Method and apparatus for deriving signal strength attenuation characteristic values

Abstract

A method of deriving signal strength attenuation characteristic values for cells within a wireless communication network. The method for determining a set of cells for which signal strength attenuation characteristic values are to be derived, and using a genetic algorithm to derive signal strength attenuation characteristic values for the set of cells based at least partly on signal strength information for signal strength measurements obtained by wireless communication subscriber units within the wireless communication network.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This U.S. patent application claims the benefit of, and priority under §§119(e) and 120, to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 891,800 filed Oct. 16, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 894,781 filed Oct. 23, 2013, the disclosures of which are all incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The field of the invention relates to a method and apparatus for deriving signal strength attenuation characteristic values, and in particular to a method and apparatus for deriving signal strength attenuation characteristic values for cells within a wireless communication network.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Wireless communication networks, such as the 3rd Generation (3G) and 4th Generation (4G) of wireless telephone standards and technology, are well known. Examples of such 3G and 4G standards and technology are the Universal Wireless Telecommunications System (UMTS™) and the Long Term Evolution (LTE) respectively, deve...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of wireless communication networks by measuring and analyzing signal strength at a cell level. This information helps to accurately model signal strength contours, which can improve network performance and reliability. The technical effect of this patent is to mitigate, alleviate, or eliminate disadvantages in wireless communication networks.

Problems solved by technology

However, many users do not enable GPS on their devices as it is typically a significant power drain on the device's battery.

However, in an asynchronous network, it is much more difficult to derive a measurement of the location of a wireless communication unit from signal timing information.

Furthermore, although LTE networks comprise synchronous networks, not every LTE network reports timing advance / offset information, and without this information the accurate judgement of distance from a cell site can be difficult.

In a real scenario, however, the modelled signal strength contours will be far from accurate and the measured vs modelled values will lead to a gap (as shown), within which the wireless communication unit is likely to be located.

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