Self-organizing-network (SON) features are an integral part of fourth-generation (4G) Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks. Standards bodies, such as the 3G Partnership Program (3GPP) and Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN), are currently working to define SONs. These networks are expected to reduce the cost of LTE installation and management by simplifying operational tasks through automated mechanisms. To that end, Germany-based LTE software-licensing company mimoOn is collaborating with Eden Rock Communications on the deployment of SONs for heterogeneous networks.
Eden Rock's SON solution, Eden-NET, is said to provide network-performance gains via the firm's multi-site, dynamic-radio-resource optimization algorithms and intelligent SON triggers. The Eden-NET Embedded Agent is embedded directly into mobile base stations. It can analyze performance metrics and facilitate automatic updates to a local LTE base station. Currently, mimoOn is integrating the Eden-NET Embedded Agent with its 3GPP LTE eNodeB physical layer (PHY) and protocol stack for availability in the first quarter of 2012.