Cellular network capacity and coverage enhancement with MDT data and Deep Reinforcement Learning

Recent years witnessed a remarkable increase in the availability of data and computing resources in comm-unication networks. This contributed to the rise of data-driven over model-driven algorithms for network automation. This paper investigates a Minimization of Drive Tests (MDT)-driven Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) algorithm to optimize coverage and capacity by tuning antennas tilts on a cluster of cells from TIM's cellular network. We jointly utilize MDT data, electromagnetic simulations, and network Key Performance indicators (KPIs) to define a simulated network environment for the training of a Deep Q-Network (DQN) agent. Some tweaks have been introduced to the classical DQN formulation to improve the agent's sample efficiency, stability and performance. In particular, a custom exploration policy is designed to introduce soft constraints at training time. Results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms baseline approaches like DQN and best-first search in terms of long-term reward and sample efficiency. Our results indicate that MDT -driven approaches constitute a valuable tool for autonomous coverage and capacity optimization of mobile radio networks

Data-driven Predictive Latency for 5G: A Theoretical and Experimental Analysis Using Network Measurements

The advent of novel 5G services and applications with binding latency requirements and guaranteed Quality of Service (QoS) hastened the need to incorporate autonomous and proactive decision-making in network management procedures. The objective of our study is to provide a thorough analysis of predictive latency within 5G networks by utilizing real-world network data that is accessible to mobile network operators (MNOs). In particular, (i) we present an analytical formulation of the user-plane latency as a Hypoexponential distribution, which is validated by means of a comparative analysis with empirical measurements, and (ii) we conduct experimental results of probabilistic regression, anomaly detection, and predictive forecasting leveraging on emerging domains in Machine Learning (ML), such as Bayesian Learning (BL) and Machine Learning on Graphs (GML). We test our predictive framework using data gathered from scenarios of vehicular mobility, dense-urban traffic, and social gathering events. Our results provide valuable insights into the efficacy of predictive algorithms in practical applications

An Inter-Frequency Handover Optimization Algorithm for LTE Networks – Design and Test

The proposed thesis work tackles an optimization procedure for inter-frequency handover in LTE networks. In order to do that, a two steps algorithm based on local KPIs observation was designed and is therefore presented in detail. The algorithm consists of a two step procedure, comprising a numerical processing of the observed KPIs and a monitoring phase in order to balance and limit possible negative effects such as ping-pong handovers, outage conditions or reduced end-user throughput. The algorithm was validated with a tests campaign performed on a real network infrastructure over the months of August and September. The final objective of this optimization procedure, in the end, can be measured in terms of increased end-user throughput. For this purpose, all conducted tests are thoroughly analyzed and the obtained results are commented. In the final sections and appendixes some foreseen evolutions and enhancements of the model are discussed

Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) datasets for Machine Learning-based Predictive Quality of Service

Abstract We present two datasets for Machine Learning (ML)-based Predictive Quality of Service (PQoS) comprising Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) radio channel measurements. As V2V and V2I are both indispensable elements for providing connectivity in Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), we argue that a combination of the two datasets enables the study of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) connectivity in its entire complexity. We describe in detail our methodologies for performing V2V and V2I measurement campaigns, and we provide illustrative examples on the use of the collected data. Specifically, we showcase the application of approximate Bayesian Methods using the two presented datasets to portray illustrative use cases of uncertainty-aware Quality of Service and Channel State Information forecasting. Finally, we discuss novel exploratory research direction building upon our work. The V2I and V2V datasets are available on IEEE Dataport, and the code utilized in our numerical experiments is publicly accessible via CodeOcean