Abstract
Mobile networks management is increasingly critical due to heavy communications usage by customers and complex due to the multiple technologies and systems deployed. Thus, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are constantly looking for better software solutions and tools to help them increase network performance and manage their networks more efficiently. In this paper, we present a modular web-based software solution to tackle problems related to mobile network planning, operation and optimization. The solution is focused on a set of functional requirements carefully chosen to support the network life cycle management, from planning to Operation and Maintenance (OAM) and optimisation stages. Based on a 3-tier modular architecture and implemented using only open-source software, the solution handles multiple data sources (e.g., Drive Test (DT) and Performance Management (PM)) and multiple Radio Access Network (RAN) technologies. MNOs can explore all available data through a flexible and user-friendly web interface, that also includes map-based visualization of the network. Moreover, the solution incorporates a set of recently developed and validated RAN algorithms, supporting tasks of network diagnosis, optimization, and planning. Also, with the purpose of optimizing the network, MNOs can investigate network simulations, using the RAN algorithms, of how the network will behave under certain conditions, and visualize the outcome of those simulations.
Highlights
The massive proliferation of mobile devices and its widespread use, not just for communication purposes but entertaining as well, poses additional challenges to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)
A web-based software solution designed for MNOs to monitor/solve network problems related to planning, operation, and optimization for multiple Radio Access Technologys (RATs)
While some solutions as Atoll allows the optimization of the network as well as its design, by providing access to both live network data and predictions based data [8], others tend to focus on the network planning stage as ASSET, which is a radio-planning tool that provides Radio Frequency (RF) coverage, capacity and neighbor planning for cellular networks [9]
Summary
The massive proliferation of mobile devices and its widespread use, not just for communication purposes but entertaining as well, poses additional challenges to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). The technological landscape of MNOs is continuously evolving either with the introduction of technological advancements as Software Defined Network (SDN) [2], network architecture advancements such as Cloud Radio Access Network (C-RAN) [3], or even with the deployment of new Radio Access Networks (RANs), as the 5th Generation (5G) In this context, MNOs have to jointly operate, manage and optimize their networks, balancing the new technological developments and network deployments with the legacy networks and associated dependencies. Access to multiple data sources in a single environment that guarantees data integrity is essential to accomplish the reactive to proactive transition [7] Within this context, we have designed and implemented a software solution to help MNOs tackling those demands. The modular architecture of the software solution and open-source dependencies provide high flexibility to incorporate new data sources, new algorithms, and AI-based automation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
