LTE access check and improvement

1. Introduction

If an access fault occurs, UEs have difficulty accessing the network due to radio resource control (RRC)
connection setup failures or E-UTRAN radio access bearer (E-RAB) setup failures.

1.1 Background Information

This section provides counters and alarms related to access faults, and methods for analyzing TopN cells.

In Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, access faults occur either during radio resource control (RRC)
connection setup or during E-UTRAN radio access bearer (E-RAB) setup. The access success rate is a key
performance indicator (KPI) that quantifies end user experience. An excessively low access success rate
indicates that end users have difficulty making mobileoriginated or mobile-terminated calls.

1.2 Related Counters

RRC Connection Setup Measurement (Cell)(RRC.Setup.Cell)
RRC Connection Setup Failure Measurement (Cell)(RRC.SetupFail.Cell)
E-RAB Setup Measurement (Cell)(E-RAB.Est.Cell)
E-RAB Setup Failure Measurement (Cell)(E-RAB.EstFail.Cell)
1.3 Related Alarms
Hardware-related alarms
ALM-26104 Board Temperature Unacceptable
ALM-26106 Board Clock Input Unavailable
ALM-26107 Board Input Voltage Out of Range
ALM-26200 Board Hardware Fault
ALM-26202 Board Overload
ALM-26203 Board Software Program Error
ALM-26208 Board File System Damaged
Temperature-related alarms
ALM-25650 Ambient Temperature Unacceptable
ALM-25651 Ambient Humidity Unacceptable
ALM-25652 Cabinet Temperature Unacceptable
ALM-25653 Cabinet Humidity Unacceptable
ALM-25655 Cabinet Air Outlet Temperature Unacceptable
ALM-25656 Cabinet Air Inlet Temperature Unacceptable
Link-related alarms
ALM-25880 Ethernet Link Fault
ALM-25886 IP Path Fault
ALM-25888 SCTP Link Fault
ALM-25889 SCTP Link Congestion
ALM-26233 BBU CPRI Optical Interface Performance Degraded
ALM-26234 BBU CPRI Interface Error
ALM-29201 S1 Interface Fault
ALM-29211 Excessive Packet Loss Rate in the Transmission Network
ALM-29212 Excessive Delay in the Transmission Network
ALM-29213 Excessive Jitter in the Transmission Network
RF-related alarms
ALM-26239 RX Channel RTWP/RSSI Unbalanced Between RF Units
ALM-26520 RF Unit TX Channel Gain Out of Range

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 ALM-26521 RF Unit RX Channel RTWP/RSSI Too Low
ALM-26522 RF Unit RX Channel RTWP/RSSI Unbalanced
Configuration-related alarms
ALM-26245 Configuration Data Inconsistency
ALM-26243 Board Configuration Data Ineffective
ALM-26812 System Dynamic Traffic Exceeding Licensed Limit
ALM-26815 Licensed Feature Entering Keep-Alive Period
ALM-26818 No License Running in System
ALM-26819 Data Configuration Exceeding Licensed Limit
ALM-29243 Cell Capability Degraded
ALM-29247 Cell PCI Conflict
1.4 TopN Cell Selection

TopN cells can be selected by analyzing the daily KPI file exported by the M2000.

TopN cells with the largest amounts of failed RRC connection setups (L.RRC.ConnReq.Att -
L.RRC.ConnReq.Succ) and lowest RRC connection setup success rates
TopN cells with the largest amounts of failed E-RAB setups and lowest E-RAB setup success rates
1.5 Tracing TopN Cells

After finding out topN cells and the periods when they have the lowest success rates, start Uu, S1, and X2
interface tracing tasks and check the exact point where the RRC connection or ERAB setup fails.

In addition, after the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) obtains the international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI) of
the UE with the lowest success rate based on the UE's temporary mobile subscriber identity (TMSI), you can
start a task to trace the UE throughout the whole network.

1.6 Analyzing Environmental Interference to TopN Cells

Environmental interference to a cell consists of downlink (DL) interference and uplink (UL) interference to the
cell. The following methods can be used to check the environmental interference:

To check DL interference, use a spectral scanner. If both neighboring cells and external systems may
cause DL interference to the cell, locate the exact source of the DL interference.
To check UL interference, start a cell interference detection task and analyze the result.
2. Troubleshooting Method

This section describes how to identify and troubleshoot the possible cause.

2.1 Possible Causes

Scenario Fault Description Possible Causes

1- The UE cannot search
cells. 1-Parameters of the UE or eNodeB are incorrectly
The RRC
2- A fault occurs in radio configured.
connection fails
interface processing. 2- The radio environment is abnormal.
to be set up.
3- Top user problems 3- The UE is abnormal.
occur.
1- Resources are 1- Parameters of the UE or eNodeB are incorrectly
The E-RAB fails
insufficient. configured.
to be set up.
2- A fault occurs in radio 2- The radio environment is abnormal.

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 interface processing. 3- Parameters of the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) are
3- Top user problems incorrectly configured.
occur. 4- The UE is abnormal
4- The EPC is abnormal.
2.2 Troubleshooting Procedure
1. Select topN cells.
2. Check whether parameters of the UE or eNodeB are incorrectly configured.
a. Yes: Correct the parameter configurations. Go to 3.
b. No: Go to 4.
3. Check whether the fault is rectified.
a. Yes: End.
b. No: Go to 4.
4. Check whether the radio environment is abnormal.
a. Yes: Handle abnormalities in the radio environment. Go to 5.
b. No: Go to 6.
5. Check whether the fault is rectified.
a. Yes: End.
b. No: Go to 6.
6. Check whether parameters of the EPC are incorrectly configured.
a. Yes: Correct the parameter configurations. Go to 7.
b. No: Go to 8.
7. Check whether the fault is rectified.
a. Yes: End.
b. No: Go to 8.
8. Contact provider technical support.
2.3 Troubleshooting Access Faults Due to Incorrect Parameter Configurations

This section provides information required to troubleshoot access faults due to incorrect parameter
configurations. The information includes fault descriptions, background information, possible causes, fault
handling method and procedure, and typical cases.

2.3.1 Fault Description

The UE cannot receive broadcast information from the cell.
The UE cannot receive signals from the cell.
The UE cannot camp on the cell.
The end user complains about an access failure, and the value of the performance counter
L.RRC.ConnReq.Att is 0.
An RRC connection is successfully set up for the UE according to standard interface tracing results, but
then the mobility management entity (MME) releases the UE because the authentication procedure
fails.
The end user complains that the UE can receive signals from the cell but is unable to access the cell.
According to the values of the performance counters on the eNodeB side, the number of RRC
connections that are successfully set up is much greater than the number of E-RABs that are
successfully set up.
According to the KPIs, the E-RAB setup success rate is relatively low, and among all cause values, the
cause values indicated by L.E-RAB.FailEst.TNL and L.E-RAB.FailEst.RNL contribute a large proportion.
2.3.2 Possible Causes
Cell parameters are incorrectly configured. For example, the E-UTRA absolute radio frequency number
(EARFCN), public land mobile network (PLMN) ID, threshold used in the evaluation of cell camping,
pilot strength, and access class.

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 The UE has special requirements for authentication and encryption.
Parameters of the subscriber identity module (SIM) card or registration-related parameters on the
home subscriber server (HSS) are incorrectly configured.
The authentication and encryption algorithms are incorrectly configured on the Evolved Packet Core
(EPC).
The IPPATH or IPRT managed objects (MOs) are incorrectly configured.
2.3.3 Fault Handling Procedure
1. Check whether cell parameters are incorrectly configured. Pay special attention to the following
parameter settings as they are often incorrectly configured: the EARFCN, PLMN ID, threshold used in
the evaluation of cell camping, pilot strength, and access class.
a. Yes: Correct the cell parameter configurations. Go to 2.
b. No: Go to 3.
2. Check whether the fault is rectified.
a. Yes: End.
b. No: Go to 3.
3. Check the type and version of the UE and determine whether the authentication and encryption
functions are required.
a. Yes: Enable the authentication and encryption functions. Go to 4.
b. No: Go to 5.
4. Check whether the fault is rectified.
a. Yes: End.
b. No: Go to 5.
5. Check whether parameters of the SIM card or registration-related parameters on the HSS are
incorrectly configured. The parameters of the SIM card include the K value, originating point code
(OPC), international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI), and whether this SIM card is a UMTS SIM
(USIM) card.
a. Yes: Correct the parameter configurations. Go to 6.
b. No: Go to 7.
6. Check whether the fault is rectified.
a. Yes: End.
b. No: Go to 7.
7. Check whether the authentication and encryption algorithms are incorrectly configured on the EPC.
For example, check whether the switches for the algorithms are turned off.
a. Yes: Modify the parameter configuration on the EPC. Go to 8.
b. No: Go to 9.
8. Check whether the fault is rectified.
a. Yes: End.
b. No: Go to 9.
9. Check whether the IPPATH or IPRT MOs are incorrectly configured.
a. Yes: Correct the MO configurations. Go to 10.
b. No: Go to 11.
10. Check whether the fault is rectified.
a. Yes: End.
b. No: Go to 11.
11. Check whether the fault can be diagnosed by tracing the access signaling procedure.
a. Yes: Handle the fault. Go to 12.
b. No: Go to 13.
12. Check whether the fault is rectified.
a. Yes: End.

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 b. No: Go to 13.
13. Contact provider technical support.
2.4 Troubleshooting Access Faults Due to Radio Environment Abnormalities

This section provides information required to troubleshoot access faults due to radio environment
abnormalities. The information includes fault descriptions, background information, possible causes, fault
handling method and procedure, and typical cases.

2.4.1 Fault Description

During a random access procedure, the UE cannot receive any random access responses.
During an RRC connection setup process, the eNodeB has not received any RRC connection setup
complete messages within the related timeout duration.
During an E-RAB setup process, the response in security mode times out.
The eNodeB has not received any RRC connection reconfiguration complete messages within the
related timeout duration.
At the eNodeB side, both the RRC connection setup success rate and the E-RAB setup success rate are
low.
2.4.2 Background Information

Radio environment abnormalities include radio interference, imbalance between the uplink (UL) and downlink
(DL) quality, weak coverage, and eNodeB hardware faults (such as distinct antenna configurations). The items
to be investigated as well as the methods of investigating these items are described as follows:

Investigating radio interference: DL interference from neighboring cells, DL interference from external
systems, and UL interference need to be investigated. To investigate the DL interference, use a
spectral scanner. To investigate the UL interference, start a cell interference detection task.
Investigating weak coverage: The reference signal received power (RSRP) values reported by UEs
during their access need to be investigated. If most of these values are relatively low, it is highly
probable that the access difficulties lie in the weak coverage provided by the cell. The actual radius of
cell coverage as well as the signal quality variation need to be investigated so that users can determine
whether wide coverage or cross-cell coverage occurs.
Investigating the imbalance between UL and DL quality: The transmit power of the remote radio unit
(RRU) and UE need to be investigated to check whether UL or DL limitations have occurred, because
imbalance between UL and DL quality is caused by UL limitations or DL limitations. The UL and DL radii
of cell coverage need to be investigated using drive tests.
Investigating eNodeB hardware: If two antennas are used, the tilt and azimuth of each antenna need
to be investigated. If their tilts or azimuths are significantly different from each other, adjust them so
that their tilts and azimuths are the same. The jumper connection needs to be investigated by
analyzing drive test results. If the jumper is reversely connected, the UL signal level will be much lower
than the DL signal level in the cell, in which case UEs remote from the eNodeB will easily encounter
access failures. Therefore, if the jumper is reversely connected, rectify the jumper connection. The
physical conditions of feeders need to be investigated. If a feeder is damaged, water immersed,
bending, or not securely connected, a large number of call drops will occur. If a voltage standing wave
ratio (VSWR) alarm is reported, such problems exist and you need to replace the faulty feeder.
2.4.3 Possible Causes
The cell provides weak coverage.
The UE does not use the maximum transmit power.
Inter-modulation interference exists.
The UE is located at cell edge.
2.4.4 Fault Diagnosis

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To effectively diagnose access faults due to radio environment abnormalities, you are advised to firstly find out
whether this fault is caused by radio interference or weak coverage. The following procedure is recommended:

2.4.5 Fault Handling Procedure

1. Check whether related alarms are reported.
a. Yes: Handle these alarms. Go to 2.
b. No: Go to 3.
2. Check whether the fault is rectified.
a. Yes: End.
b. No: Go to 3.
3. Check whether interference exists. By using a spectral scanner, check whether there is DL interference
from neighboring cells or external systems. By analyzing the cell interference detection result, check
whether there is UL interference.
a. Yes: Minimize the interference. Go to 4.
b. No: Go to 5.
4. Check whether the fault is rectified.
a. Yes: End.
b. No: Go to 5.
5. Check whether the transmit power of the RRU and UE falls beyond link budgets.
a. Yes: Adjust the UL and DL transmit power. Go to 6.
b. No: Go to 7.
6. Check whether the fault is rectified.
a. Yes: End.
b. No: Go to 7.
7. Check whether cell coverage is abnormal.
a. Yes: Based on the RSRP distribution of the UEs attempting to access the cell, investigate and
handle possible coverage, interference, and imbalance between UL and DL quality by using
drive tests. Go to 8.
b. No: Go to 9.
8. Check whether the fault is rectified.
a. Yes: End.
b. No: Go to 9.
9. Contact provider technical support.
3. Diagram

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 Start

Is RRC or
ERAB
Setup SR
low?

True

Enode Correct parameters wrong

Parameter False configuration.
s correct?

True

RF check Make corrective actions of RF (refer

done and False
to relevant document)
normal?

True

EPC Correct parameters wrong

parameter False configuration in EPC.
correct?

True

UE
abnormal True Problem False

? solved?

End

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 Start

EnodeB
Correct cell parameters
cell False
configuration.
parameter
correct?

True

Authenticat Enable/disable (align)

ion/encrypt False encryption/authentication
ion
parameters between UE and
parameter
correct? Network.

True

Parameters Correct interconnection parameters

for EPC- False
between EnodeB and EPC
NodeB
connection
correct?

True

IPPATH Correct MOs configuration

and IPRT False
MOs
correct?

True

Make signaling trace and analysis. True False

Problem
solved?

End

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 Start

Random
access errir
occurs?

True

Authenticat
UE mismatches EnodeB does not
ion/encrypt
the Re-auth receive msg3
ion
request message
parameter
correct?

True True True

Multiple UEs
The enodeB The EnodeB The UE is
The UL path loss initiate
does not does not located
downlink bit is random
receive any send the re- beyond the
error rate is excessively access
preamble auth request cell
high large simultaneou
from the UE. message coverage sly and
preamble
collition
occurs

Power
transmission The
Coverage is
for the preamble
facing
preamble of transmission
problems.
the UE is time out.
low.

Problem False
solved?

True

End

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