RF Optimization Training

RF Optimization Training Course provides a thorough overview of the principles behind RF optimization applied to GSM, EDGE, CDMA/CDMA2000, WCDMA/UMTS, LTE, 5G Microwaves, SATCOM, VSAT, and Wireless LANs/802.11ax/ay. This two-day RF Optimization Training course builds competence in the principles and present-day practices used to improve the operating performance of modern wireless systems. Core performance indicators are thoroughly explored and desirable healthy operating conditions are identified. Both system-side and mobile-side performance-monitoring tools are introduced. The main operating parameters are identified along with the considerations necessary to properly set them in real systems.

• RF Training Fundamentals
• RF Engineering Training
• RF Safety for Workers Training
• RF Systems Analysis and Design Training
• RF Propagation, Fading, and Link Budget Analysis Training
• RF For Technicians Training
• RF Signal Processing Training
• RF Systems Principles, Design, and Deployment Training

RF Optimization Principles

• Design, analysis, and optimization of wireless networks
• Verification of network deployments for 2G, 2.5G,  3G, 4G, and 5G wireless networks
• RF engineering principals
• Ensure good quality network and services
• Optimize the use of your network planning resources
• Expand the coverage more quickly
• Link budgets, scheduling, and resource allocation to support Site Acquisition.
• Preparation and Report generation
• Detect and correct adjacent and co-channel interference
• Determine actual uplink coverage
• Produce real-time coverage maps
• True-up RF modeling software

Propagation Analysis

• Propagation models
• Free space, Okamura/HATA, Okamura with Knife Edge Diffraction, Longley-Rice, and the proprietary BIBY-C
• Propagation analysis as a complex process
• Many variables to model the proposed or existing system accurately
• Propagation Channel Considerations
• RF path loss
• Reflection
• Multipath and fading
• Noise and interference
• Polarization distortion
• Diversity Implementation

Role of Antenna in RF optimization

• Antenna properties
• Impedance, directivity, radiation patterns, polarization
• Types of Antennas
• Resonant antennas
• Traveling wave antennas
• Frequency Independent antennas
• Aperture antennas
• Phased arrays
• Electrically small antennas
• Circularly polarized antennas
• Elementary Antenna Elements
• The monopole
• The dipole
• The loop
• The folded dipole
• The slot
• Omnidirectional Antennas
• Monopole configurations
• Feed considerations
• Dipole configurations
• Ground plane considerations
• The impact of the surrounding environment on antenna performance
• Bandwidth improvement techniques
• Microstrip Antennas
• Element types
• Microstrip element design
• Design trade-offs
• Circularly Polarized Antennas
• Achieving circular polarization
• The helix antenna
• The crossed dipole antenna
• The microstrip patch
• The quadrifilar helix
• Aperture Antennas
• Broadband and Frequency Independent Antennas
• Antenna Arrays
• Electrically Small Antennas
• Fractal Antennas
• Ultra Wideband (UWB) Antennas
• Low Profile Antennas

Network Parameters Testing

• Evaluate call-processing operations
• Perform selected call-processing functions
• Measure and report the amplitude of the received base station signal
• Measure and report the signal quality of the received base station signal
• Read and report the neighbor cell list from the broadcast messages
• Report the amplitude of neighbor list base stations
• View and log protocol messages in decoded form for easy interpretation

RF Optimization Training – System Optimization

• RF coverage and service performance measurements for 2G/2.5G/3G/4G/5G network optimization
• System Setting
• Initial optimization testing of installed networks
• Antenna and Transmission Line Considerations
• System field-testing and parameter optimization
• Functional testing and optimization for implemented sites
• Test plan development
• System drive test and data analysis
• System parameter settings and interference control

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Call quality analysis, using customer complaints, statistical data, and drive test data
• Determine the exact causes of dropped calls, high BER/FER, and missed hand-offs
• FER, Mobile Receive Power, Ec/Io, Mobile Transmit Power
• System accessibility analysis
• Available radio resources and network trunking issues
• System parameter optimization
• Regression analysis to measure benefits
• Frequency/PN offset planning
• Self-generated system interference
• Cell site integration
• Construction coordination
• Equipment installation/antenna system verification
• RF parameter data fills
• Radio testing
• Initial drive testing
• Performance monitoring
• Neighbor site re-designs
• Cell site migration planning and testing
• Unburden overloaded switches by migrating cell sites to new or existing switches
• Ensuring consistent cell site performance
• Switch performance statistics and drive test analysis to recommend antenna pattern changes
• ERP changes
• Orientation changes
• TMA
• Investigating and resolving customer complaints
• Ranges, normal values, what they mean, and what to do about it

RF Optimization Training – Performance Signatures

• For a good call
• For a lost call in bad coverage
• Link interference
• A Death Scenario

Survey of Performance-monitoring Tools Available

• What’s available, what does it mean? Identifying the key indicators to watch
• Tracking and Benchmarking for problem detection and growth management

Survey of Performance-monitoring tools available from the mobile side

• Maintenance Mode features of handsets, a useful tool that’s always with you!
• Commercially available handset-based drive-test data collection tools
• Commercial PN scanners and their special capabilities: powerful allies
• Post-Processing tools: how to find the important facts buried in all that data

Real-Life Drive-Text Example Cases to be solved in class

• A normal call
• Dropped Call, Poor Coverage
• Dropped Call, Link Interference
• Capacity and Loading dynamic example
• Specific neighbor list, search window, and resource congestion cases

Real-World Optimization Issues and Solutions

• Managing excessive soft handoff: root causes and solutions
• Achieving higher cell capacity: tips, tricks, and real expectations
• Managing search windows for speed

Special Topics

• Multi-carrier Operation and Optimization: principles and tips
• Intercarrier and Intersystem Handoff mechanisms and troubleshooting
• Data transmission on today’s CDMA and GSM systems: early optimization considerations
• Looking toward the future: 3G systems and their operating implications
• Optimization techniques, package interconnect modeling, parameter extraction, RF components modeling
• RF antenna design optimization for electromagnetic applications
• RF Circuits designed for Wireless and Satellite Communication systems
• RF Filters and Multiplexers Design and Analysis

RF Optimization Training Course Wrap-Up