In order to reduce the operating expenditure (OPEX) associated with the management of this larger number of nodes from more than one vendor the concept of the Self-Organizing Network (SON) is introduced. Automation of some network planning, configuration and optimisation processes via the use of SON functions can help the network operator to reduce OPEX by reducing manual involvement in such tasks. The present document describes the requirements and architecture for the Self Organizing Network (SON) functions within the OAM system. There are four different architectures that are possible for implementing various SON use cases:

• Centralised SON: SON solution where SON algorithms are executed in the OAM system. Centralised SON has two variants:
  • NM-Centralised SON: SON solution where SON algorithms are executed at the Network Management level.
  • EM-Centralised SON: SON solution where SON algorithms are executed at the Element Management level.
• Distributed SON: SON solution where SON algorithms are executed at the Network Element level.
• Hybrid SON: SON solution where SON algorithms are executed at two or more of the following levels: NE or EM or NM.

The architecture is selected depending on the needs of the SON use cases.