Self Organizing Network
Executive Summary
The idea of self-configuring, self-optimizing wireless networks is not a new one, but as the mobile industry moves toward commercialization of next-generation "4G" systems, the ability to automate the management processes has emerged as a key technology requirement.
3G (HSPA or HSPA+) femto cells, which are unmanaged by definition, are likely to be the first area in which SON techniques are to be applied commercially. And there are significant improvements to be made in terms of auto-configuration of new base stations at site setup, as well as to network management systems to automatically reconfigure live networks, instead of having to manually re-tune the network each time a small change is required.
The Self Organizing Network (SON) introduced as part of the 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a key driver for improving O&M. It aims at reducing the cost of installation and management by simplifying operational tasks through automated mechanisms such as self-configuration and self-optimization. While supporting 3GPP standard on LTE/SONMobile Operators
Mobile operators need to ensure that mobile services are of a high quality while reducing capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational expenditures (OPEX) of complex radio access network (RAN) such as configure and manage Node Bs, radio network controllers, and core network elements is accounted for by the need to allocate expensive technicians to difficult and annoying tasks, a challenge which they are facing everyday.
Therefore by using SON, the self-configuring functions are expected to eliminate many on-site operations for the basic settings and subsequent updating of network equipments, and thus reduce CAPEX. Also SON’s self-optimizing functions will reduce a workload for site survey and analysis of network performances, and thus reduce OPEX. Moreover, SON’s energy-saving functions reduce the costs of power consumed by the equipment.
Minieum Networks provides the SON solution for our 3G (HSPA & HSPA+) femto, pico and micro cell and future LTE products.
For further information on our Minieum SON solution, feel free to contact us.
