Switch Performance Audits

Detailed Switch Performance Audit service (SPA)
A detailed Switch Performance Audit (SPA) service can be performed on all AXE and MGw applications. The audit covers all the main functions of the different node types. Nodes included for mobile applications are MSC/VLR, MSC-Server, GMSC, BSC, HLR, TSC and MGw. The IN audit includes SCP, SDP and CCN nodes.

Wireline nodes include local, transit and international. STP nodes can be included with mobile and wireline audits, or can be a stand-alone signalling audit.

All our switch performance audits are concluded with a detailed technical report that is presented to the operator.

MSC/VLR and MSC-Server

The audit for GSM and WCDMA nodes is a modular service based on KPI measurements defined by Ericsson and the ITU. All the main switch and radio functions are measured by STS and OMS. Auditing MSC/VLR nodes requires the most effort and time as there are more functions in this node than other node types. The content of our MSC/VLR audit today is the result of a long history of service deliveries that has seen many enhancements beyond the standard audit originally created during the early days of GSM.

Our MSS audit service is also a modular service based on GSM and WCDMA measurements. The content of the MSC-Server nodes is similar to the MSC/VLR nodes but with additional measurements for WCDMA and SIGTRAN functions.

MGw nodes can be audited and measured by a number of functions covering load, utilisation, capacity and configuration. Full visibility of MGw performance is still a concern for many operators today, particularly when non Ericsson nodes are connected to an Ericsson MGw. Our audits contain the most up-to-date measurements on all the main functions available in MGw nodes.

BSC

BSC performance is mostly determined by measurements relating to radio functions. However, the BSC is also a switch and has many AXE functions similar to those found in MSC, HLR, STP etc. Our BSC audit includes all those AXE functions covering CP Load, SAE utilisation, Signalling, AXE Parameters and Exchange Properties etc, but it also covers utilisation of resources such as Transcoder, TRH and TRX.

HLR

The HLR has a limited number of switch functions that can be audited for performance but measurements of common functions such as CP Load, SAE utilisation, Signalling performance, AXE Parameters and Exchange Properties can provide valuable information. Exchange analysis tables and
features are also reviewed in the audit.

IN Network

Our IN and Charging System audit covers functions across MSC/SSF and SCP, SDP and CCN nodes. Standard AXE functions are covered in SCP but the audit also includes analysis of IN Routing, IN Triggering, Invocations, Signalling, Congestion, Rejections, Database verification, SDP Events and a general health check of SCP and SDP.

Signalling Audit

Auditing Ericsson networks is our specialty but signalling audits can also be delivered on networks that include other vendor nodes. Configuration data and performance statistics for non-Ericsson nodes should be provided by the operator in the case of mixed vendor networks.