Antenna Systems & Technology - Winter 2015 - (Page 12)
FEATURE ARTICLE
SON: The Future of LTE Network Deployments
And Operations
By Robin Rary, Senior Manager, Sales Engineering | Black & Veatch
Self Organizing Network (SON) automation technology is reshaping LTE network deployments and operations. Its ability to autonomously resolve issues
in real-time environments yields a better end-user experience at lower costs than manual optimization processes.
As demands for faster, more reliable data
services continue to grow exponentially,
so is the need for operators to improve
the network performance.
Manual configuration of network elements
and parameters is time consuming and
error-prone. In addition, manual process parameter updates are slow in rapidly changing network environments. SON
simplifies network performance management, reduces CAPEX and OPEX to the
network operators, and improves the enduser experience.
The concept of SON was introduced for LTE
in Release 8 of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) technical specifications. SON is a functional
entity. It is not a network element or any network specific node. For a heterogeneous network, the SON
functions vary depending upon complexity and scale of the network. From a functionality perspective, three
different architectures can be identified for SON: Centralized, Distributed and Hybrid. The LTE SON functions
are defined in 3GPP, but different OEMs have slight variations and features in each of their SON solutions.
SON is not an "end to end" optimization solution yet. Each operator's networks are different, as are their
business models. Each operator has different specific network needs. For that reason, SON deployment
activities are in progress based on the operator's specific network needs. Early adopters of SON solutions,
who have made public announcements, include AT&T (USA), KDDI (Japan), and Pelephone (Israel). T-Mobile recently announced that it intends to deploy Eden Rock Communications' SON technology nationwide
to improve network services.
Operators are deploying SON to quickly address customer issues (i.e., end-user call quality). SON promptly identifies network issues and offers solutions in real-time, which leads to better customer experience
and reduced churn. Billions of network decisions are being made by SON in a fast paced environment to
improve network performance; it is simply not possible to do the same amount of work manually with
existing engineering resources.
SON features are classified into three broad groups: self-configuration, self-optimization and self-healing.
Below are some illustrations and examples on the differences between traditional slow manual optimization and manual element configuration vs. forward thinking SON features.
Self-Configuration
The self-configuration function is primarily focused on pre-service, "plug and play", automated deployments of base stations including small cells. Self-configuration performs several unique functions such as
automatic software management, self-test, automatic parameter optimization, automatic neighbor relation configuration and automatic inventory management.
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Antenna Systems & Technology - Winter 2015
Table of Contents
Editor’s Choice
A New Leap Towards True Software-Defined Radio
SON: The Future of LTE Network Deployments and Operations
Manufacturing of Zero-Centered Antennas for High Precision Positioning with Global Navigation Satellite Systems
Mission-Critical Flight Line Testing
Antennas
Components/Subsystems
Test & Measurement
Industry News
Marketplace
Tighter PIM Requirements for Multiband DAS
Antenna Systems & Technology - Winter 2015
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