Eco-inspired load optimization for LTE EUTRAN

Self-Organizing Network (SON) is a key feature of the Long Term Evolution (LTE) system. SON introduces several Self-Optimizing features for the LTE´s Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (EUTRAN), thereby improving performance, flexibility and lowering costs through network intelligence, automation and network management. Mobility Load Balancing (MLB) is one such feature that has recently attracted much interest. According to the definition of the third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), a successful MLB mechanism must be capable of optimizing the radio, hardware and transport network resource of an eNodeB. Thus far, the existing proposals have only addressed the radio resource aspect. Therefore, this paper proposes an MLB mechanism fully capable of optimizing both radio and transport network loads of an eNodeB. The proposed MLB mechanism is based on an ecologically inspired load optimization algorithm developed for equitable load distribution in a multi-resource environment. Optimal load conditions required for the stability of an eNodeB could be accurately estimated for both radio and transport interfaces by the proposed MLB algorithm. Analytical proof and simulation results are provided for supporting the above proposed model.