GSM RNO Subject-Power Control Algorithms - R2.0

Power Control Algorithms
R2.0
Power Control Algorithms Internal Use Only▲
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Revision History
Product Version Document Version Serial Number Reason for Revision

R1.0 First published
R1.1 Parameters and application
scenarios were added; figure
description of some problems was
added.
A description about the new power
control algorithms for SDR
R2.0
V4.09.21.08 and later versions was
added.
Author
Date Document Version Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by

2009-05-12 R1.0 Chang HaiJjie Zheng Hao
Intended audience: GSM network optimization engineers
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About This Document
Summary
Chapter Description
1 Overview Describes the purpose of power control.
2 Features of Power Control Describes the features of power control.
3 Application Scenarios of Power Describes the application scenarios of power control.
Control
4 Theories of Power Control Describes the theories of power control.
5 CS Power Control Parameters Describes the basic CS power control parameters.
and Reference Values
6 Setting of Power Control Describes the setting of power control parameters in
Parameters in Different Scenarios difference scenarios.
7 Examples of Power Control Gives some examples of power control.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Overview ......................................................................................................... 1
2 Features of Power Control ............................................................................. 2
3 Application Scenarios of Power Control ....................................................... 3
4 Theories of Power Control ............................................................................. 4

4.1 Location of Power Control Module in the System .............................................. 4
4.2 Overall Flow of CS Power Control .................................................................... 5
4.3 Descriptions of Power Control Process ............................................................. 6
4.3.1 Storage of Measurement Data .......................................................................... 6
4.3.2 Calculation of Averages .................................................................................... 7
4.3.3 Window, Average and Threshold ...................................................................... 9
4.3.4 Power Control Step Size ................................................................................. 11
4.3.5 Performance Measurement ............................................................................ 12
4.3.6 Power Control Indication ................................................................................. 12
4.4 BTS V6.20.102e Improvement on Power Control Algorithms .......................... 13
4.4.1 Comparison of Algorithms Before/After Improvement ..................................... 13
4.4.2 Initial State of Power Control .......................................................................... 13
4.4.3 UL Level and Quality Decision and Step Size ................................................. 15
4.4.4 Power Level Control ....................................................................................... 16
4.4.5 Conversion of Power Control States ............................................................... 18
4.4.6 Clear MR Queues and Counters ..................................................................... 19
4.5 Improvement of SDR V4.09.21.08 and Later Versions on Power Control
Algorithms ...................................................................................................... 20
4.5.1 Amendments to the Power Control Algorithms................................................ 20
4.5.2 Presetting of the UL Power ............................................................................. 21
4.5.3 Amendment to the UL/DL Sliding-Window Filter Algorithm ............................. 21
4.5.4 UL/DL Index Filter Algorithm ........................................................................... 22
4.5.5 UL and DL RxLev Optimization Algorithms ..................................................... 23
4.5.6 Respective Settings of Minimum UL and DL Power Control Intervals ............. 24
4.5.7 Respective Settings of Minimum UL and DL Power Control Step Sizes .......... 24
4.5.8 Addition of DL Power Control Over BCCH Carriers......................................... 24
4.5.9 Setting of Thresholds by Coding Scheme ....................................................... 25
4.5.10 Introduction to Newly Added Key Parameters ................................................. 25
4.6 PS Power Control Theories ............................................................................ 29
4.6.1 MS Power Control Algorithm........................................................................... 29
4.6.2 Power Control Algorithm of BTS ..................................................................... 31
5 CS Power Control Parameters and Reference Values ............................... 33

5.1 UL/DL Power Control ...................................................................................... 33
5.2 Received Signal Level and Quality Threshold ................................................. 33
5.2.1 Received Signal Level .................................................................................... 34
5.2.2 Received Signal Quality .................................................................................. 34
5.3 Power Control Period...................................................................................... 35
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5.3.1 Sample Count (Window) and Weight (Weight) ................................................ 35

5.3.2 Number of Power Control Samples N and P ................................................... 35
5.4 Power Adjustment Step .................................................................................. 36
5.5 Criteria of Power Control State Conversion — N1 and N2 .............................. 37
5.6 Maximum Power Levels of MS and BTS for Initial Access .............................. 37
5.7 Rapid Power Control....................................................................................... 38
5.8 Fast Averaging ............................................................................................... 38
5.9 Setting of Power Control Parameters .............................................................. 40
6 Setting of Power Control Parameters in Different Scenarios .................... 42

6.1 Setting of Signal Quality Threshold (Under Poor DL Radio Environment) ....... 42
6.2 Setting of UL/DL Power Control Period ........................................................... 42
6.3 Handover Threshold ....................................................................................... 42
6.4 Highway/Railway ............................................................................................ 43
6.5 Building........................................................................................................... 43
7 Examples of Power Control ......................................................................... 44
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FIGURES
Figure 4-1 Location of POWCTRL in System ....................................................................... 4

Figure 4-2 Simple Flowchart of Power Control ..................................................................... 6
Figure 4-3 Comparison of MR Processing ............................................................................ 8
Figure 4-4 Power Control Decision ....................................................................................... 9
Figure 4-5 Power Control I ................................................................................................. 14
Figure 4-6 Power Control II ................................................................................................ 14
Figure 4-7 Pingpong Power Control ................................................................................... 17
Figure 4-8 Conversion of Power Control States ................................................................. 19
Figure 4-9 Window Mechanism of Power Control ............................................................... 20
Figure 4-10 Amendment to the UL/DL Sliding-Window Filter Algorithm .............................. 22
Figure 4-11 Index Filter Algorithm ...................................................................................... 23
Figure 7-1 Graph of UL Ordinary Power Control ................................................................ 44
Figure 7-2 Graph of UL Ordinary Power Control With Fast Averaging ................................ 44
Figure 7-3 Graph of UL Rapid Power Control ..................................................................... 45
Figure 7-4 Graph of DL Ordinary Power Control ................................................................ 45
Figure 7-5 Graph of DL Ordinary Power Control With Fast Averaging Adopted .................. 46
Figure 7-6 Graph of DL Rapid Power Control ..................................................................... 46
Figure 7-7 Graph of DL Rapid Power Control With Fast Averaging Adopted ...................... 47
TABLES
Table 3-1 Application Scenarios of Power Control................................................................ 3

Table 4-1 Components of POWCTRL .................................................................................. 4
Table 4-2 MS Power Control Strategy ................................................................................ 10
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1 Overview
Power control is divided into static power control and dynamic power control. Static
power control is to restrict the maximum transmitting power of MS or BTS; dynamic
power control is for the network to dynamically decide the maximum transmitting power of
MS or BTS according to radio environment around subscribers. The power control
discussed in this manual belongs to the scope of dynamic power control.
The main function of power control is to optimize the transmitting power of MS and BTS
without affecting radio transmission quality, so as to improve frequency efficiency as well
as reducing the average transmitting power of MS and BTS, and to reduce interference to
other communications. In mobile systems, to reduce interference means to have high
spectrum efficiency, which means increase of capacity. In the system, power control of
uplink and downlink is independent to each other. MS power control is to adjust the
output power of MS, so that BTS can get stable receive signal level, interference from
other MS using the same channel will be restricted, MS power consumption will be
lowered, and MS average useful time will be extended; BTS power control is to make MS
get stable receive signal level, to restrict interference from MS using the same channel,
and to lower BTS power consumption.
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2 Features of Power Control

According to the amount of measurement data, power control makes weighted average
of the data respectively, then compares the averages with corresponding thresholds, and
then makes MS and BTS power control according to result of the comparison. In order to
meet requirements of power control speed on site, ZTE provides fast averaging, rapid
power control, etc. to accelerate power control speed.
Uplink and downlink power control is performed separately.
CS and PS power control is performed separately.
In Version 6.20.101e and the subsequent versions, dynamic power control algorithms
have been optimized. Having combined the speed and stability of power control, power
control is divided into two states: initial state and stable state. Initial state is to adjust
power to the proper level; stable state is to prevent frequent adjustment of frequency, so
as to keep power output stable.
The dynamic power control algorithms for SDR V4.09.21.08 and later versions were
optimized: Index filtration and level optimization functions were added to enhance the
sensitivity and efficiency of power control.

3 Application Scenarios of Power Control

UL ordinary power control is usually enabled; other types of power control are mainly
used in areas with dense sites, for only in areas with dense sites, can power control work
well to reduce interference. Here is a table of application scenarios of power control for
reference.
Table 3-1 Application Scenarios of Power Control
Algorithm
UL Ordinary UL Rapid DL Ordinary DL Rapid
Power Power Power Power
Control Control Control Control
Scenario
Urban area ▲ ▲
Dense urban area ▲ ▲ ▲ ▲
Suburb ▲ ▲
Wide coverage
▲
area

4 Theories of Power Control
4.1 Location of Power Control Module in the System

Power control is performed on BTS. Location of CS power control module POWCTRL in
the system is shown in Figure 4-1 (marked in red).
Figure 4-1 Location of POWCTRL in System
Refer to Table 4-1 for explanations on components and interfaces related to POWCTRL.
Table 4-1 Components of POWCTRL

Components Functions Interface
It’s the manager of BTS and the proxy of
remote operation and maintenance of BSC, It completes
it performs operation and maintenance of configuration of
the BTS it belongs to: PwrCtrl parameters,
CMM 1. Configuration of parameters receives and transmits
2. Management of status and alarms PwrCtrl performance
3. Management of software versions measurement reports.
4. Test of equipment
It realizes processing of all baseband It reports UL
channels in BTS and controlling of some measurement
CHP related parts. statistics, and receives
UL: demodulation, equalization, orders SET MS
de-interleaving, channel decoding, rate POWER and SET BS

Components Functions Interface

adaptation; POWER of POWCTRL
DL: rate adaptation, channel coding, module.
interleaving, etc.
It invokes POWCTRL
It’s the special channel processing
module, and transmits
DCHM sub-module of FURRM, handling message
UL/DL MRs to
processing of SDCCH or TECH.
POWCTRL.
CS power control module POWCTRL is located in the application layer of FUC

subsystem. According to the amount of measurement data, power control makes
weighted average of the data respectively, then compares the averages with
corresponding thresholds, and then makes MS and BTS power control according to
result of the comparison.
4.2 Overall Flow of CS Power Control

After power control parameters are set at OMCR, they will be transmitted to the OAMM
module on FUC through CMM; OAMM configures related parameters at the start or
during the operation of FURRM process; FURRM saves these parameters in its global
variables.
During calls, FURRM periodically receives CHP MEASUREMENT IND message reported
by CHP and MS MEASUREMENT REPORT reported by LAPDm. DCHM decides
whether to perform power control according to the parameters saved in FURRM. If power
control is to be carried out, after the number of received CHP MEASUREMENT IND from
DCHM reaches Hqave, POWCTRL will make weighted average of UL measurement data,
then compares the average with the corresponding threshold, then according to result of
the comparison confirms whether to control MS power. If MS power control is necessary,
then send the new power to CHP through CHP SET MS POWER message. After the
number of received MS MEASUREMENT REPORT reaches Hqave, POWCTRL starts
weighted average of DL measurement data, and then compares the average with the
corresponding threshold, and then according to result of the comparison it confirms
whether to control BTS power. If BTS power control is necessary, then send the new
power to CHP through CHP SET BS POWER message. These processes can be
repeated again and again. In the meantime, POWCTRL module can also conduct power
control performance measurement according to configuration of related parameters. A
simple flowchart of power control is shown bellow.

Figure 4-2 Simple Flowchart of Power Control
Collection of MS/BTS
measurement reports
Weighted averaging of
MRs
If no. of averages meets

conditions of power No Save the averages
control decision?
Yes Yes Yes
Conditions for
Conditions for Conditions for
power
power increase power decrease
maintenance
satisfied satisfied
satisfied
Judge and adjust step size Judge and adjust step size
Increase MS/BTS Maintain MS/BTS Decrease MS/BTS

transmitting power transmitting power transmitting power
4.3 Descriptions of Power Control Process
4.3.1 Storage of Measurement Data
MR data are saved in the circular table structured with arrays. When the circular table is
filled with data for the first time, new MR data will cover the old data. We can use a
counter to record the number of received MRs, and get the location of latest MR data in
the table. The counter will be refreshed after power control is completed successfully,
and won’t be started until next power control (a certain number PCMinInterval of MRs in
the process will be abandoned; and a certain number PCMinInterval of MRs at the
beginning of the process will also be abandoned, because the first several MRs are not
accurate at the beginning of channel activation). Measurement data and averages of
uplink and downlink are stored separately. According to protocol 05.08, the number of
measurement data and averages of uplink and downlink can at most reach 32.

4.3.2 Calculation of Averages
We make weighted average but not the simple averaging calculation of MRs, because
discontinuous transmission (DTX) exists. In order to increase MR weight when DTX is off,
we can set the weight to be 1 when DTX is on; the weight of DTX Off can be set at OMCR.
These averages are saved in the circular arrays, and use of the data is controlled by
counters. When fast averaging is adopted, the first average is the first datum, the second
average is calculated from the first and the second data, and so on. If rapid isn’t adopted,
the first average is obtained only when the number of data reaches Hqave.
Suppose the number of MRs in the window is n during DTX Off, receive signal level is
Levoff; and the number of MRs in the window is m during DTX On, and receive signal level
is Levon:
 Sum of receive levels = ∑Levoff × Weight + ∑Levon × 1;
 Weighted average = Sum/(n × weight + m × 1).
For example, the current window size is 3, its weight is 2; take receive signal level as an
example, the levels reported by the three MRs are –80 dBm(DTX off), –70 dBm(DTX on),
–82 dBm(DTX off);
Weighted average = [(–80) × 2 + (–82) × 2 + (–70) × 1]/(2 + 2 + 1) = –78.8 dBm
Comparison of ordinary averaging and fast averaging is shown below:

Figure 4-3 Comparison of MR Processing

The comparison in Figure 4-3 shows that 7 MRs are needed for obtaining 4 averages in
ordinary averaging process, while only 4 MRs are needed in fast averaging process.
4.3.3 Window, Average and Threshold
Power control decision can be made according to the status of MS/BTS signal level and
quality. As shown in the following figure, lower signal Rxqual level on the horizontal
ordinate leads to lower signal error rate and better signal quality. For example, when the
receive signal level and quality values are within the range of corresponding thresholds,
the result of power control decision is not to make power control adjustment; when the
receive signal level value is lower than corresponding threshold, and the receive signal
quality is within the range of corresponding threshold, the power control decision result is
to increase power due to level; when the receive signal level is higher than the “High
level”, and receive signal quality is higher than the “High Rxqual level”, the power control
decision result is to increase power due to quality.
When setting receive signal level and quality thresholds, we must pay attention to the
relation between power control threshold and handover threshold. The low level
threshold of power control must be larger than level handover threshold, while the high
quality threshold of power control must be smaller than quality handover threshold, as the
stripped area shown in Figure 4-4.
Figure 4-4 Power Control Decision
Increase power
High level
Decrease power
Margin
Low level
Maintain power
Level handover
threshold
Low quality rank High quality rank

Quality handover threhsold
Note:
Low Rxqual level represents good signal quality; high Rxqual level represents poor
quality.

The strategy of MS power control is the same with that of BTS power control. Take MS
power control as an example, suppose LEVELCAUSE records the current level situation,
and QUALCAUSE records the current situation of error rate, and:
 Normal level: LEVELCAUSE = 0
 Low level: LEVELCAUSE = 1
 High level: LEVELCAUSE = 2
 Normal error rate: QUALCAUSE = 0
 Low error rate: QUALCAUSE = 1
 High error rate: QUALCAUSE = 2
Suppose the level ranges from 0 to 63 (low to high), L_RXLEV is tending to be 0,

U_RXLEV is tending to be 63; error rate class (0~7) represents signal quality (high to
low), L_RXQUAL is tending to be 7, U_RXQUAL is tending to be 0. The average of UL
measurement data and corresponding threshold values and the comparison between
them area as follows:
 If at least a certain number PCULIncrLevP among a certain number PCULIncrLevN

of RXLEV_UL are lower than the low limit L_RXLEV_UL, LEVELCAUSE = 1;
 If at least a certain number PCULDecrLevP among a certain number PCULDecrLev

of RXLEV_UL are higher than the high limit U_RXLEV_UL, LEVELCAUSE = 2;
 For other situations, LEVELCAUSE = 0
 If at least a certain number PCULDecrQualP among a certain number

PCULDecrQualN of RXQUAL_UL are lower than the high limit U_RXQUAL_UL,
QUALCAUSE = 1;
 If at least a certain number PCULIncrQualP among a certain number

PCULIncrQualN of RXQUAL_UL are higher than the low limit L_RXQUAL_UL,
QUALCAUSE = 2;
 For other situations, QUALCAUSE = 0
Compassion of DL data is similar to the description above; just the eight parameters are
marked with DL, like PCDLIncrLevN.
Table 4-2 MS Power Control Strategy

LEVELCAUSE QUALCAUSE Conclusion
0 0 MS_POWER_STAY
0 1 DECREASE_BYQUALITY

LEVELCAUSE QUALCAUSE Conclusion

0 2 INCREASE_BYQUALITY
1 0 INCREASE_BYLEVEL
1 1 MS_POWER_STAY
1 2 INCREASE_ BYQUALITY
2 0 DECREASE_BYLEVEL
2 1 DECREASE_BYLEVEL
2 2 INCREASE_BYQUALITY
BTS power control strategy: similar to MS power control strategy.
4.3.4 Power Control Step Size
4.3.4.1 MS Power Control Step Size
According to parameter bRapidPCInd from OMU, MS decides whether to adopt rapid

power control.
If ordinary power control is adopted, STEP is INCREASESTEP or DECREASESTEP.
If rapid power control is adopted, it should be performed according to the following

principles. Specific conditions are still needed in deciding control over level
increase/decrease. If the conditions are not satisfied, only ordinary power control can be
performed.
1. INCREASE_BYLEVE:
If LEV_UL + 2 × INCREASESTEP < L_RXLEV_UL, then STEP = L_RXLEV_UL –

LEV_UL, LEV_UL is the current value, but not the average value.
2. DECREASE_BYLEVEL:
If LEV_UL – 2 × DECREASESTEP > U_LEV_UL, then STEP = Min(PwrDecrLimit,

LEV_UL – U_RXLEV_UL), LEV_UL is the current value, but not the average value.
3. INCREASE_BYQUALITY:
If LEV_UL + 2 × INCREASESTEP < L_RXLEV_UL
STEP = Max((1 + Max(0, Qa)) × INCREASESTEP, L_RXLEV_UL – LEV_UL)
Or
STEP = (1 + Max(0, Qa)) × INCREASESTEP

Qa = QUAL_UL – L_RXQUAL_UL; QUAL_UL is the current signal quality, LEV_UL

is the current signal level, and neither of them is the average value.
4. DECREASE_BYQUALITY:
For power decrease caused by signal quality, we should be conservative with the
step. size.
Therefore:
If LEV_UL – 2 × DECREASESTEP > U_LEV_UL,
STEP = Min(PwrDecrLimit, LEV_UL – U_ RXLEV_UL, (1 + Max(0, Qa)) ×

DECREASESTEP);
Or
STEP = DECREASESTEP.
LEV_UL is the current signal level, but not the average value.
Qa = U_RXQUAL_UL – AV_QUAL_UL.
AV_QUAL_UL is the signal quality average.
4.3.4.2 BTS Power Control Step Size
The calculation and adjustment of BTS power control step size is the same as that of MS,
only change UL in parameters to DL.
4.3.5 Performance Measurement
During BTS power control, it needs to report related performance data to BSC, and all the
statistical data is stored in PowerMeasData.
4.3.6 Power Control Indication
In order to optimize handover algorithms, after power control of MS or BTS, BSC will be
notified the direction (downlink or uplink) of power control by a message POWER
CONTROL IND, and then BSC will clear the corresponding buffer area based on this
message. After each time of power control, the queue of MRs reported will be cleared to
0. The first average value will not be obtained again until the number of MRs reported
reaches Hqave (non-rapid power control).

4.4 BTS V6.20.102e Improvement on Power Control

Algorithms
4.4.1 Comparison of Algorithms Before/After Improvement
The existing power control strategy cannot simultaneously satisfy the following situations:
1. Make rapid power control of MS, and make MS UL level and quality meet
requirements in the shortest time;
2. After required UL level and quality are satisfied, MS power control can perform
stably, and no adjustment of power is needed only because of one or two minor
problems.
The improved power control algorithm: power control falls into two states — initial state
and stable state. Power control is carried out in over channels. The initialization of
channel power control status is initial state. After a number of power controls, MS UL
level and quality satisfy the expected values, the channel power control status enters
stable state, and it remains in stable state until the channel is released, and then the
status returns to initial state.
4.4.2 Initial State of Power Control
When MS accesses the channel (SDCCH or TCH), both the MS and BTS are transmitting
signals with their respective maximum power predefined for the network. If power control
period is too long, it will bring interference to subscribers using other channels. Therefore,
in order to realize rapid control of MS and BTS power, we carry out power control
decision to every MR, and make adjustments of MS and BTS power level to make MS
and BTS level and quality meet the requirements.
When MS or BTS initially accesses into channels, it transmits signals in the maximum
power level. In this case, power control usually tends to decrease MS or BTS transmitting
power, until level and quality reach the expected values and enter stable state.
According to MS uplink receive signal level and quality contained in the MRs reported by
CHP, BTS judges the uplink signal state and sends the new power level to MS after
power control decision. Due to coding problems and air interface delay, MS will not
immediately report the next MR with the new power level, but report the MR with the new
power level after a delay of three MRs. As shown in Figure 4-5, if BTS makes power
control decision only after it receives the new power level that it sends to MS, the power
control is of poor efficiency and timeliness.

Figure 4-5 Power Control I
BTS
P1 P1 P1 P1 P2 P2 ……
P0 P0 P0 P0 P1 P1 ……
MS
A delay of three MRs
In order to perform power control decision each time an MR is received, we add a

variable (MS PowerSet) to record the latest MS power level value, and then make power
adjustment based on the value. For example: as shown in Figure 4-6, if the new power
level sent by BTS (after receiving the last MR) is P1 (MS PowerSet), while the current
received MS power level is P0, then power adjustment will be performed from P1 to P2,
while will be sent to MS. When another MR is received, power value will be adjusted with
P2 as the benchmark, and then a new power level value P3 will be sent to MS.
Figure 4-6 Power Control II
MS Power=P0
MS PowerSet=P0
MS Power=P0
MS PowerSet=P1
MS Power=P0
MS PowerSet=P2
BTS P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 ……
P0 P0 P0 P0 P1 P2 ……
MS
Each adjustment of MS power is based on the latest power level value, but not the actual
power value that MS uses to report. Because of the complexity and instability of radio
environment, the power level sent by BTS may be lost if downlink signal is bad. When
there is great difference between the new power level and the actual one, we take the
new one as benchmark in power adjustment, or power control adjustment will be invalid.

With the aim to ensure the validity of new power level, we impose specific decision
conditions before new MS power level is sent.
Power adjustment of BTS is usually effective and in time, and air interface delay and loss
of power level won’t happen, therefore each time an MR is received correctly, adjustment
of power control decision can be performed.
4.4.3 UL Level and Quality Decision and Step Size
In the initial state of power control, before making power control of each UL MR reported
by MS, we need to judge the situation of UL signal level and quality.
1. Compare each signal level in the UL MR with the threshold (byL_RXLEV_UL)which

causes increase of UL power and the threshold (byU_RELEV_UL) which causes
decrease of UL power:
byRxLevel < byL_RXLEV_UL;
byUpLevCause = 1;
or:
byRxLevl > byU_RELEV_UL;
byUpLevCause = 2;
if the level value is within the threshold range, byUpLevCause = 0;
2. Compare each signal quality in the UL MR with the threshold

(byL_RXQUAL_UL)which causes increase of UL power and the threshold
(byU_REQUAL_UL) which causes decrease of UL power:
byRxQuality > byL_RXQUAL_UL;
byUpQuaCause = 2;
or:
byRxQuality < byU_RXQUAL_UL;
byUpQuaCause = 1;
If the quality value is within the threshold range, byUpQuaCause = 0.
MS power control decision is performed based on the conditions of signal level and
quality abyMSPowDecision[byUpLevCause][byUpQuaCause]. In order to realize
effective and stable power control in the initial state, regardless power control mode
(INCREASE/DECREASE), the adjustment step size should be set:

STEP = DECREASESTEP.
Adjustment method for step size of BTS power control is the same with that of MS power
control.
4.4.4 Power Level Control
In the adjustment procedure of MS/BTS transmitting power level (changeMS/BSpower),

the same power level control strategy is used in both the initial state and stable state.
In adjustment of MS power, a variable (byMSpowerSet) is added to save the power

control adjustment value which is sent by BTS. Power control adjustment should be
based on the last power control adjustment value (byMSpowerSet), but not the currently
received MS power level (byMSpower).
During adjustment, no matter to increase or decrease power, a comparison with the

maximum and minimum power values allowed in the serving cell. For power increase,
power adjustment value =
 MIN2(awGSMPowerCtrlLevel[byMSpowerSet] + byStep, byMS_TXPWR_MAX)
 byStep is power adjustment step size;
 byMS_TXPWR_MAX: maximum MS transmitting power (dbm) allowed in the

serving cell.
 MAX2(awGSMPowerCtrlLevel[byTempMSpowerSet] – byStep,
byMS_TXPWR_MIN)
 byMS_TXPWR_MIN: minimum MS transmitting power (dbm) allowed in the

serving cell.
After power adjustment value is confirmed, we need to judge its practicability. When
uplink signal is bad, BTS cannot receive the power level reported by MS. In this case, a
variable (bReceiveMSpower) is added to display whether BTS has received the power
level reported. If MS power level is successfully received, set the variable to 1, and clear
it to 0 after each power control.
MS power adjustment takes the latest power level value (MS PowerSet) sent by BTS as
benchmark. The new MS power level sent by BTS can be reported by MS only after an
interval of three MRs, so there is a difference (sub) between the new power level to be
sent and the MS power level (MS Power) in the currently reported MR. In order to prevent
Sub becoming too large, a limit value of 8db is added in the adjustment of power
decrease; if Sub value exceeds 8db, power adjustment won’t be performed.
In the process of power control, the following situations may be encountered:

1. When the received signal quality is good, and the received signal level is larger than
and close to the high level threshold, power decrease will be performed according to
power control decision. Only after an interval of three MRs, the new power level
value (P) can be reported, at this time, the received signal level may be lower than
the low level threshold. In this case, power needs to be improved, which leads to
Pingpong power control (increase-decrease).
Figure 4-7 Pingpong Power Control
Power control decision: decrease power,

send new power rank P
Pn
High level
P
Low level
Power control decision: increase power
2. UL received signal level is within the threshold range and close to the low level
threshold, while the received signal quality is very good and lower than the low level
threshold. In this case, power control decision is: power decrease due to quality.
After the power control, UL received signal level will be lower than the low level
threshold. In this case, power control decision is: power increase due to level. In
these cases, Pingpong power control (increase-decrease) can also be caused.
In order to avoid this kind of Pingpong power control, a Margin value is added when
power control decision is to decrease power, which means to make compensation to the
actual power value and judge whether it will be lower than the threshold after power
control decision is made. The algorithm is: current received signal level value minus the
power difference value (sub), if the result is lower than the low level threshold, power
control will not be performed; if not, continue the power control adjustment.
 if (byRxLevel < byL_RXLEV_UL + bySub)
byL_RXLEV_UL: low threshold of RXLEV, which cause increase of UL power.
 If the condition is satisfied, power control will not be performed.

For example: suppose current received level (byRxLevel) = –79 dBm,

byL_RXLEV_UL = –88 dBm, bySub = 8 dBm; if power adjustment is made under
this situation, the result will be lower than the threshold. Therefore, Margin value is
added to prevent the unfavorable result.
When power adjustment value is finally confirmed, a new power level will be sent to MS.
In BTS power measurement, the current power level value of BTS transmitting signal is
used as the benchmark value of power adjustment. The calculation method is the same
as that in the stable state of power control.
4.4.5 Conversion of Power Control States
No matter it is MS or BTS power control, they need to enter the stable state from the
initial state. In order to judge the conversion, we set two values (Num1—the number of
“no power decrease”, Num2—total number of MRs) and a counter
(dwPCToStableCount)to MS and BTS. In most cases, the power is adjusted downward
when MS or BTS initially access into channels (SDCCH or TCH). When the required UL
level and quality are achieved, the downward adjustment will be ended. After each power
control decision (byPowDecision), if it’s not needed to decrease MS or BTS power value,
the counter (dwPCToStableCount) will be increased by 1. If Num1 is achieved, it is
decided that power control enters the stable state. In order to ensure that all power
controls will enter stable state from initial state, we decide that if the number of reported
MRs reaches Num2, power control directly enters stable state, and Num1 < Num2.
Meanwhile, change power control state indication byPCStateInd = INIT_PC_STATE to
byPCStateInd = INIT_PC_STATE. Hereafter, when the next MR is received, UL power
control will be performed according to the power control strategy of stable state.

Figure 4-8 Conversion of Power Control States
Channel control enters

initial state
Number of MR received reaches N2
Initial state
MS power stops downward modulation for N1 times
Channel release
Stable state
4.4.6 Clear MR Queues and Counters
When power control enters stable state, MR queues and counters will be cleared to 0.
The reason is when power control initially enters stable state, MRs reported before stable
state will be used in the sliding-window averaging, and the average value obtained is not
accurate, which cannot be used in the measurement judgment of stable state.
In the original strategy, the reported MR queues and counters are cleared to 0 after each
power control, and the first average value cannot be obtained until the number reported
MRs reaches Hqave (non-rapid power control). In the improved strategy, each reported
MR is saved. After one time of power control, with the first MS MR reported to BTS and
the (Hqave – 1) MRs saved before, a weighted average can be performed immediately,
and the first average value needed in the power control will be obtained; after the second
MR is received, with the (Hqave – 1) MRs saved before this one, weighted average will
be continued and the second average value will be obtained. When byPCDLIncrLevN
MRs are received, byPCDLIncrLevN average values will be obtained, with which the first
power control decision can be performed. In this way, power control decision period is
greatly shortened. As shown in the following figure, after power control enters stable state,
the time for the first power control decision is the time used for reporting (W + N – 1) MRs;
from the second power control decision, power control interval is the time used for
reporting N MRs.

Figure 4-9 Window Mechanism of Power Control
W
W
…… …… …… ……
1st average No. of received MRs No. of received MRs

2nd average (N) (N)
……
Nth average
1st power control duration under stable state:

(W+N-1)MRs
1st average
……
Nth average
2nd power control duration: Power control

no. of MRs (N)
duration
4.5 Improvement of SDR V4.09.21.08 and Later

Versions on Power Control Algorithms
4.5.1 Amendments to the Power Control Algorithms
The existing power control strategy cannot meet the following two demands at the same
time:
1. Quickly controlling the MS power to make the MS have the required UL RxLev and
RxQual in the shortest time
2. Keeping the MS power stable after the MS has the required UL RxLev and RxQual,
so as to avoid any power adjustment due to one or two burrs
Amendments to the power control algorithms include:
1. The UL power can be preset to accelerate the reduction of the MS power.
2. The sliding-window filtration mechanism has been improved, so that the

measurement reports before the power control will be kept to participate in the
sliding-window averaging after the power control and accelerate the power control.
3. An index filtration mechanism has been introduced to make the RxLev values closer
to the actual conditions and to reduce the burrs.

4. An RxLev optimization switch is added when rapid power control is enabled, so that
the power can be reduced rapidly.
5. A switch is added to enable or disable the DL power control over BCCH carriers, so
as to reduce the interference to BCCH carriers.
6. Different thresholds can be set for different coding schemes, so the power control
parameters can be set more flexibly.
7. UL and DL power modulation step sizes can be set separately. The UL power can
be adjusted by unit of 0.5 dB, so the power control step sizes can be adjusted more
flexibly.
4.5.2 Presetting of the UL Power
According to the UL RxLev and RxQual in the measurement report, the BTS performs
power control decision and then sends the new power level to the MS. Because of the
coding and signal delay on the Um interface, the MS will not immediately report the new
power level in the next measurement report. Instead, it will report it in the third
measurement report. Therefore, the power control based on the new power level will not
be performed on the MS until the third measurement report arrives.
To adjust the MS power level more quickly, the third generation of power control
algorithms does not use the mode of waiting for the MS reporting the new power level.
After the new power level P1 obtained in the UL power control decision is sent to the MS
and the next decision is made, a power adjustment will be made directly on the basis of
the new power level P1 and the power level P2 will be sent to the MS, which is similar to
the stable state in the power control algorithms of BTS V6.20.102e. As a protection, the
same decision conditions should be observed during the sending process (see Section
4.4.4, Power Level Control).
4.5.3 Amendment to the UL/DL Sliding-Window Filter Algorithm
The filter algorithms earlier than the third generation of power control algorithms all use
the mechanism of power control decision based on the sliding-window weighted average
values and are mainly related to three parameters: W (Window), P, and N. Before every
time of power control decision, the system collects W measurement reports, calculates
the weighted average value, and gets a weighted average sample. After it gets N
weighted average samples, it will perform power control decision, judge whether there
are P samples meeting the threshold conditions, and remove the saved original
measurement reports. Therefore, a power control decision period is equal to the duration
of (W + N – 1) measurement reports.
The third generation of power control algorithms uses a similar mechanism but the
original measurement reports are not removed. Thus after every time of power control
decision, the system calculates the weighted average value of the latest measurement

report and the earlier (W – 1) measurement reports and gets an average value sample.
Except for the first time of power control decision, each power control decision period is
(W – 1) measurement reports shorter, which is similar to the sliding-window processing in
stable state in the power control algorithms of BTS V6.20.102e.
Figure 4-10 Amendment to the UL/DL Sliding-Window Filter Algorithm
W
W
…… …… …… ……
The 1st average value

Reception of N MRs Reception of N MRs
The 2nd average value
……
The Nth average value
Duration of the 1st time of power control:

(W + N – 1) MRs st
The 1 average value
……
The Nth average value
Duration of the 2nd time of Power control

power control: N MRs duration
4.5.4 UL/DL Index Filter Algorithm
As a counterpart to the sliding-window filter stated in Section 4.5.3, the index filter
provides a filtration function similar to weighted averaging. Once the index filter is
enabled, the sliding-window filter will be disabled automatically.
The index filter processes the UL and DL RxLev and RxQual values in the measurement
reports. The data samples obtained after the index filtration still use N and P for power
control decision, and the decision method remains unchanged.
RxlevelFilter(k) = Rxlevel(0); k=0
RxlevelFilter(k) = a × Rxleve(k) + (1 – a) × RxlevelFilter(k – 1) k>0
RxqualityFilter(0) = Rxquality(0); k=0
RxqualityFilter(k) = a × Rxquality(k) + (1 – a) × RxqualityFilter(k – 1) k>0
Here a is the index filter coefficient, a = 1/(2^(W/2)), and W is the filter period. The index
filter period is equal to the value of the Window parameter.

The value of W may change the weight of the RxLev and RxQual measurement results in
the newly received measurement report. The larger W is, the smaller the weight of the
latest measurement results is. The default value of W is 4, so a = 0.25 and the weight of
the latest measurement report is 0.25 and that of the earlier ones is 0.75. As a result, a
stable RxLev can be achieved through index filtration. Usually, we recommend changing
the value of W to 1 or 2 to raise the weight of the latest measurement report.
For example, the first measurement report has the first filter value (Filter 1), the second
measurement report has the second filter value (Filter 2) according to the relevant
formula, …., and the Nth measurement report has the Nth filter value (Filter N). The
system uses the N filter values to perform the first time of N/P power control decision.
After the power adjustment, the system deletes the index filter queue but keeps the
measurement report queue. Although the measurement report queue is kept, these
measurement reports will not be used for subsequent filter calculation, that is, the first
filter value after the power control will be calculated with the formula of “k = 0”.)
If there is no interval for power control, after the system receives the (N + 1)th
measurement report, it will get the (N + 1)th filter value (Filter (N + 1)). When it gets Filter
(N + N), it will perform power control decision again.
The engineer can set the parameter of minimum power control interval to control the
interval between two consecutive power control commands. However, this parameter in
the sliding-window filter is invalid.
Figure 4-11 Index Filter Algorithm
N
N
…… …… ……
Filter Filter Filter Filter

Filter 1 Filter 2 Filter 3 Filter N
(N + 1) (N + 2) (N + 3) (N + N)
Duration of the 1st time of power control: N Interval Duration of the 2nd time of power control: N
Compared with the average filter, the index filter can filter burrs more effectively and the
RxLev values are closer to the actual conditions, but the disadvantage is that the RxLev
processing of the index filter has hysteresis, which means that the sensitivity is
decreased and the change of the radio environment cannot be presented in time.
4.5.5 UL and DL RxLev Optimization Algorithms

Two UL and DL RxLev optimization switches are added: OptimumRxLevDL (DL RxLev
optimization) and OptimumRxLevUL (UL RxLev optimization). They play a role in the
step size calculation when signal quality leads to a power decrease during rapid power
control. If high quality leads to a decline of the UL or DL transmission power level when

rapid power control is adopted and the UL or DL RxLev optimization switch is turned on,
the target value of the power control should be the value of the corresponding
OptimumRxLevUL or OptimumRxLevDL parameter, that is, a medial value between
the upper and lower RxLev thresholds (to replace the upper UL or DL RxLev thresholds
in the earlier algorithms. See Section 4.3.4.1.)
The OptimumRxLevDL and OptimumRxLevUL parameters respectively control the UL

and DL, which makes the setting more flexible.
4.5.6 Respective Settings of Minimum UL and DL Power Control Intervals
In the algorithms earlier than the third generation of power control algorithms, the
minimum UL and DL power control intervals are defined through a same parameter: the
Minimum FR/HR/AMR FR/AMR HR Interval parameter.
Because in the index filter algorithm, a parameter of minimum power control interval
should be set to control the interval between two consecutive power control commands, it
is required to set the minimum UL and DL power control interval parameters respectively:
the Minimum BTS_FR/HR/AMR FR/AMR HR Interval and Minimum MS_FR/HR/AMR
FR/AMR HR Interval parameters.
The measurement reports during every minimum power control interval will not be listed
in the measurement report queue for index filter calculation.
In the sliding-window filter algorithm, because the measurement reports after power
control will participate in the subsequent weighted averaging, it is unnecessary to use the
parameters of minimum power control intervals.
4.5.7 Respective Settings of Minimum UL and DL Power Control Step

Sizes
The UL and DL power control step sizes can be set respectively.
The increase and decrease of the DL power step size can be adjusted by unit of 0.5 dB.
The value range has changed to 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12, which mean 0.5 dB, 1 dB, 2 dB, 4 dB,
and 6 dB respectively.
4.5.8 Addition of DL Power Control Over BCCH Carriers
A switch is added to enable or disable the DL power control over BCCH carriers, so as to
reduce the interference to BCCH carriers.
The engineer can set a maximal value for the BCCH carrier power decrease separately
or set the transmission power for idle BCCH time slots.
This new function can prevent frequency interference to BCCH carriers to some extent.

4.5.9 Setting of Thresholds by Coding Scheme
The engineer can set different thresholds according to the coding schemes (FR, EFR, HR,
AMR_FR, and AMR_HR), so the power control parameters can be set more flexibly.
4.5.10 Introduction to Newly Added Key Parameters
4.5.10.1 Uplink Power Level

Full Name Uplink power level
Abbreviation PcUlLevWindow
The parameter PcUlLevWindow represents the window size (that
Description is, the number of sample values) used to calculate the average
value of uplink signal strength.
Managed Object Cell
Value Range 1~31
Unit None
Default Value 4
4.5.10.2 Downlink Power Level

Full Name Downlink power level
Abbreviation PcdlLevWindow
PcUlLevWindow calculates the uplink signal strength.
Description The window size for the average calculation is the number of
samples.
Managed Object Cell
Value Range 1~31
Unit None
Default Value 4
4.5.10.3 Uplink Quality Level

Full Name Uplink quality level
Abbreviation PcUlQualWindow
is, the
Description number of sample values) used to calculate the average value of
uplink
signal strength.
Managed Object Cell
Value Range 1~31
Unit None
Default Value 4

4.5.10.4 Downlink Quality Level

Full Name Downlink quality level
Abbreviation PcDlQualWindow
is, the
Description number of sample values) used to calculate the average value of
downlink
signal quality.
Managed Object Cell
Value Range 1~31
Unit None
Default Value 4
4.5.10.5 BCCH Power Control Downlink

Full Name BCCH power control downlink
Abbreviation BCCHPwrControlDL
This parameter determines whether to implement power control
Description for the dedicated channel on the BCCH carrier according to
various network requirements.
Managed Object Cell
0: No
Value Range
1: Yes
Unit None
Default Value No
BSC Version 6.20.710a
4.5.10.6 BCCH Maximum Power Decrease

Full Name BCCH maximum power decrease
Abbreviation BCCHMaxPwrDec
When the BCCH carrier participates in the downlink power control,
Description this parameter determines the maximum deteriorated value of the
dedicated channel on the BCCH carrier.
Managed Object Cell
Value Range 0~60
Unit dBm
Default Value 6 dBm
4.5.10.7 BCCH Idle Burst Power

Full Name BCCH idle burst power
Abbreviation BCCHIdleBurstPwr

This parameter determines whether to decrease the output power

Description of idle timeslots on the BCCH carrier according to various network
requirements.
Managed Object Cell
0..61
Value Range
Step: 0.5
Unit dBm
Default Value 0
4.5.10.8 Uplink Exponential Filter

Full Name Uplink exponential filter
Abbreviation ULExpFilter
This parameter determines whether to process the uplink level and
Description quality through exponential filtering during uplink power control
and use the processed data for uplink power control judgment.
Managed Object Cell
0: No
Value Range
1: Yes
Unit None
Default Value No
4.5.10.9 Downlink Exponential Filter

Full Name Downlink exponential filter
Abbreviation DLExpFilter
This parameter determines whether to process the downlink level
and quality through exponential filtering during downlink power
Description
control and use the processed data for downlink power control
judgment.
Managed Object Cell
0: No
Value Range
1: Yes
Unit None
Default Value No
4.5.10.10 Uplink Level Optimization

Full Name Uplink level optimization
Abbreviation ULLevOptim

This parameter determines whether to use the optimized uplink

level as the expected level for uplink power control. The optimized
Description
uplink level is a value between the threshold of uplink power
increase and the threshold of uplink power decrease.
Managed Object Cell
0: No
Value Range
1: Yes
Unit None
Default Value No
4.5.10.11 Downlink Level Optimization

Full Name Downlink level optimization
Abbreviation DLLevOptim
This parameter determines whether to use the optimized downlink
level as the expected level for downlink power control. The
Description optimized downlink level is a value between the threshold of
downlink power increase and the threshold of downlink power
decrease.
Managed Object Cell
0: No
Value Range
1: Yes
Unit None
Default Value No
4.5.10.12 Downlink Power Increase Step

Full Name Downlink power increase step
Abbreviation DLPWRINCSTEP
This parameter determines the step of downlink power increase.
Description The values for increase during downlink power control are FR, HR,
AMR FR, AMR HR, AMR WFS, AMR OWFR, and AMR OWHR.
Managed Object Cell
Value Range 1/2/4/8/12
Unit 0.5 dB
Default Value 4
4.5.10.13 Downlink Power Reduction Step

Full Name Downlink power reduction step
Abbreviation DLPWRREDSTEP

This parameter determines the step of downlink power decrease.

The values for decrease during downlink power control are FR,
Description
HR, AMR FR, AMR HR, AMR WFS, AMR OWFR, and AMR
OWHR.
Managed Object Cell
Value Range 1/2/4/8/12
Unit 0.5 dB
Default Value 4
4.5.10.14 Downlink Power Control Minimum Interval

Full Name Downlink power control minimum interval
Abbreviation PCMININTERVAL
The values for downlink power control minimum interval are FR,
Description HR, AMR FR, AMR HR, AMR WFS, AMR OWFR, and AMR
OWHR.
Managed Object Cell
Value Range 1..32
Unit None
Default Value 2
4.6 PS Power Control Theories
4.6.1 MS Power Control Algorithm
MS calculates its output power according to each UL PDCH (which means if MS occupies
more than one UL PDCHs, the transmitting power for each PDCH can be different). The
principle of power control is the output power of all channels should remain lowest on
condition that good communication quality is ensured.
MS calculates its output power according to the power control parameters provided by
network. Besides, MS output power is also decided by the maximum received power for
access to the cell, MS power level and its received signal level. The power control
algorithm adopted by MS on each independent UL PDCH is as follows:
PCH  MIN (0  CH   (C  48), PMAX ) (6.1)
 PCH : MS transmitting power on each UL PDCH, its unit is dBm;
  0 : 39 dBm for GSM900; 36 dBm for DCS1800;

 CH : power control parameter of MS and some specific channel, which is sent to
MS through control message of RLC/MAC (i.e. Packet UL assignment), its unit is
dBm;
  : system parameter, which can be broadcasted on PBCCH and sent to MS

through control message of RLC/MAC;
 C : standard MS received signal level, which is the average

of the received levels
on the four common burst pulses (which make up the message block);
 PMAX : maximum output power allowed in the cell; if PBCCH exists, it =

GPRS_MS_TXPWR_MAX_CCH; if not, it = MS_ TXPWR_MAX_CCH, with the unit
being dBm.
  and CH are power control parameters provided by PCU.
After receiving the message block with new  and CH values, after a delay of two
radio blocks, PCH will be updated based on the above formula.
Open-loop power control: at the initial period of GPRS network construction, MS may
choose open-loop power control mode. Implementation of the mode is to set  to be 1,
and keep the continuity of CH values. BTS power attenuation value Pb can be set 0
(i.e. DL power control is not adopted). MS power control algorithm is changed to:
PCH  MIN (0  CH  C  48, PMAX ) (6.2)
 Value of CH is calculated with BTS received signal level SSb. MS received signal
level is:
SSm  PBTS  Pb  L
(6.3)
 PBTS : maximum BTS output power;
 Pb : BTS power attenuation value for power control;
 L: path loss
 Then value of C (quantification of received signal level):
C  SSm  Pb  PBTS  L
(6.4)
So MS output power P  0  CH  C  48  0  CH  PBTS  L  48

SSb  P  L  0  CH  PBTS  48 (6.5)
So value of CH is:
CH  0  PBTS  SSb  48 (6.6)
MS uses the same output power for the four burst pulses contained in one radio block.
After entering a new cell, MS uses the output power defined by PMAX before it receives
the first new power control parameter.
4.6.2 Power Control Algorithm of BTS
In GPRS network, DL power control will be enabled only when the PDCH used by MS
and BCCH are on the same carrier. On PDCH which contains PBCCH or PCCCH, BTS
will use the constant output power, which may be lower than the output power used on
BCCH. The power attenuation value of PCCCH relative to BCCH is Pb, which is
broadcasted on PBCCH.
As for PTCCH/D, BTS usually uses the same output power as that used on PBCCH or
BCCH (if PBCCH is not available).
DL power control can also be used on other PDCH blocks. Except for the burst pulses on
PBCCH carriers, BTS uses the same output power for the four burst pulses contained in
one radio block on other carriers.
DL power control falls into two modes: mode A and mode B. Mode A is applies to all
allocation models; while mode B only applies to the fixed allocation model. Parameter
BTS_PWR_CTRL_MODE defines which mode to be applied in the network.
Both mode A and mode B use parameter P0, which is the power attenuation value
(relative to BCCH) and is contained in the packet channel assignment message. Usually
P0 is not allowed to be changed under packet transmission mode. MS can have only one
P0 value at some point of time.
On each PDTCH/D, the PR of MAC head indicates the power decrease level of current
RLC data block. Coding of PR domain depends on the value of parameter
BTS_PWR_CTRL_MODE. Because of different power control modes, coding of PR
domain is different. Besides, value of PR is calculated based on P0 of the target MS.
If power control mode A is adopted, BTS will restrict the block power sent to MS and keep
MS level within (BCCH level – P0 – 10) dB~(BCCH level – P0) dB. Output power for other
blocks shall not exceed (BCCH level – P0) dB.
If power control mode B is adopted, the overall output power range of BTS will be
involved. In this case, BTS will take (BCCH level – P0) dB as its initial downlink output

power, and all the blocks it sends to a multi-slot MS shall use the same power within one
TDMA frame.

5 CS Power Control Parameters and

Reference Values
Power control parameters are set with cells as controlled object; each cell is configured
with a series of adjustable power control parameters.
All the parameters described in this chapter are parameters in the algorithms earlier than
SDR V4.09.21.08.
5.1 UL/DL Power Control

We can choose power control object according to network demands. If adjustment of MS
transmitting power is needed, enable Uplink power control (PweControlUl); if control over
BTS power is needed, enable downlink power control (PweControlDl). This parameter is
set on the Others tab, as shown in the following figure.
5.2 Received Signal Level and Quality Threshold

To judge whether to make power control of the current received signal, to increase or
decrease its power, we need criteria, which can be used to measure whether the
received signal condition is as what we expect. The criteria consist of two aspects:
received signal level, received signal quality.
Setting of this parameter is shown in the following figure.

5.2.1 Received Signal Level
For MS uplink received signal level, there are two parameter values: power increase
uplink level and power decrease uplink level, which are corresponding values to the low
level threshold and high level threshold of the expected signal level range. Expected
signal level = Parameter value – 110 dBm, as shown in the above figure, i.e. [–88 dBm,
–82 dBm].
Similarly, for BTS downlink received signal level, there are also two parameter values:
power increase downlink level and power decrease downlink level. The expected
received signal level = Parameter value – 110 dBm, as shown in the above figure, i.e.
[–84 dBm, –78 dBm].
5.2.2 Received Signal Quality
For UL/DL received signal quality, there are power increase uplink quality and power
decrease uplink quality. Higher received Rxqual level means poorer received signal
quality. The corresponding relationship between signal Rxqual level and error rate is
shown below:
Rxqual Level Error Rate
0 < 0.2%
1 [0.2%, 0.4%)
2 [0.4%, 0.8%)
3 [0.8%, 1.6%)
4 [1.6%, 3.2%)
5 [3.2%, 6.4%)
6 [6.4%, 12.8%)

Rxqual Level Error Rate

7 ≥ 12.8%
5.3 Power Control Period
5.3.1 Sample Count (Window) and Weight (Weight)
5.3.2 Number of Power Control Samples N and P
As shown in the above figure, this parameter is configured under “Power adjust
threshold”. The precondition of power control is to collect N averages (number of
averages reaches N); then compare the averages with the expected threshold values to
judge the state of UL/DL received signal.
 N represents the number of averages needed in power control decision;

 P represents the threshold used for judging the level and quality state of the
averages.
5.4 Power Adjustment Step

If power control is needed after power control decision, make adjustment of MS and/or
BTS power. Except for rapid power control, the range of each power adjustment is a fixed
value, which is referred to power control step.
This parameter is set on the Others tab, as shown in the following figure.
“Power decreasing step” is usually set 2. Fast power decrease may cause received
signal level to become lower than the threshold or cause quality to deteriorate, which may
lead to call drops due to sharp decrease in power, therefore, power decreasing step shall
not be set a large value. “Power increasing step” is usually set to be 4 dBm or 6 dBm. It’s
not appropriate to set it with a large value, or the signal level may be larger than the level
threshold after power control, which may lead to “Pingpong” power control.

5.5 Criteria of Power Control State Conversion — N1

and N2
Parameter N1 is a fixed value 4. Parameter N2 is adjustable, which is currently adjusted

through parameter (PcMinInterval) in OMCR.
The default of minimum interval of power control (PcMinInterval) is 2. When

PcMinInterval < 4, accordingly the value of N2 is 11 MRs; when PcMinInterval > 17,
accordingly the value of N2 is fixed to be 17 MRs; for other situations, N2 is the value
configured in OMCR. Therefore, N2 can be set within 5~17 MRs. The time length power
control entering the stable state can be adjusted according to actual power control
situations. Suggestion: PcMinInterval = 2.
5.6 Maximum Power Levels of MS and BTS for Initial

Access
Usually, for GSM900, the maximum power level of MS is 5, and the minimum is 16; for
DCS1800, the maximum power level of MS is 0, and the minimum is 11. No matter in
GSM900 or DCS1800, the maximum transmitting power level of the BTS is 0.
The parameter of power level is set on the Others tab, as shown in the figures below.
 GSM900:
 DCS1800:

5.7 Rapid Power Control

Rapid power control is to make immediate adjustment of power according to the different
between the received signal level/quality and the corresponding threshold values; each
power control step is not a fixed value, but an integral multiple of power
increasing/decreasing step. Rapid power control can satisfy the needs of dynamic control
of MS power, but it can also lead to sudden increase or decrease of MS transmitting
power and affect signal stability. This parameter is set on the Power control tab, as
shown in the following figure.
The power decreasing limit: the maximum limit of power decrease corresponding to
different Rxqual level.
5.8 Fast Averaging

This parameter is set on the Service process additional parameter tab, as shown in
the following figure.

Fast averaging works only when power control enters stable state from initial state,
waiting for the first average of window samples, and Window > 1.
As shown in the following figure, suppose W = 5, N = 3. After power control enters stable
state, average the first MR, then the first average value is obtained; after the second MR
is received, make weighted average of the first two MRs, then the second average value
is obtained; then the third MR is received and the third average value is obtained. After
N(3) average values are obtained, make the first power control decision. After the fourth
MR is received, average of the four MRs. When the fifth MR is received, i.e. window size
W = 5, return to the common power control algorithm (sampling average), make weighted
average of these (W) MRs, and the second average value is obtained.

1st average
2nd average
3rd average
1st PwrCtrl duration
1st average of 2nd pwrCtrl decision

2nd average of 2nd pwrCtrl decision
1rd average of 2nd pwrCtrl decision

2nd PwrCtrl
After power control enters stable state, if the first power control decision takes a long time,
it may lead to sudden deterioration in signal; in this case, fast averaging can make
prompt adjustment on power.
5.9 Setting of Power Control Parameters

Recommended values of power control parameters are shown in the table, appropriate
adjustment can be made according to actual network conditions.
Recommended Value
Parameter Versions Earlier Than V6.20.101e and Later
V6.20.101e Versions
Average window size 4 3
UL/DL RQ increase threshold 3 2
UL/DL RQ increase P/N value 2/3 2/3
UL/DL RQ decrease threshold 1 0
UL/DL RQ decrease P/N value 2/3 2/3
UL/DL level increase/decrease
Default Default
threshold
UL/DL level increase/decrease
2/3 3/4
P/N value
Increase step 4db 4db
Decrease step 2db 2db

Recommended Value
Parameter Versions Earlier Than V6.20.101e and Later
V6.20.101e Versions
Rapid averaging Enabled Disabled
Rapid power control Enabled Disabled
Power decrease limit 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, 2, 2, 2 Default
Power control minimum interval 1 Default
MS minimum power level 18 (900M), 14 (1800M) 18 (900M), 14 (1800M)
BS minimum power level 15 (900M), 14 (1800M) 15 (900M), 14 (1800M)

6 Setting of Power Control Parameters in

Different Scenarios
6.1 Setting of Signal Quality Threshold (Under Poor

DL Radio Environment)
During operation of power control, what affects network performance seriously is the
distribution of uplink and downlink RQ (0~7). Due to the complexity of network, uplink
/downlink received signal quality threshold is usually set [0, 2], which can help increase
the proportion of network performance indicator RQ (0~3).
Signal quality threshold range can be changed according to the actual UL/DL radio
environment. If radio environment is not good, we can change the quality threshold range
to [0, 1]. However, increase in quality threshold may lead to increase of UL/DL signal
power, and hence the interference between uplink and downlink signals will increase,
especially the interference in downlink. Because of power control, the proportion of
network performance indicator RQ (0~3) remains high. When optimizing related
parameters, we need to weigh increase of the proportion of RQ (0~3) against increase of
interference.
6.2 Setting of UL/DL Power Control Period

Because the interference of uplink and downlink signals is different, we can adjust UL/DL
power control parameters separately. The new power control strategy features fast
frequency and timely adjustment. If radio environment is good, the downlink power
control frequency can be appropriately slowed down, that is to increase power control
decision time N. When making sliding-window averaging, if too many MRs reported with
the last sent power level are used, the proportion of MRs reported with new power level
will be low, thus the averaged level and quality values will be affected, and the accuracy
of new power control decision will be lowered, therefore, the number of samples (window)
should be reduced. The recommended values of related downlink parameters are listed
in the following table.
Sample Count (W) Value N Value P
2 5 3
6.3 Handover Threshold

When adjusting the range of UL/DL received signal level and quality thresholds, we must
ensure that there should be no conflicts with thresholds related to BSC handover
algorithms. The level threshold which causes power increase should NOT be lower than

the handover level threshold; the quality threshold which causes power increase should
be lower than the quality handover threshold. If quality handover threshold = 4, N = 1,
then the high limit of power control threshold should not exceed 2. If power control can be
performed, optimize signal level through power control; if not, carry out handover.
Besides, power control parameters can be adjusted according to network performance
indicators, like handover success rate, call drop rate, etc..
6.4 Highway/Railway
On highways and railways, MS/BTS power control should be performed in fast frequency
and timely manner, so value N should not be a large value; meanwhile, number of
samples (W) should be reduced to improve accuracy; and we should not use too many
MRs reported with the last sent power level in the averaging process.
Sample Count (W) Value N Value P
1 3 2
6.5 Building
In office buildings and apartment buildings, MS moves in a slow speed, or stays still. In
this case, the basic setting of power control parameters can be adopted, and power
control duration N can also be extended.

7 Examples of Power Control

Figure 7-1 Graph of UL Ordinary Power Control
Figure 7-2 Graph of UL Ordinary Power Control With Fast Averaging

Figure 7-3 Graph of UL Rapid Power Control
Figure 7-4 Graph of DL Ordinary Power Control

Figure 7-5 Graph of DL Ordinary Power Control With Fast Averaging Adopted
Figure 7-6 Graph of DL Rapid Power Control

Figure 7-7 Graph of DL Rapid Power Control With Fast Averaging Adopted
 Experiment 1, see Figure 7-1, Graph of UL ordinary power control
 Conditions: ordinary power control over uplink, step = 2 dB; no power control
over downlink; MS stays 5 m away from the BS after the call finished.
 Result analysis: the graphs shows that MS power is adjusted from 39 dBm
(time: 16:01:34.577) to 13 dBm (time: 16:02:38.934), the adjustment time is
64.357 s, adjustment period is 4.801s/2dB. Besides, the graph shows that MS
power remains steady after the adjustment.
 Experiment 2, see Figure 7-2, Graph of UL ordinary power control with fast
averaging
 Conditions: ordinary power control with fast averaging is adopted over uplink;
no power control over downlink; MS stays 5m away from the BS after the call is
finished.
 Result analysis: the graph shows that MS power is adjusted from 39 dBm (time:
19:49:54.524) to 13 dBm (time: 19:50:29.525), the adjustment time is 35.001 s,
adjustment period is 2.399s/2dB. Compared with experiment 1, the adjustment
period in the experiment is only half of that in experiment 1; power control
speed is greatly increased.
 Experiment 3, see Figure 7-3, Graph of UL rapid power control
 Conditions: rapid power control over uplink; no power control over downlink;
MS stays 5m away from the BS after the call is finished.

 Result analysis: the graph shows that MS power is adjusted from 39 dBm (time:
19:16:20.903) to 13 dBm (time: 19:16:26.648), the adjustment time is 5.745 s.
Compared with experiment 1 and 2, the adjustment time is noticeably shorter
than that in the previous experiments.
 Experiment 4, see Figure 7-4, Graph of DL ordinary power control
 Conditions: ordinary power control over downlink; no power control over uplink;
MS stays 5m away from the site when the call starts; after a while, MS moves
far away from the BS.
 Result analysis: the graph shows that BS power is adjusted from 0 dB (time:
15:52:52.833) to –30 dB (time: 15:54:07.261), the adjustment time is 74.428 s,
adjustment period is 4.799s/2dB. When MS stays near the BS, BS power is
gradually adjusted to the minimum value; when MS moves far away from the
BS, its received signal level drops and voice quality deteriorates, so BS keeps
increasing its transmitting power.
 Experiment 5, see Figure 7-5, Graph of DL ordinary power control with fast
averaging adopted
 Conditions: ordinary power control with fast averaging over downlink; no power
control over uplink; MS stays 5m away from the site when the call starts; after a
while, MS moves far away from the BS; finally, MS returns to BS.
16:52:35.329) to –30 dB (time: 16:53:15.631), the adjustment time is 40.302 s,
adjustment period is1.934s/2dB. When MS stays near the BS, BS power is
gradually adjusted to the minimum value; when MS moves far away from the
BS, its received signal level drops and voice quality deteriorates, so BS keeps
increasing its transmitting power; when MS returns to stay near BS, BS adjusts
its power back to the original value. Compared with experiment 4, both the
adjustment time and period are shortened to a great extent experiment 5.
 Experiment 6, see Figure 7-6, Graph of DL rapid power control
 Conditions: rapid power control over downlink; no power control over uplink;
MS stays 5m away from the site when the call starts; after a while, MS moves
far away from the BS; finally, MS returns to BS.
17:08:00.626) to –30dB (time: 17:08:16.964), the adjustment time is 16.338 s.
When MS stays near the BS, BS power is gradually adjusted to the minimum
value; when MS moves far away from the BS, its received signal level drops
and voice quality deteriorates, so BS keeps increasing its transmitting power
and makes compensation to the fast attenuation of signal level; when MS
returns to stay near BS, BS adjusts its power back to the original value and

keeps MS received signal level and quality stable. Compared with experiment
4 and 5, the adjustment time is noticeably shortened in experiment 6.
 Experiment 6, see Figure 7-7, Graph of DL rapid power control with fast averaging
adopted
 Conditions: rapid power control with fast averaging over downlink; no power
control over uplink; MS stays 5m away from the site when the call starts; after a
while, MS moves far away from the BS; finally, MS returns to BS.
17:19:57.659) to –30 dB (time: 17:20:07.259), the adjustment time is 9.6 s.
When MS stays near the BS, BS power is gradually adjusted to the minimum
value; when MS moves far away from the BS, its received signal level drops
and voice quality deteriorates, so BS keeps increasing its transmitting power
and makes compensation to the fast attenuation of signal level; when MS
returns to stay near BS, BS adjusts its power back to the original value and
keeps MS received signal level and quality stable. Especially at around
17:21:03, when fast attenuation occurs to MS RxLev, and higher error rate
occurs to MS RxQual, BS immediately increases its power to save the call.
Compared with the salvage of call at 17:09:30 in experiment 6, the one in
experiment 7 is even faster. Compared with experiment 4, 5 and 6, the
adjustment time is noticeably shortened in experiment 7.

GSM RNO Subject-Power Control Algorithms - R2.0

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Power Control Algorithms

ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2018 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. I

Product Version Document Version Serial Number Reason for Revision

Date Document Version Prepared by Reviewed by Approved by

Intended audience: GSM network optimization engineers

ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2018 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. II

About This Document

2 Features of Power Control ............................................................................. 2

3 Application Scenarios of Power Control ....................................................... 3

4 Theories of Power Control ............................................................................. 4

5 CS Power Control Parameters and Reference Values ............................... 33

ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2018 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. IV

5.3.1 Sample Count (Window) and Weight (Weight) ................................................ 35

6 Setting of Power Control Parameters in Different Scenarios .................... 42

7 Examples of Power Control ......................................................................... 44

ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2018 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. V

Figure 4-1 Location of POWCTRL in System ....................................................................... 4

Table 3-1 Application Scenarios of Power Control................................................................ 3

ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2018 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. VI

ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2018 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. 1

2 Features of Power Control

Uplink and downlink power control is performed separately.

CS and PS power control is performed separately.

ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2018 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. 2

3 Application Scenarios of Power Control

Table 3-1 Application Scenarios of Power Control

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4 Theories of Power Control

4.1 Location of Power Control Module in the System

Figure 4-1 Location of POWCTRL in System

Table 4-1 Components of POWCTRL

ZTE Confidential Proprietary © 2018 ZTE CORPORATION. All rights reserved. 4

Components Functions Interface

CS power control module POWCTRL is located in the application layer of FUC

4.2 Overall Flow of CS Power Control

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Figure 4-2 Simple Flowchart of Power Control

If no. of averages meets

Yes Yes Yes

Increase MS/BTS Maintain MS/BTS Decrease MS/BTS

4.3 Descriptions of Power Control Process

4.3.1 Storage of Measurement Data

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4.3.2 Calculation of Averages

 Sum of receive levels = ∑Levoff × Weight + ∑Levon × 1;

 Weighted average = Sum/(n × weight + m × 1).

Weighted average = [(–80) × 2 + (–82) × 2 + (–70) × 1]/(2 + 2 + 1) = –78.8 dBm

Comparison of ordinary averaging and fast averaging is shown below:

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Figure 4-3 Comparison of MR Processing

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4.3.3 Window, Average and Threshold

Figure 4-4 Power Control Decision

Low quality rank High quality rank

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 Normal level: LEVELCAUSE = 0

 Low level: LEVELCAUSE = 1

 High level: LEVELCAUSE = 2

 Normal error rate: QUALCAUSE = 0

 Low error rate: QUALCAUSE = 1

 High error rate: QUALCAUSE = 2

Suppose the level ranges from 0 to 63 (low to high), L_RXLEV is tending to be 0,

 If at least a certain number PCULIncrLevP among a certain number PCULIncrLevN