network Image Template Some pre-configured Network Image templates are packaged with Actix solutions. It is also possible to create custom Network Image templates within the Analyzer workspace. This section describes the creation of custom Network Image templates using the Network Image Template Wizard.
To create a custom Network Image template, start the Network Image Template Wizard by selecting Network Image Network Image Template Wizard from the main menu1. Complete each of the steps in the Wizard:
Step 1 Create a New Template / Open an Existing Template:
o To create a new template, click Next to continue.
o To import and modify an existing template, click Open. Note that only templates created using the Wizard are fully supported. Older templates created by hand will be imported but may not behave as expected. In this case, a warning message will be displayed.
Figure 34 Create a New Template / Open an Existing Template
1 If you plan to include any Queries in your custom Network Image template, ensure that the Queries are available in the workspace before beginning this procedure.
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Step 2 Choose Your Devices:
o You may want to process different data streams in different ways. For example, you may want to extract different attributes for handset and scanner data captured in the same logfile. You can define a meaningful Device Name and specify a Filter to uniquely identify each device within a logfile. When populating the Network Image, only data streams with names containing the Filter text will be processed into each device.
o If there are logfiles loaded into the workspace, the streams in those files will be displayed in the Currently Loaded Devices panel on the left:
Figure 35 Choose Your Devices
o Click the Add button to add a new device:
Figure 36 - Add Device Name Dialog
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o Enter the Device Name and the related Filter that identifies the stream of interest within the logfile. The Device Name is a label that has meaning to the user. The software determines whether data from a stream should be loaded into the Device based on whether the Filter text matches any text in the data stream name. In this example, the Filter 1) uniquely identifies the scanner stream in the file, while using an identifier that is common to many types of logfiles. If the Filter field is left empty, data from all streams will be loaded into the Device.
o Click OK to add the Device to the Device List.
o A Network Image template may contain multiple devices. Once all the Devices have been entered, click Next to continue.
Figure 37 - Devices Added to the Device List
Step 3 Choose Your Attributes:
o Select a Device from the panel on the right, and then use the Add button to select the required attributes from the Attribute Picker panel on the left.
o If you select an array attribute (i.e. EcIo_for_Nth_Best_Pilot[]), a dialog will prompt you for the range of indices. Enter the start and end values and click OK.
o In addition to standard analysis parameters, we recommend adding the Independent FileName parameter to each Device in a Network Image. FileName can be used to trace data points in the Network Image to the original source file. This
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method is used to perform detailed analysis on problems spotted in the high level Network Image.
o Attributes are assigned to one Device at a time. To duplicate the attributes selected for one Device into another Device, select the Device with the required attributes and click Copy. Then select the second Device and click Paste.
o Once you have added all required attributes, click Next to continue.
Figure 38
Choose Your Attributes
Step 4 Choose Settings For Your Devices:
o To create a binned dataset, ensure the Binned checkbox is enabled and choose the appropriate Binning Settings. We recommend the following Binning Settings for Network Images:
Time Binning 3 second or larger bins
Location Binning 50 x 50 meter or larger bins
o To create a histogram of the data, check the Histogram box.
o To create a statistical summary of the data, check the Statistics box.
o Note that Binning Settings are assigned to one Device at a time. Repeat this process for each Device.
o Click Next to continue.
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Figure 39 Binning Settings Dialog
Step 5 Choose Your Queries:
o Note that only queries available in the workspace can be added.
o Select a Query from the left pane.
o Select a Device from the right pane.
o Click Add to use the selected Query in the selected Device.
o Continue until all the required Queries have been added to the appropriate Devices.
o Click Next to Continue.
Figure 40 - Choose Your Queries
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Step 5 Confirm Your Selection:
o This window summarizes the contents of the Network Image template.
o After reviewing the contents, click Finish to open the Save As dialog.
o The Network Image template must be saved in C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Bin\NetworkImageDefns
or a subfolder. Saving in this location ensures that the template will be available as a selection in the Create Network Image dialog box. Enter a filename and click Save.
Figure 41 - Confirm Your Selection
After saving the new Network Image template in the \Bin\NetworkImageDefns folder, the template will be available in the Create Network Image dialog. You can now create and populate a Network Image repository using your custom template!
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Reporting CDMA Network Performance
The reporting features in Analyzer allow you to create high-level management reports based on your data. Two different mechanisms exist for creating for producing integrated, polished reports that can be used to analyze high-level network statistics or communicate test results in a professional format:
Application Packages are a technology-specific series of reports that are installed automatically with every Analyzer installation. Application Packs are typically used to obtain a high-level overview of call statistics. They can be used when a professional, formatted output is required, but time constraints do not allow for the creation of a custom template.
Reports are user-definable formatted outputs that make use of Analyzer s integration with Microsoft Excel. Reports may be included with an Analyzer installation (such as the CDMA Training Materials), but are not always included. Reports, unlike Application Packs, allow for formatted outputs of multiple streams of data. Use Reports when generating outputs for multiple streams of data and when you want to design a custom formatted template from scratch.
This section describes the use of both reporting mechanisms, including running Application Packs, running pre-defined Reports, and creating custom Reports.
Application Packages A-SVS contains Application Packages specific to each mobile technology supported by the software. The Application Packs are a series of reports, each focusing on a particular aspect of mobile network optimization. The Application Packs currently available for CDMA2000 1x users are:
CDMA2000 1x Data Performance Benchmarking
CDMA2000 1x Data Call Analysis
CDMA2000 1x Downlink Data Rate Analysis
CDMA2000 1x Uplink Data Rate Analysis
CDMA Cluster Optimization
CDMA Event Inspection
CDMA Scanner Dist. Server Analysis
CDMA Summary Reports
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Running Application Packs
Once a data file is loaded, the Application Packages can be accessed in one of two ways:
1. Through the Analysis menu on the main menu.
2. By right-clicking on the stream name in the Workspace Browser
Note: The Application Packs require Analyzer to be pointing to a valid cellrefs file in order to function properly.
Once you have selected one of the Application Packs from the menu, an Application Pack window will appear. The window is divided into two panes. The top panel is called the Statistics Explorer, and it contains a summary of major call events and statistics for the selected stream. Information in the cell explorer is organized by serving site and sector.
The bottom pane is called the Report Window and contains a list of available reports associated with the selected Application Pack. Once executed, the results of the reports can be saved, printed, and shown in their raw form in Microsoft Excel.
Figure 42 - Report Options For the CDMA Summary Report
Statistics Explorer
Report Window
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CDMA2000 1x Data Performance Benchmarking This application pack contains the following reports:
1. Data Performance Summary
This report provides a summary of key data performance metrics for evaluating data network quality, throughput, and delay.
2. Protocol Performance Comparison
This report compares the performance of each cdma2000 1X data protocol including radio link, TCP, PPP, and Application performance.
3. Data Channel Activity
This report provides an analysis of the fundamental and supplemental channel usage including percentage of time the channels are active and the radio configuration for each channel.
4. Data Coverage Analysis This report evaluates the areas of the network where quality and throughput criteria are met.
5. Power Control Analysis This report provides an analysis of the transmit power of the mobile, including the pilot channel, fundamental channel, and supplemental channel transmit power.
An example of the Protocol Performance Comparison report is shown below:
Figure 43 - CDMA2000 1x Protocol Performance Report
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CDMA2000 1x Data Call Analysis
This application pack contains the following reports:
1. Call Summary Report
This report provides a summary of key data performance metrics for each data call.
2. Call Data Usage Report
This report provides a summary of the amount and rate of data transmitted during each call.
3. Call Time Statistics
This report provides a summary of call setup time for the fundamental and supplemental channels and a summary of call duration.
CDMA2000 1x Downlink Data Rate Analysis
These reports provide a summary of radio link performance for each CDMA2000 1X Data Rate. Select a Data Rate to analyze from the navigation view or select all Data Rates for an unfiltered analysis. All statistics are based on periods when the Forward Supplemental Channel is active. The rate used for filtering is the rate assigned to the Forward Supplemental Channel.
1. Throughput Statistics
This report provides a summary of the Packet Data Throughput over the Radio Link. This report can be generated for each CDMA physical data rate.
2. FER Statistics
This report provides a summary of Frame Error Rate for the FCH and SCH. This report can be generated for each CDMA physical data rate.
3. Pilot Channel Statistics
This report provides a summary of Pilot Channel Ec/Io and Pilot Channel Transmit Power. This report can be generated for each CDMA physical data rate.
4. Mobile Receive Power and Transmit Power Statistics
This report provides a summary of Receive Power and Transmit Power. This report can be generated for each CDMA physical data rate.
An example of the Throughput Statistics report is shown below for a portion of a 1x logfile assigned to a 16x data rate:
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Figure 44 - CDMA2000 1x Throughput Statistics Report for 16x Data Rate
CDMA2000 1x Downlink Data Rate Analysis
These reports provide a summary of radio link performance for each CDMA2000 1X Data Rate. Select a Data Rate to analyze from the navigation view or select all Data Rates for an unfiltered analysis. All statistics are based on periods when the Reverse Supplemental Channel is active. The rate used for filtering is the rate assigned to the Reverse Supplemental Channel.
1. Throughput Statistics
This report provides a summary of the Packet Data Throughput over the Radio Link. This report can be generated for each CDMA physical data rate.
2. FER Statistics
This report provides a summary of Frame Error Rate for the FCH and SCH. This report can be generated for each CDMA physical data rate.
3. Pilot Channel Statistics
This report provides a summary of Pilot Channel Ec/Io and Pilot Channel Transmit Power. This report can be generated for each CDMA physical data rate.
4. Mobile Receive Power and Transmit Power Statistics
This report provides a summary of Receive Power and Transmit Power. This report can be generated for each CDMA physical data rate.
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CDMA Summary Reports
This Application Pack contains the following reports:
1. Call Statistics Summary - A summary of the events and mean values of key performance indicators
2. FER and EcIo Provides a high-level analysis of call quality and signal to noise ratio
3. Handoff State Provides a breakdown of soft handoff state in tabular and graphical formats
4. MRx and Mtx Comparative analysis of mobile receive power and mobile transmit power
5. Handset Distant Server Analysis Summary of servers which can be seen by the handset from a user-defined distance above a user-defined threshold
An example of the Call Statistics Summary report output is shown below:
Figure 45 - Call Statistics Summary Report
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CDMA Scanner Dist. Server Analysis
This Application Pack contains the following reports:
1. CDMA Scanners
Distant Servers Delay
Displays the chip delay of servers which can be seen by the scanner from a user-defined distance above a user-defined threshold
2. CDMA Scanners
Distant Servers EcIo
Displays EcIo and EcIo spread for servers which can be seen by the scanner from a user-defined distance above a user-defined threshold
CDMA Event Inspection
This application pack contains the following reports:
1. Call Dropped Window Stats
Presents statistics for the five-second window before each dropped call in the logfile
2. Setup Failure Window Stats - Presents statistics for the five-second window before each outgoing and incoming call setup failure in the logfile
The Call Dropped Window Statistics report is shown below:
Figure 46 - Call Dropped Window Stats Report
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CDMA Cluster Optimization
This application pack contains the following reports:
1. Cluster Optimization Summary
A reporting mechanism for comparing actual collected values to target values for forward and reverse link parameters. NOTE: This report requires a merged forward and reverse link SuperStream
2. Cluster Optimization Measurement Charts
Displays forward and reverse FER and combined EcIo in CDF and PDF format. NOTE: This report requires a merged forward and reverse link SuperStream
Running Reports from an Application Pack
As an example, we will run the Call statistics Summary report from the CDMA Summary Reports Application Pack.
1. Open Phone & Scan 1.mdb if it is not already open in your workspace. 2. Right-click on the phone stream in the Workspace Explorer, and
choose CDMA Summary Report from the menu.
Figure 47 - Running an Application Pack
3. Double-click on the Call Statistics Summary report in the Report Window.
4. You can look at the results of the report in Analyzer, or you can click on the Show Excel Report to look at it in Excel.
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Running a Pre-Defined Report Since Application Packs are built into the Analyzer, they may not exactly meet your team s reporting requirements. Additionally, App Packs can only be run on a single stream of data. Analyzer Reports allow you to create custom reports using Microsoft Excel, and those reports may include data from multiple streams. Reports from multiple measurement sources allow you to compare data collected simultaneously or look at your network before and after making a change.
In this section, you will populate a pre-defined Analyzer Report template that contains multiple data streams. In the next section, you will create a custom report from scratch.
To run the pre-defined report:
1. From the Analyzer main menu select Workbook
Open Workbook/Report.
2. Navigate to C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Reports and Open the report called CDMA Handset Comparison Final Summary.xls.
3. Analyzer prompts you to select a data stream to replace the before stream. Select the handset stream from Phone & Scan 1.mdb and click OK.
4. Analyzer then prompts you to select a second data stream. Select the handset stream from Phone & Scan 2.mdb and click OK.
5. Analyzer will generate the report and launch Excel. Expect for this to take a few moments. When this process is complete, click on the Report tab in the Excel workbook and examine the formatted report.
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The output of the report will look like this:
Figure 48 - Results of the CDMA Handset Comparison Final Summary Report
The Analyzer CDMA Training Materials come with several pre-defined reports for CDMA 1x voice and data calls that can be run according to the steps above. The following table describes each report and indicates what type of data each report should be run with.
Reports for Voice Calls:
Report Name To be run on Data Streams of Type:
Description of Report Sheets
Calls.xls CDMA Handset Data
Report: Distribution of CDMA call events in tabular and pie chart formats
Coverage.xls CDMA Handset Data
Report: Distribution and statistical data for Ec/Io and FER parameters
Handoff.xls CDMA Handset Data
Report: Presents CDMA Handoff State in tabular and pie chart formats
Server Statistics.xls CDMA Handset Data
Report: Pivot table containing call statistics by site and sector.
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Report Name To be run on Data Streams of Type:
Description of Report Sheets
CDMA_Call_Summary_Report.xls
CDMA Handset Data
Call Summary: Distribution and pie chart of CDMA call events. Distribution and pie chart of CDMA Handoff state. Mean value of key parameters.
Ec/Io and FER: Template for pasting Ec/Io and FER drive maps
Rx and Tx Power: Template for pasting Rx and Tx Power drive maps
CDMA_Cluster_Optimization_Report.xls
CDMA Call Trace Data to replace Lucent Call Trace 1.rft
CDMA Handset Data to replace Phone & Scan 1.mdb
Performance Summary: Example of a cluster optimization acceptance form that a contractor or vendor may use to present to client for system acceptance.
CDMA_FER_Comparison_Report.xls
CDMA Handset Data to replace Phone & Scan 1.mdb
CDMA Handset Data (any other) to replace Phone & Scan 2.mdb
Report: FER comparison between two distinct data sets.
Handset_Comparison_Final_Summary
CDMA Handset Data to replace Phone & Scan 1.mdb
CDMA Handset Data (another file) to replace Phone & Scan 2.mdb
Report: This report compares two handsets on the basis of Call Events, Handoff State, Frame Error Rate, Mobile Tx Power and Combined Ec/Io
Reports for Data Calls
Report Name To be run on Data Streams of Type:
Description of Report Sheets
CDMA 1x Voice Network Verification
CDMA 1x Handset Data to replace the Qualcomm source file
P_REV In Use: Provides statistics broken out by protocol revision.
Power Control: Summarizes the mobile receive power, transmit power and power control value for the 1x drive.
Network Quality: Summarizes EcIo, FER and call events for the 1x drive.
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Report Name To be run on Data Streams of Type:
Description of Report Sheets
CDMA 1x Backwards Compatibility
2G voice file to replace 2G Voice Call Logfile
3G voice file to replace 3G Voice Call Logfile
Coverage Breakdown: Classifies the performance of the network before and after CDMA 1x implementation on the basis of quality and RLP throughput.
KPI Comparison: Compares key performance indicator statistics before and after the implementation of the CDMA 1x network.
CDMA 1x Data Network Verification
3G data file to replace 3G File 2
Throughput Analysis: Provides RLP throughput statistics, and throughput PDF and CDF data in graphical format.
Data Coverage: Classifies performance of the CDMA 1x data network based on quality and RLP throughput.
CDMA 1x Data Channel Verification
Note: In general, fundamental channel usage is expected at all times; supplemental channel usage will be intermittent depending upon user application.
3G data file to replace 3G File 1
Forward Link Channel Activity: Displays the usage of the fundamental and supplemental channels on the forward link, as well as statistics for each channel.
Reverse Link Channel Activity: Displays the usage of the fundamental and supplemental channels on the reverse link, as well as statistics for each channel.
CDMA 1x Performance Optimization
3G data file to replace 3G File 1
Soft Handoff Analysis: Provides soft handoff statistics for a CDMA 1x network. Linear handoff thresholds implemented in CDMA 1x networks may provide improved handoff efficiency over 2G networks.
Transmit Power Analysis: Provides transmit power statistics. The offset between the reverse pilot channel and traffic channel transmit power is user-definable and vendor defaults may require optimization.
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Creating a Custom Report
Creating your own formatted report template is as easy as viewing the data you require on a workbook, and then formatting the report page using Excel.
The objective of this section is to create a simple report, like the one shown below, to display a histogram distribution and statistics for forward FER. Since FER is the parameter that provides the best estimate of user-perceived voice quality, the value of this parameter throughout a network is of great importance.
Figure 49 - FER Histogram and Statistics Report
To create this report:
1. Ensure that the Phone & Scan 1.mdb file is loaded into the Workspace.
2. Select the parameter ForwardFER from CDMA
Downlink Measurements. Right-click on it and choose Display on Workbook.
Excel will launch. The Workbook will contain three sheets, which can be accessed by clicking on the corresponding tab at the bottom sheet window.
3. Click on any blank sheet in the workbook and rename the sheet Report .
4. Click on the Histogram Formatted Data tab. Click and drag to define a window around the data set, including the column headers.
5. Select the chart icon from the top menu bar of Excel: .
6. The chart wizard will open:
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Figure 50 - Chart Wizard in Excel
7. Select a simple column chart and follow the Wizard prompts and instructions.
8. Click the Finish button in the chart wizard and a basic chart will be created.
9. Cut and paste the new chart onto the Report sheet in the workbook or choose to have the chart inserted as an object on the Report sheet.
10. To place the mean and standard deviation statistics in the table in your report, type = in the cell you would like to hold the value on the Report sheet. Then switch to the Statistic Formatted Data tab and select the cell containing the data you wish to add to your report. Press Enter after selecting that cell to create the reference.
11. Add a title to the worksheet, position the histogram on the page, format a table around the statistics and add any other desired formatting.
12. From the Excel main menu, select File Save. Save the file in C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Reports folder and name it FER_Histogram_and_Statistics_Report.
13. Close the Excel workbook.
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Running Your Report with New Data
1. Ensure that the MDM File 1.mdm file is loaded into the Workspace.
2. Select Workbook
Open Workbook to open the FER_Histogram_and_Statistics_Report saved previously to the C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Reports directory.
3. A dialog will appear that prompts you to select a data stream(s):
Figure 51 - Running the FER_Histogram_and_Statistics_Report on New Data
4. Select the MDM File 1 handset stream and watch the formatted report regenerate for the new data.
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Performing Custom Analysis in Analyzer
You can create a wide variety of customized analyses using Analyzer. You may want to highlight potential voice or data problem areas, or test for common symptoms of bad radio link quality for the purpose of speeding up the analysis of data. Your customized analysis, called a query, can be saved in a Workspace and reused for future drive data. The queries can be created, accessed, and edited in the Workspace through the Analysis Manager.
About Queries Queries are a means of searching and filtering data based on events and thresholds you define. Queries operate on binned data and are written using Boolean expressions and arithmetic operations containing data parameters from one or more data streams. Analyzer supports six types of queries:
Filter Analysis
Binned Query Analysis
Cross Tab Query Analysis
Event Query
Statistic Analysis
Histogram Analysis
Analyzer supports the use of queries to assist in the detection, correction, and presentation of network problems. In this section a number of these analyses are used for examining various aspects of voice and data networks.
All custom analyses can be saved for future use through the Analysis Manager:
Select Tools Analysis Manager
In the Analysis Manager, select the Existing Analysis tab
Select any queries that you wish to save and click the Export button
Browse to a folder that you wish to save your query in. Analyzer s default structure provides the C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Queries folder for an easy place to store queries.
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Name the *.aqf file Training_Class_Queries. All queries created during training may be stored in the same file.
To import the queries into a new Analyzer session, go to the Existing Analysis tab of the Analysis Manager and select the Import button. Browse to find the *.aqf file in which you saved your queries.
Filter Analysis: Filtering on Poor Quality
Sometimes it is desirable to examine only a subset of the data points collected in a logfile. We can use a filter to look only at those data points of interest to us.
A filter analysis tests data on a single criterion and displays the data only if the criterion is met. This provides the engineer with a quick way to identify trouble areas in which to focus optimization efforts.
In this case, we will filter all points with poor FER, and use the results to pinpoint where quality problems are occurring and try to determine what is causing them. You can create a filter query which highlights those points which have ForwardFER > 5% to identify all the locations on the drive with poor quality of service.
1. Right-click on the handset data stream under Phone & Scan 1.mdb and select Filter Create a New Filter.
2. For the Filter Name, enter PoorFER .
3. Use the attribute chooser
to select ForwardFER from the CDMA Downlink Measurements group.
4. For the operation, choose >=.
5. For the Threshold, enter 5 .
Figure 52 - Filter Wizard
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6. Click OK to create the filter. Analyzer will automatically apply the filter to any information already displayed in the workspace.
7. Confirm that the query was created by going to Tools
Analysis Manager and clicking on the Existing Analyses tab. The PoorFER filter should be listed under the Filters category.
8. From the Existing Analyses tab, save the PoorFER Filter to the Training_Class_Queries.aqf file by selecting it and the Forward FER Advanced query and using the Export button. Multiple queries may be saved in one *.aqf file.
9. Display any parameter (i.e. Ec/Io, FER, PNPrimary) on the map. Notice that only points with FER exceeding the defined threshold appear on the map. The filter has provided a quick way of illuminating trouble spots and focusing optimization efforts.
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10. Remove the filter from the map by right clicking on the handset data stream under Phone & Scan 1.mdb, selecting Filter, and unchecking the PoorFER filter. The filter can be reapplied at any time through the same method.
Figure 53 - Map of Data Filtered Using the PoorFER Filter
In CDMA networks, areas with interference are typically identified as those locations experiencing poor FER but strong Ec/Io. Filters may be combined using Boolean operations in Analyzer to look at more than one condition at each data point.
1. Create a new filter called StrongEcIo, which filters on data points where Ec/Io is greater than 8 dB.
2. Apply the filter to the handset stream of Phone & Scan 1.mdb.
3. With the StrongEcIo filter applied, right click on the handset stream, select Filter, and make sure that the AND operator is selected with a bullet.
4. Returning to the Filter menu, apply the PoorFER filter in addition to the StrongEcIo filter.
What do the data points remaining on the map at this point indicate?
Be sure to save the StrongEcIo filter, in addtion to the other queries you ve created, in your Training_Class_Queries.aqf file, making sure to select all of the filters and queries.
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Binned Query Analysis
The Binned Query allows you to define a new parameter based on existing parameters, using functions and inequalities. The results of a binned query can be displayed on a map, chart, table, or workbook.
ServingCellDistance in Miles
By default, Analyzer displays the serving cell distance in meters. A simple, yet very useful example of a binned query is the conversion of the serving cell distance from meters to miles.
Create the ServingCellDistance in Miles query using the Analysis Manager:
1. Select Tools Analysis Manager.
2. Select the Binned Query icon in the dialog and click on New.
3. For the Description, enter ServingCellDistance in Miles .
Figure 54 - Creating the ServingCellDistance in Miles Query
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4. In the parameters box, find the serving cell distance under Independent Site Data Node ServingCellDistance and double-click on it to
add it to the expression.
5. At the end of the text in the Expression Builder, type in /1609.344 .
6. Set the Format to Float. The easiest way to do this is to select the Format drop down dialog and start typing Float in the window.
7. Click OK to create the query.
8. Click OK again to close the Analysis Manager.
9. The query will appear in the Queries group under every data stream in the workspace. Under the handset stream, expand the Queries
Binned Queries group.
10. Right-click on the ServingCellDistance in Miles query and choose Display on Map to display the query results on a map.
Pilot Pollution Query
The Binned Query analysis allows you to create a new expression, as a parameter, based on existing parameters. This is useful for adding non-standard analyses, like pilot pollution, where each vendor has their own definition for the analysis.
Mathematically speaking, the Ec/Io for the Nth Best Pilot data set is an array that contains Ec/Io data for all PNs measured at a given location in order from the strongest PN to the weakest. The array_count function counts the number of PNs in this array which have an Ec/Io > -15 dB. The query returns a 1 when the Pilot Pollution criteria are met and a 0 when they are not.
In terms of the network, this query finds all bins where there were more than 4 servers above -15 dB. Thus, this query detects areas where there are multiple servers, no dominant server, and/or poor signal quality.
Create the Pilot Pollution query using the Analysis Manager:
1. Select Tools Analysis Manager.
2. Select the Binned Query icon in the dialog and click on New.
3. For the Description, enter Pilot Pollution Identification .
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Figure 55 - Binned Query Wizard Expression Builder
We will create a custom parameter that counts the number of PNs above 15 dB at each point on the drive, and returns a value of True if it exceeds 3.
The Expression is:
array_count(EcIo_for_Nth_Best_Pilot[], >, -15)>=4
1. In the lower right hand window, select array_count from the list of functions. Notice the pop-up description for each function. Double-click on the array_count function to add it to the expression. The expression window now contains:
array_count(«attribute[]»,«operation», «expr»)
2. Highlight the <<attribute[]>> parameter. In the lower left hand window, step through the CDMA
Pilot Measurement group to find the attribute EcIo_for_Nth_Best_Pilot. Double-click the attribute to add it to the expression.
3. In place of <<operation>>, <<expr>>, enter > and -15 .
4. After the closing parenthesis, enter >=4 .
5. In the format drop-down list, set the Format to Boolean.
6. Click OK to finish creating the binned query. While still in the Analysis Manager, take the opportunity to save the query to the Training_Class_Queries.aqf file.
7. Click OK to close the Analysis Manager.
This query should be used to analyze Scanner data only.
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Look at the results of the query for a PN scanner on the map. Points with Pilot Pollution, as defined by the expression, will show up on the map as a Boolean 1. Points with no Pilot Pollution will show up as a 0. Add the Forward FER attribute (filtered for poor quality) from the corresponding handset data to the same map to see if a correlation exists. Change the FER style to be a star instead of a circle to make it show up more clearly. To change a parameter s style for all data points, right-click on the parameter in the legend and select Attribute Style. From the dialog, choose a new symbol, font and/or font size for each data point regardless of value.
Do locations with pilot pollution also have poor forward FER?
In some cases, you may be interested in looking at the number of PNs above the threshold at each location, as opposed to a Boolean value that designates data points where more than four PNs are above that threshold.
How could you modify the Pilot Pollution Identification query you just created to give the number of PNs above 15 dB at each data point?
Figure 56 - Map Displaying the Results of the Pilot Pollution Query
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The CDMA StateTip: Determining Serving PNs Determining the locations of pilot pollution in the network may be interesting, but this data is not useful unless you know which PNs are causing the problem. Once the problem PNs have been identified, you can perform adjustments to the network to resolve the problems. Analyzer contains a tool called the CDMA StateTip that may be used to identify the sources of pilot pollution.
The CDMA StateTip is a feature that helps engineers analyze performance data from handsets and scanners. It helps identify the sources of pilot pollution and points out areas where there are discrepancies between the handset and scanner data leading to Neighbor List problems. The CDMA StateTip may be used in conjunction with the Pilot Pollution Identification query above to determine the sources of pilot pollution in a network.
1. With the Pilot Pollution Identification query results still displayed on a map, view the CDMA StateTip, by selecting Tools CDMA StateTip.
2. To configure the StateTip, use the Select Handset Device and Select Scanner Device drop-down menus at the top of the StateTip window to select corresponding handset and scanner device streams. In class, select the Phone stream of Phone & Scan 1.mdb for the handset and the Receiver stream as the scanner.
3. There are three view options available for the CDMA StateTip.
Pilot Sets View- shows the pilots seen by the handset and scanner at any given bin and the serving set they fall under (active, candidate, neighbor). Keep in mind that active set measurements are made much more frequently than candidate and neighbor set measurements. Therefore, for a given bin, expect to see primarily active set measurements.
Top N Pilots View- shows the top serving PNs as seen by both the handset and scanner.
Top N Pilots Chart- shows the top serving PNs as seen by both the handset and scanner in a strip chart.
Use the Select Another View drop-down list at the top of the StateTip window to select the Top N Pilots Chart.
Use the Select arrow to click on a bin on the map in an area affected by pilot pollution according to the Pilot Pollution Identification query results. The StateTip will synchronize to the point.
Note: In this example we align the StateTip with a data point on a map. The StateTip can also be aligned with any chart, table or message browser containing either handset or scanner data from the loaded devices)
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5. Check the list and notice the pilots that the handset and scanner can detect above 15 dB.
Clearly, with 4 pilots detected above 15 dB, there is no dominant server. This is not uncommon in a market that is still heavily in the buildout stage. However, it does indicate that there is substantial sector overlap, which may cause future problems when new cells are brought on the air in the area. To address this pilot pollution problem and to try to prevent future problems, consider downtilting the offending sectors that are furthest from the problem area. Other possible changes include modifying antenna azimuth and antenna type to get extra RF energy out of the problem area. Before making any changes, the impact of downtilting and attenuation changes should be evaluated for each individual cell site. In addition to identifying PNs causing pilot pollution, the CDMA StateTip may help to resolve neighbor list problems. By viewing handset and scanner measurements side by side, it is possible to see if a PN is measured by a scanner but not by a handset. This condition often indicates a missing neighbor in a neighbor list. Alternatively, it may indicate a PN serving outside of its intended area. Either situation should be investigated, because strong PNs that are not detected by the handset lead to interference.
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Crosstab Query: Sorting by Data Rate Data sessions in a CDMA 1x network are assigned one of four data rate values based on the client application and on the loading of the network. Each data rate describes the maximum allowable throughput for the specified link during that session. The data rate options for the forward and reverse supplemental channels in a CDMA 1x data call are:
Data Rate Allowable Throughput
1x 9.6 14.4 kbps
2x 19.2 28.8 kbps
4x 38.4 57.6 kbps
8x 76.8 115.2 kbps
16x Up to 153.6 kbps
In general, the more bandwidth intensive the application, the higher the assigned data rate. Since an e-mail or chat application requires relatively low bandwidth, a 2x rate is likely to be assigned, regardless of loading of the network. On the other hand, a large-scale data download via FTP or HTTP may be assigned a 16x data rate providing that current network loading conditions allow.
Because different data rates result in different data transfer performance, it may be desirable to sort throughput and RF statistics by data rate. An Analyzer crosstab query can be used to view statistics sorted by data rate, and to filter results on data rate. In this example, we will create a crosstab query to display RLP Throughput and App Throughput for both the uplink and downlink, sorted by data rate. The query results will then be displayed in the Statistics Explorer, which can also be used to filter other data views.
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Figure 57 - F-SCH0 Data Rate Explorer Crosstab Query Results
To create the F-SCH0 Data Rate Explorer crosstab query:
1. Select Tools Analysis Manager.
2. Select the Crosstab Query icon and click on New.
3. Name the Crosstab Query F-SCH0 Data Rate Explorer .
4. Click on the New Dimension button. The query dimension allows you to group and order your results using the attribute you select. Use the attribute
chooser
to select CDMA
Supplemental Channel
Forward_SCH0 Rate.
5. The query statistics are the results that you would like to include for each dimension. The parameters that you choose will be displayed as the columns in the statistics explorer. The statistics that we will include in this query are the mean RLP_Tx_Throughput_Instantaneous, the mean RLP_Rx_Throughput_Instantaneous, the mean App Rx Throughput Instantaneous, and the mean App Tx Throughput Instantaneous. All of these statistics will be available for the complete drive and for each individual data rate. Specific parameters relating to each statistic is included in the table below.
a. Click on the New Statistic button to launch the Statistic Window.
b. Enter the Statistic name.
c. Use the attribute chooser
to select the statistic of interest.
d. Select the method to use to calculate the statistic.
e. Click OK when finished with the Statistic Window.
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Statistic Name Expression Method of Calculation
RLP Tx Throughput RLP_Tx_Throughput_Instantaneous
Mean
RLP Rx Throughput RLP_Rx_Throughput_Instantaneous
Mean
App Tx Throughput App_Tx_Throughput_Instantaneous Mean
App Rx Throughput App_Rx_Throughput_Instantaneous Mean
6. Once completed, click OK in all other active dialogs to complete the query.
Be sure to save the F-SCH0 Data Rate Explorer crosstab query, in addition to the other queries you ve created, in your Training_Class_Queries.aqf file, making sure to include all of the filters and queries.
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Display the Crosstab Query Results
Once created, the crosstab query results can be displayed in the Statistics Explorer by right-clicking on the query in the workspace, and selecting Display in Statistics Explorer. The Statistics Explorer will launch and the results can be viewed, sorted by data rate. The queries can also be displayed in Excel workbooks.
Run the crosstab query on the CDMA 1x Data Willtech 1.0401 handset stream.
Filter the Crosstab Query Results
The Filter button on the Statistics Explorer may be used to quickly filter query results in the Stats Explorer and in any other Analyzer view. In this case, it may be useful to view data for only one data rate, such as the 16x (highest) rate.
1. View RLP_Rx_Throughput_Instantaneous from the CDMA 1x Data
Willtech 1.0401 handset stream on a map.
2. Tile the map and the Statistics Explorer vertically in the workspace by selecting Window Tile Vertically.
3. In the Statistics Explorer, select the Row for the 16x data rate.
4. With the row for the 16x data rate selected, press the Filter button in the Statistics Explorer. Notice that only data points collected on at this data rate remain in the Statistics Explorer and on the map.
5. To remove filtering, click the Filter button again. The filter will be unapplied from both the map and the Statistics Explorer.
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Event Query: Dropped Call Window The Event Query allows you to extract key performance statistics for a user-defined time or message window before or after a defined event like a handover failure or dropped call. Viewing the window surrounding an event can provide insight into whether a pattern exists among undesirable events, such as multiple drops in an area due to low coverage.
We will create an Event Query to return statistics for a five-second window for each dropped call in the file
1. Select Tools Analysis Manager.
2. Select the Event Query icon in the dialog and click on New.
3. For the Trigger Selection, use the attribute picker
to select CDMA
Event Data
CallDropped. The parameter will show up in the triggering window.
Figure 58 - Setting Up the Event Query
4. For the Window Range, choose Time Based and set the window to 5,000 milliseconds before the event and 0 milliseconds after the event.
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5. Click Next.
6. For the name of the query, enter Dropped Call Window .
Figure 59 - Defining the Name, Dimensions, and Statistics for the Query
7. To define a statistic to be displayed in the event window, click on the New Statistic button to launch the Statistic window.
8. For the name, enter Site ID .
Figure 60 - Choose a Calculation Method for the Event Query
9. Choose the Edit button below the line that reads Enter the expression that should be calculated in your statistic: .
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10. The Expression Builder will launch. Inside the top portion of the window, type State(). This State() function is required to ensure that the last valid value of the parameter persists.
11. Click inside the parentheses of the State() function. In the Parameters area of the Expression Builder, expand the Independent Site Data Node tree. Double-click on the ServingCellId parameter to insert it into the expression.
12. Click OK to exit the Expression Builder.
Figure 61 - Expression Builder for the Event Query
13. In the Statistic window, select the method to calculate the statistic. In this case, select Last Value. Click OK when finished with the Statistic window.
14. Repeat steps 7 through 13 above to define the following statistics (choose an appropriate name for each one). The statistics that do not require the use
of the State() function can be picked using the Attribute Chooser
instead of the Expression Builder.
Expression Method to Calculate State(ServingSectorID) Last Value PN_Primary Last Value EcIo_1stBest Mean ForwardFER Mean MobileReceivePower Mean MobileTransmitPower Mean
15. Once completed, click OK in all other active dialogs to complete the query.
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Displaying Event Queries
Once created, the event query can be displayed in the Statistics Explorer by right-clicking on the query in the workspace, and selecting Display in Statistics Explorer. The Statistics Explorer will launch and the results can be viewed, sorted by the time of the event (in milliseconds). The queries can also be displayed in Excel workbooks.
Run the event query on the Phone & Scan 1.mdm handset stream.
How many dropped calls occurred in this file?
What appears to be the primary reason for the dropped call(s)?
Figure 62 - Displaying the Results Of the Event Query
Be sure to save the Dropped Call Window event query, in addition to the other queries you ve created, in your Training_Class_Queries.aqf file, making sure to include all of the filters and queries.
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Histogram and Statistic Query: Retransmit Rate In cases where RLP transmit throughput is low during an uploading operation, it may be of interest to examine the rate at which data frames must be retransmitted over the air interface due to errors or missing frames. Knowing the average retransmit rate throughout a logfile or the number of data points at which the retransmit rate is high may indicate whether the data network is responding properly in marginal RF conditions.
Analyzer s Histogram and Statistic Queries are available to provide these analysis formats for custom expressions. Since the retransmit rate is not available as a standard logging tool output, it is necessary to use the Histogram and Statistic Query formats to provide results for this type of analysis.
1. Create a new Binned Query to provide the RLP Retransmit Rate using the following parameters. Refer to page 88 for more information about the Binned Query.
Query Name: RLP Retransmit Rate
Expression: ((Retransmitted_Frames_Transmitted)/(Retransmitted_Frames_Transmitted + New_Data_Frames_Transmitted))*100
Format: Float
Figure 63 - Expression Builder for the RLP_Retransmit_Rate Query
2. Display the RLP_Retransmit_Rate binned query results for CDMA 1x Data
Willtech 1 on a chart for verification.
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3. From the Analysis Manager, create a new Statistic Query to provide statistics for the new RLP_Retransmit_Rate expression:
Query Name: Retransmit_Rate_Statistics
Expression: Use the button to select the RLP_Retransmit_Rate expression created in Step 1.
Choose not to exclude data from the calculation.
Figure 64 - Statistic Wizard for the Retransmit_Rate_Statistics Query
4. Statistic query results can be found in the Queries
Statistics group under each data stream in your file. Display the Retransmit_Rate_Statistics query results for CDMA 1x Data
Willtech 1 on a table. Select the Statistics tab on the table.
What is the mean retransmit rate for this file?
What is the maximum retransmit rate for this file?
5. From the Analysis Manager, create a new Histogram Query to provide a distribution plot for the RLP_Retransmit_Rate parameter:
Query Name: Retransmit_Rate_Distribution
Expression: Use the button to select the RLP_Retransmit_Rate expression created in Step 1.
Select the option to Specify ranges for my histogram bars .
Set the Minimum Value to: 0.
Set the Maximum Value to: 10.
Set the Number of Columns to: 5.
Click Generate and Analyzer will automatically generate histogram ranges based on the specified criteria.
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Click OK to exit the Histogram Wizard.
Figure 65 - Histogram Wizard for the Retransmit_Rate_Distribution Query
6. Histogram query results can be found in the Queries
Histograms group under each data stream in your workspace. Display the Retransmit_Rate_Distribution results on a chart.
In what range did most RLP_Retransmit_Rate values fall for this file?
Remember to save these queries, in addition to the other queries you ve created, in your Training_Class_Queries.aqf file, making sure to include all of the previously created queries and filters.
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Saving Your Preferred Layout
In Analyzer, the workspace includes all data display windows within the Analyzer application window, together with the Workspace Explorer. Saving a workspace in Analyzer allows you to save the following items:
Window layouts
Open files you are currently working with
Custom analyses you have created
Custom attributes you have executed
SuperStreams you have created
To save your workspace click File
Save Workspace As and give the file a name. The Analyzer file structure includes a Workspaces folder that can be used to hold your saved workspaces, though you can save a workspace to any location.
A workspace created with Analyzer may be opened directly from the Windows Desktop. To start up Analyzer with a set of commonly used queries, simply save a workspace with the queries of interest, but no data files. The workspace may then be saved as a shortcut on the Windows Desktop. Double-click on the Desktop shortcut to open Analyzer with all of your frequently used queries in place.
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Importing Cell Site Data Using the Network Explorer
The Network Explorer allows you to import network element data into Analyzer, creating a cell plan file called cellrefs.txt. It also lets you browse and edit this network information once it has been loaded into Analyzer. The Automatic Import feature provides an automated method of updating cell site information in Analyzer as changes are made to the network.
This section describes how to import delimited data into Analyzer, and how to configure the Automatic Import tool.
Importing Network Data The important thing to remember about Analyzer s network data import process is that the process requires two files:
1. A delimited text file that contains unformatted data arranged in tabular form, with one row for each individual sector in a network.
2. A blank file, containing only Analyzer header information, to be populated with formatted data.
Obtaining Site Data in Tabular Format In order to import cell site data from your own network, you will need to obtain a delimited text file containing the data listed in the table below. To maximize the benefit Analyzer can bring to CDMA network analysis, the parameters listed in bold in the table on the following page are REQUIRED for cell data to function with logged data in the main workspace. All other parameters are optional.
The data may come from a network database or a planning tool configuration file. As long as the data is in a tabular format with one row for each sector, Analyzer will be able to import the data.
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CDMA Cell Site Parameters for Import:
Parameter
Analyzer Group Analyzer Name Purpose
Site Name CDMA_Site SiteName Text description of the Site for display on map.
Site Number
CDMA_Site SiteID Numeric identifier for the Site.
Latitude CDMA_Site Latitude Locates Site icons on map.
Longitude CDMA_Site Longitude Locates Site icons on map.
Sector Number
CDMA_Cell Sector ID Sector-specific information useful for display on maps (can be alpha or numeric)
Azimuth CDMA_Cell Azimuth Orients the sector icons on the map.
Beamwidth
CDMA_Cell Beamwidth Governs the shape of the sector wedge icon to reflect the beamwidth of antenna deployed at the site.
PN Offset CDMA_Cell PN Used in CDMA Toolkit calculations, lines to neighbor cells and to color sector/site icons on maps to reflect PN planning.
Base Station Power
CDMA_Cell EIRP Base station power, used in CDMA Toolkit calculations.
Mobile Country Code
CDMA_Cell MCC For informational purposes only.
System Identity
CDMA_Cell SID For informational purposes only.
Network Identity
CDMA_Cell NID For informational purposes only.
Broadcast Identity
CDMA_Cell BID For informational purposes only.
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Parameter
Analyzer Group Analyzer Name Purpose
PctPilot CDMA_Cell PctPilot For informational purposes only.
PctTraffic CDMA_Cell PctTraffic For informational purposes only.
PctPaging CDMA_Cell PctPaging For informational purposes only.
PctSync CDMA_Cell PctSync For informational purposes only.
Active Set Search Window Setting
CDMA_Cell SRCH_WIN_A Used in CDMA Toolkit calculations to compare current search window settings with those suggested by Analyzer.
Neighbor Set Search Window Setting
CDMA_Cell SRCH_WIN_N Used in CDMA Toolkit calculations to compare current search window settings with those suggested by Analyzer.
List of neighbors
CDMA_Cell CDMANeighborList Used in CDMA Toolkit calculations to compare current neighbor list settings to those suggested by Analyzer.
The figure below is an example of a delimited CDMA file that could be used to import a site list into Analyzer. Though the columns can be in any order for import into Analyzer, the figure shows all of the REQUIRED fields. Additionally, the Excel spreadsheet must be saved as a TEXT file for import into Analyzer.
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Figure 66 - CDMA Cell Site Data Spreadsheet
Guidelines for Formatting Tabular Data Although Analyzer does not require cell site data fields to be listed in a particular order, following these guidelines will provide the best results:
1. The Site ID field must contain a unique value for each site location. Beware of non-unique Site ID's - that is, entries that have multiple sets of lats/longs for the same Site ID. Non-unique Site ID's will result in site markers appearing on the map without sector wedges. Site Names need not be unique - they are used for labeling purposes only.
2. Position information must be accurate in order for Analyzer to display sites in the correct location on the map. Longitudes that have a 'West' notation should be represented as a negative decimal, as should latitudes with a 'South' notation. Sites will appear skewed on the map if the latitude and longitude fields are transposed.
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Obtaining the File to be Populated With Formatted Data Before importing new cells into Analyzer, ensure that Analyzer is pointing to a valid cell site database.
A valid cell site database is a text file in which the first line contains the text below:
; #NetworkData datafile
Every Analyzer installation comes with a clean file called cellrefs.txt located in the directory called:
C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Bin\Cellrefs
The file to be populated need not be named cellrefs.txt . We recommend renaming this file with a meaningful name in order to prevent the file from being overwritten during reinstallation.
To point the Analyzer to the file you wish to populate with the new cell site data, use the File Location line in the Tools
Preferences dialog. See the section on Loading Cell Site Data earlier in this document for more details.
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Importing the Data Once you have obtained your cell site database in delimited format and pointed Analyzer to a valid cellrefs file, you are ready to open the Network Explorer and import the site information.
1. To access the Network Explorer select Cells Network Explorer.
Figure 67 - Network Explorer Window
The Network Explorer display consists of two panels. The left panel contains a tree view of the network element data. The right panel shows details about relevant parameters for the current selection. If you have pointed Analyzer to a cellrefs file containing only header information, you will not see any cell site data at this time.
2. On the toolbar select Import
Import From New Template to open the Import dialog.
3. Select the appropriate network data file and click Open to display the Import Settings dialog.
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Figure 68 - Import Settings Dialog (Step 1 of 2)
4. Give the Template a meaningful Template Name.
5. Check the appropriate Delimiter.
6. In most cases, the default information under the General Settings and Coordinate Information headers will apply. Adjust these settings if necessary.
7. Click Next.
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Figure 69 - Settings (Step 2 of 2) Assign CDMA_Site Data
8. Expand the CDMA_Site data node. Click in the Column field next to the Site_Name parameter. Select the parameter name from your site database that corresponds to the Site_Name parameter. Repeat for each of the required fields in the CDMA_Site data node, based on the table below:
Field Mapping required for proper operation?
Site_Name Optional, but this field is frequently used for the site label.
SiteID Required, and this field must be unique for each site in the database.
Latitude Required
Longitude Required
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Figure 70 - Column Settings (Step 2 of 2) Assign CDMA_Cell Data
9. Expand the CDMA_Cell data node. Click in the Column field next to the Sector_ID parameter. Select the parameter name from your site database that corresponds to the Sector_ID parameter. Repeat for each of the required fields in the CDMA_Cell data node, based on the table below:
Field Required for proper operation?
Sector_ID Required
Azimuth Required
Beamwidth Required
EIRP Optional
PN Required
MCC Optional
SID Optional
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Field Required for proper operation?
NID Optional
BID Optional
PctPilot Optional
PctTraffic Optional
PctPaging Optional
PctSync Optional
SRCH_WIN_A Optional
SRCH_WIN_N Optional
CDMANeighborList Optional
Face_Display Optional, but map this field to the integer sector ID field (i.e. 1, 2, 3) in order to color sectors on the map by face number (i.e. 1 = red, 2 = blue, 3 = green).
Azimuth_Display Optional, but map this field to the integer azimuth field in order to color sectors on the map by azimuth range.
Phase_Display Optional, but map this field to a custom integer field to color sectors on the map by that field. An example of a custom field would be the phase of the site where:
1 = On Air
2 = Under Construction
3 = Planned for Next Year
10. Click Finish when all the columns have been assigned. If the current workspace contains existing site data, you will be asked whether you want to remove existing data before importing new data. Select Yes to overwrite existing data. Select No to append to existing data.
11. If any errors occur during the import, a pop-up message will indicate that an error log has been created. The error log specifies the cause of each error encountered and can be found in:
C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Bin\Cellrefs\ImportErrors.log
12. Inspect the cell data in the Network Explorer by expanding the All_CDMA_Site_Elements folder in the left-hand pane of the Network Explorer.
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13. Double-click on any site name in the right hand pane. The Name, Location and ID of the site will appear, as well as a folder containing CDMA Cell Elements. Drill into the CDMA Cell Elements folder and examine the values corresponding to each sector.
14. To save the formatted site information, select the Save button.
15. Close the Network Explorer by clicking the X at the upper right hand corner.
16. After closing the Network Explorer, view a new map by selecting View
Display New Map.
17. If cell icons do not appear on the map, right click on the CDMA_Cell layer in the map legend at the left hand side of the map window. Select Zoom to Layer to zoom the map to the appropriate location. Be sure to close the map with the X at the upper right hand corner to save all changes to the map view.
Figure 71 - Use Zoom to Layer to Locate Cells on Map
Updating Cell Site Data There are two convenient ways to update cell plan information in Analyzer:
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Minor cell plan changes (a few azimuths, PNs, etc.) can be modified directly from the Network Explorer. Simply browse to find the site and sector of interest and double click on a single parameter to activate the text. Be sure to save the modifications before exiting the Network Explorer!
If the cellplan file is updated (multiple sites added, complete frequency retune), use the Automatic Import feature to detect changes to an existing cell plan and import the updated cell site file into Analyzer. Instructions for using the Automatic Import feature follow.
Automatic Import of Cell Site Data
The Automatic Import feature detects changes to cell plan data and updates the configured site data every time Analyzer is opened.
Figure 72 - Automatic Import Setup
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To use the Automatic Import feature:
1. From the Analyzer main menu, select Tools Preferences.
2. Expand the Automatic Import option under Cellrefs and select the Enable Automatic Import option.
3. Select the Automatic Import Input File. This is the text file that contains your delimited site data.
4. Select the Automatic Import Template. Once a template has been created, a new Analyzer workspace must be started in order for that template to appear in this list. To use a template created on another computer, copy the template of interest from the C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\Bin\Cellrefs\Templates directory to the same directory on your machine.
5. Click OK to exit the Change Preferences dialog. A message will appear that Automatic Import has been enabled and that your currently loaded cellrefs will be overwritten the next time Analyzer is restarted.
Once Automatic Import is configured, any changes to the Automatic Import Input File will be detected, and will be changed accordingly in your Analyzer cell site file each time Analyzer is opened.
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Using the CDMA Toolkit to Optimize Specific CDMA Network Parameters
The CDMA Toolkit provides a series of analyses based on best-practice network optimization techniques. Each solution uses PN scanner data to optimize your network settings, and can be configured to meet the needs of your network and your organization. The analyses included in the CDMA Toolkit that are discussed in this section are:
Optimize Search Windows
Optimize Neighbor Lists
Evaluate Coverage
The following sections describe the general operation of the CDMA Toolkit and include instructions for running each of the specific analyses.
Exploring the CDMA Toolkit
The CDMA Toolkit contains analyses for investigating search window sizes, neighbor lists, and site coverage based on data collected with the PN Scanner. Before attempting to run a specific analysis, familiarize yourself with the CDMA Toolkit by performing the following steps:
To view the Toolkit, select Tools
CDMA Toolkit from the Analyzer main menu.
The taskbar at the top of the Toolkit shows that the Optimize Search Windows analysis appears as the default analysis. You will see five icons that serve as the buttons for selecting specific functions within the analyses. The Help and Configure Settings icons are used when setting up an analysis. The other icons list reports that describe the results of the analysis. The icons are arranged so that you progress downward, first modifying or reviewing the configuration settings, then running the analysis, and finally reviewing the results through one or more reports. The specific use of each button is described in detail for each analysis in the following sections.
Each available analysis within the Toolkit contains its own taskbar. Click another taskbar to view another analyses. Notice that each analysis has a similar series of icons, which guide you through the setup, running, and reporting of data.
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Figure 73: CDMA Toolkit
The type of data required to run each analysis is described in the individual section for each analysis. As with all engineering analyses, there are caveats and restrictions on the applicability of the CDMA Toolkit analyses. In addition, the accuracy of the results is dependent on the quality and volume of input data. To get the best results from these analyses, ensure you are using an up-to-date version of cell site data that accurately reflects the network status and parameter settings at the time of the drive. In addition, the quality of the analyses will be impaired if a relatively small amount of drive test data is used. Please study the contents of the Help File under CDMA Toolkit to properly understand the analysis methodology and restrictions, and the potential sources of error. To access the help files, click on the Help button in the CDMA Toolkit: . Analysis methodology is also described in Appendix C of this document.
Using CDMA Toolkit for Search Window Analysis
You can minimize the number of occurrences of dropped calls, failed initiations, and poor voice quality by setting the search windows to their optimal size. The search window analysis shows the minimum active set search window size (SRCH_WIN_A) and neighbor set search window size (SRCH_WIN_N) required by each sector, based on pilot delay data collected in PN Scanner drive-test logfiles. The algorithm used to determine optimal search window sizes is described in detail in Appendix C.
Active Analysis
Available Reports
Other Available Analyses
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In preparation for running the Optimize Search Windows module of the CDMA Toolkit:
1. PN Scanner data for a region of your network must be open in the current Analyzer workspace. This data should include comprehensive drive routes around the sites that you wish to optimize. The more data points included in each logfile, the more accurate the trends that Analyzer extracts from the data.
2. Analyzer must be pointing to a valid cellrefs file that contains data for all of the sites included in the PN Scanner data. Search window size data is used if available in the Audit Report, but is not required for the analysis to run correctly.
To configure Analyzer to run the Optimize Search Windows analysis through the CDMA Toolkit:
1. Open the CDMA Toolkit by selecting Tools
CDMA Toolkit from the Analyzer main menu.
2. The Optimize Search Windows analysis appears as the default analysis in the toolkit. Verify this by checking that the task bar at the top of the toolkit reads Optimize Search Windows
3. If you want additional information on the analysis methodology of the Optimize Search Windows analysis, click on the Help icon.
4. Depress the icon labeled Configuration Settings to configure the settings that Analyzer will use when running the analysis. The Configure Search Window Settings dialog will open to the General tab. Set each of the search window analysis settings:
Ec/Io Threshold
Only scanner measurements above this user-defined threshold will be included in the analysis.
Minimum Number of Measurements
Only sectors which have been measured above the Ec/Io threshold at least this many times will be included in the analysis.
Maximum Distance
Measurements made on servers that are farther away than this user-input distance will not be included in the analysis. Keeping this number relatively low helps to avoid search window size recommendations that are unnecessarily large.
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Figure 74: Configuration Settings Dialog
5. Switch to the Data tab of the Configure Search Window Settings dialog. If not all of the logfiles open in the workspace are shown in the window, press the Refresh List button. Select all PN Scanner streams on which to run the analysis. Hold down CTRL to select multiple streams.
6. Press OK to exit the Configure Search Window Settings dialog.
Once the configuration settings have been completed, run the Optimize Search Windows analysis and view the reports:
1. Select the Summary Report, Audit Report, or Details Report by clicking on the icon next to the report name:
The Summary Report lists suggested Search Window settings for each sector included in the analysis based on the PN scanner data.
The Audit Report lists the differences between suggested settings and current network configuration according to data imported in the cellrefs file. If current network search window settings are not included in the cell site file Analyzer points to, this report will still run, but will list every search window size suggestion as a difference.
The Details Report contains a series of views, which show the scanner measurements in graphical format upon which the tool s search window setting suggestions are based for each individual sector.
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2. Verify the files to be included in the analyses and specify any additional files in the data tab of the Configure Search Window Settings dialog that appears.
3. Press OK to exit the dialog and run the report. Analyzer will process the data and the selected report will appear. If warnings appear, see the Note below.
Note: Analyzer may post warnings that some cell sites are not found in the cellrefs file. This indicates that not all cell sites that have been measured in the data file are included in the current cellrefs file. Analyzer cannot make recommendations on incomplete data, but the analysis will run correctly, including all data points for which a valid cell site reference exists. Press OK to bypass each warning.
Figure 75: Summary Report for Search Window Analysis
Using CDMA Toolkit for Neighbor List Analysis
The Neighbor List Analysis lets you quickly and easily generate prioritized neighbor lists for multiple sectors using measured Ec/Io data from PN Scanner drive test files. The Neighbor List Analysis can compare measurement results with actual neighbor lists and recommend optimal modifications to current neighbor lists. The analysis ensures that all pilots of appropriate strength will be included, and that the neighbor list will be limited to those pilots likely to engage in handoff. As new sites are added to mature systems, or as the propagation environment changes due to increased
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traffic loading, the Neighbor List Analysis can save significant time in the generation of new optimal neighbor lists. The algorithm used to determine neighbor list recommendations is described in detail in Appendix C.
In preparation for running the Optimize Neighbor Lists module of the CDMA Toolkit:
PN Scanner data for a region of your network must be open in the current Analyzer workspace. This data should include comprehensive drive routes around the sites that you wish to determine neighbor lists for. The more data points included in each logfile, the more realistic the trends that Analyzer extracts from the data.
Analyzer must be pointing to a valid cellrefs file that contains data for all of the sites included in the PN Scanner data. Neighbor list data is used if available in the Audit Report, but is not required for the analysis to run correctly.
To configure Analyzer to run the Optimize Neighbor Lists analysis through the CDMA Toolkit:
1. Open the CDMA Toolkit by selecting Tools
CDMA Toolkit from the Analyzer main menu.
2. Select the Optimize Neighbor Lists task bar to activate this module. 3. If you want additional information on the analysis methodology of the
Optimize Neighbor Lists analysis, click on the Help icon. 4. Depress the icon labeled Configuration Settings to configure the
settings that Analyzer will use when running the analysis. The Configure Neighbor List Settings dialog will open to the General tab. Set each of the neighbor list analysis settings:
Ec/Io Threshold
Only scanner measurements above this user-defined threshold will be included in the analysis.
Minimum Number of Measurements
Only servers that have been measured at least this many times will be included in the analysis.
Maximum Distance
Measurements made on servers that are farther away than this user-defined distance will not be included in the analysis. Keeping this number relatively low helps to avoid search window size recommendations that are unnecessarily large.
Maximum Number of Neighbors
The neighbor list for any server will not exceed this number.
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Figure 76: Configuration Settings for the Neighbor List Reports
5. Switch to the Data tab of the Configure Neighbor List Settings dialog. If not all of the logfiles open in the workspace are shown in the window, press the Refresh List button. Select all PN Scanner streams on which to run the analysis. Hold down CTRL to select multiple streams.
6. Press OK to exit the Configure Neighbor List Settings dialog.
Once the configuration settings have been completed, run the Optimize Neighbor Lists analysis and view the reports: 1. Select the Summary Report, Audit Report, or Details Report by
clicking on the icon next to the report name:
The Summary Report gives a prioritized list of neighbors for each sector that was seen as a best server for at least the minimum number of data points.
The Audit Report lists additions and deletions to current neighbor list settings, based on the neighbor list data in the cellrefs file. If current network neighbor list settings are not included in the cell site file Analyzer points to, this report will still run, but will list every suggested neighbor as an addition.
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The Details Report contains a series of views which show the scanner measurements in graphical format upon which the tool s neighbor list suggestions are based for each individual sector.
2. Verify the files to be included in the analyses and specify any additional files in the data tab of the Configure Neighbor List Settings dialog that appears.
3. Press OK to exit the dialog and run the report. Analyzer will process the data and the selected report will appear. If warnings appear, see the Note below.
Note: Analyzer may post warnings that some cell sites are not found in the cellrefs file. This indicates that not all cell sites that have been measured in the data file are included in the current cellrefs file. Analyzer cannot make recommendations on incomplete data, but the analysis will run correctly, including all data points for which a valid cell site reference exists. Press OK to bypass each warning.
Figure 77: Summary Report for the Neighbor List Analysis
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Using the CDMA Toolkit for Coverage Evaluation
The steps required to run each of the analyses in the CDMA Toolkit are very similar. Since the previous sections have described in detail the steps used to run the Optimize Search Windows and Optimize Neighbor Lists analyses, this section will take a different approach. This section describes the Coverage Evaluation analysis module of the CDMA Toolkit as a case study using a specific set of data.
The Evaluate Coverage analysis lets you quickly find the optimal settings for EIRP or forward path attenuation in a CDMA network. EIRP or forward path attenuation can be modified to mitigate pilot pollution and coverage problems that commonly occur in CDMA systems. Forward path attenuation is attenuation applied only to channels on the forward link of the CDMA system. Forward path attenuation can be modified through a variety of mechanisms specific to each infrastructure vendor.
Other techniques for mitigating pilot pollution and coverage problems include the addition of new sectors, and modifications to antenna type, azimuth, and downtilt. Currently, the Evaluate Coverage analysis can only model forward path attenuation modifications.
The analysis is based only on measured pilot data, and ignores power received from other CDMA channels. Thus, the analysis mimics the unloaded pilot measurements that are typically performed as the first stage of cluster optimization. This technique is necessary because in order to consider the impact of loading, traffic channel power must be modeled. Traffic channel power is a dynamic value based on the number of users in the system and their propagation path to each base station. The analysis uses PN Scanner drive test data that provides Pilot channel received signals levels for each PN offset. However, the PN Scanner cannot measure the traffic channel power received from each sector independently. Therefore, it is not possible to know how a forward link attenuation change at a given site will affect the received traffic channel power measured by the scanner.
Typically, one must analyze drive test data to detect coverage and interference problems, and then determine a potential change to be made to EIRP or forward path attenuation to mitigate the problem. Once the changes have been made, new drive tests are performed to determine if the hypothesized changes have had the desired effect. If the effect of the change is undesirable, additional changes and tests are performed.
Since this analysis is designed to simulate changes that can be made on a network, we must strip away CDMA channel energy from the measurements that are load dependent. This will leave only the pilot channel measurement.
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For further details on the algorithm used to perform the coverage evaluations on the data, see Appendix C.
1. Be sure that Phone and Scan 1.mdb is loaded.
2. In the CDMA Toolkit, select the Evaluate Coverage analysis.
3. Click on the Configure Settings button. Notice that the following Analysis Settings are available for configuration:
Ec/Io Pilot Pollution Threshold
This threshold is used to tell the analysis to ignore measurements too weak to contribute to pilot pollution. For unloaded data, this is typically around 9 dB.
Ec/Io Coverage Threshold
This threshold is used to determine which measurements provide service to a particular location. For unloaded data, this is typically around 4 dB.
Noise
Set this to the thermal noise floor of the handset you wish to emulate.
Minimum Number of Measurements
Only servers which have been measured at least this many times will be included in the analysis.
Maximum Distance
Measurements made on servers that are farther away than this user-input distance will not be included in the analysis. Keeping this number relatively low helps to avoid search window size recommendations that are unnecessarily large.
4. Make sure that the minimum number of measurements bins is set to 5 bins and that the maximum distance to servers options is set to 20 km. Click OK when finished.
5. Click on Summary Report and select the scanner stream from the loaded file.
The report will be generated. The output will give you a list of sites, which you can expand to show the sites causing and receiving interference.
6. Examine the report and note that the following sites seem to be receiving the most interference and find these sites on the map.
Site 28, Sector 2
Site 7, Sector 2
7. In the row for Site 28, Sector 2, check Show Cells to view the sectors that the site receives interference from and interferes with. PN 150 interferes with Site 28, Sector 2. A quick glance down the PN list in the report shows that PN 150 comes from Site 8, Sector 2.
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8. Use the Scenario Tool, described below, to determine whether the problem can be fixed by providing 8 dB of attenuation to the offending sector.
Creating a Scenario
1. In the CDMA Toolkit, select the Evaluate a Scenario button.
2. Choose the scanner stream to open the Evaluate a Scenario window.
3. Find Site 8 in the list of cells and select Sector 2 on the site.
4. Use the arrows in the Forward Transmit Power Attenuation field to dial in 8 dB of attenuation for Sector 2 of Site 8.
5. Click Report the Changes.
6. Press the Report button to show a summary of changes that occur with the attenuation parameter change. A Coverage Delta report will be generated and you should see much less interference contributed to PNs 132, 246, 129 and 114 by Sector 2 of Site 8. Examine the list of PNs and Sites and find that PN 129 corresponds to Site 28, Sector 2.
Note that 8dB of attenuation is significant so make sure that the coverage of Site 8, Sector 2 is not compromised. This can be verified with data from that portion of the network.
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CDMA 1x Analysis Data Throughput vs. RF Performance
A key activity for CDMA 1x drive test data is the comparison of data throughput to radio link performance. The radio link is the critical path for data in a 1x network. It is important to understand the effects of a poor radio environment on data throughput, and the limitations of the data network when radio conditions are not favorable.
Multiple Analyzer views can be synchronized to allow for the comparison of the radio link and data throughput. For example, throughput trends displayed on a chart can sync with FER or Mobile Rx Power on a map. The cdma2000 StateTip view allows for a more detailed view at any data point. The cdma2000 Data Testing StateTip juxtaposes throughput statistics, radio link information, and fundamental and supplemental channel statistics.
Figure 78: cdma2000 StateTip
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Use the cdma2000 StateTip to examine the relationship between FER and throughput in the CDMA 1x Data Willtech 1.0401 file:
1. From CDMA 1x Data
Willtech 1.0401, place ForwardFER and Anchor_Transfer events onto a map.
2. Place RLP_Rx_Throughput_Instantaneous and RLP_Tx_Throughput_Instantaneous on a chart.
3. Select Tools CDMA StateTip. 4. Use the Select Another View drop down menu to choose cdma2000
Data Testing. 5. Use the Select Handset Device drop down to select the handset stream
from the Willtech 1x file. 6. Tile your views in the workspace. 7. Select a point on the map or chart. Notice that the StateTip
synchronizes to provide throughput, radio link, fundamental, and supplemental channel information at that point.
In some cases, the cdma2000 StateTip may provide more information than you require. If that is the case, recall that Analyzer Stateforms can be modified or created to meet your needs for CDMA 1x analysis.
For example, minor modifications to the existing CDMA Handset.axw Stateform to add RLP Rx and Tx Throughput to the existing radio parameters:
Figure 79: CDMA Handset Stateform Modified to Include RLP Throughput
The modified CDMA Handset Stateform provides throughput and radio link information in a single view. In some cases, more detailed information about the data network may be required in order to determine whether a component of the IP network is not working properly. The CDMA 1x Throughput Stateform, pictured below, was built from scratch to provide a comparison of throughput at different layers of the IP stack. Ideally, the RLP throughput should be the
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highest value, followed by RLP2, PPP, TCP and App Throughput. Due to data collection hardware constraints, this may not always be the case.
Figure 80: CDMA 1x Throughput Stateform
All existing Stateforms can be found in your C:\Program Files\Actix\Analyzer\StateForms. See page 51 for more information on modifying existing StateForms and creating new StateForms from scratch.
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Where to Get More Help
Help File Analyzer includes comprehensive online help, which can be accessed by clicking on Help menu on the main menu. The primary help documentation can be found under Help Contents. You can look up information about a particular topic either by choosing an item from the index or by entering keywords and performing a search.
Figure 81: Actix Online Help Showing Search Results for "cellrefs"
Key Word
Search Results
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Specific information, like the definition of engineering parameters, can be accessed by clicking on Help
Show Context Help. You can look up an
item in the alphabetized list, or you can open the Context Help window, then click on an item in the Workspace.
Figure 82: Highlighted Item in the Workspace and the Corresponding Entry in Attribute Help
The contents of the Help window can be printed, stored under Favorites, and resized or minimized to enable side-by-side review as operations are performed in Analyzer.
Selected Attribute
Attribute Definition
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Technical Support
Technical support is available by phone, email, and on the Actix Web site. Technical personnel are located in Reston, VA, USA, London UK, and Singapore to provide assistance. In the US technical support can be reached at:
Phone: 1 (877) 72-ACTIX (toll free)
1 (877) 722-2849
1 (703) 707-4779 (local)
Between the hours of 09:00-17:00 EST
If you are calling outside of hours, please leave your contact information and a brief description of the nature of the call.
Email: [email protected]
On the Web: www.actix.com/html/support.htm
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When contacting Actix Support please have your license key number and the software revision number you are using ready to speed up the resolution of your problem. The version number of the software is available by going to Help About Analyzer.
Figure 83: About Analyzer Window
Actix Web Site Our Web site is located at: www.actix.com
and can be accessed directly from the Online Help menu under Visit the Actix Web site. In addition to containing information about Actix, the Analyzer, and other products, it contains further application modules for Analyzer for common optimization tasks, and sections on Frequently Asked Questions.
Actix frequently improves the Analyzer with incremental updates to the software as further test and measurement vendors formats integrated into the tool or updated in accordance with new versions of phones or infrastructure. To confirm you are using the most current version of the software please check under the Help
About Analyzer menu and compare that with the current release cited on the Web site. Upgrades can be downloaded from the web providing the support and maintenance
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contract purchased with the software is still current. If you have any questions please contact our support staff.
Contact Your Instructor The objective of this training session is to provide all attendees with the knowledge and desire to use Analyzer upon completing the course. To confirm the training has met your expectations you are invited to complete a post training survey and highlight any aspect of the course that could be improved or did not meet your expectations.
You will receive a business card with your instructor s phone number and e-mail address. Feel free to contact your instructor at any time.
Additional Copies of this Manual Are available from Actix support or from your instructor.
More Advanced Training Actix offers a range of training courses designed to improve the understanding, proficiency and productivity of engineers using Actix Analyzer for network optimization and performance in the fast paced world of wireless communications.
For more information, or to book any of these courses, please contact your instructor or sales manager at:
Actix Inc (Sales), 12012 Sunset Hills Rd, Ste 910 Reston, VA 20190
Phone: (703) 707-4777 Fax: (703) 707-4778 Email: [email protected]
On the Web: www.actix.com
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Appendix A CDMA Decode Settings
The following decode settings for CDMA data are found in the Tools
Preferences dialog.
Minimum Valid Signal Level (dBm)
Defines the minimum threshold for which a received signal strength is valid. On loading a log file, Analyzer will filter out signals below this user-defined range.
Ec/Io Threshold for Delay (dB)
Used to calculate the threshold at which multipath components are counted in the delay measurements for PN scanner data.
Scan Resolution (Chips) - Defines how often handset measurements are reported, measured in chips. The Scan Resolution is typically ½ chip.
Number of Multipaths - Defines the number of multipaths that will be extracted and displayed in the Workspace Explorer.
Scanner Scan Resolution - Defines how often scanner measurements are reported, measured in chips
Pilot Increment - Used to calculate the PN Offset (units of 64 chips) associated with the PN Phase (units of chips) data reported in the CDMA air-interface messaging. PN Offset is calculated by dividing the PILOT_PN_PHASE by 64 and then rounding to the closest integer multiple of the PN increment entered. This feature forces all PN Offsets calculated to be part of a valid PN reuse plan.
Too Many Neighbors Threshold - Defines the maximum number of entries in the neighbor lists. When neighbor list entries in the air interface messaging exceed this threshold, an event (TooManyNeighbors) is displayed in the Workspace Explorer.
Weak Ec/Io Pilot Threshold - Defines when the best server pilot has dropped beneath a tolerable threshold and is considered weak. This displays an event (WeakPilotAlert) in the Workspace Explorer.
Display Cell Identity as Hex - Check the box to display the Cell Identity (CI) in hexadecimal (rather than decimal) in the Message Browser.
No of Frame Errors in a Burst - Defines the size of a burst for Burst Error Rate calculations (time series parameter: For_FBER).
Searcher Threshold - This control is no longer used and will be removed in the next Analyzer release.
Scanner Ec/Io Threshold (dB) Defines the minimum threshold for which a signal strength received by a scanner is valid. On loading scanner data, Analyzer will filter out signals below this user-defined range.
Use 20ms resolution for CDMA - Displays messages with individual frame granularity for Qualcomm MDM and MDM-based formats.
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Appendix B CDMA Event Detection
Overview of CDMA Event Detection
Figure 84: Event Detection Diagram
The Analyzer s CDMA event detection engine is used to identify key network events in CDMA IS-95, IS95-B and IS.2000 networks. This is accomplished by monitoring the air interface messaging. Using the air interface messaging, the handset s state can be tracked as it moves between Idle, Origination, and Dedicated states.
Idle State
This is the state that the phone is in before a call is originated or received. After a call is terminated through normal or abnormal means, it returns to the Idle State.
Origination State
This is the state that the phone is in after an Origination or Page Response is sent on the access channel, but before the forward and reverse traffic channels are active.
Dedicated State (Conversation)
This is the state that the phone is in after transmission has started on both the forward and reverse traffic channels.
The start state is the default state for all phones until an air interface message is received. Based on this message, the phone is immediately transitioned to the appropriate state. This is to account for log files where the phone is already in origination or conversation.
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Event Definitions
Call Completed This attribute indicates successful outgoing call terminations triggered by the following sequence of messages:
OutgoingCallOk or IncomingCallOk
Followed by a Release Order (A FTCH or RTCH Release Order with Release Type = Normal)
Note: In order for a call to successfully terminate, FTCH and RTCH Release Orders must be sent. Due to throughput issues during logging, one of these messages is often discarded. To account for this, the Analyzer will determine that a call was successful if either of these messages is present.
Call Dropped This attribute indicates abnormal call terminations triggered by the following sequence of events:
Outgoing Call Setup OK or Incoming Call Setup OK (defined below)
Not followed by a FTCH or RTCH Release Order
Followed by a return to the Sync Channel
Note: In order for a call to successfully terminate, FTCH and RTCH Release Orders must be sent. Due to throughput issues during logging, one of these messages is often discarded. To account for this, the Analyzer will determine that a call was successful if either of these messages is present.
Handoff Ok This attribute indicates handoff events for mobiles handing off within the same carrier of a CDMA system. This attribute is triggered by the following sequence of messages:
FTCH Handoff Direction, Extended Handoff Direction, Universal Handoff Direction, or General Handoff Direction messages
Followed by a RTCH Handoff Completion or Extended Handoff Completion messages
And, is not a Hard Handoff (see the definition for Hard Handoff OK)
Note: When determining hand-off events, the HDM_SEQ and LAST_HDM_SEQ counters are used to ensure that the correct events are identified.
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Hard Handoff Ok This attribute indicates successful hard handoff attempts for mobiles handing off between carriers or CDMA systems. This attribute is triggered by the following sequence of messages:
FTCH Extended Handoff Direction, Universal Handoff Direction, or General Handoff Direction messages with either a Hard_Included Flag set to True or a CDMA_FREQ flag set to a frequency other than the current mobile frequency
Followed by a Handoff Completion or Extended Handoff Completion message in response to the previously identified Direction message
Note: When determining hand-off events, the HDM_SEQ and LAST_HDM_SEQ counters are used to ensure that the correct events are identified.
Hard Handoff Retry This attribute indicates a retransmission of a hard handoff command for mobiles handing off between carriers or CDMA systems. This attribute is triggered by the following sequence of messages:
FTCH Extended Handoff Direction, Universal Handoff Direction, or General Handoff Direction messages with a Hard_Included Flag set to True or a CDMA_FREQ flag set to a frequency other than the current mobile frequency
Followed by a FTCH Extended Handoff Direction, Universal Handoff Direction, or General Handoff Direction messages with a Hard_Included Flag set to True or a CDMA_FREQ flag set to a frequency other than the current mobile frequency without receiving a Handoff Completion or Extended Handoff Completion message
CDMA to AMPS Handoff OK
This attribute indicates successful handoff attempts for mobiles handing off from a CDMA system to an AMPS system. This attribute is triggered by the following sequence of messages:
Analog Handoff Direction message
Followed by an Extended Handoff Completion
CDMA to AMPS Handoff Fail
This attribute indicates failed handoff attempts for mobiles handing off from a CDMA system to an AMPS system. This attribute is triggered by the following sequence of messages:
Analog Handoff Direction message
Not followed by an Extended Handoff Completion message
Followed by another Analog Handoff Direction message
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Incoming Call OK This attribute indicates successful incoming call initiations triggered by the following sequence of messages:
RTCH Page Response message or FTCH Service Request message
Followed by a either a Service Connect or Service Connect Completion message
Note: In order for a call to successfully originate, a FTCH Service Connect and an RTCH Service Connect Completion must be sent. Due to throughput issues during logging, one of these messages is often discarded. To account for this, the Analyzer will determine that a call successfully originated if either of these messages is present.
Incoming Call Fail This attribute indicates failed incoming call attempts triggered by the following sequence of messages:
RTCH Page Response message or FTCH Service Request message
Not followed by a FTCH Service Connect or a RTCH Service Connect Completion
Followed by a transition back to Idle mode
Note: In order for a call to successfully originate, a FTCH Service Connect and an RTCH Service Connect Completion must be sent. Due to throughput issues during logging, one of these messages is often discarded. To account for this, the Analyzer will determine that a call successfully originated if either of these messages is present.
Outgoing Call OK This attribute indicates successful outgoing call initiations triggered by the following sequence of messages:
RTCH Origination, Service Request or Enhanced Origination message
Followed by a FTCH Service Connect or a RTCH Service Connect Completion message
Note: In order for a call to successfully originate, a FTCH Service Connect and an RTCH Service Connect Completion must be sent. Due to throughput issues during logging, one of these messages is often discarded. To account for this, the Analyzer will determine that a call successfully originated if either of these messages is present.
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Outgoing Call Fail This attribute indicates failed outgoing call initiations triggered by the following sequence of messages:
RTCH Origination, Service Request or Enhanced Origination message
Not followed by a FTCH Service Connect or RTCH Service Connect Completion message
Followed by a transition back to idle mode
Note: In order for a call to successfully originate, a FTCH Service Connect and an RTCH Service Connect Completion must be sent. Due to throughput issues during logging, one of these messages is often discarded. To account for this, the Analyzer will determine that a call successfully originated if either of these messages is present.
Call Setup Time Call Setup time provides the difference in time between the Service Connect Completion message and the associated Origination, Enhanced Origination, or Page Response message.
Handoff Time Handoff Time provides the difference in time between the Handoff Completion, or Extended Handoff Completion messages and the associated Extended Handoff Direction, Universal Handoff Direction, or General Handoff Direction messages.
Handoff Interval Handoff Interval provides the difference in time between the sequential Handoff events.
CDMA Call Id Call ID provides an integer identifier for each call in a log file.
CDMA Call Type CDMA Call Type provides a description for each call in a log file:
0 Outgoing Call Successfully Terminated
1 Incoming Call Successfully Terminated
2 Outgoing Call Failed Initiation
3 Incoming Call Failed Initiation
4 Outgoing Call Dropped
5 Incoming Call Dropped
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Anchor Transfer The industry standard name given to the site and sector supporting the F-SCH is the anchor. The term given to the handoff of the anchor from one face to another is anchor transfer. The anchor transfer is triggered by a change in the supplemental channel s active set. Analyzer monitors the PNs in the Extended Supplemental Channel Assignment Message and triggers an anchor transfer when the PN in the ESCAM message changes.
For Anchor Transfer Delay
There is a delay associated with a transfer from one anchor to another. This delay is the time between when the supplemental channel stops transmitting on the first anchor to when it starts transmitting on the second anchor.
For FCH to SCH Delay
The time delay between the setup of the FCH and the SCH on the forward link. This is the time period between the Forward Traffic Channel Extended Channel Assignment Message, and the Forward Traffic Channel Extended Supplemental Channel Assignment message.
When determining hand-off events, the HDM_SEQ and LAST_HDM_SEQ counters are used to ensure that the correct events are identified.
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Appendix C: CDMA Toolkit Calculations
Optimize Search Window Analysis The Search Window Analysis performs the following algorithm on each data bin to determine optimal active and neighbor search window settings for each site calculated:
1. The analysis determines which sectors serving the bin are to be considered valid for further analysis. Valid serving sectors must be measured at or above a user-defined Ec/Io threshold, and must be within the user-defined maximum distance away from the data point.
2. Active Set Search Window Calculation: The maximum multipath Delay Spread of the valid serving sectors is calculated. This value is multiplied by 2 to allow for the double-sided nature of the search window, and is then assigned to ALL remaining serving sectors at that data point. After all data points have been analyzed, the delay measurements are aggregated by sector. For each sector, the recommended minimum active set search-window size is determined by calculating the maximum of the Delay Spread assigned to that sector at any data point. Only sectors that have been measured more than a user-defined number of times will be included in the final report.
3. Neighbor Set Search Window Calculation: The minimum Delay to First Multipath is calculated for all valid serving sectors. The maximum of the sums of the Delay to First Multipath and Delay Spread is calculated for all valid serving sectors. Lastly, the minimum Delay to First Multipath is subtracted from the Maximum of the sums of the Delay to First Multipath and Delay Spread. This number is multiplied by 2 to allow for the fact that the search window is double-sided as follows:
2*Max{(Delay to First Multipath+Delay Spread) for all PNs}-Min{Delay to First Multipath for all }
Essentially, this calculation simulates the mobile deriving its timing reference from the earliest arriving multipath and determines the maximum Neighbor Set search window size required by the pilots measured in the bin. This value is stored for all thresholded pilots serving the bin.
After all data points have been analyzed, the delay measurements are aggregated by sector. For each sector, the recommended minimum neighbor set search-window size is determined by calculating the maximum of the calculation above, assigned to that sector at any data point. Only sectors that have been measured more than a user-defined number of times will be included in the final report.
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Optimize Neighbor List Analysis
The Neighbor List analysis performs the following algorithm on each measurement bin along the drive test route:
1. The analysis calculates the Ec/Io from all sectors serving that bin. The sector with the highest Ec/Io at a data point is considered the server at that data point.
2. All other sectors with Ec/Io above a user-defined threshold will be recorded as a potential neighbor to the server at that data point.
After all bins have been analyzed, neighbor lists are generated for each sector seen as the server more than a user-defined minimum number of times. The neighbor list for each server is prioritized by the number of times a particular neighbor was seen. The more times a neighbor was seen for a server, the higher it will appear on that server s prioritized list. By virtue of the analysis, neighbor lists are automatically symmetric.
Evaluate Coverage Analysis
The Evaluate Coverage analysis performs these steps for each measurement bin along the drive test route:
1. The analysis calculates the Ec/Io above a user-defined threshold from all sectors serving that bin.
2. Interference from only pilot signals, Ipilot, is calculated for the bin by summing Ec from all serving pilots.
3. Unmodified, unloaded Ec/Io is calculated by dividing Ec by Ipilot for each sector.
4. Ecmod for each sector is determined by applying the attenuation modifications entered by the user to the Ec measured for each sector.
5. Modified interference from only pilots signals, Ipilot,mod, is calculated for the bin by summing Ecmod from all serving pilots.
6. Modified, unloaded Ec/Io is calculated by dividing Ec,mod by Ipilot,mod for each sector.