Chapter 11
Future Research Topics
SON provides effective and efficient means to overcome the operational challenges that the introduction of LTE imposes on the operation of mobile networks (cf. Section 1.1). Thereby, the focus lies on relieving human operators from time-consuming, recurring standard tasks through automation. As the research in mobile networks continues, new radio network architectures and corresponding technologies evolve enabling enhanced mobile services which improve the user experience. However, these advantages come at the cost of an increased technological complexity which challenges SON-based network management.
This chapter introduces an evolved network management paradigm, called Cognitive Radio Networks (CRN), whose goal is to increase the level of automation and flexibility of network operations beyond that of SON. In this way, CRN enables the effective and efficient operation of future mobile networks.
11.1 Future Mobile Network Scenarios
This section presents the two most prominent future radio network architecture blueprints and technologies, and outlines their network operations specific requirements.
11.1.1 Heterogeneous Networks
Multi-layer and multi-RAT networks, introduced as Heterogeneous Networks (HetNet) in Chapter 10, are an architectural paradigm with great potential to improve the capacity and coverage of mobile networks, especially in urban environments. However, HetNets also increase ...
