DL - 4G Americas

parameters of RRM ICIC schemes for UL and DL allows proper tuning of ICIC configuration parameters
like reporting thresholds/periods and resource preference configuration settings in order to make the ICIC
schemes effective with respect to Operator’s requirements. Enhancements to interference
coordination/shaping (ICIC) SON mechanisms are being considered in deployment scenarios with macros
and femto cells. Studies in Rel-10 have shown dominant interference conditions when Non-Closed
Subscriber Group (CSG)/CSG users are in close proximity of femto.
Coverage and Capacity Optimization. Coverage and Capacity Optimization techniques are being
studied in 3GPP to provide continuous coverage and optimal capacity of the network. Support for
coverage and capacity optimization is realized through minimization of drive test procedures which could
be expensive and limited in their use. The performance of the network can be obtained via key
measurement data and adjustments can then be made to improve the network performance. For
instance, call drop rates will give an initial indication of the areas within the network that have insufficient
coverage and traffic counters can be used to identify capacity problems. Based on these measurements,
the network can optimize the performance by trading off capacity and coverage. Specific procedures
include the capability to collect connected and idle mode UE measurements at the eNB via call trace
procedures. These measurements can then be processed to identify capacity needs and coverage holes.
Cell Outage Compensation. The configuration changes for compensating a cell outage influence the
network performance. Operator policies may range from just providing coverage up to guaranteeing high
quality in the network. Policies could be different for various cells in the network and may vary for cell
outage situations and normal operation situations. Furthermore, the policies may be declared differently
depending on the time/day of the week. A general framework for defining an operator policy, taking into
account the above mentioned aspects is being discussed in 3GPP.
Energy Savings. Energy savings mechanisms will aid the deployment of increasing numbers of cells
through the autonomous switch-off decision in basestations. 3GPP has defined such mechanisms along
with accompanying features where neighbouring eNBs are informed about switch off, and where
neighboring eNBs can request switch-on are being considered in 3GPP in inter-RAT deployment
scenarios.
Self-Healing. Self-healing mechanisms mitigate the faults, which could be solved automatically by
triggering appropriate recovery actions. The self-healing functionality also monitors the execution of the
recovery action/s and decides the next step accordingly. 3GPP is examining the triggers and recovery
aspects of self healing mechanisms for different types of faults.
7.1.8 VOCODER RATE ADAPTATION
The main focus in Rel-10 for Vocoder Rate Adaptation is to extend what was done in Rel-9 (as discussed
in Appendix B in section B.2.8) to cover HSPA.
7.2 HSPA+ ENHANCEMENTS FOR RELEASE 10
7.2.1 FOUR CARRIER HSDPA OPERATION
Motivated by surging traffic volumes and growing demand for increased data rates, support for noncontiguous
four carrier HSDPA (4C-HSDPA) operation was introduced in Rel-10. Relying on the same
principles as Rel-8 DC-HSDPA and the Rel-9 extensions of DC-HSDPA operation together with dualband
operation or MIMO operation, which are further described in Appendix B.1.1 - B.1.2, 4C-HSDPA
www.4gamericas.org February 2011 Page 62