SON Element Prioritizes and Weights Network Actions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular networks face challenges in optimizing operations across multi-technology, multi-vendor environments due to conflicts arising from the implementation of Self-Organizing Network (SON) functions, which traditional solutions like the SON Coordinator (SOCRATES Approach) do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a Self Organizing Network (SON) element to assign priorities and weights to different SON functions and actions, coordinating their execution to prevent conflicts and ensure optimal network performance by using network performance metrics, with dynamic updates based on operational data and KPIs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple SON functions are implemented to optimize cellular network operations, then network performance and resource utilization are improved, but conflicts arise between different SON functions and actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a SON coordination entity that acts as an intermediary between multiple SON functions. This coordinator receives information from various SON functions, detects potential conflicts, and resolves them by coordinating their actions. The intermediary entity enables multiple SON functions to operate simultaneously while preventing harmful interactions, thus maintaining both high network performance and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where SON functions report their status and performance metrics to the coordination entity. The coordinator uses this feedback information to detect conflicts and adjust the operation of SON functions accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that network optimization continues while conflicts are proactively managed and resolved.
2Reliability
If traditional SON coordination approaches are used, then some conflict detection is possible, but adequate resolution and harmonization of SON function policies and targets are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the SON coordination system to automatically detect, resolve, and harmonize conflicts between SON functions without requiring manual intervention. The coordination entity self-manages the conflict resolution process by analyzing conflict information, determining appropriate actions, and implementing resolutions autonomously. This self-service capability transforms the system from merely detecting conflicts to automatically resolving them, improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A SON element which is operative to carry out at least two different SON functions is provided, wherein each of the SON functions is associated with at least one SON related action, and wherein a SON related action, initiated by triggering a SON function, would have been adversely affected by another SON related action, initiated by triggering another SON function, had the SON element not affected a modification in operating conditions of the cellular network, wherein the SON element is operative to: (a) assign priorities to the different SON functions; (b) assign different weights to the SON related actions; and (c) coordinate execution of SON related actions, that when executed are carried out in a way that does not breach the priorities hierarchy and the weights' order assigned to the SON related actions, thereby improving operation of the cellular network.