How do you assess the impact of RAN interference on network quality?

1 What is RAN interference?

RAN interference is any unwanted signal that interferes with the communication between a base station and a mobile device. Interference can come from different sources, such as other base stations, adjacent channels, external noise, or faulty equipment. Interference can be classified into two types: co-channel interference and adjacent channel interference. Co-channel interference occurs when two or more base stations use the same frequency channel to serve different users. Adjacent channel interference occurs when the signals from neighboring channels spill over into the desired channel due to imperfect filtering or modulation.

2 How to measure RAN interference?

To measure RAN interference, you need to use a spectrum analyzer or a drive test tool. A spectrum analyzer is a device that displays the frequency and amplitude of the signals in a given band. You can use a spectrum analyzer to identify the sources and levels of interference in your network. A drive test tool is a software that collects and analyzes data from a mobile device while driving or walking around a network area. You can use a drive test tool to measure the signal strength, quality, and coverage of your network and detect any interference problems.

3 How to analyze RAN interference?

To analyze RAN interference, you need to use some key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics. The most common KPIs and metrics for RAN interference include the carrier-to-interference ratio (C/I), signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), received signal code power (RSCP), and Ec/Io. These KPIs and metrics can be used to compare the performance of different cells, sectors, or regions in your network and identify any interference issues. A high C/I, SINR, RSCP, or Ec/Io means a low interference level and a good signal quality.

4 How to mitigate RAN interference?

To mitigate RAN interference, you need to use some optimization techniques and best practices. Frequency planning, cell planning, power control, and antenna optimization are all important processes to consider when attempting to reduce interference. Frequency planning involves assigning frequency channels to base stations in a way that minimizes co-channel and adjacent channel interference, while cell planning is the process of designing and configuring cells in a network to maximize coverage and capacity. Power control adjusts transmit power of base stations and mobile devices to balance coverage and interference, and antenna optimization chooses and adjusts antenna parameters such as height, tilt, azimuth, and gain in order to improve signal quality. By applying these techniques and best practices, you can reduce the impact of RAN interference on your network quality and enhance the user experience.

5 Here’s what else to consider

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