Capacity Optimization - 4G LTE

Capacity Optimization

Telcos measure traffic and related KPIs during busy hour to ensure that capacity requirement is fulfilled proactively & best in class services are provided -

1. BH (Busy Hour) Utilization:
Monitoring the utilization of resources such as radio blocks (RBs) and symbols in the backhaul network.
Optimize resource allocation to ensure efficient use of available bandwidth.

2. Traffic Volume:
Analyzing the volume of data traffic traversing the network.
Capacity planning based on traffic trends and forecasts to meet demand.

3. Blocking (CCE - Control Channel Elements):
Monitoring the level of blocking on control channels, which can indicate congestion and resource scarcity.
Implementing strategies to reduce blocking, such as adjusting resource allocation (dynamic) or expanding capacity.

4. Backhaul/Core Congestion:
Monitoring the congestion levels in the backhaul and core network segments.
Upgrading backhaul capacity or implementing traffic management mechanisms to alleviate congestion.

5. RRC (Radio Resource Control) Connected Users:
Tracking the number of active RRC connections to ensure the network can support the user load.
Implementing strategies to balance user load across cells or sectors.

To optimize capacity at radio network and address issues that lead to poor customer experience, Telcos can implement the following measures:

1. Decrease Interference:
Employ interference mitigation techniques such as interference cancellation or coordination with neighboring cells.

2. Parameters Optimization/Channel Dimensioning:
Fine-tune network parameters such as modulation schemes, power levels, and scheduling algorithms to optimize resource utilization.
Dimension channels appropriately & dynamically based on traffic patterns and user demand.

3. Add New Sectors in Sites/Load Balance/Antenna Technology:
Expand existing cell sites by adding new sectors or deploying advanced antenna technologies like MIMO.
Implement load balancing techniques to distribute traffic evenly across sectors and cells.

4. Add New Sites/Carrier/Spectrum Refarming:
Deploy new cell sites in high-demand areas to increase coverage and capacity.
Aggregate carriers through carrier aggregation to increase bandwidth & hence cell/user throughput.
Refarm spectrum from legacy technologies or underutilized bands to LTE to boost capacity.

By continuously monitoring key performance indicators and implementing targeted optimization strategies, operators can enhance capacity, mitigate congestion, and deliver a better customer experience in 4G networks.

To learn more about 4G optimization, refer to our complete course on 4G at - https://www.itelcotech.com/learningpath/4g-architecture-design-call-flows-kpis-and-optimization