UMTS - Types of congestion

UMTS cells can have below congestion types:

1. CE (Channel Elements) Congestion: This happens when resources on the hardware are fully
utilized. One solution is to add extra cards/boards in the Node B to increase capacity. For example, ZTE
has BPK1 and BPKd cards that comprises of 384 and 768 CE respectively. CE congestion is always
monitored by observing UL CE (since UL CE consumption is always greater than that in the DL)
2. Code Congestion: High number of users could result in code congestion. Parameters such as
minHSDPA users can be decreased to make room for cell DCH users. Carrier expansion can be done to
accommodate larger number of users.
3. TCP Congestion: This represents that Total Carrier Power limit has been reached. Addition of
Power Amplifier, new nodes/sites, decreasing CPICH power, or increasing cell transmission power are
some of the remedial steps for rectification.
4. Iub Congestion: Congestion results due to fully utilized transmission media which can be
increased to resolve the issue.