Self‐Optimizing Networks

This chapter covers the main self‐optimization features that have been added to long‐term evolution (LTE) in each of its releases. These fall into four broad categories, namely self‐configuration of an LTE base station, interference coordination, mobility management and drive test minimization. The chapter discusses a technique known as radio access network information management (RIM). It also discusses three self‐optimization techniques that relate to mobility management within LTE: mobility load balancing; mobility robustness optimization; and energy saving. RIM was originally developed for information transfers within the radio access network of GSM. It was later extended to information transfers between the radio access networks of Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) and LTE, specifically between the GSM base station controller, the UMTS radio network controller and the evolved Node B (eNB).