The SON industry is set to grow with simplification of Wi-Fi connectivity, small cell SON technology, and by offering flexibility and reliability in 5G systems
With the rate of growth of the cellular network and increase in data usage, planning and maintenance of these networks are becoming more complicated. Today’s complex cellular networks need a technology to configure, organize, optimize and heal for reliable and faster operation. Understanding the need of simpler and faster operation of networks, the Third Generation Partnership Project introduced the self-organizing network to automate monitoring of network, enhance performance, network planning and self-heal network issues. SON primarily aims to reduce human intervention in network design, eliminate human errors and reduce capital expenditure.
Self-configuration of networks, self-optimization of network parameters and algorithms to give optimum performance, and self-healing the equipment outage are some of the features SON offers. Automation of network management processes offer reduced operational cost, effective load balancing and improved customer satisfaction. Streamlined management of multivendor and multitechnology networks enable service providers to offer faster service at lower cost. In its recent research on the self-organizing network market, Allied Market Research said the market is expected to garner $8.3 billion in revenue by 2022, registering 11.1% compound annual growth rate from 2016 to 2022.
Following are the recent trends and developments that will play a significant role in deciding the future of the market:
Qualcomm’s SON to simplify Wi-Fi connectivity
With the sole purpose of simplifying and enhancing mobile networks, the adoption of self-organizing network technology is increasing. Service providers are introducing this technology in their portfolios to optimize user experience and end-to-end network performance. The addition of features to this technology helps service providers expand their consumer base, which in turn results in the growth of their business. Qualcomm Atheros, a subsidiary of Qualcomm, launched Wi-Fi SON in collaboration with original equipment manufacturers such as D-Link, Airtight, Linksys, Asus and TP-Link. This technology includes automation features that power wireless routers, smart gateways, access points and range extenders. Qualcomm Wi-Fi SON is designed to simplify Wi-Fi networks in homes and offices providing enhanced performance and optimized user experience. It’s also designed to allow OEMs to differentiate their services and gain a competitive advantage.
Small cell SON – a solution to hyperdense networks
One of the significant benefits SON technology provides is reduction in capital expenditures and operational expenditures. With an increasing number of base stations in the network, capital investment in forming a network increases. On the other hand, with an increasing number of network parameters and the need to monitor and maintain networks, the cost of operation increases. As SON technology is self-configured, self-monitored and self-optimized, cost saving and optimized performance is offered from the deployment of SON to solve issues in the network. SON technology for small cells offers high capacity through densification of networks. It also tackles challenges such as multiple configurations, coordination and mobility occurring during dense deployments.
Increases in the number of small cells and Wi-Fi access points have raised the need of optimizing radio frequency planning. In addition, real-time optimization and healing of networks is essential from an operator’s point of view. This is where small cell SON plays a significant role in small cell deployments. Qualcomm Research has conducted multiple small cell network trials and found increased network capacity and optimized user experience after small cell deployments of SON technology. The radio planning has become more efficient as the technology helps operators in easing the addition of small cells.
SON technology – a key in simplification of 5G mobile networks
Managing complexity is major task for next-generation “5G” mobile network providers as different types of access technologies are set to be blended for creation of a better user experience. Autonomous driving and tactile internet will force 5G service providers to change the way networks are managed. In addition, it will create a need for dynamic, flexible and automated network operation for 5G mobile networks. This is where SON technology comes to the rescue of 5G network providers.
Paul Gowans, wireless strategy director for Viavi Solutions, said, “5G SON techniques will be a necessary network management tool and also crucial to service provider return on investment as it relates to network functions virtualization and software-defined networking deployments.” He added that SON technology in 5G will help operators focus on providing better user experience and optimizing their network. Moreover, operators can apply predictive analytics to achieve considerable gains using technology by determining consumption of bandwidth and the location of users.
For 5G base stations, self-healing applications will detect equipment outages and anomalies and attempt to solve issues without affecting network reliability. There is a need to develop SON technology to self-configure, form automatic relations with neighbors and self-monitor in 5G systems for reliable and efficient operation.
Furthermore, advanced SON techniques will help in forming physical network elements as well as load balancing in the radio access technology environment. It also assists operators in supporting traffic steering, in streamlining radio deployments and dynamic spectrum allocation.
Increasing demand for network management, growth in mobile data traffic, the need for effective small cell planning and rapidly growing cellular technologies such as 5G are driving the self-organizing network technology. SON also will play a significant role in reducing complexity in Wi-Fi technology in the future, presenting ample opportunities in the global market.
Nitin Chitmalwar is an assistant manager at Allied Market Research and specializes in information and communications technology. He possesses rich and diverse experience in the field of information and communication technology that contributes to his areas of expertise. Chitmalwar brings to the firm years of experience in marketing of content and strategies for ICT, giving him wide industry coverage.
Editor’s Note: In the Analyst Angle section, we’ve collected a group of the industry’s leading analysts to give their outlook on the hot topics in the wireless industry.
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