While the future of WiMax as a means of expanding bandwidth is a subject of intense and widespread debate, there is no doubt that network planning systems must be able to accommodate this rising technology.

TEMS™ CellPlanner: Optimizing the path to growth

By Astrid Wastegård

The recent introduction of a powerful WiMax module demonstrates TEMS CellPlanner’s multi-technology, multivendor, multiservice network capabilities along with its effective response to emerging trends. As Ericsson’s official tool for planning and optimizing voice and data services in GSM, WCDMA/HSPA, and WiMax networks, the product promotes smooth migration from 2G to 2.5G, 3G, and beyond. TEMS CellPlanner has been designed for unequalled interoperability, reliability, and scalability, so it can accommodate any network’s growth, from startup to maturity, wherever that growth may lead. Mobile TV – MBMS is one example of a new growth area supported in TEMS CellPlanner.

TEMS CellPlanner’s outstanding technological performance begins with the ability to import measurement data from TEMS Investigation and TEMS Pocket, which provide the most extensive and detailed signal strength information possible. Gathered data feed into the Automatic Measurement Integrator to create a pure pathloss database, which in turn directs the Automatic Sector Model Tuning (ASMT) process. Resulting outputs are employed – by an Automatic Frequency Planning (AFP) module in GSM environments and by an Automatic Cell Planning (ACP) module in WCDMA environments – to solve network problems.

The ACP module optimizes the cell’s configuration to the user’s requirements for coverage, quality, and capacity versus cost for each change. Possible changes include azimuth, electrical tilt, mechanical tilt, and pilot power. Optimization can be done for a whole project or a smaller region. With the unique preplanned area concept, areas surrounding the optimization area are guarded from changes made in the optimization area.

The ACP Wizard makes optimization easy and an advanced option allows nonstandard setup choices. TEMS CellPlanner optimizes the network configuration according to userdefined criteria, and the new network configuration can easily be compared with the existing configuration.

Suggested changes are automatically evaluated and prioritized in the Network Rollout Report, ensuring that disturbances in the network are minimized during implementation. Costs for site visits can be included in the rollout analysis to ensure an efficient implementation. Automatic scrambling code planning and automatic neighbor planning complete the optimization process.

Furthermore, the TEMS CellPlanner interface to OSS-RC closes the loop by automatic implementation of the changes. This advanced interface makes TEMS CellPlanner fully integrated into the planning, implementation, and optimization processes. From an engineering point of view, TEMS CellPlanner ensures that these complex automated workflows proceed seamlessly, speedily, and with pinpoint accuracy.

From a business perspective, the ability to constantly optimize network parameters establishes efficiencies at every stage of a network’s development, from initial planning to rollout to daily operations. These efficiencies reduce operational costs, maximize investments, and cut energy consumption in the network. They also increase sales revenue by improving quality and capacity, facilitating rapid and precise new-service launches.

In the planning-technology field, only Ericsson commands the breadth of knowledge to assemble all the elements in TEMS CellPlanner. The tool’s continuing evolution is guided by a variety of sources: Ericsson’s expertise as a standard-setting developer of network optimization tools, the global experience of Ericsson engineers and consultants, Ericsson’s strength in providing expert services, and constant feedback from expert Ericsson users worldwide.

Whatever the future holds for WiMax, and whatever yet-unknown technologies compete for dominance in the next generation, TEMS CellPlanner will continue to drive network excellence.