Actix analyzer training_manual_for_gsm

Introduction to A-SVS for Network Optimization - GSM Page 2
Introduction to A-SVS for GSM
Introduction.........................................................................................................6
Scope of the Course..........................................................................................6
Who Should Attend Analyzer Training?.............................................................6
Prerequisites .....................................................................................................7
Topics to Be Covered........................................................................................8
Introduction to Actix Analyzer............................................................................9
Analyzer’s Key Features .................................................................................10
What’s New in A-SVS Version 1.6....................................................................11
Technology Enhancements.............................................................................11
Data Visualization............................................................................................11
Licensing .........................................................................................................12
Getting Started With Analyzer .........................................................................13
Starting Analyzer .............................................................................................13
Configuring Analyzer .......................................................................................15
Configuring Analyzer .......................................................................................15
Setting up Maps .......................................................................................15
More Pan and Zoom Options ..........................................................................19
Map Scale and Coordinates.....................................................................20
Loading Cell Site Data .............................................................................20
Displaying Site Labels..............................................................................21
Coloring Sectors on the Map...........................................................................23
Viewing Cell Site Information ...................................................................26
Searching for Cells ......................................................................................27
Data Aggregation (Binning) .............................................................................29
Exploring the Workspace.................................................................................31
Loading Files...................................................................................................31
Viewing Scanner Data in Analyzer ..................................................................34
Independent Node Data in Analyzer................................................................34
Searching for Attributes...................................................................................36
The Favorites Group .......................................................................................36
Sharing Favorites.........................................................................................37
Viewing Data in Analyzer .................................................................................38
Viewing Data on Maps ....................................................................................38
Modifying Legend Ranges........................................................................39
The Map Offset Tool ................................................................................40
Creating a Multi-Dimensional Map Stream...............................................42
Lines to Cells and Cell History .................................................................43
Displaying Data Values as Text on Maps.................................................45
The Direction Button ....................................................................................49
Region Filtering............................................................................................49
Printing Maps...............................................................................................51
Viewing Data on Charts...................................................................................53
Modifying Chart Properties.......................................................................55
Viewing Data in Tables....................................................................................57

Viewing Data in the Message Browser............................................................58
Viewing Data in the Protocol Stack Browser ...................................................60
Viewing Data on Workbooks ...........................................................................62
Delta Plots.......................................................................................................63
The Replay Tool ..............................................................................................66
Docking the Replay Tool ..........................................................................67
Viewing Data on Stateforms............................................................................68
Using Preconfigured StateForms .............................................................68
Viewing Custom Forms with the StateForms Editor .................................73
Modifying an Existing StateForms File .....................................................74
Creating Your Own StateForms File ........................................................77
Uplink Data Analysis ........................................................................................80
Exploring Call Trace Data ...............................................................................80
Superstreaming Call Trace and Drive Test Data .............................................81
Merging Multiple Drive Files in the Workspace..............................................83
The Network Image...........................................................................................84
Use a Pre-Configured Template to Create a New Network Image..................84
Batch Load Files Into the Network Image........................................................86
Display Data for the Entire Network ................................................................87
Start a New Day – Attaching a Network Image ...............................................87
Create a Custom Network Image Template ....................................................88
Analyzer Queries and Filters ...........................................................................95
Filter Analysis ..................................................................................................96
Binned Query / Custom Analysis Query ........................................................100
ServingCellDistance in Miles..................................................................100
Dragging Handover Query .....................................................................101
Crosstab Query – Sort by Site and Sector ....................................................104
Display the Crosstab Query Results ......................................................106
Filter the Crosstab Query Results ..........................................................106
Event Query - Dropped Call Window.............................................................108
Displaying Event Queries.......................................................................112
Statistic Analysis ...........................................................................................113
Generate Statistics for a Binned Query..................................................113
Cell Site Configuration Using the Network Explorer ...................................114
Importing Network Data.................................................................................114
Obtaining Site Data in Tabular Format...................................................114
Guidelines for Formatting Tabular Data .................................................117
Obtaining the File to be Populated With Formatted Data .......................118
Importing the Data..................................................................................119
Updating Cell Site Data .................................................................................126
Automatic Import of Cell Site Data .........................................................126
Reporting GSM Network Performance..........................................................128
Application Packages ....................................................................................128
Running Application Packs.....................................................................128

DT Design Validation and Quick Analysis ..............................................130
DT Handover Settings and Power Control .............................................131
Running a Pre-Defined Report ......................................................................132
Creating a Custom Report.............................................................................134
Running Your Report with New Data .....................................................136
Where to Get More Help .................................................................................137
Help File ........................................................................................................137
Technical Support .........................................................................................139
Actix Web Site ...............................................................................................140
Contact Your Instructor .................................................................................140
More Advanced Training ...............................................................................140
Appendix A – GSM Event Definitions............................................................141
Appendix B – GPRS Optimization Parameters.............................................143
GPRS Test Design ........................................................................................143
GPRS Data Analysis .....................................................................................144
Appendix C – StateForms Attributes ............................................................149

Actix Analyzer Sales
12012 Sunset Hills Rd
Suite 910
Reston, VA 20190
Telephone: (703) 707-4777
Fax: (703) 707-4778
Web Site: http://www.actix.com
Email: sales@actix.com
Document Revision 2.0, December 2004
For Actix A-SVS-GP1 Version 1.6
Course: NTII
All contents of this document are the property of Actix Inc and are provided
for informational purposes only. The information in this document is subject
to change without notice. Actix will not be held liable for technical or editorial
omissions made herein, and will not be held liable for incidental,
consequential, or other similar damages resulting from the use of its
products.
Copyright © Actix Inc. 2002, All Rights Reserved

Introduction
Scope of the Course
Introduction to Analyzer for Network Optimization provides a comprehensive
overview of Actix Analyzer – Service Verification Solution (‘Analyzer’). Our
goal is to give new users an understanding of what Analyzer can do and how
it can help them improve the quality of service for their network subscribers.
This course is led by experienced instructors. These instructors are experts in
using Analyzer to increase productivity and are familiar with the challenges
faced by engineers working in cellular/PCS environments.
Class size is limited to ensure that everyone receives extensive one on one
instruction. Participants are given ample opportunity to ask questions relevant
to their particular optimization needs. Upon completing the course,
participants will be able to put what they learned in the class to work to
identify and solve real network problems.
Introduction to Analyzer for Network Optimization begins with a high-level
presentation of the Analyzer interface and its capabilities. We will then cover
how Analyzer can be customized to tailor existing optimization processes to
the specific needs of the participants.
Who Should Attend Analyzer Training?
Engineers responsible for enhancing cellular performance and
implementing wireless system optimization
System Performance Engineers responsible for measuring and quantifying
network quality relative to competitors and/or established benchmarks
Engineers looking to further understand the application of drive test, call
trace and protocol data in optimizing networks
Experienced technicians involved in field optimization
Anyone looking to maximize the return on their investment in Actix
Analyzer

Prerequisites
Familiarity with network infrastructure and operation of the air interface
A general understanding of drive test and call trace collection and post-processing
methodology and advantages and limitations of each dataset
Access to Actix Analyzer software
Basic computer literacy, including familiarity with Windows and MS Office
applications
A computer running either Windows XP or Windows 2000 operating
system. Windows XP is recommended for optimal performance. Also, the
computer should meet the minimal hardware requirements outlined below:
Hardware Optimal
Performance
Minimal
Performance
Processor: P4 2.6 GHz Pentium II 440 MHz
Memory (RAM) 1 GB 256 MB
Disk Space 60+ GB Available 1 GB Available
CD-ROM Drive -To install the application-
One Parallel or USB
-For Single-User Hardware Key-
Port
Monitor 1280x1024x64k color
resolution or higher
1024x768x256 color
resolution
Other Mouse and Keyboard
In addition to the hardware requirements listed above, Analyzer performs
best when the Windows Virtual Memory Paging size is set to between
1000 and 1500 MB. The method for setting this parameter varies by
operating system. Please consult your OS help for specific instructions
regarding this parameter.

Topics to Be Covered
Configuring your Analyzer workspace including map, cell site, and
parameter configuration in order to display your geographic area and
network cell plan
Viewing data in a variety of ways to gain insight into possible network
problems
Diagnosing and solving quality of service problems with drive test and
switch data
Using pre-defined and custom analyses to analyze data and devise
tailored optimization solutions
Identifying the impact of wide area network optimization changes in terms
of quality of service using advanced features that allow Analyzer to be
tailored to integrate seamlessly into developed optimization processes and
procedures
Using some of the latest task-oriented application packages and their
supporting engineering notes, which highlight how Analyzer can be used
to fine-tune network performance and further enhance quality of service
Using the Help options and maximizing the benefit of technical support

Introduction to Actix Analyzer
Mobile phone network operators strive to maximize the capacity and quality of
their networks in order to ensure customer satisfaction and increase
revenues. The collection and analysis of network performance metrics forms
a large part of this effort. There are many sources of performance data
available, including field-test equipment, scanners, and call traces.
Actix Analyzer provides the ideal solution for your network optimization
problems. It supports a wide range of file formats and provides you with a
straightforward user interface.
Actix Analyzer is a post-processing tool for the top-down optimization of
wireless networks. Actix supports a wide variety of collection file formats,
including:
Drive Test Collection Tools, including Ericsson TEMS, Nemo
TOM, Comarco Baseline, Xtel, Grayson Invex, Xplor, Dingli, and
Ascom Q-voice.
Switch (Mobile Traffic Records) Traces, including Ericsson
MTR, and Nokia Online
Protocol Analyzers on the A, Abis, and Gb interfaces for
GSM/GPRS networks including Tektronix K1205, Ocean, and
Nethawk.

Analyzer’s Key Features
Supports most of the industry standard file formats for drive-test, OMC-R
traces, and A, Gb, and Abis traces
Easy-to-understand Windows user interface means information can be
interpreted quickly
Data may be queried on user-defined criteria and filtered accordingly
Access to high-level statistical information and detailed engineering
parameters
Analyses may be run quickly using pre-defined report templates
The most commonly requested analyses and calculations are carried out
automatically
Drive test and call trace files may be combined to link forward and reverse
link data
Interface with Excel allows detailed statistical and mathematical analysis
of any data set
The Network Image feature enables aggregation of large volumes of drive
test data into one file, including only key parameters, resulting in a much
smaller file

What’s New in A-SVS Version 1.6
Technology Enhancements
AMR Measurements – Adaptive multi-rate (AMR) parameters available for
analysis include Setup Parameters and Frame Measurements. AMR
measurements are currently available for the TEMS, Invex 3G and XTel data
collection formats.
GPRS and EDGE Protocols - A-SVS supports the analysis of GPRS and
EDGE networks. GPRS parameters are available for all major collection
vendors. EDGE support is currently available for Nemo, and will soon be
available for TEMS and XTel. Data testing measurements provide technology
independent data protocol metrics provided by wireless data collection
equipment.
E-GSM Improvements – A-SVS v1.6 provides improved support for
extended GSM band test and measurement (T+M) devices.
Data Visualization
Preconfigured StateForms - A number of preconfigured GSM and GPRS
StateForms enable the user to quickly identify and troubleshoot important
network events.
Protocol Stack Browser – The Protocol Stack Browser allows the user to
quickly browse through messages by examining the header only. Once a
message of interest is identified in the top pane of the Protocol Stack
Browser, the details of the message can be examined in the bottom pane.
Cell Site Configuration – The Network Explorer has been updated to ease
the cell site configuration process. The Auto Import feature is available to
automatically update the cellrefs file with changes to network data. The
Display Cell Data view provides easy access to network data details within
the workspace.
Search for Attributes – It is now possible to search for specific attributes
within the tree structure of all open data streams within the Workspace
Explorer. The results of the search will be displayed in the new “Search
Results” tab.
Region Filtering - A filtering mechanism has been implemented at the map
layer level. This feature allows for one or more polygons of any desired size
and shape to be drawn on a map. Data can then be filtered either inside or
outside this defined region.

Direction Button – It is now possible to display directional arrows on any
drive-test map. These arrows indicate the direction of the drive test vehicle
during collection.
Licensing
Several licensing options are available to meet the varied needs of different
customers.
Stand-alone Configurations – Users from the same customer will be able to
readily interchange hardware keys without the inconvenience of having to
move, copy, or replace license files.
Commutable Network Configurations – The Actix customer who uses the
Analyzer in a commutable network configuration will now have more flexibility
in configuring the use of licenses to support usage in the office and in the
field.

Actix Folder
Analyzer Shortcut
Start Button
Getting Started With Analyzer
Starting Analyzer
As with any Windows application, you can start Analyzer in several ways.
When you install Analyzer, a folder is created from the Start button that
contains a shortcut for Analyzer.
To use this shortcut to start Analyzer, select Start → Programs →
Actix → Analyzer.
Note: If you would like to add an Analyzer shortcut to your desktop,
right-click on the Analyzer item on the start menu and choose Create
Shortcut. It will appear on the desktop.
Figure 1 - Starting Analyzer Using the Shortcut on the Start Menu

After starting Analyzer, the splash screen is displayed while the application loads.
A blank Analyzer workspace then opens:
Figure 2 - An Empty Workspace in Analyzer
Workspace
Toolbar
Main Menu

Current Layers
Layer Options
Layer Properties Layer Reorder
Configuring Analyzer
Before you can begin analyzing data, there are a few configuration matters to
attend to. In order to obtain some geographical reference points for your log
files, you will need to load some MapInfo maps and point Analyzer to a valid,
applicable cell site database, known in Analyzer as a “cellrefs” file.
Setting up Maps
This section shows you how to load MapInfo tabular (.tab) data to
present data analyses on map backdrops.
1. Open a new map by selecting View → Display new Map
2. Click on the Maximize icon to maximize the Map window.
3. In the Map Window, click on the Layers icon: .
4. The Layer Control Dialog will open:
Figure 3 - The Layer Control Dialog
5. In the Layer Control dialog, click Add to open the Open Layer
dialog.
6. Select or type in the name of a MapInfo Map (*.tab) file, then click
Open. In class, the map file we will open is Maesseh.tab, which can
be found in:
C:Program FilesActixAnalyzerMapFilesMaesse

MapInfo layers are named according to the geographic location of the data
(usually abbreviated US state name and county name), and by the type of
data contained in the file. The following table lists some of the common
abbreviations used for MapInfo data types:
Suffix Layer Type
Y1 RtHwy010_Top
Y2 RtHwy010_Bot
X1 IntShld010
X2 IntShld1040
Pc Cultural Points
Pn Natural Points
Pm Municipal Points
R Railroads
H Highways
S Streets
Wr Water (rivers)
Wb Water (bodies of water)
Lm Landmarks
Cb City Boundary
Mc Minor Civic Division
Cy County
Other MapInfo layers: Voting District,
Native American Lands, Sub-MCD, State
level tables (school districts and elevation
contours)
For example, the MapInfo layer named Maesseh.tab contains highway-level
data for Essex County, Massachusetts.
7. You may want to modify the layer properties by selecting the
layer and choosing the various options within the Layer Control
Dialog:
A. Properties → Labels: Use the Label Properties dialog to
show, hide, or modify map labels.
To turn off labels (recommended to improve map load
time), uncheck both the Display within range box.
Check boxes also are also available to Allow Overlapped
Text and Allow Duplicated Text.
The label font can be controlled through the Label Style
button.

The label position and label offset can be modified at the
bottom right corner of the dialog.
Select OK to exit the Label Properties dialog.
B. Properties → Display: Use the Display Properties dialog
to control the display features of the map layer.
Override the default vector coloring by checking
Override Style and modifying the Layer Style.
Select OK to exit the Display Properties dialog.
C. Reorder → Up and Reorder → Down: Use the Reorder
buttons to change the ordering of the layers.
Moving map layers toward the bottom layer is
recommended to set them as a backdrop for displaying
cell site data and logfile parameters.
Layer Accessibility: To display a layer, check the box
next to the layer name under the eye icon . To make a
layer selectable, check the box next to the layer name
under the arrow icon . To make a layer writeable,
check the box next to the layer name under the pencil
icon .
Layers → Remove: Use the Remove button to remove a
map layer from the workspace.
8. In addition to the Essex County highway layer, open the
Middlesex and Suffolk County highway layers and modify their
labels and visibility as in Step 7.
9. After modifying any desired layer properties, close the Layer
Control dialog with the Close button and changes will take
effect.

Map Toolbar
Figure 4 - MapInfo Layer for Essex County Highways Displayed on a Map
9. Pan the map viewing area to the new map by right-clicking in the map
area, then choosing Zoom → Go to Layer and selecting the map layer
you just added.
10. Reorder the map layers using the Up and Down buttons on the Map
Layer dialog to improve the appearance of the map
11. Right-click on the map and choose Zoom → Zoom In from the pop-up
menu or click on the Zoom In button on the Map toolbar.
12. Click and drag a rectangle around a small area of interest on the map.
Return the cursor to the passive mode by clicking on the Select
button.
13. To return to the previous view, right-click on the map and choose
Zoom →Previous View.
14. For some detailed layers, like the street layers, you can control at
what degree of magnification they become visible. This helps to
eliminate cluttered map displays.
In the case of the highway layer, you can control the point at which the
highway names and highway numbers become visible on the map. In
the Map Layers, select the highway layer, and use the Properties
Display dialog to set the Display within Zoom levels 0-10 miles. For
the highway numbers, use the Properties Labels to set the visible
range to 0-3 miles. Investigate the impact of your changes.

More Pan and Zoom Options
The pop-up menu in the Map window offers a variety of convenient pan and
zoom options.
Previous View – Right-click in the map and select Zoom → Previous View.
Returns to the last zoom setting by undoing the last zoom operation.
View Entire Map – Right-click in the map and select Zoom → View Entire
Map. Zooms out to show the entire map area you have defined.
Panning – Right-click in the map and select Tool → Pan. The cursor will
change to a hand symbol. Click and drag to move the map in the viewing
pane.
Centering – Right-click in the map and select Tool → Center, then click on a
point in the map window. The map will pan with the point you selected as the
center.
Measuring Distances on the Map – Right-click in the map and select Tool
→ Distance. Click the first point of the two you would like to measure the
distance between, and then drag the cursor to the second point. Notice that
the distance is displayed next to the cursor and is continuously updated as
you drag. The units are not displayed, so if you are not sure what the current
units setting is, check under Map Units → Distance, changing the unit type if
appropriate.
Other Mapping Options
Copy to Clipboard allows the current map to be pasted into other MS
applications for reporting and presentation
Export Map - allows the map to be saved to many common graphical formats
for viewing outside Analyzer
Zoom to Map Scale - permits the user to display the map based on common
map scales. This may be useful if it is desired to overlay printed maps from
Analyzer over other maps or coverage predictions
New Raster - allows the importation of raster images for use as backdrops.
One application of this would be to bring in raster maps of coverage
predictions from a planning tool for visual inspection of predicted against
measured coverage.
Note: When you are finished panning and zooming, and have the map
showing the area you are interested in, remember to return the cursor to the
passive mode by clicking on the Select button on the map toolbar.

Map Scale and Coordinates
By default, the map scale will appear in the lower left corner of the map
window. In addition, the latitude and longitude coordinates of the
cursor can be displayed.
To turn the scale on or off, right-click on the map area and click
to check or uncheck Show Scale.
To show or hide the cursor coordinates, right-click on the map
area and click to check or uncheck Show Lat/Long.
Loading Cell Site Data
In order to display cell sites in Analyzer, and integrate cell site data with real-time
measurements, a formatted database must exist containing location and
configuration data for each cell site. In Analyzer, we refer to this file as the
‘cellrefs’ file, although it can have any name.
Later in the course, we will show you how to format your own data for
recognition by Analyzer. For now, we will point Analyzer to a pre-formatted
cellrefs file, and then display the sites on the map. Follow these steps to point
Analyzer to a formatted cell site file:
1. From the main menu, select Tools → Preferences.
2. In the Change Preferences dialog, on the File Location line, double-click
on the name of the current cellrefs file.
3. In the Open dialog, navigate to the cellrefs file you would like to use and
select Open. In class the file we will use is called ‘Training GSM
Cellrefs.txt’ which has been installed in the following location:
C:Program FilesActixAnalyzerBinCellrefs
4. Click OK to close the Preferences dialog.
5. A message box will be displayed saying that the new cellrefs file takes
effect when a new workspace is loaded. Click OK to close the message
box. Analyzer loads cells upon opening Analyzer or starting a new
workspace. From the Main Menu, choose File → New Workspace to
create a new workspace. At this point, there is no need to save the current
workspace.
6. In the new workspace, click View →Display New Map.
By default the cell sites are now visible:

Figure 5 - Map with Cell Sites Displayed
Displaying Site Labels
By default, site and cell labels will be displayed on the map. You
can leave the labels as they are, modify the way they are
displayed, or turn them off entirely. The site labels are displayed
independently of cell labels. This allows you to display Site Name
or Site ID in addition to or instead of BCCH, Azimuth, or
Beamwidth.
In Analyzer, “sectors” are called “cells” based on the European
terminology.
The following instructions specify first site labeling, then cell
labeling:
1. In the Layer Control dialog box, select the site layer (named
GSM_Site-Site_Name)
2. Under the Properties heading in the Layer Control dialog, press
the Labels button.

3. The MapInfo-style Label Properties box will appear. Verify that each
of the following options is checked:
Show
Allow overlapped text (recommended)
Hide adjacent duplicate text (optional)
4. In the Label Properties box, use the drop down Data Field menu to
determine the label format to display. Currently, there are two label
formats from which to choose:
The Site_Name (default) shows only the site name.
The Key Field label shows only the site ID.
5. If you wish to offset the label from the cell site symbol, use the
options in the Position box in the Label Properties dialog.
6. If you wish to change the font of the labels, use the Label Style
button in the Properties dialog.
7. Select OK to exit the Label Properties dialog.
The Site Labels have been formatted. Next, format the Cell Labels:
1. In the Layer Control dialog box, select the cell layer, which is named
GSM_Cell-BCCH-Beamwidth
2. Under the Properties heading in the Layer Control dialog, press
the Labels button
3. The MapInfo-style Label Properties box will appear. Verify that each
of the following boxes is checked:
Show
Allow overlapped text (recommended)
Hide adjacent duplicate text (optional)
4. In the Label Properties box, use the drop down Data Field menu to
determine the label format to display. All GSM_Cell parameters are
available as options for labeling. BCCH is a popular labeling option,
as it allows you to quickly identify the BCCH frequency on each
sector.
5. If you want to offset the label from the cell site symbol, use the
options in the Position box in the Label Properties dialog.
6. If you want to change the font of the labels, use the Label Style
button in the Properties dialog.

7. Click OK in the Label Properties dialog, and then OK in the Layers
dialog to apply the labels.
Figure 6 - Formatted Cell and Site Labels
Coloring Sectors on the Map
By default, sectors are colored by BCCH on the map. To color the
sectors according to a different field (i.e. Sector_ID, to color sectors
by face), or to make all sectors the same color:
1. Click the Cell Sites button at the top of the map.
2. In the Series drop-down, choose GSM_Cell.
3. Use the Cell Color drop-down to choose the field to color by.
To make all sectors the same color, specify an unused field
(i.e. MCC). To color sectors by face (i.e. 1 = red, 2 = yellow, 3
= blue), choose Sector_ID.
4. Click OK to exit the Sites / Cell Properties dialog.

5. Site coloring will appear as specified. To modify face colors,
expand the GSM_Cell parameter in the legend. Right-click on
individual ranges and choose Selected Range’s Style to modify
colors.
Figure 7 - Sites / Cell Properties Dialog
Note that the sector need not be colored and labelled by the same parameter.
The figure below shows sectors colored by Sector_ID and labelled with the
BCCH. Use the Layer Control dialog to adjust labelling as desired.

Figure 8 - Sectors Colored by Sector_ID on Map

Viewing Cell Site Information
A cell’s Azimuth, Beamwidth and Sector ID can be obtained by running the
mouse over a sector on the map. To obtain more detailed information on
each site or sector:
1. Display site data of interest on the map.
2. From the main menu, select Cells → Display Cell Data.
3. From the main menu, select Window → Tile Horizontally or
Window → Tile Vertically.
4. Click on a sector wedge or site dot on the map. Details about that
sector or site will appear in the Display Cell Data window.
Figure 9 - Display Cell Data Window

Searching for Cells
Search for Cells provides a mechanism for locating specific cell sites
based on user-defined search criteria. To conduct a search:
1. Display site data of interest on the map.
2. From the main menu, select Cells → Search for Cells.
3. From the main menu, select Window → Tile Horizontally or
Window → Tile Vertically to arrange the CellRefs Search
dialog and the map in the workspace.
4. Ensure that GSM is visible in the Technology drop-down.
5. Use the Add, Edit and Delete buttons to modify search criteria.
6. Click the Search Now button to show in the Results window all
matching cell sites from the current cellrefs file.
Figure 10 - CellRefs Search Dialog

7. From the Results window, select a row to highlight and center
the corresponding sector on the map.
8. Click the Highlight All button to highlight all matching sectors
on the map.
Figure 11 - Map Highlighting All Sectors Meeting Search Criteria

Data Aggregation (Binning)
Analyzer aggregates data into groups called bins in order to provide a
reasonable number of data points from a computing and analysis perspective.
The aggregation method used to create one bin from many data points
depends on the type of parameter. For example measurement parameters,
such as RxLev and RxQual, are binned by averaging all component
measurements into one data point. For network state parameters, such as
ServBCCH and ServBSIC, a bin is given the most frequently occurring value
in the component measurements. Events, such as Dropped Calls and
Handovers are binned by the number of events occurring within the
component measurements.
There are four modes for determining how to divide data into bins:
ƒ Time-based binning
ƒ Distance binning
ƒ Message binning
ƒ Location binning
Time-based binning combines data in the time domain using a
user-specified duration for the bin. The speed of travel during
logging will affect how many log files you see in a certain area.
The diagram below looks at a one-second bin.
Distance binning combines data into bins corresponding to the
distance traveled by the test mobile. This mode is commonly
used for drive test analyses when viewing on a map to ensure
plot points are evenly spaced.

Grid (not seen) Drive
Routes
All points in this box will
be binned together to
produce one plot point
Message binning sets the number of messages to average equal to
1. Each message is placed into its own bin with the net result of
no averaging of the data. Message binning should not be set to
any value other than 1.
Location binning - analogous to overlaying a spatial grid on top of
the data with a user-definable granularity. This can be used
when examining several drive files crossing over the same
geographic area. This method is often used for SuperStreams.
To set the binning mode
1 In the Tools → Preferences dialog, click on the ‘+’ next to
Binning to expand it
2 Set the binning mode for maps, charts, and reports to Time
based.
3 Highlight the time field and set the Time to 1000 ms.

Exploring the Workspace
Loading Files
Now that you are more familiar with the Analyzer environment, we will move
on to some of the basic viewing options for drive test data.
1. Load the following drive test files by selecting File → Open Logfile or by
clicking the Open Logfile icon: . These files are located in the
C:Documents and SettingsAll UsersApplication
DataActixAnalyzerDataFiles directory:
Nemo Drive Test 1.dt1
TEMS Investigation 1.log
2. Expand the file tree in the workspace and select the NemoGSM (0) stream
from the Nemo Drive Test 1 file.
3. Expand the layers under the NemoGSM (0) stream, then expand the GSM
node and examine each data group and parameter, as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 12 - Expanded Workspace Showing Data Groups and Parameters

Upon loading a GSM data file, note that several data groups are created for each
device contained in the file. To see these data groups, open any log file
contained in the training package.
The following data groups are created under the GSM node:
Statistics Data – Information about handover interval and duration
Serving Cell Parameters – Information about the serving cell identity,
serving BCCH, and BSIC.
Target Cell Info – Information about the target cell for a handoff including
BCCH and BSIC.
Dedicated Radio Link – Once a call has been established, parameters
that are associated with the cell serving the call are contained here.
Device Info – Information about the specifications of the mobile making
the call.
Downlink Measurements – Serving RxLev and RxQual measurements
made by the mobile, which are also broken out by ARFCN.
Neighbor Cell Info – BCCH, BSIC, and RxLev for each neighbor. In
addition, all neighbor measurements are broken out by channel number.
Event Data – Call events triggered by Layer 3 messaging or registered by
the drive test vendor’s equipment. If an event is not present in the tree, it
did not occur in the file.
GPRS Measurements – Metrics associated with GPRS data calls,
including throughput, coding scheme, channel usage, TBF information and
events can be found here.
AMR Measurements – Call setup and inband signaling measurements
extracted from AMR-enabled handsets are contained in this group.
Vendor Specific – Measurements that are specific to the particular
collection device used. Specific events registered by the T+M vendors’
hardware not derived from layer 3 messaging by Analyzer are included
here.
The Data Testing node in a GPRS or EDGE handset stream provides data
parameters that are not specific to the air interface. Under the Data Testing
node, the following groups may be found:
Application Measurements – Find instantaneous application layer
throughput here. This is the value that most closely approximates the end
user’s experience.
Protocol Measurements – This group contains throughput values for
each layer in the IP stack. This group contains statistics for the IP, PPP,
TCP, ICMP and RLP2 layers.

• IP (Internet Protocol) provides a connectionless addressing
scheme of packets, or datagrams, to be delivered in a
packet-switched data network.
• TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) establishes a virtual
connection between a source and a destination in a data
network.
• PPP (Point to Point Protocol) serves primarily to provide
some security to datagrams in the IP network.
• ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) supports error,
control and informational messages within the data network.
Task Settings – This group contains task identifiers including Task_Id,
Task_Name and Task_Key.
Task Summary – This group contains application level parameters
summarizing the entire task.
Ping Statistics – This group contains metrics for any ping session within
the logfile.
Application Statistics – This group contains the number of bytes
transmitted by the data application.
Connection – This group contains details for data connections activated
within the logfile.
HTTP Statistics – This group contains metrics for any HTTP session
within the logfile.
Right-click on several of the parameters under each group and note that they
can be displayed on tables, maps, charts, and in workbooks.

Viewing Scanner Data in Analyzer
Analyzer supports the GSM scanners including the TEMS scanner, Nemo
Seegull, Comarco baseline, and XK series scanner devices.
To better understand the Scanner data that is presented, open logfile
Grayson CW Scan.LOG and expand the stream Spectrum Tracker (0):
Figure 13 - Scanner Stream Expanded to Show Its Contents
Note that under the Scanner data group, several groups have been created to
help you easily drill down into the data.
Independent Node Data in Analyzer
The Independent data node in Analyzer includes measurements that are
technology and T+M vendor independent. This includes GPS information,
Site Data Node information and Message Type information.
Information for the site data node parameters will be generated if a valid
cellrefs file is loaded in the Analyzer when a logfile is loaded. The site data
node contains information resulting from the integration of the cell plan
information and drive test data. This information can be displayed on maps,
charts, tables, and workbooks like all regular drive test parameters. The site

data node information appears in the workspace similar to the illustration
below.
Figure 14 - Expanded Site Data Node in the Workspace
The Site Data Node contains the parameters listed below:
ServingCellDistance – The distance between each point on the drive and
the current serving cellsite
ServingCellLat – The latitude of the serving cellsite at each point along
the drive route
ServingCellLon – The longitude of the serving cellsite at each point along
the drive route
ServingCellID/SectorID – The alphanumeric identity from the cellrefs file
of the serving site name and sector name. This data can be viewed on a
table synchronized to a map to eliminate the need to look up channel/color
code information to determine the serving cell at each point on the drive
NeighborCellDistance/Lat/Long/CellID/SectorID - The same information
as above for each neighbor position along the drive.

Searching for Attributes
With such a high number of attributes (or parameters) available for analysis, it
can become quite tedious to locate the exact attribute that one might need.
The “Search for Attributes” feature allows a user to search the parameter
trees of all open data streams within the Workspace Explorer. The results of
the search will be displayed in the Search Results tab of the Workspace
Explorer.
1. From the main toolbar, select Tools → Find Attribute. The search panel
will open as part of the Workspace Explorer window.
2. In the Find What field, type some text that is part of the required attribute.
3. Select the Stream in which to search for the attribute. The default is set to
<All Streams>.
4. Select either of the Settings options – if desired.
5. Select the Direction in which to search.
6. Click Find Next or Find All.
7. When finished, click Done. The search panel will close. However, all of
the results will remain visible in the Search Results tab.
The Favorites Group
Having access to all of the parameters within a logfile in the Workspace is
sometimes not necessary and it can make finding key parameters more
difficult. Analyzer allows for the identification of a subset of parameters that
need to be accessed regularly by placing them in a Favorites Group. This
group can be viewed by clicking on the Favorites tab in the Workspace. Try
setting the following favorites for GSM parameters based on drive test
measurements of “Nemo Drive Test 1”:
1. In the workspace, click to select the ServRxLevSub parameter from the
Downlink Measurements group, then right-click on it and choose Add to
Favorites from the pop-up menu.
2. Under Downlink Measurements, find ServRxQualSub and add it to
Favorites.
3. Under Events, find CallDropped and HandoverOK and add them to
Favorites.
4. Under Serving Cell Parameters, find ServBCCH and add it to
Favorites.

Favorites Tab
5. In the Workspace, click on the Favorites tab . A tree view of
the items you added is displayed. You can easily move between All and
Favorites as necessary.
Figure 15 - Workspace Showing the Favorites Parameters Displayed
6. The parameters that you define as Favorites will be available on
the Favorites tab for any data file open in the workspace that
contains those parameters, as well as for any new files opened that
contain the specified parameters.
7. To remove a parameter from favorites, select the parameter. Right-click
on it and choose ‘Remove Favorite.’
Sharing Favorites
Favorites can be shared among users. Favorites are saved in the
Favorites.dat file located in the C:Documents and SettingsAll
UsersApplication DataActix AnalyzerBinXMLFiles directory.
To share Favorites with another user, copy the Favorites.dat file to
the same directory on the desired machine. The user of that machine
will then have access to those Favorites each time Analyzer is
launched.

Viewing Data in Analyzer
In Analyzer, data can be viewed in a variety of ways to facilitate
easy analysis. You can plot parameters on maps and display them
on charts, tables, and in workbooks.
Viewing Data on Maps
There are two options for viewing data on maps:
To view any parameter on a new map: Right-click on the
parameter of interest in the Workspace Browser and select
Display on Map.
To view a parameter on a map already open in the
workspace: Click and drag the parameter of interest onto a
map already open in the workspace.
1. Display the serving cell signal level for the handset stream NemoGSM (0)
on the map from the file Nemo Drive Test 1. First, select Downlink
Measurements → ServRxLevSub. Then right-click and select Display
on Map.
Figure 16 - RxLevSub Displayed On a Map

Notice that the legend appears to the left of the map. The count for each
range is in parentheses to the right of the range.
2. If you would like to display a second parameter, you have two options:
You can add the second parameter to the same map as the first by
clicking on the second parameter in the Workspace Browser and
dragging it onto the original map.
You can display each parameter on a separate map by right-clicking
on the second parameter in the Workspace Browser and
choosing Display on Map.
Modifying Legend Ranges
1. Select the ServRxLevSub stream in the Map Legend window and
right-click on it. Choose the Modify ranges option to change the
number of legend ranges and some of the range boundaries.
Figure 17 - Modify Ranges Dialog For RxLevSub

2. Delete ranges you don’t need by selecting them one at a time and
pressing the Remove button.
3. To edit an existing range to match your network thresholds, select
and type in the new maximum or minimum and click on the Update
button to register the changes.
4. To add a new range, type the maximum and minimum in the spaces
provided and click on the Add button.
5. If at any time you want to back out of all of the changes you have
made, click on the Cancel button.
Note: The ranges set for the map are also used for grouping data for
histograms in workbooks and the histogram tab on tables. Changes
made to the ranges on the map legend will also be made to these
other views.
6. Modify the colors of each range to match your network schema
from within the Modify Ranges dialog by selecting the range, clicking
on the Selected button in the Set Colors box, and picking a new
color from the palette.
Note: These changes to the ranges are saved automatically. One file
is created for each parameter range. These files are located in
C:Documents and SettingsAll UsersApplication
DataActixAnalyzerBinFormatGroupsUserSettings. This file
can be copied and shared with other members of your team.
7. To accept the changes you have made to the legend settings, click
OK.
8. After clicking OK, you will be presented with the Selected Legend
box. To overwrite the existing default legend range settings with
your new settings, click OK.
To keep your default legend range settings as they are and add your
new legend settings as an alternate set of legend ranges, type in a
name for the new set of ranges, then click OK.
The Map Offset Tool
1. To add the RxQual from the handset to the current map, select
Downlink Measurements → ServRxQualSub. Drag the selected
parameter onto the map. The RxQual is drawn directly on top of the
RxLev trail.
2. Click on the Layers button on the map toolbar to open the
layers dialog.

RxQual Stream
RxLev Stream
3. Select the ServRxQualSub layer and click on the Offset button.
You can use the Offset box to enter an amount to move the RxQual
in the x and y directions.
4. If you prefer, you can use the Offset Tool instead of entering specific
x and y offsets.
a. To use the Offset Tool to offset RxQual from RxLev, click on the
Layers button to get into the Layer Control Dialog.
b. Click on the Offset Tool button. Your cursor will change from an
arrow to a ‘+’.
c. Click any where on the map. Your cursor will stay at ‘+’ and will
now have a dotted line connecting it to the point you just clicked.
d. The dotted line indicated by how much the ServRxQualSub layer
will be shifted. Click on a second point to complete the offset.
5. You can return a layer to its original position by manually setting the x
and y offsets to zero or by clicking on the Reset button in the Map
Offset Tool.
Figure 18 - Map of RxLev and RxQual Data
Visibility
Check Boxes

6. Turn layer visibility on and off by clicking the layer’s checkbox in the
legend.
Creating a Multi-Dimensional Map Stream
You can create a two-dimensional map by dragging two parameters onto a
map, then dragging one on top of the other in the legend. This will replace the
two data streams with one composite stream. The color of the points in the
resulting stream will be determined by the value of the stream that was
dragged and the size of the points is determined by the value of the other
stream.
1. Close the current map.
2. Display ServRxLevSub and ServRxQualSub on a map.
3. In the legend, drag the RxLev layer on top of the RxQual layer in
the legend. The points will be colored by RxLev with their size
determined by RxQual.
Figure 19 - Multi-Dimensional Map Trail
4. A third dimension can be added to the plot. You can set the symbol
type to denote the value of the third parameter.
5. Drag the ServBCCH from the Serving Cell Parameters group onto
the map.

Lines to
Neighbor Cells
6. In the legend, drag ServBCCH on top of the ServRxLev and
ServRxQual multi-dimensional stream. Note that the new plot shows
color corresponding to RxLev, symbol size based on RxQual and
symbol type denoting serving BCCH. The legend information is
automatically updated when multi-dimensional plots are created.
7. Remove the multi-dimensional layer through the Layers dialog by
selecting it and clicking the Delete button.
Note: Separate legend ranges exist for each parameter for the size, symbol,
and color ranges. For example, you may choose to display ServRSSISub
divided into five ranges when it is viewed by color, and only two ranges
when viewing it by size.
Lines to Cells and Cell History
With a cell plan loaded, lines from each location on the drive route to their
corresponding serving cell and neighbor cells will be drawn. Set the map
cursor in the Select mode and click on any point on the drive route.
Figure 20 - Map Showing Lines to Cells
Line to Serving Cell

You can view the serving or neighbor cells for more than one point on the
map by clicking on the Area Select button on the map toolbar and choosing
one of the options now available on the toolbar, either Select Box, Select
Radius, or Polygon Select.
In addition to viewing serving and neighbor cells for an individual point data
point or a subset of the data, a Cell History plot can be drawn. This plot
shows the line to the serving cell for each point on the drive route.
1. To create this type of plot, click on the Layers button on the map
toolbar.
2. Select the ‘GSM_Cell-Beamwidth’ layer.
3. Select Properties → Lines to access the dialog below:
Figure 21 - Line Layer Properties Dialog
4. Select the All datapoints option for the Lines draw mode.
5. For the Color lines with, choose ServBCCH.
6. For Label lines with, choose None.

Figure 22 - Map Showing Lines to Serving Cell For Each Point
Displaying Data Values as Text on Maps
The values for one or more parameters can be displayed as text on the map.
This can be used to display the serving cell number value or serving site
identity name adjacent to the drive route. All the options are controlled
through the Label Properties dialog accessed from the Map Layers for the
layer under observation.
1. Drag RxLevSub, RxQualSub, and ServBCCH onto the map.
2. Move ServBCCH below the RxLev and RxQual layers in the Map
Layer dialog.
3. Move the RxLev layer between the RxQual and BCCH layers.
4. With the BCCH layer selected, click on the Label button to see the
dialog box below:

Figure 23 - Label Properties Dialog
The settings on this dialog are as follows:
Data
Data Field – Select this option to display the parameter value next to the
data point.
Formatted Field – Select this option to display the parameter name and
value next to the data point.
Visibility
Show – Controls whether or not the labels appear on the map.
Allow Overlapped Text – Use this option to draw all labels, even if they
overlap partially or fully.
Hide adjacent duplicate text – Controls whether each adjacent bin with
the same data value has a label displayed. Disable this feature for

parameters like Serving Channel Number or Site ID where the point of
interest is where a change occurred.
Display within range – Use this option for layers like maps or cell sites
when you would like to see the values when zoomed in close to the area
but the labels clutter then viewing area when zoomed farther out.
Styles
Label style – This button opens the Text Style box. From this box you can
modify the font face, size, background color, and text effects for the label
text.
Figure 24 - Text Style Box
Position
Across the line – Used with Lines to Cells layers, choose this option to
have the labels drawn in the direction of the line to cell.
Along the line – Used with Lines to Cells layers, choose this option to
have the labels drawn horizontally, across the line to cell.
Vertical – Draws label from left to right.
Horizontal – Rotates the label 90 degrees.
Alignment – Choose Left, Center, or Right.
Label X offset – Set the vertical distance from the label to its data point.
Label Y offset – Set the horizontal distance from the label to its data
point.

5. For the ServBCCH layer, Data Field. For visibility, check Show and
Allow overlapped text. For the position, set Label X offset to -10 and
Label Y offset to 5.
6. In the Layer Control dialog, select the RxLev. Select the Data Field
option. For visibility, check Show and Allow overlapped text. For the
position, set Label X offset to 10 and Label Y offset to -15.
Figure 25 - Map with Labels Displayed and Formatted For RxLev and
ServBCCH

Direction button
Directional
arrows
The Direction Button
The Direction button allows the user to display directional arrows on
any drive-test map. These arrows indicate the direction of the drive test
vehicle during collection. The Direction button is located on the Map
Toolbar.
Figure 26: Map with Directional Arrows Displayed
Region Filtering
The Region Filter can be used to filter data displayed on maps. It can
be very helpful when trying to isolate data in one geographical area.
1. From the Map Toolbar, click the Region Filter button. Three
additional options will now appear on the map toolbar; including a
Polygon drawing tool. The cursor will now appear as a cross-hair on
the map.
2. Draw the polygon over a certain map area by clicking on a series of
points. The first click on the map starts the polygon. Drag the cursor

to each corner of the desired region to filter and click the mouse
once. To finish drawing the polygon, double-click near the starting
point to establish a line between the last point and the first point.
3. Draw any other polygons, as needed.
4. To filter data, click the down-arrow next to Filter and select either
Include or Exclude. “Include” is the default filter. [Note: Any
additional attributes that are dragged onto a map using regional
filtering will also be filtered].
5. To remove the filter, select Remove All from the map toolbar. This
will delete all existing region filters in that map. Region filters in other
map windows are unaffected.
Figure 27: Region Filtering using "Include"

Printing Maps
A-SVS-DO1 features five different ways to obtain printable map outputs:
Print using “Quick Print”
Print using Map Layout Designer
Copy to Clipboard
Export Map to a different file format
Export individual map layers to MapInfo
The recommended method is the Quick Print. The Quick Print option
bypasses the Map Layout Designer and prints the map with a legend in
a fixed position.
To print a map using the Quick Print option:
1. Display data on a map in the workspace.
2. Select the Print button from the map toolbar.
3. Select the paper source, page orientation, and margin sizes.
4. Use the Options button in the lower left hand corner of the Print
Setup dialog to adjust map size, content, legend visibility, and
scale.
5. In the Print Setup dialog, select OK to print the map.
The Map Layout Designer may be used to arrange the map and legend
on the page, add a title, and preview the output. To print a map using the
Map Layout Designer:
1. Open a map with data in the workspace.
2. Select the Layout button from the toolbar.
3. Choose the page layout for the map and select OK to
bring up the Map Layout Designer.
4. Double-click on the Label box to change the title of the
map.
5. Move the label box and the map so that they are not
overlapping. Resize the text box as necessary. With the
Label Box selected, choose Properties from the Toolbar
to change the label font.

6. Move the legend so that it is not overlapping the map trail.
Resize the legend as necessary.
7. Select Print Preview from the Toolbar to determine what
the printed page will look like. Close Print Preview to make
any modifications necessary.
8. Select Print to print the map.
You can also print a map by copying it to the clipboard.
1. Right-click on the map to be copied and select Copy to
Clipboard.
2. Paste the map into another application and use that
application’s print function to print the map.
A fourth option is to convert the map to a different file format and
use a compatible program to print the output file. Analyzer
supports the exporting of maps to the following formats: BMP,
JPG, WMF, PNG, TIF, GIF, and PSD.
1. Right-click on the map and choose Export Map.
2. Select the desired file format.
Finally, a fifth option is to export individual map layer(s) directly
into MapInfo. To do this:
a. From the map view, open the Layer Control dialog box.
b. Select Export.
c. Choose the layers to be exported. Browse to the
appropriate destination folder.
d. Click OK.

Viewing Data on Charts
Analyzer can create a variety of charts for the analysis and inspection of data.
1. With the Nemo Drive Test 1 file open in the Workspace, expand
Downlink Measurements and select ServRxLevSub.
2. Right-click on ServRxLevSub and choose Display on Chart from
the pop-up menu. Your chart should look like this:
Figure 28 - RxLev Displayed On a Chart
3. Click on the Histogram button to view the data as a
distribution.
4. Click on the Series button to return the chart to a time series
chart.
5. Select ServRxQual and drag and drop it onto the first chart to
display both parameters on one chart.
6. From the Neighbor Cell Info node, expand the NborRxLev node,
and drag and drop NborRxLev_0 onto the chart. Your chart should
look like the figure below.

Figure 29 - RxLev, RxQual And Strongest Neighbor RxLev displayed On a Chart
Note that RxQual appears on a separate axis from the RxLev values.
Multiple values can be dragged onto a single chart. When parameters are
expressed in different units they will appear on separate y axes.
7. Drag and drop a few events onto this chart. The events will appear
on the chart as vertical lines.
You can zoom in on a section of interest, such as a dropped call, by
dragging a rectangle from upper-left to lower-right. You can return to the
original view by clicking and dragging a rectangle from lower-right to
upper-left.
1. Drag and drop the dropped call event onto the chart you currently
have open.
2. Click and drag a rectangle from upper-left to lower-right on the
chart around the second dropped call.

Figure 30 - Chart Zoomed In On a Dropped Call
Modifying Chart Properties
1. Many chart properties can be customized through the Properties
dialog. Right-click on the chart and choose Chart Properties from
the menu.
2. Use the Axis dialog to increase the RxLev max value to -15 dBm.
3. Reposition the Properties Dialog so that you can see the chart with
the dialog open. As you change the properties of the chart, the chart
is automatically updated.
4. On the Chart Series page, click on Titles… to change one of the
titles.
5. Still on the Chart Series page, use the up and down arrows to
change the order in which the parameters are plotted.
6. On the Chart Legend page, modify the fonts and colors.
7. On the Chart Axis page, redefine the style for the axis, labels, and
ticks.

8. Create a three-dimensional chart using the options on the Chart →
3D page.
9. Click on the Copy icon to place a copy of your chart on the
clipboard.
10. In Word or PowerPoint, click Edit → Paste to paste your chart into
that application.
11. In Analyzer, with the chart still open, create a map displaying the
same data. Click to select data on either the map or the chart and
notice that the views are synchronized.
If you want to select a point on the map, click the Select button to activate
the selection cursor.

Viewing Data in Tables
Tables provide a quick and simple view of numeric data for a selected
attribute. You can look at statistics, such as mean, minimum, and maximum,
histogram distribution information, and the time series data for the parameter
displayed the a table.
1. Display ServRxQualSub from the Nemo Drive Test 1 handset on a
table. To do this, select Downlink Measurements →
ServRxQualSub, then right-click and select Display on Table.
Figure 31 - RxQual Series Data Displayed in a Table
2. Click on the Histogram tab to see the ranges and their counts. The
ranges on the Histogram tab are determined by the ranges set in the
map legend.
3. Click on the Statistics tab to view the automatically calculated
statistics.
4. Add RxLev to the table by right-clicking on the RxLevSub parameter
in the workspace and dragging it onto the table.
5. Display the dropped call event on a map. Click on the dropped calls
to synch the map with the table.
Tabs for View Options

Viewing Data in the Message Browser
Analyzer provides the Message Browser to allow you to analyze all the
messaging seen from the phone. The browser also includes events derived
from the Layer 3 messaging, searching, and filtering operations on the data.
To open the browser right-click on the stream name NemoGSM (0) in the
workspace and choose Display Message Browser from the pop-up menu.
Figure 32 - Messaging Displayed in the Message Browser
1. Click on an event in the Event Panel. Watch as the Messaging
Window synchronizes to display the messaging information
corresponding to the event you selected.
2. In the Search box, type ‘drop’, then click the Find Next button
to find the next occurrence of this text string in the file. Continue
the search by clicking the Find Next icon to find each subsequent
occurrence of the string.
3. Select a section of text in the Message Browser and click on the
Copy icon.

4. Open Word and click Edit → Paste to paste the text into the current
document.
5. In Analyzer, click on the Properties button then on the Message
Format tab, and investigate the results of checking some of the
options.
6. In the Properties dialog, click on the Message Format tab and
modify the Font for the Message Browser.
7. Investigate the use of bookmarks by selecting a subset of messages
and marking them with the Toggle button and then using the adjacent
Next and Previous Toggle buttons to step through them.
As with the maps and charts, the message browser synchs with other
Analyzer data views. To try this out, display a parameter, such as ServRxLev
or ServRxQual, on a map or chart. Click on a point on the map or chart, and
watch as the message browser scrolls to highlight the messaging
corresponding to that point in time. If you click to synch the message browser
with an event, it will point to the message whose receipt triggers that event.

Viewing Data in the Protocol Stack Browser
The Protocol Stack Browser is another view that allows the user to quickly
browse through messages by examining the header only. Once a message of
interest is identified in the top pane of the Protocol Stack Browser, the details
of the message can be examined in the bottom pane. The following Protocol
Stack Browser views are available for GSM and GPRS drive test data:
Layer 3 – Message pane displays GSM Layer 3 messages and
message direction
Layer 3 Signalling – Message pane displays GSM Layer 3
messages only
All – Message pane displays all GSM Layer 3 and handset-specific
messages
GPRS Events – Message pane displays messages signifying
GPRS events
GPRS RLC / MAC – Message pane displays GSM Layer 3, and
GPRS RLC and MAC messages
Figure 33 - GSM Layer 3 Protocol Stack Browser

Open the Layer 3 Protocol Stack Browser view for the Nemo Drive Test 1
sample file:
1. Right-click on the NemoGSM (0) stream in the workspace and choose
Protocol Stack Browser → GSM Layer 3 from the pop-up menu.
2. Click on a message header from the series in the top portion of the
Browser Window and notice the complete message displayed in the
bottom pane for the message you selected.
3. In the Search box, type ‘CC Release’, then click the Find Next
button to find the next occurrence of this text string in the file.
Continue the search by clicking the Find Next icon to find each
subsequent occurrence of the string.
4. Select the All Rows button at the top of the Protocol Stack Browser to
view all messages including Layer 3 and handset-specific messages.
As with the maps and charts, the Protocol Stack Browser synchronizes with
other data views. To try this out, display a parameter, such as
ServRxLevSub on a map. Click on a point on the map and watch as the
Protocol Stack Browser scrolls to highlight the message in the top pane and
display the complete message contents in the bottom pane.

Viewing Data on Workbooks
The Workbook feature allows you to manipulate data within a Microsoft Excel
spreadsheet environment, provided that you have Excel installed on your
computer. You can display the data in charts, produce reports, and save and
share your work. If you just want to browse numerical data, you may find
Analyzer’s table feature easier to use. If you are looking to save your results
or do more comprehensive formatting, a workbook is the best choice.
1. Select Downlink Measurements → ServRxQualSub, then right-click
and select Display on Workbook.
Notice the series data being displayed in Excel with time, latitude,
and longitude.
Figure 34 - RxQual Displayed in a Workbook
2. Click on the Histogram tab to view the ranges and counts.
3. Click on the Statistics tab to see the automatically calculated
statistics.

Delta Plots
Delta plots provide a way to compare parameters from two different data
streams. This feature calculates the difference between the attribute
values logged in the same location in two successive drive tests and
returns the results as a binned dataset that can be plotted on a map or
displayed on a chart, table or workbook.
Figure 35: Creating a Delta Plot
1. To create a delta plot, select Tools → Tasks → Delta Plots
2. In the Choose your technology drop down, select “GSM
Handset” or “GPRS Handset”
3. In the Select the attribute to “delta” drop down, select the
desired attribute.
Note: It is possible to “delta” any parameter. If the desired
parameter is not in the drop down list for a given technology,
select “Add…” and type the name of the parameter exactly as

it appears in the Attribute Explorer. Press “Enter” to reactivate
the page.
4. Select “Click Here” on the Binning line to enter the Preferences
dialog. Change the binning settings to:
a. Binning Mode = Location
b. Projection = Default (meters) [Scroll up from default entry
to find this option]
c. X size = 50
d. Y size = 50
e. Unit = Meters
Figure 36: Setting the Binning for Delta Plot Creation
5. Select the “Before” stream
6. Select the “After” stream
7. Enter an alternative name for the delta stream (if desired).
Press “Enter” when done to reactivate the task page
8. Click the “Create Delta Plot” button
The delta value is calculated by subtracting the “After” stream from the
“Before” stream. Once the delta plot has been created, a map will appear
containing the two original streams and the delta value between the two
streams.

Figure 37: Delta Plot Display
It is also possible to display the results of the binned delta analysis on a chart,
table or workbook. To do this, right-click on the binned delta analysis and
select the desired data view.

Play Speed
Reverse Step Back Stop
The Replay Tool
The replay tool allows you to sequentially view data points in the files you are
analyzing. Resembling the controls of a VCR, you can move forward or
backward, automatically or manually advancing through the data.
You can move through data displayed on a chart, map, or table. The stream
selection box allows you to choose which stream to watch. It will display all
open logfiles, whether or not you have a parameter from the stream
displayed.
1. Display RxLev from NemoGSM (0) on a map, then drag the
dropped call event onto the same map.
2. Display the dropped call, RxQual, RxLev, and ServBCCH on a
table.
3. Use the Window menu to tile the map and table horizontally.
4. To access the replay tool, select Tools → Display Replay.
Figure 38 - The Replay Tool
5. Making sure that the NemoGSM (0) stream is selected in the replay
tool, select a point on the map, near the beginning of the drive.
6. Click on the Step Forward button to move to the next point on the
drive.
7. Notice that the selection box on the map moves to the next data point
in the drive. The table has also updated by highlighting the relevant
data.
8. Experiment with the remaining buttons to see how they interact with
the rest of the views.
Play
Stream Selection
Step Forward

Docking the Replay Tool
You may find it more convenient to position the Replay Tool under the
Workspace Browser. The procedure for doing this is called docking.
1. Click on the left-most of the four buttons at the upper right-hand side of
the Replay Tool . If there are only three buttons, minimize and then
restore the Replay Tool to make the fourth button appear.
2. The Replay Tool will now show up along the right side of the
Workspace Browser. To move it under the Workspace Browser, click
on the thin gray bar at the top of the Replay Tool and drag it to the far
left side of your screen.

Viewing Data on Stateforms
Actix StateForms allow you to view multiple performance metrics
simultaneously. Used in conjunction with the replay tool, maps, tables, and
charts, you can quickly ascertain the values of several optimization
parameters for problem identification.
Using Preconfigured StateForms
A number of preconfigured GSM, GPRS and EGPRS StateForms enable the
user to quickly identify and troubleshoot important network events.
View the GSM Current Channel form for the Nemo Drive Test 1 sample file:
1. Right-click on the stream name NemoGSM(0) in the workspace and
choose Display Form → GSM Current Channel. Forms can also be
selected from the View → Forms option on the main menu.
Figure 39: Select GSM Current Channel Form
2. In general, when selecting a form, make sure that the form that you
have selected applies to the type of data you want to analyze. For
example, do not select the GSM CW Scan chart for a logfile containing
handset data.

Stream Selector
3. If the Stream Selector is not visible, right-click on the form and select
Stream Selector. The Stream Selector drop-down will appear. Use
the drop-down list to select the stream you wish to view data for. If you
are not seeing information in the forms, verify that the right data stream
is selected.
Figure 40: GSM Current Channel Form with Stream Selector Visible
4. Forms with measurement views like the GSM Current Channel form
or the GSM Call Events form may be best viewed when docked on the
side of the screen as seen in the figure below:
Figure 41 - GSM Current Channel Form Docked in Workspace

To dock a form on the left side of the workspace, bring up the form and
click the docking button (to the left of the minimize button). Click the
gray horizontal line at the top of the form, drag over the bottom section of
the Workspace Browser, and release. Once docked like in the view
above, you can adjust the top and right-hand borders to allow for more
viewing space in the platform.
5. Forms with chart views like the GSM Event Navigator or the GSM
RxLev Measurement Chart may be best viewed when docked at the
bottom of the screen as shown below.
Figure 42 - GSM Event Navigator Form Docked in Workspace
To dock a form at the bottom of the workspace, bring up the form and
use the docking button (to the left of the minimize button) to dock it next
the Workspace Browser. Then, making sure that the right border of the
form does not stretch past the midpoint of the entire Analyzer viewing
platform, drag the thin gray line of the form to the bottom right side of the
screen so that it is completely on the left half of the viewing platform.
Once docked like in the view above, you can adjust the top border to
allow for more viewing space in the platform.

The preconfigured forms available for GSM drive test data are:
GSM Call Events
GSM Channel Data
GSM Channel Info
GSM Distant Server
GSM Handset
GSM Hopping
GSM Current Channel
GSM Event Navigator
GSM Neighbor Table
GSM Neighbor Chart
GSM Neighbors
GSM Neighbors with Distance
GSM Serving + Neighbors
GSM Serving + Neighbor Info
GSM Radio Parameters
GSM RxLev Measurement Chart
GSM Scan Chart
GSM CW Scan
GSM Scanner Top 3
The preconfigured forms available for GPRS drive test data are:
GPRS Data Session
GPRS Data Analysis Chart
GPRS Data Timeslots
GPRS Event Navigator
GPRS PDP Context
GPRS Radio Chart
GPRS Status

GPRS Throughput (DL)
GPRS Throughput (UL)
The preconfigured forms available for EGPRS drive test data are:
EGPRS BEP Charts
EGPRS Current Channel
EGPRS Data Events
EGPRS Data Session Parameters
EGPRS Data Session
EGPRS Downlink Analysis Chart
EGPRS Status
EGPRS Summary
EGPRS Throughput Charts
EGPRS Uplink Analysis Chart
Preconfigured forms can be edited to meet your individual analysis needs.
The following sections describe the modification of existing forms, and the
creation of new forms using the Stateforms Editor.

Sheet Selector/
File Options
Toolbar
Viewing Custom Forms with the StateForms Editor
The StateForms Editor allows you to view custom forms, modify existing
forms, and build new forms from scratch. The components of the
StateForms Editor window are shown in the figure below.
Figure 43 - The StateForms Editor with Sheet Selector and Options Toolbar Visible
1. From the Tools menu, select StateForms Editor.
Note: If the generic GSM handset form does not launch, right-click on
the blank StateForms box and select Open File. Browse to the
C:Program FilesActixAnalyzerStateforms directory and open
the file called gsm handset.axl.
2. Once loaded, make sure the appropriate stream is selected in the
StateForms stream selection box. In this case, with the Nemo Drive
Test 1.dt1 file open, select the NemoGSM(0) stream.
Note: If the stream selection box is not visible, right-click on the
StateForms box and select Stream Selector. The stream selection
box will appear.
3. The selected stream must correspond to data currently displayed on
another Analyzer view (map, chart, table or message browser). In
this case, display ServRxLevSub on a table.
4. Select any point on a map, chart, or table and notice that the
contents of the form will update to reflect the state of the network at
the point you selected.

StateForms Design
ToolBar
Attribute Window
Modifying an Existing StateForms File
You can use an existing StateForms file as it is, or you can make
modifications to it. Suppose the GSM handset file has almost everything
you would like to see, but that you are also interested in the timing
advance. To modify the StateForms display:
1. If you do not already have the StateForms file displayed, click Tools
StateForms Editor. Click Open File and choose the gsm
handset.axl file.
2. Click on the Toggle Design Mode button on the StateForms
File Options Toolbar.
Note: If the File Options Toolbar is not visible, right-click on the form
area and choose Show Stream Selector.
3. The StateForms window now shows the design view: The attribute
window will be displayed, showing all of the attributes that can be set
for the selected object and the Design Mode toolbar will be displayed,
showing all of the types of objects that can be added to a form along
the options for manipulating objects already on the form.
Figure 44 - StateForms Window in Design Mode
The buttons on the StateForms toolbar are, from left to right, Delete, Cut,
Copy, Paste, Toggle Design Mode, Select, Label, Attribute Value, Array
Attribute Value, Line Chart, Scan Chart, and Group Box.
Delete – Removes an object from the form. Using the delete key on
your keyboard will not work.
Cut – Removes an object from the form and puts it on the clipboard.

Copy – Copies an object to the clipboard.
Paste – Places a copy of the object on the clipboard on the upper-left
corner of the form.
Toggle Design Mode – To exit the design mode and return to the
view mode, click the Toggle Design Mode button.
Select – To put the cursor into select mode to allow you to select an
object on the form.
Label – Click and drag a rectangle, then type your text into the
Caption field in the attribute window.
Attribute Value – Click and drag a rectangle then choose an
attribute from the list. The attribute value can be displayed as a text
value or on a scale bar. In addition to being able to display parameter
values, expression values can be shown.
Array Attribute Value – Click and drag to define a table. In the
attribute window, specify the number of rows and columns your table
will have. For the attribute corresponding to this table, select a
parameter that is collected as an array, such as Neighbor Cell Info →
NborRxLev.
Time Chart – Click and drag to define the chart area. One or more
parameters can be displayed on a line chart to see how the values
vary across the drive.
Scan Chart – Click and drag to define the chart area. This type of
chart is used to display information like signal levels from neighbor or
scanner information in bar chart form.
Group Box – Used to visually group attributes on your form that
belong together, click and drag to define a rectangle.
On the GSM handset form currently open, we will add timing advance and
serving cell distance, with serving cell distance displayed in miles instead
of meters.
1. Click on the Toggle Design Mode button to open the StateForms file
in design mode if you are not in design mode already.
2. Hold down the CTRL key and select the RxLev and RxQual meters,
as well as the labels for those meters. With these items selected,
click the Delete button.
3. Add the ‘Timing Advance’ label by clicking on the Label button.
Click and drag the rectangle where you would like the label to
appear.

4. Select the label object, and modify the Caption in the Attribute
Window to read ‘Timing Advance’. If all of the text does not fit in the
label, expand the label object by dragging a corner handle.
5. For Auto Size Font, choose False.
6. To create the timing advance attribute, click the Attribute Value
button and drag a rectangle to the right of the timing advance label
object.
7. Select the timing advance attribute object and click on the box
next to the Attribute field in the Attribute Window. Use the Attribute
Picker to select GSM → Dedicated Radio Link →
ServTimingAdvanceActual.
8. For the Bar Color, choose the same color as the background of
your form.
9. For Use Value to Color, choose 0) None.
10. For Font Auto Size, choose False.
11. To add the information about serving cell distance, create a label
whose caption is ‘Serving Cell Distance’. You can do this by
creating a label from scratch or by copying and pasting an existing
label. Note that pasted objects always appear in the upper-left corner
of the form.
12. For the Bar Color, choose the same color as the background of
your form.
13. For Use Value to Color, choose 0) None.
14. For Font Auto Size, choose False.
15. For the Expression, enter ‘ServingCellDistance/1609.344’.
16. For the Expr. Decimals, enter 2.
17. Click on the Save button to save the changes you have made.
18. Click on the Toggle Design Mode button to return to the View Mode.
Notice that the Stateform now incorporates the changes that have
been made.

New Timing Advance
and Serving Cell
Distance Parameters
Figure 45 - StateForm Modified to Include Timing Advance Parameter
Creating Your Own StateForms File
Several sample StateForms are provided by Actix. You can also design
your own forms from scratch, or modify an existing form to better meet
your needs. You can start a new StateForms file or you can add a sheet to
an existing file. We will create a new file for this example.
Our form will look like this:
Figure 46 - New StateForms File
If you do not have the StateForms window open, click Tools →
StateForms Editor.
1. To start a new StateForms file, click the New File button .

2. To begin adding objects to the StateForms sheet, click the Toggle
Design Mode button to open the sheet in Design Mode.
3. Add the RxLev label by clicking the Label button. Click and drag the
rectangle.
4. Select the label object and make these modifications in Attribute
Window:
Caption: RxLev
Autosize Font: False
Font Height: 10
5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 for the RxQual label, setting the caption to
‘RxQual’.
6. To create the Attribute Bar for RxLev, click the Attribute Value
button and drag a rectangle to the right of the RxLev label object.
7. Select the RxLev Attribute Value object and make the following
modifications in Attribute Window:
Specify Min+Max: True
Bar Range Max: -50
Bar Range Min: -100
Bar Color: Use the pallet to pick blue
Show Min Text: True
Show Max Text: True
Use Value to Color: 3) Value Bar
Attribute: GSM → Downlink Measurements → ServRxLevSub
Font Auto Size: False
Font Height: 10
Extent Right: True
Extent Bottom: True
8. For the RxQual attribute value, click the Attribute Bar button and drag
a rectangle to the right of the RxQual Attribute object.
9. Select the RxQual Attribute Bar object and make the following
changes in the Attribute Window:
Specify Min+Max: True
Bar Range Max: 7

Bar Range Min: 0
Bar Color: Use the pallet to pick purple
Show Min Text: True
Show Max Text: True
Use Value to Color: 3) Value Bar
Attribute: GSM → Downlink Measurements →
ServRxQualSub
Font Height: 10
Extent Right: True
Extent Bottom: True
10. To add the Group Box object, click the Group Box button and click
and drag a rectangle around the other objects on the form.
11. Select the Group Box object and make the following modifications
in the Attribute Window:
Caption: Network Parameters
Text Color: Use the pallet to select dark blue
Font Height: 12
Font Use Default: False
Font Bold: True
12. Click the Save As button and save the StateForms file in the
Stateforms directory and call it Training StateForms.axl.
13. Return to the View Mode by clicking the Toggle Design View button.
14. Test your new StateForms file by displaying a parameter from the
NemoGSM(0) stream on a map, selecting that stream in the
StateForms window, then selecting a point on the map.

Uplink Data Analysis
Uplink data is as important as downlink data to the overall heath of a wireless
network. Because uplink data is collected at the base station, without the benefit
of associated GPS data, it is not possible to view uplink parameters such as
Uplink RxLev and Uplink RxQual on a map.
Analyzer supports GSM call trace data from most major base station equipment
vendors. Call trace data by itself may be displayed on an Analyzer table, chart,
workbook, or message browser. When merged with drive test data collected at
the same time as the call trace, GPS coordinates contained in the drive test file
are associated to data points from the call trace. This procedure allows the
display of uplink data on a map, and allows the engineer to obtain a picture of the
uplink performance of the network.
In this section, you will look for uplink problems on the sample network using call
trace and drive test data.
Exploring Call Trace Data
Call trace data may be opened in Analyzer using the same method as opening
drive test files. Simply use the Open Logfile button and browse to find the files of
interest.
1. Load the following call trace files into the Analyzer workspace. The logfiles
can be found in the C:Program FilesActixAnalyzerDataFiles folder.
Ericsson MTR 1.txt
Ericsson MTR 2.txt
2. Expand the Ericsson MTR 1 data file and explore the contents. Display a
parameter on a table. Notice that the file includes downlink and uplink
parameter values, but does not contain location data for each parameter.
3. Display the parameter ULRxQualFull from the Uplink Measurements group
on a chart. Though it is easy to see when the areas of poor uplink RxQual
occurred, there is no way to know where in the network these areas are
located.

Superstreaming Call Trace and Drive Test Data
Analyzer allows you to synchronize data from the different data sources it
supports. The functionality supports a collection method where drive test and
switch data are collected simultaneously on a cluster of cells of interest. It
aligns the information in the files based on a parameter that was collected by
both the drive test and switch trace devices. This allows you to plot uplink
information on a map, or to plot the difference between uplink and downlink
parameters on a map. The process is called superstreaming.
In this example, a parameter common to the drive test and call trace files is
specified in order to merge on. Files may also be merged on time, as long as
the base station and drive test equipment times are synchronized.
1. Load the drive test and the switch data files from the CD into the
Workspace:
Drive test: Nemo Drive Test 1.dt1
Call trace: Ericsson MTR 1.txt
2. Select Tools → Create Superstream.
3. Change the name of the superstream from the default of
SuperStream001 to Uplink and Downlink Data.
4. In the SuperStreaming dialog, check the Nemo Drive Test 1 (drive
test) and Ericsson MTR 1 (switch file) streams.
5. Click the Settings button to display the Merge Method options.
6. Select Correlated Parameters as the merge method.
7. Highlight the Nemo Drive Test 1 stream. Use the attribute picker
next to Correlated Parameters to select GSM → Downlink
Measurements → ServRxQualSub as the correlating parameter for
the Nemo file. The attribute picker is the button with the right-arrow
icon . Used throughout Analyzer, an attribute picker allows you to
select the Analyzer parameter of interest without the risk of mistyping
the parameter name.
8. Highlight the Ericsson MTR 1 stream. Use the attribute picker to
select GSM → Downlink Measurements → ServRxQualSub as the
correlating parameter for the Ericsson file.
9. Click OK to create the superstream.
Note: In the Superstreaming dialog box, the parameter that you associate
with a stream of one type (i.e. .DT1, .TXT) will appear in the Attribute

column for all streams of that type. However, only streams with check
marks will be merged into the resulting superstream.
10. When Analyzer has finished creating the superstream, it will appear
in the Workspace: . You can perform analyses on
the Superstream using the map, chart, message browser, and table
features discussed earlier.
Display ULRxQualSub from the Uplink Measurements group of the
newly created superstream on the map. Notice how easy it is to
locate areas containing poor uplink quality! These trouble spots are
caused by the phone’s inability to communicate back to the base
station, and may be attributed to a mobile failing to increase its
transmit power when required or to excessive path loss between the
phone and the base station.

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