- SON stands for Self-Organizing Network, which is a network that can configure, optimize, and heal itself without human intervention.
- SON includes three main functions: self-configuration, self-optimization, and self-healing.
- Self-configuration involves automatically configuring network elements such as base stations, antennas, and channels.
- Self-optimization involves automatically optimizing network performance by adjusting parameters such as power, frequency, and coverage.
- Self-healing involves automatically detecting and correcting faults in the network, such as interference.
- SON algorithms can be deployed in a centralized, distributed, or hybrid manner, depending on the network architecture and requirements.
- There are two types of SON processes: open loop and closed loop.
- Open loop SON involves human intervention, while closed loop SON does not.
- 5G SON algorithms can be categorized as LTE-like algorithms and new 5G algorithms.
- LTE-like algorithms are based on algorithms developed for LTE and can be extended to 5G.
- Examples include automatic neighbor relation (ANR), physical cell identifier (PCI) configuration, random access channel (RACH) optimization, mobility robustness optimization (MRO), load balancing optimization (LBO), and capacity and coverage optimization (CCO).
- New 5G SON algorithms are designed specifically for 5G and include Network Slice Instance (NSI) creation, NSI optimization, cross-slice optimization, and service quality optimization.
- NSI creation involves creating network slices, which are virtual networks that can be customized for specific applications or services.
- NSI optimization involves optimizing network slices to meet specific requirements, such as latency, throughput, or reliability.
- Cross-slice optimization involves optimizing the interaction between different network slices to ensure efficient use of network resources.
- Service quality optimization involves optimizing network performance to meet specific service level agreements (SLAs) for different applications or services.
Source: Rohde & Schwarz, 5G EVOLUTION – ON THE PATH TO 6G, White Paper
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