by Jaechul Yoon
[Testing Challenges in 5G Networks: Complexity and Continuous Quality Monitoring]
5G NR (New Radio) technology is a sophisticated network technology that adapts to its surroundings. Unlike previous technologies, 5G NR utilizes beamforming and intelligent adjustments based on device location and base station conditions. This dynamic nature of 5G NR poses challenges for traditional monitoring systems, as variations in the environment impact network performance.
Traditional field tests using vehicle-mounted equipment were considered sufficient in the past, but the complexity of 5G NR requires continuous quality monitoring. However, existing solutions like Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) face limitations such as poor battery efficiency and inaccurate location data.
To address these shortcomings, there is a growing demand for an advanced monitoring system that provides real-time insights into 5G NR network performance. By offering accurate and efficient monitoring capabilities, operators can effectively manage user experience and ensure optimal performance of their 5G NR networks.
[Streamlining 5G Base Station Monitoring: Lessons from the
Las Vegas Roll Out Trial]
Accuver installed the XCAL-Ranger, an unattended base station monitoring solution, during the Roll Out Trial in Las Vegas. This deployment was crucial due to intermittent shutdowns caused by the Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) architecture of 5G Standalone (SA) base stations.
Based on our extensive Roll-out experience in India, Malaysia, USA, Mexico, and Canada, we discovered the importance of establishing a one-to-one correspondence between the base station and monitoring device. This ensures accurate identification and monitoring, even with adjacent stations.
We also developed flexible functionality for configuring measurement intervals and scenarios, enabling tailored monitoring requirements with intervals ranging from 10 minutes to 2 hours.
Additionally, we incorporated a Root Cause Analysis (RCA) detection function into our base station monitoring equipment. This function identifies various failure indicators such as Poor SS-RSRP, Poor SS-SINR, Low Throughput, Registration Failure, Overall RACH Failure, RRC Connection Setup Failure, RRC Drop, ENDC Setup LTE to 5G Failure, and ENDC Release 5G to LTE Failure.
By identifying these failure events, operators gain insights into the causes impacting network performance, allowing them to take corrective measures for optimal operational efficiency.
[Efficient Management and Analysis of High-Volume Measurement
Data in Base Station Monitoring]
When measuring with the shortest cycle, a total of 144 measurement data are generated per day. For instance, if there are 100 base stations being monitored, this results in 14,400 measurements. Similarly, with 1,000 base stations, the number of measurements increases to 144,000, all of which are uploaded to the server.
To handle this large volume of data efficiently, an automated
classification system based on base stations is implemented. Whenever an event
occurs, the system automatically generates a report by comparing it with
previous successful cases. Additionally, base stations are displayed on a map,
visually representing their states with color-coded indications, enabling operators
to quickly locate them. Operators can either search for specific base stations on
the map or conveniently access event results from a list.
For in-depth analysis of specific events, XCAL-Manager offers a
one-click feature to generate graphs and tables. This allows operators to conduct
detailed analysis while simultaneously viewing signaling messages in
millisecond units, facilitating thorough examination of the event.
[5G NR Launch with XCAL-Manager:
Automated Detection, Classification, and Analysis]
XCAL-Manager generates an automated report by comparing success test results obtained shortly before the occurrence of an event. It gathers base station configuration data through SIB and MIB, enabling quick problem detection and analysis by comparing successful and failed settings.
Additionally, RF quality information for each base station is
monitored in 10-minute intervals via a dashboard, ensuring a successful 5G NR launch
and facilitating efficient problem detection and change analysis.
Take your 5G NR implementation to new heights with
XCAL-Manager and XCAL-Ranger, the ultimate solution for driving excellence in
wireless networks.
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