Network Optimization in the LTE Era

As mobile data services gain momentum, a tremendous amount of traffic is being created. 2G and 3G networks are overwhelmed, forcing operators to begin constructing LTE networks. The optimization of LTE networks should not only meet user requirements for network coverage, capacity and quality but also support network development. As a major supplier of LTE equipment, ZTE draws on many years of experience in product development and engineering implementation to help operators improve their networks. In addition, ZTE offers multiple network optimization solutions through its UniCare service to solve the network and market support issues on LTE networks.

Enablement: LTE Network Coverage Optimization
Newly constructed LTE networks should guarantee seamless coverage first so that people can use networks anytime and anywhere. However, the features of LTE frequencies and different buildings lead to network coverage problems in some special scenarios, such as tunnels, subways, large venues, high-rise buildings, and oceans. Moreover, LTE networks bear mobile data services, most of which are used indoors. Therefore, in-depth indoor coverage should be included in network optimization.
Coverage optimization involves equipment selection, solution deployment, indoor and outdoor synergy, and parameter configuration. It is designed specifically for distribute antenna system, in-depth coverage and special scenarios such as high-speed rails, tunnels, CBDs.
In other scenarios, such as oceans, forests and grasslands, where few sites are required and networks are built quickly, ultra-long coverage solution is an inevitable option. ZTE has introduced multi-antenna, high transmit power, eIRC, TTI bundling to achieve ultra-long coverage to ensure that the network is available anytime and anywhere.
However, the standard signal strength is far from enough. Signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) determines LTE network performance. Therefore, obtaining the best SINR is crucial to network optimization. Coverage can be enhanced by adjusting the antenna down-tilt angles, smart antenna weights, antenna height, network structure, and RS power to achieve the optimal SINR.

Sufficiency: LTE Network Capacity Management
The LTE era is all about high traffic and big data. The explosive growth of mobile data services has imposed higher requirements for network capacity. The greatest advantage of LTE over 2G and 3G networks is its higher data rates. The high traffic and big data challenges brought about by massive users to LTE network capacity should be addressed from the following aspects.
Special programmes and optimization in terms of project reconstruction, network parameter adjustment, high traffic impact response, and user level management should be implemented for campuses, CBDs, stations, exhibition halls, and other hotspots to ensure good customer experience.
Network inventory assets can be optimized through network resource monitoring, traffic sharing and parameter adjustment to best utilize network resources. Enabling 2G, 3G and 4G networks to coexist over the long term is complex. Service load should be rationally shared according to network positioning, service attributes, and actual network conditions to maximize resource utilization.
The growth of mobile data services is ongoing. How to plan new networks, prepare for network development, and leverage limited investments for optimized programming, is a major challenge faced by all operators. By describing user models, recognizing valuable networks, and analyzing multi-dimensional business models, ZTE accurately predicts network services and optimizes network planning. This helps maximize investment returns.

Aigility: LTE Network Quality Improvement
Network coverage and capacity demands have been satisfied, and better network quality has become the focus of maintenance. Network quality improvement encompasses basic optimization, special optimization and new functions application.
Basic optimization solves problems that arise from network operation, including equipment failure, incorrect parameter configuration, interference, and antenna feeder problems. It guarantees a stable network environment.
Special optimization encompasses KPI improvement, throughput increase, specific parameter study, CSFB performance boosting, and 2G/3G/4G interoperability. It is carried out to enhance network quality and provide a better customer experience.
Technological evolution has resulted in more new technologies that improve network optimization performance and maintenance efficiency. The applications of the SON function, carrier aggregation, super cell, and multi-antenna systems will greatly improve network optimization efficiency and LTE network performance.

Ingeniousness: Connected to Market Operations
Excellent LTE networks and data mining support market development. What support can network optimization provide for the market?
● Terminal analysis: Conclusions can be drawn from network data analysis on the performance and distribution of different terminals, terminal users’ habits, and terminal type trends. This analysis is very helpful to grasp service development trends, develop terminal sales strategies, and offer network expansion proposal.
● Service quality monitoring and analysis: The quality of major network services is monitored. Analysis of service footprints and user habits supports market package design, and prediction of service development trends supports network construction and development. In the face of intensive competition from OTT players, service quality is monitored and managed to provide technical support for back charging in the future.
● Big data mining: Individual user behavior and group user habits are being mined and analyzed thoroughly from network information, including general, location, behavioral, and social information, to provide reference not only for network construction, expansion planning, package customization, market investment and terminal launch but also for urban planning and precision marketing. What’s more, in-depth data mining and cleansing can increase revenue and reduce the costs of network construction and market expansion.  This increases overall profitability.

Prospects for LTE Network Optimization
The LTE era is an era of data. LTE network optimization used to involve network equipment performance, coverage, capacity and quality. Now it has been expanded to network service monitoring and optimization, specific protection for terminal users, and big data mining and now supports market development. ZTE’s UniCare service with multiple targeted solutions fully meets an operator’s requirements in terms of operation and development. It offers good customer experience and strong support for professional services.