Context based configuration management of plug & play LTE base stations

In second and third generation cellular networks the rollout of base stations needs to be conscientiously prepared, because their radio configuration should match with the coverage provided by existing cells in their neighborhood. The detailed radio planning for every new cell requires considerable human resources and time. This paper proposes a framework for 3G Long Term Evolution (LTE) that can perform a dynamic radio configuration of a base station when powered on, which is adaptive to the current network topology context and does not require human intervention. This function enables the deployment of base stations and new cells in an ad hoc manner, reduces OPEX and contributes to the concept of a selfconfiguring network. Keywordsconfiguration management, self-configuration, auto-commissioning, radio access network, LTE