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LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS
Antenna Rx RF-sniffing
LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing
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LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing
Table of Contents
This document has 14 pages
1 Description of LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-
sniffing............................................................................................ 6
2 Activating and configuring LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna
Rx RF-sniffing...............................................................................10
3 Deactivating LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-
sniffing.......................................................................................... 12
4 Performing RF monitoring ........................................................... 13
3
LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing
List of Figures
Figure 1 Activating RF monitoring.................................................................... 13
Figure 2 Executing RF scan............................................................................. 14
4
LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing
List of Tables
Table 1 Hardware and software requirements.................................................. 6
Table 2 New parameters................................................................................... 9
Table 3 Sales information..................................................................................9
Table 4 Parameters used for activating and configuring LTE1434: Flexi
Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing..............................................10
5
Description of LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing
Rx RF-sniffing
1 Description of LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS
Antenna Rx RF-sniffing
Introduction to the feature
The LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing feature enables a Flexi
Multiradio BTS to monitor the spectrum in order to detect radio frequency interference
(RFI) and radio disturbance in the peripheral radio frequency (RF) path.
Benefits
End-user benefits
This feature does not affect the end-user experience.
Operator benefits
This feature provides a toolset which enables testing the BTS for RFI remotely, which
reduces the customer's reliance on expensive drive tests. It contributes positively to
lowering OPEX.
Requirements
Hardware and software requirements
Table 1: Hardware and software requirements presents hardware and software
requirements.
Table 1 Hardware and software requirements
System release Flexi Multiradio Flexi Multiradio Flexi Zone Micro Flexi Zone
BTS 10 BTS BTS Access Point
FDD-LTE 15A FL15A FL15A - -
Flexi Zone OMS UE NetAct MME SAE GW
Controller
- - - NetAct 15.5 - -
Additional hardware requirements
This feature is supported in the RF modules according to the following list: FHCB, FHCD,
FHDA, FHDB, FHEA, FHEB, FHEC, FHEF, FHEG, FHGB,, FRGS, FRGT, FRHD, FRHE,
FRIG, FXCA, FXCB, FXCC, FXCE, FXDA, FXDB, FXEA, FXEB, FXFA, FXFB, FXFC,
FXJB.
Additional software requirements
This feature, in addition to BTS Site Manager software, requires installation of free
Matlab Compiler Runtime (MCR) for release R2015a (can be downloaded from
http://www.mathworks.com/products/compiler/mcr/).
6
LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing Description of LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna
Rx RF-sniffing
Functional description
The LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing feature enables the operator
to perform an RF scan (also known as RFI snapshot or RF-intercept) and passive
intermodulation (PIM) tests via the BTS Site Manager (BTSSM).
This feature introduces new tests, including the RF-scan and PIM. On-line tests can be
run without putting the BTS in a test mode. Off-line tests do require putting the BTS in a
test mode and are service impacting. The data collected by the BTS will automatically be
uploaded to the BTS Site Manager. An RF-scan and PIM data viewing application is
integrated into the BTS Site Manager to provide visualization of the captured data.
The on-line tests are:
1. RF scan - collects a snapshot of the RF data received from the base station antenna
in uplink. The received RF data can be depicted for the user in the form of frequency
spectrum and spectrogram.
2. PIM simulation - it does not require putting the base station into a test mode since
the tests involve calculations of potential interference based on the BTS's radio
configuration and not actual measurements. The goal of this test is to familiarize the
operator with PIM tests.
The off-line test is PIM desensitization - the goal of the desensitization test is to verify if
the cell configuration is causing uplink (UL) desensitization.
RFI is a common hazard for network operators. The RF-scan test provided with this
feature allows the operator to remotely retrieve a sample of RF data for an RFI analysis.
RFI issues are difficult to diagnose. Detecting RFI typically requires a:
• BTSSM basic site - visit - a portable spectrum analyzer is typically connected to the
antenna, and the band is scanned for interferers
• drive test - a vehicle equipped with an antenna and a spectrum analyzer is used to
drive and scan the band
Site visits and drive tests require: many hours or even days to be performed, human
involvement (they cannot be automated), professional experts (technicians or
engineers), and additional costs included.
RF scan
RF scan captures the current signal within the cell receive band. This data can be
analyzed for anomalous and peculiar waveforms and radio frequency interference. This
interference could be caused by environmental conditions, other high frequency
transmitters, or the BTS itself (for example PIM). RF scan collects a snapshot of RF data
from the Rx channel.
PIM
PIM is a special type of RFI, occuring in multi-carrier sites when two or more high power
signals encounter non-linear junctions or materials in the RF path produce resonant
frequencies (IM values). Resonant frequencies appearing in the receive band increase
the floor noise and may degrade a site's capacity.
PIM is a hazard for BTSs in a multi-carrier configuration where two or more carrier
signals share a single antenna. PIM distortion refers to spurious signals generated when
multiple high power frequencies are passed through "passive" components (connectors,
cables, antenna). In a multi-carrier BTS, these spurious signals are almost guaranteed to
7
Description of LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing
Rx RF-sniffing
occur; however, they are only a problem when they appear in the Rx band. The PIM
tests (PIM desensitization and PIM simulation) give the operator the ability to test a BTS
for PIM remotely.
g Thanks to this feature, the RF-scan and PIM test results data can be analyzed and
visualized locally within the BTSSM. RF-scan results are stored in the hierarchical data
format.The operator will be able to store the data files with test results for later
processing and viewing.
User scenarios for RF interference
There are three user scenarios for when RF interference testing could be executed:
1. post installation sanity check - RF scan and PIM tests are triggered manually by an
operator typically after installation/commissioning of a new site in order to ensure
that there is no internal and external interference.
2. investigation of UL performance degradation - RF scan and PIM tests are triggered
manually in cases where UL performance is degraded or degrading slowly over time,
measured via ongoing performance measurements. In this case the operator may
trigger an RF scan for a certain cell/sector if certain UL-related key performance
indicators (KPI) are worse or worsening over time. Internal or external interference
can be deduced from the collected data.
3. remote analysis of RF scan and PIM data - RF scan and PIM tests data are collected
manually by an operator and exported outside of the BTS Site Manager for a remote
analysis.
System impact
Interdependencies between features
There are no interdependencies between this and any other feature.
Impact on interfaces
This feature has no impact on interfaces.
Impact on network management tools
This feature has no impact on network management tools.
Impact on system performance and capacity
This feature has no impact on system performance or capacity.
Management data
Alarms
There are no new alarms related to this feature.
Measurements and counters
There are no new measurements or counters related to this feature.
Key performance indicators
8
LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing Description of LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna
Rx RF-sniffing
There are no new key performance indicators related to this feature.
Parameters
Table 2: New parameters presents parameters introduced with this feature.
Table 2 New parameters
Full name Abbreviated name Managed object
Activate PIM testing actPimTesting BTSSCL
Activate RFI testing actRfiTesting BTSSCL
Sales information
Table 3: Sales information presents sales information about this feature.
Table 3 Sales information
BSW/ASW License control in network Activated by default
element
ASW SW Asset Monitoring Yes
9
Activating and configuring LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing
BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing
2 Activating and configuring LTE1434: Flexi
Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing
Before you start
Table 4: Parameters used for activating and configuring LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS
Antenna Rx RF-sniffing presents parameters used for activating and configuring the
feature.
Table 4 Parameters used for activating and configuring LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio
BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing
Parameter Purpose Requires eNB restart or
object locking
Activate PIM testing activation flag no
(actPimTesting)
Activate RFI testing (actRfiTesting) activation flag no
To activate the feature, do the following:
1 Follow the general procedure described in section Activating and deactivating
LTE features using BTS Site Manager.
In Step 3 (Modify the feature-specific eNB configuration settings) of the general
procedure perform the steps described in this procedure.
2 Activate the LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing feature.
a) Go to the Commisioning ► BTS Settings page.
b) Check the Activate PIM testing (actPimTesting) radio module
parameter.
c) Check the Activate RFI testing (actRfiTesting) radio module
parameter.
3 Configure the cell resources. (optional)
a) Go to the Cell Resources page.
b) Set the appropriate values of the parameters in the Antennas section.
4 Configure antenna line settings. (optional)
a) Go to the Antenna Line Settings page.
b) If required, for any antenna set the RTT delay parameter value.
5 Send the parameters to the eNB according to the procedure described in
section Activating and deactivating LTE features using BTS Site Manager.
Expected outcome
10
LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing Activating and configuring LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio
BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing
The LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing feature is activated.
11
Deactivating LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing
Rx RF-sniffing
3 Deactivating LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS
Antenna Rx RF-sniffing
Before you start
The Activate PIM testing (actPimTesting) and Activate RFI
testing (actRfiTesting) parameters are used for deactivation. Modification of these
parameters does not require an eNB restart.
To deactivate the feature, do the following:
1 Follow the general procedure described in section Activating and deactivating
LTE features using BTS Site Manager.
In Step 3 (Modify the feature-specific eNB configuration settings) of the general
procedure perform the steps described in this procedure.
2 Deactivate the LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing feature.
a) Go to the Commisioning ► BTS Settings page.
b) Uncheck the Activate PIM testing (actPimTesting) radio module
parameter.
c) Uncheck the Activate PIM testing (actPimTesting) radio module
parameter.
3 Send the parameters to the eNB according to the procedure described in
section Activating and deactivating LTE features using BTS Site Manager.
Expected outcome
The LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing feature is deactivated.
12
LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing Performing RF monitoring
4 Performing RF monitoring
Follow this procedure to perform activities related to the RF monitoring.
1 Activate the RFI and PIM testing
Go to the Commisioning ► BTS Setting page and check the Activate RFI testing
and Activate PIM testing options.
Example
Figure 1 Activating RF monitoring
2 Switch to the RF Monitoring tab
On the left side of the BTS SM choose RF Monitoring.
g RF monitoring funcionality requires installed MATLAB Compiler Runtime (MCR) for
release R2015a.
3 Choose activity you want to perform.
a) Go to the TEST tab to execute PIM desensitizaion or RF scan
b) Go to the FILES tab to visualize test reports
c) Go to the SIMULATION tab to perform PIM simulation
4 Optional: Execute RF scan
a) Go to the Test tab and choose RF scan.
b) Select folder where test results will be saved.
c) Choose antena to be scanned and capture type.
d) Click START.
13
Performing RF monitoring LTE1434: Flexi Multiradio BTS Antenna Rx RF-sniffing
Example
Figure 2 Executing RF scan
5 Optional: Execute PIM desensitization test
g This procedure requires the BTS to be in test mode. To set it, in the upper part of BTS
SM click Tests ► Enter BTS test state. Shared radios can be tested on the master or
slave side. The peer cell running on the shared radio needs to be manually locked by
the operator before putting the BTS in test mode. The same is true when there is
antenna sharing (no user traffic can be present on the radio and antenna during test).
a) Go to the Test tab and choose PIM desensitization.
b) Select folder where test results will be saved.
c) Choose antena to be tested.
d) Choose downlink and uplink carriers used in the test.
e) Click START.
14
