The Importance of RF Design RPD and TND in Mobile Network Rollouts
The design of mobile networks, involving Radio Parameters Data (RPD) and Transport Network Design (TND), is a strategic activity that requires not only deep technical knowledge but also efficient time and team management. During the five years I worked in this role, I participated in critical processes for the implementation of mobile sites, ensuring that networks were designed, commissioned, and integrated with precision, maintaining service quality and minimizing rework. In this article, I will detail the main stages of this activity, the challenges faced, and the skills needed for effective performance.
Initial Process: Planning and Data Collection
The process begins with defining the horizon of sites to be deployed within a certain time window. One of the main challenges in mobile network rollouts is ensuring that the design team is always at least 20 days ahead of the implementation, meaning the installation of equipment in the field. To achieve this, we use management software that forecasts the execution of all sites to be commissioned over a period of up to one year. Periodically, we select a 30 to 40-day window to work on a specific number of sites, considering that the process is highly dynamic and commissioning dates can constantly change.
With the list of sites in hand, the first step is to verify the available logical information, such as CGI (ENBId, GNBId, TAC, NRTAC, etc.) and transmission data (IPs, VLANs, etc.). Any missing data is requested from the client via email, detailing all the necessary information. Only after receiving this data do we begin producing the sites that are still lacking information.
Production: Steps for Assembling Templates
RF and TND design production involves several steps. We download the site documentation and identify the nature of the activity, which can range from a simple carrier expansion to the creation of a completely new site, processor changes, radios, or other elements. Each case requires specific treatment.
Assembling Templates
To illustrate the process, consider an LTE site with processor and antenna changes with internal Remote Electrical Tilt (RET). We use three main templates:
- Basic information: site names, records, and site names.
- Logical data: ENBId, TAC, cells, and sectors, PCI (Physical Cell Identity), as well as specifying radio connections on the processor, port configuration, cascading use, the number of radios per carrier, and MIMO configurations (2x2, 4x4, etc.).
- Physical information: antenna model, electrical and mechanical tilts, radio power, structure height, and coordinates (lat/long).
RET (Remote Electrical Tilt) Template:
- Detailing the number of ports, frequencies of each port, configuration of electrical and mechanical tilts, and the frequencies controlled by the radios.
TND (Transport Network Design) Template:
- Network data: gateway IPs, access IPs, VLANs, and network masks.
Once the templates are correctly filled, we upload them to the management software. This software generates a file that will be used in the commissioning and integration interface of the sites, in addition to scheduling activities and opening tickets to resolve possible problems.
Monitoring and Supporting Field Teams
In addition to the design work, there is close monitoring of field, integration, and activation teams, as well as the engineering team, which produces documentation for the activityโs scope. A key part of the process is problem-solving, either through tickets or direct action. In this context, interpersonal skills are crucial to manage people of different profiles and hierarchical levels effectively.
When a ticket is opened, the RF design team must identify the issue, verify if the site is in line with the documentation, and, if necessary, download the templates to check for errors. If the problem is in the design, we take the necessary actions. Otherwise, we guide the team that opened the ticket to contact the correct team.
Management and Supervision: The Role of the Focal Point
When the RF designer acts as Focal Point, their responsibilities extend beyond their production to managing the entire team. The goal is to keep the rework rate below 5% for integrated sites. For this, activities are supervised, and there is a weekly meeting where we discuss resolved tickets, share learnings, and analyze errors. This practice not only promotes continuous improvement but also prevents recurring problems, resulting in greater efficiency in the process.
Mind Map
Key Stages of RF RPD and TND Design
Planning and Information Gathering
- Defining site scope and timelines
- Ensuring design team is 20 days ahead of implementation
- Forecasting site execution via management software
- Gathering logical data (CGI, ENBId, GNBId, TAC, etc.)
- Requesting missing data from clients
Production: Template Preparation
RF and TND Design Stages
- Downloading site documentation
- Identifying the type of activity (carrier expansion, site creation, etc.)
Templates Used
RPD Template:
- Basic info (site name, registration)
- Logical data (ENBId, PCI, MIMO configurations)
- Physical data (antenna models, tilts, radio power)
RET Template:
- Configuration of ports, frequencies, and tilts
TND Template:
- Network data (gateway IPs, VLANs, network masks)
Follow-up and Field Team Support
- Monitoring field, integration, and activation teams
- Addressing issues via tickets or direct contact
- Guiding teams on design-related problems
Management and Supervision: Role of the Focal Point
- Supervising team activities and reducing rework rate
- Holding weekly meetings to discuss tickets and lessons learned
- Promoting continuous improvement and process efficiency
Skills Required for Effective RF RPD and TND Design
Technical Knowledge
- Mastery of mobile network configurations
- Familiarity with RPD, RET, and TND templates
Management and Interpersonal Skills
- Time management to ensure timely design completion
- Problem-solving through collaborative efforts
- Interpersonal skills for working with various teams and clients
Monitoring and Quality Assurance
- Ensuring precise documentation
- Maintaining network quality with minimal rework
Final Considerations
The role of RF RPD and TND Design is complex and challenging, requiring a balance of advanced technical knowledge, interpersonal skills, and time management. Success in this field depends on precise documentation, close monitoring of field teams, and quick problem-solving capabilities. Collaboration with other areas is essential to ensure that activities flow smoothly and that site activations occur on time, minimizing costs and ensuring network quality.
This experience has provided me with not only technical mastery of mobile network parameters and configurations but also improved my management and leadership skills, enabling consistent and high-standard results.
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