Cisco is now testing self-optimizing networks features for macro and small cell networks on 3G and 4G.

Dan Jones, Mobile Editor

February 21, 2014

1 Min Read
Cisco's Quantum SON Shines on Small Cells

Cisco is testing out a hybrid self-optimizing network that spans the macro cellular network and small cells at the edge.

Self-optimizing (or self-organizing) networks work by detecting problems in the radio network and re-allocating resources to fix the issue without manual intervention. As such, SON technology can perform multiple tasks, such as automatically detecting when a site is down and routing users to the next-best cell, or enabling cells to share bandwidth when network capacity is limited. (See The SON Always Shines on LTE.)

Shailesh Shukla, VP and general manager of the software and applications group at Cisco Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CSCO) noted in a corporate blog that Cisco is now talking up Cisco Quantum SON for Small Cells.

A spokesman for Cisco says the firm is working on combining its currently separate SON systems for the macro and small cell networks.

"We have small cell SON capability available today in all of our Universal Small Cell products," says a company spokesman in an email reply to Light Reading questions. "We are trialing Quantum SON and Small Cell SON coming together for a best-of-breed Hybrid SON."

The system will work with both 3G and 4G LTE small cells, the spokesman tells us.

— Dan Jones, Mobile Editor, Light Reading

About the Author(s)

Dan Jones

Mobile Editor

Dan is to hats what Will.I.Am is to ridiculous eyewear. Fedora, trilby, tam-o-shanter -- all have graced the Jones pate during his career as the go-to purveyor of mobile essentials.

But hey, Dan is so much more than 4G maps and state-of-the-art headgear. Before joining the Light Reading team in 2002 he was an award-winning cult hit on Broadway (with four 'Toni' awards, two 'Emma' gongs and a 'Brian' to his name) with his one-man show, "Dan Sings the Show Tunes."

His perfectly crafted blogs, falling under the "Jonestown" banner, have been compared to the works of Chekhov. But only by Dan.

He lives in Brooklyn with cats.

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