A coordination framework for self-organisation in LTE networks

Self-organising Networks (SON) as introduced for 3G Long Term Evolution (LTE) will typically involve several different SON functions. These functions are not necessarily aware of each other and may have complex relations and interdependencies, for example, conflicting parameter settings, depending on their design and approach. Coordination of SON functions may become necessary in order to harmonise the actions of SON functions and allow for a stable and reliable behaviour of the SON system. This paper describes different conflict types, harmonisation approaches to avoid and resolve conflicts, and a functional framework with different roles to achieve harmonisation. An exemplary case study is given. The paper concludes that, in case several conflicting SON functions are implemented in a network, a SON Coordinator may be beneficial to prevent from network instabilities and/or to improve the performance.