Carriers deploy cells based on their best estimates of how people will use their phones and other devices, but it’s not uncommon for network demand to suddenly spike and cause base stations to overload.
The software can identify cells that are carrying heavy loads as well as those that are barely being used and locate subscribers close to more than one base station. The software then decides which users to move to a cell that is carrying a lighter load.
Load-balancing among cells is relatively new but a report from Networkworld.com says Nokia Siemens’ offering goes a step further by carrying out the task between cells that use two different types of LTE spectrum, Frequency-Division Duplexing (FDD) and time-Division (TD).
Load-balancing systems can be a boon for consumers. It can prevent service slowdowns that often occur in crowded areas with lots of mobile users.
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For mobile operators, the system can cut the cost of building networks since some base station upgrades meant to bump up capacity can be held back. The system can use nearby cells to deliver the needed capacity.