pter. Optimization Phase The optimization phase is a continuously ongoing phase wherein the eNodeB as well as the central SON entity monitor the performance of the network element for various aspects like throughput, handover success rate, CPU utilization or load, and so on and performs optimization tasks to improve these KPIs. Some of the key optimization tasks that are performed in this phase are: Mobility optimization, wherein the handover parameters are fine tuned to improve the handover success rate. RACH optimization, wherein the RACH parameters such as PRACH Config Index, frequencyOffset and SO forth are fine tuned to improve the RACH success rate and thereby improve the accessibility KPI. Scheduler parameter optimization, wherein the spectral efficiency and user experienced throughput are improved. Load balancing, wherein the cell suffering from high load and high usage is identified in the network and corrective actions such as diverting the traffic to a relatively low-loaded cell and SO forth are taken to improve the overall situation. The following sections present more detail on some of the features activated in these different phases of deployment. CHAPTER 2 SELF-ORGANIZING NETWORKS IN LTE DEPLOYMENT SON Features Broadly, SON features can be classified into three categories: Self-planning features Self-optimization features Self-healing features Each will be discussed in the following sections. Self-planning Features Self-planning features are mainly targeted to reduce the initial deployment and installation costs. Features like automatic cell planning, automatic eNodeB setup, PCID planning, and automatic neighbor relation planning are grouped under this category. Self-optimization Features Self-optimization features continuously monitor the network performance, identify the problem areas, and then apply an optimization algorithm to improve the KPIs and the network performance accordingly. Some of the features that fall under this category are MRO, ICIC, and RACH optimization. Self-healing Features S