4-day instructor-led training, 0900-1700

This four-day course builds competence in the principles and present-day practices used to improve the operating performance of CDMA systems. Core CDMA performance indicators are thoroughly explored and desirable healthy CDMA operating conditions are identified. Both system-side and mobile-side performance-monitoring tools are introduced. The main CDMA operating parameters are identified along with the considerations necessary to properly set them in real systems.

“Signatures” of specific problems (including several deadly but innocent-appearing failure mechanisms) are identified, along with their common solutions. Real-life captured drive-test examples are studied and solved by the class. Special attention is given to multiple-carrier and intersystem handoff issues, system determination algorithms commonly used by mobiles, and data communication, and a glimpse of future issues.

Participants will be able to evaluate their own systems’ performance, armed with the knowledge and confidence necessary to identify and solve most common problems.

Introduction to Wireless RF Engineering Course or equivalent background and technical mathematics; one to two years exposure to communications systems or general electronics

Engineers and Technicians responsible for designing, maintaining, monitoring, and/or optimizing performance of CDMA systems

Meet the Key CDMA Performance Indicators

• FER, Mobile Receive Power, Ec/Io, Mobile Transmit Power, TXGA
• Ranges, normal values, what they mean, and what to do about it

CDMA Performance “Signatures”

• For a good call
• For a lost call in bad coverage
• During forward link interference
• During reverse link interference

A CDMA “Death Scenario” Survey of Performance-monitoring tools available from the System

• 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 tool available from the mobile side

Maintenance Mode features of handsets – a useful tool that’s always with you!
• Commercially-available handset-based CDMA 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, Forward Link Interference
• Dropped Call, Reverse 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 and neighbor lists 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 systems: early optimization considerations
• “Sneak” preview of what IS-95B will do
• Looking toward the future: 3G systems and their operating implications