End-to-end, Real-time Solutions To Optimize RAN Performance

A conversation with Kashif Hussain, Solutions Marketing Manager, Viavi Solutions

In our conversation with Kashif Hussain, Solutions Marketing Manager at Viavi Solutions (until recently JDSU), we talked of how RAN optimization is changing with the introduction of multi-layered HetNets and the transition to dynamic networks in which the RF environment keeps changing. Networks are becoming more
complex, and there is more equipment to optimize.

Kashif told us: “Now with the larger scale, what you cannot do is keep on sending drive-test teams out there. So you need to build in and automate some of the functions.” And you need to move to a real-time approach to testing and monitoring. Kashif added “You also have to do it in a much shorter time frame now, because when customers have to add thousands of cell sites – as opposed to just hundreds back when you had MSC and BSC – they need faster solutions for optimization, deployment, everything.”

Small cells illustrate the challenges that operators face. Kashif told us: “I have deployed the small cell; have I tested and certified each and every link? For example, is my backhaul the problem? Is fiber a problem? Because now you’re connecting all these fiber links between the baseband unit and the radio units. Or is it my RF link? That’s why we need integrated solutions that can take into account the overall network experience, looking at how each and every application is behaving – not just looking at the RF side of it, but taking into account how each and every user is getting the field experience. And based on that, we provide insight to help the customer decide where and how to control the RF, whether to add more neighbors or anything like that.”

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