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RAN: The Unsung Heroes of the Telco World

Written By Graham McDonough
Feb 13, 2024

Radio Access Network (RAN) – it’s not just an acronym, it’s the backbone of your mobile experience. Ever wondered how your smartphone seamlessly connects to the digital universe? You can thank RAN for that.  

The RAN plays a crucial role in the overall performance and coverage of a mobile network. As Telecom providers strive to meet the ever-growing demand for reliable and high-speed mobile services, the importance of an optimized RAN infrastructure cannot be overstated. 

Imagine RAN as the backstage crew at a rock concert. You’ve got your flashy performers (your mobile devices) rocking out on stage, but behind the scenes, there’s a whole team of roadies and techies (the RAN) making sure everything runs smoothly. 

Now, just like how the roadies ensure the guitars are tuned, the amps are cranked up just right, and the stage lights dazzle, the RAN ensures your mobile device gets the best signal possible. They’re like the unsung heroes of the concert, making sure your connection stays strong, just like how the roadies ensure the show goes on without a hitch. 

Enter the NOC: Where RAN Magic Happens

Now, let’s talk about the real heroes behind the scenes – the Network Operations Centers (NOCs). These folks are the wizards of RAN management. They keep the show running smoothly, tackling everything from interference to coverage gaps with finesse and flair. But it’s not all smooth sailing – NOCs face a slew of challenges:

  • Interference and Congestion: Picture a crowded concert hall – that’s the spectrum RAN operates in. NOC teams juggle with interference from neighboring cells, Wi-Fi networks, and pesky electronic devices. 
  • Coverage Holes: Just like finding that perfect spot in the concert hall where the sound is crystal clear, NOCs hunt down coverage gaps caused by buildings, terrain, or even a rogue bush. 
  • Handover Failures: Ever experienced a dropped call mid-song? Blame it on handover failures. NOC teams work tirelessly to ensure seamless transitions between cells so you can keep rocking without interruptions. 
  • Capacity Planning: It’s like planning for a sold-out concert – NOC teams monitor network usage trends and plan for capacity upgrades to prevent congestion and maintain top-notch service. 
  • Backhaul Blues: Just as a band needs a solid road crew to transport their gear, RAN relies on backhaul connections to transport data between base stations and the core network. NOC teams keep a keen eye on backhaul performance to avoid any disruptions. 
  • Cell Site Maintenance: Base stations and RAN equipment need some TLC too. NOC teams diagnose faults, coordinate maintenance activities, and ensure everything is running like a well-oiled machine. 
  • Security Concerns: While you’re busy jamming to your favorite tunes, NOC teams are on guard against security threats like unauthorized access and malware attacks. 

Ready for Some RAN Magic? Let’s Dive into Three Use Cases:

Hanged Cells in Radio Base Station (RBS): 

Imagine receiving an alarming notification indicating a “RbsLocalCell_CellReleaseFailure.” With Resolve’s automation prowess, NOCs can swiftly detect and resolve such issues by connecting to the OSS host via SSH. By issuing a series of diagnostic commands, including system restarts and cell status evaluations, Resolve ensures rapid resolution while minimizing downtime. 

Tx Channel Degradation: 

When confronted with a “Cell logical channel availability supervision” alarm, NOCs can rely on Resolve’s resolution routing to pinpoint the root cause. By seamlessly connecting to the affected Base Station Controller (BSC) and executing a predefined set of commands, including halting and unblocking the alarming cell, Resolve restores optimal network performance with surgical precision. 

Radio Frequency (RF) Module Failure: 

In the event of an “RF Module Failure,” Resolve springs into action, leveraging its integration capabilities to swiftly diagnose and rectify the issue. By connecting to the affected system and executing a sequence of MML commands, Resolve orchestrates a meticulous recovery process, ensuring minimal disruption to network operations. 

Hungry for more? Stay tuned as we dive deeper into the world of RAN magic and explore even more use cases to rock your mobile world.  

Ready to rock with Resolve? Let’s make some mobile magic happen! 🤘 Talk to a Resolve expert.

About the author, Graham McDonough:

About the author, Graham McDonough:

Director for Advisory Services, Resolve Systems

As Director for Advisory Services, Graham is deeply passionate about business automation strategies and working with customers to guide them through their transformation journey. When he’s not busy building automation strategies for organizations he likes to be out in the English countryside riding his bike.