SON Controller for NB-IoT LTE Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Self-Optimizing Network (SON) applications for wireless wide area networks (WWANs) struggle to effectively manage the mutual influence and resource sharing between Narrowband Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT) and LTE/4G devices, leading to potential network performance degradation due to differences in coverage characteristics and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A controller is implemented to adapt SON applications by monitoring and modifying actions based on performance indicators for both NB-IoT and LTE/4G devices, using techniques such as Dynamic Self-Healing, Coverage-Interference-Capacity Optimization, and Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) plan optimization, to ensure seamless coexistence and optimal network performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing SON applications are used for LTE/4G networks, then network optimization for traditional devices is maintained, but network performance degrades when NB-IoT devices are deployed due to mutual influence and resource sharing
Solution Approach 1:
The SON application is made dynamic by enabling it to adapt its behavior based on the detected presence of NB-IoT technology. The system transitions from a static optimization approach designed for LTE/4G to a dynamic approach that adjusts parameters and decisions based on the mixed technology environment, allowing simultaneous optimization for both NB-IoT and traditional devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by detecting NB-IoT presence and modifying SON application behavior accordingly. This includes adjusting optimization thresholds, performance metrics, and decision-making parameters to account for the different resource utilization and coverage characteristics of NB-IoT devices compared to traditional LTE/4G devices
2Extent of automation
If SON applications make automated decisions on wireless network actions, then network automation is improved, but network stability deteriorates due to lack of testing and monitoring for new NB-IoT technology
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary testing of SON application actions in a controlled manner before full deployment. When NB-IoT presence is detected, the system implements a phased approach where actions are first tested and monitored to evaluate their impact on both NB-IoT and LTE/4G devices before committing to permanent changes, preventing premature deployment of potentially harmful optimizations
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes comprehensive monitoring and feedback mechanisms that track network performance for both NB-IoT and traditional devices. This feedback loop allows the system to evaluate the impact of automated decisions in real-time, detect negative effects, and trigger reverting actions when performance degradation is detected, ensuring stability while maintaining automation
3Productivity
If base stations share system resources between NB-IoT and LTE/4G devices, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but network performance degrades due to mutual influence between the two technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different optimization strategies to different device types within the same network infrastructure. By detecting NB-IoT presence, the SON application can apply technology-specific optimization parameters and performance thresholds tailored to the unique characteristics of NB-IoT devices (such as coverage enhancement requirements and power saving modes) while maintaining appropriate optimization for LTE/4G devices, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for adapting Self-Optimizing Networking (SON) applications for Narrowband Internet-of-Things (NB-IoT) deployments in wireless networks. A controller is provided for a wireless network that includes a plurality of base stations. At least one of the base stations serving wireless communication for both a first cell type of wireless user devices and a second cell type of NB-IoT devices. The controller applies SON applications to the wireless network, and monitors performance of wireless communication in the first cell type and the second cell type associated with one or more base stations affected by the SON applications. The controller modifies or reverts the actions taken by the SON applications on the wireless network based on the performance monitoring.