Sören Hahn

SiMoNe - Simulator for Mobile Networks: System-Level Simulations in the Context of Realistic Scenarios

Todays cellular radio networks offer so many parameters that can be configured, that it is virtually impossible to configure such a system manually. To overcome this problem, operators and vendors put their trust in SON. But still, how can a SON function evaluate all potential parameter variations in short time and in a realistic manner in order to make the right decision? The herein presented Simulator for Mobile Networks (SiMoNe) is capable of performing system-level simulations within realistic network scenarios. By offering the capability of parallel simulations of parameter variations, a multitude of different settings can be evaluated. It allows for simulations based on time variant maps as well as for simulations with a large number of individual user traces which follow different mobility pattern like vehicular or indoor mobility.

Impact of Realistic Pedestrian Mobility Modelling in the Context of Mobile Network Simulation Scenarios

The network management of heterogeneous mobile networks relies on a profound network topology. This includes a realistic network deployment and realistic pathloss predictions to account for the irregularities in the network. To derive relevant key performance indicators in such networks, mobility models are needed that account for individual user movements in the network and produce user individual performance indicators, e.g. handover events. A multitude of mobility models are known that are supposed to address the different characteristics of human movement patterns and behaviours of certain user groups, such as vehicular, indoor or pedestrian users. To approach the latter one, a new pedestrian mobility model based on real geographical data is presented in this document.

Managing and altering mobile radio networks by using SON function performance models

Self-Organising Network (SON) functions change parameters in the (mobile) network based on input and SON configuration parameters. However, it is still unclear how the behaviour of the SON function itself and the impact on the network changes by modifying the SON configuration parameters. The herein proposed SON function performance model (SFPM) shows how the impact on KPIs changes by varying SON function configuration parameters. Moreover it opens up the possibility to steer the network performance towards a certain direction by applying appropriate SON configuration parameters that have been derived by the SFPM.

Classification of Cells Based on Mobile Network Context Information for the Management of SON Systems

Todays networks become increasingly complex due to the presence of multiple radio access technologies (RATs) and various network layers. The introduction of Self-Organising Network (SON) Functions that continuously modify the networks operating point support the operator on dedicated network management tasks, but need to be configured themselves in order to allow for achieving objectives for the mobile network. Another complexity that arises is that those operator objectives also change depending on the environment and the current conditions of the mobile network. It is therefore indispensable to introduce a SON management automation entity. A corresponding solution is introduced in this paper.

SON Management simulator implementation and findings

This experience session track paper presents first findings and results of the simulator implementations, developed for the European funded FP7 SEMAFOUR project. First, the SEMAFOUR concept of Policy-bases SON Management (work package 5 - Integrated SON Management) is introduced, with a focus on those parts that have been implemented. Furthermore, the SON Functions that built the basis for the simulations are briefly described on slide 5. The simulation scenario and environment is explained in detail from slide 6 to 8. The sequential steps that have been taken in the simulation work and the findings within these steps are explained in detail from slide 9 to 11.

Impact of Correlated Group Mobility Modelling in the Context of Realistic Mobile Network Simulation Scenarios

User mobility in mobile radio networks strongly affects the performance of the whole system. Thus, it is of upmost importance to model mobility patterns as realistically as possible. Several publications w. r. t. individual (realistic) user movements have been made. However, especially in urban scenarios, user mobility is often correlated. In public transportation systems (metro, bus, etc.) the motion of many users is bound to the same vehicle, leading to a far different system performance (e.g. cell load, number of handovers, etc.). Therefore, a new correlated group mobility model is presented in this paper. Results show that the system performance compared to individual user movements is significantly different.

Demonstrator for adaptive SON management

This demonstrator visualises a new paradigm for the management of Self-Organising Networks (SON), and the impact of SON management decisions on a heterogeneous mobile radio network. The main aspects shown thereby cover the operability of the system from a network operator perspective, and the effects of different SON implementation options on the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the network. In terms of operability, the demonstrator shows that even a complex definition of target values for KPIs through the operator, which may be weighted against each other and have different values depending on the operational and network context, can be deployed to the implemented SON functions in a fully automated way. Changes to the target values, the context or the implemented SON functions lead to an automated adaptation of the SON system such that the KPI targets are achieved in the best possible way.

Evolution from network planning to SON management using the simulator for mobile networks (SiMoNe)

This demonstration shows several use cases of the Simulator for Mobile Networks (SiMoNe). It starts with a network planning and optimisation context for large-scale urban scenarios and hyper-dense small-cell deployments and comes to the evaluation of SON- and management functionality in aforementioned scenarios. Five different SON functions will be shown, namely MRO, MLB, LTE/GSM DSA, Wi-Fi/LTE TS and LTE/V2X TS.

Policy-Based SON Management Demonstrator

A Self-Organising Network (SON) represents an approach where the optimisation of a mobile radio network is automated through a set of independently operating SON functions. These SON functions, however, require to be configured in order to allow for an optimised network performance with respect to technical objectives defined by the network operator. The SEMAFOUR demonstrator shows a concept for SON management based on operator objectives, where the SON function configuration is performed in an automated way. The demonstrator illustrates the different aspects and complexity of the management of SON in a heterogeneous network.

SON management demonstrator

The demonstrator shows a self-management system for heterogeneous mobile radio communication networks as developed in the European FP7 SEMAFOUR project. The self-management system uses operator-defined objectives regarding, e.g., network capacity, network load, or network robustness, to automatically configure and control the operation of Self-Organising Network (SON) Functions. The SON Functions are instrumented as to contribute to the operator objectives. Changing objectives or their priorities leads to a reconfiguration of the SON Functions. The demonstration uses three SON Functions, namely, Mobility Load Balancing, Mobility Robustness Optimisation and Coverage and Capacity Optimisation, and the impact of changing objectives can be traced in the demonstrators realistic network scenario and the networks Key Performance Indicators.