Advantages of a Policy-Based SON

Policy-based SON in the 4G LTE environment minimizes the workload on a “central” OSS by reducing and ultimately eliminating manual configuration of network operational parameters. Another decisive advantage is that the policy-based SON network enables agility and complete control over the network. Such a control helps the network operator to react faster according to the current network situation and organizational requirements. We envision that the policy-based SON technology in an LTE network will enable the network elements to automatically (more importantly, it enables flexibility) configure, change, optimize and even extend network coverage, capacity and topology based on network & organizational policies. Moreover, the network will support flexible frequency and bandwidth allocation, based on predefined rules which allow the node to independently react to interference, changes in signal strength, location of end users, and other volatile environmental criteria.    

The policy based self organizing networks clearly offers the potential to further automate operational processes in the mobile network and to operate the network in a highly efficient and effective manner with minimum human intervention.

The 4 G LTE SON technologies allow the implementation in different degrees: from basic SON to full blown SON. The degree of complexity increases depending on the level of SON implementation. Operators intend to implement SON could start with basic SON where procedures like Self-Configuration for the eNodeB can be introduced and move towards the full-blown where Self-Optimization and planning procedures can be introduced. Note that the time line and the preference of the implementation level of SON is dependent on the requirements of the network and the organization.

Figure 4 depicts the influence and the impacts of SON within the organization.

SON is an innovative concept that will ultimately reduce the costs in the mobile network, especially “OPEX” in the long term. This new technology will minimize operating expenses by reducing the overt management involvement day-to-day required for running the network.

It should be noted that the SON technology has its own challenges. For one, the greater the SON capability, the higher the CAPEX will be. However, this is a one-off investment which will help the organization to reduce the OPEX in the long term. Secondly, the complexity of shaping the correct policies for running a network will dramatically increase. And thirdly, with more automation and less human intervention, the vulnerability of the network is likely to increase and this needs to be carefully addressed.