Multi-vendor auto-connectivity in heterogeneous networks

Heterogeneous radio networks (HetNet) consist of base stations and other Network Elements (NE) manufactured by various vendors, providing service at overlapping coverage areas supporting different Radio Access Technologies (RAT). This heterogeneity increases the complexity of network management functions as the required infrastructure, configuration sequences and protocols vary across vendors. The diversity also makes the automation of initial configuration (referred to as self-configuration or “plug-and-play”) an essential element in providing easier and faster network roll-out and base station deployment, especially considering emerging RATs such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and beyond. Therefore, the need for a simple, unified auto-connectivity has become increasingly important with the evolution of 3G and LTE deployments towards HetNet infrastructures. In this paper, a novel multi-vendor capable self-configuration architecture is presented, which was inspired by real network deployment and auto-configuration scenarios. The proposed framework is able to provide a unified initial connectivity sequence for new network elements including base stations supporting different RATs. Additionally, the proposed apparatus is also prepared for handling multiple Domain Manager (DM) instances under the supervision of the same vendor and within the same RAT. The standardization impacts of the proposed architecture and the required technologies are discussed as well.