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Northern Telecom Meridian Companion User Manual

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Companion Diagnostic Software
User Guide
P0887339
Issue 02 Standard
November 1998
© 1998 Northern Telecom
All rights reserved
Printed in the United States of America
Companion is a trademark of Northern Telecom.

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Summary of Contents for Northern Telecom Meridian Companion

  • Page 1 Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide P0887339 Issue 02 Standard November 1998 © 1998 Northern Telecom All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America Companion is a trademark of Northern Telecom.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Companion Diagnostic Software basics CDS package checklist 6 Equipment checklist 6 Local access equipment 6 Remote access equipment using the RAD internal modem 7 Remote access equipment using a RAD external modem 7 Optional equipment 8 Connect the equipment 8 Local access connections 9 To connect the PC to the RAD 9 Remote access connections using the RAD internal modem 10...
  • Page 4 Setting up CDS for a new site 22 Local access 22 Remote access 24 Files created by setting up a new site 26 Changing the administration data of an existing site 26 Local access 26 Remote access 28 Using Companion Diagnostic Software Selecting data 36 Automatic system configuration 37 Exiting CDS 38...
  • Page 5 Monitor 85 Background RSSI 86 CRC Errors 90 Reset RIM 91 Query BS Faults 94 Clear BS Faults 96 Clear Counters 97 Utilities 99 View System Configuration 100 Create Dataset 101 Delete Dataset 102 Change Language 103 Appendix A Equipment requirements 106 CDS software 106 PC 106 RAD 106...
  • Page 6 The CDS Macro Language 135 Macro Language Rules 135 CDS Macro Language Commands 135 Examples 138 Appendix E CDS DOS Hard Drive Disk File Management 144 Files needed by CDS 144 Files created by administering a new site 144 Files created when using CDS 145 Saved Datasets 146 DOS File Summary 149 Index...

  • Page 7: Companion Diagnostic Software Basics

    Companion Diagnostic Software basics • Introduction • Checklists • Connections • Modem Access • Installing CDS P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide 5...

  • Page 8: Cds Package Checklist

    6 Companion Diagnostic Software basics About Companion Diagnostic Software for PCI CDS package checklist Equipment checklist Local access equipment Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Companion Diagnostic Software (CDS) for CT2Plus allows you to examine the operating characteristics of a wireless system while the system is operating at a customer site.

  • Page 9: Remote Access Equipment Using The Rad Internal Modem

    Remote access equipment using the RAD internal modem Remote access equipment using a RAD external modem P0887339 Issue 02 Standard • Remote Access Device (RAD) • RAD Time Compression Multiplexing (TCM) cable, to connect the RAD to the Controller • IBM compatible PC (386 processor or greater) •...

  • Page 10: Optional Equipment

    8 Companion Diagnostic Software basics Optional equipment Connect the equipment Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide You may want to have the following hardware: • high density 3 1/2" diskette to make a working copy of the application • hard drive for storing large amounts of data •...

  • Page 11: Local Access Connections

    Local access connections Figure 1: Overview of CDS local connections and wireless system Companion 200 Meridian Companion Public Switch Controller Public Switch Access Lines To connect the PC to the RAD P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Figure 1 shows the connections that you must make to examine a wireless system using CDS at the customer site.

  • Page 12: Remote Access Connections Using The Rad Internal Modem

    10 Companion Diagnostic Software basics Remote access connections using the RAD internal modem Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Note: Place the RAD as close as possible to the distribution block. Make sure that the combined length of the RAD TCM cable and the TCM lines between the distribution block and the Controller is less than 100 feet (30 meters).
  • Page 13 Access Device Installation Guide if you require more detail on RAD hardware connections or programming. If you require more detail on wireless system hardware connections, refer to the wireless system documentation. Companion 200 Meridian Companion Public Switch Controller Public Switch...
  • Page 14 12 Companion Diagnostic Software basics Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide On-site connections required for remote access (with internal modem) To connect the RAD to the Controller: 1. Connect one end of the RAD TCM cable to the RJ-11 port on the back of the RAD using the RJ-11 connector.

  • Page 15: Remote Access Connections Using A Rad External Modem

    RAD external modem, no line into the controller is dedicated to the RAD. A line connects the RAD external modem directly to the public switch or Private Branch Exchange (PBX), bypassing the Controller. The PC dials the telephone number assigned to this line.
  • Page 16 RAD external modem using an appropriate connector. To connect a RAD external modem to the public switch or PBX: 1. Connect one end of the line cable to the RJ-11 port on the RAD external modem using an RJ-11 connector.

  • Page 17: Wireless System Programming

    Wireless system programming P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Off-site connections required for remote access (with external modem) PC serial ports 1 and 2 are supported by CDS. To connect the PC to an external PC modem: 1. Connect one end of the RS232 cable to serial port 1 or 2 on the PC using a connector that matches your PC’s port.

  • Page 18: Local Access Programming

    16 Companion Diagnostic Software basics Local access programming Remote access programming using the RAD internal modem Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Note: Displayed data is referenced to the time and date of the system. To ensure accurate referencing, use the Administration Terminal to set the time correctly.

  • Page 19: Remote Access Programming Using A Rad External Modem

    Remote access programming using a RAD external modem Make a working copy Installing and using CDS on your hard drive P0887339 Issue 02 Standard to initiate a diagnostic session, contact someone at that site and ask them to program RAD Auto Answer ‘on’, with the number of rings before Auto Answer to ‘1’.

  • Page 20: Using Cds From Your Floppy Drive

    18 Companion Diagnostic Software basics Using CDS from your floppy drive Files needed by CDS Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Note: The DOS commands in CD_SETUP and similar applications are not case-sensitive. CDS supports more than one language. Currently the two language choices are: 1.
  • Page 21 P0887339 Issue 02 Standard • CDS.EXE: the main CDS program • CDS_ADM.EXE: the CDS Administration Utility program • HELVB.FON: the Helvetica font used to format text on the display screens of CDS • RUNCDS.EXE: the batch program for CDS, only required when CDS is run in batch mode •...
  • Page 22 20 Companion Diagnostic Software basics Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide P0887339 Issue 02 Standard...

  • Page 23: Site Administration

    Site administration • Location access • Administration data P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide 21...

  • Page 24: Setting Up Cds For A New Site

    22 Site administration Setting up CDS for a new site Local access Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide To create new sites or change the administration data of an existing site, you must first access the CDS Administration Utility. CDS can be set up to investigate and store data for multiple sites.
  • Page 25 P0887339 Issue 02 Standard press Enter and go directly to step 5. If a site sub-directory by that name exists, the previous RAD password of the existing site is presented on your PC screen. A prompt will ask you to enter a new RAD password. If you do not want to change the value, you can press previous value.

  • Page 26: Remote Access

    24 Site administration Remote access Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide When the new site sub-directory has been successfully created, CDS displays a message and exits the CDS Administration Utility. When you are setting up CDS for a new site with remote access, you must know some relevant wireless system values.
  • Page 27 P0887339 Issue 02 Standard 4. A prompt will ask for the dial type of the line connecting the PC modem to the public switch. When prompted for the dial type, type: P for Pulse or T for Tone and press Enter 5.

  • Page 28: Files Created By Setting Up A New Site

    26 Site administration Files created by setting up a new site Changing the administration data of an existing site Local access Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide 8. When you are prompted for the cell edge RSSI, type the cell edge RSSI (default is -70 dBm). Press: Enter When the new site sub-directory has been successfully created, CDS displays a message and exits the CDS Administration Utility.
  • Page 29 P0887339 Issue 02 Standard 2. Open the CDS Administration Utility. Type: CDS_ADM and press Enter 3. When you are prompted for the site name, type the alphanumeric name that identifies the existing site. Press: Enter 4. If a site sub-directory by that name exists, the previous RAD password of the existing site is presented on your PC screen.

  • Page 30: Remote Access

    28 Site administration Remote access Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide 5. The previous connection type is displayed. When you are prompted for the new connection type, type: and press Enter 6. The previous serial port number is displayed. When you are prompted for the new PC serial port, type the one-digit number (1 or 2) that identifies the serial port on the PC connected to the serial port on the RAD and press:...
  • Page 31 P0887339 Issue 02 Standard To change the administration data of an existing site with remote access, or to change an existing site from local access to remote access: 1. Follow steps 1 to 4 under the ‘Local access’ heading. 2. The previous connection type is displayed and you are prompted for the new connection type.
  • Page 32 30 Site administration Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide P for Pulse or T for Tone and press Enter 5. The previous modem speed is displayed. You are asked if you want to change the modem speed. If you do not want to change the modem speed, press: Enter Go directly to step 6.
  • Page 33 P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Note: See Appendix A in this guide for further information on the PC modem initialization string. 7. The previous PC serial port is displayed. You are asked if you want to change the PC serial port. If you do not want to change the PC serial port, press: Enter If you want to change the PC serial port, when you are prompted...
  • Page 34 32 Site administration Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide P0887339 Issue 02 Standard...

  • Page 35: Using Companion Diagnostic Software

    Using Companion Diagnostic Software • Getting started • Selecting data • Screen components • Keyboard functions P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide 33...
  • Page 36 34 Using Companion Diagnostic Software Starting CDS Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide To start the application: 1. From the CDSPLUS directory, type: and press Enter 2. At start up, CDS presents a site selection display screen. 3. The site selection display screen prompts you for a site name. Type the name of the site you want to examine.
  • Page 37 Figure 4: List of Sites display screen P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Site name Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Enter site name: Exit The list of sites display screen prompts you for a site name. Type the name of the site you want to examine. Press: Enter Note: Once you start CDS for a selected site, you must exit and start a new CDS session to examine data from another site.

  • Page 38: Selecting Data

    36 Using Companion Diagnostic Software Selecting data Figure 5: Saved datasets display screen Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide During a CDS session, you can examine data fetched directly from the wireless system or a dataset. A dataset is data fetched from the wireless system in a previous CDS session that was saved in a file on disk.

  • Page 39: Automatic System Configuration

    Automatic system configuration P0887339 Issue 02 Standard 1. To select a saved dataset, type the dataset number and press: Enter To fetch data directly from the wireless system, press: Enter Note: You cannot examine both a saved dataset and data fetched directly from the wireless system during a single CDS session.

  • Page 40: Exiting Cds

    38 Using Companion Diagnostic Software Figure 6: Configuration Change Notice Exiting CDS Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide **************************** **************************** The wireless system configuration has changed! Display or file the new configuration using the “View System Configuration” command in the UTILITIES Menu. ***Message Logged at Wed Mar 19 13:48:05 1998 064 CCV-I-AUTOVRFY Configuration was automatically verified for all cells.

  • Page 41: Display Screen Components

    Display screen components Figure 7: Display screen components 1. Command Menu GoBack 5. Subcommand Menus P0887339 Issue 02 Standard The display screens have four basic components. They may have a fifth component, depending on the depth of analysis available on the current display screen.

  • Page 42: A Typical Cds Session

    40 Using Companion Diagnostic Software A Typical CDS Session Start CDS—In the CDSPLUS directory, type CDS and press Enter. CDS will display the Site Selection screen (Figure 4). Select Site—CDS will prompt you for the name of the Site. Type in the <sitename> and press Enter. CDS then displays the list of available datasets for the selected site.

  • Page 43: Keyboard Functions

    Keyboard functions Table 1: Keyboard functions Cancel procedure pending disable command. Exit Companion Diagnostic Software. File displayed statistical information to disk. Disable a radio to monitor it. Diagnosis details or display. Scroll data up one page. Scroll data down one page. Select the next command.

  • Page 44: Making Menu Selections

    42 Using Companion Diagnostic Software Making menu selections Files created when using CDS Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide To make a selection from a Command or Subcommand Menu: 1. Type the letter of the command highlighted. Press the Tab or arrow keys until the command you want is highlighted by the box outline, then press: Enter Commands and subcommands that are active on the current display...

  • Page 45: Display Screens

    Display screens • Diagnosis • Monitor • Utilities P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide 43...

  • Page 46: Command Map

    44 Display screens Command map Table 2: Command map Level 1 Commands Level 2 Commands Diagnosis Quality of Service System Faults Radio Signals Cell Signals Interference Traffic CSC Links Monitor Background RSSI Reset RIM Query BS Faults Clear BS Faults Clear Counters Utilities View System Configuration...

  • Page 47: Main Menu

    Main menu Figure 8: Main menu MAIN MENU iagnosis onitor tilities Diagnosis Option P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Exit After entering the target site name and selecting the data, the main menu display screen is presented. Select from the available first level command choices.

  • Page 48: Monitor Option

    46 Display screens Monitor Option Utilities Option Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide recommended actions is made available to you through further display screens as well as being written to the site directory in the REPORT.TXT file (see “Automatic System Diagnosis” below).

  • Page 49: Diagnosis

    Diagnosis Automatic System Diagnosis P0887339 Issue 02 Standard • Delete Dataset • Change Language Select the diagnosis key whenever you want to diagnose problems on a wireless system. The Automatic System Diagnosis function is automatically invoked when you choose the diagnosis option from the main menu. Automatic System Diagnosis identifies problems in the wireless system and gives you explicit actions for these problems.
  • Page 50 48 Display screens Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide a. The average radio RSSI is weak in a cell. This warning is issued for cells whose radios have an average Receive Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) below a system- calculated threshold. The cause of a weak average radio RSSI in a cell may be high traffic in adjacent cells.
  • Page 51 P0887339 Issue 02 Standard There are three types of warnings issued in this category. a. Total traffic is high in a cell. This warning is issued for cells whose total traffic (i.e. the sum of the traffic on all radios in the cell) is greater than a pre- defined threshold (currently set to 2.4 Erlangs).
  • Page 52 50 Display screens Figure 9: Diagnosis Display Screen DIAGNOSIS uality of Service ystem Faults adio Signals ell Signals nterference raffic sage GoBack Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide DIAGNOSIS RESULTS System Faults Signals DIAGNOSIS SUMMARY 1 ALARM and 0 WARNINGS have been detected. The cell edge RSSI used in the diagnosis is -70 dBm.
  • Page 53 Figure 10: Diagnosis Text DIAGNOSIS uality of Service ystem Faults adio Signals ell Signals nterference raffic sage GoBack P0887339 Issue 02 Standard with F6 to see details of events that caused the warnings and/or alarms and the recommended actions. PASS area Bars on the chart in the ‘PASS’...

  • Page 54: Diagnosis Menu Options

    52 Display screens Diagnosis Menu Options Quality of Service Figure 11: Quality of Service display screen QUALITY OF SERVICE ost Links oice Quality INTERVAL uto Interval Busiest 4 Hour Interval GoBack Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Note: For every alarm and warning, you should consult Appendix B for more details.

  • Page 55: Quality Of Service Components

    Quality of Service components Lost Links P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Note: The maximum height of a bar presented in the data window is 2.0% because the majority of percentages fall well within the 0.0% to 2.0% range. If a bar height is at this maximum, see the dialogue window to determine the actual percentage.
  • Page 56 54 Display screens Figure 12: Lost Links display screen QUALITY OF SERVICE ost Links oice Quality INTERVAL uto Interval Busiest 4 Hour Interval GoBack Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide LINKS LOST BY RADIOS Interval displayed is: May 20, 11:00 for a 24 hour period. Radio Cell Links...
  • Page 57 Display screens 55 Portable Reestablish A portable may attempt to reestablish a link on a different channel when it identifies interference or signal loss on the current channel. The portable sends a reestablish message to the radio that results in the loss of the original link.

  • Page 58: Voice Quality

    56 Display screens Voice Quality Figure 13: Voice Quality display screen. QUALITY OF SERVICE ost Links oice Quality INTERVAL uto Interval Busiest 4 Hour Interval GoBack Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Voice Quality is the ratio of the number of impure voice transmissions over the number of transmission samples taken.
  • Page 59 Display screens 57 The level of voice impurity increases with greater distance between the portable and the radio and higher radio traffic. Impure voice samples are categorized by level of severity as Type 1 or Type 2. These categories are described as follows: Type 1 Samples The human ear is just capable of discerning the lower levels of a Type 1 sample.
  • Page 60 58 Display screens Figure 14: System Faults display screen. SYSTEM FAULTS ase Station Resets adio Resets ynch Failure ost Integrity GoBack Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide System Faults System Faults is an overall view of detected system faults as indicated by the number of: •...

  • Page 61: System Faults Components

    System Faults components P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Level 1 Level 1 indicates perfectly or near perfectly functioning hardware: • Base Station Resets • Radio Resets • Synch. Failure • Lost Integrity Level 2 Level 2 indicates that there have been two problem counts for an applicable component: •...
  • Page 62 60 Display screens Figure 15: Base Station Resets display screen SYSTEM FAULTS ase Station Resets adio Resets ynch Failure ost Integrity GoBack Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Note: System fault counters can be reset to zero manually or by power interruptions. Selecting the Clear Counters level 2 command from the Monitor menu resets these and all other counters to zero.
  • Page 63 Figure 16: Radio Resets display screen SYSTEM FAULTS ase Station Resets adio Resets ynch Failure ost Integrity GoBack P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Both these causes of Base Station resets result in a Reset Reason 9C and a Softtrap Code 110. Note: When the 9C reason code is given and the reset did not result from either of these common causes, the RJ-11 connectors and TCM cable should be examined and replaced if...

  • Page 64: Memory Fault

    62 Display screens Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide data window also presents the most recent type of radio reset, and information necessary should the Base Station require servicing or replacement. The seven types of radio resets tracked by the Base Station, and their corresponding fault type codes, are as follows: RIM Reset A Radio Interface Module (RIM) Reset indicates that a spontaneous...
  • Page 65 P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Note: If the connection is not the problem, contact the wireless system supplier concerning a possible Controller malfunction. Download Failure A Download Failure indicates an intermittent hardware or software problem, which occurs only during Base Station or RIM initialization.
  • Page 66 64 Display screens Figure 17: Synch Failure display screen SYSTEM FAULTS ase Station Resets adio Resets ynch Failure ost Integrity GoBack Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Synch. Failure Synch Failure (Synchronization Failure) occurs when a Base Station experiences a problem with digital frame synchronization on the TCM cable connecting it to the Controller.
  • Page 67 Figure 18: Lost Integrity display screen SYSTEM FAULTS ase Station Resets adio Resets ynch Failure ost Integrity GoBack P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Lost Integrity Lost Integrity occurs when corrupted data is received by the Base Station from the Controller. Lost integrity is transient and is usually caused by a problem with the connection between the Base Station and the Controller.

  • Page 68: Radio Signals

    66 Display screens Radio Signals Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Radio Signals display screens may be used to examine the performance of individual radios on the wireless system. When you select a level 3 command from the Radio Signals menu, RSSI measures for regular radio traffic collected since the last Base Station reset are displayed.

  • Page 69: Weakest Radio

    Figure 19: Weakest Radio by System display screen RADIO SIGNALS eakest Radio ext Weakest Radio tatistics COMPARISON ersus System Versus GoBack P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Weakest Radio The Weakest Radio level 3 command shows the RSSI data collected for the radio with the weakest average RSSI measure since the last Base Station reset.
  • Page 70 68 Display screens Figure 20: Next Weakest Radio display screen RADIO SIGNALS eakest Radio ext Weakest Radio tatistics COMPARISON ersus System Versus GoBack Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Next Weakest Radio The Next Weakest level 3 command, upon initial selection, shows the RSSI data collected for the radio with the second weakest average RSSI measure since the last Base Station reset.
  • Page 71 Figure 21: Radio Statistics display screen RADIO SIGNALS eakest Radio ext Weakest Radio tatistics COMPARISON Versus System Versus Cell GoBack P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Radio Statistics Radio Statistics shows the radio signal data collected for all radios on the wireless system. RADIO SIGNAL STATISTICS From Weakest RSSI to Strongest Radio...
  • Page 72 70 Display screens Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide This type of hand-off occurs when a portable user moves from one cell to another during an active call. A voice break is experienced for a fraction of a second before the link is reestablished on the same channel.

  • Page 73: Cell Signals

    Cell Signals Figure 22: Weakest Cell display screen CELL SIGNALS eakest Cell ext Weakest Cell tatistics GoBack P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Weakest Cell The Weakest Cell level 3 command shows the RSSI data collected for the cell with the weakest average RSSI measure. Cell 01 compared to System Average RSSI Relative Frequency...
  • Page 74 72 Display screens Cell Statistics Figure 23: Cell Statistics display screen CELL SIGNALS eakest Cell ext Weakest Cell tatistics GoBack Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Cell Statistics shows the cell signal data collected for all the cells on the wireless system. CELL SIGNAL STATISTICS From Weakest RSSI to Strongest Average...
  • Page 75 Display screens 73 This type of hand-off occurs when a portable user moves from one cell to another during an active call. The user experiences a voice break for a fraction of a second before the link is reestablished on the same channel.

  • Page 76: Interference

    74 Display screens Interference Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Interference may be external or internal to the wireless system. The level 3 commands available under the Interference menu aid in the identification of these types of interference. Once identified, all sources of interference should be minimized.
  • Page 77 Figure 24: Lost Link RSSI display screen INTERFERENCE ost Link RSSI GoBack P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Lost Link RSSI Lost Link RSSI measures aid in the detection of internal interference and cell layout problems. These problems may be indicated by examining the range of RSSI levels at which links are lost with respect to the wireless system's normal cell boundary value.

  • Page 78: Traffic

    76 Display screens Traffic Figure 25: Radio Occupancy Bar Chart TRAFFIC adio Occupancy Cell ccupancy HOUR usiest Hour ext Busiest DISPLAY hart tatistics GoBack Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide The dialogue window gives commentary on the strength of the RSSI range from which most links were lost. Traffic measurements help identify problems with cell layout.
  • Page 79 Figure 26: Radio Occupancy Statistics TRAFFIC adio Occupancy Cell ccupancy HOUR usiest Hour ext Busiest DISPLAY hart tatistics GoBack P0887339 Issue 02 Standard specific time interval is indicated above the bar chart. An Erlang is a ratio of the amount of time a radio is in use over a given time interval.
  • Page 80 78 Display screens Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide time interval is indicated above the table. Radios are listed in order, starting from the busiest as determined by the highest Erlang value. The following information is collected for each radio and is also presented in the data window.
  • Page 81 Figure 27: Cell Occupancy Bar Chart TRAFFIC adio Occupancy Cell ccupancy HOUR usiest Hour ext Busiest DISPLAY hart tatistics GoBack P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Cell Occupancy The Cell Occupancy Bar Chart measures how well radio traffic is distributed across the wireless system at the cell level. Interval displayed is: May 16 between 15:00 and 16:00 hr.
  • Page 82 80 Display screens Figure 28: Cell Occupancy Statistics TRAFFIC adio Occupancy Cell ccupancy HOUR usiest Hour ext Busiest DISPLAY hart tatistics GoBack Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Cell Occupancy Statistics provide traffic measures for each cell. The total cell occupancy is the total radio occupancy in that cell. The Cell Occupancy average is the total cell occupancy divided by the total number of radios in the cell.
  • Page 83 Display screens 81 reestablished by portables due to interference or mobility hand-off (for radios in the cell indicated). Lost Links This column lists the total number of established links that were lost. The dialogue window gives the number of incoming calls and the number of portable-originated call sessions for the system over the selected time interval.
  • Page 84 82 Display screens Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide The dialogue window states the average CSC RSSI value and the average traffic RSSI for the chosen cell. The Cell Statistics option provides CSC signal statistics from the weakest CSC RSSI cell to the strongest cell. The data window displays in table form the cell, CSC RSSI, the number of samples used in determining the RSSI, and for comparison purposes the traffic RSSI and the number of traffic...
  • Page 85 Figure 29: CSC Usage Cell Statistics Display Screen CSC USAGE ell Statistics adio Statistics HOUR usiest Hour ext Busiest GoBack P0887339 Issue 02 Standard CSC Usage The CSC usage menu displays the CSC radio usage in terms of either cell statistics or radio statistics. This information can be looked at for the busiest hour or any subsequent hour.
  • Page 86 84 Display screens Figure 30: CSC Usage Radio Statistics Display Screen CSC USAGE ell Statistics adio Statistics HOUR usiest Hour ext Busiest GoBack Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Radio Statistics shows the percentage of time each radio serves as a CSC radio.

  • Page 87: Monitor

    Monitor Figure 31: Monitor display screen MONITOR ackground RSSI eset RIM uery BS Faults Clear BS aults lear Counters GoBack P0887339 Issue 02 Standard The Monitor display screen offers a choice of five different level 2 command paths. The Monitor display screens examine specific parts of the wireless system in real time, and aid in the detection of individual malfunctioning radios, poor cell layout, and interference problems.

  • Page 88: Background Rssi

    86 Display screens Background RSSI Figure 32: Background RSSI radio selection M O N IT O R ackground RSSI eset RIM uery BS Faults Clear BS aults lear Counters GoBack Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide After you select Background RSSI from the Monitor menu, a screen prompts you to select the radio you wish to monitor.
  • Page 89 Figure 33: Background RSSI radio disable warning M O N IT O R ackground RSSI eset RIM uery BS Faults Clear BS aults lear Counters P0887339 Issue 02 Standard The radio you specify must be taken out of service to be monitored. A screen prompts you to confirm your request.
  • Page 90 88 Display screens Figure 34: Background RSSI display screen BACKGROUND RSSI ackground RSSI eset RIM uery BS Faults Clear BS aults lear Counters Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Background RSSI allows you to monitor the RSSI readings of channels 1–99 from the perspective of the radio selected. BACKGROUND CHANNEL RSSI Radio 0101-2 is currently being monitored.
  • Page 91 P0887339 Issue 02 Standard monitoring a call on radio 0101-2 and there is also an active call on radio 0101-1, the RSSI level of the channel currently being used by radio 0101-1 is displayed as -35 dBm. The dialogue window identifies the radio being monitored. CT2Plus supports 5 common signalling channels separate from the 40 traffic channels.

  • Page 92: Crc Errors

    90 Display screens CRC Errors Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Selecting CSC Rx & Tx Scan monitors both receive and transmit timeslots. The data window displays a bar chart of data resulting from CSC channel monitoring. The dialogue window gives the radio currently being monitored. The Abort softkey will reactivate the radio and go back to the Monitor menu.

  • Page 93: Reset Rim

    Reset RIM Figure 35: Reset RIM radio selection M O N IT O R ackground RSSI eset RIM uery BS Faults Clear BS aults lear Counters GoBack P0887339 Issue 02 Standard and is the weighted average of bad CRC packets over the last 10 seconds.
  • Page 94 92 Display screens Figure 36: Reset RIM radio disable warning M O N IT O R ackground RSSI eset RIM uery BS Faults Clear BS aults lear Counters Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide The radio you specify must be taken out of service to be reset. A screen prompts you to confirm your request.
  • Page 95 Figure 37: Reset RIM display screen M O N IT O R ackground RSSI eset RIM uery BS Faults Clear BS aults lear Counters GoBack P0887339 Issue 02 Standard The Reset RIM command resets the RIM of the selected radio. RIM reset successful! RIM of radio 0109-1 is being reset.

  • Page 96: Query Bs Faults

    94 Display screens Query BS Faults Figure 38: Query BS Faults Base Station selection M O N IT O R ackground RSSI eset RIM uery BS Faults Clear BS aults lear Counters GoBack Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide After you select Query Base Station (BS) Faults from the Monitor menu, a screen prompts you to select the Base Station you wish to monitor.
  • Page 97 Figure 39: Query BS Faults display screen M O N IT O R ackground RSSI eset RIM uery BS Faults Clear BS aults lear Counters P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Query BS Faults summarizes the detected system faults for the selected Base Station. F a u lt s f or B as e St a ti on 01 0 4 .

  • Page 98: Clear Bs Faults

    96 Display screens Clear BS Faults Figure 40: Clear BS Faults display screen M O N IT O R ackground RSSI eset RIM uery BS Faults Clear BS aults lear Counters Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide If you require more detailed data on a system fault experienced by the selected Base Station, select the corresponding display screen from the System Faults menu.

  • Page 99: Clear Counters

    Warning All Base Station fault data are permanently cleared. Clear Counters Figure 41: Clear Counters display screen M O N IT O R ackground RSSI eset RIM uery BS Faults Clear BS aults lear Counters P0887339 Issue 02 Standard The data window displays a message when all Base Station fault data has been cleared, after which you are automatically returned to the Monitor display screen.
  • Page 100 98 Display screens Warning All operation and maintenance data are permanently cleared. Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide To cancel your request and return to the Monitor display screen, press: While the system counters are being cleared, the dialogue window displays a message indicating that the process of clearing all operation and maintenance data is in progress.

  • Page 101: Utilities

    Utilities Figure 42: Utilities display screen UTILITIES iew System Configuration reate Dataset elete Dataset GoBack P0887339 Issue 02 Standard The Utilities display screen offers a choice of three different level 2 commands. The Utilities display screens manage the data examined on the Diagnosis display screens.

  • Page 102: View System Configuration

    100 Display screens View System Configuration Figure 43: View system configuration display screen UTILITIES iew System Configuration reate Dataset elete Dataset GoBack Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide The System Configuration display summarizes data that has been fetched from a live system during Automatic System Configuration. SYSTEM CONFIGURATION For Site CARLETON3 Cell...

  • Page 103: Create Dataset

    Create Dataset Figure 44: Create Dataset display screen UT I LI T IE S iew System Configuration reate Dataset elete Dataset GoBack P0887339 Issue 02 Standard A dataset is data fetched from the wireless system and saved in a file on disk by using the Create Dataset command under the Utilities menu.

  • Page 104: Delete Dataset

    102 Display screens Delete Dataset Figure 45: Delete Dataset display screen UT IL I TI ES iew System Configuration reate Dataset elete Dataset GoBack Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide For more information on datasets, see “Files created when using CDS'”. To create a dataset: 1.

  • Page 105: Change Language

    Warning The dataset or datasets are permanently deleted once you escape from the Delete Dataset display screen. Change Language P0887339 Issue 02 Standard To permanently delete a dataset or datasets: 1. Change the Dataset Status to DELETE. To do this, type the dataset number and press: Enter 2.
  • Page 106 104 Display screens Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide P0887339 Issue 02 Standard...

  • Page 107: Appendix A

    Appendix A • Equipment requirements P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide 105...

  • Page 108: Equipment Requirements

    106 Appendix A Equipment requirements CDS software 600K 575K Free DOS 550K memory required to 525K run CDS 500K 475K Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide • Version 2.1 or later • IBM compatible PC (386 processor or greater) • keyboard with function keys •...

  • Page 109: Pc Modem

    PC modem RAD external modem P0887339 Issue 02 Standard • Hayes compatible command set • configured by CDS software If using the RAD internal modem under Bell specifications: • V.22 bis/Bell 212A/Bell 103 Note: For Bell 103 (300 bps) operation the modem initialization string must be changed to include the code B1.

  • Page 110: Rs232 Cable

    108 Appendix A RS232 cable RAD TCM cable RS232 null modem cable Serial Port on RAD Signal Transmit Data (TXD) Receive Data (RXD) Data Set Ready (DSR) Data Terminal Ready (DTR) Signal Ground (SGND) Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide • responses off •...

  • Page 111: Public Switch Line Cable

    Public switch line cable PC modem initialization string P0887339 Issue 02 Standard • to connect the PC modem and the RAD external modem to the public switch • cable recommended or provided by the modem manufacturer The default PC modem initialization string is ATE0Q0V1X4 S7=90.
  • Page 112 110 Appendix A Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Note: Refer to the Hayes compatible PC modem documentation to determine the initialization string required to program a Hayes compatible PC modem for Hayes mode. P0887339 Issue 02 Standard...

  • Page 113: Appendix B

    Appendix B • System fault alarms and warnings • Traffic warnings • Interference warnings • Radio Signal warnings P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide 111...

  • Page 114: Diagnosis Action Recommendations

    112 Appendix B Diagnosis Action Recommendations How to report a problem System Faults Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide 1. Note the alarm or warning code. 2. Note the exact evaluation text from the display. 3. Make sure that you have a saved dataset corresponding to this CDS session.
  • Page 115 Appendix B 113 ALARM C203 Evaluation Base Station <Base Station number> reset <count> time(s). The last reason was FC: <function code>, AA: <access address>, IR: <instruction reg>, SR: <status reg>, PC: <program counter> Description A hardware problem has occurred in this Base Station. It could be caused by power fluctuations on the line, static discharge, or faulty Base Station hardware.
  • Page 116 114 Appendix B Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Alarm C220 actions R:<RIM reset count> RIM Reset — A spontaneous reset of the radio's RIM has occurred. Power fluctuations, high static discharges or intermittent hardware failure may be responsible. If power supply voltage is steady, and this type of radio reset alarm occurs, replace the Base Station.
  • Page 117 P0887339 Issue 02 Standard DF:<download failure count> An intermittent hardware or software problem exists that occurs only during Base Station or RIM initialization. This type of radio reset does not cause any problems for the user during normal wireless system operation. Notify the wireless system supplier at your convenience.
  • Page 118 116 Appendix B Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide ALARM C250 Evaluation Base Station <Base Station number> has lost integrity <count> times. Description This alarm occurs when integrity has been lost four or more times. Lost Integrity occurs when corrupted data is received by the Base Station from the Controller.
  • Page 119 Appendix B 117 RR: <RIM reset count>, SCL: <SCL fault count>, Mem: <memory fault count>, SF: <sanity failure count>, SS: <station set reset count>, DF: <download fault count>, Hlt: <halt count> Description This warning occurs when a radio resets fewer then four times.
  • Page 120 118 Appendix B Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide load is not corrupt. If this problem persists, an alarm will be generated, signifying a problem that should be fixed at that time. SS:<Station Set reset count> A problem exists either within the controller or with the hardware connection between the Base Station and the controller.
  • Page 121 P0887339 Issue 02 Standard 2. Check the RJ-11 connectors and the TCM cable between the distribution block and the Base Station. Replace them if necessary. 3. If the problem persists, replace the Base Station. WARNING C251 Evaluation Base Station <Base Station number> has lost integrity <count>...

  • Page 122: Traffic

    120 Appendix B Traffic Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide WARNING C401 Evaluation Total cell traffic is high in cell <cell number>(<xx> Erlangs), on <time and date>. Description This warning occurs when the total traffic in the cell for any hour exceeds the recommended threshold. The number of channels available in the cell, or the number of radios available in the cell, are too low, causing a high probability of call blocking.
  • Page 123 P0887339 Issue 02 Standard WARNING C402 Evaluation Average radio traffic is high in cell <cell number>(<xx>Erlangs), on <time and date>. Description This warning occurs when the average radio traffic in the cell for any hour exceeds the recommended threshold. In this case, the number of radios available in the cell is reduced, causing a high probability of call blocking.
  • Page 124 122 Appendix B Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide WARNING C403 Evaluation Radio <radio number> in cell <cell number> has handled a small percentage of the traffic in cell <cell number> over 24 hours, starting from <time and date>. Description This warning occurs when the traffic on a radio is greater than the recommended threshold, the radio is not in a high traffic cell and another radio in the same cell has handled little or no traffic.

  • Page 125: Interference

    Interference P0887339 Issue 02 Standard WARNING C501 Evaluation Channel(s) <channel number(s)> are under- utilized. Interference is suspected. Description This warning occurs when the spectrum has more channels occupied in the upper segments than in the lower segments. Normally the lower segments are occupied before the upper segments, but interference can cause this not to occur.

  • Page 126: Radio Signals

    124 Appendix B Radio Signals Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide WARNING C601 Evaluation Cell <cell number>has a low average RSSI (<-nn>dBm), and there are no high traffic cells. Description This warning occurs when the radios in a cell have a low average RSSI, and there are no high traffic cells in the system.
  • Page 127 Appendix B 125 Action If the cell with the low average RSSI is adjacent to a high traffic cell (check the Provisioning Record), then disregard this warning and solve the problem associated with the high traffic cell warning. Otherwise, check deployment for inadequate cell coverage by looking for cells placed too far apart, or areas where users are roaming outside the coverage area.
  • Page 128 126 Appendix B Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide P0887339 Issue 02 Standard...

  • Page 129: Appendix C

    Appendix C • CDS error messages P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide 127...

  • Page 130: Cds Error Messages

    128 Appendix C CDS Error Messages Code Group Message Tag XXX- -XXXXXXXX ENV- -OPEN_FIL ENV- -WRITE_RC ENV- -MSNGFONT ENV- -READFAIL ENV- -RIM_BUSY ENV- -DISKFULL ENV- -INCMPADM CFG- -ZERO_CEL CFG- -BAD_PORT CFG- -BAD_DSPL CFG- -MISNGRAD CFG- -INVL_ID CFG- -BLANK_ID CFG- -NO_RADIO CFG- -MSNG_OBJ CFG-...
  • Page 131 Code Group Message Tag COM- -INVRXMSG COM- -INVTXMSG COM- -COMCHOKE COM- -COMFAILR COM- -MODMFAIL DAT- -OUTRANGE DAT- -WRONGID DAT- -WRONGCEL DAT- -VOIDCELL MOD- - NOCONNCT MOD- - NODIALTN MOD- - NOCARIER MOD- - NOANSWER MOD- - LINEBUSY CCV- - NOCVFILE CCV- - CVCELNOT CCV-...
  • Page 132 130 Appendix C Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide • Environment (ENV) • Configuration (CFG) • Miscellaneous (MSC) • Communication (COM) • Data (DAT) • Modem communication (MOD) • Site Dataset Management (PDM) Severity codes are assigned to all error messages and indicate how the error manifests itself to the CDS user.

  • Page 133: Appendix D

    Appendix D • Batch mode • Macro language P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide 131...

  • Page 134: Runcds: Running Cds In Batch Mode

    132 Appendix D RUNCDS: Running CDS in Batch Mode Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide RUNCDS is a program that executes CDS commands in batch mode without the need for an interactive session. Using RUNCDS, you can execute sets of CDS commands on live wireless systems, saved datasets, or both.
  • Page 135 P0887339 Issue 02 Standard macro file is created using a standard text editor (e.g., edit on DOS 5.0 or a later versions), and entering one CDS macro language command per line. Macro commands must start in column one. The batch CDS commands are defined later in this section.

  • Page 136: Runcds Command Line Syntax

    134 Appendix D RUNCDS Command Line Syntax Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide <valid CDS macro language command> <valid CDS macro language command> The last command in the file must be the CDS macro language command Exit. Type: Exit 3. Verify a macro file. A macro file may be verified for correctness before batch execution by using the -v option of RUNCDS.

  • Page 137: The Cds Macro Language

    The CDS Macro Language Macro Language Rules CDS Macro Language Commands P0887339 Issue 02 Standard The CDS macro language is comprised of syntax rules and CDS macro language commands. 1. Start the macro language command on the first character of the line.

  • Page 138: Keyboard Commands

    136 Appendix D Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide $parameter2 exit On the command line, you can type: RUNCDS -s1 macro1 March151994 RUNCDS replaces the $parameter2 in the macro file with the second parameter on the command line, March151994, thus naming the dataset created during this batch run as March151994. The next time the batch is run, you need to change only the parameter on the command line to create a dataset with a different name.

  • Page 139: Menu Commands

    Level 1 Level 2 Commands Commands Diagnosis Quality of Service System Faults Radio Signals Cell Signals Interference Traffic CSC Links Utilities View System Configuration Create Dataset Delete Dataset P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Menu Commands You enter menu choices in a macro file by omitting the spaces between the CDS menu commands, as shown below.

  • Page 140: Examples

    138 Appendix D Examples Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide The examples below show how to use RUNCDS to do the following: • Create saved datasets • Access saved datasets • Automatic System Diagnosis • Clear Base Station faults The examples contain comment statements explaining the macro language program statements preceding them.
  • Page 141 Sitename # Equivalent to the interactive CDS prompt for the site name. RUNCDS will provide # itself with site names by looping through the site names in SITE001.TXT (the # site name file in this example). Systemaccess # Data will be fetched directly from the Controller rather than from a saved dataset. Utilities # Access the Main Menu option ‘Utilities’.
  • Page 142 140 Appendix D Sitename # Equivalent to the interactive CDS prompt for the site name. RUNCDS will provide # itself with site names by looping through the site names in the site file # SITE001.TXT in this example. Systemaccess # Data will be fetched directly from the Controller rather than from a saved dataset. Utilities # Access the Main Menu option ‘Utilities’.
  • Page 143 Sitename # Equivalent to the interactive CDS prompt for the site name. RUNCDS will provide # itself with site names by looping through the site names in SITE001.TXT. $Dataset1 # Open dataset number one for the sitename (i.e. use the first stored dataset). Diagnosis # Access Main Menu option “Diagnosis”.
  • Page 144 142 Appendix D Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide P0887339 Issue 02 Standard...

  • Page 145: Appendix E

    Appendix E • File management P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide 143...

  • Page 146: Cds Dos Hard Drive Disk File Management

    144 Appendix E CDS DOS Hard Drive Disk File Management Files needed by CDS Files created by administering a new site Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide The CDS application provides a directory called CDSPLUS at the highest level on the drive that you have chosen. The following files are in the CDSPLUS directory and are required to use the application: CDS.EXE...

  • Page 147: Files Created When Using Cds

    Files created when using CDS Figure 46: Example of ***** New Session Started on - Thu Jun 04 16:12:36 1998 SITE : ABC *** Message logged at Thu Jun 04 0102-1 019 CFG-L-LOST_ENT Entity did not respond; assumed absent/defective. Message logged at Thu Jun 04 0103-1 019 CFG-L-LOST_ENT Entity did not respond;...

  • Page 148: Saved Datasets

    146 Appendix E Figure 47: Example of ****** ****** ****** FAULTS FOR BASE STATION 0104. RESET COUNT _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Radio 1 Reset Types 0 - RIM Reset Count 0 - SCL Fault Count...
  • Page 149 P0887339 Issue 02 Standard examining the data. This reduces connection time when accessing remote sites, and preserves the data for future reference. A dataset file has an extension of ‘.PDM’ and is stored in the sub- directory of the site for which it was created. Many datasets can be saved for a single site.
  • Page 150 148 Appendix E Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide RADIOS.CEL The RADIOS.CEL file is created when you first run CDS Automatic System Diagnosis for a new site. This file contains the assignment of radios to cells as detected by a CDS scan of the current hardware state.

  • Page 151: Dos File Summary

    DOS File Summary File CDS.EXE RADIOS.CEL CDS_ADM.EXE RUNCDS.EXE HELVB.FON CDS_ADM.DAT CDS_ERR.LOG R_RESULT.LOG <filename>.PDM REPORT.TXT SITE<nnn>.TXT <macro-filename>.TXT LNG_MSG.DAT ENG_MSG.DAT or FRA_MSG.DAT. P0887339 Issue 02 Standard The table below summarizes the CDS disk files under the MS-DOS operating system. Table 3: Directory keep CDSPLUS keep...
  • Page 152 150 Appendix E Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide P0887339 Issue 02 Standard...

  • Page 153: Index

    Active calls Automatic system configuration automatic system diagnosis alarm area diagnosis results limitations pass area quality indicators reporting text screen controls warning area Background Background RSSI – Base Station disable initialization replace Base Station Resets Data Window Display screens Query Function System Faults Graph Base Station selection Blocked calls...
  • Page 154 152 Index malfunction Counters Base Station Data RIM Reset System Faults defined Cyclic Redundancy Check (see CRC) data corrupt transmission of fetched once historical real time Data Window dataset – Diagnosis Cell Signals Interference Radio Signals system faults Traffic Dialogue Window Digital frames Display Bar Chart...
  • Page 155 cancel disable disable radio file keyboard functions Control key highlighted letters highlighted outlined Line Interface Module (see LIM) Lost Integrity Data window Display screen Lost Link RSSI Lost Links Data Window Dialogue Window display screen percentage radio lost link Total QOS formula Main menu Display screen Memory Fault...
  • Page 156 154 Index Real time REPORT.TXT Reset RIM – initialization SCL Fault RIM Reset defined RSSI Background cell defined next weakest cell Next weakest radio radio system average weakest cell weakest radio weakest radio vs cell weakest radio vs system RSSI Measurement Units Sample inferring meaning Next weakest radio...
  • Page 157 Weakest Radio Data window Display screen Symbols 24hr Links Established 24hr Links Reestablished 24hr Lost Links P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide Index 155...
  • Page 158 156 Index Companion Diagnostic Software User Guide P0887339 Issue 02...
  • Page 160 Copyright @ 1997—1999 Northern Telecom, All Rights Reserved P0887339 Issue 02 Standard Printed in Canada...

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