Self-Organizing Network API Reduces Tool Redundancy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Self-Organizing Networks (SON) tools for radio access networks are redundant and burdensome for developers due to their self-contained nature, hindering the adoption and efficiency of SON technologies.
Innovation Solution
A common Application Programming Interface (API) is introduced that allows multiple SON components to communicate and collaborate, reducing redundancy by enabling data consolidation, visualization, and automated actions based on performance indicators, with an automation engine to integrate and execute new tools, thereby simplifying the development process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If self-contained SON tools are used, then each tool can independently perform tasks, but there is great redundancy across tools and heightened burden on developers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent SON tools into a unified architecture where tools share common functionality through standardized interfaces. The SON server consolidates capabilities across multiple tools, allowing them to collaborate rather than operate in isolation, thereby reducing redundancy while maintaining operational independence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal interface standard that enables a single SON tool to perform multiple functions across different network scenarios. The standardized API and message formats allow tools to be reused across various SON functions (self-configuration, self-optimization, self-healing), reducing the number of specialized tools needed and lowering developer burden.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent SON tools are deployed, then comprehensive network management is achieved, but tool integration and collaboration become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a SON server as an intermediary component that mediates between multiple SON tools and the network elements. This server provides standardized interfaces and message routing, enabling tools to communicate and collaborate without direct point-to-point integration, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the SON system into modular components with clearly defined interfaces. Each SON tool operates as an independent module that communicates through standardized messages, allowing comprehensive network management while maintaining low integration complexity through clear separation of concerns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If redundant SON tools are used, then comprehensive functionality is covered, but development and maintenance burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal SON tools that can perform multiple functions through a common interface framework. Instead of developing separate specialized tools for each SON function, developers can create tools that adapt to different scenarios using the standardized interface, thereby maintaining functional coverage while reducing development burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables code reuse and tool replication through standardized interfaces. Once a SON tool is developed with the standard interface, it can be copied and adapted for different network scenarios without significant modification, reducing repetitive development work and maintenance burden across multiple tools.
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-organizing network (SON) with an application programming interface (API) common to multiple SON tools is described herein. Through the API, a SON tool may receive one more performance indicators associated with network information. The SON tool may then generate an updated network configuration based at least in part on the one or more performance indicators and provide, though the API, the updated network configuration to configure one or more network components. The SON tool, and other SON tools, may be executed by an SON automation engine, the SON automation engine and the API enabling additional SON tools to be added to the SON.