Optimi launches Automated Transmission Planning module
Optimi has launched an Automated Transmission Planning module for 2G and 3G networks in order to assist operators in the inventory management, planning and optimization of their mobile backhaul and backbone networks.
During many years, when voice traffic was dominant, these tasks were manageable without the need for over-sophisticated systems. However, the situation has changed with the introduction of smartphones and mobile broadband connections, which are accompanied by huge volatility in terms if data volumes and requested data rates, and may have an overwhelming impact on the operator’s cost structure if the network is not carefully upgraded or the wrong transmission technology is selected.
Based on a comprehensive inventory system, the solution assists daily engineering operations by identifying current and future bottlenecks in any part of the transmission architecture and proposing the capacity additions that are required in order to overcome detected problems. In this way, it is ensured that CAPEX and OPEX expansions are always carried out exactly when and where they are required, thereby assuring the desired Quality of Service while keeping costs down. In this respect, the solution includes detailed inventory and decision models that clearly differentiate between the cases in which transmission lines are owned by the operator and those in which these lines are leased to third-party providers of transmission services.
However, the scope of application of this new module is not limited to daily network operations, since it is also conceived to assist technology strategists when selecting the most appropriate long term evolution path for the operator in terms of transmission technology and architecture for every single area of the network. Afterwards, the selected long-term approach will materialize in engineering guidelines to be followed when using this Automated Transmission Planning module during the daily operation of the network.
“This module is totally integrated with the different components of xDimension, Optimi’s market-leading capacity planning and dimensioning solution. Since all these decisions are ultimately driven by common traffic projections, we consider that the most accurate, rational and smooth operational scheme is the one based on an integrated solution that handles the entire system as a whole, with an end-to-end approach", commented Dr. Khalid Hamied, Optimi CTO. “Moreover, the automation of these processes will reduce OPEX drastically and ensure network-wide application of best practices in the field of transmission planning, which leads to improved Quality of Service and efficient allocation of company assets. Our team feels proud and encouraged that MTN Group has selected Optimi as preferred vendor for Automated Network Dimensioning, including our integrated Transmission Planning module."