Introduction to UMTS Optimization

The course is focused on practical solutions to real-world optimization challenges. It covers all aspects of network access and operation and provides the delegate with a toolbox of parameter- and feature-based solutions. The delegate will learn about the parameters that impact user equipment behaviour and the impact these parameters may have on performance. The course also contains carefully designed optimization exercises.

Course Outline (Some of the important topics)

Section 1 - 1 hour
Introduction and Overview
o Typical planning/optimization distinction
o The optimization process
o Identifying optimization opportunities
o Key statistics and analysis
o Drive tests and signalling analysis
o Change implementation

Section 2 - 1.5 hours
Optimization Software Tools
o Software tools for optimization
o Planning and simulation tools
o Drive test tools


Section 3 - 3.75 hours
Optimizing Coverage and Capacity
o Link budgets
o Load factor and noise rise
o Optimization considerations for load factor
o Mixed traffic and load factor
o Coverage and capacity issues
o Adaptive voice channels
o Secondary scrambling codes
o Traffic scenarios


Section 4 - 3 hours
RAN Configurations and Dimensioning
o UMTS channels
o Access Stratum (AS) and Non Access Stratum (NAS)
o Channel mapping options
o Cell configuration options
o Using more than one frequency
o Cell transmit power
o Radio performance
o Minimum Coupling Loss (MCL)
o Adjacent Channel Leakage Ratio (ACLR)
o Radio carrier spacing
o Adjacent Channel Interference (ACI)
o Reducing ACI
o Interaction and interference with GSM

Section 5 - 3.75 hours
Idle Mode and System Access
o PLMN and cell selection
o Capturing roaming subscribers
o Cell selection


Section 6 - 3.5 hours
Connected Mode and Radio Link Control
o RRC connected mode states
o UE activity in connected mode
o Channel allocation and dimensioning

Section 7 - 1.5 hours
UMTS Features and Techniques
o Site Selection Diversity Transmit (SSDT)
o Transmit diversity options
o Multi-User Detection (MUD)
o Open and closed loop mode
o Advanced antennas