Cellular Network Operators in India and abroad has huge task of cost competitiveness requirement while going through ever changing technology platforms to deliver high voice quality and faster data throughput. So they have to operate at peak efficiency at minimum cost by taking timely measures. Nemhans Consulting Service can help operators to reduce cost without compromising network efficiency. This we achieve by

·        Network audit

·        Process audit

·        Performance Audit

Network Audit

In today’s extremely competitive wireless market, it is imperative for an operator to continuously monitor the network performance and quality of service to sustain a leading competitive edge in the market by assuring customer satisfaction. Our technical end to end network audit services help an operator in identifying issues in the network, root cause of all issues and actions required to address those issues. The audit assures that:

·         Functional goals & objectives are met

·         Network resources are safeguarded and optimally utilized

·         Applicable guidelines, regulations and policies are followed

·         Reliable data are obtained and used for forecasting, planning, operating, optimizing, fine tuning and monitoring of mobile network performance.

With extensive experience in the industry, and having over a decade of providing technical network audit services, NEMHANS is the pioneer on Network Audit services. It is independent from operators, tools vendors or equipment vendors; this gives to our audit the value of an External and Independent Auditor.An in-depth study of data collected with root cause analysis of problems. Preparation of detailed recommendations with concrete action items to improve network performance and implementation roadmap.

Process Audit

Process Audit could involve a review of processes and procedures for various aspects of engineering, such as the process for the projection of network capacity, network expansion procedures, procedures for monitoring network performance, procedures for dealing with customer complaints, network management and maintenance procedures, network quality management, disaster management procedures, network security procedures audit, etc.  An audit also includes a review of the organizational structure of a company, along with the number of personnel dedicated to each sub-organization.  Such an audit also typically includes suggestions for improvements and best practices.  Depending upon the project, a process audit may also include aspects other than network operation, such as billing, marketing, etc.

Besides technical audits, NEMHANS is also capable to audit the processes in a technical organization and examining the effectiveness of the company procedures. A Process Audit involves a review of an operator’s processes and procedures, as pertaining to the operation of their network.

Performance Audit

Performance audit is one of the primary areas of focus in an overall network audit. This service targets the evaluation of the network based on design goals verses the performance achieved. The dynamic nature of mobile network caused by network expansion, subscriber growth, new service launch & wireless environment creates multiple challenges for the operator to know exactly where the performance of the network stands compared to the design objectives. By collecting large amounts of network data we can evaluate the network quality from an end-user perspective and find out where the network bottlenecks are and where there is potential for network performance improvements.

Service Features

·         Discover the existing and potential loopholes in the network performance over all its elements: Scan for network potential problems through hundreds of audit checking items, perform investigation on those problems and provide improvement suggestions.

·         Forecast the demand for system capacity: Analyse the traffic characteristic and traffic model, geographical distribution of the traffic density, predicts the traffic growth trend and provide the corresponding resource adjustment suggestion.

·         Evaluate the network performance from subscriber perceptions: E2E performance audits helps operator in finding out the root cause for customer complaint, the real network coverage and service quality condition.

Our approach is based on a “Diagnostics, Prognosis and Cure” methodology where we collect information from the network by almost all possible sources, analyse that information and at the end come out with a detailed report which besides covering the results of the entire analysis has a comprehensive section on our recommendations.

Service Benefits

·         Improving service quality and availability, as a result of proactively detecting possible network service degradations.

·         Proactively identifying and fixing performance loopholes and getting the best out of the available network resources.

NEMHANS has played a major role in network planning for many cellular networks in India for all evolved wireless technologies and upgrades. For greenfield projects and existing networks, along the network lifecycles starting from GSM, CDMA, EVDO, WCDMA, HSPA, Wimax, LTE, Volte.NEMHANS has played a key role in the field of cellular RF engineering, being a major consulting firm in the business. As the wireless industry has changed with the introduction of new technologies and capabilities, NEMHANS has adapted its practices to more efficiently design and optimize wireless networks, thus saving our clients’ money and maintaining high quality of service. NEMHANS has major contribution in all technologies in RF planning and optimization of many major networks in India. NEMHANS’s approach is rooted in its extensive experience in all the commercially available 2G-4G technologies. Our knowledge bank has great technical understanding and a repository of the technology and case specific solutions.

We offer the following services to achieve network rollout and growth.

• RF Network Planning
• Network dimensioning
• Database Updates
• Capacity Planning
• Network Integration and Support
• Network Auditing
• Carrier Reaffirming

Network Thinning and carrier reaffirming

Network thinning, or removing cell sites from a wireless network, helps carriers move their network from 2G to 2.5G and 3G onwards. In order to realize the efficiencies gained from combining networks and deploying new technologies, the merged networks need to be optimized to serve the existing customer base with equal or better service supported by fewer cell sites.NEMHANS’s Network Thinning services help maximize site utilization and optimization in a network. By achieving networks with a lesser number of sites and ensuring the network performance, operators realize monetary savings on leasing costs, reduce OpEx, and ensure more efficient management of the network on all technologies.

Nominal Planning

The rapid rollouts of new technologies with considerably high user volume on the existing technologies has created a demand for additional spectrum and very efficient RAN design. Be it an overlay design or a greenfield design; the end users want to see a top performing network right from the launch. This asserts the need for an optimized RAN design. That is achieved with efficient network dimensioning and Nominal Planning.

NEMHANS has a complete repository of multiple technologies and their case specific link budgets along with the tools to create the link budget for a particular deployment need. Once the link budget is finalized, NEMHANS engineers run a dimensioning exercise to decide the site counts and nominal locations. With our unmatched propagation model tuning experience our engineers can ensure that the propagation models are tuned (specific to the technology, frequency band and the propagation tool). Based on the tuned models and nominal site locations NEMHANS will generate the Nominal RAN designs.NEMHANS has an in-depth understanding and experience with multiple technologies

Data Build / Data Fill

Translation of the radio plan and transmission plan into a network configuration require Data Build / Data Fill services. These services are also required in case of a network swap, where network configuration parameters need to be translated. NEMHANS has built an extensive knowledge in this area, and has created tools to achieve maximum efficiency.

DataBuild / DataFill activity include compiling the configuration parameters of network elements in order to generate network configuration files be provided to Commissioning and Integration of network elements.  This service is intended for both new network deployment and modernization projects. The main objective of the DataBuild / DataFill activity is to allow a seamless transfer of configuration data from the operator and/or planning tool to the configuration tools used for site commissioning and integration.

Databuild / Datafill mainly includes the following activities:

• RNC initial configuration
• Node B configuration
• Neighbour Update
• Neighbour Audit
• CDD / IDB

InBuilding Design Solutions

With the advent of new technologies and growth in demand for huge data along with dependency on higher frequency band of operation, the indoor coverage in high rise buildings in business districts, there is a persistent requirement for indoor cellular coverage with good capacity. So old generations inbuilding solutions of distributed antenna systems are being replaced by Inbuilding active small-cell solutions with fiber optical backhaul.In short a successful in building plan, especially at hot spot areas, is essential to delivering maximum coverage. In building design work begins with a survey which is the basis of any successful design. The survey will address the best design to implement the solution to obtain the best coverage in an in building environment and determines what materials to select for obtaining that coverage. The Installation process is critical to the success of an In Building plan. It is important to exactly match the In Building plan when performing the installation. Once the installation is complete, there are extensive tests and reports generated to provide the final statistics and test reports. Our trained engineers are experienced in reading and analysing these reports to determine if any additional fine turning is necessary.

Distributed Antenna System(DAS)

NEMHANS has a history of designing, deploying and managing both indoor and outdoor DAS networks to improve signal strength, coverage and network capacity. The use of distributed antenna systems (DAS) is a powerful tool that allows an operator to fill in coverage gaps and dead stops in their network and thereby provide a better quality of Experience (QoE) to their customers, without incurring the expense of building an entirely new network. In addition, by breaking down the macro cell site into smaller pieces, the DAS helps add coverage and capacity to the network.

A DAS system can be either single carrier or multi-carrier. The DAS allows carriers to target specific areas for improvement without having to build out an entirely new network. Our NEMHANS team can help enterprise clients and operators determine what footprint they want to cover, be it an indoor or outdoor network, as well as the exact specification of the coverage and capacity requirements.

Mobile Data Off-loading via Wi-Fi

NEMHANS has been helping operators respond to the unprecedented explosion of mobile data traffic and the need to relieve network congestion while controlling CapEx. Today, the use of Wi-Fi for mobile data off-loading is seeing increased operator attention due to its ability to alleviate the current congestion while having the ability to also support a 4G/ LTE deployment.

Wi-Fi is widely available in mobile devices and leverages unlicensed spectrum to add capacity. Today, millions of subscribers are using Wi-Fi as their primary source for data/internet access. As the need for relieving congestion continues, NEMHANS works with our clients to determine which of the various off-loading options works best with the operators’ specific network considerations and meet the QoE expectations of their customers.  LCC understands the operators’ needs and can offer various off-loading solutions including network bypassing, managed by-passing or a fully integrated data offload, depending on the carriers’ requirements.

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Network deployment services are available to customers in 18 Telecom circles throughout India. From complete to partial network deployment activities, NEMHANS offers a complete array of services. NEMHANS’s deployment services include turnkey deployment, fully outsourced deployment, deployment consulting, program and vendor management, network design, site acquisition and planning, site design and construction, installation and commissioning, and logistics management.

Network rollouts involve many different subject disciplines, from RF and fixed engineering to site acquisition, design, planning and construction. NEMHANS has over the years developed an integrated approach to network deployment that has proven to be very effective. Multidisciplinary, integrated teams work together at the implementation level, minimizing interfaces between disciplines and improving communication.

Site Design

This service covers the detailed radio equipment and indoor/outdoor installation material list required to perform CW and TI services, and to provide RBS/BTS room plan, site cabling design and tower/mast/antenna locations. A Civil Work Detailed Design report is prepared including all technical details and drawings mentioned above.

Site Acquisition

Main activity realized in Site Acquisition is subsequent leasing of selected sites.NEMHANS helps its customers identify the best location for the placement of their telecommunications or utility facilities.  With our extensive local expertise, we can identify viable sites quickly and we will deliver on time.  When providing Site Selection and Acquisition services, NEMHANS provides search area investigation and candidate submittal, site lease negotiation and execution, zoning representation, and building permit submittals. These services may also include nomination of potential site alternatives.

Installation and Commissioning

NEMHANS responds to the network operator’s need for quality, flexibility, and rapid response time in equipment installation, testing, and commissioning.

With a wide array of certifications by leading equipment vendors, NEMHANS provides a broad service offering for most cellular, microwave, and terrestrial telecom network installations.

Equipment Installation

Equipment Installation starts after the radio site construction works are completed. Antenna installation, feeder & fiber cables, cabinets and BTS equipments are installed and related cable/feeder connections are done according to the Radio Site Engineering report.

Equipment Commissioning

After installation is finished, the equipment is powered up and tested in a standalone environment including cable connections. Also the lasted software and settings are loaded into the equipment configuration.

Equipment Integration

When the equipment is commissioned, the network element needs to be connected to the network and integrated to become a functional part of this network.

Decommissioning

When network equipment’s lifecycle has come to an end, NEMHANS can decommission all or part of the network system during or after an upgrade or replacement. Our team can handle necessary lease negotiations and closures, construction management, A&E services, warehousing, and hazmat removal and cleanup.

Project Management and Controls

While NEMHANS provides project and program management as a standalone service offering, it is at the core of every one of our projects.Our program and project management certifications and tracking systems are vital to meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations, keeping us aligned in terms of schedule, cost, quality, deliverables, and reporting throughout the project.

NEMHANS combines its in-house program and project management expertise, quality assurance systems and its unmatched network of certified professionals with single-source accountability to provide cost-effective, full turnkey infrastructure development.  Our start-to-finish oversight, highly qualified project managers and single-point reporting mean faster time to market and quality you can depend on.

NEMHANS’s in house project support includes project coordinators at centralized and local levels to support multiple disciplines including: schedule; milestone tracking; quality control for deliverables; logistics for tracking and delivery of assets by site.

NEMHANS’s methodology focuses on delivering the right balance between network costs and QoS. Our systematic approach benchmarks and identifies improvable areas of your network and maximizes your return on investment. NEMHANS will review operator’s requirements to jointly define a Service Level Agreement based on measureable objectives in terms of quality, capacity and cost, sharing risks and rewards. We can impact customer business by providing turnkey services including drive testing services, measurement services, benchmarking, post-processing, and optimization.

With the on-going introduction of dynamic new technologies, you need to work with a company that understands the complexities of a rapidly changing technological environment. There is no substitute for experience. And our employees are excellent in this particular area.

Drive Testing Services

Even though modern wireless systems deliver more and more performance data there is always a need to measure the performance of the network in the field.  These measurements can either be part of the optimization of the wireless network, benchmarking of performance, trouble shooting, or to verify the performance after an upgrade or reconfiguration of the network.

Drive testing consists of riding in a vehicle that contains equipment used to analyze the cellular service in a given area. By simulating what a wireless user would experience in that specific area, wireless carriers can make changes to their network that provide better coverage and service to their customers. It requires a mobile vehicle, drive test tool with handsets which collect real time data, a GPS device along with an RF engineer.

The Drive testing service is very often an integral part of NEMHANS’s Managed Service approach where NEMHANS not only collects the data but also manages the data post–processing and reporting of the results. Drive test services are not only limited to vehicle based measurements but also include pedestrian, indoor, train and underground.

NEMHANS has extensive experience using different types of measurement equipment and can develop tailored solutions for almost every requirement.  We are currently using measurements system from all major vendors.

With many years of experience in performing drive test measurements and with hundreds of vehicles on the road daily around the world, NEMHANS has a long track record of delivering quality field measurement services to customers’ globally. New technologies mean new requirements and challenges and NEMHANS constantly develops new ways of collecting data and performing these services depending on the requirements of the customers.

Measurement Services

Planning a radio network (in any technology: LTE, WiMAX, UMTS, GSM etc.) requires knowledge of where and how to place the sites in order to provide the radio coverage which will provide the service. In order to estimate what the radio coverage will be a PREDICTION is made using a propagation model. A propagation model is a technique (usually a mathematical equation) which brings together all (or as many as one would like to consider) the parameters which would (or could) affect the radio signal – frequency, antenna height, receiver height, distance, path profile, angle of incidence, etc. There are many “standard” models – Cost231, SUI, Okumura-Hata etc, which try and predict propagation under certain conditions and within certain limits dictated usually by the parameters and conditions under which the models were derived. Another option is to derive a propagation model for a particular scenario or condition – and this is what a model calibration exercise tries to achieve. The advantage of this is that the model which is derived should be accurate and therefore the predictions of coverage will be accurate.

Now the model (along with the underlying accuracy of associated data such mapping data, accuracy of source CW data etc) is the cornerstone in any further analysis of the network such as site count, coverage and service quality levels, so a good and accurate model will enable a much more accurate prediction the behaviour of the network and the quality and cost.

Benchmarking

Today’s extremely competitive wireless marketplace is experiencing how Smartphonegrowth and new network generations are driving an increasingly complex mobile broadband services ecosystem. A key competitive advantage for any operator is to have a keen understanding of how the end-user perceives their Quality of Experience (QoE), which greatly impacts their overall satisfaction. 

Our predominant delivery model is the Managed Service approach with a full turnkey service covering from data collection (drive testing, indoor, pedestrian, etc), data integrity management, measurement system management, post-processing and reporting for both, Executive and Technical Levels.

Executive Level, with the combination of a Comparative Analysis of the offered QoE as perceived by the end user in a market together with a Competitive Analysis, where strengths and weakness among operators are identified. Our pioneer Global Score Concept and its sensibility analysis allow us to identify quick wins and prioritize improvement actions to maximize ROI.

Technical Level, where all benchmarking data is reused for optimization and troubleshooting processes. This activity can be enhanced by correlating the benchmarking data with other sources like OMS, QoE monitoring systems, Customer Surveys, Customer Care, Marketing researches, etc.

NEMHANS is independent from operators, tools vendors or equipment vendors; this gives NEMHANS’s Benchmarking Campaigns the value of External and Independent Audit.  Being tool agnostics allows NEMHANS to use the most powerful and suitable benchmarking tool in the market on a case by case basis. This has allowed NEMHANS to be today the industry leader on expertise related with measurement/benchmarking systems.

Post-Processing

New mobile entities are being rolled-out regularly by operators in order to keep up with the pace of technology evolution and the ever increasing need for more bandwidth from mobile consumers. Once a network is put into service it actually does not work to its full speed and desired quality of service: it needs to be optimized. This optimization process is not only needed after the initial roll-out but is also a recurring and iterative process leading gradually to an improved network performance. The optimization process starts with an assessment of the performance of the network.

This activity is typically delivered through “Drive tests” which consist in the collection of Network KPIs by a mobile team equipped with measurement tools. The post processing task follows closely and aims delivering a summary report of the measurements. It outlines thematic maps and various statistics in order to provide the optimization engineer with a fair image of network quality presented in an easy manner enabling him at a glance to identify potential areas of network performance improvement.

Reporting is a process to show the summary of the performance parameters in a drive test result. The parameters usually called by KPI (Key Performance Indicators). In general, KPI is divided in two types, events KPIs and radio KPIs. Examples of events KPIs are Drop Call Rate, Call Setup Success Rate, Handover Success Rate, etc. And examples of radio KPIs are RxLev, RxQual, BER, etc.

NEMHANS has developed internal tools to automate the delivery of post processing and survey reports. These reports are customized for each project and include typically a summary sheet, the main performance statistics (KPIs) that pertain to the technical network performance as well as to end to end service quality. The KPIs are geo-coded and presented on thematic maps enabling an understanding of Network behaviour, at a glimpse.

Optimization

Networks need to be a fine-tuned to produce the best service at the lowest cost possible, in order to provide top business results for an operator. With many years of innovation in wireless networking has NEMHANS has unique insights into network optimization. NEMHANS helps operators evolve from a reactive to a proactive approach, anticipating problems before they happen, thereby reducing cost and improving quality. NEMHANS’s approach to network performance is a complete solution that relies on technical innovation, change management and process control. Our goal is to create value through engineering change and ensure sustainable changes. NEMHANS helps its customers in the evolution from a reactive to a proactive approach, anticipating problems before they happen, therefore reducing cost and improving quality.

Optimization involves monitoring and improving the performance of the radio network. It starts with the last phase of radio network planning. A cellular network covers a large area and provides capacity to many people, so there are lots of parameters involved that are variable have to be continuously monitored and corrected. Apart from this, the network is always growing through increasing subscriber numbers and increases in traffic. This means optimization process should be on-going, to increase the efficiency of the network leading to revenue generation from the network.

NEMHANS’s Optimization services include:

1. Independent Benchmarking
   • Independent inter-operator benchmarking services.
2. Radio Network Audits
   To ensure the integrity of the input information prior to making the required analysis, Radio network audit can be performed as a baseline audit at the start of the optimization project and network audits on a regular basis throughout the project. The purposes of the audits are to check whether:
   • The network implementation is consistent with the network design
   • The parameters comply with recommended values
3. Radio Network Optimization
   NEMHANS’s Radio NetworkOptimization methodology is composed of a two pronged approach:
   
   
   1. Field Measurements
      Classical network planning and design tools rely on a propagation model, which is tuned with drive test data. This tuned model can then be used to predict changes in coverage due to antenna tilt changes. However no model used at the planning and design stages can ever truly simulate the complex multi-dimensional nature of a radio signal, which experiences multiple reflections and refractions and variable attenuation. The behaviour of the implemented network will therefore be different from the predictions. The only way of finding out the true RF network performance is to take measurements using drive tests and then by post-processing the measurement logs to produce statistics and plots. RF coverage optimization is essential in a Radio Network, where efficient use of RF translates directly to capacity.
      Drive testing consists of following activities:
      • Route Planning
        The drive test routes were planned by NEMHANSusing the following criteria:
        • Important areas, such as major highways, train stations and public and leisure facilities should be included.
        • Handover should be measured in both directions, i.e. from cell A to cell B and vice versa on particular roads that pass through particularly important areas.
        • Areas where there is influence of the surrounding neighbour base stations to that of the target base station(s) should be included.
      • Measurement
        During measurement data was collected using data collection tool from a frequency scanner and UEs. UE performs voice short calls to obtain information on call set-up failures and call drops.
      • Post-processing
        Using post processing tools, a draft report, containing extensive statistics and plots can be produced after completing measurement, enabling an operator to have a very detailed view of the network performance from the user perspective.
      • Verification
        Given the importance of verifications and the valuable feedback that they provide to the appropriateness of the recommended changes RAN Tuning & Optimization Projects included four verification measurements to make comparison with the tuning recommendations for each region.
        The drive test verification procedure consists of repeating the measurement and post-processing activities of the first drive. The same drive test route should be followed. In this case the cluster is analyzed to determine the differences between the first and verification drives to confirm the change proposals from the first analysis. Further changes are recommended if these can give further improvement.
   2. RNC Measurements:
      • OMC Counters
      • RNC Traces
      • Post processing and reporting

EMR Services

NEMHANShas a dedicated expert team for EMF Survey.

EMF Survey

The guidelines issued by ICNIRP (www.icnirp.de/documents/emfgdl.pdf) on levels of exposure to RF fields as approved by the Telecom commission, that are coming from mobile phones and base stations. These guidelines have a safety margin built into them. ICNIRP guidelines form the very basis of the standards required for compliance to limit the human exposure to EMF. ICNIRP guidelines have global acceptance and will be complied by the telecom sector for time to come.

The operators have to comply with the industry guideline for use of the active or radiating part of the telecom equipment. Refer to TEC -Telecommunication Engineering Centre website (http://www.tec.gov.in). Telecom Engineering Centre (TEC) has approved the adoption of International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) guidelines, for limiting the Human exposure to EMF, for the Telecom Sector in India.

EIRP / EIRPth has to be worked out for each operator, at the buildings B1, B2, B3… defined above at various floors. The calculation has to be made based on the data defined above and using the formulae given in TEC Test Procedure.
EIRP / EIRPth is also to be worked out for each operator, at the Corners / Points on the building (B0) on which the BTS under observation is installed (in case of RTT only.). These corners / points are to be designated as C1, C2, C3, C4 etc and clearly defined / marked on the roof layout of the site to be attached with the compliance report. EIRP / EIRP th has to be worked out for General Public Exposure on Ground (for both GBT as well as RTT / RTP case) based on the formulae given in TEC Test Procedures.

NEMHANS provides reports with proper mathematical calculation of EIRP / EIRPth according to the TERM guideline.

EMR BB/NB test

We are equipped with a number of EMF testing kits like Narda SRM 3000, R & S, Aronia. We do both Narrow Band (Frequency Selective) and Broadband Testing. BB test is done during Biennial survey as well as after required new site integration. We have dedicated team for each Testing Kit, and centrally controlled Team Coordination centre.

NEMHANS is always engineering for the network requirements of tomorrow. As 4G progresses and the demands for backhaul continue, NEMHANS and its team of engineers are at the ready with bridging or backhaul solutions. NEMHANS has been deploying transport network DWDM elements in different routes. Nemhans is also doing a lot of MW Transport links deployment activity to support Radio Access Networks and long distance backhaul transport services.Our microwave design services include, preliminary analysis, site and path surveys, final path engineering/link design and frequency selection/FCC licensing.

NEMHANS approaches construction and installation management clearly focused on quality, cost efficiency, and on-time completion.

We construct all the Civil Work with Detailed Design report and all the electrical works and the radio site are made ready for Telecom Implementation.

Our expertise spotlights self-performance of construction management, civil work and Electrical work crews.  Our experience includes:

 Full Electrical Services

 Civil Services

 Site Work – Land Clearing and Excavation

Up gradation of telecom equipment are required for technological changes and to fulfil other augmentation requirements. Nemhans does the activity with experienced engineers in a time bound operation.

De-installation of Network elements

It is required to deinstall sites for up gradation process in a live network. A careful activity must be employed so as to not hampering and damaging any components of the site. The deinstalled components need to be well packed and transferred to the warehouse with proper labelling. A proper database maintenance and coordination is required to maintain and track the activity.

Kitting and Packing.

The deinstalled components need to be well packed and transferred to the warehouse with proper labelling. A proper database maintenance and coordination is required to maintain and track the activity. In some cases Materials need to be transferred from warehouse to near the site for installation activity. We are expert in providing all the above services.