Hello,
Today’s first step in LTE/NR optimization is understanding the KPI: “DL Packet Loss Rate.”
When you see DL Packet Loss among OSS KPIs, don’t assume it’s related to the UE side.
In reality, Packet Loss is measured within the eNB/gNB, specifically at the PDCP–RLC layers, for both DL and UL directions.
Losses at the MAC–PHY layers are tracked separately, that’s your BLER (Block Error Rate) KPI.
Here’s the key detail:
- In DL, the gNB acts as the sender. Losses mainly occur due to PDCP discard timer expiries, ROHC desynchronization, or PDCP/RLC buffer congestion.
- In UL, the gNB is the receiver. Losses are typically caused by RLC reassembly or reordering timer expiries, when expected sequence numbers don’t arrive in time.
So why do I call it “the first step”?
Because for the downlink, these are the losses that happen before the signal even reaches the antenna, the earliest layer where optimization begins.
We might not call it ‘Radio’ Frequency Optimization.
But this is truly where network efficiency and stability start.
If you need expert-level analysis, tuning, or custom tool programming, feel free to reach out.
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