Telefónica Germany entering the LTE wireless communication age with CPCM from MicroNova

"With LTE, a completely new wireless communication interface technology is being implemented that has nothing in common with UMTS and GSM. Consequently, the implementation of LTE, as was the case with UMTS in its day, means that an entirely new wireless access network has to be set up, which is associated with considerable costs.”
(Rudolf Riemer, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher UMTSLink)

Since the “digital dividend” auction, frequencies that were previously mainly used for television are now available for the new "Long Term Evolution” wireless communication standard. Contrary to UMTS, HSDPA or GPRS, LTE supports various bandwidths. For setting up the LTE network, Telefónica Germany is also relying on CPCM from MicroNova, consisting of Common Planning Manager and Common Configuration Manager.

Development work on the LTE standard as the successor to UMTS began back in 2004 in a 3GPP workgroup (3rd Generation Partnership Project Organisation). Actual implementation of a new wireless communication standard of this kind presents network operators with numerous strategic and logistical challenges.

MicroNova framework integrates LTE in CPCM
The same general conditions apply to setting up the LTE network that applied to UMTS: Existing processes and seamless operation have top priority. For this reason, MicroNova AG has integrated LTE technology into the proven and established CPCM, which supports planning and operation of wireless communication networks. The solution is compatible with multiple vendors, has a modular design and is rule-based. The integration framework developed by MicroNova, a plug-in for parameter management, was used in connection with LTE integration. This CPCM plug-in makes it possible to generate, manage and adjust configuration parameters and configuration data sets via a graphic interface. This includes managing all system interfaces to the planning systems and the live network. Within parameter management, the system sets up one configuration data set per manufacturer, equipment, software version and North-Bound-Interface (NBI) version. Additionally, the framework makes it possible to assign configuration parameters in parameter classes:

• ERA (Engineering Rule – Automatic): Using plan parameters and plan design rules (plan design macros) independent from the manufacturer, manufacturer-specific parameters that can no longer be adjusted are generated in a fully automated manner.
• ERS (Engineering Rule – Switched): Using plan parameters and design plan rules (design plan macros) independent of the manufacturer, parameters are generated in a manner that is fully automate and specific to the manufacturer that can be adjusted to the live network by the network planner or network optimiser.
• OPT (Optimizable): Manufacturer-specific parameters that cannot be inferred from other parameters or parameter classes and are pre-set with a default value, can be adjusted to the live network by the planner and/or optimiser.
• NWP (Network Wide Parameter) – Configuration templates indicated by the design plan or equipment manufacturer and identified throughout the entire live network and/or in partial areas of the network (e.g. indoor/outdoor).

Procedure in integrating a new technology in MicroNova's CPCM

When importing the NBI specification (see illustration below), the corresponding user - in this case either a MicroNova employee or, thanks to the upgrade, even trained personnel from Teléfonica Germany - is setting up a new configuration data set. This means a full live network configuration is available and users can perform initial tests promptly (live network imports). Existing configuration data sets can be used as a reference, with the system performing a comparison between the new configuration and the old one. CPCM can automatically take on valid configuration parameters. Users adjust the parameter configuration, which was "automatically" generated until now, to match the carrier's needs and the guidelines in the plan design using a parameter editor. The core functionalities of the editor are:

• Changing parameter class
• Adding/deleting/editing plan objects/parameters
• Configuring plan-effect transfer (object model transfer)
• Exporting an existing parameter configuration into an Excel file for review purposes

Before planners and/or designers release a parameter configuration as a valid configuration data set, the system checks the new version for completeness and consistency using predefined and/or user-specific validation rules.

The main advantage for the carrier is that development times are reduced even more and the effects of supplemental specification changes are maintained as marginal as possible. The carrier itself can perform smaller changes in design and manufacturer specifications within the testing and/or acceptance phase - with the corresponding positive consequences for flexibility during those phases, and particularly for later operation as well.

MicroNova’s CPCM supports self-organising networks
LTE is a so-called self-organising network (SON). This name describes the capacity for self-configuration and self-optimisation of network elements in a wireless communication network based on the plug-and-play principle. The range of possibilities is broad: Self-actuating reactions by radio cells to adjacent cells that are down, optimisation of wireless coverage and quality, load distribution and optimal collaboration, just to name a few of the advantages. Support among suppliers is currently still in the starting phase. According to equipment manufacturers, network nodes and radio cells will soon largely be ready for automated operation. This concept should contribute to reducing the complexity of the network overall and improve efficiency in operation and administration over the entire lifecycle of a network. Consequently, the number of manual interventions will drop, as will the associated costs and error probabilities.

Despite the capabilities named, network operators have to configure the specific SON features when rolling out new stations and adjust them again and again during ongoing operation. One of the focal points of SON philosophy is found in adjacencies and handovers between individual stations: They are automatically organised within the network, but planners can control them within a base station using so-called black lists and white lists, or using thresholds, etc. CPCM calculates the necessary comparisons within the LTE network and provides the basis for complete adjacency planning between LTE and GSM/UMTS. The GUI control and configuration of the LTE standard are seamlessly integrated into the existing system. Thus, CPCM offers the highest level of transparency possible for users among all wireless communication technologies.

CPCM in action

Summary
With LTE, CPCM now successfully supports another technology: With the use of parameter management applications, MicroNova has been able to integrate the LTE technology from Huawei and Nokia Siemens Networks into CPCM. The high performance framework made it possible to realise the project in just three months per equipment manufacturer. Thus, the team at MicroNova AG have also contributed to moving implementation of this fourth generation wireless communication standard forward.