Network coverage evaluation method, device and equipment, and computer storage medium

Abstract

The embodiment of the present application relates to the technical field of wireless communication, and discloses a network coverage evaluation method, which comprises the following steps: determining the coverage signal strength and the coverage uniformity of a target area by a to-be-evaluated antenna according to the antenna setting parameters of the to-be-evaluated antenna; wherein the coverage uniformity is determined according to the distribution discrete degree of the distance between the to-be-evaluated antenna and each position point in the target area; and determining the network coverage quality of the target area by the to-be-evaluated antenna according to the coverage signal strength and the coverage uniformity. In the above manner, the embodiment of the present application improves the accuracy of network coverage evaluation of residential buildings.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of wireless communication technology, specifically to a network coverage assessment method, apparatus, device, and computer storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] As people become increasingly concerned about the impact of electromagnetic radiation, coverage in residential areas has always been a challenge for mobile communication networks. To facilitate operators' optimization of mobile communication networks in residential buildings, it is necessary to assess their coverage quality. Current assessments of residential coverage typically rely on user complaints / user location data (MR) to evaluate coverage effectiveness.

[0003] The inventors of this application discovered during the implementation of the embodiments of the present invention that existing network quality assessments for residential buildings suffer from problems such as large workload and low efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a network coverage assessment method to solve the problems of large workload and low efficiency in the network quality assessment of the prior art.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a network coverage assessment method is provided, the method comprising:

[0006] The coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area are determined based on the antenna configuration parameters of the antenna to be evaluated; wherein, the coverage uniformity is determined based on the dispersion of the distance between the antenna to be evaluated and each location point in the target area;

[0007] The network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area is determined based on the coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity.

[0008] In one alternative approach, the antenna setup parameters include radiated power, power angle, and relative azimuth information with respect to the target area; the method further includes:

[0009] The outer surface coverage area of ​​the antenna to be evaluated for the target area is determined based on the power angle and relative azimuth information.

[0010] The power density of the antenna to be evaluated for the target region is determined based on the radiated power and the outer surface coverage area.

[0011] The coverage signal strength is determined based on the power density.

[0012] In an alternative approach, the method further includes:

[0013] The coverage signal strength is determined based on the comparison between the power density and the maximum power density; wherein the maximum power density is determined based on the power density of the antenna to be evaluated relative to the target area when the normal direction of the antenna to be evaluated is perpendicular to the target area.

[0014] In one alternative approach, the antenna setup parameters include the distances between the antenna to be evaluated and the respective location points; the method further includes:

[0015] For each of the aforementioned location points, the square of the distance between the antenna to be evaluated and the location point is determined based on the coordinates of the location point within the target area and the distance.

[0016] The dispersion of the distance distribution is determined based on the dispersion of the square of the distances corresponding to all the said location points.

[0017] In an alternative approach, the method further includes:

[0018] The mean distance of the antenna to be evaluated to the target area is determined based on the coordinates within the area and the square of the distance corresponding to the location point.

[0019] The dispersion of the distance distribution is determined by the difference between the square of all the distances and the mean of the distances.

[0020] In an alternative approach, the method further includes:

[0021] The coverage uniformity is determined based on the comparison between the distance distribution dispersion and the maximum dispersion; wherein the maximum dispersion is determined based on the distance distribution dispersion within the target area when the normal direction of the antenna to be evaluated is perpendicular to the target area.

[0022] In an alternative approach, the method further includes:

[0023] The network coverage quality is determined by the product of the coverage signal strength and the coverage evenness.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, a network coverage assessment apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0025] The first determining module is used to determine the coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area based on the antenna setting parameters of the antenna to be evaluated; wherein, the coverage uniformity is determined based on the dispersion of the distance between the antenna to be evaluated and each location point in the target area;

[0026] The second determining module is used to determine the network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area based on the coverage signal strength and coverage equalization.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, a network coverage assessment device is provided, comprising:

[0028] The processor, memory, communication interface, and communication bus are provided, wherein the processor, memory, and communication interface communicate with each other via the communication bus.

[0029] The memory is used to store at least one executable instruction that causes the processor to perform operations as described in any of the foregoing embodiments of the network coverage assessment method.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the storage medium storing at least one executable instruction that causes a network coverage assessment device to perform the operation of any of the foregoing network coverage assessment method embodiments.

[0031] This invention, in its embodiments, determines the coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity of the antenna to be evaluated for a target area based on the antenna configuration parameters of the antenna to be evaluated. The coverage uniformity is determined based on the dispersion of the distances between the antenna to be evaluated and various locations within the target area, thereby reflecting the network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area. This invention, in its embodiments, first considers that the coverage area of ​​a narrow-beam antenna is rectangular, and the electromagnetic wave propagation environment outside buildings is mostly line-of-sight. Therefore, the coverage signal strength can be evaluated based on the power density of the antenna within the coverage area of ​​residential buildings. Under the same conditions, a higher power density results in a stronger coverage level. Based on the coverage signal strength assessment, and considering that even when the overall coverage signal strength is sufficient, coverage unevenness may lead to insufficient coverage at the edge of some cells, a further assessment of coverage evenness is conducted. Furthermore, considering that the propagation environment from the narrow-beam antenna to the building is line-of-sight propagation, with propagation characteristics close to free-space propagation, and path loss is positively correlated with the square of the coverage distance, the signal coverage evenness is determined based on the dispersion of the distance between the antenna to be evaluated and each location point within the target area. Finally, the network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area is determined by combining the coverage signal strength and coverage evenness. This improves the accuracy of assessing the network coverage quality of narrow-beam antennas for cells and buildings. Moreover, the assessment method of this embodiment, tailored to the coverage characteristics of narrow-beam antennas, can assess coverage effects during the network planning stage, providing support for the optimal deployment of narrow-beam antennas. It only requires measuring a small number of parameters to assess coverage effects, eliminating the need for complex calculations and providing high efficiency in assessing the network coverage quality of cells and buildings.

[0032] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the embodiments of the present invention and to implement them in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention are described below. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings. In the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 This illustration shows the narrow-beam antenna in the network coverage assessment method provided by an embodiment of the present invention, including its handling and horizontal coverage.

[0035] Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the network coverage assessment method provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0036] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of antenna ground deployment in the network coverage assessment method provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the deployment of antennas on the rooftops of adjacent buildings in the network coverage assessment method provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the deployment of antennas on the exterior walls of adjacent buildings in the network coverage assessment method provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates the combination of ground-based antenna deployment and rooftop deployment in the network coverage assessment method provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of antenna deployment on the exterior walls of adjacent buildings is shown in another embodiment of the network coverage assessment method provided by the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the network coverage evaluation device provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0042] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the network coverage evaluation device provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0044] Explain the relevant terms:

[0045] Line-of-sight (LOS) propagation refers to a propagation method in which radio waves travel directly from the transmitting point to the receiving point (generally including reflected waves from the ground) within a distance where the transmitting and receiving antennas can "see" each other. The distance for LOS propagation is typically 20–50 km, and it is mainly used for VHF and microwave communications.

[0046] Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, the prior art and its problems will be further explained:

[0047] Firstly, regarding network coverage in residential buildings:

[0048] As people become increasingly concerned about electromagnetic radiation, residential area coverage has always been a challenge for mobile communication networks, typically achieved using macro base stations located near residential areas. However, outdoor macro base stations struggle to provide indoor coverage, especially as 4G / 5G system frequencies increase and penetration loss through building facades grows, resulting in weak signals indoors. Furthermore, deploying indoor distribution systems within residential buildings is also difficult. Therefore, operators have begun introducing narrow-beam antennas to cover residential areas. Compared to conventional antennas, narrow-beam antennas have the following characteristics:

[0049] (1) The horizontal beam is narrowed to prevent signal leakage and interference with neighboring cells.

[0050] (2) Vertical beam widening increases coverage area and adapts to building coverage scenarios.

[0051] (3) The horizontal and vertical beams are basically equivalent, the antenna pattern is approximately rectangular, and the coverage is uniform.

[0052] For a schematic diagram of the horizontal and vertical beamlines of a narrow-beam antenna, please refer to... Figure 1 . Figure 1 The image on the left shows a schematic diagram of the horizontal beam of a narrow-beam antenna. Figure 1 The image on the right is a schematic diagram of the vertical beam of a narrow beam antenna.

[0053] Assessment of network coverage in residential buildings:

[0054] To facilitate operators' analysis of mobile communication network coverage in residential buildings, it is necessary to evaluate its coverage effect. Operators can then determine whether the network meets the requirements based on the evaluation results.

[0055] Currently, the main methods for evaluating the coverage effect of residential buildings are as follows:

[0056] (1) Evaluate the coverage effectiveness based on user complaints.

[0057] Based on user complaints, areas with poor coverage were identified.

[0058] (2) Evaluate the coverage effect based on user MR data.

[0059] Based on MR user measurement report data, areas with poor coverage were identified.

[0060] (3) The coverage effect is evaluated by using planning simulation.

[0061] Planning simulation requires combining 3D scene modeling and ray tracing model calculations to output 3D stereoscopic coverage evaluation results.

[0062] In implementing the embodiments of this invention, the inventors discovered that existing methods for evaluating coverage effectiveness based on user complaints / user MR data can only be used after the mobile communication network has been built and deployed, thus having the following drawbacks:

[0063] The lack of guidance for network planning means that optimal network deployment cannot be guaranteed. When problems arise, extensive optimization work is required on the existing network, and the effectiveness of these optimizations cannot be effectively evaluated.

[0064] The problem with using planning simulation for coverage effect evaluation is that ray tracing models are computationally complex, and the accuracy of planning simulation depends on many factors, including the precision and accuracy of the simulation map, simulation parameter settings, and the degree of matching with the existing network scenario. Problems in any of these aspects can easily lead to deviations in the coverage effect evaluation. Therefore, this method involves a large amount of computation and is inefficient.

[0065] Therefore, the evaluation of the coverage effect of narrow-beam antennas in existing residential areas needs improvement in at least the following aspects: network coverage effect evaluation cannot be achieved during the network planning stage; and the network coverage effect evaluation method requires complex calculations.

[0066] Figure 2 A flowchart of a network coverage assessment method provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. This method is executed by a computer processing device. The computer processing device may include a mobile phone, a laptop computer, etc. Figure 2 As shown, the method includes the following steps:

[0067] Step 10: Determine the coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area based on the antenna setting parameters of the antenna to be evaluated; wherein, the coverage uniformity is determined based on the dispersion of the distance between the antenna to be evaluated and each location point in the target area;

[0068] Specifically, the antenna to be evaluated can be an antenna to be deployed in the target area. This means that the network coverage effect of the antenna can be evaluated during the network planning stage, thus providing support for optimal antenna deployment. The target area can be the outer surface of a target building in a residential area, and the antenna to be evaluated is specifically a narrow-beam antenna. Antenna configuration parameters include the relative azimuth information between the antenna to be evaluated and the target area, and the radiated power information of the antenna to be evaluated. The relative azimuth information includes the distance and angle between the antenna to be evaluated and the target area, and the power information can include radiated power and power angle, etc. Specifically, the angle information can include the angle between the perpendicular line from the plane of the target building and the antenna normal in the horizontal and vertical planes.

[0069] Considering the use of narrow-beam antennas for building coverage in residential areas, a hybrid high- and low-rise three-dimensional coverage approach is necessary to achieve good coverage results. The placement of the narrow-beam antenna can be chosen on the ground, such as... Figure 3 As shown, tilting the camera upwards achieves building coverage; alternatively, adjacent buildings can be selected, and tilting the camera downwards achieves building coverage, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown; when the back lobe signal is controlled, adjacent building exterior walls can also be selected to achieve parallel building coverage, such as... Figure 5 As shown. When the building is tall, a combination of ground-based and rooftop deployment methods for narrow-beam antennas can be used, such as... Figure 6 With the back lobe signal under control, adjacent building exterior walls can also be selected to achieve parallel building coverage, such as... Figure 7 As shown. In summary, narrow-beam antennas can be deployed in various locations, requiring an evaluation of coverage performance to determine the optimal deployment location. In this embodiment of the invention, network coverage performance is evaluated by comprehensively considering both coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity.

[0070] Specifically, coverage signal strength can be characterized by the coverage level within the target area. Considering that the coverage area of ​​a narrow-beam antenna is rectangular and the electromagnetic wave propagation environment outside buildings is mostly line-of-sight, the coverage signal strength can be evaluated by the power density of the antenna within the coverage area of ​​residential buildings. Under the same conditions, a higher power density results in a stronger coverage level, i.e., a stronger coverage signal. A stronger coverage signal indicates better network coverage after the antenna is deployed. Correspondingly, coverage evenness characterizes the evenness of the coverage signal strength distribution at different locations within the target area, i.e., the degree of dispersion of the coverage signal at each location. Based on the coverage signal strength evaluation, considering that even when the overall coverage signal strength is sufficient, coverage unevenness may lead to insufficient coverage at some cell edges, such as when narrow-beam antennas are deployed on the ground or rooftops, where the closest and furthest distances between the narrow-beam antenna and the building differ significantly. This results in the closest area having a coverage signal strength exceeding the required level, while the furthest area has a coverage signal strength less than the required level. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate coverage evenness. Specifically, considering that the propagation environment of a narrow-beam antenna to a building is line-of-sight propagation, with propagation characteristics close to free-space propagation, path loss is positively correlated with the square of the coverage distance, while the coverage signal level is inversely correlated with the square of the coverage distance. Therefore, the uniformity of signal coverage can be determined based on the dispersion of the distances between the antenna to be evaluated and various locations within the target area. The smaller the dispersion of the coverage signal level, the higher the coverage uniformity, and the better the network performance after antenna deployment.

[0071] Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna setting parameters include radiated power, power angle, and relative azimuth information with respect to the target area; step 10 further includes:

[0072] Step 101: Determine the outer surface coverage area of ​​the antenna to be evaluated for the target area based on the power angle and relative azimuth information.

[0073] Specifically, the power angle includes the horizontal half-power angle α and the vertical half-power angle β of the narrow-beam antenna. The relative orientation information includes the angle γ between the perpendicular line from the narrow-beam antenna to the building plane and the antenna normal in the horizontal plane, the angle δ between the perpendicular line from the narrow-beam antenna to the building plane and the antenna normal in the vertical plane, and the vertical distance d between the narrow-beam antenna and the target building.

[0074] The coverage area S of the narrow-beam antenna on the outer surface (specifically, the exterior wall) of the target building is calculated as follows based on the above parameters:

[0075] S = d 2 {[tan(γ+α)-tan(γ-α)]×[tan(δ+β)-tan(δ-β)]};

[0076] Step 102: Determine the power density of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area based on the radiated power and the outer surface coverage area.

[0077] Specifically, the power density D of the antenna to be evaluated for the target region is calculated as follows:

[0078]

[0079] Where P is the equivalent isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of the narrow-beam antenna, in W; S is the coverage area of ​​the narrow-beam antenna on the outer surface of the target building in the aforementioned steps, in square meters.

[0080] Step 103: Determine the coverage signal strength based on the power density.

[0081] In one embodiment of the present invention, the power density can be normalized to obtain the coverage signal strength. A higher power density results in a stronger coverage signal strength, and vice versa. During normalization, the coverage signal strength can be determined based on a comparison (e.g., a ratio) between the power density and a preset maximum power density. The maximum power density characterizes the maximum power density achievable by the antenna under evaluation. Specifically, according to the aforementioned formula for calculating power density, power density is inversely proportional to the coverage area. Therefore, the power density can reach its maximum when the coverage area is minimal, and the coverage area is minimal when the normal direction of the antenna under evaluation is perpendicular to the target area. Therefore, the maximum power density can be determined based on the power density of the antenna under evaluation relative to the target area when the normal direction of the antenna under evaluation is perpendicular to the target area.

[0082] Therefore, in another embodiment of the present invention, step 103 further includes:

[0083] Step 1031: Determine the coverage signal strength based on the comparison result of the power density and the maximum power density; wherein, the maximum power density is determined based on the power density of the antenna to be evaluated relative to the target area when the normal direction of the antenna to be evaluated is perpendicular to the target area.

[0084] Specifically, when the vertical distance d between the narrow-beam antenna and the exterior wall of the building to be covered is the same, and the antenna normal of the narrow-beam antenna is installed perpendicular to the exterior wall of the building to be covered, both γ and δ are 0, and the coverage area is minimized, as follows:

[0085] S = 4d 2 tan(α)tan(β);

[0086] The corresponding coverage signal level power density is the highest. This power density of the coverage signal is denoted as the maximum power density D0, and is calculated as follows:

[0087]

[0088] Therefore, the coverage signal strength M can be characterized by the ratio of the coverage power density D to D0 as follows:

[0089]

[0090] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna setting parameters include the distances between the antenna to be evaluated and the respective location points; step 10 further includes:

[0091] Step 110: For each of the said location points, determine the square of the distance of the antenna to be evaluated relative to the said location point based on the coordinates of the location point within the target area and the distance.

[0092] Specifically, to more conveniently represent the coordinates within the area and the calculations in subsequent steps, a Cartesian coordinate system can be established with the intersection of the narrow-beam antenna's vertical line to the building and the building's plane as the zero point, the coverage area as the XY plane, and the vertical line from the narrow-beam antenna to the building as the Z-axis. Therefore, the coordinates of a location point within the area can be represented as (x, y), where x and y are the horizontal and vertical coordinate variables of the target area (such as the exterior wall of the target building), respectively.

[0093] The square of the distance can be expressed by the function f(x,y) as follows:

[0094] f(x,y)=d 2 +x 2 +y 2 ;

[0095] Where d is the distance between the location point and the antenna to be evaluated.

[0096] Step 111: Determine the distribution dispersion of the distance based on the distribution dispersion of the square of the distances corresponding to all the location points.

[0097] Specifically, the average distance of all locations can be calculated, and the dispersion of the distance distribution can be determined based on the degree of dispersion of the distances corresponding to each location relative to this average value.

[0098] Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, step 111 further includes:

[0099] Step 1111: Determine the mean distance of the antenna to be evaluated to the target area based on the coordinates within the area and the square of the distance corresponding to the location point.

[0100] Specifically, the mean of the squared distances, E(X,Y), is expressed as:

[0101]

[0102] Step 1112: Determine the distribution dispersion of the distances based on the difference between the square of all the distances and the mean of the distances.

[0103] Specifically, as mentioned earlier, the square of all distances can be expressed as f(x,y) = d 2 +x 2 +y 2 Then the mean of f(x,y), that is, the mean of the squared distance, can be expressed as:

[0104]

[0105] Therefore, the dispersion of the coverage level can be expressed as the dispersion of the square of the coverage distance as follows:

[0106]

[0107] In one embodiment of the present invention, step 103 is followed by:

[0108] Step 104: Determine the coverage uniformity based on the comparison result of the distance distribution dispersion and the maximum dispersion; wherein, the maximum dispersion is determined based on the distance distribution dispersion in the target area when the normal direction of the antenna to be evaluated is perpendicular to the target area.

[0109] Specifically, the greater the dispersion of the coverage signal level, the worse the coverage balance; the smaller the dispersion, the better the coverage balance. When the narrow-beam antenna is at the same vertical distance from the building it covers, and the antenna is installed on the exterior wall with its normal direction perpendicular to the exterior wall, the dispersion of the coverage signal level is minimized, and the coverage balance is best. This dispersion is denoted as B0.

[0110] Therefore, the coverage equalization degree U can be characterized by the ratio of B0 to the dispersion degree B of the coverage signal.

[0111]

[0112] In another embodiment of the invention, for ease of calculation, the coverage area of ​​the narrow-beam antenna within a building can be gridded. Specifically, the number of horizontal grids can be set to m, the number of vertical grids to n, and the coordinates of the center point of each grid in the XY plane to be (x...). i ,y j ), where 1 ≦ i ≦ m, 1 ≦ j ≦ n. Then we have:

[0113]

[0114] Where, f(x) i ,y j ) is a narrow beam antenna to grid (x i ,y j The square of the distance;

[0115] E(X,Y) is f(x) i ,y j The mean of ), specifically expressed as

[0116]

[0117] Step 20: Determine the network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area based on the coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity.

[0118] Specifically, coverage signal strength and coverage balance can complement each other in achieving better network coverage. That is, when the coverage signal strength is strong enough, it can compensate for insufficient coverage balance; and when the coverage balance is good enough, the requirement for coverage signal strength can be reduced. Therefore, the evaluation of coverage effect needs to comprehensively consider both coverage signal strength and coverage balance. The network coverage quality can be obtained by summing or multiplying the coverage signal strength and coverage balance.

[0119] Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, step 20 further includes: determining the network coverage quality based on the product of the coverage signal strength and the coverage equalization.

[0120] Using a narrow-beam antenna installed on the exterior wall, with the antenna distance from the building d (d is approximately 75% to 85% of the antenna coverage radius depending on the antenna's half-power angle), and the antenna normal direction perpendicular to the exterior wall of the building being covered, the coverage level power density is determined to be D0, and the coverage signal dispersion is determined to be B0.

[0121] The strength of the coverage signal can be characterized by the ratio of the coverage power density D to D0.

[0122]

[0123] Coverage equalization can be characterized by the ratio of B0 to the dispersion of the coverage signal, B.

[0124]

[0125] The coverage effect of a narrow-beam antenna configuration can be evaluated using the overall coverage effect C = MU. Let the coverage effects of different narrow-beam antenna configurations be (C1, C2, ... C...). K (K is the number of different configuration schemes), then MAX(C1,C2,…C K This is the optimal narrow-beam antenna configuration.

[0126] This invention, in its embodiments, determines the coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity of the antenna to be evaluated for a target area based on the antenna configuration parameters of the antenna to be evaluated. The coverage uniformity is determined based on the dispersion of the distances between the antenna to be evaluated and various locations within the target area, thereby reflecting the network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area. This invention, in its embodiments, first considers that the coverage area of ​​a narrow-beam antenna is rectangular, and the electromagnetic wave propagation environment outside buildings is mostly line-of-sight. Therefore, the coverage signal strength can be evaluated based on the power density of the antenna within the coverage area of ​​residential buildings. Under the same conditions, a higher power density results in a stronger coverage level. Based on the coverage signal strength assessment, and considering that even when the overall coverage signal strength is sufficient, coverage unevenness may lead to insufficient coverage at the edge of some cells, a further assessment of coverage evenness is conducted. Furthermore, considering that the propagation environment from the narrow-beam antenna to the building is line-of-sight propagation, with propagation characteristics close to free-space propagation, and path loss is positively correlated with the square of the coverage distance, the signal coverage evenness is determined based on the dispersion of the distance between the antenna to be evaluated and each location point within the target area. Finally, the network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area is determined by combining the coverage signal strength and coverage evenness. This improves the accuracy of assessing the network coverage quality of narrow-beam antennas for cells and buildings. Moreover, the assessment method of this embodiment, tailored to the coverage characteristics of narrow-beam antennas, can assess coverage effects during the network planning stage, providing support for the optimal deployment of narrow-beam antennas. It only requires measuring a small number of parameters to assess coverage effects, eliminating the need for complex calculations and providing high efficiency in assessing the network coverage quality of cells and buildings.

[0127] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the network coverage evaluation device provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 8 As shown, the device 30 includes: a first determining module 301 and a second determining module 302.

[0128] The first determining module 301 is used to determine the coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area based on the antenna setting parameters of the antenna to be evaluated; wherein the coverage uniformity is determined based on the distribution dispersion of the distance between the antenna to be evaluated and each location point in the target area.

[0129] The second determining module 302 is used to determine the network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area based on the coverage signal strength and coverage equalization.

[0130] The operation process of the network coverage assessment device provided in this embodiment of the invention is largely the same as that of the aforementioned method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0131] The network coverage evaluation device provided in this embodiment of the invention determines the coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity of the antenna to be evaluated for a target area based on the antenna setting parameters of the antenna to be evaluated. The coverage uniformity is determined based on the dispersion of the distances between the antenna to be evaluated and various locations within the target area, thereby reflecting the network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area based on the coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity. This embodiment of the invention first considers that the coverage area of ​​a narrow-beam antenna is rectangular, and the electromagnetic wave propagation environment outside buildings is mostly line-of-sight. Therefore, the coverage signal strength can be evaluated based on the power density of the antenna within the coverage area of ​​residential buildings. Under the same conditions, a higher power density results in a stronger coverage level. Based on the coverage signal strength assessment, and considering that even when the overall coverage signal strength is sufficient, coverage unevenness may lead to insufficient coverage at the edge of some cells, a further assessment of coverage evenness is conducted. Furthermore, considering that the propagation environment from the narrow-beam antenna to the building is line-of-sight propagation, with propagation characteristics close to free-space propagation, and path loss is positively correlated with the square of the coverage distance, the signal coverage evenness is determined based on the dispersion of the distance between the antenna to be evaluated and each location point within the target area. Finally, the network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area is determined by combining the coverage signal strength and coverage evenness. This improves the accuracy of assessing the network coverage quality of narrow-beam antennas for cells and buildings. Moreover, the assessment method of this embodiment, tailored to the coverage characteristics of narrow-beam antennas, can assess coverage effects during the network planning stage, providing support for the optimal deployment of narrow-beam antennas. It only requires measuring a small number of parameters to assess coverage effects, eliminating the need for complex calculations and providing high efficiency in assessing the network coverage quality of cells and buildings.

[0132] Figure 9 The diagram shows a network coverage assessment device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The specific implementation of the network coverage assessment device is not limited by the specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0133] like Figure 9 As shown, the network coverage evaluation device may include: a processor 402, a communications interface 404, a memory 406, and a communications bus 408.

[0134] The processor 402, communication interface 404, and memory 406 communicate with each other via communication bus 408. Communication interface 404 is used to communicate with other network elements, such as clients or other servers. The processor 402 executes program 410, specifically performing the relevant steps described in the network coverage assessment method embodiment.

[0135] Specifically, program 410 may include program code, which includes computer-executable instructions.

[0136] Processor 402 may be a central processing unit (CPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or one or more integrated circuits configured to implement embodiments of the present invention. The network coverage assessment device includes one or more processors, which may be processors of the same type, such as one or more CPUs; or processors of different types, such as one or more CPUs and one or more ASICs.

[0137] Memory 406 is used to store program 410. Memory 406 may include high-speed RAM memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device.

[0138] Specifically, program 410 can be invoked by processor 402 to cause the network coverage assessment device to perform the following operations:

[0139] The coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area are determined based on the antenna configuration parameters of the antenna to be evaluated; wherein, the coverage uniformity is determined based on the dispersion of the distance between the antenna to be evaluated and each location point in the target area;

[0140] The network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area is determined based on the coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity.

[0141] The operation process of the network coverage assessment device provided in this embodiment of the invention is largely the same as that of the aforementioned method embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0142] The network coverage evaluation device provided in this embodiment of the invention determines the coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity of the antenna to be evaluated for a target area based on the antenna setting parameters of the antenna to be evaluated. The coverage uniformity is determined based on the dispersion of the distances between the antenna to be evaluated and various locations within the target area, thereby reflecting the network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area based on the coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity. This embodiment of the invention first considers that the coverage area of ​​a narrow-beam antenna is rectangular, and the electromagnetic wave propagation environment outside buildings is mostly line-of-sight. Therefore, the coverage signal strength can be evaluated based on the power density of the antenna within the coverage area of ​​residential buildings. Under the same conditions, the higher the power density, the stronger the coverage level. Based on the coverage signal strength assessment, and considering that even when the overall coverage signal strength is sufficient, coverage unevenness may lead to insufficient coverage at the edge of some cells, a further assessment of coverage evenness is conducted. Furthermore, considering that the propagation environment from the narrow-beam antenna to the building is line-of-sight propagation, with propagation characteristics close to free-space propagation, and path loss is positively correlated with the square of the coverage distance, the signal coverage evenness is determined based on the dispersion of the distance between the antenna to be evaluated and each location point within the target area. Finally, the network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area is determined by combining the coverage signal strength and coverage evenness. This improves the accuracy of assessing the network coverage quality of narrow-beam antennas for cells and buildings. Moreover, the assessment method of this embodiment, tailored to the coverage characteristics of narrow-beam antennas, can assess coverage effects during the network planning stage, providing support for the optimal deployment of narrow-beam antennas. It only requires measuring a small number of parameters to assess coverage effects, eliminating the need for complex calculations and providing high efficiency in assessing the network coverage quality of cells and buildings.

[0143] This invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing at least one executable instruction that, when executed on a network coverage assessment device, causes the network coverage assessment device to perform the network coverage assessment method described in any of the above method embodiments.

[0144] Specifically, the executable instructions can be used to cause the network coverage assessment device to perform the following operations:

[0145] The coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area are determined based on the antenna configuration parameters of the antenna to be evaluated; wherein, the coverage uniformity is determined based on the dispersion of the distance between the antenna to be evaluated and each location point in the target area;

[0146] The network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area is determined based on the coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity.

[0147] The operation process of the executable instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium provided in this embodiment of the invention is largely the same as that in the aforementioned method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0148] The executable instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium provided in this embodiment of the invention determine the coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity of the antenna to be evaluated for a target area based on the antenna setting parameters of the antenna to be evaluated. The coverage uniformity is determined based on the dispersion of the distances between the antenna to be evaluated and various locations within the target area, thereby reflecting the network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area based on the coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity. This embodiment of the invention first considers that the coverage area of ​​a narrow-beam antenna is rectangular, and the electromagnetic wave propagation environment outside buildings is mostly line-of-sight. Therefore, the coverage signal strength can be evaluated based on the power density of the antenna within the coverage area of ​​residential buildings. Under the same conditions, a higher power density results in a stronger coverage level. Based on the coverage signal strength assessment, and considering that even when the overall coverage signal strength is sufficient, coverage unevenness may lead to insufficient coverage at the edge of some cells, a further assessment of coverage evenness is conducted. Furthermore, considering that the propagation environment from the narrow-beam antenna to the building is line-of-sight propagation, with propagation characteristics close to free-space propagation, and path loss is positively correlated with the square of the coverage distance, the signal coverage evenness is determined based on the dispersion of the distance between the antenna to be evaluated and each location point within the target area. Finally, the network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area is determined by combining the coverage signal strength and coverage evenness. This improves the accuracy of assessing the network coverage quality of narrow-beam antennas for cells and buildings. Moreover, the assessment method of this embodiment, tailored to the coverage characteristics of narrow-beam antennas, can assess coverage effects during the network planning stage, providing support for the optimal deployment of narrow-beam antennas. It only requires measuring a small number of parameters to assess coverage effects, eliminating the need for complex calculations and providing high efficiency in assessing the network coverage quality of cells and buildings.

[0149] This invention provides a network coverage assessment apparatus for performing the network coverage assessment method described above.

[0150] This invention provides a computer program that can be called by a processor to cause a network coverage assessment device to execute the network coverage assessment method in any of the above method embodiments.

[0151] This invention provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program stored on a computer-readable storage medium. The computer program includes program instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform the network coverage assessment method described in any of the above method embodiments.

[0152] The algorithms or displays provided herein are not inherently related to any particular computer, virtual system, or other device. Various general-purpose systems can also be used in conjunction with the teachings herein. The required structure for constructing such systems is apparent from the above description. Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention are not directed to any particular programming language. It should be understood that the content of the invention described herein can be implemented using various programming languages, and the above description of specific languages ​​is for the purpose of disclosing the best mode of implementation of the invention.

[0153] Numerous specific details are set forth in the specification provided herein. However, it will be understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this specification.

[0154] Similarly, it should be understood that, in order to streamline the invention and aid in understanding one or more of the various aspects of the invention, features of the embodiments of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof in the above description of exemplary embodiments of the invention. However, this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim.

[0155] Those skilled in the art will understand that modules in the device of the embodiments can be adaptively changed and placed in one or more devices different from that embodiment. Modules, units, or components in the embodiments can be combined into a single module, unit, or component, and can be divided into multiple sub-modules, sub-units, or sub-components. Except where at least some of such features and / or processes or units are mutually exclusive, any combination can be used to combine all features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) and all processes or units of any method or device so disclosed. Unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature that serves the same, equivalent, or similar purpose.

[0156] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative of the invention and not restrictive, and that those skilled in the art can devise alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention can be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different elements and by means of a suitably programmed computer. In the unit claims enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The use of the words first, second, and third, etc., does not indicate any order. These words can be interpreted as names. The steps in the above embodiments, unless otherwise specified, should not be construed as limiting the order of execution.

Claims

1. A network coverage assessment method, characterized in that, The method includes: The coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area are determined based on the antenna configuration parameters of the antenna to be evaluated. The antenna configuration parameters include the distance between the antenna to be evaluated and each location point. Specifically, for each location point, the square of the distance between the antenna to be evaluated and that location point is determined based on the location point's regional coordinates within the target area and the distance itself. The distribution dispersion of the distance is determined based on the distribution dispersion of the squares of the distances corresponding to all location points. The coverage uniformity is determined based on the distribution dispersion of the distances between the antenna to be evaluated and each location point within the target area. The network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area is determined based on the coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The antenna setup parameters include radiated power, power angle, and relative azimuth information with respect to the target area; the step of determining the coverage signal strength and coverage uniformity of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area based on the antenna setup parameters of the antenna to be evaluated further includes: The outer surface coverage area of ​​the antenna to be evaluated for the target area is determined based on the power angle and relative azimuth information. The power density of the antenna to be evaluated for the target region is determined based on the radiated power and the outer surface coverage area. The coverage signal strength is determined based on the power density.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Determining the coverage signal strength based on the power density further includes: The coverage signal strength is determined based on the comparison between the power density and the maximum power density; wherein the maximum power density is determined based on the power density of the antenna to be evaluated relative to the target area when the normal direction of the antenna to be evaluated is perpendicular to the target area.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the distribution dispersion of the distance based on the distribution dispersion of the squares of the distances corresponding to all the location points further includes: The mean distance of the antenna to be evaluated to the target area is determined based on the coordinates within the area and the square of the distance corresponding to the location point. The dispersion of the distance distribution is determined by the difference between the square of all the distances and the mean of the distances.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coverage uniformity is determined based on the dispersion of the distance between the antenna to be evaluated and each location point within the target area, and further includes: The coverage uniformity is determined based on the comparison between the distance distribution dispersion and the maximum dispersion; wherein the maximum dispersion is determined based on the distance distribution dispersion within the target area when the normal direction of the antenna to be evaluated is perpendicular to the target area.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area based on the coverage signal strength and coverage equalization further includes: The network coverage quality is determined by the product of the coverage signal strength and the coverage evenness.

7. A network coverage assessment device, characterized in that, The device includes: The first determining module is used to determine the coverage signal strength and coverage equalization of the antenna to be evaluated for a target area based on the antenna setting parameters of the antenna to be evaluated; the antenna setting parameters include the distance between the antenna to be evaluated and each location point; wherein, for each location point, the square of the distance between the antenna to be evaluated and the location point is determined based on the regional coordinates of the location point in the target area and the distance; the distribution dispersion of the distance is determined based on the distribution dispersion of the squares of the distances corresponding to all location points; the coverage equalization is determined based on the distribution dispersion of the distances between the antenna to be evaluated and each location point in the target area; The second determining module is used to determine the network coverage quality of the antenna to be evaluated for the target area based on the coverage signal strength and coverage equalization.

8. A network coverage assessment device, characterized in that, include: The processor, memory, communication interface, and communication bus are provided, wherein the processor, memory, and communication interface communicate with each other via the communication bus. The memory is used to store at least one executable instruction that causes the processor to perform the operation of the network coverage assessment method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

9. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium stores at least one executable instruction, which, when executed on the network coverage assessment device, causes the network coverage assessment device to perform the operation of the network coverage assessment method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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