Next Generation SON for 5G Next Generation SON for 5GExecutive Summary Objectives of the NG SONExecutive Summary Objectives of the NG SONIt has been almost a decade since the concept of Furthermore, the adoption of SON has been slowedSelf-Organizing Networks (SON) was introduced bythe Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN), andwas subsequently standardized by 3GPP along withthe Long Term Evolution (LTE) network. However,down because it was always seen as an optional/complementary solution to the existing RAN ratherthan its integral part.Our vision is that the Next Generation (NG) SONThe main purpose of the NG SON should be to greatly improve the O&M ef? ciency and help operatorskeep pace with the complexity of fast evolving wireless networks. Additionally, the NG SON shouldsigni? cantly enhance network performance through self-organizing intelligence.despite having gained much attention initially, SON should be considered as an integral part of futurehas not yet fully delivered on the expectation the wireless networks including 5G, not just an add-onoperators were having since its inception. feature, and as such, needs to be carefully designedOriginally, the main expectation was that SON wouldautomate the Operation and Maintenance (O&M)together with the other network features. The NGSON needs to be developed to maximize automation2.1 Bridging the Gap betweenthe 3GPP and Daily Operationof cellular networks to help operators improve of all the aspects of the O&M tasks, with clearlynetwork ef? ciency and performance. In practice, de? ned inputs and outputs. Moreover, the NG SON The NGMN identi? ed SON as a key design principle short of its full potential. Namely, SON currently onlySON implementation has been prim...
