Abstract: A method for assessing performance of a cell in a network in which data is passed between layers in a protocol stack implemented by the cell. The method comprises calculating a data efficiency of data passing through a physical layer in the protocol stack via one or more higher layers in the protocol stack based on a comparison of a number of physical resource data units allocated to that data at the physical layer with a data throughput of one or more of the layers of the protocol stack. The method further comprises calculating an average efficiency by averaging the data efficiency over a predetermined time and normalizing the average efficiency with respect to a predetermined efficiency so as to generate a normalized average efficiency. The method also comprises comparing the normalized average efficiency with a target threshold and adjusting the operation of the cell if the normalized average efficiency differs from the target threshold by greater than a threshold amount.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a self organizing network comprising a plurality of cells. The method comprises monitoring performance measurement data indicative of performance of one or more cells in a group of cells in the network, and monitoring trace data indicative of traffic statistics within the cells of the group. The method comprises generating, from the performance management data and the trace data, a plurality of key performance indicators each indicative of performance of an aspect of a cell in the group, and processing the key performance indicators so as to generate a hotspot value indicative of general performance of the cell in the group. The method comprises comparing the hotspot value with a threshold hotspot value, and if the hotspot value is greater than the threshold hotspot value, processing attribute data from the cells in the group so as to generate cause data indicative of a cause associated with the hotspot value exceeding the hotspot threshold value.

Abstract: A method for assessing performance of a cell in a network in which data is passed between layers in a protocol stack implemented by the cell. The method comprises calculating a data efficiency of data passing through a physical layer in the protocol stack via one or more higher layers in the protocol stack based on a comparison of a number of physical resource data units allocated to that data at the physical layer with a data throughput of one or more of the layers of the protocol stack. The method further comprises calculating an average efficiency by averaging the data efficiency over a predetermined time and normalising the average efficiency with respect to a predetermined efficiency so as to generate a normalised average efficiency. The method also comprises comparing the normalised average efficiency with a target threshold and adjusting the operation of the cell if the normalised average efficiency differs from the target threshold by greater than a threshold amount.

Abstract: A method for optimising a self organising network comprising a plurality of cells. The method comprises monitoring performance measurement data indicative of performance of one or more cells in a group of cells in the network, and monitoring trace data indicative of traffic statistics within the cells of the group. The method comprises generating, from the performance management data and the trace data, a plurality of key performance indicators each indicative of performance of an aspect of a cell in the group, and processing the key performance indicators so as to generate a hotspot value indicative of general performance of the cell in the group. The method comprises comparing the hotspot value with a threshold hotspot value, and if the hotspot value is greater than the threshold hotspot value, processing attribute data from the cells in the group so as to generate cause data indicative of a cause associated with the hotspot value exceeding the hotspot threshold value.