Executive summary:
An application to collect, compare and easily identify problems from the vast number of configurable parameters on all elements on the network. Any parameter setting on any network element that does not comply with standard, pre-defined templates will be flagged as non-compliant and highlighted for further inspection and attention.
Of particular interest are the BTS parameters since GSM and UMTS networks ‘suffer’ from an enormous amount of settable parameters for the air interface. Large networks further suffer from the large amount of human interaction required to maintain and adjust those settings. Hence it is imperative for operators to have an automated procedure to check all such parameters and easily draw attention to any non-compliant settings.
The value for the operator:
The ability to troubleshoot network issues will be greatly enhanced with the ability to easily determine if a particular node is configured correctly or not. Inconsistencies in node configuration are often the source of communication problems between network elements on an operator’s network.
By ensuring that all nodes on the network are correctly configured at all times, the network will not only operate more stably but the technicians will spend less time on maintenance and also be able to troubleshoot network issues more quickly.
How it works:
Regularly collect all configuration information for all elements on the network and save to databases. Once collected, all parameter settings will be compared against the associated operator-supplied templates that stipulate the appropriate and expected settings for every parameter for each NE.
The application permits the operator to define the template(s) and will include the flexibility to define more than 1 template for any type of NE. This is required to account for the fact that different NEs (and BTSes) will sometimes be affected by variables such geographical topology. For example, a BTS covering a mountainous area will have settings very different from a BTS covering an urban area.
However, each NE can be associated with exactly 1 specific template from which all checks for non-compliant settings shall be based on. Default templates can be defined and which will be used when no template has been defined or assigned yet. This would typically be the case when a new NE has been taken into use.
The GUI makes it possible to easily accomplish the following:
- Inspect any/all configurable parameter settings for any NE or BTS
- Check the settings of any/all configurable parameters against pre-defined templates
- Identify any non-compliant parameter settings in a non-cluttered view
- Benchmark the settings of configurable parameters across many similar NEs or BTSes
Return of Investment:
Interfaces to easily benchmark similar NEs against each other will lead to optimized network performance. Easy identification of non-compliant settings will greatly improve all network maintenance activities. Simple access to valuable configuration data will greatly reduce time spent on troubleshooting issues.
Ultimately, a more stable and efficient network will ensure high quality services for the end users.
Conclusion:
Regular audits of the configurable parameters on all NEs within each market to ensure they are each configured as expected will have a positive impact on optimizing and maintaining the overall levels of network performance.
Quick access to parameter settings and particularly the easy identification to non-compliant settings will be of great value to all technicians during maintenance and troubleshooting activities.
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