E101 ASSET 7.0 Training Guide (GSM)

ENTERPRISE 7.0 Training Guide

ASSET GSM-GPRS Tool User E101

-

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and describes only the product defined in the introduction of this documentation. This document is intended for the use of AIRCOM International's customers only for the purposes of the agreement under which the document is submitted, and no part of it may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or means without the prior written permission of AIRCOM International. The document has been prepared to be used by professional and properly trained personnel, and the customer assumes full responsibility when using it. AIRCOM International welcomes customer comments as part of the process of continuous development and improvement of the documentation. The information or statements given in this document concerning the suitability, capacity, or performance of the mentioned hardware or software products cannot be considered binding but shall be defined in the agreement made between AIRCOM International and the customer. However, AIRCOM International has made all reasonable efforts to ensure that the instructions contained in the document are adequate and free of material errors and omissions. AIRCOM International will, if necessary, explain issues, which may not be covered by the document. AIRCOM International's liability for any errors in the document is limited to the documentary correction of errors. AIRCOM International WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE IN ANY EVENT FOR ERRORS IN THIS DOCUMENT OR FOR ANY DAMAGES, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL (INCLUDING MONETARY LOSSES), that might arise from the use of this document or the information in it. This document and the product it describes are considered protected by copyright according to the applicable laws. ASSET is a registered trademark of AIRCOM International. Other product names mentioned in this document may be trademarks of their respective companies, and they are mentioned for identification purposes only. Copyright © AIRCOM International 2010. All rights reserved.

Contents 1

2

Introduction to the ASSET Training Course 13 1.1

Overview of the ASSET GSM-GPRS Training Course ............................ 13

1.2

Course Objectives .................................................................................. 14

Introduction to ENTERPRISE 15 2.1

Objectives of this Session ....................................................................... 15

2.2

The ENTERPRISE Tools Suite ............................................................... 15

2.3

Obtaining User Assistance...................................................................... 16

2.3.1 2.3.2

2.4

The ENTERPRISE Database ................................................................. 19

2.4.1

3

Obtaining Support .......................................................................................... 17 Obtaining Further Information and Services .................................................. 19 Database Contents ........................................................................................ 20

2.5

The Two-Stage Commit Process ............................................................ 20

2.6

Session Summary Checklist ................................................................... 22

Setting Up the Project

23

3.1


3.2

Starting ENTERPRISE ........................................................................... 23

3.3

Logging into a Database ......................................................................... 24

3.4

Creating a New Project ........................................................................... 25

3.4.1 3.4.2

Using Shared Data ........................................................................................ 26 About the Modify Project Dialog Box ............................................................. 27

3.5

Setting the Required Technology for your Project ................................... 32

3.6

Viewing Settings for the Current Project ................................................. 33

3.7

Message Log Window ............................................................................ 33

3.8

Exercise: Starting a Project..................................................................... 34

3.9


ASSET Training Guide (GSM) Version 7.0

Page 5

4

Using the GIS and Other Visual Tools 37 4.1


4.2

Introduction ............................................................................................. 37

4.3

Opening the 2D View Window ................................................................ 37

4.4

Using the 2D View Window..................................................................... 39

4.4.1 4.4.2 4.4.3 4.4.4 4.4.5 4.4.6 4.4.7 4.4.8 4.4.9 4.4.10

4.5

Moving Around the Map .......................................................................... 53

4.5.1 4.5.2 4.5.3 4.5.4 4.5.5 4.5.6

4.6

About the Map View Toolbar ......................................................................... 39 Displaying Map Data...................................................................................... 40 Ordering the Data Shown on the Map ........................................................... 42 Selecting Items on the Map ........................................................................... 44 Selection Expert Toolbox ............................................................................... 44 2D View Context Menu .................................................................................. 44 Viewing Attribute Data on the Map as a Screentip ........................................ 45 Searching the Map View Window with the Quick Finder ............................... 47 Map View Gadgets Window .......................................................................... 50 About the Master View................................................................................. 52 Zooming In on the Map .................................................................................. 53 Zooming Out on the Map ............................................................................... 54 Saving a Favourite Zoomed View .................................................................. 54 Shortcut Keys for Zooming ............................................................................ 54 Repositioning the Map ................................................................................... 55 Redrawing the Map........................................................................................ 55

Saving a Favourite Map View ................................................................. 55

4.6.1

Editing and Deleting Favourite Views ............................................................ 56

4.7

Using GIS Export .................................................................................... 56

4.8

Printing Maps.......................................................................................... 58

4.8.1 4.8.2 4.8.3

4.9

Customising Page Layout for Printing Maps ................................................. 58 Printing the Map............................................................................................. 60 Printing a Specific Area of the Map View Window ........................................ 60

Exercise: Using the 2D View and Favourites .......................................... 61

4.10 Session Summary Checklist .................................................................. 62

5

Vectors and Polygons 5.1


5.2

Overview ................................................................................................ 63

5.3

Creating Your Own Vector File Features ................................................ 64

5.3.1 5.3.2 5.3.3 5.3.4 5.3.5

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63

Defining Attributes for a Vector File Feature ................................................. 67 Editing Lines and Polygons ........................................................................... 68 Managing Vector File Features ..................................................................... 70 Creating Holes or Islands for Polygons ......................................................... 74 Saving and Exporting Vectors ....................................................................... 77

5.4

Importing Vector File Data ...................................................................... 78

5.5

Classifying User Vector Files .................................................................. 79

5.6

Exercise: Creating and Displaying Vectors ............................................. 81

5.7



6

Setting up a GSM Network

83

6.1


6.2

Importing Antennas................................................................................. 83

6.3

Setting Up Propagation Models .............................................................. 85

6.3.1 6.3.2

About the Enhanced Macrocell Model ........................................................... 86 Adding an Enhanced Macrocell Model .......................................................... 86

6.4

Using XML Exports and Imports ............................................................. 91

6.5

About GSM Carriers in ASSET ............................................................... 94

6.5.1 6.5.2 6.5.3

6.6

Using Carrier Layers and Cell Layers ..................................................... 99

6.6.1 6.6.2 6.6.3 6.6.4 6.6.5

6.7

Defining GSM and GPRS Carriers ................................................................ 95 Setting a BCCH Allocation Rule for TCH Allocation ...................................... 96 About GSM Frequency Bands ....................................................................... 96 About Carrier Layers...................................................................................... 99 Defining Carrier Layers ................................................................................ 100 About Cell Layers ........................................................................................ 101 Defining Cell Layers..................................................................................... 102 Making Carrier Layers Usable on a Sub-Cell .............................................. 103

About Templates .................................................................................. 106

6.7.1

Adding a Template for a Site or Node ......................................................... 107

6.8

Adding Sites or Nodes Using the Map View .......................................... 108

6.9

Setting Sub-Cell Parameters and Thresholds ....................................... 109

6.9.1 6.9.2 6.9.3

About the Signal Threshold and Pathloss Prediction Radius ...................... 110 Example of Using Signal Thresholds for Overlay/Underlay ........................ 111 Example of Using the Signal Offset ............................................................. 113

6.10 Viewing and Editing Antenna Configurations ....................................... 114 6.10.1 6.10.2 6.10.3 6.10.4

Using Instance IDs to Distinguish Antennas ............................................. 114 Moving Antennas in the Map View ............................................................ 116 Reorientating Antennas in the Map View .................................................. 117 Using Antenna Slots .................................................................................. 118

6.11 Quickly Viewing and Editing Site or Cell Information ........................... 119 6.12 Session Summary Checklist ................................................................ 122

7

Fields, Filters and Visualisers 123 7.1

Objectives of this Session ..................................................................... 123

7.2

Using Fields in ENTERPRISE .............................................................. 123

7.2.1 7.2.2

7.3

Using Filters in ENTERPRISE .............................................................. 127

7.3.1 7.3.2 7.3.3 7.3.4 7.3.5 7.3.6 7.3.7

7.4

Examples of Field Definitions ...................................................................... 124 Viewing and Editing Fields for Network Elements ....................................... 125 Purpose and Uses of Filters ........................................................................ 128 Creating a Dynamic Filter using the Filter Wizard ....................................... 129 Creating a Static Filter using the Filter Wizard ............................................ 134 Adding a Filter Using the Selection Expert .................................................. 135 Editing and Deleting Filters .......................................................................... 140 Exporting Filters using XML Export ............................................................. 141 Making Your Dynamic Filters More Efficient ............................................... 142

Using Visualisers .................................................................................. 143

7.4.1 ASSET Training Guide (GSM) Version 7.0

Adding Visualisers ....................................................................................... 144 Page 7

7.4.2 7.4.3 7.4.4

7.5

8

Session Summary Checklist ................................................................. 146

Predicting Pathloss and Displaying Coverage


8.2

Predicting Pathloss ............................................................................... 147

8.3 8.4

Displaying Coverage for a Single Site or Cell ............................................. 154

Creating Coverage Arrays .................................................................... 155

8.4.1

8.5

About Primary and Secondary Predictions .................................................. 148 Using the Pathloss Prediction Generator .................................................... 151

About Displaying Coverage .................................................................. 153

8.3.1

Creating Coverage/Interference Arrays (Non-Sim) ..................................... 155

Displaying Coverage Arrays ................................................................. 157

8.5.1 8.5.2 8.5.3 8.5.4 8.5.5 8.5.6 8.5.7

Example of Best Server Array ..................................................................... 158 Defining Coverage Schemas for GSM (Non-Sim) Arrays ........................... 159 Setting Display Properties for a GSM (Non-Sim) Array............................... 160 Creating and Displaying Coverage Simultaneously .................................... 161 Displaying Service Area Arrays ................................................................... 161 Viewing the Cell Signal Difference .............................................................. 163 Displaying Coverage for Specific Carriers ................................................... 164

8.6

Producing Coverage Reports/Statistics................................................. 165

8.7

Using the Array Manager ...................................................................... 166

8.7.1 8.7.2 8.7.3 8.7.4

8.8

Loading a Specific Array .............................................................................. 168 Saving Arrays .............................................................................................. 168 Deleting Arrays ............................................................................................ 168 About the Array Clipboard ........................................................................... 169


Traffic Planning on a GSM Network

171

9.1


9.2

About Terminal Types........................................................................... 171

9.3

Adding a Terminal Type ........................................................................ 172

9.3.1 9.3.2 9.3.3

9.4

9.5

About Vector Attribute Traffic Rasters ......................................................... 179 About Distributional Statistics ...................................................................... 180 About the Traffic Units ................................................................................. 180 About the Additional Traffic Arrays .............................................................. 180

Creating a Traffic Raster ....................................................................... 181

9.5.1 9.5.2 9.5.3 9.5.4

9.6

Adding a Terminal Type for GSM (Non-Sim) .............................................. 172 Adding a Terminal Type for GPRS (Non-Sim) ............................................ 173 Determining the Distribution of Traffic ......................................................... 174

About Traffic Rasters ............................................................................ 178

9.4.1 9.4.2 9.4.3 9.4.4

Page 8

147

8.1

8.2.1 8.2.2

9

Changing the Display Properties of Visualisers .......................................... 144 Copying and Resetting Display Properties of Visualisers ........................... 145 Exporting and Importing Display Properties of Visualisers ......................... 145

Creating a Traffic Raster with Specified Values .......................................... 182 Creating a Vector Attribute Traffic Raster.................................................... 183 Displaying Traffic Rasters ............................................................................ 185 Scaling Traffic Rasters................................................................................. 185

Running the Static Traffic Analysis ....................................................... 186 ASSET Training Guide (GSM) Version 7.0

9.6.1 9.6.2 9.6.3 9.6.4 9.6.5

9.7

10

Capturing Traffic and Applying Values to Sub-cells .................................... 187 Calculating the Carrier Requirements ......................................................... 188 Displaying Traffic per Sub-Cell on the Map View ........................................ 189 Displaying Blocking Per Sub-Cell on the Map View .................................... 191 About Channel to Transceiver Maps ........................................................... 192


Planning Neighbours

197

10.1 Objectives of this Session ................................................................... 197 10.2 About Neighbours in ASSET ............................................................... 197 10.3 Creating Neighbours ........................................................................... 198 10.3.1 10.3.2

Creating Neighbours in the Map View ....................................................... 198 Creating Neighbours in the Site Database ................................................ 199

10.4 Using a Simple CSV File to Add or Remove Neighbours ..................... 201 10.5 About the Neighbour Planning Wizards ............................................... 202 10.5.1 10.5.2

Using the Prediction-based Neighbour Wizard ......................................... 203 Setting the Prediction-based Neighbour Plan Parameters ........................ 204

10.6 About the Neighbour Analysis ............................................................. 206 10.6.1

Performing a Neighbour Analysis .............................................................. 207

10.7 Displaying Neighbours......................................................................... 215 10.7.1 10.7.2 10.7.3 10.7.4

Displaying All Neighbours .......................................................................... 215 Displaying Neighbours for an Individual Cell ............................................. 216 Cross-referencing the Neighbour Analysis with the Map View ................. 217 Customising the Display of Neighbours..................................................... 218

10.8 Committing All First Order Neighbours of a Cell .................................. 219 10.9 Converting Inward/Outward Neighbours to Mutual .............................. 219 10.9.1 10.9.2

Converting Neighbours in the Site Database ............................................ 219 Converting Neighbours using the Neighbour Analysis .............................. 220

10.10 Session Summary Checklist .............................................................. 221

11

Interference and Frequency Planning 223 11.1 Objectives of this Session ................................................................... 223 11.2 Frequency Planning in ASSET ............................................................ 223 11.3 Editing Carrier Allocations Manually .................................................... 224 11.4 Analysing a Frequency Plan ................................................................ 225 11.4.1

How to Analyse a Frequency Plan ............................................................ 226

11.5 Generating Cell Information Reports ................................................... 227 11.6 Generating Frequency Plan Reports ................................................... 228 11.7 About the Interference Table for GSM ................................................. 229 11.7.1 11.7.2 11.7.3

Creating an Interference Table for GSM ................................................... 230 Loading an Interference Table for GSM .................................................... 235 Viewing an Interference Table for GSM .................................................... 236

11.8 About the GSM Interactive Frequency Analysis ................................... 241 11.8.1 11.8.2 11.8.3 ASSET Training Guide (GSM) Version 7.0

Prerequisites for the Interactive Frequency Analysis ................................ 243 Running the Interactive Frequency Analysis ............................................. 244 About the Interactive Frequency Analysis Dialog Box ............................... 246 Page 9

11.8.4 11.8.5

Changing Carrier Allocations in the Frequency Analysis .......................... 251 Linking the Frequency Analysis with the Map View .................................. 254

11.9 Planning BSIC Colour Codes for GSM ................................................ 255 11.9.1 11.9.2 11.9.3 11.9.4 11.9.5

Setting Up BSIC Schemas ........................................................................ 256 Prerequisites for the BSIC Planner............................................................ 257 Running the BSIC Planner ........................................................................ 258 About the BSIC Report Dialog Box ............................................................ 259 Applying the Planned BSICs to the Database ........................................... 265

11.10 Session Summary Checklist .............................................................. 266

12

Generating Reports

267

12.1 Objectives of this Session ................................................................... 267 12.2 Generating Reports and Statistics ....................................................... 267 12.3 Generating Statistical Reports for Arrays ............................................. 268 12.3.1

Results of the Statistical Reports for Arrays .............................................. 269

12.4 Generating Database Reports ............................................................. 272 12.4.1 12.4.2 12.4.3 12.4.4

Generating Site/Node Reports .................................................................. 272 Generating Cell Information Reports ......................................................... 273 Generating Frequency Plan Reports ......................................................... 274 Generating Reports of Uncommitted Changes ......................................... 275

12.5 Session Summary Checklist ................................................................ 277

13

Setting Up Dual Band Networks

279

13.1 Objectives of this Session ................................................................... 279 13.2 About GSM Frequency Bands ............................................................. 279 13.3 Overview of Dual Band Networks in ASSET ........................................ 280 13.3.1 13.3.2

Prerequisites for Dual Band Configuration ................................................ 280 Antenna Sharing in ASSET ....................................................................... 281

13.4 Configuring a Dual Band System ......................................................... 282 13.4.1

Configuring a Dual Band System using a Template .................................. 283

13.5 Viewing Coverage of the Dual Band Site ............................................. 284 13.6 Session Summary Checklist ................................................................ 286

14

Planning GSM Data Services 287 14.1 Objectives of this Session ................................................................... 287 14.2 Overview of GPRS .............................................................................. 287 14.3 Defining the Targets of the GPRS Service........................................... 288 14.4 Defining Data Service Settings ............................................................ 289 14.4.1 14.4.2 14.4.3

Setting GPRS Channel Coding Schemes ................................................. 289 Defining Timeslot Distribution .................................................................... 290 Setting the Occupancy Table .................................................................... 292

14.5 Enabling GPRS on the Cells in the Site Database ............................... 293 14.6 Calculating and Analysing the GPRS Service Area ............................. 294 14.7 Defining Terminal Types for Data Services.......................................... 294 Page 10


14.8 Creating a GPRS Traffic Array ............................................................ 295 14.9 About the GPRS Arrays....................................................................... 297 14.9.1 14.9.2 14.9.3

GPRS Data Rate Array .............................................................................. 297 GPRS Average Data Rate per Timeslot Array .......................................... 298 GPRS Service Area Data Rate Array ........................................................ 298

14.10 Generating the GPRS Arrays ............................................................ 299 14.11 Capturing Traffic and Analysing Capacity Requirements ................... 300 14.12 Process Summary for GPRS Analysis ............................................... 300 14.13 Session Summary Checklist .............................................................. 302

15

What's New in ASSET 7.0?

303

15.1 LTE Support ........................................................................................ 303 15.2 Carried Traffic Analysis ....................................................................... 304 15.3 Interference Table Functionality .......................................................... 305 15.4 Antenna Instance IDs .......................................................................... 308 15.5 Google Earth Support .......................................................................... 309 15.6 Extended Character Set Support ......................................................... 311 15.7 Licensing Configurations and Permissions .......................................... 312

Index


315

Page 11

Page 12


SECTION 1

1 Introduction to the ASSET Training Course ASSET is a planning and analysis tool that provides a complete range of functionality for the design and simulation of cellular networks. A wide range of technologies are supported, including: GSM, GPRS, UMTS (FDD), joint GSM/UMTS, CDMA2000, EVDO, Fixed WiMAX and Mobile WiMAX, and LTE. To create and use any of these networks, you need to have the appropriate technology licence. In general, if required, multiple technologies can be used within the same project. Functionality includes hierarchical network planning, propagation modelling, service definition, neighbour list definition, automatic frequency planning, analysis arrays, detailed reporting, and simulation of network performance. In addition, measurement data can be used for a variety of purposes.

1.1 Overview of the ASSET GSM-GPRS Training Course This document provides notes and supporting material for the ASSET Version 7.0 User Training Course for the GSM-GPRS technologies. This course is intended for competent radio planners who want to understand how to use the ASSET tool when planning GSM-GPRS networks. It is not intended to be any kind of radio planning course (separate theory courses are available). It is assumed that the tool has been installed and a suitable database configured by the system administrator. Details of how to install ENTERPRISE and how to set up a new database source are not covered by this course, but are covered by the ENTERPRISE Administration Course.


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1.2 Course Objectives The course is delivered in a sequence of sessions, enabling delegates to gain confidence in using the ASSET tool. The course is intended to enable delegates to: Have a basic understanding of the ENTERPRISE database Define new projects or use existing projects Understand how to use the Geographic Information System (GIS) Create and use vectors and polygons Set up a GSM Network Use fields, filters and visualisers Perform coverage planning Set up traffic and capacity planning Perform neighbour planning Create interference tables and perform tasks for frequency planning Generate reports Understand how to plan multi-layered (dual band) networks Understand the GPRS functionality in ASSET Gain awareness of the new ASSET features in V7.0 For more detailed and precise handling of GSM & (E)GPRS networks, AIRCOM has developed a simulation engine. This is an additional licensed module and is recommended for operators with large networks and technologies covering: GSM and (E)GPRS, or GSM & UMTS. This course does not cover the use of the simulation engine.

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SECTION 2

2 Introduction to ENTERPRISE 2.1 Objectives of this Session During this session you will learn about: The ENTERPRISE tools suite The ENTERPRISE database and its contents The two-stage Commit process

2.2 The ENTERPRISE Tools Suite The ENTERPRISE suite of products incorporates a range of advanced tools which provide valuable integrated support in the areas of planning, optimisation and performance management. As well as operating standalone, the tools can operate seamlessly together, sharing critical information without duplication. The ENTERPRISE products link to a common industry standard relational database (RDBMS) where you can store all your network data. In addition, ENTERPRISE products use the same user-friendly Geographical Information System (GIS) to give you a common interface. The ENTERPRISE products are: Product

Description

Administrator

For specifying and configuring your database, projects and users

ADVANTAGE

For automatic cell planning and network optimisation

ARRAYWIZARD

Automated tool for pathloss predictions and coverage arrays

ASSET

Radio network planning and information management for cellular networks

CONNECT

Network transmission and microwave link planning software

DATASAFE

Configuration management solution

DIRECT

Transmission and core network capacity planning and dimensioning tool

AIRCOM OPTIMA

Network performance monitoring, reporting and management

OSSEXPERT

For automating optimisation tasks


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Product

Description

RANOPT

For efficiently finding faults in your network, and optimising and validating network performance prior to commercial launch

WEBWIZARD

Web-based GIS and report distribution

ENTERPRISE can be 'run' in a number of configurations: In an office environment over a Local Area Network (LAN) Between offices using a Wide Area Network (WAN) Standalone on a laptop computer in the office or field The following diagram depicts the key functional elements of the system and their interrelationships:

2.3 Obtaining User Assistance Using Online Help ENTERPRISE products come with a complete system of online Help which you can access in three ways: From the Help menu, click Help Contents. Scroll through the table of contents and choose a relevant topic to display. To search for something particular, from the Help menu, click Help Contents and using the Index tab or Search tab, type in a letter or word to start searching for relevant topics. Press F1 in a dialog box to view context-sensitive help (available for most dialog boxes). If you are using ENTERPRISE within a CITRIX environment, to ensure that the Help graphics are displayed, set your display settings to support more than 256 colours.

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Using ENTERPRISE User Reference Guides If you prefer to read printed content, we also provide User Reference Guides. To view or print these as PDFs (portable document format): 1

Ensure you have an appropriate PDF reader installed on your PC.

2

Click Start on the taskbar, point to Programs, then AIRCOM International, then ENTERPRISE, then Docs. - or Navigate to the Docs folder in the location where you installed the product. If neither of these exists, please contact your administrator.

3

Double-click the PDF file that you want to view.

If you have a customer web account, you can also download the latest User Reference Guides from our website. Checking Release Notes Each release of the ENTERPRISE software is accompanied by Release Notes, giving important information on system requirements, installation, known issues, upgrades and so on. You can download these notes from our website. For any further documentation, such as application notes and extra reference information, please email the support team at the address described in Obtaining Support on page 17.

2.3.1 Obtaining Support If you have a difficulty you cannot resolve yourself using the online Help or Reference Guides, or you have found a possible fault in the software, you can log a support request. You may also wish to contact us if you want to: Register for a customer web account to access the Support area Obtain further documentation, such as application notes and extra reference information Logging Support Requests Online To log a support request online: 1

Go to the AIRCOM website, at www.aircominternational.com.

2

Click the link for Product Support Login.

3

Log in, using your customer web account username and password.

4

In the Technical Support pane, click Online Helpdesk.

5

Click Log New UTS Call.

6

Type the details of your request, and then click Submit.


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Contacting us by Telephone or Email If you wish to contact us directly, here are the contact details of our regional offices: Location

Regional Office

Contact Details

Europe

United Kingdom

Tel : +44 1932 442000 Fax :+44 1932 442005 [email protected]

Middle East, Africa and Central Asia

Belgium

[email protected]

France

[email protected]

Germany

[email protected]

Italy

[email protected]

Sweden

[email protected]

United Arab Emirates

Tel : +971 4 391 2642 Fax :+971 4 391 8141 [email protected]

South Africa

Tel : +27 11 745 1475 Fax : +27 11 465 1517 [email protected]

Americas

Mexico

[email protected]

USA

Tel : +1 214 576 2700 Fax : +1 214 576 2794 [email protected]

Asia and Oceania

Brazil

[email protected]

Singapore

Tel: +65 6372 0548 Fax: +65 6372 0350 [email protected]

China

Tel: +86 2162792779 Fax: +86 2162792855 [email protected]

India

Tel: +91 124 4848200 Fax: +91 124 4517878 [email protected]

When contacting us with a support query, it would help us if you: Give us as much information as possible about the problem and the context in which it occurred State the version and build you are using Have all the details of your query to hand Are logged into the ENTERPRISE application Can send extracts of your data sets if we need them to reproduce your problem

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2.3.2 Obtaining Further Information and Services As well as comprehensive online Help and User Reference Guides and dedicated Product Support, AIRCOM provides: Online Knowledgebase of Articles If you register for a customer web account, you can view our searchable technical database in the Product Support section of the AIRCOM website. This Knowledgebase contains articles created by our support professionals who have resolved issues for our customers, and is constantly updated, expanded, and refined to ensure that you have access to the very latest information and frequently asked questions. Power Tools If you register for a customer web account, you can download from a selection of useful power tools, such as file conversion utilities. Latest Copies of the User Reference Guides If you register for a customer web account, you can download the latest User Reference Guides (PDFs) from our website. If you do this, please check the table in the About This Manual section for additions or corrections. Consultancy Services AIRCOM also provide full radio consultancy services in Network Audits, Business Planning Support, Licence Applications, Radio Network Planning, Telecommunications Research and System Modelling and Propagation Analysis and Modelling. Training There is a wide variety of courses run by AIRCOM. These courses range from tool training to technology training. For details, contact Competence Development Solutions ([email protected]).

2.4 The ENTERPRISE Database The ENTERPRISE database is common to all the tools. ENTERPRISE 7.0 supports Oracle 10 and 11, and a number of Windows platforms, which are described in the release notes supplied with the product. The database typically resides on a dedicated server computer connected to your network. The ENTERPRISE software is then installed and run from client workstations connected to the same network. In an optional stand-alone configuration, it is necessary to install the Oracle database on the same PC as the ENTERPRISE client.


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2.4.1 Database Contents The ENTERPRISE database stores all of the parameters required to fully describe the network being modelled. For ASSET this includes details of items such as (but not limited to): Project definition settings (such as map projections, directory settings, and so on) Switching Equipment Physical Locations Sites/Nodes Cells Carriers Neighbours Propagation Models Antenna Radiation Patterns Radio Equipment Details (for example, Feeders, Mast Head Amplifiers, and so on) The full list of items is too large to present here but can be found in the database table descriptions included in the Database Reference Guide.

2.5 The Two-Stage Commit Process Data is stored in the database in two types of tables: 1

The COMMIT Tables, which contain the master set of data accessible to all users.

2

The DIFFERENCE (DIFF) Tables, which contain provisional changes to the master Committed tables, for each individual user.

When a user makes a change to the database, the change is first "APPLIED", which means that the change is stored in that user's "DIFF" tables and can only be seen by that user. When the user is satisfied that the change is correct and that all users should be aware of the new network data, it can then be "COMMITTED" to the master tables using the 'COMMIT' or 'COMMIT ALL' buttons. The COMMIT button saves selected changes within an open window to the database, whereas the COMMIT ALL button saves everything within that window to the database. This two-stage process for storing data in the database enables users to experiment with new designs without affecting other users, until satisfied with that particular change.

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If a change has only been 'Applied' to the database it is possible to use the RESTORE button in the Site or Link Database window to revert back to the previous Committed state.

The two-stage Commit process

The changes committed to the database by one user will not be visible to another user until the project is re-started (that is, after logging off and on again).


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2.6 Session Summary Checklist This checklist has been provided as a self-assessment of the objectives stated at the beginning of the session. Please tick all objectives covered in this Session: The ENTERPRISE tools suite The ENTERPRISE database and its contents The two-stage Commit process

Additional Notes:

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SECTION 3

3

Setting Up the Project 3.1 Objectives of this Session In this session you will learn how to: Start the ENTERPRISE suite application Login to the ENTERPRISE database Create a new project Set up the project with the appropriate co-ordinates and map data directories Set the required technology

3.2 Starting ENTERPRISE Once your system administrator has set up the ENTERPRISE database and created a user account for you, you can start ENTERPRISE and create a new project ready for planning work. To start ENTERPRISE, from the Windows Start Menu select: Start>All Programs>AIRCOM International>ENTERPRISE V7.0>AIRCOM ENTERPRISE Suite Once you have started ENTERPRISE, the main toolbar will appear along the top of the screen, with tabs corresponding to the different modules available. Which tabs you see depends on which modules have been licensed.

Example of tabs - these correspond to the different modules that have been licensed and installed


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3.3 Logging into a Database Before you can log in to a database, an administrator must have used the ENTERPRISE Administrator program to set you up as an authorised user of a database. For information on using this product, see the ENTERPRISE Installation and Administration Guide. To log in to a database: 1

Ensure the Database Login dialog box is open. If it is not, from the File menu, click Login or click the Login button

.

The Database Login dialog box appears:

2

On the Database Login dialog box, ensure the correct database is shown in the Data Source box.

3

Choose whether to log into ENTERPRISE: By typing in a username and password as set up by your administrator.



Automatically, using authentication from the operating system (OS) where you are connected automatically to the database if the server confirms that you exist. This means you do not have to use a separate password here.

4

Click Login.

5

If you belong to the Administrators group, you have the additional choice of:

6

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



Logging in as yourself.



Impersonating another user who is not already logged into the project. For example, to create new objects on their behalf.

Select which user to log in as then click OK.


3.4 Creating a New Project When you have logged into a database, the Start Project dialog box appears, showing any projects that are currently available within the database. However, if you have permission to do so, you can also create a new project. To do this: 1

In the Start Project dialog box, click Add.

2

If you have no existing projects, go to step 3. If you have existing projects, the Table Selection dialog box appears:

Choose to: 

Use new project data - or -



Share existing project data

Only share data if your map data cannot be contained within a single projection or zone as then you will need multiple projects to accurately model the site co-ordinates. You cannot share projects whose project data is already shared. For more information, see Using Shared Data on page 26. 3

If you choose to share project data, select the project whose data you want to share from the drop down list. This project will subsequently appear at the top level of the tree shown in the Start Project dialog box with the new project shown underneath.

4

If ENTERPRISE has been set up with a settings database schema, the Project Defaults field is enabled in the Table Selection dialog box. You can use the browse button to select a .stt file containing user settings to be used as defaults in the new project. For more information about the settings schema, see Database Settings Management in the ENTERPRISE Installation and Administration Guide.


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5

In the Modify Project dialog box, set up your project including: 

On the Map Data Directories tab, enter the locations that contain the various index files for map data elements you are using. If your map data does not contain a particular element, leave the box for that type of data blank.



On the User Data Directories tab, specify paths for certain user preferences, such as favourite views. Also indicate if you want to load in all your own user vectors, all the user vectors for the people in your group, or all user vectors. For information on setting up groups, see the ENTERPRISE Installation and Administration Guide.

More information about what to specify on all the tabs of the Modify Project dialog box is given in the following sections. 6

When you have entered all the required information on the tabs, click OK.

3.4.1 Using Shared Data Sharing data between projects in the same database is useful in countries where the radio network spans more than one co-ordinate projection system. For example, Australia could span seven different UTM projection zones, each requiring different settings to obtain the correct co-ordinate conversion between spherical co-ordinates (latitude/longitude) and Cartesian co-ordinates (grid). In this case, it would be possible to set up seven different projects, one for each set of map data but have them all connected to the same set of database tables containing network data.

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You could also use shared data in conjunction with loading a region or sub-set of a project. For example, you could have one project where all the sites are visible and a number of sub-projects each with different load areas. Shared projects are shown in the Start Project dialog box as a hierarchy, with the project whose data is shared at the top level and the newer project as a sub-folder. Only two levels are permitted:

Shared Projects Shown in the Start Project Dialog Box

If you have anything shared between projects, for example antennas, and you export and re-import as a new project in the same database you will get a message telling you that you are re-importing duplicate information. This message appears for each data point on an antenna, so ideally, do not try and re-import items that are shared between projects.

3.4.2 About the Modify Project Dialog Box To access the Modify Project dialog box, in the Start Project dialog box, select the required project and click Info.

3.4.2.1 Overriding Database Directory Settings Your ENTERPRISE administrator should have configured the database directory settings for all the projects stored in the database, so you will not usually want to override database directory settings. However, if you are working remotely with a copy of the database on a laptop and no longer have a connection to the map data file server, you must override the global settings by selecting the Override Database Directory checkbox, then setting these directories to be your local ones: Map data Predictions Preferences Colour palette You cannot override any other settings unless you have administrator privileges. If you have created user vectors that you want to use on the laptop, you will need to import the vector files to your new folder.


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3.4.2.2 About the Coord System Tab The map co-ordinate system is used to translate between geographic co-ordinates and Cartesian co-ordinates based on the projection system which the mapping data uses. It is important to set this correctly because mapping data is only valid for the particular co-ordinate system to which it relates. ENTERPRISE is designed to work with one (and only one) projection/ellipsoid combination per project. The projection/ellipsoid settings for the project MUST match the settings for the map data that will be used since the map data is stored in Cartesian not spherical co-ordinates. On the Coord System tab of the Modify Project dialog box, you can set which coordinate system group, co-ordinate system, datum and unit of measurement are used. You can also set the Co-ordinate System data values for a visualisation co-ordinate system which enables you to specify geographic co-ordinates using a different datum to that specified by the map co-ordinate system. You might use this so that geographic co-ordinates reported by a GPS receiver could be entered directly into ENTERPRISE, regardless of the map co-ordinate system. Do not set a visualisation co-ordinate system if you have already created sites as they will shift locations. On this tab, you can also: Create and edit datums and ellipsoids Select which MapInfo projection setting will be used for MapInfo vectors data in the project Import and export your settings

3.4.2.3 About the Map Data Directories Tab On the Map Data Directories tab of the Modify Project dialog box, enter the locations that contain the various index files for the map data categories you are using (for example, clutter, heights and so on). You can either use the Browse option to find the directory, or type in the pathname. It is essential that you set up your map data directories to point to the correct folders. If your map data does not contain a particular category, leave the box for that type of data blank. In the Backdrops box, specify a path to a folder that can contain map backdrops and aerial photos as sub-folders. For example:

An index file and data file(s) should exist in each of the sub-directories.

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3.4.2.4 About the User Data Directories Tab On the User Data Directories tab of the Modify Project dialog box, you can specify directory paths for certain categories of user data. You can do this either by typing the path, or using the Browse option. Important : It is strongly recommended that you do not share the same directory paths between different databases It is also recommended that you set these directory paths to be unique per project (rather than shared between projects), and enter paths to directories that are currently empty The above advice is especially applicable to the Prediction directory, because it simplifies the management of prediction files. To specify the directory paths: 1

Specify a path for User preferences, to store your favourite views.

2

Specify a Prediction directory where all your pathloss predictions will be stored. You can also view any prediction folders already known to the database, using the drop-down box. You should ensure that all users of this project have adequate read/write permissions for the files and folders in the specified directory.

3

Specify a value that represents the maximum disk space you want to reserve for the storage of prediction files. For information on specifying this value, see About the Prediction File Caching System on page 30.

4

In the colour palette box, specify a path to a text file that details the RGB values for the 253 colours that are used in your project.

5

Specify a path for coverage or interference arrays that you may want to save.

6

Specify a path where you will store your user vectors (lines, polygons or points), and indicate if you want to load: 

Your own user vectors only



The user vectors for everyone in your Group



All user vectors that exist in the database

This depends whether the paths to other people's user vectors are shared. If the user vector folder is shared between users, you should be aware that any folder deletion will impact other users trying to use that folder until they restart that project. If you want to edit other people's user vectors, you will need the correct permissions, which are set by your administrator.


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About the Prediction File Caching System Prediction files contain data that can be freshly regenerated at any time, but, as this process takes time, it is more efficient to store the files on the disk every time they are created, and manage them as a cache of precalculated data. Therefore, in ENTERPRISE, the concept behind the storage of the prediction files is that they are stored on disk and remain stored, even if they become 'invalid' due to changes to the cell parameters or locations. The major benefit of this is that they can be reused whenever they become 'valid' again. It is evident from the above approach that, on some occasions, the disk might become full and consist of many unwanted prediction files. For this reason, these files are automatically managed within ENTERPRISE by a caching algorithm, which can dispose of unwanted files on the basis of specific criteria. As a vital input to this algorithm, you need to specify the maximum disk space for the storage of these files, on a per prediction folder basis. This limit must be specified on the User Data Directories tab of the Modify Project dialog box.

Example of Setting Maximum Disk Space for Prediction File Storage in the Modify Project dialog box

Notes : The default value, if selected, represents 80% of the free disk space on the drive where the prediction folder exists. The specified settings for maximum disk space are stored in a configuration file in the root of the prediction folder. The concept of the Prediction File Caching System is also described in the Predicting Pathloss and Displaying Coverage section of the ASSET User Reference Guide, including the speed, efficiency and benefits involved in the creation and loading of prediction files. The caching algorithm is described in the ASSET Technical Reference Guide.

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3.4.2.5 About the Map Data Extents Tab On the Map Data Extents tab of the Modify Project dialog box, click Calculate for ENTERPRISE to read the map data and set the grid co-ordinates so that the whole of the mapped area can be viewed. An automatic border of 5% is included. This means that when the map is first opened, it will display the correct part of the World. If the extents look incorrect, it is likely that erroneous points exist in one of the map data index files. If you require only a part of the mapped area, then these can be set manually to cover a smaller area, by entering the grid co-ordinates of the extent of the map that you want to be visible in the Map View window.

3.4.2.6 About the Region Load Tab Use the Region Load tab of the Modify Project dialog box to load only sites or nodes in a specified region, which can be either a polygon or rectangle. By loading a sub-set of site data, ENTERPRISE can run faster. You can create a polygon within an open project, with your sites and required map layers visible on the Map View. Then, after closing the project, you can use that polygon to define the region. After selecting to use a region load, when you open the project, the title bar indicates that you have a region loaded. The project will contain: All 'Committed' network elements (sites, nodes, links, repeaters and so on) that are inside the region you have chosen All 'Applied-only' network elements (sites, nodes, links, repeaters and so on) relating to the individual user, regardless of the chosen region All hierarchy-related MSCs and BSCs, WMSCs, RNCs, SGSNs, CDMA MSCs, CDMA BSCs and the Properties they are on, regardless of the chosen region

3.4.2.7 About the Info Tab Use the Info tab of the Modify Project dialog box to add supplementary information about your project. This tab displays the time and date when the project was created and when it was last modified. If required, you can enter a brief description of the project and any further comments related to it.


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3.5 Setting the Required Technology for your Project Setting up your preferences is the next step after you have set up and opened a project, and before you begin planning a network. It is essential that the correct technology is activated for your project. To do this: 1

From the File menu, click Preferences.

2

In the Preferences dialog box, click the Technology tab.

3

Select the technology type(s) you require.

4

Click OK. Notes: The technology options are always dependent on what licences you have. In general, multiple technology modes can be used within the same project. Only the 2g technologies are mutually exclusive.

This picture shows an example of the Technology tab in the Preferences dialog box:

Preferences Dialog Box - Technology Tab

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3.6 Viewing Settings for the Current Project Once a project is open, you can view its settings: From the File menu, click View Project Settings. You cannot modify the settings in this dialog box. If you want to modify them: 1

Close the current project by clicking Close Project on the File menu.

2

Again from the File menu, click Open Project and select Info>>.

3

Edit as needed.

3.7 Message Log Window The message log window opens automatically when a project is started and contains confirmation Messages, Warnings and other types of messages. This is very useful for troubleshooting purposes.

Message Log window


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3.8 Exercise: Starting a Project This exercise will enable you to set up a new project prior to commencing Radio Planning. 1

Launch the ENTERPRISE suite from the Windows Start Menu.

2

Select the correct data source, login to the database with the appropriate user name and password: Data Source User Name Password

3

In the Start Project dialog box, click on the Add button.

4

In the Table Selection dialog box, select the New Project data option, then click Continue.

5

In the Modify Project dialog box, name your new project “JerseyCom”.

6

On the Co-ordinate System tab, click the Change button and choose the following settings: Group

Universal Transverse Mercator

System

Zone 30N (6W to 0W)

Datum

WGS84

Linear Unit

METERS

7

On the Map data directories tab, define all available mapping data for the project.

8

On the User data directories tab, complete all settings.

9

On the Map Data Extents tab, click the Calculate button.

10 In the Modify Project dialog box, click OK. 11 In the Start Project dialog box, select your newly-created "JerseyCom” project and click Start.

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3.9 Session Summary Checklist This checklist has been provided as a self-assessment of the objectives stated at the beginning of the session. Please tick all objectives covered in this Session: Start the ENTERPRISE suite application Login to the ENTERPRISE database Create a new project Set up the project with the appropriate co-ordinates and map data directories Set the required technology

Additional Notes:


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SECTION 4

4

Using the GIS and Other Visual Tools 4.1 Objectives of this Session During this session you will learn about: Opening a new 2D View window Using the 2D View window Using the Zoom and Panning functions Saving Favourite Views Printing from the 2D View

4.2 Introduction The GIS is a fundamental part of the ENTERPRISE suite in which you can view the different data available within ENTERPRISE including site data, connectivity and mapping data. The GIS is also referred to as the Map View or 2D View. The Map View and Site Database window are fully synchronised so that changes made in one window are reflected in the other. Similarly, when you click on a network element or property in the Map View, an open Site Database window will update dynamically to display the selected item.

4.3 Opening the 2D View Window The Map View window is a fundamental part of the ENTERPRISE suite in which you can view all the different elements of your network including site data, connectivity and mapping data. As with all windows, the Map View window and Site Database window are synchronised so that changes you make in one are reflected in the other. For example, when you click something in the map, the Site Database window updates dynamically. You can have more than one Map View window open to view different areas of the network.


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To open a Map View window: On the main toolbar, click the New 2D View button

.

– or – From the View menu, click New 2D View. A blank Map View window opens. If you want the Map View window to stay always on top of other windows on your desktop, right-click the window title and click Always On Top. This picture shows an example Map View window:

Map View window

There are many buttons included in the 2D View, which are arranged into toolbars with different functions. We will now look at each of these toolbars in turn and discuss their functions. You open multiple 2D View windows to display different kinds of data simultaneously.

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4.4 Using the 2D View Window There are many ways in which you can use the 2D View to display, select and search geo-data and network data.

4.4.1 About the Map View Toolbar This toolbar is always shown on the Map View window:

The Map View toolbar

The toolbars and buttons that you see are always dependent on the products you have installed. For specific information, see the relevant User Reference Guide. This table describes the tools available on the Map View toolbar: Tool

Description Select object. This button is also useful for deactivating any previously selected options (such as Pan or Zoom). Selection Filter toolbox. For more information, see Adding to the Selection Filter Using the Map View Window on page 136. Clear Selection Filter. Zoom around the centre of the Map View. Zoom to the extent of a rectangle that you draw on the Map View. Pan around the Map View. Quick finder. Jump to location. Display site tips. Key legend. Show data types for display. Favourite views. Create new vector. Vector manager. Hot track mode. Pixel select mode.


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4.4.2 Displaying Map Data To see what available data types can be displayed on a map: In the Map View window, click the Show Data Types button

.

– or – Use the Data Types tab of the Map Information and Control dialog box, available by clicking the Key/Legend button

.

Here is an example of the available data types:

The data types available for display include vectors, text, backdrops, height data, clutter data, site filters, cell information, network connections and coverage. Before you display anything else, display some standard line data, such as coastline, then zoom to the area you are interested in. This will ensure you do not slow down your PC by trying to display rasters, such as heights and clutter data, for whole areas that you are not interested in.

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To expand a category and see the data types beneath it: Click the + sign. To display a data type on the map: Ensure you have selected the checkbox next to the type:

Selecting Data Types

For User Vectors and Measurements, WFS Services, and Clutter Data, you can select a category or sub-category and all items within that category are automatically selected and will be displayed:

Similarly, clearing the checkbox for the whole category will mean all items are no longer selected. If you are using the Data Types dialog box, to return to the Map View window click OK & Redraw. To change the display style of any data category: 1

In the Data Types dialog box, double-click the category name.


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2

The appropriate Display Properties dialog box appears, enabling you to change the properties of the displayed data.

The different properties shown will depend on the item selected. 3

To save the changes, click OK, and then click OK & Redraw to display the change. After you have customised the colours and styles for each item these will be automatically saved for future sessions.

If you want to display 'rasterised' data such as heights or clutter, ensure that you are not zoomed out too far. This kind of data can require a large amount of RAM to display - the amount being a function of the area being displayed divided by the area of a single pixel of the rasterised data (resolution). If the area you have selected requires more physical RAM than your PC has available the drawing process will be VERY slow. Therefore, it is recommended to draw some vector data first in order to navigate to the required view area (this requires much less RAM) before displaying the heights or clutter data.

4.4.3 Ordering the Data Shown on the Map If you have many items displayed simultaneously on the Map View window, you may want to manage the order in which they are displayed, so that one thing is not hidden by another. To select the order in which the selected data types are displayed:

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1

Click the Key/Legend button

.

2

In the Map Information and Control dialog box that appears, click the Layer Order tab.


This tab shows the currently selected data types in the order they are displayed on the map, with the highest item in the list being the last one to be displayed on the map.

To select more data types for display, use the Data Types tab of this dialog box. 3

To move a data type up or down in the order, select the required layer and click the up or down arrow buttons as required then click Redraw to automatically redraw the Map View window with your changes.

4

To delete data layers, select the data layer(s) that you want to delete, then click the Remove Selected button. You can also click Remove All. Both these buttons are the equivalent of clearing the checkboxes in the list of data types.

5

Double-clicking an item on the Layer Order tab brings up the display properties dialog box in which you can change how items are displayed in the usual way.

You can also use the Map Information and Control dialog box for: Displaying and changing items in the legend. Selecting data types for display.


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4.4.4 Selecting Items on the Map To select items in the Map View window, click the Select button

.

This is selected by default. If you have performed another function, for example, moving sites, you may need to click the Select button to return to Select mode.

4.4.5 Selection Expert Toolbox The various buttons contained within the Selection Expert toolbox allows for easy selection of elements to be placed into a 'Selection' filter. The selected elements will then appear in the Selection Expert where they then can be saved or exported as a filter.

This functionality will be covered in the Session on Filters and Fields.

4.4.6 2D View Context Menu You can open the 2D View Context menu by right-clicking in the display area of the 2D View window. This is a versatile menu that contains some of the most useful display control features, which are described in this table: Item

Description

Redraw

Refreshes the screen after manipulating data. This is also linked to the Key/Legend window to update all listed data.

Mouse Zoom

Zooms into a desired location by defining the required areas with a resizable box.

Menu Zoom

In contrast to the above, this function zooms to: A set multiplication factor (x_) A set window size (_km) The previous view (Last) A defined home view (Home) The current view will determine whether zooming in or out will occur.

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Item

Description

Add to Favourites

Stores frequently used Map Views, which includes remembering both the visual layers displayed as well as the exact region, zoom level and resolution selected. To quickly toggle between the different favourite views, use the Favourites drop-down list on the Map View Toolbar:

These can be stored, and optionally shared amongst other users. Organise Favourites

Offers a way of renaming or removing existing favourites.

Set Home

Sets the Home view and specifies the zoom level with which any new 2D View window initially opens.

4.4.7 Viewing Attribute Data on the Map as a Screentip In ENTERPRISE, you can display network element data in the Map View window as screentips, which appear as you hover over cells/repeaters in your network. This picture shows an example for UMTS, where the cell ID, azimuth, carrier and scrambling code are displayed as screentips for the closest cell:

Viewing attributes on a site as screentips


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To do this: 1

On the Map View toolbar, click the Display Site Tips button

.

The Site Tip Attributes dialog box appears:

2

In the Available Attributes pane, expand the required network element, and either: 

Click the name of the attribute that you want to display on the Map View, and click the right arrow button - or -



Select the checkboxes of the attribute(s) that you want to display on the Map View

The attributes are added to the Selected Attributes pane. Tips: 

If you want to remove an attribute from the Selected Attributes pane, select the required attribute and click the left arrow button



.

If you want to re-order the way that the attributes will be displayed, click the up and down arrow buttons to change the position. The attribute at the top of the list is displayed first and the attribute at the end of the list is displayed last.

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3

When you have selected all of the required attributes, click OK. The chosen attributes are then available as screentips when you hover the mouse over the cell. Your chosen attributes are saved for future use. However, if you close and reopen

the Map View, you will need to click the Display Site Tips button Site Tips.

again to see the

4.4.8 Searching the Map View Window with the Quick Finder You can search the Map View window using the Quick finder dialog box. This enables you to locate items such as a location, Property, link or piece of text or attributes such as carried traffic. This picture shows an example where any Property ID containing the number 56 is listed in the Quick Finder dialog box and highlighted with an arrow in the Map View window:

Using the Quick Finder with the Map View

If the Quick finder dialog box has not been used before, you will need to set it up. For more information see Setting Up the Quick Finder on page 49.


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To search the map using the Quick finder: 1

Click the Quick finder button

.

2

In the first drop-down field select the item that you wish to search for.

3

In the second drop-down field, if applicable, refine your search by selecting a parameter to search for. The item and parameter that you have chosen are shown in "Look for" field.

4

If you have selected a parameter at step 3, click the button by the "Where" field. "Where" in this context is used to mean for example, find all cells where the cell ID includes the text "site." You can specify an expression to be applied to the search of your chosen item and parameter by selecting an operator and a value. The operators available depend on the parameter selected and can include regular expressions. You can also select the Not option to locate items that do not match the expression or value chosen.

5

Optionally click the button by the "Search in" field. For all items except text a drop-down list enables you to choose whether to search in a filter, a view, or in existing search results. If you choose to search in: 

A filter, specify which filter



A view, use the Click View button to select one



Existing results, a subset of these that match your refined search criteria will appear in the "Results" field after you click the Find button

For text items a drop-down field enables you to choose whether to search all text or just the text currently displayed in the Map View window. 6

7

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Optionally click on the button by the "Highlight on view" field. You can use this to determine how your search results are to be identified in the Map View window. You can choose: 

An arrow or a target symbol to highlight the item



The colour of the arrow or target



The colour of the surround (halo) around the arrow or target



The colour of the symbol (dot) representing the item



Whether or not text identifying the item is displayed



The colour of the text used



The size and transparency of the arrow or target used

Click Find. Your search results are shown in the Map View window and listed in the Quick finder dialog box under the "Results" field.


You can select the Append option if you want the current search results to be retained and appended to the results of your next search. This table shows the options available if you right-click on any of the results listed: Select This Option

To Do This

Select All

Select all the items in the search results list and highlight all the associated features in the Map View window.

Re-centre in view

For single selected items, position the item in the centre of the Map View window.

Re-centre and zoom in view

For single selected items, position the item in the centre of the Map View window and zoom in to 5km.

Quick Edit

Change the parameters associated with a GSM or UMTS item.

Generate report

Create a report including all the items shown in the list of search results.

Save as selection filter

Create a selection filter that can subsequently be used to display the items identified by the search in the Map View window. For more information on filters, see Using Filters in ENTERPRISE on page 127.

4.4.8.1 Setting Up the Quick Finder If the Quick finder dialog box has not been used before, you will need to set it up by selecting the criteria, such as network elements and parameters, that you want to have available to choose from when searching. To set up the Quick finder dialog box: 1

Click the Quick finder button picture shows an example:

. The Quick finder dialog box appears. This

2

Click

3

Choose the items that you want to have available for selection in the drop-down list. You can do this by clicking on individual items or you can right-click and choose to Select All or Deselect All.

4

Click OK. Your chosen items are listed in the drop-down list. They will continue to be listed there whenever the Quick finder dialog box is opened for this project, unless you subsequently change your choice of listed items by the same method.

5

In the first drop-down field, select the first item.

by the first drop-down list to open the Select/Deselect Items dialog box.


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6

Click by the second drop-down list to open the Select/Deselect Parameters dialog box.

7

If applicable, choose the parameters associated with this item that you want to have available for selection in the drop-down field. You can do this by clicking on individual parameters or you can right-click and choose to Select All or Deselect All.

8

Click OK. Your chosen parameters for this item are listed in the drop-down field. They will continue to be listed there whenever the Quick finder dialog box is opened for this project, unless you subsequently change your choice of listed parameters for this item by the same method.

9

To choose parameters for other search items, in the first drop-down list, select the next item and then repeat steps 6 to 8 until you have chosen parameters for all applicable items.

4.4.9 Map View Gadgets Window The Map View Gadgets window provides information about a particular pixel/point on the 2D View. The Gadgets window can be either attached and detached at the bottom of the 2D View. 1

In the 2D View, from the View menu, click Show Map View Gadgets.

The Gadgets window opens.

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2

You can choose which information will be displayed in the Gadgets window by clicking the Edit Map Information button

3

.

Add items as required (for example, Building Height, Visibility, and so on) by selecting the item in the 'Available items' pane and clicking the Add button to move them to the 'Selected items' pane. Similarly, to remove items, select the item in the 'Selected items' pane, and then click Remove to return the item to the 'Available items' pane.

You can change how the location is displayed and the building heights are calculated by double-clicking the item in Gadgets window. To begin with, the Gadgets window is attached to the bottom of the 2D View window, but it can be detached and then moved to any location (including another 2D View window is more than one is open). To do this, from the View menu click Pin Map View Gadgets. Clicking this option again will re-attach the window to the bottom of the 2D View.


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4.4.10

About the Master View

The Master View window is a small-scale map, which indicates with a rectangle the position of any currently opened map view. To open the Master View window: From the View menu, click Master View.

To choose what data is displayed on the Master View: 1

On the Master View, right-click and from the menu that appears, click Properties.

2

In the Data Types dialog box, select the data you require:

You can edit the display properties of a data type by double-clicking it. 3

Click OK & Redraw.

You can scroll your Map View using the Master View window. To do this, drag the rectangle to the required position.

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4.5 Moving Around the Map There are several ways of zooming in and out on the map. While in Zoom mode, you can hold down Shift to change temporarily to Pan mode. This is useful for zooming and then scrolling and zooming again.

4.5.1 Zooming In on the Map This table describes how you can zoom in: To Zoom In On a particular place

Do This Click the Zoom button

and click on the map where you want the centre of the zoom to be.

– or – Click the Zoom button and click and hold the left mouse button down while dragging the mouse downwards on the map. Using the mouse to select a boxed area (method one)

Using the mouse to select a boxed area (method two)

Click the Zoom Box button . Click and hold down the left mouse button on the map where the centre of the box will be and drag the mouse to create a box. Release the mouse button. The Map View window redraws to display only the area selected. The aspect ratio of the region will match that of the current map view. Click the Zoom button then hold down Alt. Click where you want the upper left of your area to be and drag the mouse towards the lower right area to create a rectangle. The Map View window redraws to display only the area selected. The aspect ratio of the region will match that of the current map view.

To a set width (km)

Right-click anywhere on the Map View window, and point to Menu Zoom then click the required width.

To a set magnification

Right-click anywhere on the Map View window, and point to Menu Zoom then click the required magnification (for example, x5)..

To a previous or defined Home view

Right-click anywhere on the Map View window, and point to Menu Zoom then click Last or Home.

To stop zooming, either click another button, the Select Arrow button or the Display Data Types button.


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4.5.2 Zooming Out on the Map Zoom out by doing one of these: Click the Zoom button of the zoom to be.

, and right-click on the map where you want the centre

Click the Zoom button , hold down Ctrl and click on the map where you want the centre of the zoom to be. Click the Zoom button and click and hold the left mouse button down while dragging the mouse upwards on the map. While using either of the above you are in Zoom mode. You can hold down Shift to change temporarily to Pan mode. This is useful for zooming and then scrolling and zooming again. Right-click on the map, and point to Menu Zoom then click the required zoom, for example, x0.5. To stop zooming, either click another button, the Select Arrow button or the Display Data Types button.

4.5.3 Saving a Favourite Zoomed View You can temporarily set a level of zoom as your Home and return to it during the current session of ENTERPRISE. To do this: 1

In the Map View window, right-click and from the menu that appears click Set Home.

2

To return to this level of zoom, right-click, point to Mouse Zoom then click Home. For information on setting up permanent favourite views, see Saving a Favourite Map View on page 55.

4.5.4 Shortcut Keys for Zooming This table shows the shortcut keys that you can press when in different modes. You have to press these keys after selecting the mode and before clicking the map:

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Mode

Ctrl

Alt

Shift

Zoom

Zoom Out

Mouse Zoom

Pan

Zoom Box

Mouse Zoom

-

Zoom

Pan

-

-

Zoom


4.5.5 Repositioning the Map To reposition the displayed data: 1

Click the Pan button

.

The cursor changes to a hand shape. 2

Click and hold down the left mouse button and drag the data to the required location. You can continue to drag until you are happy with the displayed data.

3

To cancel the panning function, click another toolbar button.

4.5.6 Redrawing the Map When you have added or removed display items, you may need to redraw or refresh the information shown in the Map View window. To do this: In the Map View window, right-click and, from the menu that appears, select Redraw.

4.6 Saving a Favourite Map View You can save a map view as a favourite. This means you can easily return to a predefined working environment which includes the screen position of the Map View on your desktop, display attributes and coverage, interference and traffic arrays, the resolution of height, building heights and clutter arrays. You can also store favourites, and share them among other users. To save a favourite map view: 1

In the Map View window, right-click.

2

From the menu that appears, point to Favourites and click Save.

3

In the dialog box that appears, type a name for the favourite and choose what optional information to store with it. If you have run any coverage or interference arrays, or traffic rasters, you can save them all now by selecting the appropriate checkbox(es). The favourite is stored in the Preferences folder that you have defined on the User Data Directories tab of the Modify Project dialog box.

To access a favourite view: Select the name of the view on the toolbar:


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4.6.1 Editing and Deleting Favourite Views To edit or delete a saved favourite: 1

In the Map View window, from the View menu, point to Favourites and click Organise.

2

In the dialog box that appears, select the favourite you wish to edit or delete then click the appropriate button, Edit or Delete.

3

If you selected Edit, edit the favourite and click OK.

4

Click Close.

4.7 Using GIS Export You can export map information for use with: MapInfo Google Earth To export map information to MapInfo® format, it is recommended that you have MapInfo® software installed on either your computer or a computer within your network. Information held in the Map View labels is translated into MapInfo attributes or Google Earth extended data. Vector layers are already in MapInfo format. There is an example of exporting data to Google Earth on page 309. To run the GIS export: 1

2

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For items that you want to export, in the Map View window, double-click the item in the list of Data Types, and either: 

In the Display Properties dialog box that appears, click the GIS Export tab. - or -



For the All filter, in the Display Properties dialog box that appears, click the General icon at the top of the list.

Choose to export your data as a raster image, rectangle, polygon or as symbol points. If you select raster image, also choose the type of output file. If you intend to use your output with Google Earth Pro, select one of the GeoTIFF output file types. This table describes the options available: Option

Description

Output files

Raster Image

Usual image format where each pixel of an item is given a colour.

As selected in the list of Data Types in the Map View.

The colour white is marked as the 'transparent colour', which improves the usability of the export in MapInfo format (especially when exporting multiple layers).

Also accompanied by a TAB file.


Option

Description

Output files

RLE Rectangles

Contains run-length encoded rectangles. This scans the coverage array and encodes consecutive pixels with the same value into rectangles in the MapInfo output. So you have multiple small rectangles representing the coverage area rather than one larger polygon.

MID/MIF file pair - or TAB/DAT file pair

Benefits : Fast method, and MapInfo software handles the results more easily. Drawbacks : The file size is larger and may prevent analysis in MapInfo. Polygons

Creates a true polygon for each coverage area but requires more processing time.


Symbol points Exports display filters as scalable font symbols. These are set for each filter and for each visualiser. Symbol points are only available on filters and visualisers and are not available on other MapInfo property pages.


Due to MapInfo software and font limitations the export may not reproduce the exact appearance of the Map View.

3

In the Map View window, from the File menu, click GIS Export. If you do not have MapInfo® software installed then you will be prompted to browse for a file called MAPINFOW.PRJ. If you do not have this file, click OK, then in the Open dialog box, click Cancel and then OK. If you do not browse for the MAPINFOW.PRJ file, then a Non-Earth projection will be used when producing the exported map information.

4

In the GIS Export dialog box, either: 

Type the name of a folder to which you want to export the output files, and then add a filename prefix - or -

 5

Click the Browse button , locate the folder to which you want to export the output files, and then enter a filename prefix

If you are exporting image files, choose whether or not to include a TAB file. If you are exporting polygons or rectangles, choose to generate either TAB/DAT or MID/MIF files (and which version). If you are exporting symbol points, choose to generate either TAB/DAT or MID/MIF files unless you are exporting for Google Earth, in which case choose KML files. If you choose KML files you can also choose to have your KML file opened in Google Earth automatically on export.

6

If you are exporting a large array, it is recommended to split the output array into tiles. To do this, select the 'Split the export' option, and then select the required number of tiles.

7

Select a projection from the list of projections (unless you are exporting symbol points for Google Earth in which case a projection is not required).


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The MapInfo CoordSys pane will be empty and greyed out when using NonEarth projection.

8

Click OK. A progress bar will appear and ENTERPRISE proceeds to export all selected layers to the selected formats. A different file is created for each layer.

4.8 Printing Maps In ENTERPRISE, you can print the whole contents of a Map View window, or specific areas of it. You can also choose to print on paper, or to a file for archiving, including in reports and so on.

4.8.1 Customising Page Layout for Printing Maps To set up how the contents of the Map View window will print: 1

On the Map View window, from the File menu, point to Print Setup and click Printer and Page Layout. The Page Setup dialog box appears; the settings default to those assigned by the Windows printer driver.

2

Specify the page size, source and orientation and change the printer as required then click OK. Do not change the margins here as these are not used by ENTERPRISE.

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3

From the File menu, point to Print Setup and click Legend and Title and specify any title, copyright and comments that you require. The default title is Untitled or the last used title of the current session.

4

Also choose whether to print the default logo or a different one. As this is a raster format, you may need to experiment with various image sizes to obtain the best image on the hard copy printout. Any number of colours can be used (monochrome to 24-bit colour).


5

Select the Print to Scale checkbox if you want to scale your mapping data appropriately. For example, if a 1:100000 scale is used on the output, every centimetre on the printout will represent 1 kilometre. The midpoints of the current view are used as the centre of this printout.

6

Click OK.

7

From the File menu, click the Print Preview button to see what the printout will look like and to choose where on the page you want the key, the map and the scale. For example:

8

When you are satisfied, either: 

Print the whole map as shown in the Map View window



Print a defined area of the map



Print the map or area of map to file


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4.8.2 Printing the Map To print the whole contents as shown in the Map View window: 1

Set up the page layout as required.

2

From the File menu, click Print.

4.8.3 Printing a Specific Area of the Map View Window To print a specific area of map rather than the whole contents of the Map View window: 1

Set up the page layout as required.

2

On the Map View window, from the File menu, click Print Area.

3

Using the cursor, click and drag to select an area of map that you want to print. The Print Preview dialog box appears so you can check the map before printing. Note that:

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

The scale used is that found in the current view



The region displayed may vary so that the scale may be maintained, based on paper size, layout and so on



If you select the Print to Scale option in the Print Legend, only the centre point of the area selected is used and also depending on paper size and the layout of the print, the region will most likely be resized to maintain scale


4.9 Exercise: Using the 2D View and Favourites This exercise will show you how to display and capture different types of mapping data through the 2D View window. In your JerseyCom project, open a 2D View window and display the following data types, before saving each as a favourite: 'Main View' Favourite 1

2

Display: 

Coastline (Colour - Black, Width - 1)



Main-roads (Colour - Grey)



Streets (Colour - Brown)

Save as a favourite and name it 'Main View'.

'Height Block Data' Favourite 1

2

Display: 




Block Height data (Colour - Green, Min 0, Interval 5, Resolution 50m, Min Height Colour - White)

Save as a favourite and name it 'Height Block Data'.

'Airport' Favourite 1

Display: 




Map Backdrop/AirPhoto Backdrop (Display Coloured)

2

Use the 'Jump to Location' button (5451026).

, to search for Easting (558579) and Northing

3

Use the Zoom facility to display the Airport Runway.

4

Save as a favourite and name it 'Airport'.

Now, click the drop-down list at the top of the 2D View, and review the favourites that you have created and verify that they were saved correctly:


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4.10 Session Summary Checklist This checklist has been provided as a self-assessment of the objectives stated at the beginning of the session. Please tick all objectives covered in this session: Opening a new 2D View window Using the 2D View window Using the Zoom and Panning functions Saving Favourite Views Printing from the 2D View

Additional Notes:

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SECTION 5

5

Vectors and Polygons 5.1 Objectives of this Session In this session you will learn about: Creating user polygons and other vector file features - lines, points and text Adding features to a vector Adding attributes to a polygon Viewing attributes Importing vector/polygon data Classifying vectors

5.2 Overview You can create and display your own vector file features, which are saved with the project. There are a number of different types of vector file feature, which are described in the following table: Feature Type

Description

Polygon

A set of points connected by lines that form a closed shape.

Line

Two or more points connected by lines that form an unclosed shape.

Point

A geometric element that has no dimensions, and whose position is based on its coordinates.

Text

A set of words or letters.


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This picture shows an example vector file feature (displayed in red):

Example polygons

5.3 Creating Your Own Vector File Features To create your own vector file features: 1

Ensure you have specified a system vector folder and user vector folder in your project. For more information, see About the Map Data Directories Tab on page 28 and About the User Data Directories Tab on page 29. It is recommended that you set these directory paths to be unique per project (if you have multiple projects). If the user vector folder is shared between users, you should be aware that any folder deletion will impact other users trying to use that folder until they restart that project.

2

Ensure you have a Map View window open with the required area displayed.

3

From the Map View window toolbar, click the Create new vector button

.

-or Press Ctrl + E. Page 64


The Vector Manager appears:

The vector file features are organised in separate sub-folders (for example Buildings, Transportation Routes and so on). When you use the Create new vector button , the new vector file feature is added to the uppermost sub-folder folder that has its classification set as 'Unclassified'. If no such sub-folder exists, then a New Folder is automatically created. You can also create a new vector directly in the Vector Manager. To do this, from the Options menu, click: 

Add Vector, if you want to create a new vector and store the tab file in the folder defined for User (line) vector data on the User data directories tab of the Project Settings dialog box. For more information, see About the User Data Directories Tab on page 29.



Add Vector to Folder, if you want to create a new vector and store the tab file in a different folder.

4

In the Vector Structure Editor, type a name for the new vector.

5

Click Add to add an initial attribute to the vector: 

Enter an attribute name, for example Population



Choose whether you want the value to be a float, integer or string



Click OK

For a full description of attributes, see Defining Attributes for a Vector File Feature on page 67. ASSET Training Guide (GSM) Version 7.0

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6

If you selected the Add Vector to Folder option, then in the Browse for Folder dialog box that appears, select the folder in which you want to store the vector:

- or If you clicked the Create new vector button or the Add Vector menu option (or you click Cancel in the Browse for Folder dialog box), the tab file is stored in the folder defined for User (line) vector data on the User data directories tab of the Project Settings dialog box. For more information, see About the User Data Directories Tab on page 29. A new blank vector tab file with its own sub-folder in the User Vectors folder is automatically created. 7

To rename the folder, right-click and select Rename, type the required name and then click OK.

8

To create the new vector file feature, for example the path of a new road or an area that you want to define, select the new vector tab file and select the required button, depending on what you want to create. The following table describes the available options: Click this button

To create A line, or set of lines, in a vector. A polygon (a closed shape). A point. A text item.

For more information on the different types of vector file features, see the ENTERPRISE User Reference Guide.

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9

In the Map View window, follow the appropriate instructions depending on which feature you are creating: If you are creating a

Do this

Line

1. Click the start point and all the subsequent points, as required. 2. Double-click the final point to complete the line.

Polygon

1. Click the start point and all the subsequent points. 2. Double-click the final point to complete the polygon.

Point

Click the location at which you want to add the point.

Text item

1. Click the location on the Map View window at which you want to add the text. 2. In the dialog box that appears, type the required text. 3. Click OK.

10 You can now add attributes to the vector or polygon. For more information on how to do this, see Defining Attributes for a Vector File Feature on page 67. In the Vector Manager, you can save your vector file feature changes. To do this: From the Options menu, click Save All. For more information on saving and exporting vectors, see Saving and Exporting Vectors on page 77. In the Vector Manager, you can also delete vectors. To do this: 1

Select the vector that you want to delete.

2

From the Options menu, click Remove Vector.

5.3.1 Defining Attributes for a Vector File Feature When you are creating a vector file feature, you can add attributes to it. Attributes can include such information as salary, quality of area, population data and so on, that you can assign a value to. If your vector file feature contains more than one feature (for example, two polygons), they will share the same attributes. To add an attribute: 1

In the Vector Manager, right-click the required vector file feature and click Structure.

2

In the Vector Structure Editor dialog box, click Add.

3

In the dialog box that appears:

4



Enter an attribute name, for example Population



Choose whether you want the value to be a float, integer or string

Click OK and the attribute is added to the list.


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5

To specify which columns are used in statistics reports, in the Attribute name columns pane, type the required row numbers, each separated by a comma. In this example, only CountyName will be displayed in statistics reports:

For more information about setting values for the attributes, see Managing Vector File Features on page 70.

5.3.2 Editing Lines and Polygons In the Vector Manager, you can edit lines and polygons in a number of ways: To move a particular point in the line/polygon to another location, click the Move Point button location

, click the point that you want to move, and then click the new

To move an entire line/polygon (including any holes or islands) to another location, select the line/polygon that you want to move (using the Select Shape button

), click the Move Shape button

and then click the new location

To delete a particular point in the line/polygon, click the Delete Point button and click the point that you want to delete To delete a line/polygon, select the polygon/line using the Select Shape button , and then click the Delete Shape button

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.


To append an existing line with another line: 

Select the line using the Select Shape button



Click the Append Existing Vector button



Add the new line as required.

.

To add a point to an existing line/polygon: 

Select the line/polygon using the Select Shape button



Click the Insert a Point within a Shape button



Add the new point as required.

.

.

For information on how to save your changes, see Saving and Exporting Vectors on page 77. - or If you do not want to save your changes, right-click the required vector and click Undo All Changes. You can also create holes in polygons, or islands (two or more separate shapes that are still treated as the same polygon). For more information on how to do this, see Creating Holes or Islands For Polygons on page 74.


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5.3.3 Managing Vector File Features After you have created vector file features, and defined attributes for them, you can manage them in the Table Browser, by: Setting values for the attributes Highlighting specific features within a vector in the Map View window Searching for details of specific features within a vector To do this:

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1

Right-click the required vector file.

2

From the menu that appears, click Table Browser:


The Table Browser dialog box appears. This picture shows an example:

The top pane lists all of the features (polygons, appended polygons, lines, points and so on) that belong to the vector file feature. Each feature is individually numbered (in the Feature# column) based on its sequence of creation within the vector file feature. The associated attribute columns correspond to the attributes already defined for the vector file feature. To set the attribute values: 1

In the top pane, select the required feature, and double-click the attribute value that you want to edit.

2

Type the required value and press Return.


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This picture shows an example:

To highlight specific features in the Map View window: 1

In the Display selection pane, choose whether you want to have the selected feature: 

Highlighted in the Map View window - or -

 2

Highlighted and focused in the centre of the Map View window

In the top pane, select the required feature from the list. The selected feature is highlighted (and if applicable, centred) in the Map View window:

To search for specific details of features: 1

In the Search pane, select the item(s) on which you want to search - you can search on the feature 'number', and/or any number of the attributes.

2

To define the search criteria for one of the items, double-click the corresponding Expression row, and in the dialog box that appears, select the required options and click OK. If you are searching based on more than one item, you should do this for each item.

3

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Click Search.


The Table Browser highlights the features and attribute values that match the chosen search criteria. This picture shows an example:

Tips :

4



If you just want to display the search results, select the Display search results only checkbox.



To highlight each of the search results in order, click the arrow buttons

.

To create a new vector containing a sub-set of the features displayed in the search results: 

Ensure that the Display search results only checkbox is selected.



Select the checkboxes for the required features under the Feature# column:



Click Create vector.

A new vector is created in the Vector Manager, and its name is displayed in the Message Log. ASSET Training Guide (GSM) Version 7.0

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5.3.4 Creating Holes or Islands for Polygons After you have created a polygon, you can add a hole to represent a sub-section within it. For example, your polygon may encompass the whole of a city, but you may want to have a centre section representing the densely-populated city centre, with the outer section representing the less densely-populated suburbs:

Example Hole in Polygon

In this way, you can, for example, generate population statistics based on the suburbs only or the centre only, and plan separate strategies accordingly. Alternatively, you may want to represent certain sub-sections of one area, but not the area as a whole. To model this, you can create separate islands for a main polygon. For example, blocks of flats spread across a wide area:

Example Island for a Polygon

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To add a hole or island to a polygon: 1

Ensure you have a Map View window open with the required area displayed.

2

From the Tools menu of the Map View window, click Vector Editor. - or From the Map View window toolbar, click the Vector Manager button

.

- or Press Ctrl + R. The Vector Manager appears:

3

Click the Select Shape button , and in the Map View window, select the polygon to which you want to add the hole or island.

4

From the Vector Manager toolbar, click the Append Existing Polygon

5

In the Map View window, click the start point and all subsequent points of the polygon, either inside an existing one (which would make it a hole) or somewhere else on the Map View (which would make it an island).

button.

All points of the hole must be within the same polygon. 6

To link up the two ends of the polygon, double-click.

7

To save the polygon, from the Options menu, click Save. For more information on how vectors can be saved, see Saving and Exporting Vectors on page 77. When you select the hole or island, the main polygon should be selected too, and vice versa.


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This picture shows a polygon with a smaller island to its right:

You can add extra lines to existing lines or sets of lines in a similar way:

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1

Click the Select Shape button , and in the Map View window select the line or set of lines that you want to add an extra line to.

2

From the Vector Manager toolbar, click the Append Existing Vector button.

3

In the Map View window, click the start point and all subsequent points of the line.

4

To finish the line, double-click.

5

To add the line to the database, from the Options menu, click Save.


5.3.5 Saving and Exporting Vectors After you have created or edited the vectors in your project, you can save them in a number of ways. You can: Save them locally with the current MapInfo projection setting included, so that you can use the vector data in other tools, for example, MapInfo. Save them to the default vector folder. To check where this is, from the File menu, click View Project Settings. On the Map data directories tab, the default vector folder is defined as the Line (Vector) Data folder. Export them locally, without the current MapInfo projection setting. Saving Vectors Locally To save vectors to a local folder: 1

In the Vector Manager, select: 

The vector name, if you want to save a vector and all of its associated files



The individual vector file, if you want to save a single file as a vector

2

Right-click, and from the menu that appears, click Save Copy As.

3

In the dialog box that appears, browse to the folder in which you want to save the vector file feature. If you are saving an individual vector file, you must also specify the TAB filename.

4

Click OK. The selected file(s) are saved to the chosen location, using the MapInfo projection setting defined in the project settings.

Saving Vectors to the Default Vector Folder To save vectors to the default vector folder: In the Vector Manager: 

Right-click the required vector name and from the menu that appears, click Save - or -



Select the required vector, and from the Options menu, click Save

The selected vector is saved to the default vector folder. If you want to save all of the vectors that you have created, from the Options menu, click Save All.


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Exporting Vectors To export vectors to a local folder, which saves an exact copy of the original file without including the current MapInfo projection setting: 1

In the Vector Manager, select: 

The vector name, if you want to export a vector and all of its associated files



The individual vector file, if you want to export a single file as a vector

2

Right-click, and from the menu that appears, click Export.

3

In the dialog box that appears, browse to the folder in which you want to export the vector file feature. If you are exporting an individual vector file, you must also specify the TAB filename.

4

Click OK. The selected file(s) are exported to the chosen location.

5.4 Importing Vector File Data You can import selected vector file data from MapInfo format TAB files into the database at any time. To import vector file data: 1

In the Vector Manager, right-click a folder or top level node and from the menu that appears, click Import Vector File:

A new vector file feature is created and the vector data file is imported. If the vector file feature consists of a single TAB file, the import is complete. 2

If the vector file feature is made up of multiple TAB files, you should now rightclick the new vector file feature name and from the menu that appears, click Import Vector File. The vector file feature is updated with the additional TAB file.

3 Page 78

Continue to add TAB files, until all of the files have been imported. ASSET Training Guide (GSM) Version 7.0

If the vector file feature has any missing files, it is still loaded and the missing files marked with a red cross.

5.5 Classifying User Vector Files You can classify your user vectors so that you can subsequently search for and display only those vectors that belong to the classification you are currently interested in. This is achieved by assigning classifications to sub-folders in the Vector Manager and then moving vectors into the appropriate sub-folders. The ability to classify user vectors can be particularly beneficial when using the following items in ENTERPRISE: Map Information & Control / Data Types (Map View window) Select Vectors dialog box (Statistics dialog box) Select Exclusion Polygons dialog box (Measurements Toolbox) Vector Attribute Gadget Properties (Map Information pane, from Map View Gadgets) This table shows the available classifications and the vectors that should be associated with them: Use This Classification

For Sub-folders Containing Vectors That

Building Line Measurement

Point

Polygon Postal Code

Text Unclassified

specify building heights display only polygon properties contain only lines display only line properties are non editable contain only point features display only point properties (the display variable is preset to show power) display x and y coordinates, and power, in the Table Browser contain only point features display only point properties display x and y coordinates in the Table Browser contain only polygons display only polygon properties specify postal codes display only point properties display x and y coordinates in the Table Browser contain only text display only text properties do not fit any other classification

To create a sub-folder in which to place, for example, all your Roads vectors: 1

In the Map View window, from the Tools menu, select Vector Manager.

2

Right-click on User Vectors and Measurements.

3

Click on Add Folder. A new folder called New Folder 1 appears on the vector tree.

4

Right-click on New Folder 1.

5

Click on Rename and type an appropriate name such as Roads.


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You should ideally have sub-folders for each of the classifications shown in the table, ensuring that each one has the appropriate classification. To assign a classification to a sub-folder: 1

In the Vector Manager, right-click on the sub-folder in the vector tree to which a classification is to be assigned.

2

Click on Classifications. A submenu appears. This picture shows an example:

3

Click on the required classification. The classification is assigned to the sub-folder such that any vectors placed in that sub-folder belong to the sub-folder's classification.

To re-classify a user vector file:

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1

In the Vector Manager, right-click on the vector file to be re-classified.

2

Click Cut.

3

Right-click on the sub-folder representing the classification to which you want the vector to belong.

4

Click Paste. The vector file appears under the chosen sub-folder in the vector tree and inherits the classification assigned to that sub-folder.


For an example of how useful the vector classifications can be, here is a picture of the Select Vectors dialog box that is displayed when you are producing a Statistics Report for an array, and wish to restrict the statistics to one of more vectors. Notice how you can use the Advanced pane to limit the types (classifications) of vector that are listed for selection:

Example of Select Vectors dialog box

5.6 Exercise: Creating and Displaying Vectors This exercise will show you how to create and display vectors in the 2D View. 1

In your JerseyCom project, open a 2D View window and display the 'urban' clutter regions.

2

Open the Vector Manager.

3

Create a user polygon called 'Urban Polygon' consisting of two features - two polygons around each of the Urban clutter regions.

4

Display the Urban Polygon in the 2D View.

5

Change the display properties, filling the polygons in red.

6

Save the view as a favourite called Urban Polygon.


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5.7 Session Summary Checklist This checklist has been provided as a self-assessment of the objectives stated at the beginning of the session. Please tick all objectives covered in this Session: Creating user polygons and other vector file features - lines, points and text Adding features to a vector Adding attributes to a polygon Viewing attributes Importing vector/polygon data Classifying vectors

Additional Notes:

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SECTION 6

6

Setting up a GSM Network 6.1 Objectives of this Session In this session you will learn about: Importing and committing antennas into the database Setting up an appropriate propagation model Using XML exports and imports Defining carriers Defining carrier layers and cell layers How to define a site template Setting the cell parameters in the Site Database Adding sites in the Map View Editing antenna configurations Quickly editing site/cell information

6.2 Importing Antennas The database stores detailed information regarding the antenna types you will use in your network. In particular it stores the horizontal and vertical radiation patterns (or “masks”) used when calculating the coverage from a particular cell. The simplest way of entering this data into the tool is to import it from a file supplied by the antenna manufacturer. ENTERPRISE supports various formats, including PlaNet/EET and XML. The steps described here relate to the PlaNet format: 1

From the File menu, point to Import, then Project Data, and click the PlaNet/EET option.


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2

Click the Antennas tab and select the checkbox at the top left to enable the import.

If you do not select the Add to all projects checkbox, the antennas are available for assignment to cells for the project you currently have open. If you select the checkbox, they are available to all projects within the database. 3

Click the Add button.

4

The Explorer window appears.

5

Navigate to the location where your PlaNet format antenna files are stored on the network. Select the antenna files you want to import and click Open. The antennas are then added to the import list within the PlaNet Import dialog box.

6 Page 84

Click Import. ASSET Training Guide (GSM) Version 7.0

The antennas now appear in the Cellular Antennas dialog box, which can be accessed from the Equipment menu. This example shows the information stored under the Mask tab:

Example of Cellular Antennas Dialog Box

If necessary, you can move antennas from one folder to another. You should Commit the newly imported antennas to the database. The easiest way to do this is to click the Commit All button.

6.3 Setting Up Propagation Models Propagation models are mathematical attempts to model the real radio environment as closely as possible. Most propagation models need to be tuned (calibrated) by being compared to measured propagation data, otherwise you will not be able to obtain accurate pathloss predictions. Carrier Wave measurements (survey data) help you produce an accurate propagation model that functions correctly. No model could be applied with accuracy to every situation, and the choice of model is not as important as the fine tuning that you do according to the environment. Normally this calibration process is carried out by a specialist. For the purposes of this training course we will use the Enhanced Macrocell model, which is has several advantages over the Standard Macrocell model.


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6.3.1 About the Enhanced Macrocell Model In addition to the Standard Macrocell models, there is an Enhanced Macrocell model. Like the Standard models, it incorporates an optimal dual slope loss model with respect to distance from the base station. It also incorporates algorithms for effective base station heights, diffraction loss, and the effects of clutter. The Enhanced Macrocell model has the following distinct characteristics compared to the Standard Macrocell models: On the pathloss calculation parameters for the model, you can specify the slope and intercept model parameters (k1 and k2) independently for LOS and NLOS. The appropriate parameters are used dynamically during propagation calculations by identifying where there is LOS and NLOS. On the effective antenna height for the model, an extra Knife-Edge based option is available for selection. On the diffraction options for the model, you can also specify a maximum number of knife-edges to consider, and an extra option (Giovaneli) is available for selection. It is advantageous to use this model in environments containing hilly terrain. The model tuning process for this particular model has been improved, and is more user-friendly. For the above reasons, it is generally recommended that you use the Enhanced Macrocell model rather than the Standard Macrocell models. For the purposes of this model only, the definitions of LOS and NLOS are as follows: A point is considered to be LOS if there are no obstructions in the direct path between the transmitter and receiver. However, it is still possible to have some diffraction loss if any terrain falls within the first Fresnel zone of the transmitted ray A point is considered to be NLOS if it suffers any diffraction loss, that is, one or more points along the transmit/receive path are inside the 1st Fresnel zone

6.3.2 Adding an Enhanced Macrocell Model To add the Enhanced Macrocell Propagation Model:

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1

From the Configuration menu, click Propagation Models.

2

In the dialog box that appears, click Add.

3

Choose Enhanced Macrocell, and click Add.

4

If, for this model, you want the prediction system to perform bilinear smoothing on the height data when predictions are created, select the 'Smooth height data when predicting' checkbox. This is useful if you sometimes predict at a resolution for which height data is not available.


5

Click the

button.

6

On the General tab, set up the general parameters, including the frequency and effective earth radius. The Standard Deviation of Interference can be used when running the Interference Table wizard (dynamic method), and also when using the Neighbour Planner wizard. The default value is 7.5dB.

7

On the Path Loss tab, set the various model parameters. For suggested values, see Recommended Starting Parameters for the Enhanced Macrocell Model on page 88.

8

On the Eff Ant Height tab, choose the effective site antenna height calculation method to be used.

9

On the Diffraction tab, choose the diffraction loss calculation method to be used. You can also set the knife-edge parameters.

10 On the Clutter tab, you can specify Correction values to allow for different pathloss characteristics in different clutter environments. To do this, click and edit the required values for each clutter category. When specifying the Clutter options in your propagation models, it is generally recommended that you only specify or edit the Offset-loss values. In order to do this, ensure you leave the correction distance at 0.00, so that the correction value is only considered at the pixel location of the mobile station. If required, you can specify a generic correction distance, which limits how far from the mobile station the correction values are applicable. The total clutter loss for a prediction point is calculated by examining the clutter lying between the mobile station and the base station. Only points lying within the specified distance from the mobile station contribute to the total clutter loss. You can choose either: 

Distance Weighting: When calculating the total clutter loss, the individual clutter losses are weighted in a similar way to through-loss in other models. For more information, see About Through-Loss for Clutter on page 89.



Uniform Weighting: When calculating the total clutter loss, the individual clutter losses are equally weighted.

11 Click OK. 12 Apply and commit your changes as required, then click Close.


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6.3.2.1 Recommended Starting Parameters for the Enhanced Macrocell Model These tables provide suggested default parameters for the Enhanced Macrocell model. These values need to be entered in the Propagation Models dialog box. These values only represent typical starting values based on an urban environment, and they may not be suitable for all types of map data. For your live projects, you must tune (calibrate) the pathloss values in accordance with the real environment. Common Parameters Mobile Rx Height

1.5

Earth Radius

8493

Effective Antenna Height (Heff)algorithm

Relative

Diffraction Loss algorithm

Giovaneli Merge knife-edges closer than: 0.00 Maximum number of knife-edges: 10

Clutter parameters

Leave unaltered (0.00)

K values

450 MHz

900 MHz

1800 MHz

2000 MHz

2500 MHz

3500 MHz

k1 for LOS

142.3

150.6

160.9

162.5

164.1

167

k2 for LOS

44.9

44.9

44.9

44.9

44.9

44.9

k1 (near) for LOS

129.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

k2 (near) for LOS

31.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

d < for LOS

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

k1 for NLOS

142.3

150.6

160.9

162.5

164.1

167

k2 for NLOS

44.9

44.9

44.9

44.9

44.9

44.9

k1 (near) for NLOS

129.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

k2 (near) for NLOS

31.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

d < for NLOS

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

k3

-2.22

-2.55

-2.88

-2.93

-3.04

-3.20

k4

-0.8

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

0.00

k5

-11.70

-13.82

-13.82

-13.82

-13.82

-13.82

k6

-4.30

-6.55

-6.55

-6.55

-6.55

-6.55

k7

0.4

0.7

0.8

0.8

0.8

0.8

If you are using frequencies that are not in the above tables, you can deduce the starting values from those of the nearest frequency.

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6.3.2.2 About Through-Loss for Clutter Some of the supplied propagation models can be set up to use through-clutter loss and through-loss distance. For these model types, on the Clutter tab of the Propagation Models dialog box, each clutter category may be given an associated through-clutter loss (dB/km). The total through-clutter loss for a prediction point is calculated by examining the clutter lying between the mobile station and the base station. A through-loss distance (referred to as ) must also be set. Only points lying within this distance from the mobile station contribute to the total through-clutter loss. This diagram shows an example:

Diagram showing through-loss distance

When calculating the total through-clutter loss, the individual through-clutter losses are weighted so that the clutter nearest the mobile station has the highest effect. The weighting is linear with a maximum weight of 1 (at the mobile station) and a minimum weight of zero (for clutter at distances >=

).

The formula is as follows:

Where: is the distance of the clutter pixel (resolution-dependent) from the mobile station. is the through-loss distance. ASSET Training Guide (GSM) Version 7.0

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The formula ensures that when zero.

is greater than

, the weight always becomes

In the case where the distance between the mobile and base station is less than only the clutter lying between the mobile station and the base station is taken into account.

6.3.2.3 Example of Path Loss tab for Enhanced Model

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,

6.4 Using XML Exports and Imports In addition to importing antenna files using the PlaNet format, or setting up your propagation models, it is also possible to use the XML import/export. This is a powerful and flexible way of importing a wide variety of project elements, configuration settings and templates. It is especially useful for exporting/importing between projects. To import XML data: 1

From the File menu, point to Import, and click XML.


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2

Click the Browse

button and locate the *.xml file(s) that you want to import.

3

When you have located the folder containing the required files, select the „Index‟ file and click „Open'.

4

In the XML Import dialog box, on each tab, select the items you want to import.


On each tab, if required, you can use the Select All checkbox.

5

Select how you want conflicts to be handled during the import. You can be prompted on an individual basis, or merge the data, or or leave the existing data as it is, or replace the data in the project with the imported data. For example, if you are importing items like Carrier Layers, Cell Layers, Antennas, and so on, your current project may already have some of these. In this case, you can choose „Leave‟ and it will only import those items which you do not have. Another case is when you have some sites already, and you want to import the same sites but with a different configuration. In this case, select „Replace‟, and the new settings will replace the old settings.

6

Click Import.

During the import, if there are any comments or problems, the message log will display them. Depending on the problem, you will get different choices to make. After the import has finished, you will need to Commit the imported items either using individual commits or via the „Global Commit All‟ option under the Database menu.


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Using XML Export The export process is a simplified version of the import process, and is therefore not described here. The main difference, of course, is that you need to specify a destination folder for the saved files.

6.5 About GSM Carriers in ASSET This section is also relevant to users of AMPS/TDMA or TETRA/PMR/iDEN. Most radio network systems divide up spectrum into pairs for uplink and downlink communication. Rather than refer to the pair of absolute frequencies in terms of MHz, it is convenient to refer to a carrier number, which abstracts the absolute frequency from the carrier definition. This is known as the ARFCN (Absolute Radio Frequency Carrier Number). You should ensure that all the carriers licensed to your network are added as available for use within your ASSET project. This is done using the Configuration menu, where you can add the appropriate GSM carriers. It is also recommended that you also identify other carrier numbers for areas beyond your control, for example, across country boundaries or those of other network operators, to ensure that any interference these create is also considered. ASSET allows carriers to be intelligently used throughout the network to reduce interference and improve perceived quality. To do this effectively, you need to understand the concepts of carrier layers and cell layers: Item

Use

Carrier layers

To group together carriers under a logical group. For example, in a 900MHz network: Carriers to be used as control channels could be grouped into a carrier layer called 900BCCH, with a maximum allocation per cell of 1. Carriers to be used as traffic channels could be grouped into a carrier layer called 900TCH, with a maximum allocation per cell of >1. You may, in the case of a dual band network, need to set up equivalent layers for 1800MHz.

Frequency groups (Frequency Re-Use Patterns)

To group carriers into regular Frequency Re-Use Patterns that you allocate either manually or automatically. Although groups allow structured frequency plans to be quickly generated, they are not always suitable for irregular or high density networks.

Cell layers

To define different logical groups of transceivers on a cell. Typically, this means you can distinguish between micro cells and macro cells or between carriers of different frequency bands, for example 900MHz versus 1800MHz . The primary purpose of the Cell Layer is to match the relevant Carrier Layers to the appropriate sub-cells* in your network. * When a cell layer is utilised on a cell, it is referred to in ENTERPRISE as a subcell. Sub-cells define the actual physical radiating properties for each individual cell, whereas cell layers are abstract concepts.

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6.5.1 Defining GSM and GPRS Carriers If you have the relevant permissions, you can define and remove carriers. To define available carriers: 1

From the Configuration menu, point to Carriers and click GSM + GPRS.

2

To add an individual carrier or a range of carrier values, enter the number(s) in the text boxes and click Add. – or – Select the checkboxes for whole default bands to add their carriers automatically. Although the second option adds a whole band of carriers, you can subsequently remove them selectively. This example shows how to add a range of carriers, between 1 and 40:

3

When finished, click OK. Adding carriers is immediate. There is no apply and commit procedure.

To remove an unused carrier: 1

From the Options menu, click Carriers.

2

Select the required carrier and click Remove. – or – Clear any checkboxes for frequency bands whose carriers you no longer want to include. You cannot remove carriers that are assigned to a carrier layer.


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6.5.2 Setting a BCCH Allocation Rule for TCH Allocation In a GSM network configuration, there may be a requirement that cells in the Site Database should never have TCH carriers allocated without a BCCH carrier already allocated. ASSET provides an option to activate this 'BCCH prerequisite rule' in your project. This option can be set (depending on user permissions) on the General tab of the Preferences dialog box, under the File menu. For more information, see the ENTERPRISE User Reference Guide. If you decide to activate this restriction rule, specific user actions will be monitored, as follows: (These actions refer to manual changes in the Site Database at the sub-cell level.) Allocating/De-allocating Carrier Layers on the Carriers tab When allocating a TCH carrier layer (or assigning an MA List), there must be a BCCH carrier layer already allocated. When de-allocating a BCCH carrier layer (assuming it is the only one), there must not be any TCH carrier layers still allocated (or MA Lists still assigned). Allocating/De-allocating Carriers on the Carriers tab When allocating a TCH carrier (or assigning an MA List), there must be a BCCH carrier already allocated. When de-allocating a BCCH carrier (assuming it is the only one), there must not be any TCH carriers still allocated (or MA Lists still assigned). Where any of the above rules are broken, the change is prevented and a relevant message is displayed.

6.5.3 About GSM Frequency Bands This section is also relevant to users of AMPS/TDMA or TETRA/PMR/iDEN. In ASSET, the GSM carriers are based on individual carrier numbers, known as ARFCNs (Absolute Radio Frequency Carrier Numbers), thus abstracting the absolute frequencies. For more information, see About GSM Carriers in ASSET on page 94. However, if required, you can decide to use frequency bands (that is, the absolute frequencies) in a project. If you use ILSA, there is an option to consider intermodulation interference between carrier frequencies during the automatic frequency planning process. This requires the absolute frequencies. Considering the effects of intermodulation can slow down the automatic frequency planning process, so it is not necessary to use frequency bands unless it is essential to your planning.

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The frequency bands contain formulae that specify how the actual frequencies of a particular carrier are calculated. Most of the standard GSM bands are already set up for you (but, if necessary, you can add your own new bands, or modify the formulae of the existing bands). In a project, by default, these bands can be used as selection shortcuts within the System Carriers dialog box, as described in Defining GSM and GPRS Carriers on page 95. However, by default, they are inactive within the Carrier Layer Configuration dialog box. In summary, you only need to choose to use frequency bands if you want to: Consider the effects of intermodulation interference if you use ILSA, the automatic frequency planning tool. For more information, see the ILSA User Reference Guide. - and/or Delimit the carriers you can assign to a carrier layer. This simply means that if you define a carrier layer in the Carrier Layer Configuration dialog box, the carriers that you assign to that layer on the Carriers tab must be within the range within the frequency band selected on the General tab. For more information, see Defining Carrier Layers on page 100.

6.5.3.1 Using Frequency Bands If you decide that you need to use frequency bands in your project, you must first carry out this step: 1

From the File menu, select Preferences.

2

On the General tab, select Use Frequency Bands.

This activates the Frequency Band drop-down box on the Carriers tab within the Carrier Layer Configuration dialog box. If you use ILSA, you can choose to consider intermodulation interference between carrier frequencies during the automatic frequency planning process. For information on how to do this, see the ILSA User Reference Guide. Considering the effects of intermodulation can slow down the automatic frequency planning process, so it is not necessary to use frequency bands unless it is essential to your planning.


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6.5.3.2 Defining Frequency Bands The frequency bands contain formulae that specify how the actual frequencies of a particular carrier are calculated. Most of the standard GSM bands are already set up for you. However, if necessary, you can add your own new bands, or modify the formulae of the existing bands. To do this: 1

From the Configuration menu, click Frequency Bands. Depending on your licences, you may then need to click the technology option. The Frequency Bands dialog box appears.

2

You can add, modify or remove a frequency band. If you choose to Add or Modify, a dialog box appears showing the formulae that are used when calculating whether carriers at a cell are causing intermodulation interference. The general form for a formula is: Where: A is the starting frequency B is the spacing needed between each carrier F is the actual frequency n is the carrier number X and Y are the range of carriers to which the formula will apply For each frequency band, a number of sub-bands are added by default. There can be many frequency band formulae for one frequency band. ASSET checks that the range of carriers do not overlap for different formulae and determines which formula to apply for a particular carrier by assessing which range the carrier is in.

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3

Specify values for the constants A, B, X and Y and the Uplink-Downlink frequency separation. You are calculating the frequency for each carrier on the uplink to see whether you are in the correct range.

4

Click Apply.

5

Click Close.

6

In the Frequency Bands dialog box, click Close.


6.6 Using Carrier Layers and Cell Layers For a site to be of any use for mobile coverage, it must have at least one cell. Traditionally each cell was considered as a single radiating source at a fixed power level. With the advent of techniques such as Underlay/Overlay, Multiple Re-use Patterns/Fraction Re-use Patterns and dual band networks, it has been necessary to produce more sophisticated models. For GSM networks, ASSET provides the concept of carrier layers and cell layers, which enables you to model any of the above combinations. If you want to set up a dual band network (for example, GSM900 and GSM1800), you should also refer to Setting Up Dual Band Networks on page 279.

6.6.1 About Carrier Layers A carrier layer is a sub-set of the total list of available carriers, grouped together under a common name. This allows logical groups of carriers to be associated with the relevant cells in the network. For example, for a 900 MHz network: Carriers to be used as control channels could be grouped into a carrier layer called 900BCCH. The maximum allocation per cell would be set to 1. Carriers to be used as traffic channels could be grouped into a carrier layer called 900TCH. The maximum allocation per cell would be set to a value greater than 1. (You may, in the case of a dual band network, need to set up equivalent layers for 1800 MHz.) You may require variants of the BCCH layer in order to provide a solution to border interference with other networks. For example, you may need a 'BCCH' carrier layer and a 'BCCH_border' carrier layer, with a reduced set of carriers on the latter. In the simplest scenario, you would normally need to have at least two carrier layers per cell layer, one containing carriers required for control and one for carriers of traffic.


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6.6.2 Defining Carrier Layers To define a carrier layer: 1

Ensure you have defined 2g carriers.

2

From the Configuration menu, point to Layers and click Carrier Layers.

3

In the dialog box that appears, click Add and name the layer.

4

If the carrier layer being defined is a control layer (BCCH), select the Control Layer checkbox.

5

If you wish to make this layer into a 'pre-defined' MA list for use by the MA List Planner, select the MA List checkbox. This option should only be used for 'pre-defined' MA lists, and is only relevant to Synthesised or Site Hopping networks.

6

If you have chosen to use frequency bands to consider intermodulation, you need to select the appropriate band.

7

On the Carriers tab, associate the required carriers with the carrier layer by moving them from the Available list into the Assigned list.

8

In the Maximum Allocable Carriers box, specify a limit on the number of carriers from this carrier layer that can be allocated on any one cell. For example, the limit for a BCCH or control layer in GSM would be 1. For the traffic channel(s), you might enter a limit greater than 1, depending on your network's equipment configuration. In the case of a Hopping network (unless using pre-defined MA lists), this value must be set accordingly. These limits cannot be overridden, whether you are making manual allocations in the Site Database, or whether you use ILSA to make automatic allocations. However, the limits can be modified whenever necessary.

9

The Group tab options are not relevant unless you wish to use frequency re-use patterns.

10 Apply any changes that you make, and, if you want other users to see them, commit the changes. In order to make the Carrier Layer appear in the Site Database, it must be associated with a Cell Layer. For instructions on this, see Defining Cell Layers on page 102.

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Here is an example of the 900MHz layer. Here it has been named 900 Ctrl (but it could be named 900 BCCH):

Example of Carrier Layer Configuration Dialog box

6.6.3 About Cell Layers Cell layers define logical groups of transceivers on a cell. Using cell layers means you can distinguish between micro cells and macro cells or between carriers of different frequency bands. When a cell layer is associated with a cell, together with all the other RF details, it is referred to as a sub-cell. Sub-cells differ from cell layers because they define the physical radiating properties, whereas cell layers are abstract concepts. In other words, the term sub-cell defines the 'instance' of a cell layer in the network. In ASSET, cell layers can have any number of carrier layers associated with them. Assuming that the carriers have been defined, and that the carrier layers have been defined, you can now determine the specific control and traffic carriers available for each cell layer. In the simplest scenario, you would normally need to have at least two carrier layers per cell layer, one containing carriers required for control (BCCH and so on) and one for carriers of traffic (TCH). It may be that some cell layers have more than one carrier of traffic (for example, TCH1, TCH2 and so on). In general terms, each cell layer should have one (and only one) control carrier layer assigned to it. In the case where two control carrier layers are necessary (for example, to accommodate border interference problems), you should ensure that only one is 'usable' on each sub-cell, as described in the following sections. The colours and category names used to display coverage are common to all cell layers but the signal thresholds they correspond to may be different for each cell layer. For information on adding coverage schemas, see Defining Coverage Schemas for GSM (Non-Sim) Arrays on page 159. Through the use of prioritised cell layers, you can configure an underlay/overlay cell layer structure. This would enable you to have a method of determining the best server, other than merely by signal strength.


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If you have more than one cell layer, you need to set their respective priorities, with the highest priority being 1. For example, if a macro and a micro cell layer were created, then the micro cell layer would be given the higher priority. The priorities are used to control which layer provides service when there is overlapping coverage from multiple layers.

6.6.4 Defining Cell Layers To define a cell layer: 1

Ensure that the necessary carrier layers already exist.

2

From the Configuration menu, point to Layers and click Cell Layers.

3

In the Cell Layer Configuration dialog box, click Add, and then name the layer.

4

If required, you can change the priority of a cell layer, so that it will be prioritised compared to other layers when a coverage array determines the serving cell. To do this, select the layer and click the '+' or '-' button. For example, layers with a priority of 1 will always 'win' as the serving cell against a layer with priority 2. So, for instance, you may have Micro layer =1, Macro layer = 2 and Umbrella layer = 3.

5

On the Coverage Type tab, choose the C/I Threshold, which dictates the point at which the connection quality begins to suffer, the C/A Offset, and channel to transceiver map to be associated with the cell layer.

6

On the Carrier Layers tab, specify which carrier layers are to associate with the cell layer, by moving them to the Allocated pane, then order the layers using the arrow buttons. The order should reflect the order in which you want carrier requirements to be assigned when performing traffic analysis or frequency planning. Therefore, the control carrier layer should be at the top, followed by subsequent traffic layers.

7

On the Coverage Thresholds tab, select the coverage schema you require and double-click a category to set its level properties. You can also add your own coverage schemas. For information on this, see Defining Coverage Schemas for GSM (Non-Sim) Arrays on page 159.

8

Apply any changes that you make and Commit if you want other users to see them.

Here is an example of the 900MHz cell layer. Here it has been named GSM-900, and the related 900MHz carrier layers have been associated to it:

Example of Cell Layer Configuration Dialog box

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Then, on the General tab in the Site Database, you can define the parameters for the sub-cells which use this cell layer. For more information, see Setting Signal Thresholds for Sub-Cells on page 109.

6.6.5 Making Carrier Layers Usable on a Sub-Cell Each sub-cell has one or more cell layers assigned to it. The cell layer, in turn, determines which carrier layers are available to the sub-cell. However, it is possible to configure the carrier layers as 'usable' or not usable on the sub-cell. This enables some flexibility. For example, to accommodate border interference with other networks, the cells in your network may need to have several carrier layers available, but each can be made usable or not usable, depending on the cell's location. So, you might associate two control carrier layers ('BCCH' and 'BCCH_border') to a cell layer, but then make only one of them usable on each cell. Here is a different example where two TCH layers are available on a sub-cell; in this case, TCH1 is usable (allocated), but TCH2 is not:

Example of Carrier Layers made Usable/Not usable on a Cell

To allocate a carrier layer (that is, make it usable) to a particular sub-cell: 1

In the Site Database window, select the required sub-cell. For example:


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2

Click >> to expand the Site Database window and then click the Carriers tab.

3

In the Carrier Layers pane, select a carrier layer and select the Allocated checkbox. A carrier layer needs to be allocated to a cell before you can view and edit the frequency allocations in the Carriers pane. The purpose of the 'Allocated' checkbox is to determine whether a carrier layer is 'usable' on the sub-cell.

4

If you will be using ILSA to automatically assign your carriers, enter a number in the Carriers Req. box. This cannot be greater than the maximum you chose when defining the carrier layer. If you try to allocate a carrier that has already been allocated in another carrier layer, a warning appears asking you if you want to continue with the allocation.

5

Apply any changes that you make and, if you want other users to see them, Commit the changes.

Where you have used a common BCCH, only one cell layer in a cell has a BCCH carrier layer. You should ensure that you have set that cell layer as a master BTS on the cell layer BCF tab. Tips : Use the Global Editor to allocate carrier layers for many cells simultaneously. You can also pre-set the above options as defaults in the Templates dialog box. For information on using the Global Editor or creating Templates, see the ENTERPRISE User Reference Guide. BCCH Prerequisite Rule There is an option in ASSET that activates a rule that cells in the Site Database should not have TCH carriers allocated without having a BCCH carrier allocated. If this restriction rule is activated in the project, specific user actions will be monitored, as follows: When allocating a TCH (or assign an MA List) carrier layer, there must be a BCCH carrier layer already allocated. When de-allocating a BCCH carrier layer (assuming it is the only one), there must not be any TCH carrier layers still allocated (or MA Lists assigned). Where any of the above rules are broken, the change is prevented and a relevant message is displayed. For more information, see Setting a BCCH Allocation Rule for TCH Allocation on page 96.

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6.6.5.1 Allocating, Fixing and Forbidding Carriers To change the status of a carrier: 1

In the Site Database window, select the required cell layer (sub-cell).

2

On the Carriers tab, select the relevant carrier layer in the Carrier Layers pane. If the layer does not appear, ensure it has been associated with the cell layer, as explained in Defining Cell Layers on page 102.

3

In the Carriers pane, select the required carrier. If you prefer to show carriers grouped in their frequency re-use pattern, click Group View, then select a carrier.

4

Select the relevant checkbox(es) to change the status. You can choose: Status

Description

Allocated

The carrier is allocated.

Forbidden

The carrier cannot be allocated manually unless the forbidden flag is removed.

Fixed

The carrier is allocated and cannot be de-allocated manually unless the fixed flag is removed.

None

The carrier is not allocated.

For more information on this tab, see Editing Carrier Allocations Manually on page 224.


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6.7 About Templates When planning a network, it is very likely that many sites or nodes will have the same characteristics. Instead of setting the parameter values on each site individually, you can create and define templates, then select one of these templates as a basis for adding new sites. The new sites will then contain the default characteristics of the template. Although you can create as many templates as you want, only one template of each network element type can be active at any one time.

Example of Templates dialog box (in this case, specific to GSM element types)

The element types appearing in this dialog box are dependent on the technology you are using. You cannot Commit templates, you can only Apply them. This means that they are only visible to you, and cannot be shared directly with other users logged into the same database. The only way to make them available to other users is by exporting them as an XML file. For more information, see the ENTERPRISE User Reference Guide. Project Defaults In order to make an ASSET project easy to use right from the start, the following default objects, with pre-set parameters, are provided: Antenna default Propagation model defaults (450, 900, 1800 and 2100MHz) Template defaults (for each technology) Terminal type default (for each technology) These default objects represent the minimum parameters required to add/place sites and generate coverage arrays. The default templates include sites (or nodes) and cells (or sectors) that in turn make use of the default propagation models and antenna. Page 106


These defaults are only present when new projects are added in ENTERPRISE. Existing projects will not have these defaults created.

6.7.1 Adding a Template for a Site or Node To add a new template for a site or node: 1

From the Database menu, click Templates. – or – In the Site Database window, from the View menu, click Templates.

2

In the dialog box that appears, the tree pane lists the network element types appropriate to your licensed technologies. Each element type already contains a default template. You can either modify the default template or add a new one.

3

To add a new site or node template, right-click the appropriate element type. Depending on the technology, this will be one of the following: 

Cell Site



UMTS NodeB



CDMA BS



Fixed WiMAX Node



Mobile WiMAX Node



eNodeB

4

Click Add Template.

5

On the tabs, name the template and set the required parameters.

You can now add cells/sectors to the template. To do this: 1

Right-click the relevant site or node template and from the menu that appears, click Add Cell (or Add CDMA Sector).

2

Continue doing this for each of the cells (or sectors) you want to add.

3

On the tabs, define the parameters as required.

4

Ensure the checkbox of your new template is selected, if you want to activate it as the current template. Here is an example:

5

Click Apply to save the changes, then click Close.

For GSM, each cell also contains a sub-cell, which represents an instance of a cell layer. (Initially, this is always the default cell layer. If you want a different layer, you can right-click on the layer and delete it, then right-click on the cell and add a different cell layer.) You should set the parameters for both the cell and the sub-cell. ASSET Training Guide (GSM) Version 7.0

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6.8 Adding Sites or Nodes Using the Map View You can add network elements (such as sites or nodes) to your project in several ways. For example, you can add elements directly in the Site Database window, or you can import them from a file. Each of these methods is described in the ENTERPRISE User Reference Guide. Alternatively, you can add network elements by using the appropriate toolbox in the site design toolbar of the Map View window. You need the correct privileges to be able to add and modify network elements. Contact your administrator if you do not have the correct permissions. This picture shows the buttons available in the Add Network Elements toolbox, which is part of the site design toolbar:

Add Network Element toolbox (part of Site Design toolbar)

The buttons available are dependent on the technologies you are using. You should consider pre-specifying the network parameters for new sites/nodes by using templates. For information on how to do this, see About Templates on page 106.

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6.9 Setting Sub-Cell Parameters and Thresholds On the General tab for a sub-cell in the Site Database, you can: View and edit the CS traffic. For more information on how this value can be automatically populated, see Running the Static Traffic Analysis on page 186. Set the appropriate signal strength or pathloss parameters, to restrict the coverage of the cell. See the separate section below. Set the load thresholds (if you are using the GSM Simulator) in terms of percentage of TS (Timeslots) allocated. These are: 

Overflow load threshold: This is the percentage of the timeslots allocated for a cell layer. A cell will overflow if the percentage of the timeslots allocated is exceeded, without reaching the total amount of timeslots available.



HR (and AMR) activation threshold: This is tested for connection when the overflow load threshold is reached.

Setting Signal Strength or Pathloss Parameters In ASSET, the signal thresholds and related parameters can be used to determine the minimum service level of individual cells. This will of course have a direct influence on the signal strength and service area arrays, and the interference arrays.

Signal Strength and Pathloss Parameters on General Tab of Sub-Cell

To restrict a cell's service area, you can specify one or more of these parameters, in the Site Database or the Templates dialog box: Parameter

Description

Signal Offset (SS option) Signal offset only operates between cells of the same priority cell layer, and is specified in dB. An offset is applied to the cell when calculating which cell is the best server. Pathloss Threshold (PL option)

This value determines the highest pathloss for the sub-cell's coverage. The coverage will not extend further than this limit. For example, if this is set to 132dB, the pathloss will never exceed this limit. Also, if you select the Dynamic checkbox, you can enter a Traffic Weighting.

Signal Threshold

This value determines the lowest signal strength (received power) for the sub-cell's coverage. The coverage will not extend further than this limit. For example, if this is set to -102dBm, the coverage will extend no lower than this limit. Typically, Signal Thresholds may be set differently to represent hierarchical cell structures (Underlay/Overlay).

TA Threshold

Used in conjunction with other cell configuration parameters to restrict the overall coverage radius provided by the sub-cell to either the minimum signal strength or the maximum timing advance, whichever is reached first. For a cell using extended range where two timeslots are used, the maximum timing advance is 133, otherwise the maximum is normally 63.


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Where there are multiple thresholds in use, the coverage is restricted by the limit that is reached first. You can globally override the values for Signal Threshold and TA Threshold by using the Array Settings dialog box.

6.9.1 About the Signal Threshold and Pathloss Prediction Radius When you are setting signal threshold parameters for sub-cells, bear in mind that the signal strength and service area arrays will not only be influenced by the Signal Threshold, but also by the Prediction Radius. The Prediction Radius always operates as a hard limit. The purpose of the Signal Threshold value is to limit a cell's service area. But when pathloss predictions are made, the downlink signal (received power) will be limited by the chosen Prediction Radius. The signal will NOT radiate beyond the perimeter of the specified radius (even if the Signal Threshold has not yet been reached). The following pictures illustrate signal strength arrays made with the same Signal Threshold, but where each has a different underlying Prediction Radius. Notice that the signal will try to extend to its threshold level, but is always limited by the perimeter of the prediction radius. The hexagon radii in the pictures are for visual aid purposes only. They have no influence on the predictions.

Example of how signal strength and service area arrays are limited by the Prediction Radius

For the purposes of interference calculations, the signal always propagates beyond the Signal Threshold value, down to a level of -200dBm, or down to a pathloss of 200dB, or to the Prediction Radius (whichever is reached first).

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6.9.2 Example of Using Signal Thresholds for Overlay/Underlay In ASSET, Signal Thresholds can also be used to set up a hierarchical cell structure by combining Cell Layer priorities and using different Signal Thresholds for each layer. This means that an Overlaid cell layer will extend its service area to a specified Signal Threshold, but no further. The Underlaid cell layer would have a larger service area, beyond that of the Overlaid cell layer, and extend it to a lower signal level. In this example, the Overlaid cell layer has a higher priority than the Underlaid cell layer, but its Signal Threshold is set to a more restrictive level.

Signal Threshold for an Underlaid cell set to -102 dBm

Signal Threshold for an Overlaid cell set to -80 dBm

Using these parameters for an Omni-site would provide a smaller radius of service area for the overlaid sub-cell, extending out to a signal strength of -80dBm, whereas the underlaid sub-cell's service area extends out to -102 dBm.


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This is illustrated in this diagram:

Service area provided by overlaid and underlaid sub-cells

If sub-cells are defined that need to use different propagation models, one can be chosen within the sub-cell such that it will override the one defined in the cell. You do not have to override the model if the sub-cell requires the same model as that defined at cell level. This diagram shows a similar scenario for a three-sector site, showing the Service Area (Block), available in the Map View, for the individual sub-cells:

Service area of a 3-sector site with overlaid/underlaid sub-cells

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6.9.3 Example of Using the Signal Offset In ASSET, the Signal Offset can be used to apply an offset (positive or negative) when calculating which cell is the 'best server'. This offset only operates within a cell layer. The following example illustrates this effect. A 3-sector site is using 2 cell layers. In the Cell Layer dialog box, GSM1800 has been set as higher priority than the GSM900. The Signal Thresholds (minimum service level) for the cells are set at -85dBm for GSM1800 and -102dBm for GSM900. This picture shows the coverage with Signal Offsets of zero, where (due to the priorities) the 1800MHz coverage dominates down to -85dBm, giving way to 900MHz coverage beyond this:

No Signal Offsets used

If the Signal Offset of the 120º sector for the GSM900 layer is set to (+) 6dB, the picture changes:

GSM900 120º modified by signal offset of 20dB

There is a significant encroachment of the GSM900 120º sector onto the other sectors. But note that this has not affected the GSM1800 coverage, because it only affects the best server calculation within the same cell layer. This makes no difference to the calculated received signal levels; it only has an influence on which cell is considered to be the best server.


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6.10 Viewing and Editing Antenna Configurations In ASSET, there are various antenna-related options available when using the Map View or Height Profile window.

6.10.1

Using Instance IDs to Distinguish Antennas

If your network uses a distributed antenna system (DAS), where there are many antennas assigned to a single cell (or any similar scenario), it may be useful to use the Instance ID parameter. This optional parameter (available on the Antennas tab for a cell in the Site Database) enables you to give a unique identity to each antenna instance on such cells, which helps to identify individual antennas in the following situations: Map View

The Antenna Instance ID helps you to select the correct antenna, for example for antenna re-orientation. In the example picture above, the "NY_n" represents the Instance ID, and, if applicable, the "[ ]" would contain the Shared Antenna ID. These are followed by the antenna device name, pattern name and azimuth.

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Filters

You can create filters based on the Antenna Instance ID, and use the filter for its normal variety of purposes, such as: 

Limiting the list of network elements displayed in the Site Database, the Map View or Site Reporter



Varying the customised appearance of different filters in the Map View



Controlling which items are to be included in the various wizards

Site/Node Reporter

You can include the Instance ID in the generated reports. Site Quick Edit and Cell Quick Edit

The Antenna Instance ID helps you to select the correct antenna.


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6.10.2

Moving Antennas in the Map View

If you are moving an antenna that is shared between cells and technology types on the same Property, any changes made will affect other antennas with the same shared antenna identity. For information on shared antennas, see the ENTERPRISE User Reference Guide. To move antennas for a cell in the Map View window: 1

From the Move/Edit Network Element toolbox, click the Move Antenna button .

2

Select the appropriate cell.

3

If a list of antennas appears, choose the required one. The Antenna Instance ID parameter may be useful in specific situations. See Using Instance IDs to Distinguish Antennas on page 114.

4

Click at the new location for the antenna.

This change will automatically be applied in the Site Database, on the Antennas tab. The updated antenna location can be viewed in the Antenna Location pane:

This location can be viewed either relative to the Property location, or in absolute terms. You can either leave the change in the applied state, or commit it, or restore the last committed settings. If necessary, you can re-predict the site, and create a new coverage array. Alternatively you can directly edit the values in the Site Database, and this would be automatically reflected in the Map View.

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Setting Up Distributed Antennas If more than one antenna exists at the cell then each one can be moved to a different location. This, for example, enables you to locate two antennas at different ends of a long rooftop.

6.10.3

Reorientating Antennas in the Map View

If you are reorientating an antenna that is shared between cells and technology types on the same Property, any changes made will affect other antennas with the same shared antenna identity. For information on shared antennas, see the ENTERPRISE User Reference Guide. To change the azimuth of a cell interactively in the Map View window: 1

From the Move/Edit Network Element toolbox, click the Reorientate Antenna button

.

2

Select the appropriate cell.

3

If a list of antennas appears, choose the required one. The Antenna Instance ID parameter may be useful in specific situations. See Using Instance IDs to Distinguish Antennas on page 114.

4

Hold down the mouse button to move the antenna to the required position. As you move the cursor, the azimuth of the antenna will be displayed in the topleft corner of the Map View:

5

When satisfied, release the mouse button.


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This change will automatically be applied in the Site Database, on the Antennas tab. The updated azimuth can be viewed in the Antenna Properties pane:

You can either leave the change in the applied state, or commit it, or restore the last committed settings. If necessary, you can re-predict the site, and create a new coverage array. Alternatively you can directly edit the values in the Site Database, and this would be automatically reflected in the Map View.

6.10.4

Using Antenna Slots

In ENTERPRISE, an antenna slot is a logical grouping of antennas. Sub-cells (which represent groups of transceivers) are mapped to particular slots, enabling you to define cell configurations where transceivers are connected to different antenna systems. This can be done either in the Site Database or when setting up Templates. You can, for example, map a sub-cell to multiple antenna slots to model distributed antenna systems, or where you need more than one antenna in the same location. You can also utilise the antenna slots to model dual band configurations. Slots can also be used to temporarily switch cells ‟OFF‟ when performing coverage predictions. This is easier than deleting the cell.

Example of Slots in the Site database window

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6.11 Quickly Viewing and Editing Site or Cell Information You can quickly view and edit site or cell information in a summary dialog box in the Map View window, rather than having to use the Site Database. The Site Quick Edit enables you to view or edit any of the cells parented to a site or node, whereas the Cell Quick Edit enables you to view or edit a specific cell. This feature is available for GSM, UMTS, LTE and Mobile WiMAX. In addition, after making any changes, coverage can be freshly calculated for the selected site or cell. To do this: 1

In the Map View window, from the Move/Edit Network Element toolbox, click the Site Quick Edit button, or the Cell Quick Edit button:

Site Quick Edit

Cell Quick Edit

2

On the Map View, click on or near the site/cell that you want to view or edit.

3

If there is more than one site/cell available at this location, from the list that appears, click the required site/cell.


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The Quick Edit dialog box for this site/cell appears:

Depending which button you clicked, the dialog box shows all the site's cells, or just one specific cell. The Antenna Instance ID parameter (shown in the example Quick Edit dialog box as 'NY_189') may be useful in specific situations. See Using Instance IDs to Distinguish Antennas on page 114. 4

Edit the required parameters by clicking the current value and typing in the new value or selecting the required option (for example, the antenna pattern) from the drop-down list. If the parameter value can be generated using a wizard (for example, BSICs), you can click the Browse button

to start the wizard from this dialog box.

You can only edit one shared antenna per site using this option. 5

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If you also want to re-calculate the coverage based on these parameter changes, select the Calculate coverage checkbox. (In the case of GSM, select Sim or NonSim, as appropriate.) 

For GSM Non-Sim, the coverage calculation displays the coverage for a single site or single cell, and does not update any existing displayed arrays.



For GSM Sim, and all other technologies, the coverage calculation updates any existing displayed coverage array, and any other related displayed arrays.


6

Click Apply to update the Site Database with the new parameter values. If you have also chosen to freshly calculate the coverage, this takes place and the Map View is re-drawn.


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6.12 Session Summary Checklist This checklist has been provided as a self-assessment of the objectives stated at the beginning of the session. Please tick all objectives covered in this session: Importing and committing antennas into the database Setting up an appropriate propagation model Using XML exports and imports Defining carriers Defining carrier layers and cell layers How to define a site template Setting the cell parameters in the Site Database Adding sites in the Map View Editing antenna configurations Quickly editing site/cell information

Additional Notes:

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SECTION 7

7

Fields, Filters and Visualisers 7.1 Objectives of this Session In this session you will learn about: The purpose and uses of fields How to assign field options to network elements The purpose and uses of filters How to create and define dynamic filters How to create and define static filters How to use the selection expert The purpose of visualisers How to create visualisers

7.2 Using Fields in ENTERPRISE Status fields are primarily used to enable project managers to manage and oversee the network engineering cycle, from initial design to the rollout phase. ENTERPRISE enables you to set up any number of fields in your project, so that they can provide information about individual network elements (such as sites, cells or microwave links) in the Site Database. Fields may be used for a variety of reasons, for example, to track the rollout phase of a site, or record its equipment, or its region, or perhaps the name of the planner in charge. Fields can serve as a useful way of creating filters. This means that you can, for example, display "In Build" sites in the Map View, or generate a coverage array for "On Air" cells, or generate an interference analysis for microwave links which are "Live", and so on. At the initial stage of setting up these fields, they must be associated with specific network element types. After this has been done, the fields appear on the associated network elements in the Site Database. This enables you to assign the appropriate field option for individual network element types (such as site, cell, link or Property). ASSET Training Guide (GSM) Version 7.0

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You define status fields within the ENTERPRISE Administrator module, in the Field Definer dialog box. For more information, see the ENTERPRISE Installation and Administration Guide. It is generally advised that fields be set up as early in the project as possible, so that they are available for the planner to assign the relevant option to the relevant network elements in the Site or Link Database, or in the Templates. This picture shows an example of the Field Definer:

Example Field Definer

7.2.1 Examples of Field Definitions Some examples of fields that could be created are: Field

Type

Options

Rollout Phase

Picklist

unset, Planned, Acquired, In-Build, On-Air

Vendor Equipment

Picklist

unset, Nokia, Ericsson, Siemens

Region

Picklist

unset, North, South, East, West

Equipment Costs

Float

any decimal number

Planner's Name

String

any text

Visit Due

Boolean

True or False

Phase Number

Integer

0,1,2,3,4...

When defining fields, it is important that you associate each field with the appropriate network element(s) (such as Properties, sites, cells or microwave links). For picklists, it is strongly recommended that the first option in each group is named “unset”, or similar, so that this can be the default when no particular option has yet been assigned.

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7.2.2 Viewing and Editing Fields for Network Elements When the fields have been defined in the ENTERPRISE Administrator module and committed to the database, you can view and edit the fields within the Status tabs of the Site Database, listed against the relevant network elements, and, in the case of the Link Database, against each link. You can also view the status of the parent elements on this tab. To do this: 1

In the Site Database window, in the tree pane, click the required element.

2

Click the Status tab to see a list of the fields for this network element, and for any parent elements that it may have. Fields displayed in grey are read-only - you do not have permissions to edit these. The group permissions for the currently selected field are displayed in a panel at the bottom of the status tab.

3

To change an associated field, click in the field value column and select the required value from the drop-down list as shown here:

Any fields that you have edited - but not yet Applied - are displayed in bold. In the case of the Link Database, you can find the Status tab under the General tab for a microwave link.


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7.2.2.1 Examples of Fields in the Site Database This example shows the five possible types of field that can be defined (Picklist, Float, String, Boolean, Integer):

Example of all types of field

This next example shows the Picklist options expanded, so that one of them can be selected:

Example of the Picklist field type

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7.2.2.2 Examples of Fields in the Link Database This example shows how the fields appear in the Link Database:

7.3 Using Filters in ENTERPRISE Filters provide a logical grouping of network elements according to their characteristics or functions. They enable you to sub-divide the network into more manageable sections for analysis, diagnosis and display, and they therefore represent a powerful way of selecting a subset of items such as Properties, sites, links or cells, from the ENTERPRISE database. You can create your filters according to many different criteria, including element type, hierarchy, fields and polygons, as well as attributes such as antenna type, frequency band, carried traffic, and so on. For example, you could create a filter to display all operational sites within a geographical region which are using a particular vendor‟s equipment. Filters can be defined as either Static or Dynamic, and there is an additional Selection Expert filter. This table summarises each type: Filter Type

Description

Static Filters

These are static lists of objects specified by the user. These filters can only be changed by the user adding or deleting objects from the list. There are various ways of adding and removing objects.

Dynamic Filters

The lists of objects in dynamic filters will constantly update as the network evolves. These filters select network elements based on criteria such as: Object type (for example, BSC, Site, Cell, Link) Status Flag assignment Cell Layers assigned Parenting Geographical Location (for example, within a polygon) These filters are 'dynamic' because the inclusion list will automatically be updated whenever a change is made to any of the parameters forming the filter definition criteria.

Selection Expert


There is also an 'on-the-spot' memory filter which can swiftly and powerfully select items from the 2D View or Site/Link Database. Also, the memory filter can optionally be saved as a static filter for future use.

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In the Filters Database, static filters always appear as RED, and dynamic filters always appear as BLUE. This helps you to quickly identify the filter type.

7.3.1 Purpose and Uses of Filters Filters represent a highly important feature in ENTERPRISE. You can use filters to: Limit the list of network elements displayed in the Site Database Determine which combination of network elements appear in the Map View Vary the customised appearance of different filters in the Map View Control which items are to be included in the various wizards Limit which items will be included in any global edits in the Site Database Limit which items to include in the various reports On the Filters tab of the Preferences dialog box under the File menu, you can choose from a variety of options to determine which user filter folders to display. This picture shows selecting a filter in the Site Database window:

Selecting a filter in the Site Database

Created filters can either be stored in a System folder (for everyone to use) or in the User folder, which means that they are not available to other users (unless they expressly choose to 'show all user filters' on the Filters tab of the Preferences dialog box under the File menu). The Apply and Commit principles are the same as for any other object saved to the database. The general recommendation is to make sensible usage of the system and (personal) user folders, and only commit filters that are essential to all users. On the Filters tab of the Preferences dialog box under the File menu, you can make various choices of which user filter folders to display. Page 128


7.3.2 Creating a Dynamic Filter using the Filter Wizard To create a dynamic filter: 1

From the Database menu, click Filters:

2

The Filter Database appears, displaying any folders and filters which have already been set up:

The Selection Filter is a special filter which is used by the Selection Expert, and is described in a subsequent section. 3

Select the folder in which you want to store the new filter and then click Add. This will launch the Filter Wizard, which guides you through the creation process. You can create sub-folders, if required, by right-clicking on the System folder or on your individual User folder.


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4

Step 1 of the Filter Wizard prompts you to give the filter a meaningful name (this can be modified later if required):

If your new filter has similar selection criteria as an existing filter, you can choose the option to use an existing filter as a template and select it from the drop-down menu. Click Next. 5

Step 2 of the Filter Wizard displays a list of Available Attributes. Move each required element type to the Selected Attributes pane by double-clicking it, dragging it, or selecting it and using the right arrow button. This will define which objects are to be considered in the filter. For example, one method would be to expand one of the items in the Available Attributes pane to reveal the selection of fields already set up for the project in ENTERPRISE Administrator. The required field can then be selected as an attribute for the filtering criteria. Polygons represent another way in which network elements can be filtered. All available polygons can be displayed by expanding the Property element in the Available Attributes pane. In this example, the Cell Site element has been expanded, and the 'Rollout Phase' field has been selected as an attribute to be considered in the filtering process:

You can specify the logical operators by right-clicking on them to toggle between the two types:

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

If you choose OR, a value will be returned if any of the attributes are present



If you choose AND, a value will be returned only if all the attributes are present


It is also easy to modify these operators on the next screen, and to dynamically preview the resulting item selection. (In this particular example, this will make no difference, since there is only one attribute selected.) You can group attributes together with their own logical operator, and create rules within rules. The easiest way to do this is to drag and drop the attributes into their logical groupings. The Selection Rules will be activated from top to bottom, branching where specified. For some ideas on how to create 'faster' filters, see Making Your Dynamic Filters More Efficient on page 142. When you have all the element types and criteria that you want to filter on, click Next. 6

Step 3 of the Filter Wizard prompts you to set the definitive rules and criteria for the filter and enables you to modify the logical operators using the associated radio buttons. On this screen, you must click on each of the selected attributes to ensure that the appropriate options appear on the right-hand side.

Define the exact rule for each element type or criterion by selecting it in the 'Selected Attributes' pane, and: 

Selecting a rule definition (for example, 'Equals'). You can also reverse the rule definition (for example, 'Not Equal To') by selecting the 'Not' checkbox.



Typing a value in the box or, if applicable, clicking the 'Values' button to select the value(s) that you are interested in (for example, when selecting Field values).


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In this example, click the 'Values' button, and tick the ON AIR option:

Then click OK. You can click Preview to see a list of all the elements that are included in the filter according to your latest definitions. This will help you to refine the filter further if necessary. When satisfied with your criteria, click Next. 7

Step 4 of the Filter Wizard displays the list of elements currently included in your filter. The filter will be 'Dynamic' (unless you now decide to switch it to 'Static' but if you want to create a static filter, it is easier to carry out the steps in the following section).

In this example, we have used the simple approach of using only the Field attribute; notice that all items associated with the filtered sites are also included in the filter, in other words, their related objects, such as Properties, MSC, BSC, cells, and so on. If we had selected the cell site AND its field attribute in Step 2, we would only have the cell sites in the filter, and not the related objects.

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8

Step 5 of the Filter Wizard enables you to set up the customised display settings for the items which are included in your filter. If you selected the “Use existing filter as template” option in Step 1, this screen will default to those settings. You can also easily modify these later in the Map View.

9

Step 6 of the Filter Wizard (the final step) enables you to modify the name of the filter, and also to establish which other users, if any, will be able to modify this filter in the future (assuming it is committed, and assuming they have the appropriate permissions).

10 When satisfied, click the Finish button to complete the Filter creation process. The newly created filter appears in the Filters Database, in the folder you selected at the start of the process. As a Dynamic filter, it will appear with a BLUE symbol, as in this example:

Example of Dynamic Filter

In the Filters Database, any of the filters may be committed, modified or removed, and also moved or copied between folders. If you want this filter to be available for use by other users, you can Commit the filter. Otherwise, it will only be available locally on your machine. All created filters are available for use in various parts of ENTERPRISE, such as the Site Database, Link Database, Map View, Coverage Arrays, Wizards, Reports, and so on.


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7.3.3 Creating a Static Filter using the Filter Wizard The process to create static filters is exactly the same as for dynamic filters, except that: You ignore Steps 2 and 3, by clicking Next each time In Step 4, you need to select the Static option You can now manually select whichever elements you require by using the methods described in this table: This table describes what you can do on the tabs that appear: Tab

Description

Identifier

Use exact matches or regular expressions

How to Add Items to the Filter Select the element type that you want to add. Type the element ID, either defining an exact match or defining the match with a regular expression. You can make this case-sensitive by selecting the Match case option. Click Add, and all of the elements matching this identifier will be displayed in the Active Elements box. You can also remove items from the filter. To do this, in the Active Element pane, right-click the elements(s) and from the menu that appears, click Remove. You can also select the item(s) in the Active Element pane and then click the Remove button that appears in the Identifier tab.

File List

Browse to a text file listing the identifiers on separate lines

Filters

Use a combination of chosen filter and element types

Map View

Choose selected or All elements in a particular Map View

Select the element type that you want to add. Type in a file name or click the Browse button and locate the correct file. The file format of this text file is a list of site identifiers each on a separate line. Click Add, and all of the elements matching this identifier will be displayed in the Active Elements box. Select the element type that you want to add. Choose the filter from which you want to add elements of the type selected, and click Add. Open a Map View window and select it by clicking in it. In the Filter wizard, select the Element Type that you want to add. Click the Add All Elements button then click the Map View window again. All elements of the type you have selected that are shown in the window are added to the filter. You can use the Add Element button to select an individual item in an open Map View window and the Remove Element and Remove All Elements buttons to remove items from a filter.

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All newly created filters appear in the Filters Database, in the folder you selected at the start of the process. Static filters appear with a RED symbol, as in this example:

Example of Static Filter

7.3.4 Adding a Filter Using the Selection Expert As well as using the Filter Wizard to add a filter, you can use the Selection Expert. This is a powerful way of creating a filter because you can select to add to the Selection filter any subset of items by: Choosing items individually in the Map View Choosing single or multiple items in the left pane or on the Hierarchy tab of the Site Database Creating a polygonal, circular or rectangular region in the Map View that contains the items of interest Then you can perform an operation on all the sites in this Selection filter, such as globally editing them and re-predicting their coverage. This section describes how to use the Selection Expert.

7.3.4.1 About the Selection Expert and Selection Filter The Selection Expert: Is a powerful way of creating a filter. Using it, you can select any subset of items by choosing them individually in the Site Database or Map View, or by creating in the Map View a polygonal, circular or rectangular area that contains the sites you want. Then you can perform operations, such as globally editing and then repredicting the coverage, for only the sites in this Selection filter. Acts as a handy clipboard - to easily allow you to cut and paste network elements between different parents, cells between sites and so on. Acts as a viewing window for all filters - you can quickly review all filters, (static, dynamic and Selection) and edit the static and Selection filters.


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The Selection Filter: Is a static filter that exists only in memory. It is not stored in the database and therefore cannot be Applied or Committed. Can be renamed and saved as a normal static filter. Can be used as the basis for creating a static filter in the Filter Wizard.

7.3.4.2 Adding to the Selection Filter Using the Map View Window To add items to the Selection filter using the Map View window: 1

If required, choose to limit the element types that are added.

2

From the Database menu, click Selection Expert.

3

In an open Map View window, ensure you are displaying the area and elements from which you will be selecting.

4

Click the down arrow on the Selection filter toolbox To

Do This

Select individual network elements

Click the Single Select

to see the options.

button.

Hold down Shift and click each network element that you want to include in the Selection filter. If you click an element that already exists in the Selection filter, it will be removed from the filter. That is, holding down Shift while clicking will toggle an item in and out of the Selection filter. You can also replace the contents of the Selection filter with your new selection by clicking without holding down Shift. Select network elements in a rectangular area that you will draw

Click the Rectangular Select

button and hold down Shift.

Click where you want a corner to be and then drag to create a rectangle. The elements within the rectangle are added to the Selection filter. As you do this, the width and height dimensions are displayed, along with the units that you chose in the Preferences dialog box. You can also replace the contents of the Selection filter with your new selection by clicking and dragging without holding down Shift.

Select network elements in a circular area that you will draw

Click the Circle Select


Click and hold down the mouse button where the centre of the circle will be, and drag outwards to set the radius of the circle. The currently selected elements inside the circle are added to the Selection filter. You can also replace the contents of the Selection filter with your new selection by clicking and dragging without holding down Shift.

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To

Do This

Select network elements in a polygon that you will draw

Click the Polygon Select


Click where the first point of the polygon will be, then click to create more points as required. To close the polygon, double-click anywhere in the Map View window. The currently selected elements inside the polygon are added to the Selection filter. You can also replace the contents of the Selection filter with your new selection by clicking and dragging without holding down Shift. Clear Selection filter

Click the Clear Selection filter the Selection filter.

button to empty all objects from

Hold down Shift when using any of the above buttons to add a current selection to the filter. If you do not hold down Shift, the filter contains ONLY the current selection, replacing what was there. The selected elements appear in the Selection Expert and you can edit the items shown, and save or export the filter.

7.3.4.3 Adding Items to the Selection Filter Using the Site or Link Database You can add items to a Selection filter using the Site or Link Database in various ways. Adding Items to the Selection Filter by Right-clicking In the Site or Link Database, right-click the network element that you want to add to the Selection filter and from the menu that appears, click Add to Selection Filter. Adding Items to the Selection Filter using the Filters tab To add to the selection (or any static) filter using the Filters tab of the Site or Link database: 1

In the Site or Link database, select the required object that you want to add to the selection filter.

2

On the Filters tab, click Add to reveal the current list of available filters.

3

Select one or more of the static filters in which you wish the object to be included, and click OK. The selection filter will then be automatically updated. You can use the Remove button in a similar way.


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Adding Items to the Selection Filter on the Hierarchy tab You can use the Hierarchy tab of the Site Database to add to a Selection filter. For example, you might want to create a filter containing the multiple items that are parented to the same Property. This method is applicable to the Site Database only. To add to the Selection Filter using the Hierarchy tab: 1

In the Site Database, select the parent of the item that you want to add to the Selection filter.

2

On the Hierarchy tab for that element, click the Display button (or the Refresh button if you have previously clicked it). For example:

The items parented on this element now appear on the tab, as shown here:

3

Select one or more of the network elements shown on the tab and click the Add button to add them to the Selection filter. Similarly, to remove an item from the Selection filter, select the item on the tab and click the Remove button.

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7.3.4.4 Editing Items in the Selection Filter by Specifying an Identifier To add or remove a specific network element in the Selection filter based on an identifier: 1


2

On the Identifier tab, select the element type that you want to add or remove, for example BSC, and enter either an exact element ID, or a regular expression.

3

In the Match pane, ensure you have selected the correct type - either Exact or Regular Expression - for what you have entered above. You can also choose whether or not to make this case-sensitive by selecting the checkbox.

4

Click the Add or Remove button as required.

7.3.4.5 Editing Items in the Selection Filter by Using a File To edit items currently in the Selection filter by using items from a file: 1


2

On the File List tab, select the required element type, for example BSC.

3

Type in a file name or click the Browse button and locate the correct file. The file format of this text file is a list of site identifiers each on a separate line.

4

Click Add. All of the elements of the required type that exist in the file are displayed in the Selection Filter.

5

Remove any unwanted items as required, by selecting the item and clicking Remove.

7.3.4.6 Editing the Selection Filter Using the Map View To edit which items currently exist in the Selection filter by using the Map View window: 1

Open a Map View window displaying the area and items you want to add or remove from the Selection filter.

2


3

On the Map View tab, select the element type, for example Property.

4

Click the appropriate button, for example, Add Element. To add or remove all of the elements of the selected element type, click the Add or Remove All Elements button.

5

In the Map View window, click the required network element.

6

Repeat for all of the elements that you want to add to or remove from the Selection filter.

7

In the Selection Expert, click the Stop Adding or Stop Removing button.


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7.3.4.7 Editing the Selection Filter Using Other Filters To add items from other filters to your Selection filter: 1


2

In the Selection Expert, select the required element type.

3

From the list of folders shown, select the filter that contains the required network elements.

4

Click Add. All of the elements of the required type that exist in the file are displayed in the Selection Filter.

5

Remove any unwanted items as required, by selecting the item and clicking Remove.

7.3.4.8 Saving the Selection Filter To save network elements that currently exist in the Selection filter: 1


2

From the File menu of the Selection Expert, click Save As.

3

In the Filter Name box, type a name and click Save.

4

Now, if you view the Filter Database, (from the Database menu, click Filters) your filter has been added, and has a red symbol next to it, indicating that it is a static filter. You can now modify the filter from the Filter Database as usual, and then use it, as you would any filter, to limit lists of network elements in the Site Database window, reports and so on.

7.3.5 Editing and Deleting Filters To edit an existing filter: 1

From the Database menu, click Filters.

2

In the Filters dialog box, select the filter you want to edit.

3

Click Edit.

4

Use the Filter Wizard to modify the filter.

To rename a filter, in the Filters dialog box, right-click the required filter and then click Rename. In the dialog box that appears, type the new name and click OK.

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To delete an existing filter: 1

From the Database menu, click Filters.

2

Right-click the required filter and from the menu that appears, click Remove. - or In the Filter dialog box, select the filter you want to delete and click the Remove button. The filter is moved to the Wastebasket. To ensure other people cannot use it, you will need to remove it from the Wastebasket. Until you do this, the filter is still available to others.

7.3.6 Exporting Filters using XML Export You can export your filters to share them or to keep a backup of them by using the XML Export function: 1

From the File menu, point to Export and then click XML:

2

Click the Browse button to select the location to which you want to export the *.xml file(s).


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3

On the Filters tab, select the filters that you want to export.

4

Click Export to begin exporting.

7.3.7 Making Your Dynamic Filters More Efficient When creating dynamic filters, the selection rules will be activated from top to bottom. The sequence of these rules can therefore affect the speed of your filters. You can make your dynamic filters run faster by: Eliminating the largest number of unwanted objects first. Using as few rules as possible - the number of evaluations affects the speed at which a filter runs. Placing the rules in a sensible order in step 2 of the Filter Wizard - some types of rule are faster than others. For example, to test if an object is a particular element, the filter wizard compares two integers to see if they are equal or not. However, to test to see if a Property is within a vector, the filter wizard uses a complex algorithm to compare the location of the Property with every point that makes up the vector.

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This table lists the rules from quickest to process to the slowest: Fastest

Slowest

Weighting

Rule Type

1

Element

5

Hierarchy

8

Field

5-15

Attribute

50-10000+ depending on the number of points in the polygon

Polygon

The examples below show how performance is affected by good and bad use of rules. Example of reordering a simple filter Example of making filters faster by using fewer rules

7.4 Using Visualisers A visualiser is a way of creating multiple display settings for the same filter. When you have set up a filter's display properties, you take a copy, then change the display of items that you want. If you do this, you will not have to edit the filter each time you want to see something different, or create a new filter which is identical except for the display properties. Visualisers have other advantages over filters in that: They are not committed to the database, and therefore have no impact on processing speed. You can customise and store your exact visual requirements on the Map View, without affecting any other users. Examples of when using visualisers might be useful are: You need to present a monthly report, using the corporate look for sites, which is different to your own. So each month, for the same filter, you turn off your own display properties and use different ones:

You have set up the Selection filter to show Property IDs as labels. In a visualiser you choose to change the label to show contact details instead. Or you may have a filter showing all network elements and then create visualisers which each contain one network element type, enabling you to separate out your displays as required:


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7.4.1 Adding Visualisers When you add a visualiser, it will inherit all the display properties of a filter, so ensure you have set up the filter, assigning colours and symbols to each item as required. When you have done this, use these steps to add a visualiser: 1

In the Map View window, click the Show Data Types button

.

2

In the Data Types dialog box, expand Filters and right-click the required filter.

3

From the menu that appears, select Add New Visualiser.

4

In the dialog box that appears, type the name for the new visualiser and click OK. The new visualiser appears as a new item under the filter, and contains the filter properties that you have copied:

Visualisers can also be included in Favourite Views (see Saving a Favourite Map View on page 55). This greatly speeds up the process of displaying the Visualisers with the minimum of effort.

7.4.2 Changing the Display Properties of Visualisers You view and change the display properties of visualisers in the same way as you would do for filters, that is, by: Double-clicking the visualiser in the list of data types – or – Right-clicking the visualiser and from the menu that appears, selecting Properties

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7.4.3 Copying and Resetting Display Properties of Visualisers Copying Display Properties You can copy display properties from one visualiser to another, overwriting existing display properties. To do this: 1

Right-click the visualiser whose properties you want to copy and from the menu that appears click Copy Properties.

2

Right-click the second visualiser and from the menu that appears click Paste Properties.

Resetting Display Properties You can reset a visualiser's display properties to the original ones that you chose when you first created the filter (not the visualiser). To do this : 1

In the list of data types, expand Filters and browse to the required visualiser.

2

Right-click the required filter and select Reset.

7.4.4 Exporting and Importing Display Properties of Visualisers After you have created a visualiser, you can export its display properties and import them into another project. To do this: 1

Right-click the visualiser whose display properties you want to export, and from the menu that appears, click Export Properties.

2

In the dialog box that appears, browse to the required location and type a name for the settings file.

3

Click Save.

4

Click Export. The display properties are exported.

5

In the second project, right-click the visualiser into which you want to import the display properties. From the menu that appears, click Import Properties.

6

In the dialog box that appears, locate the required settings file and click Open.

7

Click Import. The display properties in the chosen file are imported.


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7.5 Session Summary Checklist This checklist has been provided as a self-assessment of the objectives stated at the beginning of the session. Please tick all objectives covered in this session: The purpose and uses of fields How to assign field options to network elements The purpose and uses of filters How to create and define dynamic filters How to create and define static filters How to use the selection expert The purpose of visualisers How to create visualisers

Additional Notes:

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SECTION 8

8

Predicting Pathloss and Displaying Coverage 8.1 Objectives of this Session In this session you will learn about: Predicting pathloss Creating coverage arrays Displaying coverage Analysing coverage with statistical reports Managing arrays

8.2 Predicting Pathloss After the network has been configured and all other necessary parameters have been set, ASSET enables you to create pathloss predictions. You can predict the pathloss of the signal from any cell to any point and use this information as the basis of coverage analysis for your planned network. Prediction files are vital in order to create a variety of coverage and interference arrays for visual analysis. The arrays can be used to produce statistical reports, and they also play a crucial part in a wide range of wizards, such as the Traffic Raster, Interference Table and Neighbour Planner wizards. In ASSET, the pathloss predictions are created or loaded automatically whenever you create a coverage/interference array, or when you run the Simulator. This means that you do not need to explicitly create pathloss predictions. For example, if the predictions do not exist, they will be created; if they exist and are upto-date, they will be loaded; if they exist but are out-of-date (due to any parameter changes in the database), they will be newly created.


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However, there may be circumstances where it is beneficial to explicitly create pathloss predictions, for example if you want to create a large amount of predictions and want to set these running while you are away from your machine, in order to save time later. For this, or for any other, reason, you can use the Pathloss Prediction Generator. In the Array Settings dialog box, you can set options which have a major impact on the predictions loaded or created. Basically, you can choose to create arrays based on the prediction settings (radius, resolution, and propagation model) specified in the Site Database, or you can specify to override any or all of these.

8.2.1 About Primary and Secondary Predictions In ASSET, when predictions are created or loaded, it is possible to set up and benefit from a 'dual prediction' option, enabling you to specify two 'sets' of resolution and radius for the cells in your network. This enables you, for example, to create/load a high-resolution prediction in the area closer to the site, and a low-resolution prediction in the area further from the site. In this example, the primary prediction (lower resolution/larger radius) might represent the interference area, and the secondary prediction (higher resolution/smaller radius) might represent the expected signal area. An example of how you can set this in the Site Database (Antennas tab) appears here:

Example of how Prediction Settings can be set up in the Site Database

It is also possible to use the primary/secondary predictions to assign a different propagation model for each one. This can be useful if part of a rural cell's coverage also covers an urban area. The settings you choose on in the Array Settings dialog box (Predictions tab) have a crucial impact on how or if the primary/secondary predictions are used for prediction creation/loading and array creation. Basically, you can choose to: Use only primary predictions Use primary and secondary predictions Use primary predictions, and only overlay secondary predictions if a resolution threshold is satisfied

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Example of the Predictions tab in the Array Settings

It is not mandatory to set or use secondary predictions.

8.2.1.1 Example of Using Primary and Secondary Predictions The following pictures illustrate an example of how Primary and Secondary Predictions could be used, showing different results between two of the options under Use Network Element Settings in the Array Settings dialog box:

Example of how an array can use predictions - Using only primary predictions


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Example of how an array can use predictions - Using primary and secondary predictions

In this example, a high resolution has been set for the cell up to 2km radius, and a low resolution up to 4km radius. The coverage array was requested at the higher resolution. Notice how the pixels are using the lower resolution in the outer half of the coverage.

8.2.1.2 Example of a Multi-Resolution Array This picture shows a multi-resolution array displayed in the Map View, using multiresolution predictions from the dual-prediction system:

Example of a multi-resolution array displayed in the Map View

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8.2.2 Using the Pathloss Prediction Generator In ASSET, the pathloss predictions are created or loaded automatically whenever you create a coverage/interference array, or when you run the Simulator, or use the Signal Coverage, Interference Table or Neighbour Planner wizards. This means that you do not explicitly need to create pathloss predictions (this is even true if you are using Measurement-based pathloss files to influence them). However, there may be circumstances where it is beneficial to explicitly create predictions, for example if you want to create a large amount of predictions and want to set these running while you are away from your machine, in order to save time later. In such cases, or for any other reason, you can explicitly create predictions by using the Pathloss Prediction Generator. Also, on the Predictions tab of the Array Settings dialog box, you can set options which have a major impact on the predictions loaded or created. Basically, you can choose to create arrays based on the prediction settings (radius, resolution, and propagation model) specified in the Site Database, or you can specify to override any or all of these. To create pathloss prediction files for single or multiple sites: 1

If you intend to select sites from the map view, open a Map View, and display the sites for which you want to create predictions.

2

From the Tools menu, click Pathloss Predictor, or click the

3

The Pathloss Prediction Generator dialog box appears. Select whether to create predictions for:

button.

Prediction Options

Descriptions

Instructions

Sites and Cells

Enables you to select individual sites.

Type the name of the element and press Enter. Type a partial substring if you want multiple elements to appear. As you type, after a small time delay, a list of all the elements matching the substring will appear in the list.

Sites and Cells in View

Enables you to select the sites After selecting the radio button, click anywhere in the Map currently visible in an open View window to load the sites/cells. Map View. (Afterwards, the 'Select View' button becomes active, but you do not need to press it unless you want to subsequently switch your selection to a different Map View.)

Sites and Cells in Filter

Enables you to select sites from a specific filter.

Choose a filter from the drop-down box.

Note : 

When a site but none of its cells are selected then all the cells on that site are predicted



When a site and one or more of its cells are selected then only those explicit cells are predicted



When cells (not sites) are selected, only those cells are predicted


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The sites you have chosen now appear listed in the dialog box. 4

If appropriate, you can select the checkbox to force repredictions. In the majority of situations, due to the recognition capabilities of the prediction system, this is unnecessary. However, in rare circumstances, there may be a situation where you know the predictions are out-of-date, but the prediction system considers them to be up-to-date. Such a circumstance might be, for example, when you know that changes have been made to the underlying map data used by the project.

5

Click Start. Time estimates are shown as the prediction progresses.

When the operation has finished, you can view and inspect the prediction results:

Example of Pathloss Predictor dialog box

If required, you can choose to only show the failed predictions by clicking the 'Show Failed' button. If you do, the list will be reduced, as in this example:

Example of Pathloss Predictor showing failed predictions

After doing this, you can also choose to populate the Selection filter with only the 'failed' sites or cells, by clicking the relevant button.

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8.3 About Displaying Coverage Once pathloss predictions have been created, you can display the coverage in the Map View window. Single Site or Cell You can display the coverage for a single site or cell:

Single Site Coverage display

Coverage Arrays You can also create and display coverage arrays which take into account the coverage from multiple cells, for example a Best Server array. For more information, see Creating Coverage Arrays on page 155.

Coverage Array display


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8.3.1 Displaying Coverage for a Single Site or Cell In the Map View, you can display the coverage for a single site or single cell. To do this: 1

Click the Display Coverage for a Cell button

then click the required cell.

- or Click the Display Coverage for a Site button

then click the required site.

2

Select the relevant cell layer or carrier.

3

If appropriate, select the terminal type and indoor/outdoor location.

4

Specify a resolution.

For GSM networks, you will be able to select All Cell Layers or an individual cell layer. If All Cell Layers is selected, the Data Types list is updated under Site & Cell Coverage. If an individual layer is selected, the Data Types list is updated under Clipboard Arrays. For all other technologies, the Data Types list is always updated under Clipboard Arrays. To customise the coverage display for items listed under Site & Cell Coverage: Double-click on the item in the Data Types list, and on the Categories tab, select the required coverage schema from the drop-down box. Click OK, then click 'OK and Redraw'. When displaying coverage for several adjacent individual cells, the multiple predictions are not combined to display the "best" coverage at each pixel location, but are just shown on top of each other. If you want to display the best coverage value for each pixel, you should use an array. For information on this, see Creating Coverage Arrays on page 155.

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8.4 Creating Coverage Arrays You can create coverage arrays either from the Arrays menu, or from the in the Map View window.

button

The technology options vary according to your licences. In this example of the Map View, the array creation options represent licences for GSM (Non-Sim), UMTS (Sim) and GSM (Sim):

Map View window - example of the coverage array options

8.4.1 Creating Coverage/Interference Arrays (Non-Sim) To create a Coverage/Interference array: 1

From the Arrays menu, click Array Settings, and check that your specified array creation options and parameters are as set as you require.

2

Open a Map View window that shows the region of interest.

3

From the Arrays menu, click Coverage/Interference.

4

Check that the region for the coverage array is correct. If necessary, you can modify the region by entering precise co-ordinates. Click Next. You can also run the wizard using the Create Arrays button in the Map View window itself (in this case, the wizard consists of only one page, and without the automatic saving options).

5

Choose the type of array(s) you want to create, by selecting the relevant checkbox(es). If you choose Nth Best Server, specify the layer you want to create by editing the number (2 = second best, and so on).

6

Choose the Filter options for which the array will be generated.

7

In the Sites to Include in Array Creation pane, choose whether to restrict the number of sites that are considered while generating the array to: 

Those that have predictions that overlap the map view



Those within a specified distance from the map view extents


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8

In the Array Options pane, specify a resolution for the array. You can specify any resolution. The output arrays will be generated at that requested resolution, using the prediction files at the resolutions specified for the corresponding network elements in the Site Database (or from the Override option in the Array Settings dialog box). A deterministic conversion process is used where necessary. In the Memory Status pane, you can see how much memory your chosen array requires, and how much is available.

9

Click Next.

10 Choose whether to save any array(s) that you create by selecting the Save checkbox. Browse to or type the path to a folder, or accept the default path shown (as specified in the Modify Project dialog box). 11 If you choose to save the arrays, a separate header file is saved as well, including the name of the user and the time and date when the array was created. To add your own planning comments, double-click on the comments field. 12 Click Finish. If you want to create a best server array iteratively (using the same network filters), see how to do this more easily in Creating and Displaying Coverage Simultaneously on page 161. Descriptions of the Coverage/Interference arrays are given in the ASSET Technical Reference Guide.

8.4.1.1 Troubleshooting Array Creation (Non-Sim) If you have a problem when creating a GSM Non-Sim coverage array, view the Message Log window. This table shows some common reasons for getting a 0 sub-cells processed message and the possible solutions: Possible Problem

Solution

No predictions were found for the sites.

Ensure you have set up carriers, carrier layers and cell layers, that the sites have cell layers assigned, and that you have specified all the required equipment (for example, antennas and propagation models) for the sites being processed.

You have selected to only consider sub-cells with allocated carriers, but the sub-cells selected for the array have no carriers allocated.

From the Arrays menu, click Array Settings, and on the Serving and Interfering Cells tab, clear the relevant checkbox in the bottom pane. – or – Allocate carriers on the Carriers tab for each cell layer.

No cell and carrier layers are selected in the Array Settings window.

From the Arrays menu, click Array Settings, and on the Serving and Interfering Cells tab, ensure you have selected the required cell and carrier layers. Alternatively, clear the top checkbox, which is the safe default to include all cell and carrier layers within the array.

The Filter selected at the start of the Array creation wizard is not correct.

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Check that you have chosen the correct filter, and that it contains the cells you wish to include in the array. (You can also check for possible problems by using the "All" filter).


8.5 Displaying Coverage Arrays To display a coverage array in the Map View: 1

Ensure the array has been created, as described in Creating Coverage Arrays on page 155.

2

In the Map View, click the Show Data Types button list, select the appropriate array type, as follows:

and in the Data Types



Coverage/Interference arrays (GSM Non-Sim) can be found under the Coverage heading:



Signal Coverage arrays (all technologies) can be found under the Simulator heading:

3

Select the array you want to display.

4

Click 'OK and Redraw'.

The array will be displayed on the Map View. For brief descriptions of the different types of output arrays, see the ASSET Technical Reference Guide.


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8.5.1 Example of Best Server Array This array displays the signal strength of the best serving cell at each pixel on the Map View. This decision is based on parameters specified in the Site Database window and in the Array Settings dialog box. As with all the arrays, you can change the display settings in the Map View by double-clicking the array in the list of Data Types. This picture shows an example of the Best Server array:

Best Server array

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8.5.2 Defining Coverage Schemas for GSM (Non-Sim) Arrays In relation to coverage for GSM networks when the Simulator is not used, you can define your own coverage schemas for each cell layer, and then select that schema to be used on the Map View. To add a coverage schema for a GSM network (Non-Sim): 1

From the Configuration menu, click Coverage Schemas.

2

Select what type of schema you require. Choose System for a type that other people can view or User to make a schema for your own use only.

3

In the Schema (left side) pane, click Add.

4

Enter a name for the new coverage schema and click OK.

5

In the Coverage Categories (right side) pane, click Add to add a category.

6

In the Label box enter a description, then choose a colour.

7

Click Close to exit the Coverage Schemas dialog box.

8

From the Configuration menu, point to Layers and click Cell Layers.

9

On the Coverage Thresholds tab of the Cell Layers dialog box, select the appropriate coverage schema from the drop-down box and double-click each category to set its signal level.

In the case of multiple cell layers, you must do this separately for each cell layer. You can now select this new schema when you display coverage for a single site or cell, or when you set the display properties of a Non-Sim coverage array.


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8.5.3 Setting Display Properties for a GSM (Non-Sim) Array You can modify the display settings of any of the GSM non-Sim arrays. To do this: 1

Click the Show Data Types button in the Map View, and in the Data Types list, under the Coverage heading, double-click the required array.

2

If the array is a Best Server array, on the Categories tab, select the coverage schema that you want to use for the array. For more information on this, see Defining Coverage Schemas for GSM (Non-Sim) Arrays on page 159. If the array is not a Best Server array, the first tab is named differently, and the display options are slightly more specific, but the other tabs are the same.

3

Choose the level of transparency that will be used when the array is displayed.

4

On the GIS Export tab, you can set the default content type for any subsequent GIS-based exports of this array: 

Raster Image (you can select from a range of output file types)



RLE Rectangles



Polygons

For more information on using GIS Export, see the ENTERPRISE User Reference Guide. 5

6

On the Visibility Settings tab, you can select options for displaying the array only at a particular zoom level threshold: 

Use View Zoom Range to set the minimum and maximum map view dimensions in which the array will be displayed according to Height or Width.



Use Scale Range to set the minimum and maximum map view dimensions in which the array will be displayed according to the current paper settings, which are defined in the properties for the printer you choose.

Click OK to save the options. The Map View will now display the array with the new settings.

For more information on the 2g/2.5g arrays (such as Coverage, Interference and GPRS arrays), see the Array Descriptions section in the ASSET Technical Reference Guide.

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8.5.4 Creating and Displaying Coverage Simultaneously You can create a Best Server array (GSM) or any of the Signal Coverage arrays, and simultaneously display the coverage on the map. The arrays created by this shortcut method will use the same settings as those you LAST selected when using the 'normal' method of array creation. Therefore it is NOT possible to choose different Filters when using this shortcut method, nor can you take into account any modified Array Settings. If you do wish to make such changes, it is always safer to run a 'normal' method of array creation, as described in Creating Coverage Arrays on page 155. To create an array and simultaneously display it on the Map View: In the Map View window, click the Create/Display Coverage button

.

The array will be created and automatically displayed on the Map View.

8.5.5 Displaying Service Area Arrays When you have created a GSM Best Server (Non-Sim) array, you can also view the array in an alternative way. Two types appear under Coverage in the list of Data Types, Service Area (Block) and Service Area (Contour). Here is an example of the Data Types list:

Service areas enable you to view the information from the Best Server array in terms of the geographical areas where each cell is the Serving Cell, irrespective of signal strength.


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To view this information: In the list of Data Types, ensure that Best Server is not selected and select Service Area (Block) or Service Area (Contour). This picture shows an example of a Service Area (Block) Array:

Service Area (Block) Array

The Service Area works best with the default colour palette and on a screen with 65536 or more colours. If your screen only has 256 colours, you will need to change the colours to make adjacent service areas sufficiently different.

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8.5.6 Viewing the Cell Signal Difference This is only applicable to 2g networks. To view the difference in signal strength between two cells shown in the Map View: 1

Click the Cell Signal Difference button

.

2

Click the first cell then the second cell, and then choose a resolution. The result will vary according to which cell you click first.

The difference is calculated and displayed. The display settings can be set in 'Site & Cell Coverage' in the Data Types list.

Viewing the Difference in Signal Strength Between Two Cells


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8.5.7 Displaying Coverage for Specific Carriers This is only applicable to 2g networks. To display coverage for specific carriers that exist in a frequency plan that you have created: 1

Ensure you have a Best Server array in memory.

2

In the Map View window, in the list of data types, under Cell Info, double-click Freq Re-Use. The dialog box that appears enables you to display cell service areas coloured according to the carriers in use on that cell.

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3

Select the Use Carrier Layers checkbox then hold down the Ctrl key and select the carrier numbers whose coverage you want to display in the Map View window.

4

Select a colour for the first carrier. The next selected carrier will use the next colour in the palette, and so on.

5

For example, the following picture shows the selection of carriers 1 to 10 and, in this case, each carrier will be represented by the colours black, white, red, and so on, according to the palette order:


This picture shows an example of the carriers displayed on the Map View:

It is better to only display a limited number of carriers at any one time, because the display can only show a maximum of two carriers per cell. 6

Similarly, if you have chosen to use Group Planning in the Carrier Layers dialog box, on the Frequency Groups tab here, select the checkbox and select the first grid square, then choose the required colour. The next grid square will continue by using the next colour in the palette, and so on.

8.6 Producing Coverage Reports/Statistics Once coverage arrays have been created, you can generate coverage statistics. This is fully explained in Generating Statistical Reports for Arrays on page 268.

Example of generating Statistics for an array using the right-click option


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After selecting the required reporting options in the Statistics dialog box, you can generate a report. Here is an example:

Example of a Coverage Statistics report for a Best Server array

8.7 Using the Array Manager The Array Manager provides an array management facility, which enables you to perform memory management on arrays and simulations. In addition, the Array Manager provides the ability to retrieve archived arrays, allowing for the benchmarking of statistical changes over time. In the Array Manager, you can: View any array information currently in memory Load arrays Save arrays Delete arrays (except Simulation arrays) View the data summary of a simulation

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Copy arrays to the Array Clipboard Rename Clipboard arrays To open the Array Manager: From the Arrays menu, click Array Manager. This picture shows an example of the Array Manager:

Example of the Array Manager dialog box

By default, all column information (File name, Memory, Resolution, and so on) is displayed, but you can customise which columns are included by right-clicking any of the column headings:

Example of customising displayed columns in the Array Manager dialog box


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8.7.1 Loading a Specific Array In the Array Manager, you can load a coverage or interference array that you have saved previously. To do this: 1

From the Arrays menu, click Array Manager.

2

Click the Load button.

3

In the dialog box that appears, locate the *.dat file that contains the array, and then click Load. The required array is loaded. If you load an array which included a cell or cells that now no longer exist(s) in the database, you can only use this array for statistical analysis and visualisation purposes. Also, some of the cell information for the array will be undefined.

8.7.2 Saving Arrays In the Array Manager, you can save a coverage or interference array. To do this: 1


2

Select the array that you want to save.

3

Click Save.

4

In the Array File Selector dialog box, browse to the folder in which you want to save the array file.

5

If you have any planning comments that you want to add to the array header file, double-click the Comments field and type your comments in there.

6

Click the Save button.

8.7.3 Deleting Arrays In the Array Manager, you can delete a coverage or interference or traffic array which is no longer needed, thereby freeing some memory resources: 1


2

Select the array that you want to delete.

3

Click Delete.

You cannot delete individual arrays that were produced by the Simulator. However, you can use the Array Manager to delete the whole simulation from memory, if required.

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8.7.4 About the Array Clipboard ASSET enables you to copy to clipboard any of the Simulation arrays, so that you can make comparisons between historic simulations of your network. The file format used for this is the *.3ga file format. This file enables you to obtain and view all the necessary statistics and views of the output arrays, in order to make comparisons. However, you cannot rerun a simulation from a Clipboard array. For information on the file format for the Simulation arrays, see the ENTERPRISE Technical Reference Guide. To create a Clipboard array from a Simulation array, either: Using the Array Manager: 1


2

Right-click on the array and click Copy to Array Clipboard.

- or Using the Map View Data Types list: 1


2

From the list that appears, expand the Simulator heading.

3

Right-click on the array and click Copy to Array Clipboard.

.

Either method will create the copy of the array, and it will then appear under the Array Clipboard heading in both the Array Manager and the Map View. All output arrays from the Compound Array Generator are automatically held in memory as Clipboard arrays.

8.7.4.1 Renaming Clipboard Arrays In the Array Manager, you can rename a clipboard array. To do this: 1


2

Expand the Array Clipboard heading.

3

Right-click the appropriate clipboard array, and from the menu that appears click Rename. The clipboard array name will appear as an edit box.

4

Type the new name and either press the return key on your keyboard or, using your mouse, click anywhere within the dialog box.


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8.8 Session Summary Checklist This checklist has been provided as a self-assessment of the objectives stated at the beginning of the session. Please tick all objectives covered in this session: Predicting pathloss Creating coverage arrays Displaying coverage Analysing coverage with statistical reports Managing arrays

Additional Notes:

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SECTION 9

9

Traffic Planning on a GSM Network 9.1 Objectives of this Session In this session you will learn about: Defining Terminal Types Creating Traffic Rasters Performing a Traffic Analysis

9.2 About Terminal Types When you are satisfied with your network's coverage performance, you are in a position to consider traffic modelling in your network. ASSET incorporates a set of sophisticated traffic modelling and analysis capabilities, which you can use to model the performance of your network and to calculate new transceiver requirements. In modern cellular networks, there are different types of subscribers with different profiles, and different types of mobile terminals with different properties. You can specify Terminal Types to represent these different profiles, assign them to a network layer or to multiple layers and describe their geographical distribution in relation to the mapping data. ASSET models traffic demand by generating traffic density maps for the different types of terminal. These density maps define the amount of traffic (in Terminals or Erlangs) offered to the network by each type of terminal on a pixel-by-pixel basis, corresponding to the available clutter map data resolutions. A 2g Terminal Type in ASSET defines three key characteristics: How much „traffic‟ will the Terminal Type generate in total? How will the „traffic‟ be spread geographically? Which Cell Layers can serve the traffic for that Terminal Type?


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9.3 Adding a Terminal Type To add a terminal type: 1

From the Configuration menu, click Terminal Types.

2

In the Terminal Types dialog box, click Add to create a new terminal type. If you want to add a terminal type which is similar to a previously defined one, you can use the Duplicate button.

3

On the General tab, edit the name. It is useful to describe the type of traffic that it represents, for example, GSM Voice, GPRS, UMTS Voice, UMTS Packet and so on.

4

Select the required technology for this terminal type (for example, GSM or UMTS) as appropriate.

5

On the Clutter and/or Vectors tabs, define how the terminal type will be distributed over the Map View when a traffic raster is created. For more information, see Determining the Distribution of Traffic on page 174.

9.3.1 Adding a Terminal Type for GSM (Non-Sim) To set up a terminal type for GSM (Non-Sim): 1


2


3

4

On the General tab: 

Select 'GSM Circuit Switched' from the technology drop-down list.



Edit the name to describe the type of traffic that it represents, for example, GSM Voice.

On the Cell Layers tab, associate the terminal type with one or more cell layers, by selecting from the available list, and clicking the button. This means that any traffic raster that is created for the terminal type can only be serviced by cells using the appropriate cell layer(s). For example, a dual band terminal might support the GSM900 and GSM1800 layers.

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5

On the Clutter and/or Vectors tabs, define how the terminal type will be distributed over the Map View when a traffic raster is created. The flexible methods of distribution are generic to all technologies, and therefore are described fully in a separate section. See Determining the Distribution of Traffic on page 174.

6

Apply and Commit your changes as required.


9.3.2 Adding a Terminal Type for GPRS (Non-Sim) To set up a terminal type for GPRS or EGPRS (Non-Sim): 1


2


3

4

On the General tab: 

Select 'Packet Switched (GPRS)' or 'EDGE Packet Switched (EGPRS)' from the technology drop-down list.



Edit the name to describe the type of traffic that it represents, for example, GPRS.

On the Cell Layers tab, associate the terminal type with one or more cell layers, by selecting from the available list, and clicking the button. This means that any traffic raster that is created for the terminal type can only be serviced by cells using the appropriate cell layer(s).

5

On the GPRS/EGPRS tab, set the mean busy hour capacity (kb/s) of the terminal. This is an estimate of the traffic demand, in a busy hour, for the terminal type. This should include any overhead related to the characteristics of the device (for example, average packet size and TCP/IP protocol). Then specify the maximum number of timeslots supported by the terminal.

6

On the Clutter and/or Vectors tabs, define how the terminal type will be distributed over the Map View when a traffic raster is created. The flexible methods of distribution are generic to all technologies, and therefore are described fully in a separate section. See Determining the Distribution of Traffic on page 174.

7



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9.3.3 Determining the Distribution of Traffic After you have added a terminal type and defined the parameters, you need to determine how you intend to spread the traffic over the Map View. If you want to add a terminal type which is similar to a previously defined one, you should make use of the Duplicate button. This can be particularly beneficial for the clutter and vector values. The options you select on the Clutter and/or Vectors tabs partly depend on whether you intend to use Specified (estimated) Traffic or Live Traffic: Specified traffic enables you to spread an estimation (or future projection) of the traffic within a region, based either on clutter types or vectors, or both. Live traffic enables you to spread known traffic values per sub-cell according to the cell service area (that is, the area where the cell is the best server), over selected clutter types. Live traffic can only be spread using the Weights option on the Clutter tab, and will only be spread into clutter types with non-zero weights. The following sections describe the options on the: Clutter Tab and Vectors Tab Vectors may consist of lines, polygons or points. For information on how to create each of these, please refer to the ENTERPRISE User Reference Guide.

9.3.3.1 About the Clutter Tab on the Terminal Types Dialog Box When you are determining the distribution of traffic for a terminal type, you can use either the Clutter tab or the Vectors tab, or a combination of both. This section describes the options on the Clutter tab.

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There are two methods you can choose if you want to spread traffic using clutter types: Weight or Density. The Weight option enables you to assign relative weights to the various clutter types available in your map data. These weights should represent the expected ratios of subscribers in each clutter type. The normalised percentages always add up to 100%. This method always requires a Total Traffic value to be entered during the Traffic wizard process. The Density option enables you to define a traffic density for each clutter type, and therefore the Total Traffic value in the Traffic wizard process is deactivated. If you intend to spread Live traffic, you must use the Weights option. Whichever method you use, the traffic units spread will be Terminals or Erlangs per km², as appropriate. For more information, see About the Traffic Units on page 180. For Weight, the Traffic wizard will spread the traffic over the selected region, applying the clutter weights on a pixel by pixel basis. For example, if the weights of clutter types 'Urban' and 'Rural' are 12 and 1 respectively, each urban pixel will have 12 times the traffic density of each rural pixel, irrespective of the total areas of the clutter types. For Density, the Traffic wizard will spread the traffic over the selected region, applying the specified densities to each pixel based on its clutter type. An advantage of using Weights is the extra flexibility. You can enter modified traffic values when you make subsequent runs of the Traffic wizard to produce new rasters, which will overwrite the old one (only one raster can exist in memory for any one terminal type). Alternatively, you can use the Scaling Traffic feature, which serves for both spreading methods. For each clutter type, you can also specify a percentage probability that the terminal is In-Building (that is, indoor). This will be used if you set up shadow fading standard deviations (and/or loss values) for indoor terminals, and will affect the simulation results. Setting Options and Values on the Clutter Tab To set the options and values on the Clutter tab of the Terminal Types dialog box: 1

Select either Weight or Density.

2

Specify the values by selecting each of the clutter types and entering a value in the Weight column or Traffic Density column, as appropriate.

3

If relevant to your technology type, specify the percentage values for In-Building by selecting each of the clutter types and entering a value in the % In-Building column.

4


You are now ready to create a traffic raster.


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9.3.3.2 About the Vectors Tab on the Terminal Types Dialog Box When you determine the distribution of traffic for a terminal type, you can use either the Vectors tab or the Clutter tab, or a combination of both. This section describes the options on the Vectors tab.

On the Vectors tab of the Terminal Types dialog box, you can specify traffic to be spread into/onto any selected vector(s). When you later run the Traffic wizard to spread the traffic, any pixel intersected or enclosed by the vector will receive a traffic value, according to your requirements. Vectors may consist of lines, polygons or points. For information on how to create these, please refer to the ENTERPRISE User Reference Guide. There are two methods you can choose if you want to spread traffic using vectors: The Absolute option enables you to specify the total terminals within a vector (line, polygon or point) The Density option enables you to define a traffic density for each vector (line, polygon or point) Any vector-based traffic will be additional to clutter-based traffic, depending how the terminal type has been configured. For more information, see Using a Combination of the Clutter tab and the Vectors tab on page 178. If you want the terminal type to be spread exclusively into/onto vectors, ensure that all values on the terminal type's Clutter tab are set to zero (or, if the Weights option on the Clutter tab has been specified, you can simply set the traffic total value in step 5 of the wizard to zero). In the case where lines or points are not entirely within the region selected in the Traffic wizard, the traffic will be spread with the same specified values to the portion of the vectors that are within the region. However, traffic for polygons will be condensed into the portion of the polygon that is within the region. If you have set up vectors which contain both polygons and lines, the traffic specified for the lines is also spread over the edges of polygons (this may be useful for roads consisting of polygon 'loops'). If you do not want this to happen, you must organise your lines and polygons into separate vectors.

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The traffic units depend whether you use Absolute or Density, as described in this table: Vector type

Basis

How Traffic is Spread

Lines

Distance

Traffic is evenly spread over Terminals or Erlangs. all the pixels through which the line runs.

Absolute mode

Density mode Terminals or Erlangs per km.

Polygons

Area

Traffic is evenly spread over Terminals or Erlangs. all the pixels enclosed within the polygon, unless you choose to use clutter weights when spreading traffic into polygons when you run the Traffic wizard.

Terminals or Erlangs per km².

Points

n/a

Traffic is spread onto whichever pixel the point is located.

Terminals or Erlangs.

Terminals or Erlangs.

If a vector file comprises multiple points, the traffic you define will be spread over all the points. For example, if you define 6 terminals for a vector comprising 3 points, each point will have 2 terminals.

If a vector file comprises multiple points, the traffic you define will be spread to each of the points. For example, if you define 6 terminals for a vector comprising 3 points, each point will have 6 terminals.

For more information about the units for each technology, see About the Traffic Units on page 180. In the case of polygons, traffic can be spread with or without taking account of clutter weights, determined by an option in step 2 of the Traffic Wizard. If you want clutter weights to be considered, ensure that clutter weights are selected and specified on the Clutter tab. For more information, see Creating a Traffic Raster with Specified Values on page 182. Setting Options and Values on the Vectors Tab To set the options and values on the Vectors tab of the Terminal Types dialog box: 1

Select either Absolute or Density.

2

Select the required vector (line, polygon or point).

3

Enter a traffic value in the appropriate column.

4


You are now ready to create a traffic raster.


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9.3.3.3 Using a Combination of the Clutter tab and the Vectors Tab When you are determining the distribution of traffic for a terminal type, you can use either the Clutter tab or the Vectors tab. You can also choose to use a combination of both tabs. If you choose to do this, any vector-based traffic will be additional to clutter-based traffic, assuming either: The Weights option is specified on the terminal type's Clutter tab, some or all of the clutters types have weightings, and you use a non-zero traffic total value in step 5 of the Traffic Wizard. - or The Density option is specified on the terminal type's Clutter tab, and some or all of the clutters types have traffic density values set (in this case, the traffic total value in step 5 of the Traffic Wizard is inactive). If one of the above conditions is true, then the traffic will be spread to any pixels intersected/enclosed by the vector, in addition to any traffic for the clutter type of those pixels. Conversely, if you want the terminal type to be spread into/onto vectors only, ensure that all values on the terminal type's Clutter tab are set to zero (alternatively, if the Weights option on the Clutter tab has been specified, you can simply set the traffic total value in step 5 of the wizard to zero).

9.4 About Traffic Rasters Traffic Rasters are arrays that store the distribution of traffic over an area. They can be created either from the information in the Terminal Types or from imported Live Traffic values. And they can be created with or without respect to network coverage.

Example of Traffic Raster shown with Map Legend

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The creation of Traffic Rasters enables you to: In the case of a nominal network, obtain initial estimates of the equipment and configuration needed. By displaying the array on the Map View, you can then gain a good idea of where to locate your sites. In the case of a more mature network, you can assess how your current network performs in terms of capacity. You can check that your site configuration is sufficient to match the traffic spread over the network. Also, in the case of 2g networks: You can capture the traffic from the array and assign it to individual sub-cells, and then use this data to analyse the capacity required for individual cells in your network. For this, you use the Static Traffic Analysis. You can use traffic arrays when creating an Interference Table, which can be used as an input to ILSA, the automatic Frequency Planning tool, or for the Interactive Frequency Analysis. And, in the case of 3g and 2g networks when using the Simulator, you need Traffic Rasters as a vital input to analyse your network performance.

9.4.1 About Vector Attribute Traffic Rasters You can create a traffic raster to spread attribute values, based on any attribute within a vector (line, polygon or point). Attributes can include such information as population data, subscriber numbers, salary information, and so on. For information on how to define attribute values for vectors, see the ENTERPRISE User Reference Guide. When this method of creating a traffic raster is used, the traffic value derives directly from the selected attribute value, that is, the attribute values automatically become Erlangs or Terminals, whichever is appropriate to the technology. Therefore, in the case where a single vector file contains multiple features, each feature may have a different traffic value, corresponding to its own defined attribute value. This method of spreading still requires a terminal type to be configured. However, the traffic parameters specified on the terminal type's Clutter and Vectors tabs are ignored for the spreading, with the exception of clutter weights, which can optionally be taken into account when spreading traffic into polygons. The traffic is spread for all selected vectors that contain the attribute. In the case of overlapping vectors, the traffic value for each pixel is the sum of the values for each of the vectors. The name of the created traffic raster will be the same as the name of the terminal type (not the name of the attribute). Therefore any raster in memory with that name will be replaced. This is because only one raster can exist in memory for any one terminal type.


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9.4.2 About Distributional Statistics Distributional statistics (such as population) enable you to analyse the coverage of a selected array with respect to distribution. When you create a traffic raster, you can use the spread traffic values to incorporate distributional statistics into the statistical reports. The reporting option is explained in Generating Statistical Reports for Arrays on page 268. For this option, the distribution 'units' can either derive from values which have been spread using a vector attribute traffic raster, or from a traffic raster created using the clutter and/or vectors tabs on the terminal type. In the latter case, the spread values (whether in Erlangs or terminals) will be considered as distributed 'units'. The distributional statistics option can only work on traffic rasters saved to file, so if you want to use a raster for this purpose, ensure you save the raster after you have created it.

9.4.3 About the Traffic Units The traffic units used in the traffic rasters are determined by the technology selected on the terminal type. This table lists the technology types and which units they use: Technology

Traffic Units

GSM Non-Sim

E (Erlangs)

GSM Sim

T (Terminals)

GPRS, EGPRS

T (Terminals)

UMTS, CDMA2000, EV-DO, GSM/UMTS, WiMAX, LTE

T (Terminals)

9.4.4 About the Additional Traffic Arrays After you have created a traffic raster, in the case of 2g networks, you can also display the following arrays on the Map View:

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Type

Description

Traffic per cell

Requires traffic values to be applied to the cells in the Site Database. This can be done using the 2g Traffic Analysis tool, or using the 2g Live Traffic import.

Blocking per cell

Requires traffic values to be applied to the cells in the Site Database. This can be done using the 2g Traffic Analysis tool, or using the 2g Live Traffic import. Also requires the Analysis stage of Traffic Analysis tool to be run.


9.5 Creating a Traffic Raster You can create a traffic raster with any of these three independent methods: Specified traffic values Live traffic values Vector attribute values

Example of Traffic Raster with Map Information pane

Before using the Traffic Wizard, ensure you have: 1

Defined at least one terminal type.

2

Opened a Map View window that contains the area over which you want to spread the traffic (unless you prefer to enter co-ordinates).

3

Created or loaded a coverage array, if restricting the traffic to coverage, or spreading live traffic. This step is optional for specified traffic, essential for live traffic, and not relevant for vector attributes.


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9.5.1 Creating a Traffic Raster with Specified Values To create a traffic raster with specified traffic values: 1

Check the preliminary steps, as described in Creating a Traffic Raster on page 181. You should especially check the steps described in Determining the Distribution of Traffic on page 174.

2

From the Arrays menu, point to Traffic and click Traffic Wizard.

The following instructions describe the steps in the Traffic Wizard: 1

On step 1, check that your defined area is correct. If you have multiple Map Views open, the Select View button enables you to click on a different Map View. A further option is to enter the co-ordinates manually.

2

On step 2, select one or more terminal types from the list. For each terminal type you select, a separate traffic array will be created. The traffic units produced by the raster will depend on the technology set on the terminal type, as explained in About the Traffic Units on page 180. The Spread Type column indicates whether you chose weights or density for clutter (if applicable) when you configured the terminal type. If you want clutter weights to be taken into account when spreading traffic into polygons, select the appropriate checkbox, and ensure that clutter weights have been selected, and specified, on the Clutter tab of the Terminal Types dialog box.

3

On step 3, choose the required resolution. The processing memory required to create the raster is shown. If you are intending to use Restrict to Coverage (see next step), this resolution must match that of the appropriate coverage array.

4

On step 4, if you have a coverage array in memory, you can restrict the traffic to be spread only to the pixels in the Map View where coverage exists. This option is useful for assessing how your established network performs, enabling you to assess the current traffic in your network, as well as any projected increases. You should not use this option if you just want to obtain initial estimates of the site locations, equipment and configuration needed for a new or expanding network. To restrict the traffic to coverage: Select the network traffic you wish to restrict. In the case of 3g traffic, you can also select the array instance and enter a threshold value for the pilot power (traffic will only spread to areas where the pilot strength is above this threshold).

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5

On step 5, you can specify the amount of traffic units if you used Clutter Weights when setting up the terminal type. If you used Clutter Density, then these values are already fixed, making this column inactive.

Any vector-based traffic will be additional to clutter-based traffic, depending how the terminal type has been configured. For more information, see Using a Combination of the Clutter tab and the Vectors tab on page 178. If you want the terminal type to be spread exclusively into/onto vectors, ensure that all values on the terminal type's Clutter tab are set to zero (or, if the Weights option on the Clutter tab has been specified, you can simply set the traffic total value in step 5 of the wizard to zero). 6

Ignore step 6 and click Next. (This separate option is described in Creating a Vector Attribute Traffic Raster on page 183.)

7

On step 7, click Finish. You can optionally save the raster to a file. (You can also choose to do this later by using the Array Manager.)

To display the raster, see Displaying Traffic Rasters on page 185.

9.5.2 Creating a Vector Attribute Traffic Raster If you have attributes defined for vectors, you can choose to create a vector attribute traffic raster which can spread traffic into chosen vectors according to their attribute values. For more information, see About Vector Attribute Traffic Rasters on page 179. To create a vector attribute traffic raster: 1

Check the preliminary steps, as described in Creating a Traffic Raster on page 181.

2

From the Arrays menu, point to Traffic and click Traffic Wizard.

The following instructions describe the steps in the Traffic Wizard: 1

On step 1, check that your defined area is correct. If you have multiple Map Views open, the Select View button enables you to click on a different Map View. A further option is to enter the co-ordinates manually.

2

On step 2, select one or more terminal types from the list. For each terminal type you select, a separate traffic array will be created. The traffic units produced by the raster will depend on the technology set on the terminal type, as explained in About the Traffic Units on page 180. If you want clutter weights to be taken into account when spreading traffic into polygons, select the appropriate checkbox, and ensure that clutter weights have been selected, and specified, on the Clutter tab of the Terminal Types dialog box.


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3

On step 3, choose the required resolution. The processing memory required to create the raster is shown.

4

On step 4, the Restrict to Coverage is irrelevant for this spreading option, so just click Next.

5

On step 5, the Traffic Total is irrelevant for this spreading option, so just click Next.

6

On step 6, click Select Vectors, then select the appropriate vector(s), and then click OK. Then select the terminal type(s) and the attribute(s) by clicking in the dropdown list(s).

The traffic will be spread for all selected vectors that contain the chosen attribute(s). The traffic values are derived directly from the attribute values, that is, they become Erlangs or Terminals, as appropriate. Selecting this option overrides any settings in the previous two steps in the wizard for the specific terminal type(s). 7

On step 7, click Finish. You can optionally save the raster to a file. (You can also choose to do this later by using the Array Manager.)

To display the raster, see Displaying Traffic Rasters on page 185.

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9.5.3 Displaying Traffic Rasters To display a traffic raster: 1

Open the Map View window.

2

Click the Show Data Types button and in the list of data types, under Traffic, select the Traffic Raster that you require. For example:

3

If required, you can change the display properties by double-clicking the item. You can then: 

Choose the start colour



Type the Erlang or Terminals value at which you wish to start displaying traffic



Type in the step interval, for example if you type 10, each colour relates to 10 mE or 10 terminals, as appropriate

Map Information Pane You can also display the traffic value at the current pixel in the Map Information pane. This pane displays information related to the specific pixel under the cursor (location, height, clutter, traffic and so on). As you move the mouse cursor over the map, the pane displays information related to the specific pixel. To view the pane: 1

On the Map View window, from the View menu, select Show Map View Gadgets.

2

In the pane, click the Field Selector button

to change what the pane displays.

9.5.4 Scaling Traffic Rasters You may want to scale your traffic raster, to project increases in system load over time. To scale a traffic raster that you have already created: 1

From the Arrays menu, point to Traffic and click Scale Traffic.

2

Select the required terminal type that you wish to scale.

3

Enter a scaling factor. For example, to try growing your traffic by 10%, enter 1.1 in the Scale Factor box.

4

Select whether you want the scaled traffic to be applied to the same terminal type traffic array or a different one. For a different array, ensure the Same Array checkbox is not selected, and choose the required terminal type from the list.

This feature can be particularly useful for sensitivity analysis of nominal network designs (that is, if the traffic forecast increases by x%), and for predicting where problems might occur when traffic increases with time. You can also describe GPRS traffic in relation to CS traffic.


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9.6 Running the Static Traffic Analysis ASSET can use the data stored in the Traffic Rasters to allocate traffic to sub-cells according to the distribution of traffic across the region, taking into account the network coverage, stored in the Best Server array. So when you have both a Best Server array and Traffic Raster, you can use the Static Traffic Analysis to predict the effect of the traffic distribution upon the network. The Static Traffic Analysis allows you to carry out four steps:

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1

Capture the Traffic. This outputs a report listing traffic values per cell.

2

Apply the Traffic values to the sub-cells in the Site Database. This populates the General tab with the calculated traffic values.

3

Analyse the Carrier Requirements that have been calculated to accommodate the traffic values on the cells. This outputs a report comparing these carrier requirements with the current carrier allocations in the database, and shows the resulting blocking percentages.

4

Apply the Carriers Requirements to the sub-cells in the Site Database (optional). This populates the Carriers tab with the calculated carrier requirement values.


9.6.1 Capturing Traffic and Applying Values to Sub-cells To capture traffic and apply the values to the sub-cells: 1

Ensure you have created a Best Server array and it is in memory.

2

Ensure you have created a Traffic Raster and it is in memory. (To capture EGPRS traffic, you need to create two traffic rasters, one for GPRS traffic and one for EGPRS traffic.)

3

From the Tools menu, click Static Traffic Analysis.

4

Select the Filter that you want to consider.

5

Click the Capture Traffic button. This calculates the total traffic captured by the service area of each cell. ASSET allocates circuit-switched traffic to the Best Serving sub-cell and creates a report detailing information such as the cell, cell layer and the number of Erlangs served. The report contains additional information depending on the type of traffic you have. For GPRS traffic, the load for each sub-cell is calculated by using the GPRS Best Server array to detect on what pixels each sub-cell has the strongest signal then using the traffic to calculate how many of each terminal type within the area.

6

To populate the Traffic Erlang box in the Site Database with the value captured for each sub-cell, click the relevant button in the Apply onto Sub-cells pane: 

Traffic button to apply CS or GPRS traffic values to the sub-cells



Traffic Mix (EDGE) button to Apply percentage of EGPRS traffic (which uses the 8-PSK power) to the sub-cells

7

These values are then stored in the Site Database, in the CS Traffic (E) box on the General tab for the sub-cell, and/or, if applicable, on the (E)GPRS tab.

8

To make this traffic available to other users you must commit it in the Site Database window.

9

Now you can also calculate the number of carriers required to provide a specific grade of service.


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9.6.1.1 Example of the Captured Traffic Report Here is an example of a Captured Traffic report: Traffic Captured: Cell

Layer

CS Traffic(E)

Site7A

GSM900

2.73

Site7B

GSM900

4.04

Site7C

GSM900

11.56

Captured Traffic Report

The layer name column refers to the cell layer and not the carrier layer.

9.6.2 Calculating the Carrier Requirements When you have created a Traffic Raster and captured it to allocate the traffic per subcell, you can calculate the number of carriers required and the level of blocking within the current allocation. ASSET can define the mapping of the number of traffic channels to the number of carriers, so you can represent different carrier configurations and technologies. To calculate the carriers required: 1

Ensure you have captured the traffic and applied the traffic values onto the subcells.

2

If the Traffic Analysis dialog box is not already open, from the Tools menu, click Static Traffic Analysis.

3

In the Quality of Service pane, choose Erlang B or C and set the quality objective you wish to design to by specifying the required blocking percentage.

4

Provide an estimate of the peak busy hour traffic in mErlang per customer (average subscriber talk time) so that ASSET can estimate the number of customers for each sub-cell in the analysis.

5

Click Analyse to calculate the carrier requirements and output a report that details the cell, cell layer, the number of traffic channels required, the number of carriers that you require to cope with the amount of traffic, the number of carriers currently allocated and the current level of blocking. The main processes of the Static Traffic Analysis are:

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

Calculates the number of channels required to service the cell to an appropriate quality of service using the Erlang B or Erlang C statistical blocking formula



Converts it to a number of carriers using the Channel to Transceiver Map set for the appropriate Cell Layer



Calculates an approximation of the number of subscribers served by the cell, based upon the Traffic per Customer figure


6

Optionally, click the Apply Carriers Required on Sub-cells button to apply these changes on the Carriers page for each sub-cell in the Site Database window. This uses carrier priorities, so the first priority carrier layer is filled first according to maximum allocatable carriers, then the second priority and so on.

7

To make this traffic available to other users you must commit it. If you have hopping sub-cells, in the dialog box that appears, enter the TRX Multiplier. If you require fractional loading of the network, you should enter a value n where 1/n is the fractional load you require.

9.6.2.1 Example of the Traffic Analysis Report Here is an example of a Traffic Analysis report: Traffic Analysis using Erlang B Allowable Blocking - Circuit Switched 1.00% Traffic per customer: 25.0 Cell Id Cell Layer Blocking

CS Traffic(E)

TRX Reqd

TRX Alloc

Site7A

GSM900

2.73

2

1

1.5

Site7B

GSM900

4.04

2

1

6.5

Site7C

GSM900

11.56

3

1

47.2

Traffic Analysis Report

9.6.3 Displaying Traffic per Sub-Cell on the Map View Prerequisites Ensure you have created a Best Server array and if applicable, for GPRS, a GPRS Best Server array. Ensure you have some traffic values for the sub-cells in the Site Database. For GSM, these values appear on the General tab in the CS Traffic box, as in this example:

You can do this either by running the first two stages of the Static Traffic Analysis, or by loading 2g live traffic. To display 'traffic per sub-cell' on the Map View: 1

In the Map View window, click the Show Data Types button.

2

In the list of data types, under Traffic, select Traffic per Sub-cell.

3

Double-click to change the display properties of the item.


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4

On the Categories tab, change the label, colour, pattern and level of the categories you set up. The colours are allocated to represent bands of traffic, for example, one colour might represent cells serving the range 0 to 3 Erlangs, another 3 to 6 Erlangs and so on. GPRS traffic is displayed as kbits/s. You can display GPRS data rate for the current allocation of transceivers for each sub-cell.

5

On the GIS Export tab, select the content type for the GIS Export, and, in the case of Raster image, the type of output file. For more information, see the ENTERPRISE User Reference Guide.

6


Use View Zoom Range to set the minimum and maximum map view dimensions in which the array will be displayed according to Height or Width



Use Scale Range to set the minimum and maximum map view dimensions in which the array will be displayed according to the current paper settings, which are defined in the properties for the printer you choose

This diagram shows an example traffic per sub-cell analysis for CS traffic.

Traffic Per Sub-Cell Displayed in the Map View window with Key

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9.6.4 Displaying Blocking Per Sub-Cell on the Map View Prerequisites Ensure you have created a Best Server array and if applicable, for GPRS, a GPRS Best Server array. Ensure you have some traffic values for the sub-cells in the Site Database. For GSM, these values appear on the General tab in the CS Traffic box, as in this example:

You can do this either by running the first two stages of the Static Traffic Analysis, or by loading 2g live traffic. To display 'blocking per sub-cell' on the Map View: 1

In the Map View window and click the Show Data Types button.

2

In the list of data types, under Traffic, select CS Blocking. Blocking per sub-cell is displayed over the service area of the sub-cell.

3

Double-click the item to change the display properties.

4

On the Categories tab, choose a colour, pattern and a level (percentage) for each blocking item you want to set up. For example, you could display 5% blocking as yellow, 10% blocking as red or you can choose to display only pixels in bad areas (any level other than the lowest blocking value).

5

On the GIS Export tab, select the content type for the GIS Export, and, in the case of Raster image, the type of output file. For more information, see the ENTERPRISE User Reference Guide.

6


Use View Zoom Range to set the minimum and maximum map view dimensions in which the array will be displayed according to Height or Width



Use Scale Range to set the minimum and maximum map view dimensions in which the array will be displayed according to the current paper settings, which are defined in the properties for the printer you choose


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This diagram shows blocking in the Map View window.

Blocking Per Sub-Cell displayed in the Map View

The cell boundaries can optionally be highlighted by using the Service Area (contour) option found under Coverage in the list of data types.

9.6.5 About Channel to Transceiver Maps Channel to Transceiver maps enable you to specify how many carriers are needed to provide a required number of traffic channels, starting with the first installed TRX on a cell. Without a Channel to Transceiver map, it is impossible to accurately determine the number of carriers needed from the number of traffic channels required because not every carrier has the full number of timeslots available for traffic (some will be reserved for control purposes). Channel to Transceiver maps are therefore extremely important in traffic analysis. Default Channel to Transceiver maps for GSM, AMPS, TDMA and TETRA are provided with ASSET. However, if these default maps do not describe the configuration used in your network or the technology of your network requires a different configuration, you can create your own Channel to Transceiver maps. You must select the Channel to Transceiver map you want to use in the Cell Layers dialog box. Click on the on the Coverage Type tab, and you will see a dropdown box with all the available maps listed. Only one Channel to Transceiver map can be allocated per cell layer.

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9.6.5.1 Creating Channel to Transceiver Maps To create a user-defined (non-GPRS) Channel to Transceiver map: 1

From the Configuration menu, point to Lookup Tables and Curves and click Channels to Transceivers.

2

Click Add Map and enter a name for the map.

3

As this map is not for GPRS, when prompted, click No. In the Default Number of Channels per Transceiver box, enter the total number of timeslots that you want added each time you add a transceiver (for example, usually 8 for GSM, 4 for TETRA and so on), then click Apply.

4

Click Add Transceiver to add a transceiver. The current value in the Default Number of Channels per Transceiver box is added to the transceiver, providing a cumulative sum of the number of channels available for the number of transceivers used.

5

Select each transceiver in the list and in the Max Traffic Channels box, enter the maximum number of traffic channels that it can support, so for example, the first few transceiver might have 7 timeslots for traffic, the fourth transceiver might have the full 8, as in the Standard GSM map:

6

Click Apply. The maximum number of traffic channels available is the maximum number of channels available per transceiver minus the number of signalling and control channels required to support the maximum number of traffic channels.

7

Repeat this until you have reached the maximum number of carriers that cells in your network will contain.

8

Select your new Channel to Transceiver map in the Cell Layers dialog box. Click on the on the Coverage Type tab, and you will see a drop-down list with all the available maps listed. Only one Channel to Transceiver map can be allocated per cell layer.


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To edit a user-defined Channel to Transceiver map: 1

Select the map you want to edit (you cannot change the default channel maps).

2

Select the transceiver you want to edit.

3

For non-GPRS channel maps, change the maximum number of channels and click Apply. You cannot specify a maximum number of channels that is less than the previous maximum number of channels.

4

Click Close.

5

Make sure the correct Channel to Transceiver map is selected in the Cell Layers dialog box.

For GPRS, you can either use create a GPRS map, or you may choose to use one of the GSM defaults. If you want to create a GPRS map, see Creating Channel to Transceiver Maps for GPRS on page 194.

9.6.5.2 Creating Channel to Transceiver Maps for GPRS To create a GPRS Channel to Transceiver map: 1


2

Click Add Map and enter a name for the map.

3

As this map is for GPRS, when prompted, click Yes.

4

In the Default Number of Channels Per Carrier box, enter the default number of timeslots that a transceiver usually supports then click Apply.

5

Click Add Transceiver to add a transceiver with the number of timeslots specified. Here is an example:

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6

To change the information in the columns, select a transceiver then click Edit Map. You can specify: 

Total number of channels (No.)



Amount of dedicated GPRS capacity (Ngprs)



Number of shared control channels (Nctrl)



Number of GPRS control channels (Ngprsctrl)

The number of circuit switched traffic channels (Ncs) is automatically updated. 7

Click OK to close the GPRS Map Editor.

8

Select your new Channel to Transceiver map in the Cell Layers dialog box. Click on the on the Coverage Type tab, and you will see a drop-down box with all the available maps listed. Only one Channel to Transceiver map can be allocated per cell layer.

To edit a user-defined GPRS Channel to Transceiver map: 1

Select the map you want to edit.

2

Select the transceiver you want to edit.

3

For GPRS channel maps, click Edit Map and change the items as required.

4

Click Close.

5

Make sure the correct Channel to Transceiver map is selected in the Cell Layers dialog box.


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9.7 Session Summary Checklist This checklist has been provided as a self-assessment of the objectives stated at the beginning of the session. Please tick all objectives covered in this session: Defining Terminal Types Creating Traffic Rasters Performing a Traffic Analysis

Additional Notes:

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SECTION 10

10 Planning Neighbours 10.1 Objectives of this Session In this session you will learn about: Creating neighbours manually Using simple file lists to add or remove neighbours Creating neighbours using the Neighbour Planning Wizard Amending the neighbour-related parameters Using the Neighbour Analysis Displaying neighbours in the Map View Converting neighbours to mutual relationships

10.2 About Neighbours in ASSET ASSET enables you to create neighbour relationships between cells in several different ways, in order to suit your individual network. For example, you can create neighbours manually, in the Site Database or in the Map View. Alternatively, you can use a simple list of neighbour relationships from a Comma Separated Value (*.csv) file. You can also take advantage of ASSET‟s automatic neighbour planning wizards, which can generate neighbour relations between cells of the same (or different) technologies and carriers according to a wide range of user-specified parameters. The results can then be edited manually and then saved to the database. This speeds up the process by providing a first pass set of neighbours per cell for examination by an experienced engineer, so that manual adjustments can be made prior to implementation. In addition, the neighbour analysis feature can be used to view all the relationships currently existing in the Site Database. You can also examine the differences, on a cell by cell basis, between the database and any new potential neighbouring data that has been generated or loaded. Furthermore, import/exporting of neighbours via XML files is possible, and this can be used to either represent or update the live network.


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10.3 Creating Neighbours There are several ways to create neighbours in ASSET: Manually, in the Map View window, or in the Site Database Using one of the Neighbour Planner wizards and the Neighbour Analysis (You can also create neighbours from within the Neighbour Analysis dialog box) Importing/Exporting via XML files Using a simple list of neighbour relationships from a Comma Separated Value (*.csv) file

10.3.1

Creating Neighbours in the Map View

To create neighbour relationships in the Map View: 1

Click the down arrow on the Associations toolbox, and then click the Add Neighbour Cell button

.

2

Click a cell that requires new neighbours.

3

Click the new neighbour cell. Neighbour relations are created and are automatically applied to the Site Database.

4

You can continue to add neighbour cells to the same site.

5

Apply and commit your changes as required. The neighbour relations created in this manner are set as outward only. If you require mutual neighbours, you must add the reverse relationship in the same way, or you can use the Make All Mutual option in the Neighbour Analysis.

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10.3.2

Creating Neighbours in the Site Database

To create neighbour relations in the Site Database window: 1

Open the Site Database window and select the appropriate cell.

2

On the Neighbours tab, click the Add button to add a new neighbour relationship.

3

In the Neighbour Chooser dialog box that appears, you can specify any of these items: Item

Description

Filter

This enables you to filter the cells that you want to be included in the Find operation for potential neighbours. The All filter is the default.

Cell ID

You can use this edit box to type the ID of the potential neighbouring cell(s), and the type of expression: Substring, Regular expression or Exact (case-sensitive or otherwise). You can also type a comma-separated list of IDs, if you want to find a multiple set of cells. When using the Cell ID option, it may be wise to set the Filter to 'All'.

4

Distance (km)

The maximum distance from the potential neighbour.

Max Relative Bearing

The maximum relative bearing from the potential neighbour.

Technology

The technology used on the potential neighbour.

When satisfied with your selection criteria, click Find. A list of the cells that meet the criteria appears. This list always excludes any neighbour relationships already existing in the database.

5

Choose the cells that you wish to use for the neighbour relationships by selecting the required cell IDs. If required, you can also specify Mutual, Inward or Outward.

6

If you want to set any of the neighbour parameters for the selected neighbours, you can click the Set Values button. The Set Parameters dialog box appears, enabling you to specify margins, protection, planning status, and priority. When you have finished, click OK.

7

In the Neighbour Chooser dialog box, click OK.

8

Apply and commit your changes as required.

The neighbour relationships are added, with the parameters that you have specified. Tips : You can amend the parameters for the neighbour relations at any time. See Amending Neighbour Parameters in the Site Database on page 200. You can also customise how the neighbour relationship columns are displayed on the Neighbours tab. See the following section.


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10.3.2.1

Customising the Columns on the Neighbour Tab

When you are viewing the lists of neighbours for cells on the Neighbour tab in the Site Database, you can: Specify which columns to display Set the column widths Re-order the columns left to right To do this: 1

On the Neighbour tab, right-click on any column heading and select Choose Details from the context menu.

2

In the dialog box that appears, select the columns you want to show, and deselect those you want to hide (the Show/Hide buttons can be used if preferred).

3

Set a column width for your selected items.

4

Use the Move Up/Down buttons to re-order the selected columns.

5

Click OK.

In the Site Database window, the columns will be displayed according to your requirements. You can also sort the rows in the neighbour list by double-clicking any of the column headings (for example, sort by Cell ID, Direction, or Priority).

10.3.2.2

Amending Neighbour Parameters in the Site Database

If you want to modify any of the neighbour-related parameters for neighbours that already exist, you can do this on the Neighbours tab of the Site Database. You can either: Individually edit the appropriate parameters by clicking in the boxes in the relevant columns Using the Set Values button, which can be used for individual or groups of neighbours The parameters can be set separately for outward/inward relations. These parameters include: Hysteresis Margin Protection State Planning Status Priority Editing these settings always depends on your object user-permissions for the cells affected by the outward/inward relations.

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To do this for individual neighbours, using the edit boxes: 1

Click on the appropriate edit box of the neighbour: Margin (Out/In), Protection State (Out/In), Planning Status (Out/In), or Priority (Out/In).

2

For Margin or Priority, edit the value. For Protection or Planning Status, choose 'Yes/No' or 'Live/Planned' (respectively) from the drop-down box.

To do this for individual or groups of neighbours, using the Set Values button: 1

Select the cell or cells for which you want to amend the parameters.

2

Click the Set Values button.

3

In the Set Parameters dialog box that appears, specify the required parameters for the selected cell(s). These can be set separately for outward/inward relations.

4

When you have finished, click OK.

5


10.4 Using a Simple CSV File to Add or Remove Neighbours One way of setting up neighbours in ASSET is to perform an XML import, and then make manual additions or deletions, using either the Site Database or the Neighbour Analysis functionality. However, these manual amendments can take some time. Therefore, in circumstances where you know exactly which neighbours you want to add or remove, ASSET provides an easy way to do this, using a simple list of neighbour relationships. The file you need for this is a Comma Separated Value (*.csv) file. The format of the file is very simple. All neighbour relationships specified in the file (whether adding or removing) must be outward. For GSM, UMTS and LTE, the format comprises four columns. The first row needs to contain the column heading information, as follows: Cell_ID,Technology,Nbr_Cell_ID,Technology The subsequent rows contain the neighbour data. The first line must contain the column heading information. Here is an example:

Example of file format that can be used for GSM, UMTS and LTE


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10.5 About the Neighbour Planning Wizards ASSET‟s automatic Neighbour Planning Wizards enable you to generate neighbour relations between cells of the same (or different) technologies and carriers according to a wide range of user-specified parameters. This can be a very useful way of achieving a 'first pass' set of neighbours for each cell. There are two neighbour wizards available: Prediction-based Measurement-based (subject to an additional licence) The former method uses information from the prediction coverage arrays, the latter use information from imported measurement data files. As the measurement-based wizard is licence-based, this course only covers the prediction-based wizard. After the prediction-based wizard has been run, the proposed set of neighbour relationships can be viewed in a neighbour analysis window. This enables you to examine the differences, on a cell by cell basis, between relationships already existing in the database and the new potential neighbouring data that has been generated or loaded. If you are satisfied with the results, you can update the changes to the database from within the neighbour analysis window. Further manual adjustments can be made in this window prior to updating the database. You can also save any of your plans, and reload them and use them to update the database as required at any time. How a List of Valid Neighbours is Calculated The algorithm takes place in two discrete stages: 1

A 'search area' is established for each source cell included in the neighbour planning wizard, identifying the pixels to be included. This is based on a combination of hysteresis margin and signal and/or quality thresholds (depending on the plan type).

2

The calculation of potential target neighbour cells takes place, according to userdefined criteria. Within the search area, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the neighbour wizard calculates a list of valid neighbours (target cells).

The Neighbour Planning Wizard only creates outward neighbour relationships, but, of course, these are 'mirrored' by inward neighbour relationships for the corresponding cells.

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10.5.1

Using the Prediction-based Neighbour Wizard

The Prediction-based Neighbour wizard is available for GSM, UMTS, CDMA2000, EV-DO, LTE or Mobile WiMAX, as well as a range of inter-technology neighbour plans, such as GSM-UMTS, UMTS-LTE, LTE-CDMA, and so on. Before you use the wizard, you should consider performing a Commit All on the Site Database. This would enable you to perform a Restore All to return to the previous configuration, if necessary. To plan neighbours using the Prediction-based Neighbour wizard: 1

Open the Map View window and display the area and cells that you wish to include in the plan.

2

From the Tools menu, point to Neighbours, then Neighbour Wizard, and click Prediction Based.

3

In the first step of the wizard, check that the region for the plan is correct. If necessary, you can modify the area by entering precise co-ordinates.

4

Click Next and select the filters that you wish to plan for. You can either use the filters that already appear in the Map View, or select filters from the checkboxes provided. Whichever option you use, only cells included in the chosen map region will be included in the plan.

5

Click Next and select the Plan Type you wish to use, and set the required parameters. For more information about this, see Setting the Prediction-based Neighbour Plan Parameters on page 204. The plan types will vary depending on the technologies enabled in your project. If you use more than one plan type in the wizard, the results will be combined in the resulting Neighbour Analysis.

6

7

Click Next and you can choose to: 

Start the Neighbour Analysis immediately after the wizard has finished



Save the list of valid neighbours in a *.xml file (this list will be automatically stored in memory, but you can choose to save it now or later)

Click Next. A summary page will appear. If you are satisfied with the settings, click Finish.

If you have selected to automatically start the analysis, the neighbours are displayed in the Neighbour Analysis dialog box. For more information about this, see About the Neighbour Analysis on page 206. To start the Neighbour Analysis at any other time, from the Tools menu, point to Neighbours and click Neighbour Analysis.


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10.5.2

Setting the Prediction-based Neighbour Plan Parameters

When you are planning neighbours using the Prediction-based Neighbour Wizard, you can set specific options and parameters depending on your plan type. This enables you to model the characteristics of your network more accurately. The parameters, some of which are specific to the plan type, are described in the following sections. Search Area Parameters This table describes the parameters for establishing the search area of the source cell: Plan Type

Search Area Parameters

Description

All

Handover hysteresis margin This is a network parameter whose purpose is to prevent repetitive re-selection of the serving cell. It defines the maximum allowed difference between the signal strength of the serving cell and the best signal, in order that the serving cell can keep serving a terminal even when its signal is not the best one. In the Neighbour Wizard, this margin is used to determine the amount of source cells to be compared against target cells in each pixel. For example, if the margin is set to 3dB, then the source cells can be defined as 'all cells whose signal strength is within 3dB of the Best Serving signal at that pixel'. For each pixel, the threshold parameter/s (below) must also be satisfied. Signal or Quality Threshold(s)

Only pixels containing values (signal strengths or quality, as appropriate) equal to or higher than the threshold will be included in the resulting search area, provided that the handover hysteresis margin is also satisfied. All pixels below the threshold will be excluded.

Target Cells Parameters Within the search area, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the wizard finds potential target cells, and creates a list of valid neighbours for the source cell. This table describes the parameters for the selection of valid target neighbour cells: Plan Type

Target Cells Parameters

Description

GSM-GSM

Neighbour planning margin (dB)

In each pixel, the signal strength difference between the source cell and target cell is calculated. This value is then compared to this margin, and the difference is converted into a handover probability factor (based on a normal distribution formula). These factors are summed to find the net handover probability for each target cell on the whole search area. Depending on the other qualifying criteria, the target cell may qualify as a valid neighbour.

GSM-UMTS

RSCP Threshold and Ec/Io Threshold

In each pixel, the target cell must satisfy both the RSCP Threshold and the Ec/Io Threshold.

UMTS-GSM

GSM Signal Threshold

In each pixel, the target cell must satisfy the GSM Signal Threshold.

RSRP Threshold and RSRQ Threshold

In each pixel, the target cell must satisfy both the RSRP Threshold and the RSRQ Threshold.

RSCP Threshold and Ec/Io Threshold

In each pixel, the target cell must satisfy both the RSCP Threshold and the Ec/Io Threshold.

LTE-GSM GSM-LTE UMTS-LTE LTE-UMTS LTE-CDMA

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Plan Type

Target Cells Parameters

Description

All

Maximum number of covering cells

The maximum number of target cells that are considered at each pixel during the neighbour calculations. At a pixel-by-pixel level, this parameter determines how many 'sets' of covering cell data are to be evaluated for potential neighbours.

Maximum distance

In order to qualify as a valid neighbour, a target cell must be within this specified distance.

Maximum number of neighbouring cells

The maximum number of neighbouring cells that can qualify as valid neighbours for the source cell. (The overlapping percentage ranking determines which neighbours qualify.) This parameter is unavailable for LTE-GSM, because, for this plan type, cellspecific neighbour limits can be set in the Site Database.

Minimum overlapping (%)

A target cell must attain at least n% of the overlapping area (the net handover probability) to qualify as a valid neighbour. If you also select the minimum number option (below), this simply means that if the number of valid neighbours attaining >n% is less than the specified minimum number, other target cells (attaining
Minimum number of neighbouring cells

This option can be used to ensure a minimum number of neighbours for each source cell, even if the percentage (above) is not attained. This must be less than or equal to the specified maximum. For LTE-GSM, this value is always limited by the cell-specific neighbour limits set in the Site Database. All the supporting criteria must also be satisfied.

Standard Deviation (dB)

Enables you to set a generic standard deviation for the signal strength/quality (as appropriate). Otherwise, the parameter on the target cell's assigned propagation model will be used (or, if the model has no such parameter, 7dB will be used).

Force co-located cells as neighbours

If you select this option, cells that exist on sites belonging to the same Property will automatically qualify as valid neighbours.

Resolution for all plans

The map resolution for the plan(s).


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10.6 About the Neighbour Analysis The Neighbour Analysis dialog box displays the neighbour data differences, on a cell by cell basis, between the database and the neighbour plan that has been automatically generated (or loaded). It can also be used at any time to display the relationships currently existing in the Site Database. This picture shows an example Neighbour Analysis:

Example Neighbour Analysis dialog box

You can use the Neighbour Analysis to: Identify any discrepancies with the existing neighbours, after planning neighbours using one of the Neighbour Wizards. Load the neighbour lists that are used in the live network into the database, and then compare them to those that have been generated by the Neighbour Wizards. Analyse the effects of new sites and cells, seeing where new relationships need to be added and where current relationships have become obsolete, then update the database as appropriate. Use the editing functionality (also available in the Site Database) such as:

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

Adding/removing neighbours



Making one-way relationships mutual



Modifying neighbour-related parameters


View the neighbour relationships currently existing in the Site Database. Display the 'Proposed and Existing' neighbours on the Map View (even if not Applied to the database). Generate a neighbours report. Generate a delta export text file. If you used more than one plan type in the Neighbour Planning Wizard, the results are combined in the Neighbour Analysis.

10.6.1

Performing a Neighbour Analysis

The Neighbour Analysis dialog box is interactive. You can use it to add or remove neighbours, and edit a variety of neighbour-related parameters. If you have created neighbours using the Neighbour wizard, and have selected to automatically display the Neighbour Analysis window after planning, you can view it immediately. Alternatively, you can generate the Neighbour Analysis window at any other time (including if you have created neighbours manually, without using the wizard). It is wise to perform a Commit All on the Site Database before you use the Neighbour Analysis. This would enable you to perform a Restore All to return to the previous configuration, if necessary. To perform the neighbour analysis: 1

From the Tools menu, point to Neighbours and click Neighbour Analysis.

2

In the Neighbour Analysis window, from the cell list in the left pane, select any cell and then, in the neighbour list in the right pane, you can view information relating to the neighbour cells. If you have run the Neighbour Planning Wizard, or loaded a saved plan, the Filter option allows you to view other cells that were not in the planned filter. However, if you want to only view cells that were included in the generated plan, you can select the Display Proposed Cells Only option. If required, while you are in this display mode, you can click the 'Set All Priority' button. This will automatically assign priorities for the neighbour relationships for each cell. An integer value (1, 2, 3 and so on) will be assigned, corresponding to the relative attained percentage overlap value of each neighbour. There are also three basic display options: Proposed, Existing, Proposed and Existing. There is also a fourth option to display all neighbours excluding any user-deleted ones. However, it is recommended that you generally use the 'Proposed and Existing' display mode within this dialog box. The display option is only for visual purposes and does not play any part in limiting which neighbours are updated if/when you click the 'Update Database' or the 'Make All Mutual' buttons.


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The different display options for the neighbouring cells are described in the following table: This Option Proposed

Existing

Displays Neighbour relationships that are in the generated neighbour plan, but do not currently exist in the Site Database. Neighbour relationships added manually in the Neighbour Analysis. Neighbour relationships that currently exist in the Site Database, but are not in the generated neighbour plan.

Proposed and Existing All neighbour relationships. That is, those that: Are newly proposed in the generated neighbour plan, or Currently exist in the Site Database, or Have been added manually in the Neighbour Analysis Delta plan

All Proposed-only neighbours relationships, excluding any user-deleted ones. In other words, this option can be considered as a way of viewing the differences between Proposed relationships and Existing relationships.

3

If you want to make some or all of your neighbour relationships mutual, see Converting Inward/Outward Neighbours to Mutual on page 219.

4

The Neighbour Analysis automatically sets an 'Action (Inward)' and 'Action (Outward)' for each neighbouring cell. The different categories are described in the following table: This Action

Corresponds to

Create

Newly proposed neighbour relationships that do not currently exist in the Site Database (these may be have been generated by the wizard, or added manually in the Neighbour Analysis). Such relationships remain in the 'Create' state, even if their neighbour-related parameters have also been changed in the Neighbour Analysis.

Keep

Neighbour relationships which already exist in the Site Database and will not be changed (unless manually selected to be removed).

Remove

Neighbour relationships (proposed or existing) that have been manually selected in the Neighbour Analysis to be removed. Removals can be undone using the Undo Changes button.

Update

Existing neighbour relationships that have had their neighbour-related parameters changed in the Neighbour Analysis, such as margin, priority, and so on. Any newly proposed neighbour relationships (that is, not already existing in the database) will always show as 'Create' rather than 'Update', even if their parameters have been changed.

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Here is an example of the State and Action columns:

10.6.1.1

Updating the Database from a Neighbour Plan

When you have performed a Neighbour Analysis, you can choose to update the database with the changes from within the analysis. This may include changes made by the Neighbour Wizard (such as new or removed relationships) and/or changes that you have made manually in the analysis. When you update the database with the neighbour relationships generated by the plan, you can do this in two distinct ways: If you manually right-click on individual cells and use the 'Update Selected Cell(s) to DB' option, this operation applies all the changes marked as 'create', 'remove' and 'update'. It does this for those selected cells only. You may find this option useful, for example, if you want to create some neighbours for one or several new sites but not modify a very carefully optimised neighbour plan that already exists for the 'live' sites. If you use the Update Database button, this operation applies all the changes marked as 'create', 'remove' and 'update'. It does this for all the appropriate cells in the Neighbour Analysis, regardless of the selected filter and regardless of the display option. You should be aware of any neighbour limits that may be active in the project. If any limits are active, the provisional neighbour relationships appear as normal in the Neighbour Analysis, but, for cells where limits would become exceeded, they cannot be included in a database update.


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10.6.1.2

Customising the Columns in the Neighbour Analysis

When you are viewing the lists of neighbours for cells in the Neighbour Analysis dialog box, you can: Specify which columns to display Set the column widths Re-order the columns left to right To do this: 1

In the Neighbour Analysis dialog box, in the right-hand pane, right-click on any column heading and select Choose Details from the context menu.

2


3


4


5

Click OK.

In the Neighbour Analysis dialog box, the columns will be displayed according to your requirements. You can also sort the rows in the neighbour list by double-clicking any of the column headings (for example, sort by Cell ID, Direction, or Priority).

10.6.1.3

Creating Neighbours in the Neighbour Analysis

You can add inward, outward or mutual neighbours to a cell in the Neighbour Analysis dialog box. The method is the same as the one on the Neighbour tab of the Site Database. To do this: 1

Select the cell (in the left pane) for which you want to create a neighbour.

2

Click Create.

3

In the Neighbour Chooser dialog box that appears, specify these items: Item

Description

Filter

This enables you to filter the cells that you want to be included in the Find operation. The All filter is the default.

Cell ID

You can use this edit box to type the ID of the potential neighbouring cell(s), and the type of expression: Substring, Regular expression or Exact (case-sensitive or otherwise). You can also type a comma-separated list of IDs, if you want to find a multiple set of cells. When using the Cell ID option, it may be wise to set the Filter to 'All'.

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Distance (km)

The maximum distance from the potential neighbour.

Max Relative Bearing

The maximum relative bearing from the potential neighbour.

Technology

The technology used on the potential neighbour.


4

When satisfied with your selection criteria, click Find. A list of the cells that meet the criteria appears. This list always excludes any neighbour relationships already existing in the database.

5

Choose the cells that you wish to use for the neighbour relationships by selecting the required cell IDs. If required, you can also specify Mutual, Inward or Outward.

6

If you want to set any of the neighbour parameters for the selected neighbours, you can click the Set Values button. The Set Parameters dialog box appears, enabling you to specify margins, planning status, and priority. When you have finished, click OK.

7

In the Neighbour Chooser dialog box, click OK. The neighbour relations are added (or updated) in the Neighbour Analysis dialog box.

8

To update the database with the changes that you have made, click Update Database. This adds all the neighbour relationships marked in the Neighbour Analysis as 'create' to the Site Database (and removes any marked as 'remove'). The changes will be in the Applied state.

10.6.1.4

Amending Parameters in the Neighbour Analysis

You can use the Neighbour Analysis dialog box to update the neighbour-related parameters for individual neighbours or groups of neighbours (the parameters can be set separately for outward/inward relations). These include: Hysteresis Margin (GSM only) Planning Status Priority Notes: Editing these settings always depends on your object user-permissions for the cells affected by the outward/inward relations. The protection state cannot be edited here (for information on editing this, see the ASSET User Reference Guide). To do this for individual neighbours, using the edit boxes: 1

Click on the appropriate edit box of the neighbour: Margin (Out/In), Planning Status (Out/In), or Priority (Out/In).

2

For Margin or Priority, edit the value. For Planning Status, choose Live or Planned from the drop-down box.


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To do this for individual or groups of neighbours, using the Set Parameters dialog box: 1

Select the cell or cells (in the right pane) for which you want to amend the parameters.

2

Click the Set Values button.

3

In the dialog box that appears, specify the required parameters for the selected cell(s). These can be set separately for outward/inward relations.

4

When you have finished, click OK.

For individual neighbours, you can open the Set Parameters dialog box by doubleclicking on the row containing the appropriate neighbour.

10.6.1.5

Removing Neighbours in the Neighbour Analysis

You can use the Neighbour Analysis dialog box to remove individual neighbours, or remove groups of neighbours for a particular cell, or remove all neighbours within the analysis. The right pane enables you to 'hand-pick' neighbours, whereas the left pane enables you to choose (sub)sets of neighbours relating to a particular cell. Removing Neighbours by using Individual Selections 1

In the right pane, select the neighbour(s) you wish to remove.

2

Click Remove (the right pane button).

3

In the dialog box that appears, select Outward, Inward or All.

4

Click OK to confirm.

In the Neighbour Analysis, any deletions will have their appropriate Action column(s) set to 'remove'. Removing All neighbours of a Cell or All Neighbours within the Analysis 1

In the left pane, select the appropriate cell(s). - or At the top of the left pane, click the Select All button.

2

At the bottom of the left pane, click the Remove button.

3

In the dialog box that appears, select the type of neighbours to remove:

4



Direction: Outward, Inward or all



Status: Proposed, Existing or all



Technology: Intra, Inter or all


In the Neighbour Analysis, any deletions will have their appropriate Action column(s) set to 'remove'.

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Any neighbours with their Action column(s) marked as 'remove' will not be deleted from the database until you click the Update Database button. The Update Database operation applies all the neighbour removals to all the appropriate cells in the Neighbour Analysis, regardless of the selected filter and regardless of the display option.

10.6.1.6

Undoing the Changes that You Have Made

Before updating the database with your changes, you can selectively undo: Any neighbours that have been set to be removed Any neighbour parameters, such as margin or priority changes To do this: In the right pane of the Neighbour Analysis: 1

Select the neighbour(s) for which you wish to undo the changes.

2

Click Undo Changes.

3

In the dialog box that appears, select Outward, Inward or All.

4


In the Neighbour Analysis, the selected neighbour(s) will have the appropriate Action column(s) set to 'keep' or 'create' (as appropriate)'.

10.6.1.7

Generating Reports in the Neighbour Analysis

You can generate two types of report from the Neighbour Analysis. Neighbour Report This report format can either be Microsoft List.

Excel

Text File or Comma-Separated

To do this: 1

In the Neighbour Analysis dialog box, click the Generate Report button.

2

Select the report format, and click OK.

The neighbour report is generated. The content of the neighbour report is reactive to both the selected filter and the display option mode. That is, the report will only show the neighbour relationships included in the filter and within the display option (Proposed, Existing, and so on). This flexibility enables you to limit the report to the items of interest.


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Delta Export Report The delta export report will show the differences between a neighbour plan created using the Neighbour Planning Wizard and the neighbour plan in the Site Database. This export only contains neighbour relationships that have been created or removed in the plan. It can also include create/remove changes that you make manually in the Neighbour Analysis, provided the Delta Export button is clicked after making such changes. To do this: 1

In the Neighbour Analysis dialog box, click the Delta Export button.

2

Browse for a destination folder, and then click Save. A default file name appears, but you can edit this.

3

Check that the file name and destination path are as required.

4

Click Export.

The delta export report is generated to a text file. The file format is described in this example: Source Cell

Target Cell

Action

Identity

GSM ID or Cell ID (UMTS)

Identity

GSM ID or Cell ID (UMTS)

1=Add 0=Remove

SITE7C

123lon

SITE8C

456lon

1

SITE8B

789lon

SITE7C

123lon

0

The content of the delta export report is reactive to the selected filter but it is not reactive to the display option mode. That is, the report will only show the create/remove differences for those neighbour relationships included in the filter, but it disregards the display option (Proposed, Existing, and so on).

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10.7 Displaying Neighbours All the neighbour relationships of a cell appear on the Neighbour tab of the Site Database.

Example of Neighbours tab

You can also display neighbours on the Map View in several ways: All neighbours Neighbours for individual cells Neighbours that are proposed by the Neighbour Analysis Live/planned neighbours

10.7.1

Displaying All Neighbours

This display method requires you to hover the mouse over each cell's azimuth to display its neighbours. To display all neighbours in the Map View window: 1


.

2

In the list of Data Types, expand Neighbours/Exceptions, then expand Hand Over Neighbours.

3

Select the All Neighbours option.

4

Click the OK & Redraw button.

5

Move the mouse over each cell's azimuth to display its neighbours.

The Map View is updated as you move the mouse. You can also customise how the neighbours are displayed, as described in Customising the Display of Neighbours on page 218. ASSET Training Guide (GSM) Version 7.0

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10.7.2

Displaying Neighbours for an Individual Cell

This display method enables you to display an individual cell's neighbours on the Map View. To do this: 1

In the bottom-left of the Site Design toolbar (on the left of the Map View), click the down arrow on the Associations toolbox, and then click the Display Neighbour button as shown here:

2

Select the appropriate cell on the Map View. The neighbour relationships are displayed as lines between the cells as shown in this example:

Example of Map View with lines showing neighbour relationships

You can show or hide the displayed item by selecting/deselecting the relevant checkbox.

You can also customise how the neighbours are displayed, as described in the following section.

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10.7.3

Cross-referencing the Neighbour Analysis with the Map View

When you are viewing the contents of the Neighbour Analysis dialog box, you can display the 'Proposed and Existing' neighbours on the Map View, even if you have not yet Applied the proposed neighbours to the database. This may be very useful in aiding you to assess the proposed new relationships. To do this: 1

Select the 'Render on 2D View' option in the Neighbour Analysis dialog box.

2


3

In the list of Data Types, expand Neighbours/Exceptions, then expand Hand Over Neighbours.

4

Select the Neighbours from Analysis option.

5


6

Move the mouse over each cell's azimuth to display its neighbours.

.

The Map View is updated as you move the mouse, and the respective cell is highlighted automatically in the Neighbour Analysis. Conversely, you can also click on any cell in the left pane of the Neighbour Analysis, and the Map View updates accordingly. Here is an example:

Example of cross-referencing the Neighbour Analysis with the Map View


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10.7.4

Customising the Display of Neighbours

When you are displaying neighbours (all neighbours or neighbours for individual cells), you can customise how the line colours/weights/styles are displayed in the Map View. To do this: 1

In the Data Types list, expand Neighbours/Exceptions, then expand Hand Over Neighbours.

2

Double-click the required item. The Display Properties dialog box appears. If you chose the 'All Neighbours' item, you can filter on a network type.

3

Select the neighbour technology types that you want to view on the map and click the relevant Set Display button.

4

In the dialog box that appears, choose a line colour and line weight for the neighbour type. If required, you can then define different styles and arrow types for mutual, outward-only and inward-only neighbours. For example, you could use a solid line style for the mutual neighbours, and broken line styles for the non-mutual neighbours (the arrows are optional).

5

If you want to view the planning status (Live or Planned) of the neighbour relations, select the relevant checkboxes, and then set distinctive line characteristics and click OK. You must also select the required neighbour technology type(s). Where appropriate, the planning status display settings always override the neighbour technology type display settings.

6

If you want to display 2nd order neighbours (neighbours of neighbours), click the 2nd Order tab, select the checkbox, then set the line characteristics and click OK.

7

When you have finished in the Display Properties dialog box, click OK.

8

In the Data Types list, ensure the required item is selected.

9


The Map View is updated. If you chose All Neighbours, you need to move the mouse over each cell's azimuth to display its neighbours. To stop displaying the neighbours, simply deselect the relevant checkbox, and Redraw.

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10.8 Committing All First Order Neighbours of a Cell You can select any cell in the Site Database and Commit all the First Order Neighbours of that cell. To do this: 1

In the Site Database, select a cell and right-click.

2

From the menu that appears, select Commit All 1st Order Neighbours.

3

All the cells which are First Order neighbours of that cell, and currently in the Applied state, will be promoted to the Committed state. Notes : Only the first order neighbouring cells will be Committed. The originating cell will not be Committed by this action. This action Commits the neighbouring relationship and any other applied parameters existing on the neighbouring cells.

10.9 Converting Inward/Outward Neighbours to Mutual You can convert inward or outward neighbours to be mutual neighbours. You can do this either in the Site Database or in the Neighbour Analysis. In the Site Database you can convert: Individually selected neighbours In the Neighbour Analysis you can convert: Individually selected neighbours All the neighbours within the analysis

10.9.1

Converting Neighbours in the Site Database

In the Site Database you can convert inward and outward neighbours to be mutual neighbours. To do this: 1

Open the Site Database window and select the appropriate cell.

2

On the Neighbours tab, select the neighbour(s) that you want to make mutual. You can select more than one neighbour at a time by holding down the Shift or Ctrl key on your keyboard and then selecting the neighbours you require.

3

Click the Make Mutual button. The new outward or inward relationship(s) will be created accordingly, and the Direction of the appropriate neighbour(s) will show as 'Mutual' in the Site Database window.

4

Commit your changes as required.


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10.9.2

Converting Neighbours using the Neighbour Analysis

There are various ways of making neighbours mutual within the Neighbour Analysis. Converting Individually Selected Neighbours 1

In the right pane, select the neighbour(s) that you want to make mutual. You can select more than one neighbour at a time by holding down the Shift or Ctrl key on your keyboard and then selecting the neighbours you require.

2

Click the Make Mutual button. The new outward or inward relationship(s) will be created accordingly, and the Direction column of the appropriate neighbour(s) will display as 'Mutual'.

3

To apply this change, click Update Database.

Converting All Neighbours of a Cell or All Neighbours 1

In the left pane, select the appropriate cell(s). - or At the top of the left pane, click the Select All button.

2

At the bottom of the left pane, click the Make All Mutual button.

3

In the dialog box that appears, select the type of neighbours to make mutual. 

Status: Proposed, Existing or All



Technology: Intra, Inter or All



Intra technology carrier: Intra, Inter or All (not applicable to 2g)

The changes takes place for all the selected cells, regardless of the display option in the right pane. 4

Click OK to confirm. The new outward or inward relationships will be created accordingly, and the Direction column of the appropriate neighbours will display as 'Mutual'.

5

To apply these changes, click Update Database.

The Update Database operation applies all the changes to all the appropriate cells in the Neighbour Analysis, regardless of the selected filter and regardless of the display option.

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10.10

Session Summary Checklist

This checklist has been provided as a self-assessment of the objectives stated at the beginning of the session. Please tick all objectives covered in this session: Creating neighbours manually Using simple file lists to add or remove neighbours Creating neighbours using the Neighbour Planning Wizard Amending the neighbour-related parameters Using the Neighbour Analysis Displaying neighbours in the Map View Converting neighbours to mutual relationships

Additional Notes:


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SECTION 11

11 Interference and Frequency Planning 11.1 Objectives of this Session In this session you will learn about: Editing carrier allocations Analysing a frequency plan Generating frequency plan reports Creating and viewing an Interference Table Using the Interactive Frequency Analysis Using the BSIC Planner

11.2 Frequency Planning in ASSET ASSET enables you to carry out the frequency planning of your 2g network, and analyse the resulting plans. There is also an automatic frequency planning tool available. You can create the carrier allocations in your network in the following ways: Using an import file Manually, making allocations directly in the Site Database Using ILSA*, ASSET's automatic frequency planning tool (* not covered in this course) You can also use a combination of the above methods. Whichever method you use, the carrier allocations for each cell are stored on the Carriers tab in the Site Database, and can be edited at any time. Once a frequency plan is in place, the analysis process consists primarily of arrays and reports. The analysis process is common to all frequency plans, whichever implementation method was used.


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You can also use the following resources to help analyse frequency plans: 

Frequency Plan Reporter



Interactive Frequency Analysis Wizard

For more information, see Analysing a Frequency Plan on page 225.

11.3 Editing Carrier Allocations Manually To edit carrier allocations manually in the Site Database: 1

In the Site Database window, select the required cell layer (sub-cell).

2

On the Carriers tab, select the relevant carrier layer in the Carrier Layers pane.

If the layer does not appear, ensure it has been associated with the cell layer, as explained in Defining Cell Layers on page 102. 3

In the Carriers pane, select or deselect the relevant checkbox(es) to edit the allocation status, as appropriate: Status

Description

Alloc.

The carrier is allocated.

Forbidden

The carrier is set as forbidden.

Alloc. and Fixed

The carrier allocation is set as fixed.

None

The carrier is not allocated.

Any Fixed or Forbidden states can be used as inputs to ILSA. 4

You can now repeat the process for a different carrier layer. When you have finished making your allocations on all the relevant carrier layers for the sub-cell, click Apply to save the changes.

Optionally, each carrier can be also assigned with one of five states: Active, Idle, Released, Locked, Deleted. These five carrier states are for user information only. They will have no impact on the rest of the functions in ENTERPRISE.

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You can also use the Carrier Layer tab of the Global Editor in the Site Database to make limited allocation status changes based on filters.

11.4 Analysing a Frequency Plan You can use ASSET to analyse an existing frequency plan, or to analyse any nominal plan. You can analyse a variety of plans by importing each one into the Site Database. You can also export plans generated by ILSA, and then save them for future analysis and comparisons.

Example of Worst Interferer array including pixel-specific information


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11.4.1

How to Analyse a Frequency Plan

Here are the main steps for analysing an existing or nominal frequency plan: 1

Ensure the current or nominal frequency allocations have been set up or imported in the Site Database.

2

From the Arrays menu, click Array Settings. On the Coverage/Interference tab, choose Co-channel or Adjacent channel or both.

3

Open the Map View window at the desired location.

4

Create one or more interference array(s). For more information, see Creating Coverage/Interference Arrays (Non-Sim) on page 155. You can choose from: 

Worst Interferer



Total Interference



Worst Connection



Average Connection

Descriptions of these array types are given in the ASSET Technical Reference Guide. If you are using a frequency hopping network, choose a connection type array, since these are designed to consider hopping carriers. 5

Display the array(s) on the Map View.

6

After analysing the array(s) visually (and plotting the resulting view, if desired), you can now analyse the plan statistically, by producing an Interference Statistics report. The report gives details of the proportion of interference better and worse than the chosen interference threshold, as well as a breakdown by clutter type and by cell. The Total Covered Area in the report is the area of the Best Server array down to the chosen coverage level. It is also possible to confine the statistics within specified user polygons, for example enclosing urban areas only.

7

Use the Interactive Frequency Analysis to generate a comprehensive report which can analyse and fine-tune the frequency plan based on the Interference Table, Neighbours, Site/Cell Separations and Exceptions.

8

Use the Frequency Plan Reporter to generate a simple report which lists allocations which do not meet specified carrier separation constraints.

9

Display the Frequency Re-use on the Map view, using the Cell Info option under the Data Types list.

It is always necessary to create an Interference Array before generating an Interference Report. This is because the reports always extract their data from the interference array currently in memory. Therefore, after making any changes in the network, you should always carry out both steps consecutively.

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11.5 Generating Cell Information Reports To produce a report containing all cells which use a certain carrier, or range of carriers: 1

From the Reports menu, click GSM Cell Info Report.

2

Enter the information you require on each tab. The report produced will contain cells which satisfy ALL the criteria (x AND y AND z) you specify on the three tabs.

3

On the Carriers/Cells tab: Search By

For

Cell identity

Cells which will interfere Cells for which a given carrier is allocated Cells for which a given carrier is allocated within a given layer Co- or adjacent channel interference

Carrier

A carrier A range of carriers A particular or all carrier layers

Groups

Frequency groups for a particular or all carrier layers

4

On the Cell Parameters tab, enter cells which match one or all of the code fields. Use * as a wildcard if one or all of the fields is not required for the search.

5

On the Filter tab, select a site filter to further filter the cells displayed.

6

Click Find to search for the correct cells. The lower pane of the dialog box shows a preview of the report.

7

Click Export to save the report.

8

In the Select Data Export File dialog box, either enter a new file name or select an existing report to overwrite, then click Save.


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11.6 Generating Frequency Plan Reports To generate a basic report based on the current frequency plan: 1

From the Reports menu, click GSM Frequency Plan Reporter.

2

Choose the filter you require then select the information you wish to display. This table lists the items you can include in your report: Item

Description

Co-Site / Cell Separations

Co- site and co-cell separations, below the thresholds, will be reported.

Neighbour Separations

Neighbour separations below the threshold will be reported.

Exceptions

Broken exception separations will be shown.

Interference

A summary of the carrier-based interference statistics will be displayed if an interference table is loaded. These statistics only provide interference data that is based on affected traffic.

Intermodulation Interference

Select the order up to which to report. For example, if you select 3rd order, both 2nd and 3rd order intermodulations will be reported on. In the report, the carriers causing the intermodulation are reported along with the carriers that are interfered with. The report also shows whether the carriers are downlink or uplink.

Effective Frequency Re-use

The effective frequency re-use for each of the sub-cells. For more information on how the frequency re-use is calculated, see the ASSET Technical Reference Guide.

MALID

The MA List ID, which identifies which MA list each sub-cell uses.

Frequency Load (GSM only)

The frequency load for each of the sub-cells. If you select to include this, you can also define up to what grade of traffic service you want to include (for example, a value of 1.0 represents 100% traffic service, and a value of 0.5 represents 50% traffic service). For more information on how the frequency load is calculated, see the ASSET Technical Reference Guide.

3

Insufficient MA List Length (GSM only)

Select this option to display the sub-cells with insufficient carriers according to the MA list , based on the MAIO separation value.

Override MAIO Separation (GSM only)

Select this option to override the existing MAIO separation value, and enter your own separation value for this report.

Click Generate.

If you chose to include interference data in your report, the mE values are listed under the column heading 'Interference'. The values represent the Traffic Affected by Interference for each cell pair. The total of these values, Affected Traffic (mE), appears at the bottom-left of the report. An Interactive Frequency Analysis is also available. For more information, see About the GSM Interactive Frequency Analysis on page 241.

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11.7 About the Interference Table for GSM An interference table (sometimes known as an interference matrix) contains values that represent the severity of interference for any cell-pair combination for which there are overlapping predictions, if that pair of cells were to be allocated the same or adjacent carriers. The table can store the following four values for any pair of cells A and B (relating to regions where A is the best server): Field Name

Description

Co-channel Area

The area* served by cell A that would be affected by interference if A and B were assigned the same carrier.

Adjacent Channel Area

The area* served by cell A that would be affected by interference if A and B were assigned adjacent carriers.

Co-channel Traffic

The amount of traffic* served by cell A that would be affected by interference if A and B were assigned the same carrier.

Adjacent Channel Traffic

The amount of traffic* served by cell A that would be affected by interference if A and B were assigned adjacent carriers.

* These values are weighted according to the severity of interference. ASSET provides an Interference Table Wizard that can generate its results from either: Coverage area data and (optionally) traffic data - or Measurement data (traffic data only) - or A combination of both The quality of information in the table is dependent on the accuracy of your propagation model(s), pathloss predictions, traffic data and measurement data, as appropriate. If you want to use measurement data, you can do this by loading an external file. ASSET supports the ICDM (Inter-Cell Dependency Matrix) *.msmt file format. (More file formats can be supported upon customer requests, or formats can be customdeveloped using a dedicated API.) When this file is loaded, ASSET post-processes it into the *.ait file format. The ASSET Interference Table lists each victim cell in association with all possible interfering cells, and accumulates the interference that would result if all cells were allocated the same or adjacent carriers. In this way, it provides comparative 'cost' values that you can use to objectively minimise the interference within any plan during the frequency planning process. This information in the table can be used as an input to influence frequency allocations when using ILSA (automatic frequency planning tool) or the Interactive Frequency Analysis. It is also a compulsory input to the MA List Planner and the MAIO Planner (advanced mode).


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11.7.1

Creating an Interference Table for GSM

Notes: The necessary coverage arrays are created automatically, if they are not already in memory. If you want to include traffic data when creating an interference table, you must have at least one traffic array in memory (either generated or loaded), and its resolution must be the same as the resolution that you intend to specify in the Interference Table Wizard. The traffic array can be the same size or larger (but not smaller) than the region selected in the wizard. To create an interference table: 1

Open a Map View window that displays the region for the cells that you wish to include.

2

From the Tools menu, point to Interference Tables and click Interference Table Wizard.

3

In the first step of the wizard, check that the region is correct. If necessary, you can modify it by entering precise co-ordinates. Click Next.

4

Select the site/cell filters to be included in the analysis, either by using the filters already displayed in the Map View, or by specifying the filters using the checkboxes. By default, interference caused by overlapping predictions from cells outside the selected region will be included (on condition that those cells are in the specified filters). If you do not want this to happen, select the appropriate checkbox. Click Next.

5

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Ensure 'GSM' is the selected technology (this option depends on your licences).


6

7

On the GSM Best Server Parameters tab, set the: 

Best Server Margin. This enables you to extend the potential best server area, by allowing pixels where the victim cell's carrier is not the 'best server' to be considered as such (provided that it is within the specified margin).



Maximum Number of Potential Best Servers. This limits the number of cells which can be considered as best servers at each pixel, and can save processing time.



Resolution. If you are including traffic data, please see the note at the start of this section.

Click the GSM Interference Parameters tab. Here, you can: 

Set an Adjacent Channel Offset.



Set a Maximum Relative RX Level Margin. A cell can only be considered as an interferer if the signal difference is less than or equal to this value.



Select 'Use Traffic Data', if required, and choose which traffic arrays to include (this option is only active if one or more arrays exist in memory).



Select the Interference Probability method. See How Interference Probability is Determined on page 233.


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8

Click the GSM Cell Layer Parameters tab. Here, you can: 

Select one or more Serving Cell Layers.



Override, if required, the sub-cell specific coverage (TA and Signal) thresholds that are stored in the Site Database.



Select 'Use Priorities & Offsets, SS Mode' if you want the results to take into account any priorities that have been set in the Cell Layers dialog box, and any signal offsets in the Site Database, when determining the better serving subcells. If unselected, the best server results are based on signal strength alone. This checkbox is only applicable when the sub-cells in the Site Database have been set to SS (Signal Strength) mode, and has no effect for sub-cells set to PL (Pathloss) mode.



Select one or more Interfering Cell Layers.



Choose to Consider Interference between Different Cell Layers.

Click Next. 9

You can choose to save the generated interference table to an *.ait file (or you can save it later). You can also select whether you want to view the table after running the wizard (or you can view it later), and you can add any comments. Click Next.

10 Check the summary and click Finish. The interference table is created, and according to your choices in the wizard, saved and displayed. The interference table is based on the project parameters and (if applicable) traffic data at the time of running the wizard. In certain circumstances, if the parameters or data have changed, you may want to generate a new up-to-date Interference Table. In other words, it is important to stress that the 'validity' of the Interference Table is under your control.

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11.7.1.1

How Interference Probability is Determined

When you create an interference table, the probability of interference depends on the C/I ratio of each pixel. The Interference Table Wizard calculates the interference for overlapping areas between two cells. That is, it describes the interference that would result if any two cells were allocated the same or adjacent carriers, based on area and/or traffic. In ASSET, there are two ways to calculate the probability of interference:

Interference Probability options in Interference Table Wizard

When you run the Interference Table Wizard, you can select either of the above methods. Each method is described in the following sections. Using Static Weights A C/I to Probability curve is used to calculate the probabilities of interference according to the C/I ratio on each pixel. A default curve is provided. To view or edit the interference weights: 1

From the Tools menu, select Interference Tables, then click Interference Weights. This dialog box appears:

2

To edit any of the values, click on one of the rows, and edit the percentage in the bottom-right corner.


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3

To add a new curve, click Add, name the curve, and then edit the values of the curve as required. When you run the Interference Table Wizard, you can choose the required curve from the drop-down box.

The adjacent channel curve is produced from the adjacent channel offset which you specify in the Interference Table Wizard. Calculating Dynamically When defining a cell layer, you can specify a C/I threshold. When defining a propagation model, you can specify a standard deviation of interference. For more information, see Defining Cell Layers on page 102. In the case where the propagation model type has no standard deviation of interference parameter, 7dB will be used. The value specified for the cell layer determines the point at which connection quality begins to be adversely affected. C/I is assumed to follow a normal distribution about the calculated mean, with the combined standard deviation of interference of the propagation models assigned to the two cells. The probability of interference for each pair of cells is determined by a cumulative normal distribution based on: Mean C/I threshold of the equipment (dB) on a per cell layer basis C/A offset of the equipment (dB) on a per cell layer basis Standard deviation as follows:

Where: =Standard deviation of the propagation model used by cell a =Standard deviation of the propagation model used by cell b The adjacent channel curve is produced from the adjacent channel offset which you specify in the Interference Table Wizard. For more information on the algorithm used to generate the interference table, see the ASSET Technical Reference Guide.

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11.7.2

Loading an Interference Table for GSM

You can either create an interference table within ASSET, or load a file into memory. If you need to load a file, you can do this from two basic sources: A previously saved (or externally created) *.ait file. An externally created *.msmt (ICDM) file.

11.7.2.1

About *.ait Files

The file format used for an ASSET interference table is the *.ait file format. This can contain values for area and/or traffic. If a different (but valid) file format is used to load an external file, such as the *.msmt format, the file is post-processed into the *.ait file format. An example interference table file is shown below:

Example interference table file

A description of the *.ait file format can be found in the ENTERPRISE Technical Reference Guide.


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11.7.3

Viewing an Interference Table for GSM

In ASSET, you can view your interference table in a detailed and customisable analysis window. To view this analysis window: From the Tools menu, point to Interference Tables and click View Interference Table. Here is an example of the Interference Table Analysis window:

Example of Interference Table Analysis for GSM (the columns can be customised)

In the left pane of the report window, the table lists the victim cells with their associated cell layer, and shows the total coverage area and, if applicable, total traffic, corresponding to the victim cell. In the right pane of the report window, the table lists the interfering cells corresponding to the victim cell that is currently selected/highlighted in the left pane. When you select any of the victim cells in the left pane, the list of interfering cells automatically updates in the right pane. For each of the interfering cells in the right pane, the table shows its respective calculated (or loaded) overlapping values. These values are given for both co-channel and adjacent channel interference. The percentages indicate the proportion of the interfering cell's area/traffic values with respect to the total area/traffic values on the victim cell.

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The interference data relating to each interfering cell is presented in the right pane, as follows: Interference in terms of Area Co-Area (km2)

Co-Area (%)

Adj-Area (km2)

Interference in terms of Traffic Adj-Area (%)

Co-Traffic (T or mE)

Co-Traffic (%)

Adj-Traffic (T or mE)

Adj-Traffic (%)

You can: Limit the cells in the report window, by using the Filter drop-down list. Search for a specific victim cell in the left pane, by using the Find button. View the interferers for any of the victim cells by selecting the appropriate victim cell. Re-sequence any of the columns in the left pane or the right pane, by clicking the appropriate column header. For example, you can sort the list of interfering cells to find which cells might be causing the greatest potential problems to the victim cell. Specify the decimal place precision that you require (this influences the right pane only). Customise the column details in the right pane, as described in the following sections. Generate a report by clicking the Report button. This report will reflect your customised columns and decimal precision. Interact with the Map View, helping you to visualise specific cells. This is described in the following sections. Interact with the Site Database, helping you to check a specific cell's network parameters. This is described in the following sections.


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11.7.3.1

Interacting with the Map View

When viewing an interference table analysis, you can interact with the Map View, in order to visualise specific victim cells and/or interfering cells. To do this: 1

In the lower-left corner of the Interference Table Analysis window, select the 'Render on 2D View' checkbox:

2

Select a victim cell in the left pane:

The cell is highlighted in the Map View, together with all its interfering cells, as in this example:

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If you want to only highlight a specific interfering cell, you can select one of the cells in the right pane of the analysis window. You can also selectively highlight multiple interfering cells, by using the Ctrl or Ctrl-Shift keys in the right pane of the analysis window. You can customise the display settings of the symbols used for the victim cells and interfering cells. To do this: 1

In the Map View, click the Show Data Types button click the Interference Table heading:

2

In the dialog box that appears, select your preferred settings:

3

Click OK.

4

In the Show Data Types dialog box, click Redraw.


and, from the list, double-

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11.7.3.2

Interacting with the Site Database

When viewing an interference table analysis, you can interact with the Site Database, in order to check a specific cell's network parameters. To do this: 1

Right-click on the required cell (in the left pane or right pane).

2

Click 'Select Cell in Site DB'. The cell is located and highlighted in the Site Database.

Conversely, from the Site Database, you can locate a specific victim cell in the analysis window, by selecting the cell in the Site Database.

11.7.3.3

Customising the Columns

When you are viewing the Interference Table Analysis, in the right pane (which contains the interfering cells), you can: Specify which columns to display Set the column widths Re-order the columns left to right To do this: 1

Right-click on any column heading and select Choose Details from the context menu.

2


3


4


5

Click OK.

The columns will be displayed according to your requirements.

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11.8 About the GSM Interactive Frequency Analysis The GSM Interactive Frequency Analysis enables you to perform the vital task of analysing and manually optimising a frequency plan. This feature enables you to view and evaluate the frequency/carrier assignments for a single or a group of sectors. The evaluation can be performed based on interference costs and/or violation constraints (or a combination of both) associated with each assignment. Further, you can modify the problematic assignments (those with high interference costs or violated separation constraints) to achieve an optimal frequency plan. The Interactive Frequency Analysis can be used standalone, or as a supplement to an automatic frequency planning (AFP) tool (for example, ILSA). It can be particularly beneficial when you have established a generally acceptable frequency plan from an AFP but then need to tune the frequencies of a few problematic cells. It may also be very useful when integrating some new cells into the network and quickly assigning carriers without the need to configure and run an AFP tool. Unlike ILSA, the interference cost and violation constraints are handled independently in the Interactive Frequency Analysis. The reported interference costs are purely based on an Interference Table (Matrix) and the reported violations depend on the user-defined separation thresholds defined in the Interactive Frequency Analysis and/or in the Site Database. This feature is designed to analyse a single cell layer (for example, GSM-900 or GSM1800) at a time. However, you can choose to analyse any combination of the carrier layers that exist within that cell layer. In the case of Synthesized Hopping or Site Hopping networks, MA lists are supported. The Interactive Frequency Analysis enables you to analyse and report on: Interference costs (area or traffic) - and/or Carrier separation violations Interference costs The interference costs are statistical calculations of area or traffic affected by cochannel or adjacent channel interference, based on the carrier assignments. The costs are derived from an Interference Table (this can either be freshly generated or loaded into memory from a file). The calculated costs can be based on victim, interferer, or both (combined sum), and can be in terms of: 

Area (km²)



Area (%)



Traffic (mE)



Traffic (%)


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Carrier separation violations The carrier separation violations can be analysed by setting minimum separation thresholds (you can analyse the frequency plan based only on carrier separation violations, in which case you do not need an Interference Table in memory). The thresholds can be set at the following levels: 

Site



Cell



Neighbours



Exceptions

Analysis and Tuning After you have run the analysis, the GSM Interactive Frequency Analysis Report dialog box provides information on sector (cell) assignments, carrier assignments, cost breakdowns and/or separation violations. This interactive dialog box enables you to: View and analyse the cell-carrier-specific interference costs and/or separation violations when you select any cell and carrier in the report dialog box. Sort the rows so that you can analyse the results more clearly. For example, you can sort by highest or lowest costs. Manually tune an existing frequency plan, by reassigning, assigning or unassigning carriers (or MA Lists) for specific cells. After doing this, you can perform an 'Update' in the report, which enables you to view the updated costs and/or violations resulting from your manual carrier assignment changes. If you are satisfied with the results, you can then decide to Apply the changes to the database. Coordinate the analysis report with the Map View, by selecting an analysed cell on the Map View so that it is automatically highlighted in the report, or selecting a cell in the report so that it is highlighted on the Map View.

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11.8.1

Prerequisites for the Interactive Frequency Analysis

Before using the Interactive Frequency Analysis, you need to check that you have the required prerequisites. This varies depending on whether you intend to analyse interference costs or carrier separation violations (you can, if required, do both). Interference Costs Analysis Check that you have: Allocated carriers to the cells, using any of the methods in ASSET. Generated or loaded an Interference Table (Matrix) into memory. See Creating an Interference Table for GSM on page 230. Performed a Commit All on the Site Database, if you intend to Apply any carrier allocation changes to the database. This would enable you to perform a Restore All to return to the previous configuration, if necessary. Opened a Map View window that displays the area for the cells that you wish to include in the analysis. You should ensure that this area is the same as (or part of) the region that was used to generate the Interference Table. Carrier Separation Analysis Check that you have: Allocated carriers to the cells, using any of the methods in ASSET. Created neighbours in the Site Database (if you want to analyse any neighbour violations). See Creating Neighbours on page 198. Defined exceptions in the Site Database (if you want to analyse any exception violations). Performed a Commit All on the Site Database, if you intend to Apply any carrier allocation changes to the database. This would enable you to perform a Restore All to return to the previous configuration, if necessary. Opened a Map View window that displays the area for the cells that you wish to include in the analysis.


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11.8.2

Running the Interactive Frequency Analysis

To use the Interactive Frequency Analysis: 1

Ensure you have checked the prerequisites.

2

From the Tools menu, point to GSM Planners and click Interactive Frequency Analysis.

3

In the first step of the analysis tool, check that the area for the analysis is correct. If necessary, you can modify the area by entering precise co-ordinates.

4

Click Next, and select the site/cell filters to be included in the analysis, either by using the filters already displayed in the Map View, or by specifying the filters using the checkboxes.

5

Click Next. You can assign a carrier allocation status (Editable, Read-Only or Ignore) to each selected filter. This table summarises these options: Status

Description

Editable

The carrier assignments for cells with this filter status can be manually modified. New carriers can be assigned, and existing carriers can be unassigned. Also, carriers can be modified to Fixed or Forbidden. If required, the carrier amendments for these cells can also be Applied to the database. Editing is subject to the normal object ownership permissions, and also restricted by the maximum allocable carriers value for the carrier layer.

Read-Only

The carrier assignments for cells with this filter status are considered in the analysis and report, but the assignments are non-editable.

Ignore

Cells with this filter status are completely ignored. This status may be useful when you have some large complex filters, and you just wish to exclude a few cells. You could simplify their exclusion by creating a simple filter and using this Ignore option.

The Up/Down arrows enable you to prioritise the filters in the list. If a cell belongs to more than one of the selected filters, then its planning status is determined by the higher priority filter. Important :

6



Interference Costs: Cells which are not in any of the chosen filters, but exist in the Interference Table, may affect the analysis.



Separation Violations: Related cells (such as neighbours or exceptions) which are not in any of the above filters may affect the analysis.



In either of the above cases, such cells are considered by the algorithm and, if appropriate, will appear in the report with the status "None".

Click Next, and, from the drop-down boxes: 

Select the required cell layer to include in the analysis



Select the required carrier layer(s) to include in the analysis (If appropriate to the cell layer, MA Lists are also available)

If you have the BCCH prerequisite rule activated, you will see a warning message. For more information, see Setting a BCCH Allocation Rule for TCH Allocation on page 96. Page 244


7

Click Next, and select whether you want to analyse: 

Interference Table costs (traffic or area) - and-or -



Carrier separation violations

The respective options are described in the following tables: Interference costs

Description

Cost consideration

Victim, Interferer or Both: Victim - where a carrier is affected by interference caused by other carriers Interferer - where a carrier is creating interference for other carriers Both (the combined sum)

Weights

These weights can optionally be used to scale the costs.

Based on

The interference table provides the Co and Adjacent channel interference in terms of affected area and/or affected traffic. For the analysis, choose one of the following options: Area - in terms of km² Area - in terms of % Traffic - in terms of mE Traffic - in terms of %

Separation violations

Description

Minimum carrier separations

Site: Intra-site separations violating the specified minimum are reported. Cell: Intra-cell separations violating the specified minimum are reported. Neighbours: Neighbouring cell separations violating the specified minimum are reported. Exceptions: Separations violating the Exception minimum values (if set in Site Database) are reported.

8

Click Next. If you have selected both analysis options, you need to choose which data (Cost or Violations) is represented by the colour legends in the output report. You can also choose how many colours are used to represent the data range.

9

Click Next, and if you are satisfied with the summary, click Finish.

ASSET performs the analysis, and generates an Analysis dialog box.


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11.8.3

About the Interactive Frequency Analysis Dialog Box

The Frequency Analysis dialog box is generated after you run the Interactive Frequency Analysis. The report consists of three panes: Sector Assignments This lists the sectors (cells) and details their current carrier allocations and associated interference cost (and/or separation violations) Carrier Assignments This lists the carriers that are available to the cell that is currently selected in the first pane, and details their associated interference cost (and/or separation violations). This pane also contains a column that indicates which carriers are currently allocated to the cell. The sum of the costs for the currently allocated carriers is equal to the total cost for the cell selected in the Sector Assignments pane. Cost Breakdown This gives a breakdown of the interference costs and/or carrier separation violations corresponding to the currently selected cell and currently selected carrier (in the main two panes). In other words, it lists the carriers that are Co and/or Adjacent to the carrier selected in the Carrier Assignments pane (as well as all other carriers violating the separation constraints). The sum of the costs from this pane is equal to the total cost for the carrier selected in the Carrier Assignments pane. For information on using the Report dialog box, see How to Use the Frequency Analysis Dialog Box on page 246. For more detailed information on each specific pane, see the relevant section. The interference costs and separation violations can be updated when you make manual changes to the carrier assignments within the interactive report dialog box.

11.8.3.1

How to Use the Interactive Frequency Analysis Dialog Box

The Report dialog box changes according to which rows you select. When the report is initially launched (immediately after the analysis has been run), the first cell in the Sector Assignments pane and the first carrier in the Carrier Assignments pane appear highlighted, and their associated values appear in the Cost breakdown. The report dialog box is very powerful, because the three panes are interdependent. This is how you should use it:

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1

Select a cell in the Sector Assignments pane. This row becomes highlighted, and determines what is displayed in the Carrier Assignments pane.

2

Select a carrier in the Carrier Assignments pane. This row also becomes highlighted, and determines what is displayed in the Cost Breakdown pane. ASSET Training Guide (GSM) Version 7.0

The Cost Breakdown pane is automatically populated with values based on the selected cell and the selected carrier. The values displayed in this pane are always responsive to the selections highlighted in the other two panes. This breakdown pane displays details of all cells which impact the interference cost (or have separation violations) for the selected cell and the selected carrier in the other two panes. 3

You can make changes to the carrier allocations within the dialog box. For information on this, see Changing Carrier Allocations in the Frequency Analysis on page 251.

Here is an example of the Report dialog box:

Example of the Frequency Analysis Report dialog box

Tips: You can customise how the columns are displayed. See Customising the Columns on the Frequency Analysis on page 250. You can sort the contents of the report using a simple method or more complex method. See Sorting the Rows on the Frequency Analysis on page 250. You can produce a printed version of the report by clicking the Reports button. The printed report only includes the information relating to the currently selected sector and carrier. The report dialog box can only be generated by running the analysis wizard, so if you wish to retain it for a while in memory, use the minimise option rather than the close option. The cost values in all three panes of the report always depend on the selected option (Area km², Area %, Traffic mE, or Traffic %) in the analysis wizard, and the cost column headings vary accordingly. For example, if 'Traffic mE' was selected, the column heading reads 'Total Cost (Traffic mE)'. ASSET Training Guide (GSM) Version 7.0

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11.8.3.2

About the Sector Assignments Pane

The Sector Assignments pane lists the sectors (cells) and details their current carrier allocations and associated interference cost (and/or separation violations). This table describes its contents: Column Heading

Description

Key

Colour legend to help identify possible problems (the colour range can be customised in the wizard). You can click the 'Key' button to view or edit the colour ranges.

Sector

Name of the cell.

Status

Whether the carrier allocation status for the cell is Editable, Read-Only or Ignore.

Hopping

The Hopping Status of the cell, as specified in the Site Database (None, Baseband, Site, or Synthesised).

Control

Control carrier assigned to the cell. This is limited to the carrier layer(s) you selected in the wizard.

Traffic

List of Traffic carriers assigned to the cell. These are comma-separated. MA lists are also supported. This is limited to the carrier layer(s) you selected in the wizard.

Total Cost

The sum of costs of all the cells which are (as appropriate) victims of and/or interferers to the respective cell. Therefore, it is the sum of the costs for the currently allocated carriers in the Carrier Assignments pane. The cost depends on the option (Victim, Interferer, Both) selected in the wizard.

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Total Contributors

The number of cells contributing to the Total Cost.

Worst Contributor

The cell with the highest cost impact on the respective cell.

Worst Contribution (%)

The percentage of the Total Cost provided by the worst contributor.

Violation Type

All associated violations (types) for the respective cell.

Total Violations

Total number of violations (the same violation type can occur on multiple cells/carriers).

Total Allocations

The number of carriers currently allocated to the cell.

Available Allocations

The number of carriers still available to be allocated to the cell, dependent on the combined sum of maximum allocable carriers set on all the appropriate carrier layers.


11.8.3.3

About the Carrier Assignments Pane

The Carrier Assignments pane lists the carriers that are available to the cell that is currently selected in the first pane, and details their associated interference cost (and/or separation violations). It also indicates the carriers that are currently allocated to the cell. This table describes its contents: Column Heading

Description

Key

Colour legend to help identify possible problems (the colour range can be customised in the wizard). You can click the 'Key' button to view the colour ranges.

Carrier

Carrier number.

Carrier Layer/MA List

Name of carrier layer (or MA List) to which it belongs.

Total Cost

The sum of costs from all impacting cells, relative to the selected carrier. Therefore, it is the sum of the respective costs in the Cost Breakdown pane. The cost also depends on the option (Victim, Interferer, Both) selected in the wizard.

Total Contributors

The number of cells contributing to the Total Cost.

Worst Contributor

The cell with the highest cost impact.

Worst Contribution (%)

The percentage of the Total Cost provided by the worst contributor.

Violation Type

Any associated violations for the respective carrier.

Total Violations

Total number of violations (the same violation type can occur on multiple cells/carriers).

Allocation State

This indicates whether the carrier (or MA List) is used by the respective cell: "Allocated" = allocated; "-" = unallocated. "Fixed" = allocated and fixed; "Forbidden" = unallocated and forbidden.

The displayed information always depends on which cell is selected in the Sector Assignments pane, because the viewable results are specific to that selected cell.

11.8.3.4

About the Cost Breakdown Pane

The Cost Breakdown pane gives a breakdown of the interference costs and/or carrier separation violations corresponding to the currently selected cell and currently selected carrier (in the main two panes). This table describes its contents: Column Heading

Description

Sector

Name of the impacting cell.

Carrier Layer/MA list

Name of carrier layer (or MA List) to which it belongs.

Status

Whether the carrier allocation status for the cell is Editable, Read-Only or Ignore.

Control

Control carrier assigned to the impacting cell.

Traffic

Traffic carrier assigned to the impacting cell.

Cost

The cost related to each carrier used by the impacting cell. The sum of the costs in this pane are equal to the Total Cost for the selected carrier in the Carrier Assignments pane.

Violation Type

The violation type associated with the respective cell. S = Site, C = Cell, E = Exception, N = Neighbour 2N = 2nd Order Neighbour


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11.8.3.5

Customising the Columns on the Frequency Analysis

When you are viewing the Interactive Frequency Analysis dialog box, you can: Specify which columns to display Set the column widths Re-order the columns left to right To do this: 1

Right-click on any column heading and select Choose Columns from the context menu.

2


3


4


5

Click OK.

The columns will be displayed according to your requirements. You can also resize the Report dialog box window, and you can resize the individual left and right panes.

11.8.3.6

Sorting the Rows on the Frequency Analysis

When you are viewing the Interactive Frequency Analysis dialog box, you can sort the rows (top to bottom) simply by clicking on any of the column headings. You can then toggle between ascending and descending order. This simple method sorts all the rows based singly on the clicked column. However, you may also sort the rows based on multiple columns, using a hierarchical method. This may be useful if you want, for example, to display the rows primarily in the BCCH sequence, and then subordinately in the TCH sequence, as in this example:

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To do this: 1

In the Analysis dialog box, right-click on any column heading and select Sort By from the context menu.

2

In the dialog box that appears, select the columns that you want to determine the row sequencing.

3

Highlight each of the selected items in turn, and use the Change button to toggle between Ascending/Descending.

4

Highlight each of the selected items in turn, and use the Move Up/Down buttons to define the hierarchy. The primary column must be higher than a subordinate column. So, the above example would be defined like this:

5

Click OK.

In the Report dialog box, the rows will be displayed according to your requirements.

11.8.4

Changing Carrier Allocations in the Frequency Analysis

The Interactive Frequency Analysis enables you to manually tune an existing frequency plan, by making manual changes to the carrier assignments within the Report dialog box. Specifically, you can reassign, assign or unassign carriers (or MA Lists) for individual cells. You can then assess the effects of the changes by updating the interference costs and/or separation violations within the report. If you are satisfied with the results, you can then decide to Apply the changes to the database directly from the Report dialog box. (This is, in effect, the same as making manual changes in the Site Database, as described in Editing Carrier Allocations Manually on page 224.) Allocation changes can only be made to cells that were designated as 'Editable' in the analysis wizard. Such changes are subject to the normal object ownership permissions.


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To make manual changes to the carrier assignments: 1

Ensure the appropriate sector is highlighted (selected) in the Sector Assignments pane:

2

In the Carrier Assignments pane, click in the 'Allocation State' column of the appropriate carrier (ensuring it belongs to the correct carrier layer) and, from the drop-down list, select one of the four options: 

- (None)



Allocated



Forbidden



Fixed

(These options are the same as the options under the Carriers tab in the Site Database.)

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When changes are made, the Total and Available Allocations columns for the sector are updated automatically. These columns depend on the 'Maximum Allocable Carriers' values of the carrier layers that were included in the analysis. For example, in the Carrier Layers dialog boxes, if that value is 5 for the TCH carrier layer, and 1 for the BCCH layer, the Total Allocations and Available Allocations would sum 6. Notes: 

The Forbidden option also de-allocates a carrier if it is currently allocated



The Fixed option also allocates a carrier if it is currently unallocated



If the 'Maximum Allocable Carriers' limit for a carrier layer has been reached, the only available options for a currently unallocated carrier will be "-" or "Forbidden"

3

If you want to update the interference cost values and/or violations in the Report dialog box, click the Update button.

4

If you want to save the changes into the Site Database, click Apply.


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11.8.5

Linking the Frequency Analysis with the Map View

While you have the Interactive Frequency Analysis Report dialog box open, you can select a cell on the Map View so that it becomes highlighted (selected) in the Report dialog box. To do this: 1

In the Map View, click on a cell (that you know was included in the analysis).

2

That cell is highlighted (selected) in the Sectors pane of the Report dialog box:

Highlighting Cells in the Map View You can also select a cell in the Sector Assignments pane or Cost Breakdown pane, and highlight it in the Map View. To do this: 1

Click the Visualise button.

2

Select the Highlight on View checkbox.

3

Specify your preferred display settings. These display settings can be different for the Sector Assignments and Cost Breakdown panes.

4

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Click on the required cell in one of the appropriate panes.


That cell is located and highlighted on the Map View:

11.9 Planning BSIC Colour Codes for GSM The Base Station Identity Code (BSIC) is a combination of colour codes (NCC and BCC) used in GSM to provide extra identity information to help a mobile to distinguish between individual transmitters. This allows handovers between cells, even if both cells are using the same frequency channel. The colour codes can be planned for the BSIC Planner with or without Mobile Allocations (MA) List consideration. The planning algorithm is designed to ensure that any cell should not have the same BCCH/BSIC combination as its neighbours (or, if MA Lists are considered, the MALID/BSIC). Important: The BSIC Planner can only be used if the GSM cell layers have been configured properly. In other words, each of the cell layers should have one (and only one) control carrier layer assigned to it. However, if your network configuration requires that this is not the case, then you must ensure that only one control carrier layer is 'usable' on each sub-cell in the Site Database (for more information, see About Cell Layers on page 101). Otherwise, the BSIC Planner will not run, and an appropriate warning message will appear. If the Site Database contains multiple cell layers per cell (for example, sub-cells for 900 and 1800) the BSIC Planner will consider the cell layer priority defined in the Cell Layer Configuration dialog box, and choose the highest priority layer for BSIC planning. Where priorities are equal, the sequence in the same dialog box is used. If required, you can run the BSIC Planner at the same time as running the Simulator.


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11.9.1

Setting Up BSIC Schemas

The BSIC Schemas dialog box for GSM enables you to create ranges (schemas) of NCCs and BCCs. These schemas enable you to set limits on the codes generated when you use the BSIC Planner. The schemas will also appear in a drop-down box above the BSIC codes on the General tab of the cells in the Site Database, limiting manual selections of the BSIC codes. (If required, the schemas and codes assigned to cells can be edited using the Global Editor.) The default schema is named 'All', and, in a new project, it contains all 64 BSICs. However (assuming you have user permissions), you can modify the code ranges within this default schema and, if required, give the schema a new name. You cannot delete this schema. Creating a Schema To create a schema: 1

From the Configuration menu, click Code/ID Schemas. Depending on your technology licences, you may then need to click GSM BSIC Schemas. This picture shows an example of the BSIC Schemas dialog box:

2

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Click Add, and name the new schema.


3

Select the NCCs that you want to use. When you select an NCC, the list of its BCCs appears in the right pane. Select the required BCCs within each NCC. To view the BCCs that you have selected for a particular NCC, click to the right of the NCC‟s checkbox. Clicking inside an NCC checkbox toggles all its BCCs on/off.

4

Click Commit All to save the changes to the database.

11.9.2

Prerequisites for the BSIC Planner

Before using the BSIC Planner you must ensure you have: Assigned carriers to the cells. Created neighbours (only if you are performing the plan with reference to the neighbouring cells). Opened a Map View window that shows the region that includes the cells that you wish to plan. Considered which filters you are going to use, and which planning status will be assigned to them. When you plan colour codes, you can, if required, assign a specific planning status to each filter. If a cell exists in multiple filters, it will take its planning status from the highest priority filter in which it exists (filters can be prioritised in the wizard). This table describes the planning status options: Column Heading

Description

Plan

Codes will be planned for these cells. These cells will appear in the left pane of the report.

Read-Only

Codes already allocated in these cells will not be changed. However, these cells will be included in the left pane of the report.

Ignore

Cells in these filters will not be considered in the planning process, and will not appear in the reports. This status may be useful when you have some large complex filters, and you just wish to exclude a few cells. You could simplify their exclusion by creating a simple filter and using this Ignore option.

It is wise to perform a Commit All on the Site Database before you run the BSIC Planner. This means that, after the plan has been run, if you choose to Apply it to the Site Database, you would be able to perform a Restore All to return to the previous configuration, if necessary.


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11.9.3

Running the BSIC Planner

To plan GSM colour codes using the BSIC Planner: 1

From the Tools menu, point to GSM Planners, then click BSIC Plan Wizard.

2

In the first step of the wizard, check that the area for the plan is correct. If necessary, you can modify the area by entering precise co-ordinates. Click Next.

3

Select the site/cell filters to be included in the plan. Click Next.

4

In the Status column, you can assign a planning status (Plan, Read-Only or Ignore) to each selected filter. If necessary, the Up/Down arrows enable you to prioritise the filters in the list (if a cell belongs to more than one of the filters, then its planning status is determined by the higher priority filter). Please see the information about the planning status options in the prerequisites in the previous section.

5

In the Schema column, associate each selected filter with the required BSIC schema (see Setting Up BSIC Schemas on page 256). Click Next. Alternatively, you can load the 'per cell' schemas from the Site Database.

6

Set the required Re-use parameters: Parameter

Description

Code re-use distance

You can choose one of two options: Fixed or Automatic. Fixed: This is a constant re-use distance from a cell, within which the Planner will try not to assign the same BCCH/BSIC. Automatic: This is a variable re-use distance from a cell, within which the Planner will try not to assign the same BCCH/BSIC. You specify the number of Divisions Per Cell, and the amount of Nearest Cells Per Division to consider. For each division, the re-use distance will vary, depending on the proximity of the other cells within it. You also specify a Re-use Distance Limit, which sets a hard limit for all divisions.

Consider Neighbouring cells: Highest Neighbour Order

When planning codes with reference to neighbouring cells, this enables you to specify such neighbours up to the nth order. This can be 1, 2, 3 or 4, representing (up to) first, second, third and fourth order neighbours, respectively.

Click Next. 7

If you are using a hopping network, and MA Lists have been defined, you should select the „Synthesised Hopping / Site Hopping‟ option. For these types of hopping cells, the wizard retrieves the MALIDs from the Site Database, and uses them in place of the BCCHs. Otherwise, you should select the Non-Hopping / Base-Band Hopping option. Click Next.

8

If you are satisfied with the summary, click Finish.

ASSET calculates the code assignments, and generates a Report dialog box.

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11.9.4

About the BSIC Report Dialog Box

The BSIC Report dialog box is generated when you run the BSIC Planner. It displays the BSIC assignments, and also displays details of any clashing cells. Left Pane

Example section of the left pane of BSIC Planner report dialog box

For each planned (or read-only) cell, the left pane of the report dialog box presents the following information: Column Heading Result

Additional Comments or Possible Values Unique Assignment: the cell has no clashing cells. Reused Assignment: the cell has no clashes with its neighbours, but clashes with one or more non-neighbour cells. Neighbour Clash: the cell clashes with one or more of its neighbours. Excluded: the cell was excluded from the plan because it has no antennas or no assigned BCCH.

Sector

Sector/Cell Name

Plan Status

Plan, Read Only, Excluded

BCCH

Broadcast Control channel

NCC

Network Colour Code

BCC

Base Station Colour Code

Number of Clashing Neighbours

Details are listed in the right pane.

Number of Clashing Sectors

Details are listed in the right pane.

Closest Clash

Distance to the nearest clashing cell.

Max Clash Factor

See About the Clash Factors on page 264.

Number of Alternatives

This column only displays a value for 'Plan' cells that have Reused Assignment clashes. It gives the number of codes in the cell’s schema that could have produced a unique assignment for the cell. If a value is displayed in this column, it indicates that the planning algorithm has reused a code when it would have been better to assign an unused code. The planner should be run again, with larger reuse distance requirements, as this will encourage less code re-use.


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Right Pane

Example section of the left pane of BSIC Planner report dialog box

The right pane provides information on the clashing cells, and presents the following information: Column Heading

Additional Comments or Possible Values

Sector

Sector/Cell Name

Plan Status

Plan, Read Only, None Cells that appear in the right pane may not necessarily have been included in the filters specified in the wizard. Such cells will have a plan status of “None”.

Neighbour Order

Neighbour Order of the neighbour clash: '1', '2', '3', '4': signifies first order, second order, and so on '0' signifies a non-neighbour cell inside the re-use distance '--' signifies a non-neighbour cell outside the re-use distance

Distance

Distance between the two cells

Clash Factor

See About the Clash Factors on page 264.

Paths

This column only displays a value for 'Plan' cells that have Reused Assignment clashes. It gives the number of codes in the cell’s schema that could have produced a unique assignment for the cell. If a value is displayed in this column, it indicates that the planning algorithm has reused a code when it would have been better to assign an unused code. The planner should be run again, with larger reuse distance requirements, as this will encourage less code re-use.

Tips: You can customise how the columns are displayed. See Customising the Columns on the BSIC Report on page 261. You can sort the contents of the report using a simple method or a more complex method. See Sorting the Rows on the BSIC Report on page 261. You can link the report with the Map View. See Highlighting Cells in the Map View on page 262. The report dialog box can only be generated by running the wizard, so if you wish to retain it for a while in memory, use the minimise option rather than the close option. You can produce a printed version of the report by clicking the Reports button. If you are satisfied with the planned results, you can save the planned codes to the Database. See Applying the Planned BSICs to the Database on page 265.

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11.9.4.1

Customising the Columns on the BSIC Report

When you are viewing the BSIC Report dialog box, you can: Specify which columns to display Set the column widths Re-order the columns left to right To do this: 1

Right-click on any column heading and select Choose Columns from the context menu.

2


3


4


5

Click OK.

The columns will be displayed according to your requirements. You can also resize the Report dialog box window, and you can resize the individual left and right panes.

11.9.4.2

Sorting the Rows on the BSIC Report

When you are viewing the BSIC Report dialog box, you can sort the rows (top to bottom) by clicking on any of the column headings. You can then toggle between ascending and descending order. This simple method sorts all the rows based singly on the clicked column. However, you may also sort the rows based on multiple columns, using a hierarchical method. This may be useful if you want, for example, to display the rows primarily in the BCCH sequence, and then subordinately in the Closest Clash sequence. To do this: 1

Right-click on any column heading and select Sort By from the context menu.

2

In the dialog box that appears, select the columns that you want to determine the row sequencing.


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3

Highlight each of the selected items in turn, and use the Change button to toggle between Ascending/Descending.

4

Highlight each of the selected items in turn, and use the Move Up/Down buttons to define the hierarchy. The primary column must be higher than a subordinate column.

5

Click OK.

In the BSIC Report dialog box, the rows will be displayed according to your requirements.

11.9.4.3

Highlighting Cells in the Map View

While you have the Report dialog box open, you can interact with the Map View, in order to visualise specific victim cells and/or interfering cells. To do this:

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1

Click the Visualise button.

2

Select the Highlight on View checkbox.

3

Specify your preferred display settings of the symbols used for the victim cells and interfering cells:

4

Click on the required victim cell in the left pane of the Report dialog box:


That cell is located and highlighted on the Map View, together with all its interfering cells, as in this example:

If you want to only highlight a specific interfering cell, you can select one of the cells in the right pane of the analysis window. You can also selectively highlight multiple interfering cells, by using the Ctrl or Ctrl-Shift keys in the right pane of the analysis window.


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11.9.4.4

About the Clash Factors

The Report dialog box enables you to rank the clashes and the re-use violations by sorting the rows based on the distance between cells. However, this distance cannot help to indicate whether the cells are pointing towards or away from each other. Also, a pair of cells with large coverage areas may interfere with each other more than a pair cells with the small coverage areas, even though the distances between the cells is the same. The Clash Factor (a number between 0 and 3) tries to account for this. The higher the number, the worse the clash. The report shows the 'Clash Factor' in the right pane, and the maximum of these ('Max Clash Factor') in the left pane. How the Clash Factor is Calculated In the case of two cells A and B, the Clash Factor for cell A is a measure of how much A affects B, and is calculated as follows: Scenario

Clash Factor Formula for Cell A

Explanation

A and B are colocated.

Clash Factor = (3 - Angular Separation/180)

Cells that are co-located have the most severe Clash Factors (between 2 and 3 inclusive). The smaller the angular separation between clashing antennas, the higher the Clash Factor.

A and B are not co-located, and B is outside A’s “capture region”.

Clash Factor = 0

Zero Clash Factor, since A is not pointing “towards” B.

A and B are not Clash Factor = Cells that are not co-located have Clash Factors of 1 or lower. co-located and B (Distance to nearest non-co-located Example 1: is inside A’s cell in A’s capture region) / ( Distance “capture region". Distance to B = 10km, and B is the nearest cell in A’s capture to B ) region. Clash Factor = 1 Example 2: Distance to B = 10km, and the nearest cell in A’s capture region is 2km. Clash Factor = 0.2 The clash factor is lower in Example 2, because Cell A probably has a smaller coverage area than in Example 1.

For the purposes of the calculations, the "capture region" is a sector of angular width equal to twice the antenna‟s 3dB beamwidth. For example, if cell A has an antenna with a bearing of 40°, and a beamwidth of 60°, then the capture region is a sector with a bearing of 40° and an angular width of 120°. For cells with multiple antennas and/or repeaters, a capture region is calculated for each antenna, and then, from all the combinations of antennas on A and B, the highest Clash Factor is reported.

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11.9.5

Applying the Planned BSICs to the Database

In the BSIC Report dialog box, you can choose to save the planned codes to the database. To do this: 1

Ensure you are satisfied with the planned results.

2

Click the Apply button.

The updated codes can be viewed (and edited) on the General tab of the relevant cells in the Site Database:

Example of BSIC for a cell in Site Database


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11.10


This checklist has been provided as a self-assessment of the objectives stated at the beginning of the session. Please tick all objectives covered in this session: Editing carrier allocations Analysing a frequency plan Generating frequency plan reports Creating and viewing an Interference Table Using the Interactive Frequency Analysis Using the BSIC Planner

Additional Notes:

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SECTION 12

12 Generating Reports 12.1 Objectives of this Session In this session you will learn about: Generating Statistical Reports Generating Site/Node Reports Generating Cell Information Reports Generating Frequency Plan Reports Generating a Delta Report

12.2 Generating Reports and Statistics To help with decisions that influence the evolution of the cellular network, ASSET provides a comprehensive range of database and statistical reports which can be generated in Microsoft Excel or a Text Editor. This chapter describes the reports that can be generated. Here is a brief summary of the report categories available: Statistical Reports These can only be generated after creating the relevant arrays. They enable you to produce percentage statistics for arrays, both in terms of overall results, and in terms of individual cells, clutter categories and cell coverage areas. Distributional statistics (such as population) can also be incorporated in the results. Database Reports These can be generated at any time from the Reports menu, and have no prerequisite steps since they directly query the ENTERPRISE database.


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12.3 Generating Statistical Reports for Arrays Statistical reports enable you to produce area and percentage statistics for arrays. They can only be generated after creating the relevant array. The report sections (that is, the rows) can show overall statistical summaries, comparing the area satisfying the target level with the total area analysed, giving the result as a percentage of the total. The area statistics can also be broken down by: Clutter type Individual cells Specific vectors Specific features (such as lines, polygons, roads) of a vector For information on creating vector file features, see the ENTERPRISE User Reference Guide. Furthermore, you can incorporate distributional statistics (such as population), which appear as additional columns in the report. These are obtained from traffic values which have been spread by a traffic raster. If you wish to do this, check that the relevant traffic raster has already been saved to file. For more information, see About Distributional Statistics on page 180. To create a statistical report for an array: 1

Ensure that the array has been created. In the case of 2g and 2.5g Non-Sim Coverage/Interference arrays, and Signal Coverage arrays (all technologies), the creation process is explained in Creating Coverage Arrays on page 155. In the case of simulation arrays, these are available when you have run or loaded a simulation.

2

Open a Map View (if not already open). Ensure that this includes the area for which you want to generate statistics. If this view area is different from the one originally used to create the array, the statistics will be based on the intersection of the two areas. It is also possible to focus the statistics within selected vectors.

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3

Click the Show Data Types button to display the Data Types list, and expand either the Simulator or Coverage heading, as appropriate. Then select the required array, right-click on it, and choose Statistics. This picture shows an example:

4

The Statistics dialog box appears. The options are described in the following section.

12.3.1

Results of the Statistical Reports for Arrays

Depending on the options you select in the Statistics dialog box, the report you create can display the following sections: The analysis parameters such as the coverage or quality level selected, and any area restriction vectors selected Statistics and Category summaries Statistics broken down by: 

Per clutter type



Per cell



Per chosen vector(s)



Per feature within a chosen vector

The following tables describe the values that you can choose to include in the rows of the statistical reports: Statistics summary

Description

Total Displayed Area

The chosen area of analysis. This is either the area of the selected Map view, or, if you selected to restrict the analysis area, the sum of the area within the chosen vector(s).

Covered Area

The total area within the specified levels.

Covered Area (%)

The covered area as a percentage of the total displayed area.

In the case of 2g Interference Arrays only, there is an extra row named Total Coverage Area, representing the area which has coverage above the specified minimum service level. ASSET Training Guide (GSM) Version 7.0

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Category summary

Description

Category information

Category names and ranges of values.

Covered Area


Covered Area (%)

The covered area as a percentage of the total area.

Per Clutter statistics breakdown

Description

Total Area by Clutter category

For each clutter category, the area that exists in the chosen area of analysis.

Covered Area

For each clutter category, the amount of its area within the specified levels.

Covered Area (%)

For each clutter category, the percentage of its area within the specified levels.

Per Cell statistics breakdown

Description

Total Area of the Cell coverage (service area)

For each cell, the total of its (best server) service area that exists in the chosen area of analysis. For each pixel, only the best serving cell is considered.

Covered Area

For each cell, the amount of its service area within the specified levels.

Covered Area (%)

For each cell, the percentage of its service area within the specified levels.

Per Vector statistics breakdown

Description

Total Area of each chosen vector

The total area of the vector that exists in the chosen area of analysis.

Covered Area


Covered Area (%)


Per Feature statistics breakdown

Description

Total Area of of each feature* that is contained in The total area of the feature that exists in the chosen area of analysis. the chosen vector. Attribute values (road name, road number, building name, and so on) can (*roads, lines, polygons, and so on) also be shown, depending on the configuration in the vector's structure editor. Covered Area


Covered Area (%)


Distributional Statistics (such as population) This is an optional further breakdown of the results into columns, giving values for distribution units.

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Distributional statistics

Description

Distribution units covered

For each of the above (Summaries, Clutter, Cell and Attribute), the distribution units within the specified levels.

Distribution units covered (%)

For each of the above (Summaries, Clutter, Cell and Attribute), the percentage of the distribution units within the specified levels.


12.3.1.1

Statistical Report Example 1

Here is an example of a statistical report (for coverage) for a Best Server array:

Example of a Coverage Statistics report


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12.4 Generating Database Reports Database reports can be generated at any time from the Reports menu, and have no prerequisite steps since they directly query the ENTERPRISE database. You can extract and summarise the contents of the database from these reports: Site/Node report GSM Cell Information report FCC report GSM Frequency Plan report There is also a Delta report, which provides an updated list of any changes made to the project which have not yet been committed by the user. To generate this report, from the Database menu, click Delta Report. For more information, see the ENTERPRISE User Reference Guide.

12.4.1

Generating Site/Node Reports

You can generate a customised Site/Node Report at any time, using filtered selections if required. You can extract and summarise the contents of the Site Database to various network object levels, such as: Properties GSM Sites GSM Cells Neighbours If you select items from more than one of the above, the generated report contains columns that do not apply to all the records - this is inevitable because of the hierarchical nature of the data, that is, one-to-many relationships. For ease of reading, the requested information for Properties and the requested information for each technology are generated onto separate report sheets. To produce a Site/Node Report: 1

From the Reports menu, click Site/Node Report. The Site Report Generator dialog box appears.

2

Select a filter for the Properties/sites/nodes you want to include in the report.

3

Select the style of report that you want to use:

4

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

Hierarchy style, with new rows separating individual object types



Flat style, for ease of data manipulation

Choose whether you want the report to open in Microsoft Excel or in a text editor.


5

Select the Autosave checkbox to automate the naming of the file. The file will be saved in your personal TEMP directory when you generate it and the filename will contain the date and time, for example: C\:Documents and Settings\john.smith\Local Settings\Temp\2007-02-28 17-4829 (Report).xls

6

On the tabs of the Site Report Generator dialog box, select the information you want to extract from the database. You can quickly select or deselect all the checkboxes on any single tab, by right-clicking anywhere on the main body of the dialog box, and then clicking Select All or Clear All.

7

Click Generate.

The selections you choose will be stored automatically, so that the next time you use this dialog box, the previously selected items will appear by default. However, the filter initially displayed is always determined by the default set on the Filters tab of the Preferences dialog box, accessible from the File menu. Importing and Exporting the Report Selections You can also use the Import and Export buttons to import or export the site report selections. This enables fast import/export of the selections. (You can also do this by using the User Settings import/export functionality, as described in the ENTERPRISE Installation and Administration Guide, but that method requires the project to be closed and re-opened.)

12.4.2

Generating Cell Information Reports

To produce a report containing all cells which use a certain carrier, or range of carriers: 1

From the Reports menu, click GSM Cell Info Report.

2

Enter the information you require on each tab. The report produced will contain cells which satisfy ALL the criteria (x AND y AND z) you specify on the three tabs.

3

On the Carriers/Cells tab: Search By

For

Cell identity

Cells which will interfere Cells for which a given carrier is allocated Cells for which a given carrier is allocated within a given layer Co- or adjacent channel interference

Carrier

A carrier A range of carriers A particular or all carrier layers

Groups

Frequency groups for a particular or all carrier layers

4

On the Cell Parameters tab, enter cells which match one or all of the code fields. Use * as a wildcard if one or all of the fields is not required for the search.

5

On the Filter tab, select a site filter to further filter the cells displayed.


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6

Click Find to search for the correct cells. The lower pane of the dialog box shows a preview of the report.

7

Click Export to save the report.

8

In the Select Data Export File dialog box, either enter a new file name or select an existing report to overwrite, then click Save.

12.4.3

Generating Frequency Plan Reports

To generate a basic report based on the current frequency plan: 1

From the Reports menu, click GSM Frequency Plan Reporter.

2

Choose the filter you require then select the information you wish to display. This table lists the items you can include in your report: Item

Description

Co-Site / Cell Separations

Co- site and co-cell separations, below the thresholds, will be reported.

Neighbour Separations

Neighbour separations below the threshold will be reported.

Exceptions

Broken exception separations will be shown.

Interference

A summary of the carrier-based interference statistics will be displayed if an interference table is loaded. These statistics only provide interference data that is based on affected traffic.

Intermodulation Interference

Select the order up to which to report. For example, if you select 3rd order, both 2nd and 3rd order intermodulations will be reported on. In the report, the carriers causing the intermodulation are reported along with the carriers that are interfered with. The report also shows whether the carriers are downlink or uplink.

Effective Frequency Re-use

The effective frequency re-use for each of the sub-cells. For more information on how the frequency re-use is calculated, see the ASSET Technical Reference Guide.

MALID

The MA List ID, which identifies which MA list each sub-cell uses.

Frequency Load (GSM only)

The frequency load for each of the sub-cells. If you select to include this, you can also define up to what grade of traffic service you want to include (for example, a value of 1.0 represents 100% traffic service, and a value of 0.5 represents 50% traffic service). For more information on how the frequency load is calculated, see the ASSET Technical Reference Guide.

3

Insufficient MA List Length (GSM only)

Select this option to display the sub-cells with insufficient carriers according to the MA list , based on the MAIO separation value.

Override MAIO Separation (GSM only)

Select this option to override the existing MAIO separation value, and enter your own separation value for this report.

Click Generate.

If you chose to include interference data in your report, the mE values are listed under the column heading 'Interference'. The values represent the Traffic Affected by Interference for each cell pair. The total of these values, Affected Traffic (mE), appears at the bottom-left of the report. An Interactive Frequency Analysis is also available. For more information, see About the GSM Interactive Frequency Analysis on page 241. Page 274


12.4.4

Generating Reports of Uncommitted Changes

You can produce a report that details all the changes (additions, modifications and deletions) which you have made and Applied to network elements, but not Committed to the database. These changes are therefore not visible to other users. The network element, each field and the modified and previous values of each field are shown. The report details additions, modifications and deletions to all elements in your networks as well as items such as propagation models and equipment. To produce a report of uncommitted changes: 1

From the Database menu, click Delta Report.

2

If there are a large number of differences, a message appears to warn you that this might take time. You can choose not to continue by clicking No, otherwise click Yes to produce the report. You can reduce the time taken to generate the report by clearing any orphaned DB entries that exist in the DIFF tables for the project. (Otherwise, any such entries will be included in the Delta report as inserts or updates.) To do this, click on the Utilities tab, and from the Tools menu, click Clean DB Orphans. A message also appears if there are no differences. The diff tables in the database are analysed and a report appears. The left pane displays each item, its type and a state showing if the element has been added, deleted or updated. This picture shows an example:

Tips: 

To sort the data in any of the columns in the left-hand pane, click the column heading



To find a particular network element ID, type the name in the Find ID box. ENTERPRISE highlights the item with then name (or the nearest alphabetical/numerical match) that you have entered.


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Click the Info button to display the right hand pane which will show all fields associated with any element that you select and its value: In the right hand pane: 

A red symbol appears next to an item with applied changes, for example,



A green symbol appears next to an item that has not been changed, for example,



To view any additional information, double-click the symbol beside the name of an attribute, then click the Back button to return to the previous list Notes:

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

If no information is available, the symbol is green



If the item is an addition, the 'Previous Value' is marked as '-'



If the item is a deletion, the 'Modified Value' is marked as '-'


12.5 Session Summary Checklist This checklist has been provided as a self-assessment of the objectives stated at the beginning of the session. Please tick all objectives covered in this session: Generating Statistical Reports Generating Site/Node Reports Generating Cell Information Reports Generating Frequency Plan Reports Generating a Delta Report

Additional Notes:


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SECTION 13

13 Setting Up Dual Band Networks 13.1 Objectives of this Session In this session you will learn about: Understanding the concept of GSM multi-layered networks Learning how to model a dual band network in ASSET Configuring a dual band system using a template How antennas can be shared on a Property

13.2 About GSM Frequency Bands Initially GSM was designed to work in the 900 MHz band ("the primary band"). However, over time, additional bands have been added. The table below shows the frequency bands used for GSM Base Station Systems: TX

RX

P-GSM900

935 MHz to 960 MHz

890 MHz to 915 MHz

DCS1800

1805 MHz to 1880 MHz


E-GSM900

925 MHz to 960 MHz

880 MHz to 915 MHz

R-GSM900

921 MHz to 960 MHz

876 MHz to 915 MHz

GSM 450

460.4 MHz to 467.6 MHz

450.4 MHz to 457.6 MHz

GSM 480

488.8 MHz to 496 MHz

478.8 MHz to 486 MHz

GSM 850 and MXM 850

869 MHz to 894 MHz

824 MHz to 849 MHz

PCS 1900 and MXM 1900



(ETSI, GSM 11.21 version 8.3.0 Release 1999, www)


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13.3 Overview of Dual Band Networks in ASSET The method for modelling a dual band network in ASSET is to configure separate cells, each one containing a single sub-cell, that is, GSM900 or GSM1800, as appropriate. So, for a 3-sector site, the dual band site would look like this:

Example of Dual Band Site in Site Database

The following session will take you through, step by step, how to set up a dual band network in ASSET.

13.3.1

Prerequisites for Dual Band Configuration

Before setting up this configuration, a number of important items need to be in place. These items include: Importing Antennas, either Single-band or Dual-band Setting up specific Propagation Models for each frequency band (GSM900 and 1800) Allocating Carriers for both frequency bands Defining the two Carrier Layers Defining the two Cell Layers For details on how to set up these items, please refer to the sections on Setting Up a Network and Traffic Planning within this document.

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13.3.2

Antenna Sharing in ASSET

If you are using antennas that are dual band, such as 900 and 1800 MHz, where the only difference between the antennas is their patterns, you can share the antenna. The sector could be represented as two cells. For example, a site has a sector at an azimuth of 180°. If you configure the sector to support an antenna of a different bandwidth, all parameters such as height, azimuth, tilt, correction factor and shared ID would be the same. By sharing antennas for different technology types, you can make changes to the parameters for an antenna and they are reflected in all technology types sharing this antenna. This reduces the time needed to make the changes for many antennas for all the different technology types on the same Property. To share an antenna and make it available for multi-technology sites and cells on the same Property, you first have to ensure that the settings on the Shared Antennas tab of the Preferences dialog box (from File menu) are set to the defaults as shown here:

Antenna Sharing options in Preferences

You then need to: 1

Select the relevant cell in the Site Database.

2

On the Antennas tab, select the Shared Antenna checkbox.

3

Choose the antenna pattern you require.

4

In the Identity box, type a number (1-127) to identify the antenna in the database:

5

Repeat this process for the second antenna you want to share, ensuring you use the same number in the Identity box.

6

Click Apply.


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You are then prompted to either: Sync with antenna shares - this makes the currently selected antenna's parameters the same as those of other antennas with the same identity. Update associated shared antennas - this updates the parameters of any shared antennas to be the same as those of the currently selected antenna. Break relationships - this breaks or cancels the 'shared' relationship of the currently selected antenna, so that the identity returns to "N/A" (this does not affect the other antennas sharing the original identity). Obviously, if you wish to retain the sharing, you would choose the first or second option.

13.4 Configuring a Dual Band System To configure a dual band system, either the Site Database or Site Template can be used, depending on the planning situation at the time of planning. You would use the Site Database to re-configure an existing site, whereas the Site Template would be used at the beginning of a project or when a new dual band site is to be planned using the Map View window. The configuration process is very similar for both the Site Database and Site Template. For training purposes the 'Site Template' will be used to show the configuration process. To create a dual band site template, you need to follow the same procedure described in Adding a Template for a 2g Site. In summary form, the procedure is described here: From the Database menu, click Templates:

To add a new site template, right-click the Cell Site element type, and click Add Template:

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You can name the template to something like this:

13.4.1

Configuring a Dual Band System using a Template

To configure the template for a dual band 3-sector site using a template: 1

Right-click the template, and from the menu that appears, click 'Add Cell' six times:

, By default the new cells will have the GSM-Default Cell Layer assigned to them, since this was the original project default layer. 2

Right-click on the text of all the GSM-Default sub-cells and select „Delete Cell Layer‟.

3

Right-click on the text of the first three sub-cells (A-C) and select „Add Cell Layer‟, and then select GSM900.

4

Right-click on the text of the last three sub-cells (D-F) and select „Add Cell Layer‟, and then select GSM1800. You should now see this:


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On each cell, the parameters can now be configured in the normal way under each tab. Some important parameters for the cell are: Antenna details (Antennas tab) Propagation model (Antennas tab) Obviously, the assigned models and antennas can be specific to the frequency bands (GSM900, GSM1800). On each sub-cell, the parameters can now be configured in the normal way under each tab. Some important parameters for the sub-cell are: Signal Threshold (General tab) PA Output (Antenna/TRX tab) Optionally, the Signal Threshold can be set differently for each band so that the traffic will be forced onto the GSM1800 layer (which may be the higher priority layer). The traffic will be served by the GSM1800 layer until the received level is better than the Signal Threshold value set, then the traffic will go to the GSM900 layer. For example, the GSM1800 Layer could be set to –85dBm and the GSM900 Layer set to – 102dBm. In that situation, the Cell Layer priorities (if set) would then only matter for overlapping coverage down to –85dBm.

13.5 Viewing Coverage of the Dual Band Site When the template is configured, before you close the Templates dialog box, ensure you select the correct checkbox to activate the new 'Dual Band 3-sector' template. Add a site to the Map View, and then generate a coverage (Best Server) array for it. The best way to show the coverage of a dual band site is to use the Service Area (Block) plot:

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You should be able to see the different service areas of the GSM900 cells and the GSM1800 cells:

Example of Service Area (Block) Array for a Dual Band Site


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13.6 Session Summary Checklist This checklist has been provided as a self-assessment of the objectives stated at the beginning of the session. Please tick all objectives covered in this session: Understanding the concept of GSM multi-layered networks Learning how to model a dual band network in ASSET Configuring a dual band system using a template How antennas can be shared on a Property

Additional Notes:

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SECTION 14

14 Planning GSM Data Services 14.1 Objectives of this Session In this session you will learn about: Defining the GSM Data Service settings Enabling GPRS on the Cells in the Site Database Calculating and analysing the GPRS Service Area Defining Terminal Types for Data Services Creating a GPRS Traffic Array Generating the GPRS Arrays Capturing Traffic and Analysing Capacity Requirements

14.2 Overview of GPRS GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) is an extension to GSM that allows more efficient packet data transfer compared to traditional GSM data services. The principle is that a user can be constantly connected to the network without occupying any radio resources (frequency, timeslots) until a data packet has to be transferred. When a packet is to be transferred, a temporary channel is assigned to the user; after the transfer is completed, the channel is quickly released again. GPRS allows many users to share the same timeslot, and also allows a single user to use more than one timeslot. It uses an error detection and retransmission scheme to ensure that data packets are correctly delivered to the receiver.


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Within this session we will look at the stages in the GPRS Capacity process. The following diagram gives an overview of the GPRS Planning process:

Diagram of the GPRS planning process in ASSET

14.3 Defining the Targets of the GPRS Service The aim of this phase is to identify the existing sites and new sites where GPRS is to be enabled and get some idea of the required modifications that you need to make to the existing network before you can implement the desired GPRS Service. You need to decide: What kind of data services will be provided? Where the service is required? Prerequisite The information from the current frequency plan is needed when planning for GPRS networks. Therefore, before you continue, you must update the plan to meet the actual network‟s site/cell structure, element identity, neighbours and frequency information.

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14.4 Defining Data Service Settings To initialise the GPRS service, you need to: Set GPRS channel coding schemes Define the timeslot distribution Set the occupancy table

14.4.1

Setting GPRS Channel Coding Schemes

To set GPRS Channel Coding Schemes: 1

From the Configuration menu, point to Lookup Tables and Curves and click GPRS CCS. The following window will appear:

By default the table is populated with values.


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2

You can edit these by either: 

Highlighting and re-typing - or -



In the C/I(dB) column, define the C/I, for example between 0 and 30 dB and in the coding scheme (throughput) column define the x axis values, for example between 0 and 15 kb/s.

The C/I versus data rate values are dependent on the nature of the network, for example, how fast the mobiles are expected to move, whether RF hopping is used in the GPRS cells, and so on. You can then: Click Show Graph to see a plot of C/I against data rate per timeslot When a row containing data is selected (except the last row), you can click Add Row to insert another row Click Commit to update the changes to the database Coding schemes are optimised, that is, the best one is chosen. The data contained within these tables can be scaled for any number of timeslots, that is, the data rate for three timeslots is three times the data rate for one timeslot for a given C/I.

14.4.2

Defining Timeslot Distribution

Use the Channel to Transceiver mapping tables to define timeslot distribution. These mapping tables enable you to specify how many carriers are needed to provide the required number of traffic channels. You need to set the amount of Circuit Switched and Packet Switched control channels as well as the amount of dedicated GPRS traffic channels. To set up a channel to transceiver map for GPRS, from the 'Configuration' menu: 1


2

Within the Channel to Transceiver Setup window, click on the 'Add Map' button and enter an appropriate name for the map, and click OK. The following message appears:

3

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Click Yes.


The following window now appears:

4

In the box labelled 'Default Number of Channels Per Transceiver", enter the number of traffic channels that can be supported per carrier (for example, 8), and click Apply.

5

Click on the 'Add Transceiver' button, which will populate the window with default figures.

6

To change the information in the table, select the row, and click the Edit Map button.


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7

You can specify: 

Total number of channels (No.)



Amount of dedicated GPRS capacity (Ngprs)



Number of shared control channels (Nctrl)



Number of GPRS control channels (Ngprsctrl)

(The number of circuit switched traffic channels (Ncs) is automatically updated.) 8

Click OK to close the GPRS Map Editor.

9

From the Configuration menu, point to Layers, and select Cell Layers.

10 Select your new Channel to Transceiver map in the Cell Layers dialog box. Click on the on the Coverage Type tab, and you will see a drop-down box with all the available maps listed. Only one Channel to Transceiver map can be allocated per cell layer.

14.4.3

Setting the Occupancy Table

Channel Occupancy is used to estimate the efficiency with which GPRS data packets can be packed into the available timeslots. This is most useful in GPRS when you come close to using full network capacity. The greater the number of available timeslots means the better the efficiency with which GPRS data packets can be packed. To set channel occupancy: 1

From the Configuration menu, point to Lookup Tables and Curves and click Timeslot Occupancy.

2

To populate the columns, either set default values by clicking the Set to Defaults button. – or – Manually add values, using values between 0 and 100 in the Occupancy columns, where 100 means full occupancy. You can then:

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

Click Show Graph to see a plot of the values



Edit any value by clicking it and changing it



Click Remove All to delete all the values in the columns



When a row containing data is selected (except the last row), you can click Add Row to insert another row



Click Commit to update the changes to the database


14.5 Enabling GPRS on the Cells in the Site Database On the (E)GPRS tab for a sub-cell in the Site Database, you can designate the sub-cell to support GPRS and/or EGPRS. Option

Description

Enable GPRS

Enabling GPRS enables you to select the channel coding scheme(s) supported by the sub-cell, and also allows you to select the Enable EGPRS and Dedicated PBCCH options.

Enable EGPRS

Enabling EGPRS enables you to select the Link Adaptation families which are supported by the subcell.

Dedicated PBCCH

Select this if you want to allocate another BCCH timeslot for packet data control.

In the Traffic pane on this tab, you can edit the GPRS and EGPRS traffic values, which represent the loading on the sub-cell. You can enter these here if they are known, or use the automatic process in the Static Traffic Analysis for GPRS and EGPRS. For more information, see Running the Static Traffic Analysis on page 186. Also if you have the EGPRS enabled, you can edit the percentage of EGPRS traffic that uses 8-PSK modulation. ASSET sums the traffic of each (E)GPRS traffic raster pixelby-pixel, and creates a total traffic value on the sub-cell. For each sub-cell, the percentage of traffic using 8-PSK modulation is calculated and saved. An automatically calculated value for the traffic mix can be applied to the sub-cells after running the Static Traffic Analysis, but you can enter your own value here (although this is recommended only for advanced users). The value will be zero unless the EGPRS Data Rate array has been created previously, or you have entered the value manually in the Site Database or Global Editor. These values will be taken into account when Interference Arrays are calculated, if the Use Traffic checkbox on the Interference tab of the Array Settings dialog box is selected.

Adding a GPRS Sub-cell in the Site Database Window

All these parameters can also be edited in the Global Editor, or pre-set using the Templates. ASSET Training Guide (GSM) Version 7.0

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14.6 Calculating and Analysing the GPRS Service Area The generation and analysis of cell-specific GPRS service areas follows the normal coverage planning process, that is: 1

From the Tools menu, point to Pathloss Predictor, which enables you to run the prediction tool to generate pathloss predictions.

2

Choose to calculate the Best Server (GPRS/EGPRS) array to visualise on the map the service areas of the cells where GPRS is enabled.

3

Display the array in the Map View Window.

14.7 Defining Terminal Types for Data Services For the Traffic and Capacity planning process, an estimate of the GPRS terminal distribution is required as well as an idea of the services and data rate demand of the terminals. To set up a GPRS terminal type:

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1


2

In the Terminal Types dialog box, click Add to create a new terminal type.

3

On the General tab, edit the name. It is useful to describe the type of traffic that it represents, for example, 'GPRS'.

4

Select 'Packet Switched (GPRS)' as the required technology for this terminal type.

5

On the Clutter and/or Vectors tabs, define how the terminal type will be distributed over the Map View when a traffic raster is created. For more information, see Determining the Distribution of Traffic on page 174.

6

On the Cell Layers tab, associate the Terminal Type with one or more Cell Layers. This means that any Traffic Raster that is created for the Terminal Type can only be serviced by cells using the appropriate Cell Layer(s).

7

On the GPRS/EGPRS tab, set the mean busy hour capacity (kb/s) of the terminal. This figure should include any overhead related to the characteristics of the device (for example, average packet size and TCP/IP protocol) up to a limit of 9999. This is an estimate of the traffic demand, in a busy hour, for the terminal type.

8

Specify the maximum number of timeslots supported by the terminal (normally a maximum of 3).


Here is an example:

9


14.8 Creating a GPRS Traffic Array The procedure to create traffic arrays is described in Creating a Traffic Raster on page 181. When planning for GPRS, it is recommended to spread traffic based on both Voice and Packet-Switched terminal types, for example: Voice traffic (in Erlangs) GPRS traffic (in Terminals) Here is an example:


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If you want to restrict the traffic spread to Best Server coverage (Step 4 of the Traffic Wizard) then: You must have coverage arrays for GSM Best Server and GPRS Best Server in memory - and Their mapping resolution must be set the same as that set in Step 3 of the Traffic Wizard The Traffic array can now be viewed within the Map View window by selecting the Terminal Type name from the Traffic category of the 'Show Data Types' list:

Example of Traffic Array for GPRS

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14.9 About the GPRS Arrays There are three arrays that can help you analyse GPRS: GPRS Data Rate Average Data Rates per Timeslot Service Area Data Rate

14.9.1

GPRS Data Rate Array

The GPRS Data Rate array shows the maximum data rate (in kbits per second) that you can achieve (per one timeslot) at a particular pixel using GPRS technology. This calculation is capacity-independent. Use the GPRS Data Rate array to see where in a area you will get what performance. This type of array requires a Best Server (GPRS) array, which is generated automatically if one does not already exist. The GPRS Data Rate array determines coverage for cells that support GPRS and includes the effect of Frequency Hopping and DTX. The array calculates a pixel's average C/I value, ignoring the signal (C) from non-GPRS cells but considering interference for all cells, both GPRS and non-GPRS. When the average C/I value for each pixel has been determined, the array converts it from a signal to noise ratio to a data rate per timeslot by referring to the Channel Coding Scheme. For details, see the ASSET User Reference Guide. Only Channel Coding Schemes supported by the best serving sub-cell are included. The data rate is stored in the array. You can specify the cell layer/carrier layer combinations to be considered when calculating the GPRS data rate array by selecting the appropriate combinations in the Interference tab of the Array Settings dialog box. As with other arrays, you can double-click the item from the Data Types list on the Map View to change the displayed colours and categories for the array.


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14.9.2

GPRS Average Data Rate per Timeslot Array

The GPRS Average Data Rate per Timeslot display uses the serving cell information from the Best Server (GPRS) array. The Average Data Rate per Timeslot array uses the distribution of traffic (Terminal Types/km²) and the data demands of each type. It then calculates an average data rate per timeslot for the cell. This is calculated and stored when the GPRS Data Rate array is produced. It uses the GPRS Data Rate array to give a data rate per timeslot (kb/s). This value is then multiplied by the number of terminals of that type present to get the demand for that pixel for that terminal type. The results for each terminal type for all the pixels within a sub-cell are then divided by the number of terminals of that type with the sub-cell. The result for each terminal type present is then averaged to generate the average data rate per timeslot, which is then stored on the sub-cell. If the traffic array and the GPRS Data Rate array are of different resolutions, the GPRS Data Rate array is interpolated to get the corresponding kb/s for each traffic array pixel. To display this on the map, ensure Average Data Rate per Timeslot (GPRS) is selected in the list of data types to display. The area covered by each GPRS sub-cell is displayed on the map in the colour corresponding to its average data rate per timeslot. When displayed on the map, the array has different colours representing the different service levels in a kb/s/timeslot. For example: 

High (Multimedia)

>12kb/s (Red)



Medium (Web access)

7-12kb/s (Green)



Low (e-mail)

2-7kb/s (Blue)

As with other arrays, you can double-click the item from the Data Types list on the Map View to change the displayed colours and categories for the array.

14.9.3

GPRS Service Area Data Rate Array

The GPRS Service Area Data Rate array displays the capacity limited GPRS data rate for each serving cell. The data rates are displayed accordingly to chosen categories over the service area of each server. For example, for a server whose capacity limited data rate is 6kb/s, the service area of this server will be displayed as the appropriate category. The default category in this case would be e-mail as according to the default scheme, the data rate range for e-mail is 1-28 kb/s. The service area for this cell would therefore be coloured in the colour for the category e-mail. As with other arrays, you can double-click the item from the Data Types list on the Map View to change the displayed colours and categories for the array.

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14.10 Generating the GPRS Arrays To produce a GPRS Data Rate array: 1

Click on the 'Create arrays' button Sim'.

in the Map View window, then select 'Non

2

Ensure you select the 'GPRS Data rate' array option:

3

Click 'OK'.

The full procedure to create arrays is described in Creating Coverage Arrays on page 155. The GPRS Data Rate array can now be viewed within the Map View window by selecting the GPRS Data Rate name from the Coverage category of the 'Data Types' list:

Example of GPRS Data Rate Array

When you have generated the above array, the tool automatically calculates and generates the following GPRS arrays: 'Average Data Rates per Timeslot' 'Service Area Data Rate'


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These arrays can also be viewed by selecting the appropriate categories in the 'Data Types' list.

The Map Information pane (Gadgets) can be useful for analysing the GPRS arrays. See Map View Gadgets Window on page 50.

14.11 Capturing Traffic and Analysing Capacity Requirements Ensure you have generated the GPRS Data Rate array before performing Traffic Analysis, because the analysis uses the average data rate values. The Static Traffic Analysis is accessed from the Tools menu. For a full description of the steps involved, please see Running the Static Traffic Analysis on page 186.

14.12

Process Summary for GPRS Analysis

Here is a summary description of the process to use when performing GPRS analysis: 1

Set up the Coding Schemes and Occupancy Tables.

2

Set up a GPRS Channel to Transceiver Map, and allocate it to the Cell Layer (or you may choose to use the GSM standard).

3

In the Site Database, on the (E)GPRS tab, enable the appropriate sub-cells for GPRS, and enable the required coding schemes.

4

Run the Pathloss Prediction Generator.

5

Create a GPRS Best Server array. See Creating Coverage/Interference Arrays (Non-Sim) on page 155.

6

Set up a terminal type for GPRS, and set it as packet switched. Specify the downlink demand per terminal and maximum timeslots per TRX.

7

Create a traffic raster. This could include terminal types for both GSM voice (Erlangs) and GPRS (Terminals).

8

Create a GPRS Data Rate Array. See Creating Coverage/Interference Arrays (NonSim) on page 155. This calculates the data rate per timeslot for each pixel, based purely on the automatically run Average Connection C/I and the highest correlated throughput value from the relevant coding scheme. This array depends strictly on the frequency allocation of the network, but ignores network availability. This array can be displayed on the Map View.

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9

The above array automatically produces the Average Data Rate per Timeslot array. This array takes into account the number of terminals spread and the demand per terminal. An average data rate is then displayed across the whole sub-cell area, based on the GPRS Best Server array (that is, array colours are not per pixel, but per sub-cell area). This 'demand' array can be displayed on the Map View.

10 Run the Static Traffic Analysis (at least the first three steps). Review the Captured Traffic and Traffic Analysis reports. 11 Display the Service Data Rate Array on the Map View. This is a representation of how well or badly the network will perform in coping with the GPRS traffic according to the current TRX allocation on the sub-cells. This array takes into account the capacity and service of the network. This 'service' array can be displayed on the Map View. You can customise the display settings for each array, and add colours to show lower scales of kbs, such as 0.01kbs, 0.1kbs, 1 kbs, 5kbs, 10kbs, and so on. It is also useful to activate the relevant values in the Map Information pane, and then compare the array values with each other. The concept of the analysis is that the kbs values in the final 'Service' array should be lower than those in the earlier 'Demand' array, which will indicate that the current network TRX configuration can cope with that demand. Otherwise, if the values are higher, the implication of the analysis is that the network cannot cope. Reiterations If you subsequently make changes to the TRX configuration on the sub-cells, or modify the terminal type or traffic spreading parameters or values, the analysis steps you should reiterate (in a strict sequence) are: Create a traffic raster Create a GPRS Data Rate array Run the Static Traffic Analysis (at least the first three steps)


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14.13


This checklist has been provided as a self-assessment of the objectives stated at the beginning of the session. Please tick all objectives covered in this session: Defining the GSM Data Service settings Enabling GPRS on the Cells in the Site Database Calculating and analysing the GPRS Service Area Defining Terminal Types for Data Services Creating a GPRS Traffic Array Generating the GPRS Arrays Capturing Traffic and Analysing Capacity Requirements

Additional Notes:

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SECTION 15

15 What's New in ASSET 7.0? In ASSET 7.0, the following additional features are now available.

15.1 LTE Support ASSET 7.0 provides complete planning/dimensioning capabilities for LTE, and these capabilities are highly flexible to meet the varying requirements and demands of different network operators and vendors. ASSET provides a flexible approach to planning and analysing different service types by using a combination of service types, terminal types and terminal density arrays. The static simulation provides a wide range of output arrays and reports. The LTE functionality includes: Frame Structures Frequency Bands Carrier definitions (including signalling/control overheads and intercell interference coordination schemes) Advanced Antenna System support Site Database network element parameters for LTE Using the Coverage Wizard Traffic modelling: bearers, services, terminal types, clutter parameters Planning Physical Cell Identities Simulator Wizard Interference Table Wizard Frequency Planning


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15.2 Carried Traffic Analysis The Carried Traffic Analysis in ASSET 7.0 enables the quick identification of potential transmission network bottlenecks. When you have run a simulation, you can write the calculated traffic values to the cells in the Site Database (you can also manually add or edit it these values). This information will enable you to: Analyse the network throughput, both on the cells and the parent network elements. Identify network bottlenecks. Integrate this traffic information with the CONNECT tool for the purposes of route planning and link capacity. For more information, see What's New in CONNECT 7.0. Traffic written by the Simulator to the Site Database can be viewed on the Carried Traffic tab, which exists for the majority of the hierarchical network elements. The Simulator generates traffic at the cell level. At higher levels in the network hierarchy, the aggregated traffic of the subordinate elements can be viewed. This picture shows an example of the Carried Traffic tab for a site:

Example of Carried Traffic tab for a site

If you do not want the traffic from subordinate network elements to be aggregated automatically you can choose to turn the Auto Aggregate facility off and you can enter traffic figures manually using the Carried Traffic Editor.

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This picture shows an example of the Carried Traffic Editor:

Example of the Carried Traffic Editor

15.3 Interference Table Functionality In ASSET 7.0, the Interference Table functionality has been extended to support more technologies. It now supports: GSM (or AMPS) LTE Mobile WiMAX

Example of Interference Table Wizard


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The tabs and parameters vary according to the technology you select. The technologies are only visible if you have the appropriate licence. This new functionality means that, for LTE and Mobile WiMAX, the information in the interference table can be used as a vital input to their Frequency Planning Wizards. (For GSM, as before, you can use the table as an input to the Interactive Frequency Analysis, or to ILSA, the automatic frequency planning tool.) Viewing the Table within ASSET In addition, you can now view your interference table in a detailed and customisable analysis window. Here is an example of the Interference Table Analysis window:

Example of Interference Table Analysis (the columns can be customised)

In the left pane of the report window, the table lists the victim cells with their associated cell layer, and shows the total coverage area and, if applicable, total traffic, corresponding to the victim cell. In the right pane of the report window, the table lists the interfering cells corresponding to the victim cell that is currently selected/highlighted in the left pane. When you select any of the victim cells in the left pane, the list of interfering cells automatically updates in the right pane. For each of the interfering cells in the right pane, the table shows its respective calculated (or loaded) overlapping values. These values are given for both co-channel and adjacent channel interference. The percentages indicate the proportion of the interfering cell's area/traffic values with respect to the total area/traffic values on the victim cell. The interference data relating to each interfering cell is presented in the right pane, as follows: Interference in terms of Area Co-Area (km2)

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Co-Area (%)

Adj-Area (km2)

Interference in terms of Traffic Adj-Area (%)

Co-Traffic (T or mE)

Co-Traffic (%)

Adj-Traffic (T or mE)

Adj-Traffic (%)


You can: Limit the cells in the report window, by using the Filter drop-down list. Search for a specific victim cell in the left pane, by using the Find button. View the interferers for any of the victim cells by selecting the appropriate victim cell. Re-sequence any of the columns in the left pane or the right pane, by clicking the appropriate column header. For example, you can sort the list of interfering cells to find which cells might be causing the greatest potential problems to the victim cell. Specify the decimal place precision that you require (this influences the right pane only). Customise the column details in the right pane. Generate a report by clicking the Report button. This report will reflect your customised columns and decimal precision. Interact with the Map View, helping you to visualise specific cells. Interact with the Site Database, helping you to check a specific cell's network parameters. Here is an example of how you can use the interference table analysis to interact with the Map View, in order to visualise specific victim cells and/or interfering cells. :

Example of Map View showing a highlighted victim cell, together with all its interfering cells


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15.4 Antenna Instance IDs ASSET 7.0 now enables you to specify an Antenna Instance ID. This is optional, and you can use it to uniquely identify each antenna instance in the network. This parameter, available on the Antennas tab in the Site Database, may be very useful if your network uses a distributed antenna system (DAS), where there are many antennas assigned to a single cell (or any similar scenario). It enables you to give a unique identity to each antenna instance on such cells, which helps to identify individual antennas when using the Map View, creating Filters, using the Site or Cell Quick Edit, or generating Site/Node Reports. Here is an example of how this can help to select the correct antenna when using the Map View for antenna re-orientation:

Example of how Antenna Instance IDs can facilitate antenna selection on the Map View

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15.5 Google Earth Support ASSET 7.0 now includes KML as one of the standard GIS export formats. This means it is now possible to export map information from ASSET which can then be displayed in Google Earth:

Example of ASSET map information exported into Google Earth

In addition to KML, ENTERPRISE can also produce GeoTIFF exports. To import GeoTIFF images into Google Earth, you should use Google Earth Pro.


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You can also link your ENTERPRISE Map View with Google Earth, so that when you pan or zoom on the map, Google Earth opens, shows the same view, and reflects any panning and zooming performed:

Example of 2D View and corresponding Google Earth view

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15.6 Extended Character Set Support ENTERPRISE 7.0 supports the use of extended character sets for the following products: ASSET ADVANTAGE ASSET ACP As an example of an extended character set, you can now use Chinese characters in the majority of the user interface. For information on configuring ENTERPRISE to support Chinese characters, see the Installation and Administration Guide. For information on the user interface locations where you can type Chinese characters, and the associated database tables and fields, see the ENTERPRISE Technical Reference Guide. This picture shows an example of using an extended character set in the Site Database:

Example of Site Database supporting Extended Character Sets


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15.7 Licensing Configurations and Permissions ENTERPRISE 7.0 provides an improved licensing system. Configuring License Distribution in ENTERPRISE Administrator System administrators can control the distribution of licences to users via the Licence Administration tabs in the Group Properties and User Properties dialog boxes in ENTERPRISE Administrator. Here is an example:

Example of Licence Administration tabs in the Group Properties

For more information about how licensing configurations and permissions can be controlled by the system administrator, and further licensing information, see the ENTERPRISE Installation and Administration Guide.

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User Controlling their Licence Usage in ENTERPRISE Users can control their licence use via the Licence Administrator in ENTERPRISE. The Licence Administrator enables you to view and edit the licences that are available to you after logging in to the database. As an ENTERPRISE user, you can use the Licence Administrator to: Get licences Drop licences Check out (commute) licences for usage remote from the network server, based on a specified number of days Edit the Startup option to determine your default licence configuration Here is an example of the Licence Administrator dialog box:

Example of Licence Administrator dialog box

For more information about using the Licence Administrator, see the ENTERPRISE User Reference Guide.


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Index A Algorithms Prediction file caching algorithm • 29, 30 Allocating carrier layers • 103 Analysis frequency plans • 225 Antennas distributed • 114, 116 moving • 114, 116 reorientating • 114, 117 slots • 118 Arrays archiving • 166, 169 best server • 155, 161 clipboard • 169 creating • 155 deleting • 168 displaying • 161 loading • 168 managing • 166 saving • 166, 168, 169 traffic • 178, 181, 185, 189 troubleshooting • 156 types available • 155 Assignments, carriers • 224 Attributes adding to vectors • 67 defining for a vector file feature • 67 editing • 70 traffic rasters • 179 viewing as screentips • 45 Azimuths, changing • 114, 116, 117

B BCCH Prerequisite Rule • 96 Best Server arrays • 155, 161 Blocking, displaying • 191 BSIC planning • 255 schemas • 256

C Caching algorithm for predictions • 29 Carrier layers about • 99 Carriers allocating • 103, 105 assignments • 224


calculating required • 188 defining GSM and GPRS carriers • 94, 95 fixing • 105 forbidding • 105 grouping • 100 layers • 99 status • 224 Cell layers about • 101 defining • 102 Cells antennas • 114, 116, 117, 118 configuring • 106, 109 editing • 119 reports • 227 viewing attributes as screentips • 45 Change reports • 275 Channel to Transceiver maps • 192, 193, 194 Clipboard arrays • 169 Colour code planning • 255 Co-ordinates setting • 31 Coverage arrays • 155 for single site or cell • 154 pathloss predictions • 151 schemas • 159 statistics • 268

D Data loading • 31 ordering • 42 project • 25 shared • 26 viewing • 42 viewing attributes as screentips • 45 Database reports • 272 Databases logging in • 24 reports • 272 uncommitted changes • 275 Delta reports • 275 Display Schemas for arrays • 153 Displaying attributes • 45 blocking • 191 neighbours • 215, 216, 218 traffic • 185, 189 Distribution Statistics, generating reports • 179, 180, 268 Dual predictions, example • 148

E Editing cells quickly • 119 lines and polygons • 68 sites quickly • 119 vector file feature attributes • 70 Examples fields • 124 Exporting MapInfo • 56

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F Favourites accessing • 55 saving • 55 Features creating vector file features • 64 using and managing vector file features • 70 Fields about • 123 creating • 124 examples • 124 Filters about • 135 adding • 127, 129, 134 creating • 127, 135, 137 deleting • 140 editing • 140 optimising • 142 speeding up • 142 using • 135 Forcing repredictions • 151 Frequency bands • 96, 97 displaying on map view • 164 Frequency Analysis Wizard • 241 Frequency Planning analysing plans • 225 reports • 228

G GPRS arrays • 297, 298 channel to transceiver maps • 194 GSM Interactive Frequency Analysis • 241

in ILSA • 96 Islands, for polygons • 74

L Layers carrier • 99 cell • 99, 101 defining • 100, 102 Lines spreading traffic • 67, 176, 179 Links fields • 124 Live traffic creating a traffic raster • 181 Locations, finding on map • 47 Logging in, overview • 24

M Map data projections • 28 specifying • 28 Map View displaying attribute data on • 45 saving • 55 MapInfo, exporting to • 56 Maps displaying • 42 displaying attribute data on • 45 favourites • 55 printing • 58, 60 redrawing • 42, 55 repositioning • 55 saving views • 55 selecting items • 44 size • 31 vector file features • 64 viewing • 55

H Height profile cellular antenna tilts • 114 Hierarchy tab adding to filter • 137 Holes, for polygons • 74

I ILSA analysing plans • 225 interference tables • 229 Importing vectors • 78 Interactive Frequency Analysis • 241 Interference arrays • 155 Interference tables about • 229 creating • 230 loading • 235 viewing • 236 Intermodulation calculations • 97 frequency bands • 96

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N Neighbours about • 197 adding • 198, 199, 201, 203, 210 analysing • 206, 207 customising column details • 200, 210 displaying • 215 making mutual • 219 planning • 203 Network Configuration Report • 272 Nodes adding • 106

O Ordering, map data • 42

P Parameters suggested values for propagation models • 88 Partial loading about • 31 Pathloss


predicting • 151 Planning colour codes • 255 frequency • 224, 225 Points attributes • 67, 179 creating • 64 spreading traffic • 67, 176, 179 Vector Manager • 64 Polygons attributes • 67, 179 creating • 64 holes and islands • 74 spreading traffic • 67, 176, 179 Vector Manager • 64 Population Statistics, generating reports • 67, 179, 180, 268 Prediction file management • 29, 30 Predictions creating • 151 file caching system • 29, 30 file management algorithm • 29, 30 Printing maps • 58, 60 Projections specifying • 28 Projects creating • 24, 25 loading subsets • 31 sharing data • 26 Propagation Models Enhanced Macrocell • 86 Properties fields • 123 viewing attributes as screentips • 45

Q Quick Finder searching with • 47 setting up • 49

R Received Power, setting GSM signal thresholds • 109, 110, 111 Recommendations propagation model parameters • 88 Redrawing maps • 55 Refreshing maps • 55 Region loading about • 31 Regions loading • 31 Reorientating antennas in Map View • 114, 117 Reports about • 268, 272 cell information • 227 coverage statistics • 268 database • 272 delta • 275 frequency planning • 228 population statistics • 179, 180, 268 sites/nodes • 272 statistics • 268


traffic statistics • 186, 188, 189 uncommitted • 275 Repositioning, maps • 55 Rules for filters • 142

S Saving map views • 54, 55 Schemas coverage • 159 display schemas • 153 Screentips, viewing attribute data as • 45 Searching attributes • 70 maps • 47 vectors • 70 Service Area arrays (GSM) • 161 Serving Cell arrays creating • 155, 161 Settings projects • 24 Shortcuts zooming • 54 Signal coverage pathloss predictions • 151 Signal strength restricting • 109, 111 viewing difference between two cells • 163 Signal thresholds about • 110 example • 111 setting • 109 Site tips, displaying • 45 Sites adding • 106 displaying • 47 editing • 119 fields • 125 filters • 136, 137, 140, 142 finding on map • 47 flagging status • 123 reports • 272 status • 123 viewing attributes as screentips • 45 Slots antenna • 118 Spreading traffic traffic rasters • 178, 181 Statistics population • 179, 180, 268 reports • 268 Status fields examples • 124 Sub-cells, definition • 101

T Table Browser, using • 70 Templates creating • 106 Terminal types determining distribution • 174 Text creating • 64

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on map • 47 Tilts, analysing in the Height Profile • 114 Toolbars Map View • 39 Vector Editor • 64 Traffic analysis • 186 arrays • 178, 179, 181, 185 displaying • 185, 189, 191 live • 181 rasters • 178, 179, 181, 185 spreading • 178, 181 statistics • 186, 188, 189 Troubleshooting array creation • 156 co-ordinates • 31 selecting items • 44

U Uncommitted changes, reporting • 275 UTM, co-ordinate system • 28

V Vectors attributes • 67, 179 creating • 64 editing • 68 importing • 78 managing • 70 spreading traffic • 67, 176, 179 Table Browser • 70 Vector Manager • 64 Visualisers, about • 143, 144

Z Zoom saving • 55 shortcuts • 54

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E101 ASSET 7.0 Training Guide (GSM)

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