Core Network Planning, Optimization and Forecasting in GSM/GPRS

Networks

C.N.Konstantinopoulou, K.A.Koutsopoulos, G.L.Lyberopoulos
and M.E.Theologou
National Technical University of Athens (NTUA)
Dept. of Electrical Eng. and Computer Sci.
9, Heroon Polytechniou Str.
157 73, Zographou, Athens, GREECE
E-mail: kkoutso@telecom.ntua.gr
Keywords: GSM/GPRS Core Network Planning, Network Dimensioning, Optimization, Network
Evolution, Evaluation Algorithm


Abstract
Despite the wide theoretical and technical knowledge
about the capabilities of Global System for Mobile
communications (GSM) elements, there is no specific
methodology for designing from scratch either the
Network Sub-System (NSS) nor the Base Station
Subsystem (BSS) parts or optimizing and expanding the
existing NSS/BSS architecture, by forecasting future
requirements in terms of network elements/resources.
Thus, for an evolving network operator who wishes to
have a network running at lower cost, offering a
competitive Quality of Service (QoS) to its subscribers,
a Planning, Optimization & Forecasting Tool
(POFTool) is of pivotal importance.
This paper aims at identifying the main features of a
proper POFTool that efficiently supports dimensioning
and optimization studies for combined GSM / General
Packet Radio System (GPRS) networks and to propose
an evaluation methodology which enables the
prioritization of alternative core network configurations
according to operator-driven criteria.
1 Introduction
The revenue increase is of pivotal importance for
every mobile network operator. Operators strategies
focus on capturing new subscribers, reducing churn,
increasing customers loyalty, increasing subscriber
satisfaction in service provisioning, reducing fraud, etc.
Among the methods used are: the enrichment of
service portfolio with new, innovative services attractive
and relevant to the user, service differentiation offerings,
handset subsidization, QoS improvements, etc.

QoS improvement can be achieved by expanding the
coverage area and by optimally utilizing the available
resources on both the access and the core network parts.
An optimized network:
increases network availability and efficiency,
increases subscriber satisfaction by improving the
overall network quality,
increases competitiveness,
reduces operational costs
and therefore, shall constitute one of the core network
planning and dimensioning activities.
Despite the wide theoretical and technical knowledge
about the capabilities of GSM elements [1], there is no
specific methodology for designing from scratch either
the NSS nor the BSS parts or optimizing and expanding
the existing NSS/BSS architecture, by forecasting future
requirements in terms of network elements/resources. In
most cases, the operator instinctively chooses one of the
alternative configurations, mainly based on previous
experience, availability and ease. It is obvious that this
is not the proper way for operating an optimized
network. This task requires intense and persistent effort,
each time the network configuration needs to be
changed. Things are getting more complicated for
network designers due to the introduction of the GPRS
related elements and the incorporation of IP-based
backbone data network to the existing GSM
infrastructure.
GSM/GPRS architecture [1-5] is illustrated in Figure
1.
Gf
D
Gi
Gn
Gb
Gc
C E
Gp
Gs
Signallingand Data Transfer Interface
SignallingInterface
MSC/VLR
TE MT BSS TE PDN PDN
R Um
Gr
A
HLR
Other PLMNs
GGSN GGSN
Gd
SM-SC
SMS-GMSC
SMS-IWMSC
EIR
SGSN SGSN
Gn
SGSN SGSN GGSN GGSN
Gf
D
Gi
Gn
Gb
Gc
C E
Gp
Gs
Signallingand Data Transfer Interface
SignallingInterface
MSC/VLR
TE MT BSS TE PDN PDN
R Um
Gr
A
HLR
Other PLMNs
GGSN GGSN
Gd
SM-SC
SMS-GMSC
SMS-IWMSC
EIR
SGSN SGSN
Gn
SGSN SGSN GGSN GGSN

Figure 1: GSM/GPRS Network Architecture
The BSS part is composed of the Base Station
Transmitter (BTS) and the Base Station Controller
(BSC). The BSC includes the so called Packet Control
Unit (PCU), which supports all relevant GPRS protocols
for communication over the air-interface.
The NSS part comprises:
q The functional entities of GSM:
Mobile Switching Center (MSC)
Visitor Location Register (VLR)
Home Location Register (HLR)
Short Message Service Centers (SMSCs)
enhanced by additional interfaces for interworking
with GPRS.
q The two new GPRS nodes:
Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSN), which
switches the packets to the correct BSS. Its task
includes ciphering, authentication, session and
mobility management and logical link
management to the Mobile Station (MS).
Gateway GPRS Support Node (GGSN), which
is the gateway node between the GPRS and
external packet data networks (IP) or Packet-
Switched (PS) data networks (X.25).
Additionally its task is to assign the correct
SGSN for an MS depending on its location.
As far as medium- and long-term network expansion
is concerned, the operator need to timely predict the
required number of network elements (e.g., number of
MSCs, HLRs, SMSCs, SGSNs, etc.) for a given
subscriber and traffic distribution. As long as, the
number of subscribers and the MSC/SMSC/ Voice Mail
System (VMS) -types available in the market increase,
the candidate scenarios (number of MSCs per MSC-
type) increase dramatically. To select the optimum
scenario (as well as the evolution steps) a methodology
to identify, evaluate and prioritize them, based on
certain operator-driven criteria, is mandatory.
For an evolving network operator who wishes to have
a network running at lower cost, offering a competitive
QoS to its subscribers, a POFTool, fulfilling many
diverse requirements (see section 2), is of pivotal
importance.
The purpose of this paper is to identify the main
features of a proper POFTool that efficiently supports
dimensioning and optimization studies for GSM/GPRS
networks and to propose a methodology, which enables
the identification of candidate network evolution
scenarios and their prioritization according to operator-
driven criteria.
2 Generic Operators Requirements
A network planning tool shall enable the operator to
import the existing network architecture (including
GSM access and core network elements, GPRS network
elements, ATM/IP switches), the relevant Points of
Interconnection (POIs) (e.g., VMS platform, prepaid
platform, SMSC, PSTN, PBXs, other PLMNs, internet,
corporate intranets), the routing plan as well as traffic,
subscriber and network element related information
through a user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI).
Another potential feature of the tool shall be the
possibility of predicting future network dimensioning
requirements, based on traffic/subscriber related data,
and selecting (through an appropriate methodology) the
proper evolution path based on certain evaluation
criteria. This will enable the operator to:
Identify all possible configurations of network
elements (i.e., MSCs, number of PCUs per BSC,
SGSNs, GGSNs, Charging Gateway (CG), Border
Gateway (BG), ATM/IP infrastructure, etc.) taking
into consideration the available network elements
types.
Select the most preferred scenario(s) (i.e., network
elements combination) based on certain criteria
driven by the operator such as, cost, simplicity,
transferability, re-usability, etc.
Proceed with and evaluate alternative network
configurations, so as to identify the optimum
scenario.
A POFTool shall contribute to network optimization
studies
1
. Additionally a POFTool shall enable the

1
Network optimization shall aim at: (a) increasing the internal traffic
per MSC/SGSN/GGSN and (b) increasing the terminating (to
connected BSS) traffic coming from external POIs. In both cases, the
inter-element traffic and therefore the demand in inter-element Pulse
operator to alter the network configuration and
observe the impact onto the network performance.
Example changes are given below:
The subscribers' distribution per BSC, MSC, SGSN
and GGSN (as a result of BSC rehomings).
The distribution of originating and terminating
traffic.
The interconnections between network elements.
The POIs each network element serves.
The routing plan.
The incorporation of new technologies, such as,
Voice over IP (VoIP) and Voice over ATM
(VoATM).
3 POFTool Description
The POFTool functionality can be decomposed in
two main sub-tools: (a) The Network Dimensioning
Sub-tool and (b) the Network Evolution Sub-tool. The
outcome of the Network Dimensioning Sub-tool is the
evaluation of the network configuration under study and
the computation of network parameters like the number
of PCM lines, the throughput of SGSNs/GGSNs, the
Erlangs/Busy Hour Call Attempts (BHCA) per MSC,
etc. The outcome of the Network Evolution Sub-tool is
the selection of the optimum network configuration
for a given traffic and subscriber distribution and for a
specific time period.
3.1 Input And Output Data
3.1.1 Input Data
The input data can be categorized into:
q Configuration-related data
The location of GSM/GPRS network elements
(e.g., X, Y coordinates).
GSM/GPRS network elements' names,
installation date, notes, etc.
GSM/GPRS core network configuration and
network elements' interconnections to external
networks/systems (e.g. PSTN, VMS, Internet,
other PLMN).
Restrictions to e.g., max. number of PCM lines
per route.
Number of cells/TRXs per BSC.
Average number of Packet Data CHannels
(PDCHs) per cell.

Code Modulation (PCM) lines will be reduced decreasing thus the
related cost. Keeping the number of PCM lines unchanged the traffic
load (utilization) of the existing PCM lines will be reduced and the
overall performance under high load conditions will be improved.
Routing Plan: The tool shall enable the operator
to import its own routing plan. Service-based
and destination-based routing per network
element (where applicable) shall be supported
2
.
q Traffic-related data
Total number of subscribers (contract and
prepaid) per network element (MSC/BSC).
Originating/terminating traffic (in Erl) per
contract/prepaid subscriber per service (voice,
data) and per destination.
Portion of prepaid subscribers traffic.
Number of incoming/ outgoing calls per service
and per BSC/MSC during the busy hour.
Average time for a mobile call, (PLMN
towards PSTN, from PSTN towards PLMN,
etc.).
Requested bitrate per GPRS subscriber and per
service during busy hour, or average bitrate
(Mbits per day per subscriber and per service).
q Network elements' related data
BSC related data
Number of cells/TRXs per BSC.
Max. number of BSCs/MSC.
Max. number of PCUs/BSC.
MSC/VLR related data
Max. VLR capacity.
Max. load per MSC (in Erl).
Max. BHCA per MSC.
SGSN/GGSN related data
Max. number of simultaneously attached
users per SGSN.
Max. number of Packet Data Protocol
(PDP) context activations per GGSN.
Max. throughput (Mb/sec, packets/sec) for
SGSN and GGSN.
Max. number of BSCs that can be
connected to an SGSN.
3.1.2 Output Data
A non-exhaustive list of the POFTool output data is
given below:
Required number of PCM lines per internal and
external route (POI).
Originating traffic load per network element
and for specific destinations.

2
In certain cases, the operator shall route the prepaid originated traffic,
before reaching the terminating MSC, to the PrePaid platform for
charging purposes.
Outgoing, incoming and total traffic load per
internal and external route (POI).
Terminating traffic per network element.
Indication of element(s) that have reached their
capacity limits.
Cost Indication.
Indication of the max. traffic increase (with the
same distribution) that can be supported by the
current configuration.
Number of Frame Relay (FR) timeslots
required in the G
b
interface.
Number of required PCUs per BSC.
Number of SGSNs, GGSNs, CGs, BGs.
3.2 Network Dimensioning Sub-Tool
A non-exhaustive list of the most desirable
POFTools capabilities regarding network dimensioning
are described below:
Definition, storage and retrieval of a
core/switching network configuration via a user-
friendly GUI.
A library or a set of libraries containing candidate
network elements from various vendors (e.g.,
BSCs, MSCs/VLRs, VMSs, SMSCs, SGSNs,
GGSNs, ATM/IP switches, etc.). The elements
characteristics (e.g., max. number of
subscribers/MSC, max. BHCA, max. attached
users per SGSN, max. PDP context activations
per GGSN) shall automatically be incorporated to
the model.
Possibility to: (a) modify the characteristics of
existing elements, (b) define new network
elements and store them at the respective
library, (c) delete network elements from the
library.
Possibility to alter the network configuration by
introducing additional elements with drag &
drop capability directly from the respective
library.
Network configuration/modification with drag &
drop capabilities (e.g., ability to connect a POI
to another MSC, SGSN, GGSN).
Possibility to the operator to select among a
variety of alternative input data (statistics),
depending on their availability.
Incorporation of the operator's specific routing
plan.
The tool shall be able to evaluate the network
configuration under study i.e., to identify routing
problems, etc.
The tool shall keep track of network changes.
The tool shall enable the computation of: (a) the
traffic coming from different call/traffic types
(voice, data, SMS, fax, etc.)- per route, (b) the
required number of PCM lines per route, (c) the
number of signalling links/link-sets per route, (d)
the Erlangs/BHCA per MSC, (e) the throughput
per SGSN/GGSN (Mbps, packets/sec), (f) the
number of PDP context activations per GGSN,
(g) the number of attached users per SGSN, etc..
The results shall be provided in both textual and
graphical form.
The operator shall be able to impose restrictions
where applicable e.g., the number of max. PCM
lines to certain routes.
Depiction of network elements performance
(capacity, rate of requests handled, etc.);
indication of those that have reached their bounds
(along with the relevant parameter).
Indication of the max. traffic increase (with the
same distribution) that can be supported by the
current configuration.
A graphical representation of the network dimensioning
sub-tools capabilities is given in Figure 2.
GUI GUI
Calculations Calculations
Input Input
Data Data
Results Results
Formulation Formulation
Define/ Retrieve/ Store
NetworkConfiguration
AssignDestinations/ Routes
perNetworkElement
ResultsDepiction/ Storage,etc.
ConfigurationrelatedData
Traffic relatedData
NetworkElement-relatedData
Netw Netw Element Element
Libraries Libraries
GUI GUI
Calculations Calculations
Input Input
Data Data
Results Results
Formulation Formulation
Define/ Retrieve/ Store
NetworkConfiguration
AssignDestinations/ Routes
perNetworkElement
ResultsDepiction/ Storage,etc.
ConfigurationrelatedData
Traffic relatedData
NetworkElement-relatedData
Netw Netw Element Element
Libraries Libraries

Figure 2: POFTool: Network Dimensioning Sub-tool
Capabilities.
3.3 Network Evolution Sub-Tool
The POFTool shall be able to provide the means for
the identification of future network configuration
alternatives, the selection of the preferred scenario(s)
and finally, the assessment of the optimum network
configuration. More specifically, the sub-tools
functionality can be decomposed into (see Figure 3):
1. The candidate scenarios identification phase. The
aim of this phase is to obtain a rough estimation of
the number and the type
3
of the required network

3
Different scenarios result from the fact that different MSC types (i.e.,
transit, partial transit, pure MSC) with different characteristics in terms
elements so as to fulfil traffic and subscriber-related
requirements.
2. The evaluation phase. During this phase, the
alternative scenarios are being evaluated based on
operator-driven criteria and a prioritized list is
generated.
3. The optimum network configuration selection
phase. The top-ranked scenarios of the prioritized
list are being inserted to the POFTool, alternative
configurations are being investigated and the
optimum network configuration option is being
selected, using the network dimensioning sub-tool.
Note: To achieve the best possible result (e.g., reuse of
existing infrastructure) for medium and large-scale
networks, it should be given the possibility to divide the
service area into large Geographical Areas (GAs) -
based on population distribution and mobility
characteristics- and then to apply the phases 1 & 2 to
each GA.
Config.
Data
Config.
Data
Traffic Estimation Traffic Estimation
I dentify # of Required I dentify # of Required
Network Elements Network Elements
Prioritized List of Prioritized List of
Candidate Scenarios Candidate Scenarios
Dimensioning Sub-Tool Dimensioning Sub-Tool
Apply Dimensioning Apply Dimensioning
Rules Rules
Apply Evaluation Apply Evaluation
Methodology Methodology
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Figure 3: Proposed Evaluation Methodology
3.3.1 Candidate Scenarios Identification Phase
The aim of this phase is the identification of the
number and type of required GSM/GPRS elements,
based on the corresponding dimensioning rules (see
network-elements related data).
The GSM dimensioning requires the estimation of the
BSS traffic
4
and the transit traffic
5
, while the GPRS

of number of subscribers, max. BHCA, etc. can be utilized. The same
applies for SGSNs in terms of the number of attached subscribers and
the throughput.
4
This traffic stream represents the sum of the originating and the
terminating traffic (in Erl) from/to the BTSs.
dimensioning includes the identification of the number
of PCUs/BSC, the number of FR timeslots in the Gb
interface, the number of SGSNs and GGSNs required
taking into account: (a) the number of GPRS subscribers
having active PDP contexts, (b) the requested bitrate per
service, (c) the number of traffic channels that can be
used for GPRS, (d) the number of cells per BSC, etc.
3.3.2 Evaluation Phase
The proposed methodology can be decomposed into
the following subtasks:
q Identify an exhaustive list of evaluation criteria
against which the candidate scenarios will be
evaluated (section 3.3.2.1).
q Define the algorithm according to which the
evaluation will be performed and assign proper
values to the weighting factors (section 3.3.2.2).
q Apply the algorithm for each scenario. The
outcome will be a prioritized list of scenarios
(section 3.3.2.3).
3.3.2.1 The Evaluation Criteria
An exhaustive list of criteria according to which the
identified scenarios will be evaluated is given below:
q Cost (Q1): This factor will be highly determined by
the number of new elements or upgrades of existing
ones (MSCs, SGSNs, GGSNs, ATM/IP switches)
required. The higher the re-use of the existing
elements the lower the cost. It should be stressed
that the re-use shall be considered in a network-
wide approach (i.e., transfer of material to another
GA).
q Reusability (Q2): This factor concerns the degree
of reusing the existing infrastructure (network
elements) in the GA under consideration so as to
fulfil the network evolution requirements.
q Transferability (Q3): This factor concerns the
possibility of transferring redundant network
elements -not considered for future use- from the
GA under study to another GA fulfilling the latter
GAs network evolution requirements.
q Performance (Q4): This factor is mainly
determined by the capacity/load offset. It can be
decomposed into three sub-criteria:
(Q41) Performance with regard to the number
of subscribers.
(Q42) Performance with regard to the BSS
traffic handled.

5
This traffic stream represents the mobile-originating/terminating
traffic destined/ coming to/from POIs (PSTN, other PLMNs, internet)
connected to the G-MSCs and GGSNs.
(Q43) Performance with regard to the transit
traffic handled.
q Simplicity (Q5): This criterion concerns the
minimum number of required network elements to
handle sufficiently the total traffic. The minimum
the number of network elements is, the lower the
number of interconnections/routes/links required
and therefore the lower the network complexity is.
q New Generation Elements (Q6): This criterion
will be of high value in supporting the operator's
decision to use new generation network elements
types in the future.
3.3.2.2 Algorithm Description
The general guidelines of the algorithm are the
following [6]:
Identify tradable and not-tradable criteria.
Tradable quantities are added together, so that it
is the sum of the question responses that
contributes to the overall figure of merit.
Not-tradable quantities (question responses) are
multiplied. Not-tradable criteria contribute
independently to the quality of a proposed
scenario. Multiplying independent criteria (or
independent groupings of tradable criteria)
emphasizes the importance of each one
individually and minimizes the potential
selection of scenarios that are extremely poor
performers in any one independent category.
To weight the criteria so that they reflect the
desired emphasis, tradable question responses in
the same added grouping are each multiplied by
a weighting factor to reflect their relative level of
importance. Multiplied question responses in the
same grouping are each raised to an exponent to
reflect their relative level of importance. Weights
in the same added (or multiplied) group are then
independently normalized.
In our case, the tradable quantities are (see Figure 4):
Cost versus (Simplicity, Reusability and
Transferability).
The application of the algorithm (according to the
guidelines described above) results in the following
formula:
} 1 )] ( {[ {
4
1
13 33 32 31 12 11
5 3 2 22 1 21 6 4
+ =
w w w w w w
Q Q Q W Q W Q Q Score
(1)
The quantity 1 is abstracted to shift the range from
zero to four. Then the entire expression is divided by
four to scale it between zero and one. The weighting
factors are shown in Table 1. Note that the weighting
factors values shall be among 1 and 5.
Criterion Factor
Performance W
11
New Generation Network Elements W
12
Group 1
Reusability-Transferability-Simplicity W
13
Cost W
21

Group 2
Reusability-Transferability-Simplicity W
22
Reusability W
31
Transferability W
32
Group 3
Simplicity W
33
Table 1: Weighting Factors
Transferabilty Transferabilty
Performance Performance
Cost Cost
Reusability Reusability
Simplicity Simplicity
NewGenerat NewGenerat
MSCs MSCs

Figure 4: Tradable and not-Tradable Criteria
Finally the top-ranked scenarios of the prioritized list
are being inserted to the POFTool, alternative
configurations are being investigated and the optimum
network configuration option is being selected.
3.3.2.3 Application Example
We assume that we have to evaluate five different
network configuration scenarios. The values assigned
for each factor (serving here as operator choices), are
depicted in Table 2. The weighting factors that have
been chosen are shown in Table 3.
Applying the formula (1), scenarios E and C (see
Table 2) appear to be the most promising ones and
therefore the operator shall proceed with more detailed
dimensioning-related studies for specific network
configurations (inter-connections, assignment of POIs to
MSCs, use of partial-transit MSCs, routing plan, etc.).
Scenario Q
1
Q
2
Q
3
Q
4
Q
5
Q
6
Scoring
A 3 5 1 3 1 2 0.3627
B 4 5 2 3 2 2 0.5342
C 3 3 3 5 4 5 0.7486
D 2 1 4 5 5 5 0.6129
E 5 5 3 5 3 4 0.8558
Table 2: Application of Evaluation Algorithm and
Results

Criterion Factor Value
Normalized
value
Performance W
11
3 0.3
New Generation MSCs W
12
2 0.2
Reusability-Transferability-
Simplicity
W
13
5 0.5
Cost W
21
5 0.5
Reusability-Transferability-
Simplicity
W
22
5 0.5
Reusability W
31
4 0.33
Transferability W
32
3 0.25
Simplicity w
33
5 0.4167
Table 3: Weighting Factors' Values
4 Conclusions
In this paper the main features of a POFTool enabling
mobile operators to optimize their network and forecast
future requirements concerning network elements and
resources have been presented.
In addition a network evolution methodology based
on which the operator can evaluate alternative network
configuration scenarios and prioritize them according to
specific criteria. Finally an application example of this
methodology was given.
References
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[4] ETSI GSM 3.60 version 7.1.0 Release 1998
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