www.micronova.de | 1

The Key to Mobile Networks: Network Auditing with CPCM-NA

Network Services

An efficient and high-quality wireless network is the most important part in the business of mobile network opera-tors. Key factor is the network parameterization, that means the configuration of the network equip-ment. For optimum data transmission, voice quality and network stability thousands of parameters per network station or several million in the overall network must be consistent. As if the sheer number was not enough, the different parameter models of the net-work equipment by different vendors and technologies (GSM, UMTS and LTE) make this task even more difficult.

In order to support mobile network operators in accomplishing the job, MicroNova has designed a special system for the network auditing: The "Common Planning and Configuration Manager - Network Auditing" (CPCM-NA) allows a complete review of the network without the necessity of fully integrating it in the planning tools.

For many Mobile Service Providers (MSP) a permanent view of the parameterization of their network is not taken for granted, although this would be the basic requirement for high and, first and foremost, constant network quality. If, for example, incon-sistent or inaccurate parameters are used in the configuration, there is a loss of quality which will also affect the mobile phone customer. An increase in disconnections, the so-called Drop Call Rate, may be one of the consequences as well as problems in making a connection, or a lack of voice quality. This means for Mobile Service Provi-ders: If you have your parameters under control and import them promptly and consistently into the network you are one step ahead in terms of quality of your mobile network.

So, for example, contractors or equip-ment manufacturers build new stations and parameterize and/or configure them according to the guide-

lines and specifications of the operator. Given the large number of parameters to be considered this is, however, not an easy task; and the steady expan-sion and optimization of the network make it even worse.

A missing network view, i.e. a comple-te visualization of all parameters, is another challenge for network planners because they have no reliable data base for the further expansion of the network and its optimization. Here, a solution for network auditing can solve the problem. The solution provides the possibility to read and manage the live network and check and/or compare the specifications of the operators regardless of manufac-turer, region and technology.

Network Auditing SystemWith the Common Planning and Configuration Manager (CPCM) MicroNova provides an advanced software solution to support the planning and operation processes of a

©ca

rlos

cas

tilla

/ F

otol

ia.c

om

2

Network Services

mobile network operator, also called Datafill process. However, an in-depth and full integration puts considerable demands on this process and the system landscape. The basic require-ment for the integration of CPCM into the operator's system can only be achieved by a reconciliation of the Datafill process and the tool environ-ment.

Since the necessary framework condi-tions differ from operator to operator, MicroNova has developed a special system for Network Auditing: CPCM-NA. This solution is based on the previous CPCM system, but does not require full integration. CPCM-NA is connected via available standard interfaces to any vendor-specific element manager of the live network. This system runs independently or parallel to the existing tools and

processes. A step-by-step integration of the planning and optimization or SON applications up to a full CPCM is not limited.

Radio Access Network (RAN) Auditing with CPCM-NALike the Common Planning and Configuration Manager, CPCM-NA also consists of a planning tool, the Common Plan Manager (CPM), and a configuration tool, the Common Configuration Manager (CCM). The main advantage of CPCM-NA compared to the classical solution is that an adaptation to the operator's radio network takes place without the full integration of the operator's entire system environment.

Thus, a "Closed Loop", i.e. a closed data cycle between network operation and mobile network planning, on the

operational side (CCM) and on the planning side (CPM) can be realized on the basis of live data.

The integration of vendor-specific element managers is performed within CCM and serves the standard interfaces of the corresponding sys-tems. The import is triggered either by a scheduler or manually by the regional network operation. After the import the CCM contains a full copy of the network parameters. This is available as working copy following a one-to-one transfer into the local plan data archive of the radio parameter planner. A regional arrangement of the data, for example sorted by vendor and technology, improves the clarity across CPM. It also allows assigning different authorizations for different user groups and regions.

2G/3G/4G/3G/4GVendor

PlanData

2G/3G/4G/3G/4GVendor

LiveData

UseCase-Filter

Import

NetData:

xmlCSVDB

(selective) Provisioning xmlMML

SmartDelta

UseCasedriven

OMS Adaption

2G3GVendor A

2G3G4G

Vendor B

2G3G4G

Vendor C

Femto

...

CPCMCCMCPM

Import

Plan Data Archive

local

2G/3G/4G2G/3G/4GVendor

global

activeMerge

CompletePlanningData Set

Vendor / Operator-specificDefaults(Templates)

Import Excel

Expo

rt

Optimizer

rt

Web-ServiceW

Impo

rt

Optimizer / SON

Application

Operator

Web ServiceW

Radio Parameter Planer

Web ServiceW

Mer

ge /

App

ly

I

SCREditor &Monitor

CPCM - Network Auditing

Copy Live Data (1:1)

global

Plan Data Archive

Consistency Checks

optional

Image 1: RAN auditing with CPCM-NA

www.micronova.de | 3

Network Services

SONKPI

Consistency RulesRadio Engineering Rules

Default ValuesOperator Templates

Parameter OptimisationParameter Database

GSMUMTSLTE

Small CellsMulti-VendorMulti-RegionMulti-Version

Multi-HO Types

Image 2: Closed-loop reconciliation with default values

Content Consistency Check and Convenient Management of Consistency RulesThe first step of the network auditing takes place within CPM. In the process the system checks the internal consis-tency of the imported "live data". For this purpose, CPCM-NA provides a rule-based engine that applies the consistency checks on the data, logs consistency violations according to their severity (blocking / warning) and alerts the user via report mechanisms. With a convenient graphical interface the consistency rules are easily managed. In addition to the basic functionality, including the features to create, delete and edit consistency checks and/or rules, the user is able to generate new rules based on the copy of an existing rule, or exchange rules with other users.

CPCM-NA already contains a set of default consistency rules, which can be expanded as desired by the users. Common consistency rules include the check of handover relations (number of handovers per cell, target frequency etc.), frequency plans, cell parameters, dependencies between the parameters, operator-specific dependencies or the compliance with operator specifications. Inconsistent data can be edited directly with the parameter planner.

As is the case with CPCM, CPCM-NA fully supports the multi-vendor and multi-technology functionality. There-fore, the consistency checks and synchronisations can be carried out independent of vendor and technology. This takes effect especially in the areas between the management regions of the various vendors, where the

standard tools of the vendor-specific systems fail.

Management and Application of Network-Wide Default TemplatesAnother important feature of CPCM-NA is the management and application of network-wide, operator-specific default values (default templates) on the dataset created by the live data (see graph).

The user can easily generate configuration templates according to certain criteria and apply them on the dataset enabled in the archive plan; possible configurations are e.g. "indoor / outdoor", "stadium" or "public viewing area". The datasets together with the entire network configuration are stored in an archive and are available for comparison between different version updates.

4

Network Services

For those interested: View the mobile parameters and measure-ment values on your own mobile phone Most mobile phones and smartphones provide a hidden feature, the so-called field monitor or field test mode. Usually, this feature can be activated by dialling a certain code of numbers and characters. Then some of the mobile parameters and measured values defined in the 3GPP standard are displayed for interested mobile phone users to view.

Please check the code to be dialled for your mobile phone or smartphone type in the internet (search for: "Field Test Mode" or "Field Test Display").

Some examples: � iPhone: Enter the code *3001#12345#* on the number pad and press the call button

� Android: You will find the infor- mation in the menu under “Settings“ / ”About Phone“

After processing and a successful consistency check, the parameter dataset is transferred to the operation and/or CCM. Finally, the actual network auditing is carried out within this system. This means that the data set, enriched by operator-specific default values, is checked against the live network, keyword "Smart Delta". Parameter differences or errors in the neighbourhoods or handovers are displayed to the operator in form of a hierarchical Delta tree. The quantity of results in this tree can be reduced by involving filter rules. Possible rules include object filters, parameter fil-ters, service affecting etc.

The "Smart-Delta" computed by CPCM-NA, which is also referred to as audit report, allows the network operator to view the non-conformities discovered and/or corrective actions to be taken. By selecting the export and provisioning features of CPCM-NA, the circle closes around the live network. Optionally, CPCM-NA can be extended by a plug-in software module for network optimization. This module provides both a graphical interface for the optimization of neighbourhoods and parameter modifications as well as a customizable connection to optimization or SON tools.

Application Areas and ConclusionCPCM-NA provides a complete review of the network without the necessity to be integrated into the planning tools. Application areas of CPCM-NA include:

� Network auditing; review of the current network configuration based on consistency rules or against operator-specific default values

� Closed-Loop synchronisation with default values (templates) for certain stations, for example high-way, indoor, outdoor, stadium or tunnel

� Vendor or technology independent view across the network

� Transfer of current network configuration into the network planning

� Network configuration history � Complete database for other tools such as optimization, SON, inventory etc.

� Test of new vendor firmware � Network reporting � Network reconciliation

The application of CPCM-NA with the integrated functionality for consistency checks, rule-based parameter synchronisation and the handover fea-ture already addresses key aspects of advanced SON tools, such as Automatic Neighbour Relation (ANR) or parameter optimization.

If CPCM-NA is extended by the option of mobile network planning, the complete functionality of CPCM tool is provided. This extension is possible for the user without limiting CPCM-NA function and thus provides a step-by-step integration of CPCM into the tool environment of the MSP.

Ingo.Bauer@micronova.de

www.micronova.de/netzmanagement/loesungen/cpcm

Dipl.-Inf. (Univ.) Ingo Bauer

Network Services