Training Solutions

GPRS and EDGE Performance Workshop

This unique course prepares participants to use available tools to manage the performance of their GPRS networks. GPRS and EDGE network equipment offers a wide array of performance features such as on-demand allocation of GPRS/EDGE channels. When properly used, these features provide a very high quality data services network. However, to achieve optimal performance, network operators must know how to collect the right set of performance measurements, interpret those measurements, and adjust network parameters when improvements are needed. Students learn to use the performance counters provided by their network equipment coupled with statistics and tracing capabilities of their drive test tools to measure network performance. Where possible, the course is conducted on-site in a workshop format, using network statistics and drive test results from the students’ own live network.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the student will be able to:
• Discuss the key differences associated with supporting IP based services in comparison to voice services
• Describe the configuration parameters available and their impact on GPRS and EDGE network operations
• Interpret key GPRS and EDGE network performance measurements
• Explain the impact GPRS and EDGE have on GSM control channels and voice traffic channels
• Describe how to dimension the dedicated and on-demand GPRS and EDGE channels (PDCH)
• Explain how to engineer and dimension the Abis link between the BSC and the BTS to support E-GPRS channels
• Measure the latency and average throughput in your network and learn the impact on the subscriber’s application
• Discuss the intricacies of setting up a Packet Data Session
• Describe how to isolate failures and successfully troubleshoot problems
• Realize the impact EDGE (E-GPRS) has on the performance of a GSM/GPRS network
• Describe the advanced E-GPRS features including Incremental Redundancy (IR) and Link Adaptation

Intended Audience

This course is intended for a technical audience, primarily those in RF design, engineering and performance organizations.

Suggested Prerequisites

• Exploring GSM (Instructor Led)
• Exploring GPRS and EDGE (Instructor Led)

Course Length

3 Days Instructor Led

Course Outlines / Knowledge Knuggets

1. Optimizing Wireless Data Networks
1.1. Performance analysis process and tools

2. Review of GPRS Principles
2.1. Network architecture
2.2. Basic operations
2.3. Usage scenarios

3. Internet Essentials
3.1. Addressing
3.2. Basic protocols: IP, TCP, UDP, DNS
3.3. IP routing principles
3.4. End-to-end example of packet routing
3.5. Security and VPNs

4. Cell Selection, Mobility and Establishing Sessions
4.1. Cell selection and reselection
4.2. Attach, routing area update and PDP contexts
4.3. Mobile message traces
4.4. Configurable parameters
4.5. SGSN statistics

5. TBF Setup and Retransmission
5.1. TBF establishment
5.2. Impact of retransmissions on throughput
5.3. BSS Statistics

6. Radio Link Performance
6.1. Power control
6.2. Measurements
6.3. Link adaptation
6.4. Incremental redundancy
6.5. Mobile message traces
6.6. Adjustable parameters
6.7. Network statistics

7. Application Performance on GPRS and EDGE
7.1. WAP, Web and VPN
7.2. TCP performance of GPRS and EDGE networks

8. Dimensioning GPRS and EDGE Channels
8.1. Fixed vs. On-demand PDCHs
8.2. Dimensioning (PDCHs)
8.3. Dimensioning the A-bis for E-GPRS
8.4. Determine the impact to voice traffic

9. Future GPRS and EDGE Improvements
9.1. Gs interface
9.2. Separate packet control channels

CATALOG

Download our course catalog!

2010 Catalog,
pdf format (7.8 MB)