A Robust Solution to Unreliable 900MHz GSM Communication Services during Rainfall

Abstract

This paper presents an insight into network performance evaluation and quality of service (QoS) improvement of GSM cellular system services during rainfall. The components of QoS and mechanisms of analyzing and evaluating them are discussed. The paper also identifies the important key performance indicators (KPIs) for QoS evaluation which are used in evaluating the poor GSM network during rainfall. Five assessment parameters (i.e. network accessibility, service reliability, connection quality, and radio propagation and rain attenuation) for evaluating QoS on the network were employed. Prior to the development of this research, result shows that QoS of GSM system in the country is unreliable. It is also found that GSM network accessibility and reliability in the country are unsatisfactory during rainfall. The paper is concluded with recommendations which include the GSM link budget that incorporated the rain attenuation factor that would definitely improve the QoS of poor GSM network services in order to enhance effective and efficient telecommunication system in the country.

Keywords: GSM networks, Key performance indicators, Rain attenuation factor, GSM link budget, Assessment parameters. Rainfall