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Overview
UMTS and HSPA technologies introduced third-generation cellular communications, providing significantly improved voice, messaging and mobile data capabilities compared to GSM networks. SNYPER products can detect and analyse UMTS, HSPA, HSPA+ and related technologies, reporting network identifiers, radio measurements and signal quality information. This guide explains the terminology commonly encountered during UMTS and HSPA surveys.
3G Network Retirement (UMTS EoL Sunset)
Many operators worldwide have retired or are actively retiring 3G networks to reallocate spectrum for LTE and 5G services. Existing deployments should be reviewed and migration to LTE, LTE-M, NB-IoT or 5G technologies should be considered where appropriate.
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| SNYPER-5G Graphyte | 5G NR, 4G LTE, LTE-M, NB-IoT and 2G/GSM Signal Analyser & Datalogger . |
| SNYPER-LTE Graphyte | LTE and legacy cellular Analyser & Datalogger. |
| Legacy SNYPER Products | UMTS and HSPA survey capable analysers. |
| SENTRY Network Analysers | Embedded cellular monitoring products. |
| CloudSURVEY | Cellular survey visualisation platform. |
This guide explains:
Expected Result
At the end of this guide the user will understand the identifiers and measurements reported during UMTS and HSPA surveys.
UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) is a third-generation cellular technology designed to provide enhanced voice and mobile data services.
Compared to GSM networks, UMTS introduced:
UMTS networks form the foundation for HSPA and HSPA+ technologies.
High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) improves UMTS data throughput through enhanced radio scheduling and modulation techniques.
Evolved High Speed Packet Access (HSPA+) further enhances UMTS performance through improved modulation and carrier capabilities.
The Mobile Country Code identifies the country associated with the network operator.
| MCC | Country |
|---|---|
| 234 | United Kingdom |
| 262 | Germany |
| 208 | France |
| 310 | United States |
The MCC identifies the country operating the cellular network.
The Mobile Network Code identifies the operator within a specific country.
| MCC | MNC | Operator |
|---|---|---|
| 234 | 15 | Vodafone UK |
| 234 | 30 | EE |
| 234 | 10 | O2 |
The MNC identifies the specific operator providing service.
The Location Area Code identifies a geographical service region within a UMTS network.
The network uses LAC values for:
The Cell ID uniquely identifies a specific UMTS serving cell.
| Parameter | Example |
|---|---|
| Cell ID | 123456 |
| LAC | 321 |
| Operator | Vodafone |
Cell IDs support:
The Primary Scrambling Code uniquely identifies a UMTS cell within a radio environment.
| PSC | Description |
|---|---|
| 0–511 | Valid UMTS scrambling code range |
PSC allows devices to distinguish between neighbouring UMTS cells operating on the same frequency.
UARFCN identifies the specific UMTS carrier frequency used by the serving cell.
| UARFCN | Band |
|---|---|
| 10564 | Band 1 (2100 MHz) |
| 3087 | Band 8 (900 MHz) |
UARFCN identifies:
| Band | Frequency | Typical Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | 2100 MHz | High capacity urban deployment |
| Band 8 | 900 MHz | Extended coverage and penetration |
RSCP measures the received power level of the UMTS signal.
RSCP is the primary UMTS signal strength measurement and indicates overall coverage quality.
| UMTS RSCP Signal Strength Scale (dBm) | ||||
| Poor | Weak | Fair | Good | Excellent |
| < -105 | -105 to -95 | -95 to -85 | -85 to -75 | > -75 |
Ec/No represents the ratio between the received signal energy and background noise.
Ec/No is the primary UMTS signal quality measurement and provides an indication of interference and network loading.
| UMTS Ec/No Signal Quality Scale (dB) | ||||
| Poor | Weak | Fair | Good | Excellent |
| < -18 | -18 to -14 | -14 to -10 | -10 to -6 | > -6 |
UMTS devices continually evaluate neighbouring cells to maintain service continuity.
Important parameters include:
Together these measurements influence:
Characteristics typically include:
Characteristics typically include:
Characteristics typically include:
| Observation | Possible Cause | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Low RSCP | Weak coverage | Improve antenna placement. |
| Poor Ec/No | High interference | Review installation environment. |
| Frequent Cell Changes | Overlapping coverage | Review antenna location. |
| Poor HSPA Performance | Network congestion | Compare alternative operators. |
| Missing Expected Network | Coverage limitation | Re-survey from an alternative location. |
| Parameter | Purpose |
|---|---|
| MCC | Country identification. |
| MNC | Operator identification. |
| LAC | Location area identification. |
| Cell ID | Cell identification. |
| PSC | Cell radio identification. |
| UARFCN | Frequency identification. |
| RSCP | Signal strength indication. |
| Ec/No | Signal quality indication. |
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