WCDMA RF Optimization: Mobility Optimization

Chapter 9

Mobility optimization

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Content

Introduction.................................................................................................................................................. 3
1. Handover ............................................................................................................................................. 4
1.1. Handover Types ......................................................................................................................... 5
1.2. Soft Handover ............................................................................................................................. 6
1.2.1. SHO: Measurement Control ............................................................................................. 8
1.2.2. SHO Events......................................................................................................................... 9
1.2.3. Soft Handover Signalling ................................................................................................. 18
1.2.4. Inter-RNC SHO ................................................................................................................. 18
1.3. Softer Handover ....................................................................................................................... 19
1.4. Hard Handover ......................................................................................................................... 20
1.5. Inter-Frequency & Inter-System handover ........................................................................... 23
1.5.1. Compressed Mode ........................................................................................................... 23
1.5.2. Inter-System Handover between GSM and WCDMA ................................................. 25
1.5.3. Inter-Frequency handovers within WCDMA ................................................................. 26
2. SRNS Relocation ............................................................................................................................. 27
3. Cell Selection .................................................................................................................................... 30
3.1. Cell Selection Criterion S ........................................................................................................ 32
3.2. Pcompensation ......................................................................................................................... 34
4. Cell Re-Selection .............................................................................................................................. 36
4.1. Cell Reselection: Measurement Rules .................................................................................. 37
4.2. Cell Reselection: R-Criterion .................................................................................................. 38

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Introduction

This chapter describes all aspects of handover in a Wideband Code Division Multiple
Access Radio Access Network (WCDMA RAN) system.

Handover occurs as User Equipment (UE) moves between cells with connection quality
maintained with as little radio resource usage as possible. The following types of
handover are described:

 Soft/Softer Handover.

 Inter-Frequency Handover.

 Inter-Radio Access Technology (Inter-RAT) Handover.

 SRNC Re-location.

 Cell Selection.

 Cell Re-selection.

In idle mode and connected mode on common channels, mobility is supported by cell
selection/reselection. In RRC connected mode (Cell-DCH) the mobility is supported by
handover.

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1. Handover

The Handover control (HC) RRM entity in the SRNC manages user mobility in call
(CELL_DCH) by ensuring that UE is always served by the optimal cell(s) in order to
ensure quality, minimize interference and optimize the available capacity.

In UMTS technology the handovers can be inter-system (from GSM 900/1800 to WCDMA
and vice versa) or intra-system (inside the WCDMA radio network technology).

The inter-system handover is known as a hard handover, because the user equipment
doesn’t maintain simultaneous connections. So the UE breaks the old connection first of
all and then establishes a new connection.

The intra-system handovers in UMTS are classified as being from one frequency band to
another (inter-frequency handover) or as being inside the same WCDMA frequency band
(intra-frequency handover).

The inter-frequency handovers are similar to the inter-system handovers and are hard
handovers, it could be a handover from one cell layer to another.

The intra-frequency handovers could be a soft-handovers or softer-handovers. In soft or

softer handover the UE connected to the old cell and to the new cell simultaneously for a
period of time.

In UMTS, unlike in GSM, all UEs use the same frequency (if there is only one layer) all
the time. So, one of the UMTS network characteristic is that the network can be
communicate with the UE through different Node B (These Node B can belong to different
RNC) and also through different RNC (DRNC and SRNC).

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1.1. Handover Types

In WCDMA there are many handover types:

• Intra-Frequency Handovers
- Softer Handover
• Handover between sectors of the same Node B (handled by BTS)
• No extra transmissions across Iub interface
• Maximum Ratio Combining (MRC) is occurring in both the UL & DL.

- Soft Handover
• UE simultaneously connected to multiple cells (from different Node
Bs or the same NodeB but different LCGs)
• Extra transmission across Iub, more baseband processing units are
needed (compared to non-SHO)
• Mobile Evaluated Handover (MEHO)
• DL/UE: MRC & UL/RNC: Frame selection combining

- Hard Handover
• Arises when inter-RNC SHO is not possible (Iur not supported or Iur
congestion)
• Decision procedure is the same as SHO (MEHO and RNC
controlled)
• Causes temporary disconnection of the (RT) user

• Inter-Frequency Handover
- Can be intra-BS, intra-RNC, inter-RNC
- Network Evaluated Handover (NEHO)
- Decision algorithm located in RNC.

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• Inter-RAT Handover
- Handovers between WCDMA and GSM (NEHO), WCDMA and LTE or
GAN (WLAN)

Figure: Handover Types

1.2. Soft Handover

Unlike in GSM, in UMTS technology, the network can communicate with UE through
different Node B. For this purpose, the 3GPP introduced the active set list. An active set
list is a group of cells, through which the UE has a connection to the network. The UE can
connect to the network through three cells at the same time. In case of soft handover,
the UE is connected to at least two Node B simultaneously.

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In the downlink direction, the user equipment uses the RAKE receiver to combine signals
from different Node B.

In the uplink direction, the signals from UE come to the SRNC through different Node Bs
or from DRNC. The SRNC forward these signals to the core network.

In the soft handover the target cell and the source cell has the same frequency.

The soft handover is performed between at least two cells belong to different Node Bs,
but is not necessarily belong to the same RNC.

When the UE moves from Node B1 (site 1) to Node B2 (site 2), the signal from source
cell (Node B1) gets worse and the signals from the target cell (Node B 2) gets clearer.
For certain period of time the UE connected to the network through two Node Bs, this
phenomenon called macro diversity.

Figure: Soft Handover

There are several types of Soft Handover:

 Soft handover: Intra Node B/Intra RNS: This handover type is done if the UE
moves from one cell to another cell that both belong to the same Node B.

 Soft handover: Inter Node B/Intra RNS: This handover type is done if the UE
moves from one cell to another cell belong to another Node B, but both Node Bs

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belong to the same RNS. That means they are connected to and managed by the
same RNC.

 Soft handover :Inter Node B/Inter RNS/Intra MSC: If the UE moves from a cell
in one Node B to a cell in another Node B that belong to different RNS the handover
is called soft handover (intra RNC).

 Soft handover :Inter Node B/Inter RNS/Inter SGSN: In this case the UE moves
from a cell in one Node B to a cell in another Node B that belongs to a different
RNS. The Node Bs are connected to different RNCs and those two RNCs are also
connected to different SGSNs. In this case the UE even has to be relocated to the
new SGSN.

1.2.1. SHO: Measurement Control

 The handover measurement is based on CPICH Ec/Io.

 The accuracy of pilot Ec/Io measurements is important for handover performance.

 Measurement accuracy depends on the filtering length and mobile speed.

 When a MS moves slowly or is stationary, filtering length (in ms) has to

be just long enough to avoid fast fades leading to errors and causing

unnecessary handovers within a short period.

 Long filtering length will cause handover delays to fast moving MS.

 UE can perform averaging on EC/IO measurement prior to the event reporting

process.

 The measurement period for intra-frequency CPICH EC/IO measurements used

by UE is defined by a parameter (default = x ms).

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 RNC averages CPICH Ec/Io measurements to define the number of event

triggered or periodic intra-frequency measurement reports used by RNC to

calculate averaged CPICH EC/IO (default = N Measurements).

Figure: SHO measurement control

1.2.2. SHO Events

In the UE, measured cells are divided into the following three types:

 Active Set Cells: Is defined as the set of cells which communicate simultaneously
with the UE. The UE information is sent from all those cells. Cells in an active set
are intra-frequency cells, so those cells are involved in Softer/Soft handovers.

 Monitored Set Cells: The adjacent cells delivered by the RNC and broadcasted
in the cell (SIB11 and SIB11bis). Some cells in adjacent cells list have already
entered in the active set (during Soft or Softer handover) and the remaining other
cells are in monitored sets. The monitored cells can consist of inter-RAR cells,
Intra-frequency cells and Inter-Frequency cells.

 Detected Set Cells: Is refer to these cells detected by the User Equipment, which
are neither in the Monitored Set nor in the Active Set.

Note: All the intra-frequency reporting events are identified with 1X.

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The Handover Control supports the following measurement reporting events and
features:

 Event 1A: A primary CPICH enters the reporting range (Ncell addition).

 Event 1B: A primary CPICH leaves the reporting range (Ncell deletion).

 Event 1C: A non-active CPICH becomes better than an active primary CPICH

(Ncell replacement).

1.2.2.1. Event 1A: Active Set Addition of cells

The Event 1A refer to Primary CPICH EcNo enters the reporting range (Active Set
Addition of cell from Monitored set). When the UE has entered the Cell_DCH state, then
when a primary pilot channel (P-CPICH), not included in the Active Set, enters the
reporting range Event 1A, and the measured value remains in reporting Range Event 1A
at least a time equal to TimeToTrigger1A, event 1a occurs. The User Equipment will send
a measurement report message to SRNC for event 1A.

In order to reduce the signaling, the TimeToTrigger1A (Addition Time) parameter is used
so that the User Equipment will not trigger measurement reporting directly when the
primary pilot channel enters the reporting range. But will wait for a certain period of time
called TimeToTrigger1A.

If CPICH3 EcNo remains within reporting range for a time period defined by
TimeToTrigger1A, and the AS is not full, UE sends measurement report to SRNC which
adds new cell to Active Set if possible. The SRNC will deliver an ACTIVE SET UPDATE
signaling message to update the active set. However, the SRNC may be give no response
after the UE sends the measurement report (for example, due to insufficient capacity). If
SRNC is unable to add the new cell to Active Set, UE will wait for a period of time, defined
by AdditionReportingInterval after the first measurement report, before sending further

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reports periodically, with interval AdditionReportingInterval, until the new cell moves
out of reporting range, or the SRNC adds the new cell to Active Set.

Note: That a cell enters reportingRange1A means that its measured P-CPICH EcNo
follows the rule:

Measured P-CPICH EcNo new cell > P-CPICH EcNo of the Best Cell in the Active Set
- reportingRange1

Typical handover parameters: Window to add (Reporting range Event 1A): 1–4 dB.

Figure: Reporting Events 1A Concepts

1.2.2.2. Event 1B: Active Set Deletion of cells

The Event 1B refer to Primary CPICH EcNo leaves reporting Range event 1B (Deletion
of serving cell from Active set). When the UE has entered the Cell_DCH state, then when
a primary pilot channel (P-CPICH), included in the Active Set, leaves reporting Range

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Event 1B, and the measured value remains outside the reporting Range event 1B during
a time at least equal to timeToTrigger1B, event 1B occurs. The User Equipment will send
a measurement report message for event 1B to the SRNC for event 1B. The SRNC drops
the cell from the Active Set and the User Equipment drops the cell from the Active Set.

In order to reduce the signaling, the TimeToTrigger1B (Drop Time) parameter is used so
that the User Equipment will not trigger measurement reporting directly when the primary
pilot channel leaves the reporting range. But will wait for a certain period of time called
TimeToTrigger1B.

Note: That a cell leaves reportingRange1B means that its measured P-CPICH follows
the rule:

Measured P-CPICH EcNo of the cell in Active Set < P-CPICH EcNo of the best cell
in the Active Set - reportingRange1b.

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Typical handover parameters: Window to drop (Reporting range Event 1B): 1–6 dB

Figure: Reporting Events 1B Concepts

1.2.2.3. Event 1C: Active Set Replacement of cells

The Event 1C refer to Primary Pilot Channel P-CPICH EcNo in a non-Active Set, becomes
stronger than the weakest Primary Pilot Channel P-CPICH EcNo + Replacement Window
in the Active Set for a period of time at least equal to Replacement Time and the Active
Set is full (the number of current cells in the Active Set is equal to maximum Active Set
parameter), event 1C occurs.

In order to reduce the signaling, the time to trigger event 1C (Replacement Time)
parameter is used so that the User Equipment will not trigger measurement reporting
directly when the event 1C occurs, however will wait for a certain period of time called
Replacement Time.
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If the difference between CPICH4 EcNo and CPICH3 EcNo become greater than the
Replacement Window for the period of time at least equal to Replacement Time and the
Active Set is full. Then the User Equipment sends measurement report to SRNC which
replacement of cell from the existing active set. The SRNC will deliver an ACTIVE SET
UPDATE signaling message to update the active set. However, the SRNC may be give
no response after the UE sends the measurement report. If the RNC is not able to replace
the new cell, the User Equipment continues to send measurement reports periodically,
with interval Replacement Reporting Interval, to the SRNC until CPICH4 falls out of
Replacement Window or the SRNC replaces CPICH4 by CPICH3.

This event can be described through the following figure:

In this example, the cells where P CPICH 1, P CPICH 2 and P CPICH 3 are belong to an
active set, while that of P CPICH 4 does not. This event is used to replace the poor cells
in the active set, if the number of cells in the active set reaches or exceeds active set
replacement threshold.

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Figure: Reporting Events 1C Concepts

1.2.2.4. Forbidding Neighbour Cell from Reporting Range

The P-CPICH of certain cells can be forbidden from reporting range calculation in some
instances.

The figure below shows an example of forbidden neighbor cell from reporting range. The
PCPICH3 is forbidden to affect the reporting range as its quality is quite unstable.

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Figure: Forbidding cell from reporting range

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1.2.2.5. SHO Summary

The following table shows a summary of SHO.

Table: SHO Summary

 3GPP reporting events 1A, 1B & 1C (also 6F/6G).

 CPICH Ec/Io is used as a measurement quantity rather than CPICH RSCP (CPICH

Ec/Io measurements are more accurate).

 1A & 1B reporting range is defined by strongest active set cell.

 1C reporting range is defined by weakest active set cell.

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1.2.3. Soft Handover Signalling

The figure below illustrates the SHO signalling principle.

Figure: SHO Signaling

1.2.4. Inter-RNC SHO

Inter-RNC soft Handovers are performed if:

 Iur interface Support SHO: indicates the support of the user plane over Iur interface
(depending to the RNC hardware and configuration).

 Cell Configuration: indicates whether cell can participate in a SHO or not.

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Note:

 If one of the condition above is not fulfilled, Handover Control checks whether Hard
Handover is possible.

Figure: Inter RNC SHO

1.3. Softer Handover

The softer handover is a specific case of the soft handover. In softer handover, in uplink
direction the UE has active radio connections with the network through two cells belong
to the same Node B. But in downlink direction the UE transmits through one cell.

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The softer handover flow is similar to the soft handover flow between Node Bs with a
small difference. The difference is in the Iub interface messages, in softer handover the
message is a Radio Link Addition Request instead of the Radio Link Setup Request
message.

Figure: Softer Handover

1.4. Hard Handover

Like in the GSM technology, the UMTS hard handover is performed between two
WCDMA frequencies.

In case of hard handover, all the old radio links in the UE are broken before the new radio
links are established.

The hard handover is needed if the Iur interface between the RNCs doesn’t exist or is not
available. For example, between two RNCs coming from two different providers. Also
hard handover is needed if for some reason the frequency has to be changed. To change
the frequency, there are lots of reasons such as change of the radio access technology
(inter RAT handover) for example from GSM to UMTS (and vice versa) or to change
frequency layer (for example the UE moves from FDD layer one to FDD layer 2).

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1.4.1. Intra- frequency Hard Handover

In this case, the source cell and the target has the same frequency. But during the handover, the
UE has only one Radio Link with one cell. So the UE switch off the Radio Link with the original
cell and establish the Radio Link with the target cell.

This section describe with details the intra-frequency hard-handover steps.

 If the RNC is not able to add (Event 1A) or replace (1C) an New cell from the Active
Set, UE sends periodic measurement reports (Additional Reporting Interval or
Replacement Reporting Interval) until:
 New cell is added or replaced in to Active Set.
 New cell leaves reporting range.

 RNC may not be able to add or replace the new cell due to:
 Iur congestion.
 Inter-RNC SHO is prevented (RNC Configuration).

 If CPICH EC/NO of non-active new cell continues to increase it will cause

additional interference due to a non-optimal connection (point 2 in figure below).

 To avoid excessive uplink interference, RNC will perform an intra-frequency Hard

Handover if either of the following criteria are met (point3 in figure below):

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AveEcNoDownlink + HHoMarginAverageEcNo(n) < AvEcNoNcell(n)

EcNoDownlink + HHoMarginPeakEcNo(n) < EcNoNcell(n)

With:

• AveEcNoDownlink and AvEcNoNcell(n) = measured values for the best AS cell

and the nth NS cell.
• EcNoDownlink and EcNoNcell(n) = instantaneous values

• HHOMarginAverageEcNo = average Ec/N0 is a parameter will be configured in

the RNC.

• HHOMarginPeakEcNo = peak Ec/N0 margin is a parameter will be configured in

the RNC.

Figure: Intra-frequency Hard Handover steps

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The following figure shows the intra-frequency HHO when the Iur interface is not
available, for example between two RNCs coming from two different providers.

Figure: Intra-frequency Hard Handover

1.5. Inter-Frequency & Inter-System handover

1.5.1. Compressed Mode

WCDMA technology uses continuous transmission and reception, for this reason can’t
make inter-system measurements with a single receiver if there are no gaps generated
in the WCDMA signals.

So to perform an inter-system handover or inter-frequency handover, the UMTS

technology uses a specific functioning mode, this mode called compressed mode (slotted
mode).

The slotted mode, means the frame in the Uu interface are compressed to open a time
window. The slotted mode used by the UE to peek and decode the GSM BCCH
information.

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1.5.1.1. Compressed Mode types

 Gaps can be created using single or double frame approach.

 Because same data amount is sent in a shorter time more power is needed during
Compressed Mode (both in UE and BTS).

 Compressed Mode affects WCDMA Coverage (total coverage

reduction).

 Fast Power control information might be lost during the gap => higher Eb/No

 Affects WCDMA Capacity (Capacity degradation).

 Compressed frames may be lost if power control is not set correctly

 affects WCDMA Quality

 Single-frame method

Figure: CM Single-Frame method

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 Double-frame method

Figure: CM Double-Frame method

1.5.2. Inter-System Handover between GSM and WCDMA

GSM and WCDMA standards support handovers both ways between GSM and WCDMA.
These handovers can be used for load balancing or for coverage reasons.

Handovers from WCDMA to GSM is needed to offer continuous coverage, but the
handover from GSM to WCDMA used to increase the throughput. When the traffic in
WCDMA increases, so the WCDMA network triggers the load handovers in both
directions.

Figure: Inter-System Handover

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The inter-system measurements are not active at all the time, but are triggered when
there is a need to make it. When the measurements are triggered, first of all the UE
measures the powers signal strength of the GSM frequencies on the neighbor list. When
the SRNC receives those measurements, it orders the UE to decode the BSIC (Base
Station Identity Code) of the best GSM candidate. Then the SRNC sends a handover
command to UE.

Figure: Inter-System handover procedure

1.5.3. Inter-Frequency handovers within WCDMA

As most the UMTS operators has more than one FDD layer (frequency). The operator
can be started using one frequency. Furthermore, it can use a second or third frequency
layer to enhance the system capacity. So several frequencies can be used with different
ways: Macro and Micro layers using different frequencies or several frequencies on the
same sites for high capacity sites. Like in the inter-system handover, the compressed
mode is also used in the inter-frequency handovers.

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Figure: Inter-frequency Handover within WCDMA

2. SRNS Relocation

The role SRNC means the RNC maintains the Iu bearer and performs RAB mapping to
the radio bearers with respect to a single active UE.

Since the radio link components of the radio bearers may continuously change due to soft
handover, the SRNC may end up in the situation, where it does not manage any radio
links with its own Node Bs directly over the Iub anymore.

When this happens, the RAB mapping functionality should be changed to another RNC
which is in a better position to perform it. Since the RAB mapping requires the existence
of the Iu bearer in the same RNC, the CN connection will change, too.

The RRM procedure where the Iu bearer termination is changed from one RNC to another
(and at the same time the radio bearers) is called SRNS relocation.

The message flow of this procedure is illustrated in the following figure. In this figure, the
RNC1 is the original SRNC and the RNC2 is the RNC, which will adopt the SRNC
functionality.

When the original SRNC (RNC 1) realizes that the SRNC functionality should be
transferred to a better RNC candidate (RNC 2), it starts this procedure by contacting the
relevant CN domain with a RANAP relocation required message.

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This message contains the reason for the relocation, target RNS identification and UE
class mark information.

Based on the target RNS identification the CN domain is able to route this query further
onto the target RNS. This re-routed query is the RANAP relocation request message. In
addition to other relocation related information, the RANAP relocation request contains
information about bearer contexts with which the CN at the same time effectively moves
the RAB and RRC connection end-point from the original SRNC (RNC1) towards the
target SRNC (RNC2). If the target RNC is able to provide resources to handle the
incoming SRNC functionality it acknowledges the request back to the CN, which relays
this acknowledgement to the source RNS. From the RNC1 point of view this
acknowledgement is a command to start relocation, since everything should be now ready
in the target RNC. Upon receiving the RANAP relocation command the original SRNC
(RNC1) starts to forward data to the target SRNC (RNC2). The expected SRNC (RNC2)
realizes the incoming data and informs the CN domain about the detection of SRNS
relocation with the message RANAP relocation detect. Optionally, the source SRNC
(RNC1) may send a RNSAP SRNC relocation commit message to the target SRNC
(RNC2) over the Iur interface. In the case of SRNC relocation where the UE is not
involved, the UE is not aware of the message flow described above. If there is a need to
perform any RRC procedures, they are performed after the RANAP relocation detect
message. UTRAN may, for instance, send an RRC UTRAN mobility information message
to the UE. With this message the UTRAN updates C-RNTI and U-RNTI and possibly other
relevant MM information at the UE.

When all relevant RRC procedures are performed the new SRNC (RNC2) informs the CN
that SRNC relocation procedure is now complete by sending the message RANAP
relocation complete. This then triggers the CN to release resources related to the old
SRNC (RNC1) by issuing a RANAP Iu release message, which is acknowledged by the
old SRNC (RNC1). Now the user data flows will go through the new serving RNC and,
according to its role, it acts as the macro diversity combination point for the UE and also
controls all RRC activities for this UE.

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Figure: SRNC Re-location – CS

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3. Cell Selection

In this section, the cell selection procedure will be discussed with details.

When a UE is switched on, it starts to monitor the radio interface to find a suitable cell to
camp on but it has to determine, whether there is a WCDMA cell nearby.

If a WCDMA cell is available, the UE has to be synchronised to the downlink transmission

of the system information – transmitted on the physical channel P-CCPCH – before it can
make a decision, in how far the available cell is suitable to camp on.

Initial cell selection is not the only reason, why a UE wants to perform cell synchronisation.
This process is also required for cell re-selection and the handover procedure.

Cell synchronisation is achieved I three phases:

• Step 1: Slot synchronisation

During the first step of the cell search procedure the UE uses the
SCH"s primary synchronisation code to acquire slot synchronisation
to a cell. This is typically done with a single matched filter (or any
similar device) matched to the primary synchronisation code which
is common to all cells. The slot timing of the cell can be obtained by
detecting peaks in the matched filter output.

• Step 2: Frame synchronisation and code-group identification

During the second step of the cell search procedure, the UE uses the
SCH"s secondary synchronisation code to find frame
synchronisation and identify the code group of the cell found in the

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first step. This is done by correlating the received signal with all
possible secondary synchronisation code sequences, and identifying
the maximum correlation value. Since the cyclic shifts of the
sequences are unique the code group as well as the frame
synchronisation is determined.

• Step 3: Scrambling-code identification

During the third and last step of the cell search procedure, the UE
determines the exact primary scrambling code used by the found
cell. The primary scrambling code is typically identified through
symbol-by-symbol correlation over the CPICH with all codes within
the code group identified in the second step. After the primary
scrambling code has been identified, the Primary CCPCH can be
detected. And the system- and cell specific BCH information can be
read.

After the UE determines the exact primary scrambling code, it can decode the primary
CCPCH and reads the system information. Finally, the UE starts the cell selection
procedures.

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The figure below shows the steps from the UE is powered on until start cell selection
procedure.

Figure: UE cell selection

3.1. Cell Selection Criterion S

Which cells are suitable for (initial) cell selection and reselection, so that the UE can camp
on them?

This is determined by the UE based on the cell selection criterion S.

It is fulfilled, when:

• Srxlev > 0 AND Squal > 0 in the FDD mode, and

• Srxlev > 0 in the TDD mode.

 Squal delivers the cell Selection quality value (dB).

The UE determines it according to this formulary: Squal = Qqualmeas – Qqualmin

The UE measures the received signal quality Qqualmeas of the cell. It is based on CPICH
Ec/N0 (dB) for FDD cells. (CPICH Ec/N0 is averaged.)

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The operator determines for each cell the minimum required received level Qqualmin
(dB) at the UE. This value is the broadcasted. Its integer value can range between –24
and 0 dB.

A cell is not suitable for cell selection and re-selection, if the measured received signal
quality level is below Qqualmin.

 Srxlev stands for the cell selection receive level value (dB).

The UE determines it this way: Srxlev = Qrxlevmeas - Qrxlevmin – Pcompensation

Qrxlevmeas is the cell RX level measured by the UE, based on the CPICH RSCP for FDD
cells (dBm), and the averaged received signal level for GSM cells (dBm). (All values get
averaged!)

The operator sets the value Qrxlevmin as minimum required RX level in the cell (dBm),
which is sent to the UE via the BCCH. Its integer value can range between –115 dBm
and –25 dBm (2 dB step size).

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Figure: Cell Selection Criteria

3.2. Pcompensation

 If the UE determines the cell‘s RX level value Qrxlevmeas and Qrxlevmin calculated
the Srxlev accordingly, it may have good RX level which means, that a good DL
connection can be established.

 But the UE‘s own output power capability has to be taken under
consideration. This is done with:

Pcompensation = max (UE_TXPWR_MAX_RACH – P_MAX, 0) (dB)

 In order to access a cell, the UE has to use the common channel PRACH.

 The operator determines the maximum cell radius by limiting the maximum TX
power level, a UE can use on the PRACH. This is the UE_TXPWR_MAX_RACH
(dBm).
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 UE_TXPWR_MAX_RACH can range – according to the specifications - between

–50 dBm and 33 dBm. On the other hand, there is the UE‘s maximum RF output
power, given by P_MAX (dBm).

Figure: Cell Selection Criteria (Pcompensation)

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4. Cell Re-Selection
In this section, the cell re-selection procedure will be discussed with details.

The UE read the measurement reporting criteria from the serving cell. Measurement
reporting criteria are cell specific.

During SHO the measurement reporting criteria are taken from the cell where the UE has
started the connection. The measurement reporting criteria are updated only when the
original cell leaves the Active Set, according to the strongest cell in the Active Set, by
sending the MEASUREMENT CONTROL message, transmitted on the downlink DCCH.
Standard would allow to update reporting criteria, according the current best server.

The figure below shows the UE steps until the cell re-selection procedure.

Figure: Cell re-selection

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4.1. Cell Reselection: Measurement Rules

As part of the network planning process, the operator has to determine the threshold
values, which trigger the cell re-selection process by the UE.

 Intra-Frequency measurement threshold Sintrasearch

If this parameter is not sent in the serving cell, the UE must always perform intra-
frequency measurements. If it is transmitted and Sx > Sintrasearch, the UE does not perform
intra-frequency measurements. If Sx <= Sintrasearch, it performs intra-frequency
measurements.

 Inter-Frequency measurement threshold Sintersearch

If this parameter is not sent in the serving cell, the UE must always perform inter-
frequency measurements. If it is transmitted and Sx <= Sintersearch, it must perform inter-
frequency measurements, but if Sx > Sintersearch, there is no need to perform this type of
measurement.

 Inter-RAT measurement threshold SsearchRAT m

If this parameter is not sent in the serving cell, the UE must always perform inter-system
measurements. If it is transmitted and Sx > SsearchRAT m, it won‘t conduct measurements
on cells of radio access technology “m”. But if Sx <= SsearchRAT m, it has to do these
measurements.

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Figure: Cell Reselection: Measurement Rules

4.2. Cell Reselection: R-Criterion

After checking the measurement thresholds, the UE has detected suitable cells to camp
on. But which of the remaining candidate cells is the best one for cell re-selection?

For that, a cell-ranking criterion R was specified:

 Rs = Qmeas,s + Qhysts (for the serving cell)

 Rn = Qmeas,n - Qoffsets,n (for candidate neighbouring cells for

cell reselection)

The serving cell and the remaining candidate cells are ranked according to criterion R.
The cell ranked with the highest value R is the best cell for the UE to camp on.

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• Qhysts gives a hysteresis value to make the serving cell more attractive and thus
delay the cell re-selection. It exists in two versions:

 It ranges between 0 and 40 (step size 2).

• The value Qoffset is an offset given for each individual neighbouring cell, which
ranges between –50 and 50 dB, with default set to 0.

Is the cell re-selection initiated immediately after the UE ranks a neighbouring cell to be
the best?

 If so, we could face a ping-pong effect – a UE often performing cell

reselection between two neighbouring cells.
 To avoid this, the operator uses the time interval value Treselection,
whose value ranges between 0 and 31 seconds.
 Only when a cell was ranked Treselection seconds better than the
serving cell, a cell reselection to this cell takes place.
 In addition to this, a UE must camp at least 1 second on a serving
cell, before the next cell re-selection may take place.

How often are the cell re-selection criteria evaluated?

 This is done at least once every DRX cycle for cells, for which new
measurement results are available.

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Figure: Cell Re-Selection Criteria

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