Joint RRM as a Concept for Efficient Operation of Future Radio Networks

True integration and common operation and management of different packet based cellular radio networks will be a main characteristic of next generation (4G) mobile radio systems. These features will provide enhanced flexibility for both operators and end users to adapt to changing environments and demands. To reach this goal, however, an efficient usage of resources such as frequency, power, and space has to be realised across the complete communication chain. Within the EU funded project E³ network self-organization principles are investigated which support automation of radio resource management (RRM) across multiple radio cells, technologies, administrative domains, and services. Important design criterion for such a collaborative cognitive Joint RRM is the improved operational performance to grant technical and economic success of the new mobile platform. Aim of this paper is to describe the current status of conceptual and architectural analysis as well as first results and to outline the proposed elaboration and comparison of different approaches versus requirements mainly from an operator point of view.