14 July - 18 July 2008 (Mon - Fri)
5 day instructor led training, 0900 - 1700
Lagos, Nigeria

The goal of Mastering GSM/GPRS/EDGE Radio Planning training is to present details and up-to-date information on the GSM, GPRS and EDGE standard. The participants will become familiar with the features of the GSM, GPRS and EDGE standard and why and how it evolved. The participants will learn about practical performance and deployment issues specific to the GSM standard.

This course will enable participants to:

• Develop their understanding of what GSM, GPRS and EDGE is and what it can do, including the motivation for its development, its early history, and its present capabilities.
• Help the engineering team in planning, optimization and performance management for the wireless data network. Have a better know how of the parameters involved and KPI metrics;
• Develop their appreciation of how GSM, GPRS and EDGE and related technologies can be used to deliver value to customers, including an exploration of what is meant by "quality of service" and a discussion of the network technology, management systems and business processes required to deliver customer value;
• Explore the linkages between technological capabilities of GSM, GPRS and EDGE and the marketing and pricing decisions that are an essential part of delivering quality to customers;
• Help them to envisage the likely and possible future developments in the field, including the application of GPRS, and further technological developments including EDGE and possibilities for a future IP network platform.

The participants will gain a detailed end-to-end knowledge of the GSM, GPRS and EDGE technology, its benefits and potential pitfalls. Furthermore, they will able to address real-world problems of the GPRS deployment.

A basic knowledge of GSM, IP and data communication technology will be required.

For technicians, engineers, supervisors and managers responsible for the planning, design, operation and performance of GSM, GPRS and EDGE networks and services. Intended audience from field and operations engineering, RF and Performance engineering, switch engineering.

GSM

Overview of Mobile Networks
- First Generation Networks
- Second Generation Networks
- Third Generation Networks

GSM System Architecture
- GSM System Overview
- BSS –BSC, BTS
- NSS – MSC, VLR, HLR, AUC, EIR
- BTS Architecture
- Type of Combining
- BTS Specifications
- MHA
- Purposes
- Specifications
- Base Station Antenna
- Type of Base Station Antenna
- Specifications
- Antenna Radiation Patterns


Air Interface Channel Structure
- TDMA Frame, Time Slots, Burst
- Logical Channels
- TCH
- Common Control Channels
- Dedication Control Channels
- Channel Configurations
- PCH Capacity
- SDCCH Capacity

Network Planning
- Network Planning Process
- Link Budget
- CW Test
- Path Loss Model
- Digital Maps
- Model Tuning
- Predictions
- Analysis
- Search area and site survey
- Frequency Planning
- Grouping
- Frequency Hopping
- GSM Features
- Power Control
- DTX
- DRX
- Half Rate
- Handover Control (8 hour)
- Measurement and Reporting Process
- Type of Handover Trigger
- Handover Process

GPRS/EDGE
Introduction
- Motivation for GPRS, EDGE
- Efficient use of radio resources
- Evolution from existing networks
- Data rates supported
- 3G technology landscape

Network Architecture
- Network overview
- Different classes of GPRS/EDGE handsets
- Role of GGSN and SGSN
- Evolution from GSM networks
- Protocol reference models

GPRS/EDGE Radio Network
- Physical layer operations
- Error protection techniques
- GMSK & 8PSK modulation and Data rates
- MCS & CS classes
- Physical and logical channels

Managing Radio Resources & Optimization
- MAC – channel coordination (TBF, medium access modes)
- RLC – Modes of operation
- Message flows
- Parameters – Link adaptation and incremental redundancy
- AMR

GPRS/Edge Packet Network
- GPRS Attach
- PDP Context Activation
- Interface from SGSN to GGSN
- GPRS/EDGE Services
- Service APN
- Connecting to external networks

GPRS Operating Modes and Cell Selection (Re) selection
- GPRS network Planning & Resource Management
- Coverage planning based on C/I and data throughputs
- Dedicated PDCH & On demand PDCH
- Recommendation for using packet BCCH or not
- Reservation of resources for data transfer
- Request for PS and CS resources

GPRS Simulations
- GPRS Simulations for Radio Dimensioning
- GSM and GPRS spectrum coordination

GPRS Network Refresher
- Overview of the components of GPRS
- Impact of GPRS on GSM

Medium Access Control and Radio Link
- Control Protocol Layers
- Role of the Radio Link Control Layer
- Role of the Media Access Control Layer
- Traffic channel allocation
- Difference between packet channels and circuit switched channels
- Error correction and retransmission

Mobility Management in GPRS
- Introduction to GPRS Mobility Management
- Responsibilities of Mobility Management

Mobility at a cell level
- Cell reselection procedure
- Responsibilities of the SGSN when a mobile moves from cell to cell

Location Management in GPRS
- GPRS location management
- Routing areas
- Coordination between GPRS routing areas and GSM location areas
- Mobility across SGSNs

Radio Network Features
- MS power Control
- Idle channel measurements
- Hierarchal Cell structures
- Multiband Operation

GPRS Cell Parameters, BSC Properties & SGSN Parameters including the KPIs