Optimisation and SON
SON solutions take feeds and counters from network equipment into platforms that analyse the data, and produce recommendations, or instruct automated actions in the network. Functions could include load balancing of the cellular network, or ensuring robustness of cell handovers.
SON software can be single-vendor or multi-vendor. In a single-vendor deployment the network equipment provider will build a SON capability into its equipment and management software. This provides a highly optimised view of that vendors’ equipment. Some vendors claim to be multi-vendor, although doubts persist that rival manufacturers are willing to open up their counters to rival companies.
Multi-vendor SON requires the SON platform provider to have access to the stats and counters from all the network vendors’ equipment deployed in the network.
SON was first standardised in the 3GPP LTE releases, but is being “retro-fitted” by some operators so they can control 3G networks as well. Small cells rely on SON particularly because they need to be as inexpensive as possible to deploy and support – therefore automatic configuration, discovery of neighbouring or macro cells, and adjustments to local conditions are critical. That is why many small cells come with an integrated SON capability.
Structurally, there are three flavours of SON. A centralised SON architecture takes data from across the network to a central platform, and then distributes commands back out to the network. A distributed SON architecture sites the SON decision-making at the elements themselves, so that they interact with eachother. A hybrid approach combines the two – with perhaps main structural elements being taken care of centrally, and then more refined or time-sensitive SON algorithims being performed locally.
Links:
WHITE PAPER: Self-Optimizing Networks: Removing Risk and Adding Value.
Building the intelligent network
