The described technology is generally directed towards a cellular network area optimizer. The area optimizer observes cellular network conditions at multiple radio access network (RAN) nodes within a target area. Based on observed conditions, the area optimizer applies a set of parameter values at the multiple RAN nodes. The set of parameter values enhances the overall throughput, while maintaining or improving connection retainability and accessibility, of the multiple RAN nodes under the observed conditions. The area optimizer learns different sets of parameter values to apply in response to different observed conditions by making parameter value adjustments and observing the effect of the adjustments on overall throughput of the RAN nodes in the target area.