Layer management through idle-mode parameter optimization in multi-carrier LTE networks

In this paper, we investigate the load balancing problem in multi-carrier LTE networks. We propose a probabilistic framework for idle-mode parameter optimization in Self-Optimizing Networks (SON) in order to achieve the target traffic distribution per carrier. In particular, we consider different layer management strategies such as hierarchical, equal priorities. For each strategy, we mathematically optimize the underlying idle-mode parameters defined by 3GPP specification, based on the statistical information of radio frequency (RF) propagation in order to achieve the target traffic distribution. Moreover, we characterize the underlying tradeoffs between the traffic controllability and user experience for each strategy. Finally, we show the performance of our proposed framework in real network deployments.