CA2777677A1 - Self-optimizing wireless network - Google Patents

Abstract

Optimizing cell sites or sectors in a wireless network includes calculating modifications to a plurality of network parameters for optimizing wireless network performance; evaluating the modification groups to determine conflicts between modifications for a same network parameter: and eliminating the conflicts between modifications for the same network parameter within the modification groups. The modification groups are used to alter at least one network parameter of the critical ceil sites or sectors, or of a best neighbor ceils sites or sectors for achieving a desired improvement in communications within the wireless network. Optimization is further enhanced by determining the best previous modifications to the wireless network when performance continues to be degraded. Altering wireless network parameters of the critical cell sites or sectors, or the best neighbor cell sites or sectors is performed continuously using the stored modification groups until die desired improvement in communications in the wireless network is achieved.

Description

SELF-OPTIMIZING WIRELESS NETWORK

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application serial no.
12/580,604 tiled on October 16, 2009, the content o1' which are hilly incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the ii entiota [0001 ] The present invention generally relates to planning and optimization for a wireless network. In particular, the present invention relates to a system that monitors network performance, and makes changes to network. parameters to enhance perforniance.
Description of the Related Art

[0002] Network plan -ning of a a wireless network relies on. sta is approaches for site locations and dimensioning of the radio resources to meet specified traffic demand at busy hours. In a wireless network., a large ntirlIber of base stations (i.e., cell sites) can be served by one or more antennas. The base station hardware will send a radio frequency signal to the antennas, which will ty ically be placed oxi towers or buildings. Each antenna (i.e., sector) serves end-users located in a coverage area, Within a coverage area different ty l es of services can be provided (e.g.. .voice and data services).
[Ãl0031 The coverage area provided by an antenna is determined by antenna 2.0 configurations and input power to the antenna. Antenna configurations are, for e xanaple, the antenna horizontal pointing direction, the azimuth beamwidth of the antenna, and down tilt angle of the antenna. M4od t ing these antenna configurations will change the area the antenna is serving (ix., coverage area) and possibly areas served by other surrounding ante.nnaas, [0004] Input power (i.e., the power sent from the base station or cc] I site) to the antenna 2.5 will also affect the coverage of the antenna as well as s the interference that impacts the coverage.
areas of neighboring antennas. For example, if an antenna's input power is increased, the cove rage:, area of the antenna may increase as well, thereby causing interference to the coverage area of a neighboring antenna and affecting the quality of service in that neighboring antenna's, coverage area. When the radio signal. quality is better, due to good network planning and 30 perf 3rmaance, higher data rates for voice and data services can be achieved without consuming too many radio power resources.
[00051 Network planning and optimization is a process of finding the best configuration of the wireless network so as to maximize perfbrniance of the network. This process typically I

starts with an already working- wireless network, and then calculations and analysis are die by engineers using software and hardware tools and extensive simulations for the network. Once a better configuration is deter ined, the new con1figuration will be manually implemented in the network.
(30061 1-lowever, network planning and optimization consumes aa:laigh amount o'htatr aan resources and it is a lengthy process which is done only when needed or periodically with long periods between implementation. And, because this process is manual and lengthy, it is conducted with low frequency, which results in leaving the network. or parts of the network without optimization. for long periods of'tià .e.
[0007] Thus, network resource usage is not maximized and unused available network resources result in sigriificaaaai revenue loss and quality of service is degraded, hichafTi et.s the end user's overall customer satisfact on. And, since complex coverage areas have more than one critical site/cell, conflicts can exist between . recommendations R )r optimizing wireless networks, and these conflict- can delay the application of the appropriate recomme-ndations for optimizing wireless network performance. Finally, for more effective optimization of aa network, it would be helpful to determine the best previous mod:ilicaati.ons to the wireless network when performance continues to he degraded.

SUMMARY OF -1411:71 IN E, TION
?(3 [0009] l'herefhre, it would be useful to implement aan automated system for network.
planning and optimization that adjusts radio resources and network parameters to maximize overall wireless network performance, while aavoiding conflicts between recommendations .fOr optimizing the wireless ne m.ork. Additionally, it would be, useful to determine the, best previous modification to the wireless network when perlfiOrmance continues to be degraded in order to facilitate wireless network optimization.
[0009] An embodiment of the invention is directed to a. method fOOr optimizing as plurality cell sites or sectors in. a wireless network, the plurality of cell sites or sectors being determined to be within a critical zone of the wireless network where communication has been degraded and needing optimization. l'he .method includes calculating modifications to a plurality of network parameters for optimizing wireless network perlornaance;
storing the modifications for optimizing a plurality of network parameters in a modification f u 'u . the modifications being stored within modification gTroups in the modification queue; evaluating the stored modification groups to determine conflicts between modifications for a.
same network parameter; and eliminating the conflicts between modifications for the same network parameter within the modification groups.
['00 10.1 Elimination o a conflict between the modifications in the modification groups includes one of the ffi3llowing: 1) canceling all modification groups with conflicting modifications for the same network parameter, 2) creating a new modification group that stinis all conflicting modifications for the same network parameter in the modification groups, or ) creating a new group that sums only the minimum modifications for the same network parameter in the modification groups.
[00111 The new modi.iicati an group is stored in modification. queue., and is used for altering at least one network parameter of the critical cell sites or sectors, or of a best neighbor cells ;sites or sectors for achieving a desired improvement in communications within the wireless network. Altering wireless network parameters of the critical cell sites or sectors, or the best neighbor cell sites or sectors is pertiriaaed continuously using the stored modification groups until. the desired improvement in communications in the wireless network is achieved.
[0012] The. method as so includes determining a best previous modification group in the modification queue when performance of the network continues to have degraded performance for a cell site or sector, which includes, 1) determining all modification groups in the modification queue having a same net work parameter most recently modified;
and 2) determining the modification group with the best previous a a modification to the same network '20 Parameter.
[0013 The method further includes identifying cell. site or sector for which the degraded condition was detected; and disabling critical cell or sector so that it is no longer considered when determining future modification groups in the modification queue; and .ie-in.itiali.ze or re-caalc elating the critical zone.
[0014] The method includes selectini, the best previous modification group Ãn the modification queue, when no critical hour within the critical zone at which the degraded communications occurs is determined; and selecting the best previous mod.1fication group in the modification queue, when if the critical cell site or sector in the critical zone has available resources R )r achieving the desired improvement in communicatioins.
[00151 The method a No includes determining if the criteria for establishing the critical zone still exist and, if so, continuing to monitor the wireless network. for degraded communication conditions.
[0016] An embodiment of the invention. is also directed to program recorded on a computer-readable storage medium for optimizing a plurality cell sites/sectors in a wireless network. The program causes a computer to execute the features of optimizing Ã
method noted above.
['00 17.1 An embodiment of the invention is also directed to a system for optimizing a plurality cell sites'sectors in a wireless network, The system comprising an optimization apparatus that monitors network data associated with a. plurality of cell sites.'sectors and performs alterations to network parameters wireless network; at least one controller configured to perform data communications wit1-i the optimization apparatus, a least one base station configured to perform data communication with the at least one controller; at least one cc?r~trc?llal l : ar tenna configured to perform data con.imu . ication with the at least one base station and a plurality of subscribers distributed. in a plurality ofcoverarge areas; and a dnaaniic load balancing apparatus configured to perform data communication with the optimization apparatus and the at least one, controllable antenna.
[001.81 An embodiment of the invention is also directed an apparatus for optimizing a plurality cell sites/sectors in a wireless network. comprises a commmnicaationn interface; at ].east one processor,- and a naetnor y, the mentor storing a optin izing program tor causing the apparatus to perform optimizing operations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAW NGS
à 019] In the drawings, like reference numbers Generally indicate identical, functionally 2.0 similar andor structurally similar elements. Embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0020] F'ig' 1 illustrates a system for optimizing of network parameters in a wireless network .in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0021 ] Figs, 2_!1. and 2B illustrate a method for optimizing of net,' or-k.
parameters in a wireless network in aaccordan ce with an embodiment of the i.rr:venÃion;
[0022] Fig. w illustrates a method for determining a critical zone requiring optimizing of network parameters .in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
ÃfÃ123] Fig, 4 illustrates a method for determining a best neighbor cell in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a and [00241 Fig. 5 illustrates an apparatus for optimizing o1 network parameters in a wireless network. in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[Ã1Ã125] Additional features are described herein, and will be apparent from the fallowing description of the f-ig,ures.

DETAIL. E) DESCRIPTION OFTHEINVENTION
[0026] in the description that Ão l lows, rirÃmerou details are set R)r1h in order to provide a thorough understanding- Of the invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations of these specific details a are possible while still achieving the results of the invention.
Well-known. elements and processing steps are generally not described in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the invention, [00271 In the drawings accompanying the description. that follows, often both reference nu Herals and legends (labels.. text descriptions) may be used to identify elements. If legends are.
provided, they are intended merely as aids to the reader, and should not in any way he interpreted as limitin4.
[0028] Fig. I is a system Ibbr optimizing of network parameters in a wireless network in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In particular, the wireless network 100 illustrated in. Fig. I includes a network optimization apparatus 101. The wireless network '100 refers to any type Of computer network. that Is wireless, and is commonly associated with a telecommunications network whose interconnections are implemented without the use of wires such as i.th electromagnetic waves, such aas radio waves Or the like z is a caarr~ier. The basic components of the wireless network lilt) include the network Optimization apparatus 101, one. or more controllers 102, and one or more base stations 103 (i c.:, cell sites) for supporting data communications between subscribers distributed throughout coverage areas provided by the 220 wireless network 100 via antennas 1.05 (i.e., sectors), a network database 1 10. and a dynamic load balancing apparatus 104.
[00291 It should be widcrstood by one of ordinary skill in t:1i.e an. that the connections between the network optimization apparatus 101 and the one or more network controllers 1.02, the dynamic load balancing apparatus 1Ã 4 and the network database 110 can be wireless, wired or a comb inat.ion of wireless and wired. Si- ilarl , it should he understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the connections between the one or more controllers 102 and the one or more base stations 103 can he wireless, wired or a combination of wireless and wired.
[0030] As seen. in fig-. 1, the network optimization apparatus 101 receives network statistics and the current network configurations from. the network database 1 I0 related to the wireless communication system 100 fear assisting in the monitoring and optimization pertbrmed.
The network statistics may include, but are not limited to, key performance Indicators (KPIs).
An example of a KPI is the dropped calls rate, which is the ratio between the failed calls and the total. number of calls requested. Another network statistic is the capacity of the nretawwork.

Capacity can be measured b~, total number of calls an r`or the amount of delivered data in bits or the throughput (overall data rate) ira. case of data calls.
['003 1.1 A network parameter important to consider when performing network optimization is the number o `haandovets oferad-user equipments between different sectors.
1.3ser equipment has serving sectors, as the user moves between the coverage areas of different sectors, the serving sector will be changed as other sectors may have better signal gtaaality. In a soft handover, the user will have more than one serving sector in the sane time as the signal quality of different sectors are close to each other. The number of handovers between different sectors could be used as indicator of how close sectors are to each other, or an i.a.dicator to the dependency between different sectors.
[0032] Another network parameter important to consider when performing network optimization is a neighbor list. The neighbor list includes all the potential neighbors for a sector, and it may include neighbor priorities as well. A. potential neighbor is a neighbor sector which. may provided services to mobile equipment as part of a handover operation, when the mobile equipment is traveling between different coverage areas. The neighbor lists of the sectors which are serving the mobile equipment may be arranged to construct one list to be sent to the mobile equipment. The mobile equipment will use this longer list to search for additional potential neigh fors for handover operations.
[0033] The network optimization apparatus 1131 can be a server or other similar computer device capable of executing Ãn al.goritl m .for performing optimization of network parameters ira wireless network. 100, } more detailed discussion of the structure of the network optimization apparatus 101 is noted below with reference to I ig. 5.
[00341 The controllers 102 illustrated iii, Fig. I are, for example, base station controllers, (13 C; } which are part, of the wireless system infrastructure that control one or more of the base stations 103 and the corresponding coverage areas provided by the base stations 103, , plurality of subscribers (not shown) is distributed within the coverage areas for participating in wireless data communications provided by the wireless network 100 via the antennas 105. T'he subscribers have user equipment that may include various types of tied, mobile, and portable two way radios, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or other wireless networking devices, [00351 Each coverage area behaves as an independent sector serving its own set of subscribers. For fixed wireless systems, such as 1 l_::1.1:802. I6 -1Ã301 each coverage area can, he used by a single base station 103 or plurality of base stations 103 operating each on a. different frequency channel.. [ car r aail~.le systeraas, subsc fibers c?f a ,ha le c oven ear is are served by a single base station 103 that can be a single frequency channel I'br I1.EI._EE.SO2.16e-2005 (or UNITS
or 1x-EV)() Rev. 11 and C or multiple frequency channels that can be supported by if Ef 18O2. 16m (or UNITS or l.xEVD() Rev, B and C).
[0036.1 As illustrated in Fig, 1, the dynamic load balancing apparatus 104 may also receive subscriber statistics. The dynamic load balancing apparatus 104 .includes an al ori[:ltÃmmm that analyzes the data related to the wireless network 100 and sends control signals to the antennas and:/or base stations 103 for altering or shaping the coverage areas.
The load balancing algorithm may cluster users based on their instantaneous locations or by means of heuristic aapproache;s; collects statistics to validate previous users cluster: ng decisions and/c r predicting new traffic patterns; and. continuous learns and. adaptively shapes the coverage areas, and alters network parameters as the environment or traffic density changes with time. As seen in Fig. 1, network, statistics received by the network optimization apparatus can also be provided to the dynamic load balancing apparatus 104_ [00371 Fibs. 2A and 2.13 illustrate a method for optimizing of network parameters iar, a 13 wireless network in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. By way of example, the self'-optimization apparatus 101 can execute an algorithm stored therein. (for perlo.rrraing optimization operations.
[00381 Prior to optimizing operations on the wireless network, there needs to be an identification. of zones (i.e., critical zones) in the wireless netw ork requiring optimization.
Identification of a critical zone will be discussed in more detail with reference to 1"i.g. 3. The zones will he identified as a group of cell sites/sectors on which the optimization will be pre1'o.rmed_ Identification of the zones needing optimization can be based on the critical cell site. sector that has perforrraaance pioblems based on some criteria.
Additioanally, different areas of the wireless network can be evaluated using different criteria. The criteria can be based on one or more performance metrics of the wireless .network over aa past period of t me and%or one or more predicted performance metrics. These performance metric,, can he based on previous performance and configurations as well as previous traffic and predicted traffic, [0039] A performance metrics can be for a voiceidataa service for all services or for weighted se.rv ices; and can be for the critical cell. site. sector- only or for the entire critical zone or liar overall weighted performance between different cell sites. sectors. The performance .Ãnetrics can also be for a specific time slot in a day or over a few days, for all times or for overall weighted times, and can be clanged automatically or manually between different sets of performance metrics based o,r. some criteria. For the criteria that changes automatically between different performance metric,; sets, the criteria can be based on past or predicted configurations, perforr rance metrics an /or Ãra-111c.
[0040.1 For each critical. cell site sector needing optimization, a local zone will be identified as the set of -the neighbor cell sites/sectors based on some criteria, which can also he based on one or r acre performance metrics. For example,, the per forrrrance metric can be based on the cells; sectors dropped call rate (I)CR), which has exceeded certain dropped call rate threshold over certain window of time. The performance metric can also be calculated across specific time slots in different time frames. For example., Mondays to Fridays. Mondays only or Mondays to Fridays morning hours.
[0041 ] The local zone may contain only the critical cell/sector, direct neighbors of the critical site/sector or the direct neighbors and the neighbors, of n ..i.ghbors or additional levels of neighbors. For each group of overlapped local zones, critical zones will he identified as the union ol'these overlapped zones. The final critical zones may not include overlapping zones.
The zone identification process is run continuously to identify new zones needing optimization.
[0042] The old. and newly identified critical zones can also be ranked based on the criteria used in identifying the critical. zones. Based on the available computing resource in the Optimization system as well as the rank of the zones, one or more of the critical zones will be chosen. ft r optimization in serial, parallel or both. When a critical zone is selected for opt.inmization, the optiramaization. will be conducted continuously as perfornaance metric data and configurations arrive to the optimization apparatus.
[0043] Referring now to l ig. 22A, in step 20 1, the self-optimization apparatus 1.Ã31 monitors the wireless network.. The self-optimizaatiora apparatus 101 monitors performance after implementing recommended configuration modifications. In step 202, the network optimization.
apparatus 1.01 determines if new network data has been received. If not, then the wireless network will continue to be raonitored, as in step 201.
[(3(3441 Otherwise, in step 203, the network optimization apparatus 101 Will determine whether the operating conditions of the cell sites /sectors iin the zones have been degraded based on the new data received. The criteria can be based on one or more ofperforramance metrics similarr~ to the?se nc to d above liar identifyià g the zones. f"car example, the: perforÃraance metric ca.Ãa.
be based on the DCR of cells/sectors in the zones or capacity increases. If performance in the zone has, degraded, then in step 204, the previous recommended configuration modifications are removed until the best previous operation state is established..
[0045] For example, all the configuration parameter changes are identified in all the modification groups created and the original value fo.r each one of there parameters is found. Ifa modification group A and a modification group 13 are implemented sequÃentiarlly and cell c had a.
down tilt ofw 3 degrees before implementing the i odificat.ion. group A. The modification group A
change is to increase the down tilt of I degree ffcbr cell c and the modification group 13 change is aan additional increase lfor down tilt of another 1 degree for cell c. 1l ere, the down tilt for cell c is idonti l ie.d. as a configuration parameter to be reverted to a value of 3 degrees. This process is conducted to insure that all the changes are reverted to the best previous state while eliminating the Undoing all the modification groups one by one.
[0046 1 However, in the cases where the reverting to the best previous configuration halls, the search for the best previous state is as follows: I.) find all the previous fonwar-de groups which have the same parameter of the `ailed configurations and a value equal to the current value of the parameter; and 2) from these found groups, find the best previous state.
[00471 After reverting hack to the best previous state in step 204, in step 213 the critical zone is re-calculated or re-initialized which includes: 1) identifying failed cells in a previous section or the cells for which modifications have been forwarded immediately hef`ore the perforniance degradation is detected'. and. 2) disabling these cells so they are not considered in any future modifications calculations as follows: a:t do not include this critical cells i.n the modification caalculations, aand. h) for other cells, do not consider them when calculating best neighbor; and 3) re-i:nitiaalize or re-calculate the critical zone.
[0048] In step 21 , the critical zone creation criteria are checked to see if they are still.
valid. If the critical zone creation criteria are not valid, then the optimization process ends in 220. However, if the critical zone creation. criteria are valid, then the run tune for the fretwork optimization process i determined in step 2.15. In step 215, if a run time threshold is exceeded, then the network optimization process will end at step 220. If the time threshold has not been exceeded, then the network will continue to be monitored in step 201.
[0049] l I:owever, if the operating conditions of the zones have not been degraded based on the previous recommended . configuration modifications, then in step '2105 it is determined if an observation window, has been reached. An observation window is simply a specified time period such a number or days. For example, the optimization apparatus may determine that it is necessary to monitor network. data fhr a certain numbers of days. If an observation window has, not been reached, then the wireless network will continue to be monitored, as in step 20 1, l lowever, once the observation window has been reached, performance metrics can be calculated and compared to performance metrics before the previous recommended configuration modifications or compared to the first KP Is. An algorithm will evaluate the KPIs after the previous observation windows have been reached and find the configurations which resulted in the best K ]"Is. If the current network, performance is better, then the previous recommended configuration iaac'drtlcaaticrrrs will he accepted. However, if'per ormance is de4graded, then the previous recommended configuration modifications are removed.
[00501 Thus, Alter the observation window has been reached in step 205 then, in step 206 it is determined if the operating conditions ofthe cell sites/sectors in the zones have been degraded. If a a degraded condition is determined in step 206, then in stop 204 the previous recommended configuration modifications are removed until the best previous operation state is estaablislaed, and steps 213, 214, 21S are perforn ed. After stop 215, either the wireless network:
continues to be monitored or in step 220 the optimization process, ends. If in step 206 it is determined that the operating conditions of the cell sites/sectors in the zones have not been degraded, then in step 207 it is determined if a critical hour is kind. The critical hour may be the specific time a zone suffers from a highly degraded condition.
[005 11 In step 2.07, if the critical hour is found, then in. step 208 it is determined if the critical eelI/sector has enough as ailaabl.e r'e.seaaarces tsar the critical laa aar. Fear example, the determination of available resources could be based on, but is not limited to, the number of calls which could he additionally served by the critical cell site/sector how many calls could he averagely served by any used. hardware; or how many calls could be averagely served by the unused power. If the number of calls is determined to he less than or greater than a preset: dynamic threshold, then it can he determined if the critical cell site/sector has adequate avaa.ilable resources to address the degraded condition.
[005411] In step 207, If the critical la.our is not found, then in step 10the previous recommended configuration modifications are removed until the best previous operation state is established, and steps 213, 214, X21.5 are perfiarmed. After step 215, either the wireless .network continues to be monitored or in step 220 the optimization process ends.
[0053 In. step 208, if it is determined that the cell site/sector has available resources, then in step 204 the previous recommended configuration modifications are.
removed Until the best previous operation state is established. For example, load balancing techniques can be used to address the degradation condition in the zone instead. 't'hen, after step 204, steps 213, 214, 215 are perf armed; and either the wireless network continues to be monitored (step 01.) or in step 220 the optimization process ends.
[00541 In step 20$, if it is determined that the cell site,sector does not have adequate available resources, then in step 209 a best neighbor cell site. sector is determined for assisting in addressing the degraded condition. For example, from the critical cell sectors/site neighbor list, the top neighbors are determined based on which neighbors sectors`sites have a high number- of herÃndovers with the critical :.11 site/sector; and/or the neiggh or cell secto s`'cells with antenna beams looking toward the critical site sector; and/or the neighbor cell sectors/sites which has high available resources.
[0055] In step 210, if no best neighbor site is found, then in step 2Ã04 the previous recommended configuration i codifications are removed a atil the best previous operation state is established, and steps 213, 214, 215 are peribrrmraed, After step 215, either the wireless network continues to be monitored (step 20 1) or in step 220 the optimization process ends.
[Ã3056 In the alts rna ive, if no best neighbor is found using the current criteria, then the se aar`ch criteria for a best neighbor cellsector could be modified or made, more flexible, for example, to determine neighbor cells/sectors with a lower number of'haandovers. Fcaund best neighbor eells'sectors could be in the same cell site!sector location or dif rt rt location from the critical cell site/sector. Additionally, there can be different priorities if the neighbor cell sectorsr`sites are in different cell sttc . sector location than for neighbor cell sectors sites in same cell s:itc sector location. 't'hese pri.onlies can be specified using a weighted metrics and the status of whether the neighbor cell sectors. sites is in the same or different cell site/sector.
[0057] if a best neighbor site/or cell. is fi_hund in step 21Ãf, thee. in step 211 it is determined if the best neighbor cell has adequate available resources for addressing the degraded condition. If the best neighbor eell/sector does not have adequate available resources, then in step 204 the previous recommended configuration modifications are removed until the.
2Ã3 best previous operation state is established, and steps 213, 214, 215 are performed. After step 215, either the wireless network continues to be monitored of in step 220 the opt iii-ii zation.
process ends. If the best neighbor cell has adequate available resources for addressing the degraded condition. then configuration modifications are calculated and added to the modification queue M. step 212 for application to the wireless Ãr.etwork.
[0058] In stop 212. w v:he.Ãr. a zone. with multiple critical sites/cells is detected.
configuration modifications will be calculated taking into considerations that the configurations recommend ations for same or different critical/neighbor site/cell do not conflict with each other.
For example, in step 21.2, for each critical site/cell, the initial modifications are calculated as follows:
[00591 1 the modification group A. the critical cell site/sector antenna down tilt will be increased and/or the critical cell. site/sector transmitted. power will be decreased.-, and/or [0060122) the modification group .13- that the best neighbor cell site,/sector antenna down tilt will be decreased aand'or the best neighbor cell siter'sector transmitted power will he i.Ãr.c.reased , 11.

[0061] Because the modification-s, are calculated independently for each critical site /cell, the ii-acadilicaations groups (e.a.,.A and 11) can. conflict with each other.
For exaanapl.e, for a critical cell. A, a modification for the neighbor cell X of down tilt of I degree is calculated. At the same time, for a critical cell 11, modification for the neighbor cell X of down tilt of 2) degrees is caalcu ated, Cel I Xis a neighbor cell for both cells A and :13, and in this case it has two modifications calculatecL
[0062] ["Iln aination a='the conflict bete een modification groups is illustrated in more detail. with reference teal f*. 2B. In step in . 22I the modification groups (e.g., A and tat are evaluated for conflicts, l:n step 222, if a conflict between modification groups Ãs found, then to step 223 the f allowing analysis is conducted:
[0063] 1) search for the groups which shares at least one configuration parameter n odi f`icaation for the same antenna hear or cell.
[0064] 2) when groups are found, one of the following modifications shall be used: a) cancel all groups, hi create a new group which has the sum of all changes Ãn the groups, and c}
create a new group which has the sun of minimum of groups, which is done as follows:
[0065] j) If all groups are sharing the same sign of the values, theca use the minimum change. For e ample ifGI has down tilt of I degree and tit has tap tilt of 2 degrees, then the final. new group created group will. has tali tilt of I degree;
[0066] ii) if the groups have different signs for its values, then use the minisntaan tamaaxirnurii/average of both the positive and the negative group&.
[0067] For example, if (_ii, (_i2 has tats tilt Of I and 2 degrees (respectively) and (i3, G4 has down tilt of 3 and. 2. degrees (respectively), then choose the group with lowest LIP tilt ((iii) and the group with the lowest down tilt change (G4), and then find the sun of up/down tilting for G1 and G4 which will be total down tilt of-I -+2 --:1 degree down tilt.
[0068] When summing the tap tilt and down. tilt, the corresponding power changes should be related to the final result. and not to the sum of the original group powers as cacti final down tilt has a recommended power change. For exapple, a final down tilt of I
degree has a recommended power change of -1-5d.13 no matter what aare the original groups' values or sum of the powers.
[00691 If G I has down tilt of ] and decreasing the power by 1.5db, and G4 :had up tilt of f and no power change, then the total sum will be no tip tilt down tilt and, no power change. In another case ii(I1 has down tilt of 2 and decreasing the power by W , and (: 4 had t?"I' of 1. and no power change-, then the total stun will be down tilt by I degree and power reduction of 1.5 degree.

0070] Instep-224, the new modification group is created and in stop 225, the modification group is stored in the modification queue for implementation to the wireless network for i Ãiproving network. performance.
[0071 ] As noted above, the calculated configuration modification could be that, for example, the critical cell. site/sector anteà na down tilt will be increased and/or the critical cell site sector transmitted power will be decreased; the critical cell sÃtÃisector antenna pointing direction will he moved away from the neighbor which has more available resources or away from a neighbor cell. sector which has less available resources; and/or the critical cell site/'sect( r antenna beam idth will he decre< sed; and/or the critical cell. site /sector Ãransm.it`ted. ower will be decreased to compensate for the increase in gain eased by decreasing hear width, [0072] Additionally the calculated configuration modification could be that.
for example, that the best neighbor cell site, sector antenna down tilt will be decreased and/or the best neighbor cell site/sector transmitted power will be increased: the best neighbor cell site/sector antenna pointing direction. will be moved towards the critical cell site/.sector., and'or the best neighbor cell site'seetor antenna beamwid.th will be increased.
and/or the best à eighbor cell. site/sector transmitted power will be increased to compensate for the decrease in gain cased by increasing beatà width, The recommendations above. can be ii-Tà lemented simultaneously or sequentially or with time delay in between or delayed until the next window is reached or until all delayed recommendations are implemented.
2t3 [0073] Once the recommendation modifications are determined, the wireless network is monitored, as in step 201, to determine if the recommendation modilicatiuns address the degraded condition. However, in step 222, if there is no conflict between Ãnodification groups, then the Process Will continue to monitor the wireless network, as in step 201.
[0074] Once the recommendation modifications are determined, the wireless network is monitored (as in step 201.) to determine if the recommendation mmoditicaatiiton addr :.ss the degraded condition, [0075] Exernplary Application [0076] The following is an example of the method of optimizing a wireless network that is consistent the method described above with ret recce to l ig. 2.

1. The critical Hour is identified as (Hour 9 (as expected from the traffic model) 2. For cell 4 2, Hour 9, the available resources is below the thresh.old;
hence load balancing could help resolving it..

.- . Best -Neighbor search result is Cell. 1.941 4. The Zone accaamul<`ated DCR is recorded (j 2.94) hetbre impletaaenting aarny changes S. Change Cell 42 configuration as follows:

a. Increase the down tilt of the critical, cell 42 by I Deg) h. Decrease the Power Bye 1,5 dB

ti. Monitor the peribrmaance for n days (In this case 5 daays) 7. After n days, the 5 days accumulated DC R is enhanced as the Zone aaccutnulkited DCR is changed from 32,94 to 32.6Ã31 and the capacity have not degraded 8. Decrease the down. tilt of the best neighbor 194 1 by l deg 9. Monitor the performance for .n days (:In this case 5 days.) 10. After as days, the 5 days accumulated DCR is found to be degraded to be 32.675 However it is still below the original accumulated DCR o#' 2,94 11. Best -Neighbor search result is Cell 1.Ã1-3 12. Charge Cell 42 configuration aas follows:

a. Increase the down tilt of the critical cell 42 by 1 Deg b. Decrease the Power By 1.5 d13 13. N onitor the pertbrmaaace for n days (in this case 5 days) 14. After n days, the 5 days accumulated DC R is enhanced as the Zone 2Ã1 accumulated DCR is changed to 31 1,962 and the capacity have not degraded 1 _ Decrease the down tilt of the best neighbor 1Ã1_,,,3 by I deg 1Ãi. Monitor the eribrinance for n days (In this case 5 days) 17. After n. days, the 5 days accumulated 1:K'i is enhanced to be 31.866 18. Repeat l I to 14 and the 5 days accumulated DCR becomes 31.168 19. Repeat. 15 to .17 and the 5 days accumulated DC:`R becomes 30.997 2Ã}.. Now Cell 4___,2 has free available resources and load balancing will not help in increasing the capacity of the network.

0077] Fig. 3 illustrates a method for determining a critical zone requiring optimizing of net cc rk l ~Ãrameter r.t Rce ee d it.l an e 3 bode entail the e t.ion. IÃn step 301, neighbor lists are collected for a critical cell/sector. The neighbor list includes all the potential neighbor cell. sectors for a particular a cell. sector, and. it may include neighbor priorities as well. A
potential neighbor cell: sector is a cell./sector that provides services to mobile equipment as part of a handover operation when the mobile equipment is traveling from one coverage area to anot he:r. The neighbor list can he stored in the network database i 10.
[00781 The neighbor list can he stored in the network database 1 10 in the form of table that includes a list of cells and a corresponding list of zones. For each.
critical cell site/sector needing optimization, a local zone will be identified as the set of the neighbor cell sites./sectors based on some criteria, which can also be based on one or more performance metrics. A "cells table" will be formed to contain all the cells in the local zones of all the critical cells.. sectors. and it will contain cell-id. and simple...zoneõ id --: local zone idd for each call- A "Simple zone list,"
saves the checked/par tial.ly checked local zones during the search, and it contains the simple zone id and the corresponding, final zone.. The cells list" saves the checked.. 'partially checked cells during the search, and it contains the cell-Id and the corresponding final zone.
[007911 n step 302, the cells table is sorted. by simple zone 11:) and then by cell--_If.
Initially both the cells list and simple zone list are empty. f'c)r each entry In the, cells table the following operation take place. In step 303, an X zone reference is determined frog the cell list based on finding a eell___11) that matches the cell II) entered for a cell. in step 4304, a. Yzone reference is determined from the simple zone 'list based orr finding a zone H) that matches the zone il) entered for the cell. Once the X zone reference and Y zone reference are determined for the critical cell, it then needs to he determined if the X zone reference and the Y zone reference are included in a critical. zone. In step 305, it is determined if the X zone reference is ira a critical. zone... If the X zone reference is in a critical. zone, then in. step 306 it is determined if the Y zone reference is in a critical zone. If both the X zone rot recce and the Y zone ref ererce are included in a critical zone, then .in step 307.it is determined if the X
zone reference and the Y
zone reference refer to the same zone. If the X zone reference and the Y zone reference also refer to the same Zone, then in step 308, the cell lID is added to this final critical zone. In step 309, it is determined if any cells in the cells table has been unchecked, if not, the process is ended in step 320. IIthere are cells in the cells table that have not been checked, then the remaining cells in the cells table are checked .by returnin to step 303.

[0080] In step 307, if the X zone reference and the Y zone reference are referring to the different zones, then a new critical zone is created in step 310. 1-ra ste.p 3 1 1, the 'S orge re rc Ãace:

and the Y zone are included in the new final critical zone, the cell list in the database 110 is updated for the newly created zone Ãi.e r by cell __11=) and zone-ID) aand.
the zone in the simple zone list is updated for the newly created zone. Also, in step 312 the previous zones tear the zone reference and the Y zone rel :rcnce are removed. The process then returns to step 309 where it is determined if any cells in the cells table has been to achecked.
If not, the process is ended in step 320. However, if there are cells in the cells table that have not been checked, then the? r n-aain:ing cells in the eels table are checked by returning to stop 3 )03.
[00811 In step 306, if it is determined that the X. zone reference is in a critical zone, hut the 'V zone reference is .not. Ã yen in step 31 3 it is determined that the IX
zone reference is the final critical zone. as in steps :314 anel. 3Ã18, the V zone reference is added to the final critical zone that includes X. The process then. returns to step 309 where it is determined if any cells in the cells table has been Unchecked. If not, the process is ended in step 320.
However, i f there are cells in the cells table that have not been checked, then the remaining cells in the cells table are checked by returning to step 03.
[Ã 082] In step '305, if it is determined that the X zone reference is not in a critical zone then in step 31.5 at is determined if the Y zone reference is in a critical zone. If it is determined that X zone reference is not in a critical zone, but the V zone reference is in as critical zone, then in step 316, it is determined that the Y zone reference is the final critical zone, as in steps ? 14 and 308, the .X zone ref erencee is added. to the final critical zone that includes the Y zone 210 reference. The process then returns to step 309 where it is determined if any cells in the cells table has been unchecked, if not, th.e: process is ended in step 320.
i_loweve.r, if there are cells in the cells table that have not been. checked, then the remaining cells in the cells table are checked by returning to stept) 3.
[0083] In step 315, if it is determined that the X. zone reference is not in a critical zone, and the V zone rei re ice is not in a critical zone, then in step 317, a ne v critical zone is created that includes the X zone reference and the Y zone reference. Then in steps in steps 314 and 0$,.
the Il:)s for the. newly added zone are added to cell list and simple zone list and the. X zone reference and the Y zone reference are added to a final critical. zone. The process then returns to step 309 where it. is determined if any cells in the cells table has been.
unchecked. If not, the process is ended in step 32Ã3. i-lo ever. if there are cells in the cells table that have not been checked, then the remaining cells in the cells table are checked by returning to step 303.
[00841 Fig. 4 illustrates a method for determining a best neighbor cell in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As noted above, if a critical cell site/se:ctrar does not have adequate available resoÃarces, then it is important (t<)r performing network optimization) to determine neighbor cell sites/sectors that can assisting i in addressing any degraded conditions [0085.] In stop 401 , the neighbor cells/ sectors are determined based on the cells list table in the database l 10. In step 402, the neighbor list is sorted by network statistics. As noted above, network statistics may include, but are not limited to, key (KIlls), An example of a KPI is the dropped calls rate or handovers, which is the ratio between the tailed calls and the totaal. number of calls req ue; ted. The network statistics may also include, but are not limited to the following:

Exempla rsr Switch statistics [0086] U TL and DL Stats For l ach Sector/Carrier: Load, Erl and s and Throughput.
[0087] Capacity -For l- ach Sector /Carrier [0088] Sensitive KPIs To Operators Per Sector'Carrier Such as Dropped Calls and Blocked Calls [0089] Location Of Most Users (Clusters) [0090] Year/Month/Dayll FILM
[0091] Cell 11) [00921 Antenna 113 [0093] Carrier Frequency [0094] Number Of Established Calls [0095] Channel Elements {C'1 } Primary l _3 se [0096] % Primary l aaffi.c CE Usage [0097] % Secondary Traffic C :1: Usage [0098] Total CE Usage (E lang) [0099] Peak # of Walsh ('.odes [00100] Soft Handover Overhead %
[00101] Soft or hard handover counts [00102] Peak DL Power [00103] Number Of`Dropped And Lost Calls [001(14] Number Of Blocked. Calls [00105] C.'I;: Therm al Noise Floor (main) [00106] 1:i1. thermal Noise Floor (diversity) [00107] Average DL Power [00108] Pilot, ]'aging and Sue Channels Powers ] 00109] Peak Nuumb r ofPrimaÃry Walsh cotie [00110] Reported Or Ca.letÃlateci. Sectf)r l:_oa(i F-or i-1}
Exemplary Network Parameters [0011,11 Site Latitude; And Longitude [00112] Type: Macro-Cell. j.-Micro-Cell, Repeater [00113] Handoff Parameters ('1-Adel, `1--Drop `ft l=arc>1~, (' t`s~Ã 1~.}
[00114] 11?1 Output Power [00115] Antenna Direction [00116] Antenna Height Above GroLmd And Sea Level [00117] Antenna 'Model, Azimuth 13th:. Elevation 13W, Gain, Electrical And Mechanical ':l`:ilt [001.18] PN Offset ffset Per Sector [00119] Morphology: Urban, Highway, Suburban, Rural, Dense Urban [00120] Number Of RF Carriers Per Sector And Their f requeaacies [0017.1] cieriprnent M ilti-Antenna C"apahi lity: Rx Diversity, S V, M [M() [00121] Losses From PA Output To Antenna. Ports If Applicable [00123)] Multi-Carriers To Antennas Mapping [00124] Technology : WIMAX, UM.TS;. HSxPA , C'DMA2000, 1x.R'f T, 1:x EV.DO
Rev.
2.0 't,13 or C, GSM, etc., And Supported Features By `l he Equipment [00125] in step 403, the neighbor cells are then grouped based on available resources anti network statistics. The grouped nei lhboa cells are sorted based on network statistics. Then, in. step 404, the neighbor cells in the first group are, ranked based on their available resources.
2.5 For example, the top neighbor cell sites/sectors may have a high number of hanelovers with the critical cell site 'sector, or the ttop neighbor cell sites/sectors may have antenna beams looking toward the critical. sÃteisector. In step 405 the best .neighbor cells sectors in the group is determined, In step 406, it is determined if the best. neighbor cell has adequate available resources to address the regraded coracd.ition. If not, then another best neighbor cell from the 30 group is determined, as in step 405, which has resources available to address the degraded condition. Once a best neighbor cell./ vector is determined, then in step 407, recommended modifications to the wireless network are calcaÃlated. If the best neighbor is not found, the next group will be searched using the same criteria..

[001"216] As noted above, the calculated configuration modification could be that, tor example, the critical cell site sector antenna (].own tilt If he increased arid/car the critical cell site/sector transmitted power will be decreased; the critical cell sate.. sec car antenna pointing direction will be moved away from the neighbor which has more available resources or away from a neighbor cell. sector w hich has less available resources, and/Or the critical cell site/Sector antenna beamwidth will he decreased; and/or the critical cell site/sector transmitted power will he decreased to compensate for the increase in gain cased by decreasing heaamwidth.
[00127] Additionally, the caal.ctalaated configtaraation taaodification could he that, for example, that the best neighbor c c 11 siÃe sec to r atatc ttttai down tilt will he decreased and/or the best neighbor cell Site secte?r transmitted power will he increased-, the best neighbor cell site 'sector antenna pointing direction will be moved tow towards the critical cell sate:'ses Ãc?a aaa ct or the best neighbor cell site/sector antenna heaamwi t.h will be increased;
and/or the best neighbor cell site sector transmitted power will he increased to compensate for the decrease in gain cased by increasing beamwidth, The recommendations aabove can be implemented simultaneously or-1 5 sequentially or with time delay in between.
[00128] Fig. > is a more detailed description of optimization apparatus 11.11 t()r performing the method of self-optimization as previously described with reference to Figs 2-4.
In Fig. ?, the optimization. apparatus 1.01 includes a memory 501, a processor 502, user interlitaee 503, aapplicaatioaa programs 504, coaaaaaauaaicaatioaa interface 505, and bus 506.
?0 [00129] The memory 501 can be computer-readable storage medium used to store executable instructions, or computer program th.e.reon.. The memory. 501. mays include a read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM ), progr aninaaabte read-only memory (111RO ), erasable p.rograamniaahfe read-only memory (E'PROM9 , a smart card, a subscriber ident:itymodule (S1:ti), or any other medium from which. a computing device can read 25 executable instructions or a computer program. The term "computer program "is intended to encompass an executable program that exists permanently or temporarily on any computer-readable storage medium as described above, [00130] The computer program is also intended to include an algorithm that includes executable instructions stored .in the memory 501 that are executable by one or more processors 30 502, which may be ilacili.taated by one or more of the application. pro rams 504. The application programs 504 may also include, but are not limited to, an operating system or any special computer program. that manages the relationship between application sot"tw'aarc aand any suitable environment of the variety of hardware fleet helps to make-up a computer system or computing self'-optimization. apparatus 501. General communication between- the components in. the self-optimization apparatus 1.01 is provided via the, bus 506. The sell`-optimizatiorn algorithm a described " ith reference to Figs 2-4 can be stored, for exanmtple, in the rarerrron, 50.1 of the self-optimization apparatus 101.
lYlae user intert'trce 50: allo~~ s 1' ar interKac tiort bety~ c eta to user arrrcl tla~ self'-[00131]
optimization apparatus 101. The user interface 503 may include a keypad, a keyboard, microphone, and/or speakers. The communication interlace 505 provides for two-way data communications from the self-optimization apparatus 1.01. By way of example, the communication iraterlaaee 505 may be a digital subscriber line (1: SL) card or modem, an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, a cable modem, or a telephone modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone li ae. As another example, communication rnterltÃce 505 may be a local area network (LAN) card (e.gõ t'br Ethernet1 or an Asy nchrc~nous Iran ~l: r Model (A-1 M) network) to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN.
[00132] Further, the commurn.icat: orn interlace 505 may also :include peripheral interface devices, such as a Universal Serial Bus (l. S13) interface, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (P('MC'IA) itatertiace, and the like. "I'lae communication interface 505 also allows the exchange of information across one Or more wireless comae nicatimi networks. Such net: orks may include cellular or short-ravage, such as IEEE
802.I 1. wireless local area networks tWLANSt. And, the exchange of information may involve the transmission of radio frequency (RI') signals through an antenna. (not shown).
[00133,1 From the description provided herein, those skilled in the art are readily able to combine soft ware created as described wi:t.h the appropriate general purpose or special purpose computer hardware for carrying out the features of the invention.
[00134] Additionally, it should be understood that various changes and naodati.cations to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing, from the spirit and. scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is thi rett re intended that such changes and mod f caations be covered by the appended claim.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A method for optimizing a plurality cell sites or sectors in a wireless network, the plurality of cell sites or sectors being determined to be within a critical zone of the wireless network where communication has been degraded and needing optimization, the method comprising:
calculating modifications to a plurality of network parameters for optimizing wireless network performance ;
storing the modifications for optimizing a plurality of network parameters in a modification queue, the modifications being stored within modification groups in the modification queue;
evaluating the stored modification groups to determine conflicts between modifications for a same network, parameter;
eliminating the conflicts between modifications for the same network, parameter within the modification groups by performing one of the following:
1} canceling all modification groups with conflicting modifications for the same network parameter, 2} creating a new modification group that, sums all conflicting modifications for the same network parameter in the modification groups, or 3) creating a new group that sums only minimum modifications for the same network parameter in the modification groups; and storing the new modification group in modification queue, the new modification group being used for altering at least one network parameter of the critical cell sites or sectors, or of a best neighbor cells sites or sectors for achieving a desired improvement in communications within the wireless network, wherein, altering wireless network parameters of the critical cell, sites or sectors, or the best neighbor cell sites or sectors is performed continuously using the stored modification groups until the desired improvement in communications in the wireless network is achieved.

2. The method, for optimizing of claim 1 , wherein the creating of a new group that sums only minimum modifications includes: i) if the groups are sharing values with the same sign, then use a minimum change: and ii) if the groups have values with different signs, then use the minimum/maximum/average of both positive and negative values of the groups.

3. The method for optimizing of claim 1, wherein a modification group includes changes to up tilt and down tilt of an antenna, wherein power changes to the antenna are based on a final result of the up tilt and the down tilt of the antenna.

4. The method for optimizing of claim 1, further comprising:
determining a best previous modification group in the modification queue when performance of the network continues to have degraded performance for a cell site or sector, which includes:
determining all modification groups in the modification queue having a same network parameter most recently modified, and determining the modification group with the best previous modification to the same network, parameter.

5. The method for optimizing of claim 1, further comprising:
identifying ceil site or sector for which the degraded condition was detected;
and disabling critical cell or sector so that it is no longer considered when determining future modification groups in the modification queue; and re-initialize or re-calculating the critical zone.

6. The method for optimizing of claim 4, further comprising:
selecting the best previous modification group in the modification queue, when no critical hour within the critical zone at which the degraded communications occurs is determined.

7. The method for optimizing of claim 4, further comprising:
selecting the best previous modification group in the modification queue, when if the critical ceil site or sector in the critical zone has available resources for achieving the desired improvement in communications.

8. The method for optimizing of claim 1, further comprising:
determining if a criteria for establishing the critical zone still, exist and, if so, continuing to monitor the wireless network for degraded communication conditions.

9. The method for optimizing of claim 1, further comprising:
determining a total time the method for optimizing has been performed;

comparing the total time to a time threshold value; and stopping the method of optimization if the time threshold has been exceeded, wherein, if the time threshold has not been exceeded, the method of optimization will continue.

10. A program recorded on a computer-readable storage medium for optimizing a plurality of cell sites or sectors in a wireless network, the plurality of cell sites or sectors being determined to be within a critical zone of the wireless network where communication has been degraded and needing optimization, the program causing a computer to execute optimizing steps comprising:
calculating modifications to a plurality of network parameters for optimizing wireless network performance :
storing the modifications for optimizing a plurality of network parameters in a modification queue, the modifications being stored within modification groups in a the modification queue;
evaluating the stored modification groups to determine conflicts between modifications for a same network parameter;
eliminating the conflicts between modifications for the same network, parameter within the modification groups by performing one of the following:
1} canceling all modification groups with conflicting modifications for the same network parameter, 2) creating a new modification group that sums all conflicting modifications for the same network parameter in the modification groups, or 3) creating a new group that sums only minimum modifications for the same network parameter in the modification groups; and storing the new modification group in modification queue, the new modification group being used for altering at least one network parameter of the critical cell, sites or sectors, or of a best neighbor cells sites or sectors for achieving a desired improvement in communications within the wireless network, wherein altering wireless network parameters of the critical cell sites or sectors, or the best neighbor cell sites or sectors is performed continuously using the stored modification groups until the desired improvement in communications in the wireless network is achieved,

11. The program for optimizing of claim 10, wherein the creating of a new group that sums only minimum modifications includes; i) if the groups are sharing values with the same sign, then use a minimum change; and ii) if the groups have values with different signs, then use the minium/maximum/average of both positive and negative values of the groups.

12. The program for optimizing of claim 10, wherein a modification group includes changes to up tilt and down tilt of an antenna, wherein power changes to the antenna are based on a final result of the up tilt and the down tilt of the antenna.

13. The program for optimizing of claim 10, further comprising:
determining a best previous modification group in the modification queue when performance of the network continues have degraded, performance for a cell site or sector, which includes:
determining all modification groups in the modification queue having a same network, parameter most recently modified, and determining the modification group with the best previous modification to the same network parameter.

14. The program for optimizing of claim 10, further comprising:
identifying cell site or sector for which the degraded condition was detected;
and disabling critical cell or sector so that it is no longer considered when determine future modification groups in the modification queue; and re-initialize or re-calculating the critical zone.

15. The program for optimizing of claim 13, further comprising:
selecting the best previous modification group in the modification queue, when no critical hour within the critical zone at which the degraded communications occurs is determined.

16. The program for optimizing of claim 13, further comprising:
selecting the best previous modification group in the modification queue, when if the critical cell site or sector in the critical zone has available resources for achieving the desired improvement in communications.

17. The method for optimizing of claim 10, further comprising:

determining if a criteria for establishing the critical zone still exist and, if so, the wireless network will continue to be monitored for degraded communication conditions.

18. The method for optimizing of claim 10, further comprising:
determining a total time determining the method for optimizing has been performed;
comparing the total time performed to a time threshold valise; and stopping the method of optimization if the time threshold has been exceeded, wherein, tithe time threshold has not been exceeded, the method of optimization will continue.

19. A system for optimizing a plurality cell sites in a wireless network, the system comprising:
an optimization apparatus that monitors network data associated with a plurality of cell sites or sectors and performs alterations to network parameters wireless network:
at least one controller configured to perform data communications with said optimization apparatus;
a least one base station configured to perform data communication with said at least one controller;
at least one controllable antenna configured to perform data communication with said at least one base station and a plurality of subscribers distributed in a plurality of coverage areas; and a dynamic load balancing apparatus configured to perform data communication with said optimization apparatus and said at least one controllable antenna, said optimization apparatus being configured to:
calculate modifications to a plurality of network parameters for optimizing wireless network performance;
store the modifications for optimizing a plurality of network parameters in a modification queue, the modifications being stored within modification groups in a the modification queue;
evaluate the stored modification groups to determine conflicts between modifications for a same network parameter;
eliminate the conflicts between modifications for the same network, parameter within the modification groups by performing one of the following:

1) canceling all modification groups with conflicting modifications for the same network parameter, 2} creating a new modification group that sums ail conflicting modifications for the same network parameter in the modification groups, or 3) creating a new group that sums only minimum modifications for the same network parameter in the modification groups; and store the new modification group in modification queue, the new modification group being used for altering at least one network parameter of the critical cell sites or sectors, or of a best neighbor cells sites or sectors for achieving a desired improvement in communications within the wireless network, wherein altering wireless network parameters of the critical cell sites or sectors, or the best neighbor cell sites or sectors is performed continuously using the stored modification groups until the desired improvement in communications in the wireless network is achieved.

20. An apparatus for optimizing a plurality cell sites in a wireless network, the apparatus comprising:
a communication interface;
at least one processor; and a memory, the memory storing an optimizing program for causing the apparatus to perform optimizing steps comprising:
calculating modifications to a plurality of network parameters for optimizing wireless network performance;
storing the modifications for optimizing a plurality of network parameters in a modification queue, the modifications being stored within modification groups in a the modification queue;
evaluating the stored modification groups to determine conflicts between modifications for a same network parameter;
eliminating the conflicts between modifications for the same network parameter within the modification groups by performing one of the following:
1) canceling all modification groups with conflicting modifications for the same network parameter, 2) creating a new modification group that sums all conflicting modifications for the same network parameter in the modification groups, or 3) creating a new group that sums only minimum modifications for the same network parameter in the modification groups; and storing the new modification group in modification queue, the new modification group being used for altering at least one network parameter of the critical cell sites or sectors, or of a best neighbor cells sites or sectors for achieving a desired improvement in communications within the wireless network, wherein altering wireless network parameters of the critical ceil sites or sectors, or the best neighbor cell sites or sectors is performed continuously using the stored modification groups until the desired improvement in communications in the wireless network is achieved.