Importance

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Abstract

A test loop is provided in a cellular network for testing and supervising a complete chain of radio equipment needed to carry cellular traffic from a radio base station. A software modified mobile station including a transceiver test unit is cable connected between transmitter and receiver parts in a radio base station. Logic is introduced in the base station controller to establish connections to the mobile station on all traffic channels in the cell and evaluate measurement reports from the transceiver test unit and receiver. If signal strength and/or bit error rate are not within a predefined expected interval, an alarm is given in the base station controller. Also, reports can be provided on the measured signal strength and bit error rate on all traffic channels in the cell. The transceiver test can be initiated by periodic command. In addition, statistics on traffic in the cell can be evaluated to determine abnormal behavior in the cell which results in automatic initiation of a transceiver test. Continuous supervision is provided in the cell to accomplish fast fault detection and fault localization, thus lowering costs, minimizing cellular traffic down time and increasing quality of service for the end user.

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First Claim