Validation of the feature frequency hopping in a live GSM network

Frequency hopping (FH) is a GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) feature which is described in the appropriate technical specifications issued by ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute). The network operator has the option to implement FH for his BSS (base station subsystem) whereas all mobile stations (MS) have to support FH. FH allows the compensation of interference and fading effects by changing the radio frequency channel 217 times per second. This paper describes the concept and measurement results of a FH field trial which was performed for evaluation of the advantages that could be achieved when introducing FH into the German D2 network (D2 PRIVAT).