understanding the reports in protools™ analytics

Understanding the Reports in ProTools™ Analytics ISCO SAL-15-145 REV3

ISCO International 1

Version 2.1

Understanding the Reports in ProTools™ Analytics

ISCO International 444 East State Parkway, Suite 123, Schaumburg, IL 60173 USA Toll Free: +1 888 948 ISCO • Direct: +1 630 283 3100 • Fax: +1 630 283 3191 www.iscointl.com

Copyright © 2015 ISCO International LLC

http://www.iscointl.com/


2 ISCO International

SpectrumInsight ProTools™ is a Windows-based software application which works with ISCO’s Proteus®, Proteus®1, dANF®, and DAS Interface Trays to deliver information about interference captured during the spectrum conditioning process. PurePass®, the digital signal processing algorithm within ISCO’s spectrum conditioning units, looks for interference. When interference is detected it is removed by high-performance digital filters and the interference event is recorded in that unit’s log file. ProTools is a software package that reads those log files and presents statistical information about this interference in easy-to-understand reports.

Introduction to Group Level Reports

In order to produce a variety of reports, the Region, Group and Node are all selected in the menu bar at the top of each screen in the Analytics section, along with the ability to set the reporting period date and time ranges. When <Select Node> is set to ALL, the Report Type dropdown menu will show only group-based reports. When using group-based reports the left panel shows a list of all the nodes and sectors that belong to the selected group. The user can check/uncheck individual nodes (or sectors) to either include or exclude certain nodes/sectors to fine tune the chart content.

Group-based reports make more sense if there is a considerable overlap of timespan across all the selected nodes in the group.

There are four different group reports within SpectrumInsight ProTools: 1. Group Distribution

2. Group Summary

3. Daily

4. Hourly

Each report is described in more detail on the following pages. In addition to a brief description and a sample of the report, you will also find the following information for each one:

Common uses gives examples of some ways the report is used to help manage network performance.

What you can do to change the report points out any capabilities for changing modes or interacting with the report to provide additional information or look at the report a different way.

Notes provides tips that may help you understand or work with the report more effectively.

To get the most benefit from SpectrumInsight ProTools, use multiple reports together. In many cases one report will provide you a general view of interference activity and additional reports can show you specific frequencies, time periods, and sectors to be concerned with. Armed with that knowledge you can take action to address any problems and explain performance issues.



Group Distribution Report Shows relative amounts of interference for each node and sector in the group displayed in individual pie charts measured in two ways:

Number of interference events

Duration of interference You will see at a glance which nodes/sectors are experiencing the most interference. Common Uses: 1. Identify which nodes/sectors may be underperforming due to interference. Follow up with node

level reports to see more specific information to aid in interference mitigation.

2. Determine where interference sources may be located based on which nodes/sectors have heaviest

activity.

What you can do to change the report:

Check and uncheck boxes in the selection table to determine which nodes/sectors appear in the

report. Click at the top of the column to affect all rows at once.

Select a node/sector in the table to highlight the section for that node/sector in the pie graph.

Notes:

The numbers shown in the initial pie charts correspond to the ID numbers of each node/sector

shown in the table in the left panel of the screen.

Hover over an individual section of the pie to see the percentage represented by that node/sector.



Group Summary Report Shows total number of interference events and how long interference was present for each node or sector in a bar chart. You will see right away which nodes or sectors are having interference problems. Common Uses: 1. Easily compare nodes/sectors to see which are impacted the most by interference. Follow up with

node level reports to see more specific information on timeframes, frequencies and power levels.

2. Determine where interference sources may be located based on which nodes/sectors have the

heaviest activity.




Select a node/sector in the table to highlight the bar for that node/sector in the graph.

Zoom in by clicking while dragging the mouse within the graph to expand the X-axis scale. A grey

slider below that section will allow you to move the display along the X-axis or zoom out by clicking

the far left box.

Notes:

The numbers shown along the X-axis correspond to the ID numbers of each node/sector shown in

the table in the left panel of the screen.



Group Daily and Hourly Reports Line chart with each line representing a sector (RF path), depicting daily or hourly interference event and duration totals. You will see how interference changes over time.

Common Uses: 1. See when heavy interference starts and stops. Correlate to customer-generated KPIs to help explain

causes of network performance problems.

2. Analyze interference activity at venues during major events. Quickly narrow down to the node of

interest based on relative interference activity across the node cluster prior to, during and after the

event or on any given day.




Select a node/sector in the table to highlight (with a thick line) the line for that node/sector in the

graph, allowing you to easily identify the data pattern for the selected item.



the far left box.

Notes:

Each node/sector displays as a separate line. The color key is shown below the bottom graph.

The Y-axis increments will automatically adjust based on the data that is included in the chart, so the

grid may change when nodes/sectors are added or deleted.

Use the Daily report to see which days experienced interference. Then use the Hourly report for

that specific time period to identify game/event time, rush hour, or other interference activity in

detail.



Introduction to Node Level Reports

In order to produce a variety of reports, the Region, Group and Node are all selected in the menu bar at the top of each screen in the Analytics section, along with the reporting period date and time ranges. When an individual node is chosen from the <Select Node> dropdown menu, the Report Type dropdown menu will show only node-based reports. If there are any user choices available for that report they will be shown in dropdown boxes above the sector selection table in the left panel. There are nine different node reports within SpectrumInsight ProTools:

1. Data Range

2. Spectrum Condition

3. Summary

4. Notch Activity

5. Carrier

6. Histogram

7. RTWP

8. Top Ten

9. Waterfall

An RF Path Summary report is also included when the PDF option is selected. The RTWP report is excluded from the PDF report. Some of the reports offer an option to change the reporting parameters of Duration and Power, which

refer to the types of interference events that will be captured in the reports. Changing these reporting

thresholds only affects the way the interference events are reported in the ProTools application – it

does not change the parameters controlling actual interference mitigation activity which is only

modified by changing configuration of the ISCO units.

Each report is described in more detail on the following pages. In addition to a brief description and a sample of the report, you will also find the following information for each one: Common uses gives examples of some ways the report is used to help manage network performance. What you can do to change the report points out any capabilities for changing modes or interacting with the report to provide additional information or look at the report a different way. Notes provides tips that may help you understand or work with the report more effectively. To get the most benefit from SpectrumInsight ProTools, use multiple reports together. In many cases one report will provide you a general view of interference activity and additional reports can show you specific frequencies, time periods, and sectors to be concerned with. Armed with that knowledge you can take action to address any problems and explain performance issues.



Data Range Report Line chart showing daily/hourly interference activity measured in both events and duration displayed together in one graph for each RF path, aggregated on a daily basis. You will see how interference changes over time and when high-powered interference events are occurring. Common Uses: 1. See how interference fluctuates over time in order to plan appropriately for filters or interference

hunting activities.

2. Determine degree of interference threat by comparing correlation between events and duration.


Change the display from daily to hourly using the dropdown menu above the sector selection table

in the left panel.

Select a row in the table to the left of the graph to highlight the corresponding section of the graph.

Zoom in by clicking while dragging the mouse within the graph to expand the X-axis scale. Use the

grey slider below that section to move the display along the X-axis or zoom out by clicking the far

left box.

Notes:

The names of the RF paths shown at the top of each graph reflect the names assigned in the RFM

section of the Node table found in the Configuration tab. The ID number for each path (e.g., 1-0) is

shown in the table to the left of the graph.

These graphs report total interference activity for the timespan. They do not reflect any filters that

may have been set in other node-level reports.



Spectrum Condition Report Represents the RF spectrum as configured on the ISCO unit, showing total bandwidth, individual carriers (position, bandwidth, 3G or LTE), band center, and position of any fixed notches (UBRs) per RF path. This helps you visualize whether the spectrum is protected by ISCO spectrum conditioning equipment and filters. Common Uses: 1. Verify the bandwidth covered by each carrier.

2. Review the position of UBRs to ensure they correspond to where they are needed. Other ProTools

reports may help you plan the UBR placement.




the far left box.

Selecting a row in the table to the left of the graph will highlight the corresponding section of the

graph.

If the profile has changed over time the desired Spectrum Profile can be selected from the

dropdown menu above the sector table on the left side.

Notes:

Information reflects conditions at the start of the selected timespan for the report.


section of the Node table found in the Configuration tab. The ID number for each path (e.g., 1-0) is

shown in the table to the left of the graph.



Summary Report

Shows cumulative interference events and corresponding duration for each frequency bin per RF path. A spectrum profile is overlaid on the report showing carriers and their respective bandwidth, centers and type (3G or LTE). You will see how interference is positioned within the carriers.

Common Uses: 1. Identify which nodes/sectors are impacted the most by interference and at what frequencies.

2. Determine whether corrective action is necessary by assessing whether interference is located

within or outside of the bandwidth of interest. Follow up with Waterfall Report to determine power

levels of interference you’re concerned about.

3. Deploy UBRs (fixed notches) in the unit when a persistent interferer is found.


Change the reporting threshold for Duration from as low as 4 milliseconds to as high as 1000 (1

second). Duration measures the amount of time an individual interference event lasts.

Change the reporting threshold for Power from as low as -130 dBm to as high as -70. In general,

lowering either threshold should display more interference events.

Use the <Spectrum Profile> dropdown box to overlay the carrier configuration on the graph.

Toggle between events and duration using the dropdown menu just above the graphs.




the far left box.

Notes:

If the carrier configuration is changed during the analysis window (timespan), the option to select

different spectrum profiles is provided in the <Spectrum Profile> dropdown box.


section of the Node Table found in the Configuration tab. ID numbers (e.g., 1-0) are shown in the

table to the left of the graph.



Notch Activity Report Shows percentage of time notches were idle or engaged, and how many were engaged during the timespan, in a pie chart. You will have a quick view of spectrum conditioning activity.

Common Uses: 1. Confirm whether expected mitigation activity is taking place.

2. Determine whether notching activity is substantial enough to warrant a change in equipment

configuration. For instance, an outdated dANF which only applies up to 3 notches may need to be

replaced by a Proteus which can apply up to 5 notches.

3. If unneeded UBRs (fixed notches) are deployed, dynamic notches available will be reduced. Based

on notch activity, unneeded UBRs may be removed to free up notch resources when all the available

resources are used to maximum capacity.


Change plot type to Absolute or Relative. The Absolute setting will show what percentage of time

any of the notches were active versus idle. The Relative setting will show what percentage of time a

specific number of notches were simultaneously engaged. Relative mode is useful when there’s

intense interference activity in a short interval (e.g., for a 30-minute period when overall report time

is set to several days). In such cases ‘idle’ time will totally dominate the plot in Absolute mode.

Switching to Relative mode excludes idle time and will show how the notch resources are utilized i.e.

if you are facing resource exhaustion when such heavy interference hits during a short interval.


Notes:

The names of the RF paths shown at the top left corner of each graph reflect the names assigned in

the RFM section of the Node table found in the Configuration tab. ID numbers (e.g., 1-0) are shown

in the table to the left of the graph.

These graphs report total interference activity for the timespan. They do not reflect any filters that

may have been set in other node-level reports.



Carrier Report

Shows daily/hourly aggregation of interference events/duration for each carrier per RF path. You will see how heavily nodes or sectors are impacted by interference over time.

Common Uses:

1. Easily see whether any carriers develop interference problems. Potential remedies include a UBR,

adaptive notch mitigation and shutting down the source.

2. Identify patterns which may help predict and prepare for interference activity in the future.



second). Duration measures the amount of time an individual interference event lasts.




Toggle between daily and hourly timeframes.




the far left box.

Notes:

Each line represents a unique carrier frequency. The color key is shown beneath the bottom graph.


section of the Node table found in the Configuration tab. ID numbers (e.g., 1-0) are shown in the




Histogram Report

Shows the total number of interference events for a given duration per RF path, displayed in either logarithmic or linear scale. You will see how many interference events are occurring at each duration.

Common Uses: 1. Quickly see if there are large numbers of lengthy interference events.

2. Provide information on the potential location of interference sources to interference hunters based

on which sectors are experiencing problems.


Choose between logarithmic and linear display. In the logarithmic display the X-axis (duration) is

held constant so it is easier for multiple graphs to be compared. In the linear display the X-axis will

shift based on the actual data that is being reported.


second). Duration measures the amount of time an individual interference event lasts in order to be

reported; changing the Duration threshold does not directly affect the X-axis of these graphs.



Select a row in the table to the left to highlight the corresponding graph area.



the far left box.

Notes:






RTWP Report

The Received Total Wideband Power Report approximates the power affecting your signal in the absence of interference mitigation. You will see the total amount of power at various levels.

Common Uses: 1. See the amount of total power affecting your signal.

2. Validate whether power levels reach high enough to be a threat to your network performance.


Select the desired carrier from a dropdown menu.

Change gain from the default of 0 in increments of 5 up to 25 dBm.

Notes:






Top Ten Report

Bar chart showing the ten most active frequency bins in terms of interference events or duration totals per RF path. You will see a bar for each frequency in descending order from heaviest to lightest interference impact.

Common Uses: 1. Identify which frequencies are impacted the most by interference and whether it is enough to be

concerned about. Use the corresponding channel report to see if interference is steady or changes

over time. Apply a UBR or take other mitigation action, if desired.

2. Investigate interference sources which may be producing signals affecting specific frequency bands.


This report is interactive – clicking on a top-ten bar will pop up the channel report for the

corresponding frequency bin, displaying a bar chart showing total events and duration by hour.


second). Duration measures the amount of time an individual interference event lasts in order to be

reported.


lowering either threshold will display more interference events.



Notes:






Waterfall Report

Scatter plot with each dot representing an interference event (or cluster of events) that occurred at a specific frequency bin (X-axis) at a specific time (Y-axis). The amplitude of each event is represented by a color scale to give an at-a-glance representation of the severity of interference activity. You will see troubled frequencies and times shown in darker colors.

Common Uses: 1. Quickly see how much interference is in the system and whether it is strong enough to worry about.

Follow up with other node reports such as Data Range to see most active timespans.

2. Identify frequencies affected by the strongest interference in order to help identify what sources

may be producing signals at those frequencies.



second). Duration measures the time an individual interference event lasts in order to be reported.



Use the control keys next to the timespan (directly above the graphs) to see changes over time.


Zoom in by clicking and dragging the mouse in the graph to expand the X-axis scale. A grey slider

below will allow you to move the display along the X-axis or zoom out by clicking the far left box.

Notes:

If the display appears smeared because of heavy activity, try setting a higher Duration threshold.

Changing the reporting thresholds only affects the way the interference events are reported in the

ProTools application – it does not change the parameters controlling actual interference mitigation

activity which is only modified by changing configuration of the ISCO units.

Interference power levels (dBm) are represented by colors ranging from light yellow (low power) to

dark purple (high power). The report display is based on power only; it does not directly report

duration, but events must meet the Duration threshold in order to be displayed.

If multiple interference events occur in the same frequency bin within a sampling interval they are

averaged based on power and that cluster is represented by a single dot in the graph.






RF Path Summary Report (available only in Node PDF report)

Shows relative amounts of interference for each RF path in the node displayed in individual pie charts measured in two ways:

Duration of interference

Number of interference events You will see at a glance which paths are experiencing the most interference.

Common Uses: 1. Identify which sectors are impacted the most by interference. Follow up with frequency-specific

reports to help find where sources may be located and apply UBRs, if desired.

2. Determine where interference sources may be located based on which sectors have heaviest

activity.

Notes

This report is not included in the report dropdown menu; it can be selected as part of the PDF report

package.

The names of the RF paths shown within each segment reflect the names assigned in the RFM

section of the Node table found in the Configuration tab.



Geolocation Report (View Nodes located in the Configuration Tab) Displays the location and orientation (azimuth) of each RF path (sector) of a node in the selected group on a map. You will see exactly where nodes are located and in which direction antennas are pointed. Common Uses: 1. Quickly see where antennas are pointed by reviewing the location and orientation of each RF path.

2. Deploy field interference hunting resources accurately based on the location of antennas that are

experiencing interference.


Zoom in or out using the +/- controls at the top left corner of the map.

Clicking the yellow symbol for a sector in the map or in the sector table on the left panel will display

node/sector identification information within the map for easy identification.

Notes:

Internet access is required in order to display Google maps.

Individual sectors must be configured with proper latitude/longitude/azimuth in the ProTools

Configuration tab, otherwise they will default to ISCO headquarters in Chicago.

The map center is based on average lat/lng for the entire group. So, if the lat/lng of some sectors

are not configured properly they will default to ISCO headquarters in Chicago and the user won’t be

able to see any sectors on the map at the default zoom level.

The symbol used in the map depicts different types of antennas (macro main/diversity , DAS

single antenna , overlapping sectors ).

Sectors are labeled on the antenna symbols so they can be easily found.



ISCO International Toll Free: +1 888 948 ISCO • Direct: +1 630 283 3100 • Fax: +1 630 283 3191 www.iscointl.com

http://www.iscointl.com/

understanding the reports in protools™ analytics

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