Saudi Telecom Company IBBS Design Guidelines October 2019

SAUDI TELECOM COMPANY

IBS Design and Acceptance Guidelines

Prepared By Date Title Organization

Waleed M. Aljaber Sep-2017 Solutions and Technologies Section Manager Infrastructure Design
Mohammad Abdelhafez Salman Sep-2017 Solutions and Technologies Senior Consultant Infrastructure Design

Reviewed By Date Title Organization

Mohammad Abdelhafez Salman Feb-2018 Solutions and Technologies Senior Consultant Infrastructure Design
Farrukh M. Saad Mar-2019 Solutions and Technologies Principal Consultant Infrastructure Design
Ahmed El-Masry Oct-2019 Solutions and Technologies Senior Consultant Infrastructure Design

Approved By Date Title Organization

Saleh A. Al Qahtani Oct-2019 Indoor Solutions Design Director Infrastructure Design

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Contents
1. SCOPE: ......................................................................................................................... 3

2. DESIGN KPI’S: ........................................................................................................... 3

2.1 Design Criteria for GSM 900MHz/1800MHz Bands:............................................... 3

2.2 Design Criteria for UMTS 2100MHz / 900MHz Band:............................................ 4

2.3 Design Criteria for LTE 1800MHz Bands: ............................................................... 5

2.4 Design Criteria for LTE 2100MHz Band: ................................................................. 7

2.5 Design Criteria for LTE 2300Mhz Band ................................................................... 9

2.6 Design Criteria for LTE 700Mhz Band ................................................................... 10

2.7 Design criteria for 5G NR 3.6-3.8 GHz .................................................................... 12

2.8 Sharing Sites Acceptance (Other lead operator sites) ............................................ 13

2.9 NHP Acceptance (neutral-host sites) ........................................................................ 13

2.10 Small Cells, Refarming and expansions ................................................................. 13

2.11 Indoor repeaters design cirteria ............................................................................ 13

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1. Scope:

This document defines the design requirements of indoor building solution for GSM, UMTS, LTE and 5G
operation. It covers the coverage commitment, performance KPIs and acceptance requirements.

The document defines the technical specifications for below bands and technologies:

 GSM at 900MHz & 1800MHz bands

 UMTS at 900MHz & 2100MHz bands
 LTE at 1800MHz, 2100MHz ,2300MHz & 700Mhz bands
 5G at 3600 MHz band

2. Design KPI’s:

Design should ensure that the stated KPIs are met, and below are the details of the standard KPIs for Indoor
Solutions Bands/technologies.

2.1 Design Criteria for GSM 900MHz/1800MHz Bands:

For GSM coverage, following is the Design criteria and requirements:

No Item Design Criteria

1 Coverage Area 95% of the coverage commitment area to be covered

>= -75 dBm at 95% of coverage commitment area Remaining 5% should not
Rx Lev - 900MHz
be decreased more than 5dBm
2
>= -80 dBm at 95% of coverage commitment area Remaining 5% should not
Rx Lev - 1800MHz
be decreased more than 5dBm
3 Rx Qual - 900 & 1800 MHz <= 4 at 95% of coverage commitment area
Spillage - 900MHz Rx Lev < -85dBm at a distance of 20m away from the building
4
Spillage - 1800MHz Rx Lev < -90dBm at a distance of 20m away from the building

Following are the GSM performance acceptance criteria:

2G KPIs Cell Threshold

BH TCH BLOCKING RATE <=1.5%
CALL SETUP SUCCESS RATE >=97%
SDCCH DROP RATE <=1.3%
TCH DROP CALL RATE <=1.5%
HANDOVER SUCCESS RATE >=95%
TCH Availability (2G) >=99%

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2.2 Design Criteria for UMTS 2100MHz (if applicable) / 900MHz Band:

For UMTS 2100MHz (if applicable) & UMTS 900 Band coverage, following is the Design criteria and
requirements:

No Item Design Criteria

10 % of the total Cell Carrier composite Power or as per design
1 Node B CPICH (Allocation power)
requirements
UMTS 2100 ~ 1950 - 1980 MHz (UL) & 2140 - 2170 MHz (DL)
2 Operating Frequency band
UMTS 900 ~ 900.4-908.6 MHz (UL) & 945.4- 953.6 MHz (DL)
>=-85dBm at 95% of coverage commitment area Remaining 5% should
not be decreased more than 5dB for ( 2 carriers ) @ 2100Mhz
3 CPICH RSCP
>=-85dBm at 95% of coverage commitment area Remaining 5% should
not be decreased more than 5dB for ( 2 carriers ) @ 900Mhz
4 CPICH Ec/Io >=-10dB at 95% of coverage commitment area of the building
5 RTWP (Avg) for an Unloaded System – WideBand Noise <= -95dbm for DAS , -85dbm for Small Cells
Spillage - Street Level CPICH RSCP <-95dBm at a distance of 20 away from the building
6
Spillage - Building to Building CPICH RSCP <-90dBm at first tier of surrounding buildings

- For sites with exiting U2100 layer and U900 Collocation scope, if the existing U2100 is accepted by optimization a proof of concept
Walk test for one location only will be provided as long as all other KPIs are fine. Coverage gaps if any due to operation issues should
be fixed by DAS MSP.

Following are the performance KPIs and their acceptable value:

3G KPIs Cell Threshold

AMR CALL SETUP SUCCESS RATE >=95%

VP CALL SETUP SUCCESS RATE >=95%
AMR RAB ESTABLISHMENT SUCCESS RATE >=96%
VP RAB ESTABLISHMENT SUCCESS RATE >=95%
AMR RAB Blocking Rate % <=1%
IRAT HANDOVER SUCCESS RATE >=95%
SOFT HANDOVER SUCCESS RATE >=98%
PS CALL SETUP SUCCESS RATE >=95%
PS RAB Blocking Rate % <=1%
AMR DROP CALL RATE <=1.5%
PS DROP CALL RATE <=2%

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2.3 Design Criteria for LTE 1800MHz Bands:

For LTE 1800Mhz band coverage, following is the design KPIs and their acceptable values. The below KPIs are
applicable on any BW up to 20MHz (or higher in case of CA).

LTE Reference Signal LTE1800 MHz coverage requirements:

System STC KPIs

>= -95 dBm @ 95% coverage Commitment area for 20MHz BW
LTE RSRP
>= -95 dBm @ 95% coverage Commitment area for 20MHz + 15MHz BW (Two carriers)

LTE RSRQ >= -10dB @ 95% coverage Commitment area

SINR >= 5 dB for 90% of coverage samples of the building

RTWP (Avg) for an Unloaded System – Wideband noise -95 dbm for DAS and -85 dbm for Small Cells
RTWP (Avg) for an Unloaded System – Pusch noise -105 dbm for DAS and -90 dbm for Small Cells

Note:
- Radio optimization team to support If any changes are required to achieve the subject KPIs
- For the cases where new macro sites are integrated after the design starts, Optimization team shall also support with the required
actions (Ant tilt/Ant height/power/azimuth Change, parameter change, etc.)
- For sites with exiting L1800 and second carrier addition or BW expansion only scope, a proof of concept Walk test for one location
only will be provided as long as LTE EIRP remains the same. Coverage gaps if any due to operation issues should be fixed by DAS MSP.

LTE 1800Mhz Performance KPIs:

4G KPIs Cell Threshold

RRC Connection Establishment SR >=95%

E-RAB Establishment SR >=95%
E-RAB Drop Rate <=3%
INTER Frequency LTE Intra eNodeB Handover SR >=92%
INTER Frequency LTE Inter eNodeB Handover SR >=92%
CS IRAT Handover Success Rate to UMTS >=92%
CS IRAT Handover Success Rate to GSM >=92%
Cell Availability >= 99%

LTE DL and UL throughput:

For KPIs on data rate, minimum Throughput should be achieved within 95% of coverage commitment area.
Both Down Link and Uplink throughput to be achieved during the LTE tests. Below table shows only theoretical
values and our target throughput is 75% of TV for Low traffic hours or single user test (tested using uncapped SIM
card)

SISO (Mbps) 2x2 MIMO (Mbps)

Bandwidth UL (16
DL DL UL (16 QAM)
QAM)
5 MHz 18 12 37 12
10 MHz 37 25 55 25
15 MHz 55 37 70 37
20 MHz 75 51 90 51

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Static or Fixed Testing (SSD)

Below is a table for the KPIs that need to be collected during static test for 20 MHz channel:

MIMO
SISO
4G KPIs 2x2
values
values
2CC CA DL User Throughput (Mbps) (IA) >=85 >=150
3CC CA DL User Throughput (Mbps) (IA)* >=105 >=190
4CC CA DL User Throughput (Mbps) (IA)* >=125 >=230
VoLTE MO Succ Rate >=98%
VoLTE TM Succ Rate >=98%

256 QAM Modulation.

Throughput Table with 256 QAM Modulation

Carrier Size Expected Throughput DL (Mbps) Expected Throughput UL (Mbps)

SISO MIMO 2x2 SISO MIMO 2x2
20 MHz >60 >110 >35 >38
15 MHz >50 >90 >27 >30
10 MHz >35 >60 >18 >20

Note: 256 QAM is activated on all new sites. Better SINR will contribute to the 256 QAM modulation

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2.4 Design Criteria for LTE 2100MHz Band:

For LTE 2100Mhz band coverage, following is the design KPIs and their acceptable values. The below KPIs are
applicable on any BW up to 20 MHz.

LTE Reference Signal LTE2100MHz coverage requirements:

System STC KPIs

LTE RSRP (2100) >= -95 dBm @ 95% coverage Commitment area

LTE RSRQ >=-10 dB @95% coverage Commitment area

SINR >= 5 dB for 90% of coverage samples of the building

RTWP (Avg) for an Unloaded System – Wideband noise -95 dbm for DAS and -85 dbm for Small Cells

RTWP (Avg) for an Unloaded System – Pusch noise -105 dbm for DAS and -90 dbm for Small Cells
Note:
- Radio optimization team to support If any changes are required to achieve the subject KPIs
- For the cases where new macro sites are integrated after the design starts, Optimization team shall also support with the required
actions (Ant tilt/Ant height/power/azimuth Change, parameter change, etc.)
- For sites with exiting L2100 and carrier addition or BW expansion only scope, a proof of concept Walk test for one location only will
be provided as long as LTE EIRP remains the same. Coverage gaps if any due to operation issues should be fixed by DAS MSP.

LTE 2100MHz Performance KPIs:

4G KPIs Cell Threshold

RRC Connection Establishment SR >=95%

E-RAB Establishment SR >=95%
E-RAB Drop Rate <=3%
INTER Frequency LTE Intra eNodeB Handover SR >=92%
INTER Frequency LTE Inter eNodeB Handover SR >=92%
CS IRAT Handover Success Rate to UMTS >=92%
CS IRAT Handover Success Rate to GSM >=92%
Cell Availability >= 99%

LTE DL and UL throughput:

For KPIs on data rate, minimum Throughput should be achieved within 95% of coverage commitment area.
Both Down Link and Uplink throughput to be achieved during the LTE tests. Below table shows only theoretical
values and our target throughput is 75% of TV for Low traffic hours or single user test (tested using uncapped SIM
card)

SISO (Mbps) 2x2 MIMO (Mbps)

Bandwidth UL (16
DL DL UL (16 QAM)
QAM)
5 MHz 18 12 37 12
10 MHz 37 25 55 25
15 MHz 55 37 70 37
20 MHz 75 51 90 51
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Static or Fixed Testing (SSD)

Below is a table for the KPIs that need to be collected during static test for 20 MHz channel:

MIMO
SISO
4G KPIs 2x2
values
values
2CC CA DL User Throughput (Mbps) (IA) >=85 >=150
3CC CA DL User Throughput (Mbps) (IA)* >=105 >=190
4CC CA DL User Throughput (Mbps) (IA)* >=125 >=230
VoLTE MO Succ Rate >=98%
VoLTE TM Succ Rate >=98%

256 QAM Modulation.

Throughput Table with 256 QAM Modulation

Carrier Size Expected Throughput DL (Mbps) Expected Throughput UL (Mbps)

SISO MIMO 2x2 SISO MIMO 2x2
20 MHz >60 >110 >35 >38
15 MHz >50 >90 >27 >30
10 MHz >35 >60 >18 >20

Note: 256 QAM is activated on all new sites. Better SINR will contribute to the 256 QAM modulation

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2.5 Design Criteria for LTE 2300Mhz Band

For LTE 2300Mhz band coverage, following is the design KPIs and their acceptable values. The below KPIs are
applicable on any BW up to 20 MHz.

LTE Reference Signal LTE2300MHz coverage requirements:

System STC KPIs for Full Coverage STC KPIs for Hotspot Coverage

LTE RSRP (2300) >= -100 dBm @ 95% coverage Commitment area >= -100 dBm @ 95% of the hotspot area

LTE RSRQ >= -10dB @95% coverage Commitment area >= -10dB @95% of the hotspot area

SINR >= 5 dB for 90% of coverage samples of the building >= 5 dB for 90% of the hotspot area
RTWP (Avg) for an Unloaded System –
-95 dbm for DAS and -85 dbm for Small Cells -85 dbm for Small Cells
Wideband noise
RTWP (Avg) for an Unloaded System –
-105 dbm for DAS and -90 dbm for Small Cells -90 dbm for Small Cells
Pusch noise
Note:
- Radio optimization team to support If any changes are required to achieve the subject KPIs
- For the cases where new macro sites are integrated after the design starts, Optimization team shall also support with the required
actions (Ant tilt/Ant height/power/azimuth Change, parameter change, etc..)

LTE 2300Mhz Performance KPIs:

4G KPIs Cell Threshold

RRC Connection Establishment SR >=95%

E-RAB Establishment SR >=95%
E-RAB Drop Rate <=3%
INTER Frequency LTE Intra eNodeB Handover SR >=92%
INTER Frequency LTE Inter eNodeB Handover SR >=92%
CS IRAT Handover Success Rate to UMTS >=92%
CS IRAT Handover Success Rate to GSM >=92%
Cell Availability >= 99%

LTE DL and UL throughput:

For KPIs on data rate, minimum Throughput should be achieved within 95% of coverage commitment area.
Both Down Link and Uplink throughput to be achieved during the LTE tests. Below table shows only theoretical
values and our target throughput is 75% of TV for Low traffic hours or single user test (tested using uncapped SIM
card)

TDD
DL UL
Bandwidth
SISO MIMO
20 MHz 33 65 7

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2.6 Design Criteria for LTE 700Mhz Band

For LTE 700Mhz band coverage, following is the design KPIs and their acceptable values. The below KPIs are
applicable on any BW up to 20 Mhz.

LTE Reference Signal LTE700MHz coverage requirements:

System STC KPIs

LTE RSRP (700) >= -90 dBm @ 95% coverage Commitment area

LTE RSRQ >=-12dB @95% coverage Commitment area

SINR >= 5 dB for 90% of coverage samples of the building

RTWP (Avg) for an Unloaded System – Wideband noise -95 dbm for DAS and -85 dbm for Small Cells

RTWP (Avg) for an Unloaded System – Pusch noise -100 dbm for DAS and -85 dbm for Small Cells
Note:
- Radio optimization team to support If any changes are required to achieve the subject KPIs
- For the cases where new macro sites are integrated after the design starts, Optimization team shall also support with the required
actions (Ant tilt/Ant height/power/azimuth Change, parameter change, etc..)
- For sites with exiting L2100/L1800 layer and L700 Collocation scope, if the existing L2100/L1800 is accepted by optimization a proof
of concept Walk test for one location only will be provided as long as all other KPIs are fine. Coverage gaps if any due to operation
issues should be fixed by DAS MSP.

LTE 700Mhz Performance KPIs:

4G KPIs Cell Threshold

RRC Connection Establishment SR >=95%

E-RAB Establishment SR >=95%
E-RAB Drop Rate <=3%
INTER Frequency LTE Intra eNodeB Handover SR >=92%
INTER Frequency LTE Inter eNodeB Handover SR >=92%
CS IRAT Handover Success Rate to UMTS >=92%
CS IRAT Handover Success Rate to GSM >=92%
Cell Availability >= 99%

LTE DL and UL throughput:

For KPIs on data rate, minimum Throughput should be achieved within 95% of coverage commitment area.
Both Down Link and Uplink throughput to be achieved during the LTE tests. Below table shows the minimum
target throughput to be achieved through a single user test (tested using uncapped SIM card)

DL UL
Bandwidth
SISO MIMO
15 MHz 55 70 37
20 MHz 75 90 51

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Static or Fixed Testing (SSD)

Below is a table for the KPIs that need to be collected during static test for 20 MHz channel:

MIMO
SISO
4G KPIs 2x2
values
values
2CC CA DL User Throughput (Mbps) (IA) >=85 >=150
3CC CA DL User Throughput (Mbps) (IA)* >=105 >=190
4CC CA DL User Throughput (Mbps) (IA)* >=125 >=230
VoLTE MO Succ Rate >=98%
VoLTE TM Succ Rate >=98%

256 QAM Modulation.

Throughput Table with 256 QAM Modulation

Carrier Size Expected Throughput DL (Mbps) Expected Throughput UL (Mbps)

SISO MIMO 2x2 SISO MIMO 2x2
20 MHz >60 >110 >35 >38
15 MHz >50 >90 >27 >30
10 MHz >35 >60 >18 >20

Note: 256 QAM is activated on all new sites. Better SINR will contribute to the 256 QAM modulation

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2.7 Design criteria for 5G NR 3.6-3.8 GHz

For 5G NR 3.6 to 3.8 GHz band coverage, following is the design KPIs and their acceptable values. The below
KPIs are applicable on any BW up to 100 MHz.

5G NR Synchronization Reference Signal coverage requirements:

System STC KPIs for hot spot coverage

5G NR SS-RSRP (3600-3800) >= -105 dBm @ 95% coverage Commitment area

SS-SINR >= 5 dB for 90% of coverage samples of the hot spot area

RTWP (Avg) for an Unloaded System – Wideband noise -85 dbm for DAS and -75 dbm for Small Cells

RTWP (Avg) for an Unloaded System – Pusch noise -95 dbm for DAS and -80 dbm for Small Cells
Note:
- Radio optimization team to support If any changes are required to achieve the subject KPIs
- For the cases where new macro sites are integrated after the design starts, Optimization team shall also support with the required
actions (Ant tilt/Ant height/power/azimuth Change, parameter change, etc..)

5G NR Performance KPIs:

This release includes a conditional acceptance passing KPI due to 2 challenges just arise:
1. Transport
2. 5G devices

Some sites due are not getting the 10 Gbps capacity transport required for the 5G sites. Therefore, a
conditional passing KPIs are provided. Also, 5G devices have not matured in market yet. There is evidence of
5G UE instability in market. For that reason, conditional passing KPI are provided as well.

However, Vendors are obligated to retest all the sites tested under the conditional acceptance when 10 Gbps
transport link is installed to those sites. Also, all sites that were tested under conditional due to devices
challenges are required to be tested when new capable devices are available. All sites must pass or meet all
the standard KPI.

5G conditional KPIs Cell Threshold

Availability (%) >=99%

Accessibility (%) >= 97%
Retainability (%) <= 2%
Intra gNB SCell Addition Succ Rate >=99%

5G DL and UL throughput:

For KPIs on data rate, minimum Throughput should be achieved within 95% of coverage commitment area.
Both Down Link and Uplink throughput to be achieved during the 5G tests. Below table shows only theoretical
values and our target throughput is 75% of TV for Low traffic hours or single user test (tested using uncapped SIM
card)

Rank Latency^ (ms) 4x4 MIMO (Mbps)

Bandwidth
DL/UL DL UL (16 QAM)
100 MHz >=2 <15 >=400 Mbps >=60 Mbps
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2.8 Sharing Sites Acceptance (Other lead operator sites)

Due to the variation in the KPIs across operators, and the fact that the lead operator is the only party
allowed to perform any DAS related activities, the criteria for these sites will be:

 IBBS to inform MNOC if there is any DAS issues to open TT with Wholesale Services
Management Center (WSMC).
 IBBS to provide Pre-WT for Lead Operator + Post WT for STC in the agreed STC coverage
commitment area.
 Operation to accept the Sharing sites based on the documents (LO design documents, STC
coverage commitment, STC post WT) provided by IBBS.
 After DAS issues are cleared by lead operator, Operations team to confirm the performance
KPIs and do the acceptance WT.

2.9 NHP Acceptance (neutral-host sites)

Due to the variation in the KPIs across operators, and the fact that the NHP owner is the only party
allowed to perform any DAS related activities, the criteria for these sites will be:

 IBBS to inform MNOC if there is any DAS issues to open TT with Wholesale Services
Management Center (WSMC).
 IBBS to provide Post integration WT for STC in the agreed STC coverage commitment area.
 Operation to accept the Sharing sites based on the documents (NHP design documents, STC
coverage commitment, STC post WT) provided by IBBS.
 After DAS issues are cleared by lead operator, Operations team to confirm the performance
KPIs and do the acceptance WT.

2.10 Small Cells, Refarming and expansions

 Small Cells, the coverage and OSS KPIs shall be meeting the above criteria where deployed.

 For expansion activities, the coverage KPIs shall still be meeting the above criteria after the
expansion activity.

 For Re-farming activities, any KPI degradation due to capacity limitations, outdoor
interference shall be tolerated, other than that, the KPIs shall be maintained.

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2.11 Indoor repeaters design criteria

For indoor repeaters deployments, acceptance will be based on coverage only. As RF conditions will depend on
the donor outdoor site performance, IBBS will only be responsible to deliver the signal to the required indoor
areas.

Technology/Band agnostic signal coverage requirements:

System STC KPIs for repeaters coverage

5 dB lower than the regular IBS acceptance guidelines per

RSSI/RSCP/RSRP
band/technology @95% of the intended coverage commitment area

Note:
- Radio conditions inside indoor sites fed by repeaters are not under IBBS control and shall not be held responsible for OSS KPIs and
performance measurements.
- IBBS team to perform WT only to prove coverage strength improvements.

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