RTWP - 2

UMTS RTWP Troubleshooting
1. Definition of RTWP
The RTWP reflects the interference level in a NodeB and indicates the strength of signals received by the antenna
receiving port of the RF module.
A P_in signal received by the antenna is amplified by a tower mounted amplifier (TMA) (optional) and a remote radio unit
(RRU) in a NodeB and then converted from a digital signal to an analog one. After that, a P_out signal is output.
Therefore, RTWP indicates the power of a signal received by the antenna receiving port. The formula for calculating
RTWP is: RTWP = P_in = P_out – G. Where G indicates the total gain of the receiving channel, namely the sum of TMA
gain (optional) and NodeB gain.
1. Definition of RTWP
The RTWP is measured at NodeBs and then reported to the radio network controller (RNC) for access and congestion
control. The RTWP on all antennas is measured at NodeBs. In addition, the RTWP on each receiving channel in all cells is
measured at NodeBs. The cell RTWP that is traced on the RNC LMT, however, usually equals the average RTWP of all
channel RTWPs (average of linear domains) in all cells of the NodeBs.
2. NodeB PN
When no signal is input into the receiver (namely, no inter-RAT or intra-RAT interference exists or no users are served in the
system), the RTWP measured in the NodeB equals the NodeB PN. The formula for calculating NodeB PN is as follows:
PN = KTB + NF where K = Boltzmann constant, T = 290 K (room temperature), B = RF carrier bandwidth (Hz) = 3.84 MHz, and NF:
noise factor of the RF system.
Therefore, the NodeB PN is about –106 dBm at room temperature. The PN is affected by the analog circuit of the RF system (for
example, component performance is affected by external factors such as frequency and temperature) and changes due to the
factor T. Therefore, a normal PN ranges from –108 dBm to –104 dBm.
2. NodeB PN
Due to certain networking configuration, the NodeB PN rises in the following scenarios:
1.When a TMA or line amplifier (LA) is used without the configuration of RX channel attenuation, the NodeB PN rises.
Rise volume (X) = TMA gain – Antenna feeder/Jumper attenuation
2. A NodeB uses the configuration of multiple RRUs in one cell. Note that the configuration of multiple RRUs in one cell in
RAN13.0 and later versions does not result in the rise of PN. The rise volume of PN is relevant to the number of RRUs in one cell.
Assume that N RRUs are in one cell, the rise volume N is 10log(N) dBm.
2. NodeB PN
Query and Configuration of PN:
1. Auto-adaptive background noise update switch is OFF.

If Auto-adaptive background noise update switch is OFF, the fixed value of background noise is used. The default value is 61.
The value 61 is set according to the measurement result in a cell without load. If the RTWP measured in a cell without load is –
106 dBm, the formula is as follows:
(RTWP – (–112) x 10 + 1 = BackgroundNoise

(–106 – (–112)) x 10 + 1 = 61
In fact, the RTWP –106 dBm is not applicable to all scenarios. For example, the RTWP measured at a site without load is always –
106.3 dBm. The value is normal. Based on this value, the calculated PN must be 58 dBm.
2. NodeB PN
Query and Configuration of PN:
2. Auto-adaptive background noise update switch is ON.
The auto-adaptive background noise update switch is triggered only in the time range between Background noise update start
time and Background noise update end time . In the time range when Auto-adaptive background noise update switch is ON,
the equivalent user number is smaller than the value of Equivalent user number threshold for background noise and the
duration is greater than the value of Background noise update continuance time The changed value is greater than the value of
Background noise update trigger threshold
3. ROT
I TOT
Rise over thermal (ROT) suggests the proportion of NodeB noise to NodeB PN. The formula is : ROT 
PN
In the preceding formula, I tot indicates the total interference. The dB domain of total interference is RTWP.
3. ROT
In the dB domain, ROT is calculated by using the following formula: ROT (dB) = RTWP (dBm) – PN (dBm)
The total NodeB noise includes:
•NodeB PN
•Intra-RAT interference: includes the uplink (UL) signal transmitted from a local cell UE and the UL signal transmitted from a UE in a
neighboring cell.
•RF interference: includes the external RF interference (such as inter-RAT interference and interference of non-communication
systems) and intra-RAT RF interference (especially the intermodulation interference generated by internal components).
When no RF interference exists, ROT is caused all by intra-RAT interference. In this case, the value of ROT can be used as the
measurement standard of the UL load. The following formula shows the relationship between the UL load factor and ROT:
I TOT 1
ROT  
PN 1  UL
3. ROT
The below Figure shows the relationship of UL load factor and ROT.
The load factor is used for admission and congestion control. When the baseline of the load factor is 75%, the mapping ROT is 6 dB.
Therefore, in the current traffic situation of the live network, the ROT of a value smaller than 6 dB is normal. If the value is greater than
6 dB, abnormal RTWP is determined. In this case, the cause of the problem must be located.
3. ROT
The below Figure shows the relationship of UL load factor and ROT.
The load factor is used for admission and congestion control. When the baseline of the load factor is 75%, the mapping ROT is 6 dB.
Therefore, in the current traffic situation of the live network, the ROT of a value smaller than 6 dB is normal. If the value is greater than
6 dB, abnormal RTWP is determined. In this case, the cause of the problem must be located.
4. RTWP troubleshooting flow
Criteria for Determining an RTWP Problem:
Generally, if the problems shown in Figure above occur, check whether the RTWP is normal. This figure also shows the causes for
RTWP problems
4. RTWP troubleshooting flow
1. RF-related Alarms:
Check for the NodeB alarms and Obtain the alarms related to the RF module and the feeder system. The RTWP is directly or
indirectly affected if such alarms are reported.
Alarm Name
ALM-26522 RF Unit RX Channel RTWP/RSSI Unbalanced
ALM-26521 RF Unit RX Channel RTWP/RSSI Too Low
ALM-26532 RF Unit Hardware Fault
ALM-26752 ALD Hardware Fault
ALM-26758 TMA Running Data and Configuration Mismatch
ALM-26755 TMA Bypass
ALM-26757 RET Antenna Running Data and Configuration Mismatch
ALM-26541 ALD Maintenance Link Failure
ALM-26529 RF Unit VSWR Threshold Crossed

5. Methods of Identifying and Analyzing RTWP
Problems
1. Process for Troubleshooting RTWP Problems:
Description:
- After analyzing the RTWP in the traffic measurement data, determine whether the cell RTWP rise is caused by the RAT
or external interference.
- After analyzing the cell RTWP of a single site, identify the possible causes for cell RTWP rise.
- If the cause analysis of an RTWP rise fails to effectively identify the interference source, collect the 2-ms RTWP data
included in the cell CDT data and determine the interference source based on the signal features.
Based on the analysis of traffic measurement data, real-time background noise, and RTWP in idle and busy hours, the abnormal
RTWP symptoms are categorized into the following types which are used as the input of the troubleshooting procedure for
RTWP-related problems:
Upper threshold of high RTWP: > –100 dBm in idle hours; > –90 dBm in busy hours
Problems
2. Method 1: Identifying a Problem Based on the Traffic Measurement Counters
Analyze the traffic measurement counters to Check whether the problem is caused by internal causes or external causes based on the correlation
between RTWP and the number of users in a cell.
Category Type Sub-Category Symptom
PN(minimum RTWP in idle Traffic measurement(Min RTWP in High RTWP stably The Min RTWP in idle hours is too high and the Min RTWPs
hours of the traffic) idle hours of the traffic) in different time ranges are consistent.
High RTWP intermittently The Min RTWP in idle hours is too high and the Min RTWPs
in different time ranges are consistent.
RTWP in idle hours Traffic measurement(Mean RTWP High RTWP stably The Mean RTWP in idle hours is too high and the Mean
in idle hours of the traffic) RTWPs in different time ranges are consistent.
High RTWP intermittently The Mean RTWP in idle hours too high and Mean RTWPs in
different time ranges are inconsistent.
RTWP in busy hours Traffic measurement High RTWP stably The Mean RTWP is too high and consistent with traffic
volume.
High RTWP intermittently The Mean RTWP is too high and is irrelevant to the traffic
volume obviously. The mean RTWP varies greatly in
different time ranges.
Problems
Background Noise Rise When No User Is Connected:
If the background noise rises by more than 3 dB when no user is connected, the following problems may occur (in the descending order
of priority levels):
A. RRU-based distributed cell networking: In the RRU-based distributed cell networking, the background noise always rises by N =
10log (N) dB.
B. Incorrect RF channel configuration: If the RTWP (background noise) rises in a relatively stable manner when no user is connected and
the RTWP rises according to the increase of the number of users, the RF parameters related to the RF channel may be configured
incorrectly, resulting in the abnormal background noise rise.
C. Continuous external interference: With the impacts of a stable external interference source, the background noise rises abnormally,
as shown in next slide:
Problems
•The Figure shows the performance measurement data for four days. The green line
indicates the MeanRTWP, the yellow line indicates the MinRTWP, and the blue line
the CellDCHUEs (number of users in a cell). This figure shows that the RTWP
continuously rises by more than 5 dB when no user is connected at night. In this case,
the cell is affected by continuous external interference. The causes for the abnormal
RTWP rise cannot be the RF channel configuration or the distributed RRU
networking because the minimum RTWP of the background noise in the day
decreases to a normal value.
Problems
•shows the performance measurement counters for four days. The
green line indicates the MeanRTWP, the yellow line indicates the
MinRTWP, and the blue line the CellDCHUEs (number of users in
a cell). This figure shows that the RTWP continuously rises by
more than 15 dB when only a few users are connected. In this
case, the cell is affected by continuous external interference. In this
situation, you cannot determine the relationship between the
RTWP and the number of users. Check whether the RF channel
parameters are configured correctly. This figure shows that the
problem cannot be caused due to parameter configuration because
the background noise MinRTWP recovers normally at certain time.
Problems
D. Abnormal RTWP reported from software: Check whether the software is upgraded. If the problem occurs after software upgrade, the
cause may be a software fault.
E. Intermodulation problem: For a feeder system featuring poor intermodulation, obvious intermodulation occurs even if the transmit
source power is low. The problem easily occurs in the U900/U850 frequency bands and may occur in the U2100 frequency band.
Problems
No Association Between RTWP Rise and the Number of Users When the Background Noise Is Normal
The MeanRTWP rise has no association with the number of users in a cell. In this case, analyze the problem based on the adjacent cell
data or the data about cells with the same coverage. Generally, the possible causes for the abnormal cell RTWP are as follows:
•External interference: including the continuous external interference and intermittent interference.
•Incorrect feeder connection: The cell RTWP fluctuation may indicate the change to the number of users in the adjacent cells. Check
whether the feeder connection is correct.
•RRU fault
•Service problem
Problems
RNC performance measurement counters (intermittent interference)

Problems
•Figure 3-7 shows the performance measurement data for four days. The green line indicates the MeanRTWP, the yellow line indicates the MinRTWP, and the blue line the CellDCHUEs (number of
users in a cell). This figure shows that the RTWP continuously rises by more than 10 dB, similarly to the rise in the adjacent cells. In this case, the intermittent random disturbance may affect the
measured cell.
Problems
The RTWP Changing According to the Number of Users (the More the Number of Users, the Higher the RTWP Is)
The RTWP changes basically with user behaviors. If the RTWP is abnormally high at certain time segments, the possible causes are as
follows:
- Intermodulation interference: The interference of generated intermodulation signals increases with the increase of cell TX
power.
- Adjacent cell interference: If the adjacent cell parameters are configured incorrectly, the local cell RTWP rises when users are
switched over.
- Limited number of users: If the number of users served in a cell exceeds the designed capacity, the number of user accesses
increases. As a result, the overall cell RTWP rises.
- Switchover problem: Service is affected by the adjacent cell interference due to the switchover problem.
- Service problem:
Problems
•The Figure shows the performance measurement data of four days
covering three cells. The green line indicates the MeanRTWP, the yellow
line indicates the MinRTWP, and the blue line the CellDCHUEs (number of
users in a cell). This figure shows that the RTWP rises by more than 10 dB
in cells 2 and 3 where many users are served. Such an RTWP rise may be
caused if the air interface capacity is limited. In cell 1 where only a few
users are served, however, if the RTWP rises more than 10 dB, the
adjacent cell interference may exist.
Problems
•The Figure shows the traffic measurement data for four days. The green line indicates
the MeanRTWP, the yellow line indicates the MinRTWP, and the blue line the
CellDCHUEs (number of users in a cell). This figure shows that the RTWP rises by about
15 dB when the number of users is large and decreases to the normal value when the
number of users is small. In cell 54591 shown in Figure 3-9, the number of users is
about 50. In this case, the air interface capacity may be limited. The intermodulation
symptom, adjacent cell interference, and service bugs (or performance algorithm
defect), however, comply with the same principles. Therefore, the problem cause
cannot be determined at this point. If such a cell is on the list of top sites, check
whether the passive intermodulation (PIM) exists, whether the configuration of
missing neighboring cells exists, and whether the capacity is limited. In addition, based
on the analysis of smaller granularity-based RTWP data, check whether the algorithm
or implementation defect exists. If only the problem explanation is required, assess the
capacity further to determine whether the capacity is limited.
Problems
shows the traffic measurement data of four days covering three cells. Though the
RTWP rise is obviously affected by the number of users (the RTWP rises sharply if the
number of users is large), the air interface capacity of the cell may be limited based on
the capacity calculation by using the capacity assessment and the internal RAT
algorithm may be improperly used. This figure shows the RNC traffic measurement
counters (country T problems). The first round of problem identification concludes
that the problems include link deletion of iPhone terminals and high UE open-loop TX
power on the RACH channel.
Problems
⦁ Analysis of the Making of Network-wide Interference Distribution Drawing Based on Traffic Measurement
the sites or cells (marked red) where the RTWP is abnormal show that
most of the cells where the RTWP is high are located in the long-bar
shape with obvious direction in geographic distribution. Therefore, you
can easily determine that the abnormal RTWP in cells of the long-bar
shape is caused by external RAT interference, while the abnormal RTWP
in scattered cells probably due to other causes which must be analyzed
in the following procedure.
Problems
1.Method 2: Identifying a Problem Based on the Real-time Cell RTWP Tracing of the Main and Diversity Receivers or the Tracing of
Number of Users
 Large difference between RTWP of the main receiver and RTWP of the diversity receiver
The figure shows that the difference between RTWP of the

main receiver and RTWP of the diversity receiver in busy
hours is not the same with that in idle hours. The difference
between the RTWP of the main receiver and the RTWP of
the diversity receiver in busy hours is larger than that in
idle hours. The difference shows that PIM may occur on the
main receiver.
Problems
Number of Users
 Large difference between RTWP of the main receiver and RTWP of the diversity receiver
A. RTWP of the main receiver is inconsistent with and irrelevant to RTWP of the diversity receiver. In addition, the RTWP change is not regular.
1.Improper networking configuration (incorrect crossed pairs and feeder connection in sectors): Determine whether the networking
configuration is proper by checking the correlation between the RTWP changes in adjacent cells. Check whether antennas of the main and
diversity receivers cover the same area.
2.If the RTWP of the main receiver or RTWP of the diversity receiver is high, the intermodulation interference (on the main receiver) or external
interference exists. In this case, you are advised to check the intermodulation interference and the external interference.
3.Ifthe RTWP of the main receiver or RTWP of the diversity receiver is abnormally low and sustains, a feeder may not be connected.
Alternatively, an indoor site or the diversity receiver channel is activated by misoperation.
B. The difference between RTWP of the main receiver and RTWP of the diversity receiver is basically the same, and the RTWP fluctuation is
consistent.
1.The RF channel parameters are configured incorrectly, resulting in inconsistent values between RTWP of the main receiver and RTWP of the
diversity receiver. In this case, you are advised to check the RF networking and channel parameter configuration (especially in the site with
complex feeder networking).
2. A TMA is faulty, resulting in abnormal uplink gain in one channel
Problems
Number of Users
 Abnormally high RTWP
A. If the RTWP is high for a long time, the possible causes are as follows:
1.An external interference source is always available.
2.Incorrect RF channel configuration: If a TMA is configured, but the channel attenuation value is not set, or the
channel attenuation value is set incorrectly, the RF channel configuration is incorrect.
3.If the distributed cell configuration is used in the multi-RRU networking scenario, the cell background noise rises.
B. If the RTWP rises to a peak and sustains for a short time, the possible causes are as follows:
1.An external intermittent interference source causes the RTWP of the main receiver and RTWP of the diversity
receiver rise within a short time.
2.The feeder system is disconnected or intermodulation interference exists.
3.Service problem: The RTWP of the main receiver and the RTWP of the diversity receiver sustain a short rise peak due
to the terminal services. If multiple users are connected within a short time, the link deletion of iPhone terminals
occurs.
Problems
Number of Users
Abnormally low RTWP
The graph shows that the RTWP of the main receiver
fluctuates greatly, but the RTWP of the diversity
receiver basically remains at –109 dBm. This problem
may be caused when the diversity receiver is not
connected to an antenna.
Problems
Number of Users
Abnormally low RTWP
 The RRU or the RFU antenna port is not connected to antennas.

 Incorrect RF channel parameter configuration: The incorrect configuration includes that of the RF channel interconnection mode
for different RF modules and that of the RF channel gain.
 A TMA is faulty, and fails to provide the RF channel uplink gain.
 The RTWP problem determined based on the RF module may be caused by software bugs.
Feeders are damaged and the uplink difference loss increases.
Problems
Number of Users
Abnormally low RTWP
 The RRU or the RFU antenna port is not connected to antennas.

 Incorrect RF channel parameter configuration: The incorrect configuration includes that of the RF channel interconnection mode
for different RF modules and that of the RF channel gain.
 A TMA is faulty, and fails to provide the RF channel uplink gain.
 The RTWP problem determined based on the RF module may be caused by software bugs.
Feeders are damaged and the uplink difference loss increases.
Problems
1.Method 3: Identifying a Problem by Analyzing Services and Interference Based on the NodeB CDT Tracing
If an RTWP problem cannot be identified based on the analysis of the RTWP of the main receiver and RTWP of the diversity receiver
in a cell, use the NodeB CDT to check whether the external interference or the internal service causes the problem. The NodeB CDT
tracing provides the reported 2-ms RTWP data which can be matched with the service condition at the physical layer. In addition,
match the data with the service condition and analyze the problem based on the provided figure collection.
5. Troubleshooting Procedure
Checking the RF Channel Parameter Configuration
⦁ Symptom
The settings of RF-related parameters are improper. As a result, the PN and RTWP always rise or decrease by X dB.
TMA Gain and Working Mode
If the TMA gain is set incorrectly, the cell RTWP (background noise) is abnormal (higher or lower than the normal value). If the TMA
works in Bypass mode, the cell has no uplink gain. As a result, the cell uplink coverage reduces, affecting the KPIs and cell background
noise.
The recommended values are as follows:
TMA gain: varies according to the actual TMA capacity.
Working mode: Normal
2. Receiving channel attenuation value
These commands are run when a TMA is available. This function is enabled to adjust the attenuation value when the channel background
noise rises due to the TMA gain. If the parameters are set to values that are smaller than required configuration, the RTWP rises
abnormally. If the parameters are set to values that are larger than required configuration, the RTWP decreases abnormally. If the
receiving channel attenuation value is set, but no TMA is installed, the RTWP is abnormally low.
The recommended value is as follows:

 If a TMA is available on the feeder and the device runs properly, set the RF channel attenuation value as follows:
RF channel attenuation value = TMA gain – RF cable attenuation volume
 If no TMA is available on the feeder, set the RF channel attenuation value to 0.
1. Initial RTWP calibration values
The value is used when a RTWP problem occurs due to the abnormal RF receiving channel. For the available RF modules, the receiving
channels have been calibrated at delivery. Therefore, this function is enabled to adjust the channels only when a great RTWP
difference is caused due to the abnormal RF receiving channels. The value ranges from –13 dB to 13 dB. If the initial RTWP calibration
value is set incorrectly, the cell RTWP may be abnormal.
Recommended value: 0
Usually, the initial RTWP calibration value is set to 0. You are advised not to set the initial RTWP calibration value instead of the
receiving channel attenuation value.
3. RF desensitivity volume
This function is enabled to set the RF Desensitivity parameter of the RF channels. You can set the RF Desensitivity parameter to
adjust the uplink desensitivity volume and reduce the receiver sensitivity. The setting of the parameter affects all cells in an RRU. If
the parameter is set incorrectly, the cell uplink coverage is affected in terms of the cell KPIs and cell RTWP.
If the parameter is set when the uplink sensitivity of the whole RF module must be reduced, the allowed values are 0 dB and 10 dB.
4. Desensitization intensity
This function is enabled to query the RF channel desensitization parameter. After setting the cell desensitization value, you can
reduce the cell uplink sensitivity. If the parameter is set incorrectly, the cell uplink coverage, the cell KPIs, and cell RTWP are
affected.
If the command is run when the uplink sensitivity of a single cell must be reduced, the parameter values are between 0 dB and 30
dB.
Rules for Identifying Interference
The interference is categorized into the following types based on the actual conditions:
1. Internal interference and external interference (based on the interference source)
Internal interference: The interfering signals generated in the feeder system are the source of internal interference, for example, intermodulation interference.
External interference: The interfering signals generated on an air interface are the source of external interference. For example, the PHS signals, the GSM
signals, and interference from an abnormal interference source are all known as external interference.
If the onsite conditions allow, block the local cell and the adjacent cells and check whether the problem is caused by internal interference or external
interference.
2. Regular interference, continuous interference, and intermittent interference (based on the interference features)
 Regular interference: Such interference is normally caused by the interfering signals generated on external devices. Under the impacts of regular
interference, the cell RTWP rises to a peak consecutively and regularly.
 Continuous interference: Under the impacts of continuous interference, the cell RTWP sustains a high value at a certain time segment.
 Intermittent interference: Under the impacts of intermittent interference, a cell is interfered with irregularly, and the interference time cannot be
determined.
Compared with intermittent interference, the regular interference and continuous interference can be troubleshot easily because of the
stable and obvious symptoms. The interference source of intermittent interference cannot be effectively located.
3. Single-site interference and multi-site interference (based on the interference distribution)

 Single-site interference: When a single site or a single cell is interfered with, the interference source may be near the site or the feeder.
 Multi-site interference: When multi-site with consecutive coverage or multiple cells are interfered with, a signal source with high
power may be available within the coverage.
Single-site interference is normally caused when an interference source is near the feeder. Therefore, the interference source can be
quickly located by troubleshooting.
Multi-site interference must be troubleshot by the geographical auxiliary tool such as MapInfo. The interference scope is determined based
on the engineering parameter data and cell RTWP data. Then the interference source can be determined after the interference center is
located.
Intermodulation Interference
⦁ Symptom
The RTWP changes according to the DL output power. When the output power is high, the RTWP rises.
When the output power is low, the RTWP decreases. When no power is output, the RTWP recovers
normally.
⦁ Causes
The PIM feature refers to the intermodulation effect caused by the built-in non-linear features of the passive components such as the
connector, antenna feeder, antenna, and filter in the environment of multi-carrier with high-power signals. Usually, the passive
components are linear. In the environment of high power, the passive components have non-linear features to some extent. The non-
linear features are generated due to the following factors: contact of different metal materials, unsmooth contact surface of the same
material, loose connection between connectors, and magnetic substances. The passive components of the antenna feeder system,
such as the connector, feeder, antenna, and filter are not securely connected and water comes into them. For the same set of antenna
feeders, the carrier power rises as the increase of the number of carriers input into the antenna feeder. As a result, severe PIM is
generated in the antenna feeder system. For the same band, systems in low bands (such as 850 MHz and 900 MHz) are more
vulnerable to the impact of PIM than systems in high bands (such as 2100 MHz). Take band 8 as an example. The gap between the
uplink frequency and the downlink frequency is 45 MHz. For band 1, the gap between uplink frequency and downlink frequency is 190
MHz. Therefore, the gap of band 1 is wider than that of band 8.
To judge whether the antenna feeder intermodulation causes the problem:

- Increase the downlink output power. After that, check the relationship between the RTWP and the downlink output power of the NodeB.
- Trace the RTWP in on-line mode and analyze the relationship between the traced RTWP at NodeB and the downlink output power of the NodeB.
By increasing the downlink output power, check the relationship between RTWP and the downlink output power of the NodeB as follows:
- In idle hours when almost no traffic exists (when power of the top port on the RF module approaches the sum of the pilot power and power of
other public channels), trace the RTWP which must be low. The traced RTWP is about –105 dBm (value of the PN). Record the RTWP value.
- trace the change trend of RTWP of the main receiver and RTWP of the diversity receiver in a cell on the NodeB LMT.
On the NodeB LMT, start real-time tracing of RTWP and output power from the RF module. Check the change of RTWP of the main
receiver and RTWP of the diversity receiver and the output power of the RF module. If the output power of the module increases, the
RTWP rises. If the output power decreases, the RTWP declines. In this case, intermodulation may exist in the antenna feeder system. If the
change trend of RTWP is irrelevant to the output power of the RF module, no intermodulation exists in the antenna feeder system.
1.Case Review
Examples for abnormal RTWP due to other internal interference
(1) Multi-frequency intermodulation caused by load

The system is a DAS. The 3G signals combine with the 2G signals of carrier S and the 2G signals of carrier P at the same time. Carrier P uses
the frequency 747 MHz while carrier S uses the frequency 850 MHz and the frequency hopping (FH) 815 MHz. Figure 4-17 shows the
traced RTWP in the current site:
The interference in the cell is caused by the loose connection of load.
Once the load is touched, the RTWP changes greatly.
The RTWP change features are as follows: The RTWP of the main
receiver is irrelevant to RTWP of the diversity receiver. Interference is
affected by traffic volume to a certain extent. The RTWP fluctuates at
large margin. The interference continues for a certain period. The time-
based change of RTWP is irregular.
1.Case Review

(2) Multi-frequency intermodulation caused by improper connection of multiple RF connectors (such as duplexer connector,
feeder, and jumper)
The site is an indoor site where multiple carriers share one DAS. Therefore, the structure of the antenna feeder is complex, wherein the
Hybrid coupler connector, feeder, and jumper are poorly connected.
The RTWP change features are as follows: The RTWP fluctuates at large
margin. Interference continues for a certain period. The time-based
change of RTWP is irregular.
1.Case Review

(3) Intra-frequency intermodulation caused by poor connection between the feeder and the jumper
The 2G signals in the site that are transmitted on the combined channel with 3G signals occupy one frequency. The feeder cable and
jumper connector are poorly connected. As a result, intermodulation interference occurs in the site. Figure 4-19 shows the structure of
the antenna feeder and the traced RTWP:
The RTWP change features are as follows: The
RTWP of the main receiver is irrelevant to RTWP of
the diversity receiver. The RTWP fluctuates at large
margin. Interference continues for a certain period.
The time-based change of RTWP is irregular.
1.Case Review

(4) Multi-frequency intermodulation generated by 2G and 3G signals together
In an indoor site, the 2G signals combine with 3G signals. The site shares one DAS with other carriers. Figure 4-20
shows the traced RTWP in the site.
The main receiver interference (red lines) shown in

the preceding figure is caused by intermodulation
generated by DCS signals and 3G signals at a certain
connector. The RTWP change features are as
follows: The RTWP of the main receiver is irrelevant
to RTWP of the diversity receiver. The RTWP
fluctuates at large margin. Interference continues
for a certain period. The time-based change of
RTWP is irregular.
Inter-RAT Interference
No specific symptom identifies the interference from an external source. Therefore, the interference from an external source must be
excluded first before locating RTWP abnormalities.
The standard bandwidth of UMTS signals is 5 Mbit/s. The signals of interference from an external source contain the narrowband
interfering signals with the bandwidth less than 5 Mbit/s and wideband interfering signals with the bandwidth greater than 5 Mbit/s.
The signals with the bandwidth equal to 5 Mbit/s are rare and can be omitted.
⦁ Causes
1. Illegitimate occupation of frequencies: Other systems (such as a communication system or a microwave system)
illegitimately occupy the RX frequencies configured for carriers, resulting in the in-band co-channel interference for
the uplink band.
2. Insufficient out-band radiation of other systems: The 3GPP protocol defines the bandwidth of the downlink (DL)
signals of communication systems. If the out-band radiation of other communication systems fails to meet the
specified scope, the generated out-band radiation falls in the RX band exactly, resulting in in-band co-channel
interference. In addition, for the indoor distributed antenna system (DAS) with multiple systems combined, if the
isolation between the of combiner units is insufficient, the RAT is interfered with by scattered out-band
interference between systems.
3. Out-band congestion: The local frequency resources are allocated on the adjacent channels of the RX band of the
local RAT, allowing the DL signals of other systems. If the isolation between the local RAT antenna and another
system antenna is insufficient, the out-band congestion interference occurs.
⦁ Causes
1. Illegitimate occupation of frequencies: Other systems (such as a communication system or a microwave system)
illegitimately occupy the RX frequencies configured for carriers, resulting in the in-band co-channel interference for
the uplink band.
2. Insufficient out-band radiation of other systems: The 3GPP protocol defines the bandwidth of the downlink (DL)
signals of communication systems. If the out-band radiation of other communication systems fails to meet the
specified scope, the generated out-band radiation falls in the RX band exactly, resulting in in-band co-channel
interference. In addition, for the indoor distributed antenna system (DAS) with multiple systems combined, if the
isolation between the of combiner units is insufficient, the RAT is interfered with by scattered out-band
interference between systems.
3. Out-band congestion: The local frequency resources are allocated on the adjacent channels of the RX band of the
local RAT, allowing the DL signals of other systems. If the isolation between the local RAT antenna and another
system antenna is insufficient, the out-band congestion interference occurs.
Network Planning
If a neighboring cell is missing in the configuration, a few of UEs under the missing neighboring cell cannot be switched over to the
local cell even when the UEs are far away from the neighboring cell and enters the coverage area of the local cell. With the increase of path
loss between the UEs and the missing neighboring cell, the RX power rises.
Strong Coverage
The RX power of UEs ranges from –50 dBm to +21 dBm. When the power control is normal, the UEs can adjust the TX power with the
change of wireless channel. When the wireless channel is in over-coverage state, the TX power is higher than the required TX power on the
NodeB even if the UEs transmit signals at the minimum TX power. As a result, the RTWP rises.
Symptom
The maximum rise margin of the RTWP in this case is relatively small (for example, the maximum rise margin ranges from 10 dB to 20 dB).
The duration of an RTWP peak, however, is long, ranging from one minute to dozens of minutes. In addition, if the RTWP is traced by day,
the RTWP peak occurs regularly. For the cells covering special scenarios such as stadium and exhibition and convention center, the
occurrence of RTWP peak may not be regular.
Strong Coverage
For indoor sites, analyze the conceptual diagram of the system to check whether power at the antenna port is high. In
addition, check whether the antenna is mounted high, insufficiently, or near UEs according to the actual conditions.
Generally, a distance of two meters must be kept between the indoor antenna and UEs.
Based on the MR data, gather statistics of the distribution of coupling loss in the cell. Check whether the coupling loss is
small. (Generally, the minimum coupling loss must be greater than 70 dB.) If no, no power control failure occurs due to
strong coverage.
Strong Coverage
For indoor sites, analyze the conceptual diagram of the system to check whether power at the antenna port is high. In
addition, check whether the antenna is mounted high, insufficiently, or near UEs according to the actual conditions.
Generally, a distance of two meters must be kept between the indoor antenna and UEs.
Based on the MR data, gather statistics of the distribution of coupling loss in the cell. Check whether the coupling loss is
small. (Generally, the minimum coupling loss must be greater than 70 dB.) If no, no power control failure occurs due to
strong coverage.
For an indoor site, the indoor coverage vendors must rectify the antenna feeder system.
Traffic Measurement Capacity or Service (Such as Product Bugs) Factors
1.Symptom
The RTWP problem caused by high traffic has the following symptoms (based on the real-time RTWP data on the RNC LMT):
1.The rise in the number of users in a cell is consistent with the cell RTWP rise. Generally, if the number of users in a cell
rises, the service proportion for a carrier does not change greatly. In addition, the number of users in a cell almost equals
the traffic performance of the related device in Huawei. (A related figure is required.)
2.The number of users in a cell increases sharply in a sudden manner, causing RTWP peaks.
6. Improvement Actions for RTWP Problems
1. Improvement Actions on the Feeder System
1.1. for Intermodulation Problems
If the feeder system is under the impact of intermodulation interference, take the following improvement actions:
1.Testthe feeders with intermodulation interference to locate the components with intermodulation problems. Replace
such components with required ones.
2.Check whether metal obstructions are available in front of antennas. If yes, adjust the tilt angle of antennas to prevent
signals from being transmitted to the metal obstructions directly.
3.In a multi-frequency feeder system, calculate the 3-order, 5-order, 7-order, and 9-order intermodulation products
between all frequencies to prevent the frequency signals from falling onto the cell uplink bands. If the frequency signals
fall onto the cell uplink bands, ensure that the intermodulation counter of the feeder system meets the requirement to
avoid interference.
1. Improvement Actions on the Feeder System
1.1. Improvement Actions on External Interference
If the system is under the impact of external interference, take the following improvement actions:
- For the area-based interference caused by a large interference source, locate the interference source and rectify the
fault.
- For the interference source in a single site or in a single cell (for example, the interfering signals are generated in other
feeder systems), adjust the horizontal and vertical distances between the feeders and the interference points to increase
the isolation.
- For the wide uplink interference from foreign systems (such as the CDMA system), install a filter in the system to reduce
the interference.
2. Improvement Actions for RF-related Configuration Problems
1. In a complex feeder system, measure the feeder loss accurately and then adjust the channel attenuation value. For example, check the
combiner, divider, and splitter usage in the feeder system.
2. In a repeater, adjust the repeater parameters to avoid the interference with the cell uplink service.
3. If the cell coverage scope is abnormal, change the tilt angle of feeders to adjust the coverage scope and reduce the impact of abnormal
service on the RTWP.
4. Check the cell scenario. For example, if a cell is configured with 2-antenna, but the actual scenario is a single-antenna cell, adjust the cell
configuration to a single antenna.
5. For a scenario configured with distributed cells, adjust the background noise value of the cell.
6. If two RF modules are in the same cabinet, and the RF interconnection mode-based scenario is required, check whether the RF
interconnection mode is enabled. In addition, the RF interconnection links must be online. If the RF interconnection links are offline, no
signals are available in the diversity receiver.
2. Improvement Action for Device Capacity
1. In a site where the baseband resource capacity is limited, the RTWP may be higher than the expected value due to user
access congestion. In this case, the size capacity must be expanded to reduce the traffic in the NodeBs.
2. When the free capacity of a service processing board on the MBSC side is insufficient, the cells created based on the board
may be inaccessible. As a result, the user accesses congest. In this case, adjust the service subrack capacity on the MBSC of
the NodeB to reduce the traffic on the service processing board.
3. In a multicarrier sector, a suitable cell load policy ensures the effective usage of NodeB resources. If the policy is used
incorrectly, users served in some cells encounter access congestion, resulting in abnormally high RTWP. In this case, properly
adjust the cell load policy to ensure the user load balancing between cells.
4. If the transport is limited, the transport resources may not be allocated, resulting in difficult user access. In this case, expand
the capacity for transport.
5. If the RTWP is high when the capacity on the air interface is limited, but the free baseband resource capacity is rich, use the
4-antenna rectification solution to improve the UL capacity and reduce the cell RTWP.

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UMTS RTWP Troubleshooting

Rise volume (X) = TMA gain – Antenna feeder/Jumper attenuation

1. Auto-adaptive background noise update switch is OFF.

(RTWP – (–112) x 10 + 1 = BackgroundNoise

Query and Configuration of PN:

2. Auto-adaptive background noise update switch is ON.

The total NodeB noise includes:

ALM-26522 RF Unit RX Channel RTWP/RSSI Unbalanced

ALM-26521 RF Unit RX Channel RTWP/RSSI Too Low

ALM-26532 RF Unit Hardware Fault

ALM-26752 ALD Hardware Fault

ALM-26758 TMA Running Data and Configuration Mismatch

ALM-26755 TMA Bypass

ALM-26757 RET Antenna Running Data and Configuration Mismatch

ALM-26541 ALD Maintenance Link Failure

ALM-26529 RF Unit VSWR Threshold Crossed

Background Noise Rise When No User Is Connected:

RNC performance measurement counters (intermittent interference)

The figure shows that the difference between RTWP of the

 The RRU or the RFU antenna port is not connected to antennas.

 The RRU or the RFU antenna port is not connected to antennas.

The recommended value is as follows:

3. Single-site interference and multi-site interference (based on the interference distribution)

To judge whether the antenna feeder intermodulation causes the problem:

Examples for abnormal RTWP due to other internal interference

(1) Multi-frequency intermodulation caused by load

Examples for abnormal RTWP due to other internal interference

Examples for abnormal RTWP due to other internal interference

Examples for abnormal RTWP due to other internal interference

The main receiver interference (red lines) shown in

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