Question 1: Core BTS Functions and Components (20 Marks)

a) Explain the primary function of the Transceiver (TRX) unit within a Base Transceiver
Station (BTS). (5 Marks)
b) List and briefly describe the purpose of two different types of radio channels
managed by the BTS. (5 Marks)
c) Describe how the duplexer allows a single antenna to both transmit and receive
signals simultaneously. (5 Marks)
d) Identify the role of the Baseband Processing Unit (BPU) and differentiate it from the
RF module. (5 Marks)

Question 2: Network Architecture (20 Marks)

a) In a 2G GSM network, identify the two main network elements that the BTS connects
to and describe the role of the A-bis interface. (5 Marks)
b) Explain why the 4G LTE eNodeB is considered a more simplified network element
compared to the 2G BTS and Base Station Controller (BSC) combination. (5 Marks)
c) Describe the difference between the Base Station Subsystem (BSS) and the Network
Switching Subsystem (NSS). (5 Marks)
d) Explain the concept of an E1 line and its function in connecting the BTS to the BSC.
(5 Marks)

Question 3: Radio Frequency Concepts (20 Marks)

a) Define the terms "uplink" and "downlink" in the context of the BTS and mobile station
communication. (5 Marks)
b) Explain the principle of Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) as it applies to
the BTS's channel allocation. (5 Marks)
c) A BTS is configured to use a specific frequency band. Discuss the relationship
between frequency and signal propagation distance. (5 Marks)
d) What is the purpose of the power amplifier within the BTS? Discuss one potential
problem that can arise from a failing power amplifier. (5 Marks)

Question 4: Antenna Systems (20 Marks)

a) Describe the difference between an omnidirectional antenna and a directional

antenna in terms of their radiation patterns. (5 Marks)
b) Explain what antenna gain is and how a higher gain antenna affects the coverage
area of a cell. (5 Marks)
c) Define mechanical antenna tilt and explain its primary use in network optimization. (5
Marks)
d) A BTS site uses a three-sector configuration. Explain how the use of directional
antennas in this setup helps to improve network capacity. (5 Marks)

Question 5: Signal Processing and Modulation (20 Marks)

a) Explain the primary function of a modem (modulator-demodulator) in the BTS signal

chain. (5 Marks)
b) Describe the modulation technique used in 2G GSM (GMSK) and its importance. (5
Marks)
c) Explain how Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) allows multiple mobile users to
share a single frequency channel. (5 Marks)
d) What is speech coding and why is it necessary for a BTS to handle it efficiently? (5
Marks)
Question 6: Handover Management (20 Marks)

a) Define the term "handover" and explain why it is a crucial function for a cellular
network. (5 Marks)
b) Describe the difference between a hard handover and a soft handover. (5 Marks)
c) Explain the role of the BTS in the handover process, specifically in measuring the
signal strength of a mobile station. (5 Marks)
d) What is the purpose of a handover margin, and how does it prevent the "ping-pong"
effect? (5 Marks)

Question 7: Coverage and Capacity Optimization (20 Marks)

a) Define cell "breathing" and explain the conditions under which it can occur in a
cellular network. (5 Marks)
b) Describe the concept of power control in a BTS. What is its main objective? (5 Marks)
c) Explain how frequency reuse is a fundamental principle for a cellular network to
handle a large number of subscribers with a limited number of frequencies. (5 Marks)
d) A city experiences high traffic during the day but low traffic at night. Discuss how a
BTS can be configured to adapt to these traffic variations. (5 Marks)

Question 8: Troubleshooting (20 Marks)

a) A "TRX Unlocked" alarm is reported on a BTS. List two possible causes of this alarm.
(5 Marks)
b) A site reports a "VSWR High" alarm. Explain what this alarm indicates and its
potential impact on the BTS. (5 Marks)
c) A technician finds that the BTS's cooling system has failed. Explain why this is a
critical issue and what might happen if it is not resolved quickly. (5 Marks)
d) How would you diagnose a faulty E1 cable connecting the BTS to the BSC without
leaving the site? (5 Marks)

Question 9: Physical Infrastructure (20 Marks)

a) List and briefly describe three essential components of the BTS site's physical
infrastructure besides the main BTS equipment. (5 Marks)
b) Explain the importance of proper grounding for a BTS site. (5 Marks)
c) Describe the role of an RF feeder cable and the potential impact of a damaged feeder
on the BTS performance. (5 Marks)
d) What is a Distributed Antenna System (DAS), and how does it differ from a traditional
BTS setup? (5 Marks)

Question 10: Power and Environmental Systems (20 Marks)

a) Why is it crucial for a BTS site to have a battery backup system or a generator? (5
Marks)
b) What is a Remote Electrical Tilt (RET) antenna, and what is its main advantage over
a mechanically tilted antenna? (5 Marks)
c) Explain the function of a rectifier in the BTS power system. (5 Marks)
d) Discuss the importance of climate control (e.g., air conditioning) within a BTS shelter
or cabinet. (5 Marks)

Question 11: Link Budget and RF Planning (20 Marks)

a) Define the term "link budget" in the context of RF planning. (5 Marks)
b) List two key parameters that are considered when calculating the downlink link
budget. (5 Marks)
c) Explain the concept of fading and its impact on the signal quality received by the
mobile station. (5 Marks)
d) Describe how a BTS's transmit power and antenna gain contribute to the overall link
budget. (5 Marks)

Question 12: BTS Security (20 Marks)

a) Explain the concept of air interface encryption and its purpose in a cellular network.
(5 Marks)
b) Describe the role of the BTS in the authentication process of a mobile station. (5
Marks)
c) What is an IMSI catcher, and how does it pose a security threat to mobile users? (5
Marks)
d) How does a BTS help prevent unauthorized access to the core network? (5 Marks)

Question 13: BTS Evolution (20 Marks)

a) Briefly describe a key difference in the signal transmission technology between 2G

and 3G BTS (NodeB). (5 Marks)
b) Explain how the evolution to 4G LTE eNodeB eliminated the need for a separate
BSC. (5 Marks)
c) What are small cells, and what specific deployment scenarios are they designed for?
(5 Marks)
d) Compare the backhaul requirements of a traditional 2G BTS with that of a modern 4G
eNodeB. (5 Marks)
Question 14: Maintenance and Quality of Service (20 Marks)

a) Describe the importance of performing regular routine maintenance checks on a BTS

site. (5 Marks)
b) What is the significance of a handover success rate metric for a cellular network
operator? (5 Marks)
c) Explain the concept of Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR) and what it indicates about
network performance. (5 Marks)
d) What is the purpose of a test mobile or drive test in the context of BTS maintenance?
(5 Marks)

Question 15: Application and Advanced Concepts (20 Marks)

a) Describe the concept of "sectorization" and its role in a macro cell environment. (5
Marks)
b) What is a remote radio head (RRH), and what is its primary advantage in modern
BTS deployments? (5 Marks)
c) Explain the function of a combiner in a multi-TRX BTS configuration. (5 Marks)
d) Discuss the impact of a high Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) on the overall
performance and hardware of the BTS. (5 Marks)

Question 1: Core BTS Functions and Components (20 Marks)

a) Primary Function of the TRX: The Transceiver (TRX) unit is the core component
within a BTS responsible for the actual radio communication with mobile devices. Its
primary function is to transmit and receive radio signals on a specific frequency channel.
It performs modulation of the baseband signal for uplink and demodulation of the RF
signal for downlink. (5 Marks)
b) Types of Radio Channels:
* Control Channels: Used for transmitting signaling and control information between the
BTS and mobile stations. An example is the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH), which
broadcasts network-specific information like frequency bands and cell identity. (2.5
Marks)
* Traffic Channels (TCH): These channels are assigned to a mobile device for a specific
call and are used to carry the actual voice or data traffic. (2.5 Marks)
c) Duplexer Function: A duplexer is a passive RF device that allows a single antenna to
be used for both transmitting and receiving signals at the same time. It does this by
isolating the high-power transmit signal from the very sensitive receiver, using filters to
separate the uplink and downlink frequencies and prevent the strong outgoing signal
from damaging the receiver. (5 Marks)
d) BPU vs. RF Module: The Baseband Processing Unit (BPU) handles the digital
processing of signals, such as speech coding/decoding and channel coding, before the
signal is converted to or from radio frequencies. The RF module, which includes the
TRX, handles the analog radio frequency portion of the signal chain, including
modulation, power amplification, and filtering. The BPU works with the digital data, while
the RF module works with the physical radio waves. (5 Marks)

Question 2: Network Architecture (20 Marks)

a) BTS and A-bis Interface: In a 2G GSM network, the BTS connects to the Base
Station Controller (BSC) and the Packet Control Unit (PCU). The A-bis interface is the
link that connects the BTS to the BSC, carrying traffic channels (TCH) and control
information for call setup, release, and channel allocation. (5 Marks)
b) 4G LTE eNodeB vs. 2G BTS/BSC: The 4G LTE eNodeB integrates the functionality
of the 2G BTS and BSC into a single network element. This simplifies the network
architecture, reduces latency by removing the intermediate BSC, and allows for direct
communication between eNodeBs via the X2 interface to manage handovers. (5 Marks)
c) BSS vs. NSS: The Base Station Subsystem (BSS) is the part of the network that
connects mobile devices to the core network. It consists of the BTS and BSC. The
Network Switching Subsystem (NSS), also known as the core network, is responsible
for managing call routing, mobility, and subscriber data through components like the
Mobile Switching Center (MSC) and Home Location Register (HLR). (5 Marks)
d) E1 Line and Function: An E1 line is a European digital trunk standard that carries 32
time slots, each with a data rate of 64 kbps, for a total of 2.048 Mbps. It provides the
digital transport link (backhaul) between the BTS and the BSC, carrying the multiplexed
voice and data traffic. (5 Marks)

Question 3: Radio Frequency Concepts (20 Marks)

a) Uplink and Downlink: The uplink refers to the transmission of signals from the mobile
station (user equipment) to the BTS. The downlink refers to the transmission of signals
from the BTS to the mobile station. (5 Marks)
b) FDMA Application: Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) allocates a different
frequency channel to each active communication session, allowing multiple
simultaneous users within a cell. The BTS manages these frequency channels to
prevent interference. (5 Marks)
c) Frequency and Propagation: Lower frequencies have better propagation
characteristics than higher frequencies, meaning they can travel farther and penetrate
obstacles more effectively. Therefore, a BTS using a lower frequency band (e.g., 900
MHz) will generally provide a larger coverage area than one using a higher frequency
band (e.g., 1800 MHz) with the same power output. (5 Marks)
d) Power Amplifier and Failure: The power amplifier boosts the power of the RF signal
before it is sent to the antenna for transmission. A failing power amplifier can lead to a
significant decrease in the BTS's transmit power, resulting in reduced coverage and
dropped calls. It can also cause a High VSWR alarm due to power being reflected back.
(5 Marks)

Question 4: Antenna Systems (20 Marks)

a) Omnidirectional vs. Directional Antenna: An omnidirectional antenna radiates and
receives signals equally in all horizontal directions (360°), providing wide coverage but
concentrating less power in any single direction. A directional antenna focuses its signal
in a specific, narrow beam, concentrating power and providing stronger signals and
better coverage in a particular direction. (5 Marks)
b) Antenna Gain and Coverage: Antenna gain measures the effectiveness of a
directional antenna in focusing radio energy. A higher gain antenna concentrates more
power into a narrower beam, increasing the effective range and signal strength in that
specific direction, which can extend the cell's coverage area. (5 Marks)
c) Mechanical Antenna Tilt: Mechanical antenna tilt is the physical adjustment of an
antenna's vertical angle, often tilting it downwards. It is primarily used to control the
coverage area, reduce interference with adjacent cells (especially for same-frequency
sectors), and improve signal quality in densely populated areas directly beneath the
antenna. (5 Marks)
d) Sectorization and Capacity: In a three-sector setup, directional antennas divide the
cell's coverage into three 120° sectors. This allows the network to reuse the same set of
frequencies in different sectors without causing co-channel interference, effectively
increasing the overall network capacity for handling more users simultaneously. (5
Marks)

Question 5: Signal Processing and Modulation (20 Marks)

a) Modem Function: A modem (modulator-demodulator) in the BTS converts digital

information into an analog radio signal for transmission (modulation) and converts
analog radio signals back into digital data upon reception (demodulation). (5 Marks)
b) GMSK Modulation: Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) is a form of phase
modulation used in 2G GSM. It is important because it is spectrally efficient, meaning it
uses frequency resources effectively, and it produces a signal with a constant envelope,
which allows for the use of more power-efficient amplifiers. (5 Marks)
c) TDMA Operation: Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) allows multiple mobile users
to share a single frequency channel by dividing the channel into time slots. The BTS
allocates a unique time slot to each user, allowing them to take turns transmitting and
 receiving on the same frequency. (5 Marks)
d) Speech Coding: Speech coding is the process of compressing and encoding speech
signals into digital data for efficient transmission. The BTS handles this to minimize the
amount of data required to transmit a voice call, which conserves radio resources and
maximizes the number of simultaneous calls the network can handle. (5 Marks)

Question 6: Handover Management (20 Marks)

a) Define the term "handover" and explain why it is a crucial function for a cellular
network. (5 Marks)
Answer: A handover (or handoff) is the process of transferring a mobile call or data
session from one cell or radio channel to another without dropping the connection. It is
crucial because it enables mobile users to maintain uninterrupted service as they move
through different coverage areas, ensuring seamless mobility and preventing service
interruptions.

b) Describe the difference between a hard handover and a soft handover. (5 Marks)
Answer:

 Hard Handover (break-before-make): The connection with the old base station is
terminated before the connection with the new base station is established. There is a
brief interruption in the connection, which is noticeable for services like voice calls. Hard
handovers are typically used in GSM and other time-division multiple access (TDMA)
systems.

 Soft Handover (make-before-break): The connection with the new base station is
established before the connection with the old base station is terminated. The mobile
device is temporarily connected to two or more base stations simultaneously, ensuring a
much smoother transition with no service interruption. Soft handovers are characteristic
of CDMA systems.

c) Explain the role of the BTS in the handover process, specifically in measuring the
signal strength of a mobile station. (5 Marks)
Answer: The BTS continuously monitors the signal strength and quality of the mobile
stations within its cell. It periodically sends measurement reports to the Base Station
Controller (BSC) containing data on the mobile's signal strength, distance, and the
signal strength from neighboring cells. This information is critical for the BSC to decide if
a handover is necessary and to which cell it should be performed.

d) What is the purpose of a handover margin, and how does it prevent the "ping-pong"
effect? (5 Marks)
Answer: The handover margin is a network parameter that creates a threshold for
triggering a handover. It is used to prevent the "ping-pong" effect, where a mobile
device repeatedly hands over back and forth between two base stations near the cell
boundary. The margin ensures that a mobile's signal strength from a new cell must be
sufficiently better than the current cell's signal to initiate a handover, thus avoiding
unnecessary and rapid handovers.

Question 7: Coverage and Capacity Optimization (20 Marks)

a) Define cell "breathing" and explain the conditions under which it can occur in a
cellular network. (5 Marks)
Answer: Cell breathing is a phenomenon in cellular networks (especially CDMA
networks) where the coverage area of a cell shrinks or expands depending on the
network load. When traffic is high, and many users are transmitting, the noise floor
increases, and the cell's coverage shrinks. Conversely, with low traffic, the noise floor is
low, and the cell's coverage expands.

b) Describe the concept of power control in a BTS. What is its main objective? (5 Marks)
Answer: Power control is a mechanism used by the BTS to dynamically adjust the
transmitted power of both the BTS (downlink) and the mobile station (uplink). The main
objective is to minimize interference and conserve battery life on mobile devices. By
using just enough power to maintain a high-quality connection, the network can support
more users and improve overall system capacity.

c) Explain how frequency reuse is a fundamental principle for a cellular network to

handle a large number of subscribers with a limited number of frequencies. (5 Marks)
Answer: Frequency reuse is the process of using the same radio frequencies for
 different radio channels in different cells that are geographically separated. By
strategically allocating frequencies to avoid interference between adjacent cells, a
cellular network can accommodate many more users across a wide area than would be
possible with a single, unique frequency for each channel.

d) A city experiences high traffic during the day but low traffic at night. Discuss how a
BTS can be configured to adapt to these traffic variations. (5 Marks)
Answer: The BTS can be configured to adapt to traffic variations by using dynamic
power control and channel allocation. During peak hours, the network can increase
power and prioritize essential traffic while managing interference. During off-peak hours,
the BTS can reduce its power output to save energy and minimize interference. Traffic
management systems can also dynamically allocate more resources to high-demand
cells during peak times.

Question 8: Troubleshooting (20 Marks)

a) A "TRX Unlocked" alarm is reported on a BTS. List two possible causes of this alarm.
(5 Marks)
Answer:

1. Hardware failure: The TRX module itself may be faulty and unable to synchronize or
communicate correctly with the rest of the BTS.

2. Software configuration mismatch: The software configuration for the TRX unit may be
incorrect or corrupted, preventing it from initializing properly.

3. Abis interface problem: A transmission issue over the Abis interface could prevent the
BSC from communicating with the TRX, causing it to lose its lock.

4. Power supply issue: A failure in the power supply unit to the specific TRX could cause it
to fail.
 b) A site reports a "VSWR High" alarm. Explain what this alarm indicates and its
potential impact on the BTS. (5 Marks)
Answer: A "VSWR High" (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) alarm indicates a poor
impedance match between the transmitter and the antenna. This often means there is
an issue with the RF path, such as:

 A damaged antenna

 A faulty feeder cable or jumper

 A corroded or loose connector

Potential Impact: A high VSWR can cause the BTS to reduce its output power to protect
the power amplifier, leading to a loss of coverage and capacity. In severe cases, it can
cause permanent damage to the power amplifier.

c) A technician finds that the BTS's cooling system has failed. Explain why this is a
critical issue and what might happen if it is not resolved quickly. (5 Marks)
Answer: The BTS cooling system is critical because the equipment generates a large
amount of heat during operation. If the cooling system fails, the temperature inside the
equipment cabinet will rise rapidly. This can lead to:

 Performance degradation: Overheating can cause a decline in the performance of the

radio and digital components.

 Equipment shutdown: The BTS has thermal sensors that will trigger a protective
shutdown to prevent permanent damage.

 Hardware failure: Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause irreversible

damage to sensitive electronic components.

d) How would you diagnose a faulty E1 cable connecting the BTS to the BSC without
leaving the site? (5 Marks)
Answer: Without leaving the site, a technician can diagnose a faulty E1 cable by
checking the BTS's network management system (NMS) logs for alarms related to
transmission link failures, such as "E1 link down" or "loss of signal." They can also
perform local loopback tests on the BTS's E1 port to check for transmission errors. This
involves using internal test functions to loop the signal back and check for consistency,
helping to isolate if the issue is with the local port or the external cable.
 Question 9: Physical Infrastructure (20 Marks)

a) List and briefly describe three essential components of the BTS site's physical
infrastructure besides the main BTS equipment. (5 Marks)
Answer:

1. Antenna Mast/Tower: The structure used to mount the antennas at a specific height to
achieve the desired coverage area.

2. Shelter or Cabinet: A weather-proof enclosure that houses the BTS equipment, power
systems, and other sensitive electronics.

3. Power System: Includes AC/DC rectifiers, battery backup, and often a generator to
provide a reliable and uninterruptible power supply.

4. Grounding System: A critical component for safety and equipment protection against
lightning strikes and electrical surges.

b) Explain the importance of proper grounding for a BTS site. (5 Marks)

Answer: Proper grounding is essential for a BTS site for two main reasons:

1. Safety: It protects personnel from electrical shock by providing a path for fault currents
to dissipate safely into the ground.

2. Equipment Protection: It safeguards the expensive BTS equipment from damage

caused by lightning strikes, static electricity buildup, and power surges by providing a
path for excess voltage to be safely discharged.

c) Describe the role of an RF feeder cable and the potential impact of a damaged feeder
on the BTS performance. (5 Marks)
Answer: An RF feeder cable is a low-loss coaxial cable that carries the radio frequency
signals between the TRX unit in the BTS cabinet and the antenna system on the tower.
A damaged feeder cable, such as one with a cut or water ingress, can cause several
problems:
 High VSWR: Signal reflections due to impedance mismatch, leading to a high VSWR
alarm and reduced output power.

 Loss of Signal: A complete break can lead to a total loss of signal transmission and
reception.

 Intermodulation: Damage can create passive intermodulation, introducing unwanted

noise and interfering with communication.

d) What is a Distributed Antenna System (DAS), and how does it differ from a traditional
BTS setup? (5 Marks)
Answer: A Distributed Antenna System (DAS) is a network of spatially separated
antenna nodes connected to a common source to provide wireless service within a
geographical area or structure (e.g., a building, stadium). It differs from a traditional BTS
setup in that:

 Traditional BTS: Uses a single, powerful radio transmitter and large antennas to cover a
broad area from a single point.

 DAS: Uses multiple, smaller, and lower-power antennas distributed throughout the
coverage area. This provides better signal quality and coverage in difficult-to-reach
areas, improves capacity, and reduces the power output required.

Question 10: Power and Environmental Systems (20 Marks)

a) Why is it crucial for a BTS site to have a battery backup system or a generator? (5
Marks)
Answer: A battery backup system or a generator is crucial for a BTS site to ensure
uninterrupted power supply, especially in regions with an unreliable electricity grid. This
is necessary to:

 Maintain network connectivity during power outages.

 Prevent service interruptions for mobile users.

 Protect network reliability and reputation.

 Ensure that critical services like emergency calls are always available.

b) What is a Remote Electrical Tilt (RET) antenna, and what is its main advantage over
a mechanically tilted antenna? (5 Marks)
Answer: A Remote Electrical Tilt (RET) antenna is one that allows for the electrical
downtilt of the antenna beam to be adjusted remotely from the network operations
center. Its main advantage over a mechanically tilted antenna is that it can be adjusted
without sending a technician to the site. This allows for:

 Faster and more efficient optimization: Network engineers can quickly adjust the
coverage area in response to traffic changes or interference issues.

 Reduced operational costs: It eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming
on-site maintenance visits.

c) Explain the function of a rectifier in the BTS power system. (5 Marks)

Answer: The rectifier is a key component of the BTS power system. Its function is to
convert the incoming alternating current (AC) power from the utility grid or generator into
the direct current (DC) power required to operate the BTS equipment and charge the
backup batteries.

d) Discuss the importance of climate control (e.g., air conditioning) within a BTS shelter
or cabinet. (5 Marks)
Answer: Climate control is vital for a BTS shelter to maintain a stable operating
temperature for the sensitive electronic equipment. High temperatures can cause
hardware failure, while temperature fluctuations can reduce the lifespan of components.
A controlled environment ensures the equipment operates within its specified
temperature range, prolonging its life, improving reliability, and preventing costly
shutdowns.

Question 11: Link Budget and RF Planning (20 Marks)

 a) Define the term "link budget" in the context of RF planning. (5 Marks)
Answer: A link budget is a calculation that accounts for all the gains (e.g., transmitter
power, antenna gain) and losses (e.g., path loss, feeder loss, fading) in a radio
communication link. Its purpose is to determine the feasibility of a communication link
and to calculate the maximum permissible path loss.

b) List two key parameters that are considered when calculating the downlink link
budget. (5 Marks)
Answer:

1. Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP): The total power transmitted from the
antenna.

2. Receiver Sensitivity: The minimum signal level at which the mobile station can
successfully receive and decode a signal.

3. Downlink Path Loss: The signal attenuation between the BTS antenna and the mobile
station antenna.

4. Mobile Antenna Gain: The gain provided by the mobile device's antenna.

c) Explain the concept of fading and its impact on the signal quality received by the
mobile station. (5 Marks)
Answer: Fading is the variation in the received signal power at a mobile station due to
changes in the propagation path over time. It occurs because radio signals travel along
multiple paths, reflecting off objects like buildings and hills, which can cause signals to
arrive out of phase and either constructively (increasing power) or destructively
(decreasing power) interfere with each other. Fading can cause a significant drop in
signal strength and quality, leading to dropped calls or reduced data speeds.

d) Describe how a BTS's transmit power and antenna gain contribute to the overall link
budget. (5 Marks)
Answer:

 Transmit Power: Higher transmit power from the BTS increases the initial signal
strength, directly contributing to the signal's strength at the mobile station and extending
the cell's coverage.
 Antenna Gain: A higher antenna gain focuses the radiated power in a specific direction,
increasing the signal strength in that direction and improving the effective radiated
power without having to increase the transmitter's output power.

Question 12: BTS Security (20 Marks)

a) Explain the concept of air interface encryption and its purpose in a cellular network.
(5 Marks)
Answer: Air interface encryption is a security measure used to scramble the radio
signals transmitted between the mobile device and the BTS. Its purpose is to ensure the
confidentiality of user communications (voice, data) and prevent unauthorized
eavesdropping or interception of transmissions over the air.

b) Describe the role of the BTS in the authentication process of a mobile station. (5
Marks)
Answer: The BTS acts as the initial point of contact for the mobile station. During
authentication, the BTS receives authentication requests from the mobile and forwards
them to the core network (specifically, the Mobile Switching Center). The BTS does not
perform the authentication itself but facilitates the exchange of authentication data
between the mobile device and the core network.

c) What is an IMSI catcher, and how does it pose a security threat to mobile users? (5
Marks)
Answer: An IMSI catcher is a device that impersonates a legitimate BTS. It tricks mobile
devices into connecting to it by broadcasting a stronger signal than the actual network.
It poses a security threat by allowing attackers to:

 Intercept Communications: Capture unencrypted voice calls and data.

 Track Location: Identify and track the location of users.

 Downgrade Connection: Force the mobile device to a less secure network protocol,
making it easier to intercept traffic.

d) How does a BTS help prevent unauthorized access to the core network? (5 Marks)
Answer: The BTS helps prevent unauthorized access to the core network by enforcing
communication through the appropriate interfaces (e.g., the A-bis interface) and
protocols. It performs initial checks on mobile devices, ensuring they present valid
credentials before being granted access. The BTS works in conjunction with the core
network's authentication and security protocols to ensure that only authenticated mobile
users can access network services.

Question 13: BTS Evolution (20 Marks)

a) Briefly describe a key difference in the signal transmission technology between 2G

and 3G BTS (NodeB). (5 Marks)
Answer: A key difference is the underlying technology. 2G (GSM) BTS uses a
combination of FDMA and TDMA for radio resource management. In contrast, 3G
(UMTS) NodeB uses a wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) technology,
where all users share the same wide frequency band but are separated by unique
codes.

b) Explain how the evolution to 4G LTE eNodeB eliminated the need for a separate
BSC. (5 Marks)
Answer: In the evolution to 4G LTE, the eNodeB was designed to integrate the functions
of the 2G BTS and the BSC. This flattened the network architecture, reducing network
latency and simplifying network management. The eNodeB now manages radio
resources, mobility (handovers), and interacts directly with the core network, eliminating
the need for a separate BSC layer.

c) What are small cells, and what specific deployment scenarios are they designed for?
(5 Marks)
 Answer: Small cells are miniature base stations designed for localized coverage. They
are designed for deployment in specific scenarios, including:

 Indoor coverage: To improve signal strength and capacity inside large buildings,
shopping malls, and airports.

 High-density urban areas: To offload traffic from larger macro cells in locations with high
user demand.

 Dense suburban environments: To fill coverage gaps and provide targeted capacity.

d) Compare the backhaul requirements of a traditional 2G BTS with that of a modern 4G

eNodeB. (5 Marks)
Answer: The backhaul requirements for a 4G eNodeB are significantly higher than those
for a 2G BTS.

 2G BTS: Primarily handles voice traffic and low-speed data, requiring relatively low
backhaul capacity (often provided by E1/T1 lines).

 4G eNodeB: Handles high-speed data traffic and requires much higher capacity, low-
latency backhaul, typically using high-speed fiber or high-capacity microwave links.

Question 14: Maintenance and Quality of Service (20 Marks)

a) Describe the importance of performing regular routine maintenance checks on a BTS

site. (5 Marks)
Answer: Regular routine maintenance checks are crucial for the long-term reliability and
performance of a BTS. They help to:

 Prevent failures: Proactively identify and fix potential issues before they cause a service
outage.

 Ensure quality of service: Maintain optimal network performance and signal quality.
 Extend equipment lifespan: Regular cleaning and inspections can extend the life of
equipment.

 Safety: Ensure the site's safety systems, such as grounding, are functioning correctly.

b) What is the significance of a handover success rate metric for a cellular network
operator? (5 Marks)
Answer: The handover success rate is a key performance indicator (KPI) that measures
the percentage of handovers that are successfully completed without dropping the call
or data session. A high success rate is significant because it:

 Reflects network quality: It indicates the network provides seamless mobility for users.

 Enhances customer satisfaction: A high success rate leads to fewer dropped calls and a
better user experience.

 Indicates network health: A low rate can point to problems with RF planning, neighbor
cell lists, or hardware issues.

c) Explain the concept of Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR) and what it indicates about
network performance. (5 Marks)
Answer: The Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR) is a KPI that measures the percentage
of attempted calls that are successfully connected. A high CSSR indicates a healthy
network with sufficient capacity and minimal congestion. A low CSSR, on the other
hand, indicates network problems such as:

 Lack of radio channels: Not enough resources to handle all call requests.

 Interference issues: Poor signal quality causing call setup to fail.

 Core network problems: Issues in the core network that prevent call completion.

d) What is the purpose of a test mobile or drive test in the context of BTS maintenance?
(5 Marks)
Answer: A test mobile or drive test involves driving through the network's coverage area
with specialized equipment to measure and record various network performance
parameters from the perspective of a mobile user. The purpose is to:

 Verify network coverage: Confirm that the planned coverage matches the actual on-the-
ground performance.
 Identify issues: Detect coverage holes, poor signal areas, and handover problems.

 Evaluate QoS: Assess call quality, data speeds, and network reliability.

Question 15: Application and Advanced Concepts (20 Marks)

a) Describe the concept of "sectorization" and its role in a macro cell environment. (5
Marks)
Answer: Sectorization is the process of dividing a single macro cell's coverage area into
smaller, defined sectors, each covered by a separate antenna. Its role is to:

 Increase capacity: By using directional antennas, the network can reuse frequencies
within the same cell in different sectors, significantly increasing the number of users that
can be served.

 Improve signal quality: It reduces interference by concentrating the signal into smaller
sectors, improving the signal-to-noise ratio for users.

b) What is a remote radio head (RRH), and what is its primary advantage in modern
BTS deployments? (5 Marks)
Answer: A remote radio head (RRH) is the RF part of a base station that is placed at the
top of the antenna tower, separate from the main baseband unit, which can be located
at the base. Its primary advantage is that it:

 Reduces feeder cable losses: By placing the radio unit near the antenna, the RF signal
travels over a very short distance, minimizing power loss and improving efficiency.

 Simplifies deployment: It allows for a more compact and lightweight installation on

towers, making it easier to deploy in complex urban environments.

c) Explain the function of a combiner in a multi-TRX BTS configuration. (5 Marks)

Answer: In a multi-TRX BTS configuration, a combiner is a device that allows the RF
signals from multiple TRX units to be transmitted through a single antenna. Its function
is to combine these different signals onto a single feeder cable while preventing the
 signals from interfering with each other. This saves space on the tower and reduces the
number of antennas required.

d) Discuss the impact of a high Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) on the overall
performance and hardware of the BTS. (5 Marks)
Answer: A high VSWR has several negative impacts on the BTS:

 Performance Degradation: It causes a reduction in the transmitted power, as the BTS's

internal protection mechanisms will lower the output power to protect the hardware. This
leads to reduced coverage and capacity.

 Hardware Damage: The reflected power can damage sensitive components, particularly
the power amplifier.

 Increased Interference: Reflections can lead to interference issues and signal

distortions, affecting network quality.

 Efficiency Loss: It represents a waste of transmitted power, as the reflected energy

does not contribute to the useful signal.