Self-optimizing networks - The benefits of SON in LTE

The recent deployment of LTE to address the growing data capacity crunch, has highlighted the need and value of self-organizing capabilities within the network that permit reductions in operational expenses, during deployment as well as during continuing operations. Self-optimizing capabilities in the network will lead to higher end user quality of experienceand reduced churn, thus allowing for overall improved network performance.

This white paper has described the motivation for SON, and provided a description of the key SON features contained in LTE Releases 8, 9 and 10.

It builds on the descriptions of the SON features described in the 3G Americas SON paper17, by describing the newer LTE SON features in 3GPP Release 10 that further enhance the benefits of reduced OPEX and improved performance in operator networks.

These features address the self-optimization and self-healing capabilities of SON that will allow the networks to operate at the lowest cost per bit while providing overall improved user performance.

This white paper originally published on 4G Americas