OBDIEGWU OKERULU
Telephone (Home) +234**********
Telephone (Mobile) +234**********
Email Address **********.*******@*****.***
LinkedIn Profile https://ng.linkedin.com/in/obidiegwu-okerulu
Availability 4 Weeks
Preferred Role RF Planning and Optimization (2G, UMTS, LTE)
11 years RF Engineering experience in the planning/optimization and Network performance improvement of 2G, UMTS and LTE networks. Hands-on experience with GSM dual-band (900 and 1800 MHz) and WCDMA HSPA+ networks (2100 MHz). Experienced in networks with GSM-UMTS-LTE overlay. Experienced in both pre-launch (tuning) and post-launch optimization of both 2G and 3G network systems, LTE network.
Extensive Mobile operator experience under a multi-vendor environment, (Ericsson, Huawei, Nokia, Alcatel-Lucent) with 2 of the largest network providers in Nigeria, Airtel and Etisalat.
Key Skills
Excellent
• Extensive knowledge and experience in optimization strategies to improve BSS KPIs like TCH Drop Rate, Speech Quality Index, Call Set-up Success Rate, Handover Success Rate and NSS KPIs like Paging and Location Update Success Rate • Good communication skills – written and spoken • Good knowledge in GSM/WCDMA/LTE radio network functionality and performance management
Employment History
Manager RF Planning and Optimization (Huawei GSM, UMTS and LTE System) 2014(June) – Till Date
9Mobile (Formerly Etisalat Nigeria) Abuja Capital Territory, Nigeria Jun 2014 - Present
• Leading and mentoring a team of 3 engineers to achieve set target by 9mobile (Formerly Etisalat Nigeria).
• Coordinating radio network consultants and leading activities of radio network performance improvement services
• Development of schedules, strategies and methodologies for monitoring and optimization of Radio access network to ensure that internal and external set KPI targets are achieved.
• Co-ordination of tuning, optimization activities and trial of new features and technology Such as Dual Carrier HSPA+, W-AMR, A-Interface over IP, and LTE re-farm on 1800MHz.
• Cost optimization by way of negotiated buy back of old equipment for network modernization.
• Monitoring technical quality of analysis, proposals and recommendations
• Implementation and monitoring of real-time network performance and optimization tools for quick issues identification and resolution to minimize impact on KPIs and VIP customer complaint.
• Providing advice and troubleshooting throughout project execution.
• Presentation of network design to marketing unit to confirm its alignment with company commercial strategy.
• Management of network evolution strategy with a view to identifying value adding features and technology enhancement designs.
• Management of cross functional relationship with Core network, BSS Operations, Quality of service functions in order to achieve company set target.
• Implementation and monitoring of contracted features by vendors, e.g. Multi sector implementation, RNC in pool function, Abis over IP, 84 Mbps trial on UMTS.
• Identification and preparation of list of requirements for NodeB/BTS, BSC/RNC and OSS capacity expansion.
• Monitoring 3G KPI by means of RRC connection setup rate, RAB Setup success rate
For Speech, Video, PS and HSPA+, CS AMR, CS 64, PS and HSDPA dropped rate.
• Network utilization analysis and capacity management for hardware and licenses, channel elements and end to end QoS profiling of subscribers for optimal resource allocation and utilization.
• Identification and implementation of relevant KPI counters on OSS to aid in better network performance monitoring.
Acting Manager RF Planning and Optimization (Huawei 2G and 3G System)
9Mobile (Formerly Etisalat Nigeria) Abuja Capital Territory, Nigeria Nov 2012 - May 2014
• GSM/WCDMA (BSC, RNC, BTS, Node B) network analysis, Parameter trouble shooting, planning, tuning and optimization.
• Coordinating radio network consultants and leading activities of radio network performance improvement services
• Developing the schedules and strategies for delivering the services e.g. timelines, resource planning etc
• Technical supervision and lead for team members
• Monitoring technical quality of analysis, proposals and recommendations
• Monitoring the effectiveness of tools, methods and processes
• Providing advice and troubleshooting throughout project execution.
• Presentation of the design to marketing unit to confirm its alignment with company coverage strategy.
• Perform Radio site selection from candidates submitted by site acquisition unit.
• Management of cross functional relationship in order to achieve company set target.
• Implementation and monitoring of Contracted features by vendors, e.g. Gb Over ip, Satellite Abis, etc
• Identification and preparation of list of requirements for network capacity expansion.
• Monitoring 3G KPI by means of RRC connection setup rate, RAB Setup success rate
For Speech, Video, PS and HSPA, CS AMR, CS 64, PS and HSDPA dropped rate.
• Analysis of 3G drive test logfiles for areas with poor RSCP, EcNo, CPICH power, IRAT handover, Soft handover, Inter-frequency handover.
• WCDMA Planning and dimensioning of services, selection of optimal antennas, coverage analysis for various services, link budget analysis, assignment of scrambling codes, optimization of HSPA services through power and orthogonal code reshuffling features and parameter tuning.
• Post Swap KPIs monitoring, swap was from NSN to 3rd generation Huawei nodes
Senior Engineer RF Planning and Optimization (NSN/Huawei 2G and 3G System)
9Mobile (Formerly Etisalat Nigeria) Abuja Capital Territory, Nigeria Sep 2009 - Nov 2012
• Supervision of team of engineers from NSN to achieve set network site plan and optimization target.
• Create a complete nominal and final radio network (2G) design including traffic calculations, coverage estimations, and interference predictions using Netact and Attoll.
• Perform Radio site selection from candidates submitted by site acquisition unit.
• Swap from 2G NSN Flexi BTS to 3G 3rd generation Huawei NodeB
• Swap from 2G NSN Flexi BTS to 2G 3rd generation Huawei BTS
• Plan and Prepares final Frequency Plan (both standard and FLP method) needed for the start-up network.
• Set and Prepare parameter values for the Radio Network Features. Parameters needed for the final design of GSM/EGPRS network.
• Prepare Cell Design Data to be loaded in the radio system.
• Conducts RF measurements and Drive test for tuning and optimization of new sites integrated into the network.
• Tuning of the radio network during system expansion.
• Studying the BSC/Cell statistics related to the radio network on a regular basis to identify problems and proffer solutions.
• Checking of RBS capacity in terms of transmitted carrier power, DL channelization codes, ASE and channel element capacities.
• KPI Monitoring and Statistical Analysis including service Accessibility (Call Setup Success Rate), Retainability (Drop Call Rate) and Mobility (Soft Handover, Intersystem Handover).
• Submit weekly reports to summarize RNC performance and detail current and ongoing optimization activities.
• Passed cluster-wide HSDPA and HSUPA throughput targets.
• Capacity monitoring and optimization in terms of channel element usage, number of simultaneous HSDPA users, UL received power (Prx), downlink channelization codes, downlink transmit power.
• Physical optimization in terms of antenna down tilt to minimize pilot pollution and overshooting cells.
• Monitor site performance using Netact and iManager from integration to acceptance phase.
• Optimized IRAT thresholds to maximize UMTS usage without dropped calls.
Engineer RF Planning and Optimization (NSN 2G and 3G System)
9Mobile (Formerly Etisalat Nigeria) Abuja Capital Territory, Nigeria Jun 2008 - Sep 2009
• Supervision of team of engineers from NSN and Huawei to achieve set network site plan and optimization target.
• Create a complete nominal and final radio network (2G) design including traffic calculations, coverage estimations, and interference predictions using Netact and Attoll.
• Perform Radio site selection from candidates submitted by site acquisition unit.
• Plan and Prepares final Frequency Plan (both standard and FLP method) needed for the start-up network.
• Set and Prepare parameter values for the Radio Network Features. Parameters needed for the final design of GSM/EGPRS network.
• Prepare Cell Design Data to be loaded in the radio system.
• Conducts RF measurements and Drive test for tuning and optimization of new sites integrated into the network.
• Tuning of the radio network during system expansion.
• Studying the BSC/Cell statistics related to the radio network on a regular basis to identify problems and proffer solutions.
• Checking of RBS capacity in terms of transmitted carrier power, DL channelization codes, ASE and channel element capacities.
• KPI Monitoring and Statistical Analysis including service Accessibility (Call Setup Success Rate), Retainability (Drop Call Rate) and Mobility (Soft Handover, Intersystem Handover).
• Submit weekly reports to summarize RNC performance and detail current and ongoing optimization activities.
• Passed cluster-wide HSDPA and HSUPA throughput targets.
• Capacity monitoring and optimization in terms of channel element usage, number of simultaneous HSDPA users, UL received power (Prx), downlink channelization codes, downlink transmit power.
• Physical optimization in terms of antenna down tilt to minimize pilot pollution and overshooting cells.
• Optimized IRAT thresholds to maximize UMTS usage without dropped calls.
Specialist, RF Planning and Optimization (Ericsson 2G and 3G System)
Airtel Nigeria Lagos, Nigeria Sep 2006 - May 2008
• Performed BSS network performance analysis and optimization using Statics Analyzer and Ericsson RNO tools and PMR to achieve KPIs such as Call Setup Success Rate, TCH drop, Handover Success Rate and SDCCH drops.
• Identified current and future quality bottlenecks and proposing possible solution to avoid impact on customer
• Radio network (R10) parameters tuning such as Power control, HCS, Locating etc
• GPRS performance monitoring and optimization
• CDD consistency checks and corrections to ensure network is maintained at optimum.
• Performance alarm report checking, evaluation, analyzing and solving detected faults on daily/weekly basis.
• Drive test analysis using TEMS Investigations and made necessary parameter changes to improve network.
• High-level radio network planning and optimisation: Planning network critical areas, drive-testing and optimizing sensitive hotspots, investigating and solving high-level technical problems in BSS network to meet MTN network’s KPIs.
• Specified corrective actions to maximize radio coverage by advising antenna configurations, software fix, power budgets, and up-link/down-link path balance
• Customer Care Support: Relationship management, co-ordination and handling and investigating of RF Network related fault reports
• Automatic Frequency Planning: Conducted prediction- and measurement-based frequency tuning
• BSS counters definitions and customisation
• BSC planning and dimensioning: Planning, dimensioning and specifying the requirements of BSC types and sizes to optimally suit the network.
• BSS optimisation: Ensured paging and location update performances are maintained at acceptable levels (benchmarked with operators worldwide) by tuning exchange properties, BSC and cell parameters, as wells as creating optimum location are boundaries.
• Technical investigations: Performed technical investigations into topics related to radio network design and performance, e.g. new design methodologies, impact of new technologies and frequency planning strategies.
• Database integrity: Regular checks to ensure clutter data and propagation models offer a true reflection of the propagation environment.
• Writing reports with regards to the coverage and capacity of Airtel network performance
• Specification for software tools: Identified new requirements and participated of all radio network-related custom software.
• General support: Provided specialist technical support to other departments regarding the BSS network.
Technical Officer, RF Planning and Optimisation (Ericsson 2G System)
Airtel Nigeria Lagos, Nigeria Sep 2005 - Aug 2006
• Radio network planning: Responsible for radio network dimensioning, coverage and traffic plan, interference plots, sites surveys and evaluation, cell design data generation and implementation on network.
• Radio network optimisation: -
Ensured that QoS of sub-network meets KPI targets – Drop calls, set-up failures, handover success rates, TCH congestion etc
Performed drive-tests to optimize and troubleshoot network taking into account issues like receive signal level and quality, handover performance and speech quality index.
• BSS counters analysis: Consistent monitoring of counters to identify problem cells/areas and improve cell/sub-network performance by tuning cell necessary parameters.
• Traffic analysis: Analysed traffic trends and advised on TRX downgrades or upgrades to meet forecasted traffic.
• Sites swap-out and re-parenting exercise: Participated in and supervised sites swap-outs and re-parenting activities
• Frequency planning: Performed MRP frequency retunes
Technical Officer (NYSC), RF Planning and Optimisation (Ericsson 2G System)
Airtel Nigeria Lagos, Nigeria Nov 2004 - Aug 2005
• Technical Site Survey of new sites and submission of accepted candidate to site acquisition unit.
• Macro & Micro Cell planning using ASSET 3G Planning Tool & Mapinfo Professional capabilities.
• Coverage and capacity prediction using the ASSET 3g tool and TCPU.
• Automatic frequency planning and interference Prediction using ASSET 3g planning tool.
• Optimization of GSM network through parameter standardization and modification on Ericsson OSS.
• Preparation of Data Transcript for integration of new sites.
• Optimization of GSM network through accurate neighbor definition and optimization using NCS/NOX.
• GSM network performance monitoring using Business Object and Motorola Analysis Report System.
• Drive test of GSM network using TEMS investigation.
• Trouble shooting of GSM network through accurate analysis of drive test log files using Actix analyzer.
• Clutter weight drive test for proper prediction model tuning of the ASSET 3g planning tool.
• GPRS dimensioning and performance monitoring using Business object and MARS.
• Physical optimization of GSM network and updating of the planning tool database to reflect consistency.
• Implementation of new nodes (BSCs, BTSs, Transcoders) integration in Ericsson GSM network areas.
• BSS system planning/dimensioning with emphasis on forecasted subscriber base growth and available system resources.
Education and Training History
Degree
Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka 2003
Electrical/Electronics Engineering
Additional Information
Training Attended
• Radio Network Parameter Optimization Expert Training (2005) Huawei training centre, Abuja
• Introduction to Analyzer for Network Optimization for GSM (2005) Actix Ltd, UK
• Asset 3g for GSM, GPRS & EDGE (2005) Aircom Enterprise, SA
• Queries Advanced Training (2005) Actix Ltd, UK
• Radio Network Optimization (NCS/NOX and FAS/FOX) Workshop (2005) Ericsson Malaysia.
• Radio Network Parameter Tuning for GSM (2005) Ericsson Nigeria, Lagos.
• Radio Network Feature Implementation (2006) Ericsson Nigeria, Lagos.
• Ericsson BSS hardware integration and Maintenance (2006) Celtel In-house Training, Lagos.
• Post processing tool evaluation for MTC – Celtel Operation (2007) (Amsterdam).
• WCDMA System overview (2007) Ericsson Nigeria, Lagos.
• WCDMA Air Interface (2007) Ericsson Nigeria, Lagos.
• CPP Node features and functions (2007) Ericsson Nigeria, Lagos.
• WCDMA Radio network design (2007) Ericsson Nigeria, Lagos.
• WCDMA HSDPA System (2007) Ericsson Nigeria, Lagos.
• WCDMA Radio network optimization (2007) Ericsson Nigeria, Lagos
• BSS GPRS/E-GPRS Radio network Planning and Optimization(2010) Nokia Siemens Networks, Abuja
• BSS Radio Network Planning and Optimization(2010) Nokia Siemens Networks, Abuja
• BSS Dimensioning(2010) Nokia Siemens Networks, Abuja
• Qualcom HSDPA/HSUPA/HSPA+ advanced training (2012), Nigeria.
• WCDMA Radio network design and planning (2012) Huawei, Shenzhen China.
• WCDMA Radio network tuning (2012) Huawei, Shenzhen China.
• WCDMA Radio network features and algorithm (2012) Huawei, Shenzhen China.
• Cisco certified network administrator (2014), Cisco academy, Abuja Nigeria.
• 3G radio planning for performance management and optimization (2014) Nokia Academy, Espoo Finland.
• 3G RAN parameters and tuning (2014) Nokia Academy, Espoo Finland.
• LTE radio parameters (RL60) (2015) Nokia Academy, Espoo Finland.
• FDD and TDD LTE Radio Planning (RL60/RL45) (2015) Nokia Academy, Espoo Finland.