Distributed Self-Optimization of Handover for the Long Term Evolution

Abstract

The 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) is defining the next generation radio access network which introduces advanced service capabilities in base stations. Consequently, self-management is seen as an enabling technique for the deployment of LTE. This paper discusses handover optimization options for base stations and evaluates one possible approach of distributed self-optimization. After a review of the key aspects related to handover optimization, a self-optimization technique for handover based on trial-and-error is presented. The interference between neighboring nodes, a typical problem of distributed systems, is analyzed in more detail and a technique to cope with it is presented. Simulation results show that the control algorithm can achieve the expected optimal configuration through iterative steps and the effect of interfering neighboring nodes can be mitigated at the expense of a longer optimization time.