SON for mobile backhaul

Automation in operation and management of mobile networks is crucial for efficient handling of system complexity. Though Self-Organizing Networks (SON) successfully enhanced the automation of radio network operation, it is still not extended to mobile backhaul (MBH). However, the rigidity of the complex, heterogeneous MBH networks is a possible source of inefficient network operation or bad service quality considering the dynamic behavior of mobile network traffic. This paper introduces the highly flexible SON for MBH framework for applying SON in both SDN-ready and legacy MBH networks. The efficiency of the SON for MBH was evaluated in a joint Nokia-Orange program through extensive tests in realistic laboratory environment. The results showed significant improvement over traditional operation: due to the SON-MBH's optimization on average the system could transmit 31% more traffic in case of microwave link capacity degradation and 12% more in case of a link failure.