Protocols, interfaces, and pre/post-processing for enabling son entities and features in base stations and wireless networks

Abstract

LTE and HSPA/UMTS deployments are trending towards high density, heterogeneous and ad-hoc deployments. These deployments can be managed through Self-Organizing Network (SON) schemas. Enabling SON generally involves the introduction of new software and/or hardware entities into the network that can interact with existing base station and network entities (e.g., Enhanced Packet Core, Element Management System, and/or other network entities). In one embodiment, these interactions include the development and deployment of interfaces (e.g., APIs) and protocols between the SON entities and various network entities. For example, data collected on either side of an interface or protocol can be post-processed before consumption (e.g., for both data integrity purposes as well as bandwidth reduction purposes). As described herein, a full set of such interfaces and protocols with specific examples are disclosed to illustrate various techniques for providing protocols, interfaces, and pre/post-processing for enabling SON entities and features in base stations and wireless networks.