References and testimonials

2G/2.5G/3G access network optimization

One of the world’s top 5 operators uses Astellia systems to maximise its entire access network (2G, 3G). It has always been aware of the importance of the access network in providing good QoS/QoE and it is giving itself the means of guaranteeing this quality by deploying Astellia systems in 2G and 3G successively.

Astellia KPIs and analysis functions are a perfect way of completing the data provided by OMC counters (ping pong handovers, neighbouring, CIC detection and advanced fraud). The behaviour of the new equipment and the network generally can be assessed during swaps or software releases. Roaming is analysed to identify and maximise the cells affected by the loss and the capture of roamers, leading to higher revenue. Identification of the provision of the wrong handset for data calls also helps to increase roamers’ ARPU.

In GPRS, usage focusses mainly on cell congestion and “per service” analysis to evaluate the ROI and QoS. The carrier monitors every regional sub-network and shares the information company-wide. In 3G, the flexibility of the Astellia system allows the company to respond to very different analysis requirements when deploying network services or equipment, e.g. 3G/2G handovers, neighbouring, etc. The “Handset profiling” capability helps to identify the highest ARPU generating handsets.

Benefits :

Extensive information about the RAN
Analysis capacity matching nearly all kinds of RAN issue
Enhances the OMC/OSS-based performance indicators.

Assistance with network operation for a major pan-African group

A major pan-African operator asked Astellia for technical backup and assistance with the operation of its GSM/GPRS networks. The operator wanted periodical, customised reporting of network performance with comments and suggestions, as well as investigations of specific topics, on request.

Astellia deployed its monitoring system on 15 of the group’s networks. Astellia manages the system from a central site and our experts, working solely on this operator’s networks, draft customised reports on busy hours performance (weekly), network and roaming trends (monthly and yearly) and global network behaviour (yearly). They include recommendations, as well as any problems observed.

Astellia also trains the operator’s personnel in the use of the system and the interpretation of results.

Benefits :

Periodic reporting including expert comments
100% usage of the installed monitoring capability
Lower OPEX.

3G deployment

The Astellia solution supports the local strategy of a top 5 carrier focussing on the introduction of up-to-date 3G services.

Noting the massive expansion and variety of innovative services and related handsets, this carrier had to be able to measure and analyze the end-to-end QoS experienced by its subscribers. Its current solutions did not do this: OSS is network-equipment oriented, drive tests take time, the number of surveyed subscribers and coverage are limited and the same applies to active probing.

The operator chose Astellia, a company which also quickly and clearly identifies responsibilities amongst RAN, core and transmission departments when an issue arises.

The Astellia solution monitors the top 15 cities (24/7 monitoring of Iub traffic, cyclic monitoring of Iub traffic focussing on different RNCs) and provides on-demand regional monitoring (stand-alone configurations covering on demand tuning of an area further to regulator audit, equipment swaps, software releases etc).

Benefits :

End-to-end vision producing macro-indicators that depict the real QoS experienced by subscribers
Efficient acceptance tests for new equipment or service releases
Drastic reduction of drive-test costs dedicated to radio planning and optimization
Handset, vendor and cluster benchmarking based on real usage.