Posted on May 18th, 2023.

In today's hyper-connected world, a strong and reliable cellular network is crucial for businesses and individuals alike. As the demand for seamless communication continues to grow, telecommunication companies are constantly looking for ways to enhance their network infrastructure. One such solution that has gained significant popularity is small cell technology. Small cells are low-power cellular base stations that can be installed in densely populated areas to improve network coverage and capacity. To ensure optimal performance, small cell benchmarking and walk testing play a vital role. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of small cell benchmarking and walk testing, shedding light on their importance and the benefits they offer.

What is Small Cell Benchmarking?

Small cell benchmarking involves measuring and evaluating the performance of small cells in a real-world environment. It provides valuable insights into network coverage, signal strength, data rates, and overall network quality. By conducting benchmarking tests, network operators can identify areas of improvement, optimize network configurations, and make data-driven decisions to enhance the user experience.

Key Steps in Small Cell Benchmarking:

Planning: The benchmarking process begins with careful planning. Network operators need to determine the specific objectives, select suitable benchmarking tools, and define test scenarios.
Test Setup: Once the planning phase is complete, the next step involves setting up the benchmarking test. This includes configuring test devices, ensuring proper synchronization, and preparing the necessary equipment.
Data Collection: During the benchmarking test, data collection takes place. This involves measuring various parameters such as signal strength, signal-to-noise ratio, throughput, latency, and handover performance. The collected data provides valuable insights into network performance and helps in identifying areas of improvement.
Analysis and Reporting: After the data collection phase, the collected data is analyzed and interpreted. Network engineers examine key performance indicators (KPIs) and compare them against predefined benchmarks or industry standards. The findings are then compiled into a comprehensive report, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the small cell network.

Benefits of Small Cell Benchmarking:

Performance Optimization: Small cell benchmarking helps network operators identify areas where network performance can be improved. By optimizing network parameters and configurations, operators can enhance coverage, capacity, and overall quality of service.
Troubleshooting: Benchmarking tests can uncover potential issues and bottlenecks in the small cell network. Identifying and resolving these problems in a timely manner helps prevent service disruptions and ensures a smooth user experience.
Network Expansion: Benchmarking tests provide valuable insights for network expansion planning. By understanding the network's current capabilities and limitations, operators can strategically deploy small cells in areas with high demand, improving coverage and capacity where it's needed the most.

What is Small Cell Walk Testing? Small cell walk testing involves physically walking or driving around a specific area to evaluate the performance of small cells. This type of testing provides a realistic assessment of network coverage, call quality, and data throughput in a real-world scenario.

Key Steps in Small Cell Walk Testing:

Test Route Planning: Before conducting walk tests, it is essential to plan the test route carefully. This involves selecting representative areas, considering various terrains, and including locations with potential coverage challenges.
Test Device Setup: Walk testing requires dedicated test devices equipped with specialized software to collect relevant network data. These devices are configured to measure and record key performance metrics during the walk test.
Data Collection: During the walk test, data is collected and recorded by the test devices. This includes measurements such as signal strength, call drop rates, handover performance, and data throughput. The collected data provides a comprehensive view of the network's performance across the entire test route.
Analysis and Reporting: Once the walk test is complete, the collected data is analyzed and interpreted. Network engineers examine the collected data to identify any coverage gaps, areas of poor signal quality, or potential interference sources. They also assess the performance of handovers between small cells and macro cells to ensure seamless connectivity throughout the test route.

Benefits of Small Cell Walk Testing:

Real-World Performance Assessment: Small cell walk testing provides a realistic assessment of the network's performance in actual usage scenarios. It allows network operators to understand how small cells perform in different environments, such as urban areas, shopping malls, or stadiums, where high user density and interference can significantly impact network performance.
Coverage Validation: By conducting walk tests, operators can validate the coverage provided by small cells. They can identify areas where signal strength may be weak or inconsistent, enabling them to optimize small cell placement and antenna configurations for improved coverage and a better user experience.
Interference Identification: Small cell walk testing helps in identifying potential sources of interference that can degrade network performance. It allows operators to detect and mitigate interference issues, ensuring optimal signal quality and minimizing the impact on user experience.
Network Optimization: The data collected during small cell walk testing provides valuable insights for network optimization. By analyzing the test results, operators can fine-tune network parameters, optimize handover algorithms, and adjust transmission power levels to enhance overall network performance.

Incorporating Small Cell Benchmarking and Walk Testing into Network Deployment Strategies: Small cell benchmarking and walk testing are critical components of network deployment strategies. By incorporating these testing methodologies, network operators can ensure the successful implementation and optimization of small cell networks. Here are a few key considerations for integrating benchmarking and walk testing into network deployment strategies:

Pre-Deployment Testing: Before deploying small cells, it is essential to conduct thorough benchmarking tests in the target areas. This helps in identifying potential coverage gaps and interference sources, allowing operators to optimize small cell placement and configuration for maximum effectiveness.
Ongoing Performance Monitoring: Small cell networks require continuous monitoring to ensure optimal performance. Regular benchmarking tests and walk testing can help operators track network performance over time, detect any degradation, and proactively address issues to maintain a high-quality user experience.
Network Expansion Planning: When planning network expansion, benchmarking tests provide valuable insights into the current network's capabilities and limitations. This information helps operators determine the optimal locations for deploying additional small cells and ensures efficient utilization of network resources.
Network Optimization: Benchmarking and walk testing are essential for ongoing network optimization. By regularly assessing network performance, operators can identify areas of improvement, optimize network parameters, and implement necessary changes to enhance coverage, capacity, and overall quality of service.

In conclusion, small cell benchmarking and walk testing play a crucial role in ensuring the optimal performance of small cell networks. These testing methodologies provide valuable insights into network coverage, signal quality, and overall performance, enabling network operators to make data-driven decisions for network optimization. By incorporating small cell benchmarking and walk testing into their deployment strategies, operators can enhance the user experience, minimize service disruptions, and meet the ever-increasing demand for seamless connectivity.

If you are considering deploying small cell networks or need assistance with small cell benchmarking and walk testing, AirTel Tower is here to help. Our team of experienced professionals specializes in providing a wide range of consulting services, including RF Data Collection & Drive Testing, Site Installation, Integration and Commissioning, RF Optimization Engineering, and more. Reach out to us today at (469) 393-0331 or email us at sunil.kumar@airteltower.com to discuss your requirements and find out how we can support your small cell network deployment and optimization needs.