SON = [[Self Organising Networks]] is an automated adaptative network, capable of performing certain functions with minimal human intervention. > More Network Expands --> More Complex System --> More OPEX b/c supervision --> human errors --> degrade the services “Practical experience shows that the application of 3G SON technologies in current UMT (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) infrastructure can yield a capacity gain of 50% without carrying out any CAPEX expansion.”. As traffic grows, more **complex networks** are needed. The complexity of these systems **may exceed human capacity** of controlling and exploiting all the resources of the network. A self-organizing network reduces OPEX, as some functions are automatized and may only require minimum human intervention, and, also, reduces CAPEX, as a better usage of the resources can be done and, therefore, the service may improve without the need of deploying more infrastructures. ![[Pasted image 20230214000452.png]] Time Scale-Based Classification: ![[Pasted image 20230214002837.png]] #### Types of SON Architectures - **Centralized**, the SON functions are located in the O&M system, in the core network. In this category, the algorithms can be executed at the Network Management level or at the Element Management level. - **Distributed** (De-centralized), when the SON functions are performed by the eNodeB, a distributed architecture is being used. - **Hybrid**, this type of architecture combines a set of SON functions, placed on different levels on the O&M hierarchy ![[Pasted image 20230214003110.png]] ### 3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project is a union of telecommunications standard development organizations which provide reports with Requirements and Specifications that define technologies. The project has worked with the SON, standardizing its features in terms of architecture, actor roles along with other requirements. https://www.3gpp.org/ #### Types of SON Frameworks ###### Automatic Neighbour Relationship (ANR) Configures the neighbour list of an eNB newly deployed and updates it while a base station is operative. ANR mission: - While eNB is deployed - minimise the required work for it's configuration - when already operative - optimise the configuration - ![[Pasted image 20230214003240.png]] The ANR is divided in 3 functions: 1. Neighbour Removal, 2. Neighbour Detection 3. Neighbour Relation Table (NRT) Management. ANR follows a **distributed architecture**, all functions take place in the Radio Network Controller(RNC), node which connects with the core network. The neighbour removal and detection are responsible of deciding if it is needed to add or remove an entry on the Neighbour Relation Table (NRT). Each entry of the NRT is a neighbour base station which is identified by a unique Target Cell Identifier (TCI). The TCI includes the Physical Cell Identity (PCI) and the E-UTRAN Cell Global Identifier (ECGI) [2]. The NRT Management is the function which will update the NRT after a decision is made. This last function is also coordinated by the Operation And Maintenance (O&M), situated in the core network, which can also decide if the NRT has to be updated. #### Plug and Play - [[Self-Configuration Networks]] use cases - Reduces the effort to deploy a base station, only manual action is physical site installation #telco