Optimizing the 4G Mobility Strategy after Diagnosing Network Sub-Performance Areas

This paper proposes a generic mobility optimization framework for 4th Generation (4G) networks. It is based on two types of Drive Test (DT) data: dedicated and scanner modes. It proposes an algorithm that jointly analyses both data sources, whereas the dedicated data is used as a network performance reference, the scanner data evaluates the radio resources for a possible optimization. Thus, under-performance regions representing areas of low coverage are firstly identified, and optimized either through logical parameters or physical ones. The proposed algorithm focus on logical parameters optimization, more specifically handover parameters. It introduces a novel cost function to evaluate the performance of new configurations, based on three fundamental pillars; signal strength level maximization, ping-pong handover effect reduction and parameter stability assurance. The results are promising as they were developed and validated using real Mobile Network Operator (MNO) data and in certain scenarios a signal strength level improvement of more than 30% has been attained while minimizing the number of handovers and ping-pong effects.