Method for monitoring a telecommunications network and system for implementing same

Abstract

A method for monitoring a telecommunications network includes determining whether a coverage boundary of a new site overlaps with a coverage area of ​​a first existing site. The method further includes determining a minimum distance between existing sites of a plurality of existing sites in response to determining that the coverage boundary overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the first existing site. The method further includes determining a final distance based on the minimum distance. The method further includes setting a coverage area of ​​the new site based on the final distance. The method further includes generating a user interface (UI) based on network performance values ​​within the coverage area of ​​the new site and the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, where generating the UI includes excluding network performance values ​​associated with the first existing site from locations within the coverage area of ​​the new site.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to a method for monitoring a telecommunications network and a system for implementing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Monitoring a telecommunications network involves using a user interface (UI) to determine network performance at different locations. The UI used data captured from base stations within the telecommunications network. In some cases, the base stations within the network have overlapping coverage areas. The base stations collect key performance indicator (KPI) data and provide this data to a server accessible by the network monitor to generate the UI. In some cases, the KPI data is based on a moving average, e.g., a seven-day moving average, to help determine a consistent level of network performance without placing undue weight on short-term outages within the network. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for monitoring a telecommunications network. The method includes determining whether a coverage boundary of a new site overlaps with a coverage area of ​​a first existing site. In response to determining that the coverage boundary of the new site overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, the method further includes determining a shortest distance between a plurality of existing sites, the first existing site being one of the plurality of existing sites. The method further includes determining a final distance based on the shortest distance. The method further includes setting the coverage area of ​​the new site based on the final distance. The method further includes generating a user interface (UI) based on network performance values ​​within the coverage area of ​​the new site and the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, where generating the UI includes excluding network performance values ​​associated with the first existing site from locations within the coverage area of ​​the new site.

[0004] An aspect of the present specification relates to a system for monitoring a telecommunications network. The system includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store instructions thereon. The system further includes a processor coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium. The processor is configured to execute instructions for determining whether a coverage boundary of a new site overlaps with a coverage area of ​​a first existing site. The processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining a shortest distance between existing sites of a plurality of existing sites in response to determining that the coverage boundary of the new site overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, the first existing site being one of the plurality of existing sites. The processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining a final distance based on the shortest distance. The processor is further configured to execute instructions for setting the coverage area of ​​the new site based on the final distance. The processor is further configured to execute instructions for generating a user interface (UI) based on network performance values ​​within the coverage area of ​​the new site and the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, wherein generating the UI includes excluding network performance values ​​associated with the first existing site from locations within the coverage area of ​​the new site.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store instructions. The instructions are configured to cause a processor to determine whether a coverage boundary of a new site overlaps with a coverage area of ​​a first existing site. The instructions are further configured to cause the processor to determine a shortest distance between multiple existing sites in response to determining that the coverage boundary of the new site overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, where the first existing site is one of the multiple existing sites. The instructions are further configured to cause the processor to determine a final distance based on the shortest distance. The instructions are further configured to cause the processor to set a coverage area of ​​the new site based on the final distance. The instructions are further configured to cause the processor to generate a user interface (UI) based on network performance values ​​within the coverage area of ​​the new site and the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, where generating the UI includes excluding network performance values ​​associated with the first existing site from locations within the coverage area of ​​the new site.

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, according to standard industry practice, various features have not been drawn to scale. In fact, the dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a telecommunications network according to an embodiment.

[0008] [Figure 2] 1 is a flowchart of a method for generating a user interface (UI), according to an embodiment.

[0009] [Figure 3]FIG. 1 is a sequence flow diagram for retrieving data to generate a UI, according to an embodiment.

[0010] [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a UI, according to an embodiment.

[0011] [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram of a system for implementing VOIP communication analysis, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, etc. are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. Other components, values, operations, materials, arrangements, etc. are contemplated. For example, the formation of a first feature on or above a second feature in the following description can include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact with each other, and can also include embodiments in which an additional feature may be formed between the first and second features such that the first and second features are not in direct contact with each other. Additionally, the present disclosure may repeat reference numbers and / or letters in various examples. This repetition is for the purposes of brevity and clarity and does not, in itself, determine a relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0013] Additionally, spatially relative terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another, as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. The device may be oriented differently (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

[0014] Network monitors use a variety of tools to track the performance of telecommunications networks, also known as networks. In some cases, network monitors look at current performance key performance indicators (KPIs), such as reference signal received power (RSRP), signal-to-interference-to-noise ratio (SINR), latency, jitter, and packet loss. Current performance information provides network monitors with information about how the network is currently performing, e.g., the current health of the network. However, in some cases, network monitors use rolling averages of KPI data to access the performance, e.g., health, of the network over time. Using rolling average KPI data to assess network performance is beneficial in reducing the risk of overreacting to temporary disruptions or outages in the network when assessing the overall performance of the network.

[0015] Furthermore, as a network expands, more sites, also known as base stations, are added to the network. These sites extend the network's coverage based on the coverage areas of the site's equipment. In some cases, the coverage area of ​​the new site overlaps with the coverage area of ​​one or more pre-existing sites. When a new site is activated, performance within the site's overlapping coverage area means that performance within those overlapping coverage areas has changed significantly. For example, one skilled in the art would expect the periphery of a pre-existing site's coverage area to perform poorly compared to locations closer to the center of that site's coverage area. As a result, when a new site is activated and its coverage area overlaps with the periphery of a pre-existing site, one skilled in the art would expect network performance in the overlapping coverage area to improve significantly compared to the period prior to the activation of the new site.

[0016] To help network monitors accurately determine overall network performance using rolling average KPI data, the description includes methods and systems for correcting data within overlapping coverage areas of newly activated sites. This correction helps network monitors more accurately determine network performance as new sites are activated. The ability to more accurately determine network performance using newly activated sites helps reduce the risk of dispatching maintenance / repair crews to sites that affect overlapping coverage areas. Additionally, network monitors do not spend time and money diagnosing problems at sites that affect overlapping coverage areas based on outdated KPI data.

[0017] In some cases, the method and system exclude data from before the activation of the new site from the rolling average data of the overlapping coverage area displayed by the network monitor. For example, in a situation where a new site is activated and the new site has a coverage area that overlaps with existing coverage areas in five map grids of the network, the method and system excludes KPI data from the rolling average KPI data of those five map grids if the KPI data was collected before the activation of the new site. The map grid is a geographic area that a network monitor can use to help determine whether network performance is correlated with specific locations covered by the network. By excluding the KPI data collected before the activation of the new site, the rolling average KPI data displayed by the network monitor more accurately reflects the actual performance of the network because performance degradation at the periphery of the existing coverage area does not distort the rolling average KPI data based on the old network configuration. The more precise and accurate the rolling average KPI data that network monitors rely on, the more it will help them invest network maintenance / repair and expansion resources efficiently to more effectively maintain or improve customer satisfaction among network users.

[0018] 1 is a schematic diagram of a telecommunications network 100 according to one embodiment. The telecommunications network 100 includes multiple base stations 110, each having a corresponding coverage area 115. In one example, the coverage areas 115 of adjacent base stations 110 overlap each other to define overlapping coverage areas 120. In some cases, gaps 125 exist between the coverage areas 115 of adjacent base stations 110. A mobile device within the telecommunications network 100 can connect to one or more base stations 110 when the mobile device is within the coverage area 115 corresponding to the base station 110.

[0019] New base station 130 is a newly activated base station within telecommunications network 100. New base station 130 has coverage area 135. Coverage area 135 overlaps with coverage area 115a of base station 110a to define overlapping coverage area 120a. Coverage area 135 also overlaps with coverage area 115b of base station 110b to define overlapping coverage area 120b. Upon activation of new base station 130, KPI data for overlapping coverage area 120a and overlapping coverage area 120b will change significantly from the KPI data prior to activation of new base station 130. Continuing to rely on rolling average data that includes KPI data prior to activation of new base station 130 will result in reduced accuracy and precision of telecommunications network 100 performance at locations within overlapping coverage area 120a and overlapping coverage area 120b.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a method 200 for generating a user interface (UI), according to some embodiments. Method 200 can be used to generate a UI for display to a network monitor to facilitate evaluation of network performance in situations where a new site, i.e., a base station, becomes active in the network. Method 200 describes criteria for excluding data from the coverage areas of existing sites that overlap with the coverage area of ​​the newly activated site. As a result, method 200 can generate a more precise and accurate UI representation of the network's performance after activation of the new site, compared to other approaches. The ability to more precisely and accurately determine network performance helps improve the efficiency of network maintenance and more effective planning for network expansion. Improved network maintenance efficiency results from avoiding sending repair / maintenance crews to locations in the UI where poor network performance has been identified based on outdated or inaccurate data. Improved effective planning for network expansion results from the ability to evaluate the current total coverage area and performance of all sites in the network, including the most recently activated site. This gives network providers the ability to determine where additional equipment can be most effectively deployed to improve customer satisfaction.

[0021] In operation 205, KPI values ​​for a new site are received. The KPI values ​​indicate the performance of the network within the coverage area of ​​the new site. In this description, a site station is a site that is activated within a rolling average period of KPI values ​​used to generate a UI for displaying network performance to a network monitor. For example, in some cases, the rolling average is a seven-day period of KPI data. In such a situation, any site activated less than seven days from the time method 200 is performed is considered a new site. Those skilled in the art will understand that a seven-day rolling average is merely exemplary and that other values ​​for the rolling average, such as 10 days, 30 days, two weeks, etc., are within the skill of those skilled in the art.

[0022] In one embodiment, the KPI values ​​include at least one of RSRP, SINR, latency, jitter, packet loss, dropped calls, or other suitable KPI values. In one embodiment, the KPI values ​​are received from a mobile device within the coverage area of ​​the new site. In one embodiment, the KPI values ​​are received from equipment at the new site. In one embodiment, the KPI values ​​are received wirelessly. In one embodiment, the KPI values ​​are received via a wired connection.

[0023] In operation 210, a coverage boundary for the new site is generated. In one embodiment, the coverage boundary is determined based on the KPI values ​​received in operation 205. In one embodiment, the coverage boundary is set by measuring KPI values ​​at various locations surrounding the new site to determine the furthest location from the new site that provides acceptable network performance. Based on the KPI values ​​received at the various locations surrounding the site, it is determined how far away from the site a KPI value indicates acceptable network performance. In one embodiment, the coverage boundary is set based on the designed performance of the new site. In some cases, the coverage boundary overlaps the coverage area of ​​an existing site. In one embodiment, the coverage boundary overlaps the coverage areas of multiple existing sites. In one embodiment, the coverage boundary does not overlap the coverage area of ​​any of the existing sites.

[0024] In operation 215, KPI values ​​for existing sites in the network are received. Similar to operation 205, the KPI values ​​indicate the performance of the network within the coverage area of ​​each of the corresponding sites in the network. In one embodiment, the coverage areas of the existing sites overlap. In some cases, the existing sites are referred to as existing sites relative to the new site.

[0025] In one embodiment, the KPI values ​​include at least one of RSRP, SINR, latency, jitter, packet loss, dropped calls, or other suitable KPI values. In one embodiment, the KPI values ​​are received from a mobile device within the coverage area of ​​the new site. In one embodiment, the KPI values ​​are received from equipment at the new site. In one embodiment, the KPI values ​​are received wirelessly. In one embodiment, the KPI values ​​are received via a wired connection.

[0026] In operation 220, a determination is made as to whether the coverage boundary of the new site overlaps with the coverage area of ​​any of the existing sites. The determination of whether the coverage areas overlap is made based on the locations of the existing sites, the location of the new site, and the size and shape of the coverage areas of each of the existing and new sites. For example, in FIG. 1, the shapes of the coverage areas are depicted as circles, but one skilled in the art would recognize that in practice, the shape of a site's coverage area is based on the orientation of antennas within the site as well as geographic features near the site. Geographic features include terrain such as hills, buildings, or other natural or man-made structures that block or interfere with wireless signals.

[0027] In response to determining that the coverage boundary of the new site overlaps with the coverage area of ​​at least one existing site, method 200 proceeds to operation 220. In response to determining that the coverage boundary of the new site does not overlap with the coverage area of ​​any of the existing sites, method 200 proceeds to operation 240.

[0028] In operation 225, the distance between at least one existing site and the new site is determined. The distance between the existing site and the new site is determined for each existing site that has a coverage area that overlaps with the coverage boundary of the new site. For simplicity, most of the following description focuses on a single existing site. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the description is applicable to each existing site that has an overlapping coverage area. The distance between the existing site and the new site is determined based on the longitude and latitude positions of the existing site and the new site, respectively. The distance between the existing site and the new site also takes into account the radius of the Earth.

[0029] In operation 230, the shortest distance between the existing sites is determined. The shortest distance between the existing sites is determined based on the longitude and latitude positions of the existing site and the adjacent existing site. The distance between the existing sites also takes into account the radius of the Earth. Once the distance between each existing site and the adjacent existing site in the network is determined, the standard deviation of the distances is used to determine the shortest distance between the existing sites.

[0030] In operation 235, the existing sites are filtered based on the determined shortest distance to determine a final distance. Filtering the existing sites includes excluding sites that are a predetermined distance away from the new site for later determining the coverage area of ​​the new site. The final distance is then used to determine the coverage area of ​​the new site. In one embodiment, the new site to existing site distance is set to existing sites that are within two standard deviations of the new site. In some cases, due to terrain or population density, one or more existing sites are located at a distance far from any of the adjacent existing sites. To reduce the influence of these sites when determining the coverage area of ​​the new site, in one embodiment, these sites are also excluded. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the proximity of the existing sites depends on population density. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is set based on the population density near the new site. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is 50 kilometers (km) or less for suburban or rural areas. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance is 10 km or less for urban areas. In one embodiment, instead of a set magnitude such as 50 km or 10 km, the predetermined distance is set as a multiplier of the standard deviation determined in operation 230. As population density increases, the multiplier increases to help establish a precise and accurate determination of network performance.

[0031] In operation 240, a coverage area for the new site is established. The coverage area is determined based on the final distance determined in operation 235 and the location of the new site. The location of the new site is determined as the center point of the coverage area based on the longitude and latitude of the site. The size of the coverage area around the location of the new site is determined based on the final distance. In one embodiment, a multiplier is associated with the final distance to determine the size of the coverage area for the new site. The multiplier is less than 1. Using a multiplier less than 1 helps reduce the risk of excluding data very close to existing sites adjacent to the new site. KPI values ​​located near adjacent existing sites are unlikely to be significantly affected by the activation of the new site. Therefore, excluding KPI values ​​located near adjacent existing sites is unnecessary and may reduce the precision and accuracy of network performance measurements. In one embodiment, the multiplier is in the range of approximately 0.5 to approximately 0.8. In one embodiment, the multiplier is approximately 0.7. In one embodiment, the multiplier is determined based on the magnitude of the final distance. For example, in one embodiment, as the final distance increases, the multiplier also increases. The final distance is determined based on the geographic distance interval between the sites. Thus, as the distance between the sites increases, the impact of the new site's activation increases over a larger portion of the coverage area of ​​adjacent existing sites. To improve the precision and accuracy of the KPI values ​​used to determine network performance after the new site's activation, a network monitor can select an appropriate multiplier. In one embodiment, a system performing method 200 can recommend a multiplier based on the final distance and / or other criteria.

[0032] In operation 245, KPI values ​​for new and existing sites in the network are received. In one embodiment, operation 245 is performed in a manner similar to operations 205 and 215. In one embodiment, operation 245 is performed in a regular, predetermined cycle following operations 205 and / or 215. In one embodiment, the period of the predetermined cycle ranges from about 30 seconds (s) to about 5 minutes (min). As the period increases, accuracy and performance of network performance may decrease. As the period decreases, the processing load on the system implementing method 200 may increase.

[0033] At operation 250, a determination is made as to whether any of the KPI values ​​received from operation 245 are within the coverage area of ​​the new site established at operation 240. The location of the KPI values ​​is determined based on the longitude and latitude of the location of the KPI values. The coverage area of ​​the new site is the coverage area determined at operation 240. In response to a determination that at least one KPI value of the existing site is within the coverage area of ​​the new site, method 200 proceeds to operation 255. In response to a determination that none of the KPI values ​​of the existing site are within the coverage area of ​​the new site, method 200 proceeds to operation 265.

[0034] In operation 255, KPI values ​​associated with existing sites within the coverage area of ​​the new site are removed. As a result, the only KPI data utilized in determining the rolling average within the coverage area of ​​the new site is the KPI data associated with the new site. As described above, removing KPI values ​​associated with existing sites within the coverage area of ​​the new site helps improve the precision and accuracy of determining network performance. Improved precision and accuracy in determining network performance helps improve the efficiency of network maintenance and planning for network expansion.

[0035] In operation 260, the removed KPI values ​​are stored. The removed KPI values ​​are stored to allow existing sites to be analyzed on an individual basis to determine whether each individual site is performing satisfactorily. In one embodiment, the removed KPI values ​​are stored until the rolling average period is complete. For example, in one embodiment where the rolling average is a seven-day period, the removed KPI values ​​are stored for seven days from activation of the new site. At the end of the storage period, overwriting of the removed KPI values ​​is permitted. Ensuring that KPI values ​​are stored for the entire rolling average period after activation of the new site helps to provide a reliable assessment of existing sites. Allowing overwriting of KPI values ​​after the rolling average period after activation of the new site helps to reduce the amount of storage utilized by a system implementing method 200.

[0036] At operation 265, a UI is generated that includes the KPI values ​​for the new site and excludes the KPI values ​​deleted at operation 255. The UI is viewable by a network monitor to evaluate network performance at various locations covered by the network. The UI generated using method 200 is improved compared to UIs generated using other techniques because the precision and accuracy of the UI is enhanced by excluding KPI data associated with existing sites within the coverage area of ​​the newly activated site. This helps prevent outdated data from significantly impacting network performance as viewed by the network monitor. As a result, the efficiency and effectiveness of network maintenance and expansion is improved compared to other techniques.

[0037] In some embodiments, method 200 includes additional operations. For example, in some embodiments, method 200 includes automated recommendations for site maintenance / repair based on network performance indicated by the UI. In some embodiments, at least one operation of method 200 is omitted. For example, in some embodiments, operation 235 is omitted in situations where the number of existing sites is low. In some embodiments, the order of operations of method 200 is adjusted. For example, in some embodiments, operation 240 is performed after operation 245.

[0038] FIG. 3 illustrates a sequence flow diagram 300 for retrieving data to generate a UI according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, sequence flow diagram 300 can be used to access filtered KPI data, such as data stored in operation 260 of method 200 (FIG. 2). In one embodiment, sequence flow diagram 300 can be used separately from method 200 (FIG. 2). Sequence flow diagram 300 includes operations implemented using UI 310, microservice 320, and database 330. In one embodiment, UI 310 corresponds to the UI generated in operation 265 of method 200 (FIG. 2). In one embodiment, UI 310 is separate from the UI generated in method 200 (FIG. 2). Microservice 320 can be used to implement functionality for retrieving KPI data from database 330. In one embodiment, microservice 320 communicates with UI 310 using an application programming interface (API). Database 330 can be used to store KPI data. In one embodiment, database 330 is usable to perform operation 260 in method 200 (FIG. 2). In one embodiment, database 330 stores data other than data from method 200 (FIG. 2). In one embodiment, database 330 includes a single non-transitory data storage, such as non-volatile memory. In one embodiment, database 330 includes multiple non-transitory data storages.

[0039] In operation 340, a user, such as a network monitor, logs into the UI 310. The user logs into the UI 310 using credentials. In one embodiment, the credentials include a username and password, facial recognition, biometric data, or other suitable authentication information.

[0040] At operation 345, a user submits a query for parameter data. In one embodiment, the query is submitted using an API to communicate between the UI 310 and the microservice 320. In one embodiment, the user enters the query into the UI 310 using an input / output (I / O) device. In one embodiment, the I / O device includes one or more of a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, voice detection, or other suitable I / O device. In one embodiment, the query is sent wirelessly from the UI 310 to the microservice 320. In one embodiment, the query is sent from the UI 310 to the microservice 320 over a wired connection.

[0041] At operation 350, microservice 320 queries database 330 to receive the parameters requested by the user. In one embodiment, the query is sent wirelessly from microservice 320 to database 330. In one embodiment, the query is sent over a wired connection from microservice 320 to database 330.

[0042] In operation 355, database 330 provides the results of the query to microservice 320. In one embodiment, the results are transmitted wirelessly from database 330 to microservice 320. In one embodiment, the results are transmitted over a wired connection from database 330 to microservice 320.

[0043] In operation 360, the microservice 320 reports the results to the UI 310. In one embodiment, the results are reported using an API for communication between the UI 310 and the microservice 320. In one embodiment, the results are reported wirelessly from the microservice 320 to the UI 310. In one embodiment, the results are reported from the microservice 320 to the UI 310 via a wired connection.

[0044] In operation 365, the UI 310 displays the results. In some embodiments, the results are displayed as a table. In some embodiments, the results are displayed as a graph. In some embodiments, the manner in which the results are displayed is determined based on user input detected by the UI 310.

[0045] Using the sequence flow diagram 300, a user can search for data not currently visible in the UI 310 to evaluate the performance of one or more sites in the network. This helps improve the efficiency of network maintenance. The ability to display the searched data on the UI 310 also helps to increase the versatility of the UI 310.

[0046] In some embodiments, sequence flow diagram 300 includes additional operations. For example, in some embodiments, sequence flow diagram 300 includes automated recommendations for site maintenance / repair based on network search data. In some embodiments, at least one operation in sequence flow diagram 300 is omitted. For example, in some embodiments, operation 340 is omitted in situations where a user is already logged on to UI 310. In some embodiments, the order of operations in sequence flow diagram 300 is adjusted. For example, in some embodiments, data is displayed in UI 310 before submitting a query to microservice 320, and then the data is updated in operation 365.

[0047] 4 is a diagram of UI 400 according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, UI 400 is generated using operation 265 of method 200 (FIG. 2). In one embodiment, UI 400 is generated using operations other than those in method 200 (FIG. 2). In one embodiment, UI 400 corresponds to UI 310 (FIG. 2). In one embodiment, UI 400 is different from UI 310 (FIG. 3). UI 400 can be used to display network performance data as well as site locations. UI 400 includes a display of the coverage areas of some sites. In one embodiment, to simplify and easily understand the network performance data, the coverage areas are not displayed in UI 400.

[0048] The UI 400 includes a first existing site 415a having a coverage area 410a. The UI 400 further includes a second existing site 415b having a coverage area 410b. The first existing site 410a is proximate to the second existing site 410b. The UI 400 further includes a third existing site 420 having a coverage area 425. The third existing site 420 is a long distance from each of the first existing site 410a and the second existing site 410b. The UI 400 further includes a new site 430 having a coverage area 435. The coverage area 435 overlaps with the coverage area 410a and the coverage area 410b.

[0049] UI 400 further includes map grid locations 440 and 450. Each of map grid locations 440 and 450 indicates the performance of the network at the location of the map grid. In UI 400, each map grid is square-shaped. Those skilled in the art will understand that the square shape is merely exemplary and that the present application is not limited to only square-shaped map grids, such as triangular, rectangular, octagonal, hexagonal, or any other suitable shape.

[0050] Good network performance is indicated by map grid 440. Poor network performance is indicated by map grid 450. The color of map grid 440 differs from the color of map grid 450 to indicate different network performance levels. Those skilled in the art will understand that the color differences for determining differences in network performance are merely exemplary and that other visual differences, such as hashes, icons, or other suitable visual indicators, are within the scope of the present application. In one embodiment, network performance is determined based on a rolling average of KPI values ​​captured at various map grid locations 440 and 450.

[0051] For simplicity and clarity, the following description will relate UI 400 to the operations of method 200 (FIG. 2). Those skilled in the art will understand that UI 400 is not limited to use with method 200 (FIG. 2). For example, as in operation 220 (FIG. 2), new site coverage area 435 overlaps with coverage areas 415a and 415b of first and second existing sites 410a and 410b, respectively. When new site 430 is activated, KPI values ​​from first and second existing sites 410a and 410b within these overlapping coverage areas skew perceived network performance to resemble the perceived network performance before activation of new site 430. This type of skew leads to an inaccurate and inaccurate assessment of the network's actual performance after activation of new site 430. By excluding consideration of KPI values ​​in these overlapping coverage areas, e.g., as in operation 255 (FIG. 2), the precision and accuracy of the assessment of network performance is improved. As a result, a network monitor reviewing UI 400 generated, e.g., as in operation 265 (FIG. 2), can make better decisions regarding network maintenance and expansion.

[0052] In one embodiment, the system used to generate UI 400 can also generate maintenance recommendations for sites in the network based on the data from map grid locations 440 and 450. For example, in one embodiment, in response to detecting a cluster of poor network performance map grid 450 within a site's coverage area, the system can generate an alert to a network monitor regarding potential network maintenance. In one embodiment, the alert includes an audio or visual alert. In one embodiment, the alert is sent to a device accessible by the network monitor. In one embodiment, the alert includes recommended repairs to address the network performance issue. In one embodiment, the network monitor can use UI 400 to send repair / maintenance instructions to maintenance personnel based on the alert. In one embodiment, the network monitor can remotely visit the site with the intent of resolving the network performance issue. In one embodiment, the alert includes a link that enables the network monitor to visit the site where the network performance issue was identified.

[0053] 5 is a block diagram of a system 500 for performing call analysis, according to one embodiment. The system 500 includes a hardware processor 502 and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium 504, which is encoded with, or has stored thereon, computer program code 506, i.e., a set of executable instructions. The computer-readable storage medium 504 is also encoded with instructions 507 for interfacing with external devices. The processor 502 is electrically coupled to the computer-readable storage medium 504 via a bus 508. The processor 502 is also electrically coupled to an I / O interface 510 by the bus 508. A network interface 512 is also electrically connected to the processor 502 via the bus 508. The network interface 512 is connected to a network 514, thereby enabling the processor 502 and the computer-readable storage medium 504 to connect to external elements via the network 514. The processor 502 is configured to execute computer program code 506 encoded on the computer-readable storage medium 504 to enable the system 500 to perform some or all of the operations described in the method 200 (FIG. 2), the sequence flow diagram 300 (FIG. 3), or to generate the UI 400 (FIG. 4).

[0054] In one embodiment, processor 502 is a central processing unit (CPU), a multiprocessor, a distributed processing system, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and / or any suitable processing device.

[0055] In an embodiment, computer-readable storage medium 504 is an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, and / or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device). For example, computer-readable storage medium 504 includes semiconductor or solid-state memory, magnetic tape, removable computer diskette, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rigid magnetic disk, and / or optical disk. In an embodiment using an optical disk, computer-readable storage medium 504 includes a compact disk-read-only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk-read / write (CD-R / W), and / or digital video disk (DVD).

[0056] In one embodiment, the storage medium 504 stores computer program code 506 configured to cause the system 500 to perform some or all of the operations described in the method 200 (FIG. 2), the sequence flow diagram 300 (FIG. 3), or to generate the UI 400 (FIG. 4). In an embodiment, the storage medium 504 also stores information for performing some or all of the operations as described in the method 200 (FIG. 2), the sequence flow diagram 300 (FIG. 3), or for generating the UI 400 (FIG. 4), as well as information generated during the performance of some or all of the operations as described in the method 200 (FIG. 2), the sequence flow diagram 300 (FIG. 3), or for generating the UI 400 (FIG. 4), such as a KPI value parameter 516, a coverage boundary parameter 518, a site-to-site distance parameter 520, a filter distance parameter 522, a new site position parameter 524, and / or a set of executable instructions for performing some or all of the operations as described in the method 200 (FIG. 2), the sequence flow diagram 300 (FIG. 3), or for generating the UI 400 (FIG. 4).

[0057] In one embodiment, storage medium 504 stores instructions 507 for interfacing with an external device. Instructions 507 enable processor 502 to generate and receive instructions readable by an external device to effectively perform some or all of the operations described in method 200 (FIG. 2), sequence flow diagram 300 (FIG. 3), or to generate UI 400 (FIG. 4).

[0058] System 500 includes an I / O interface 510. I / O interface 510 is coupled to external circuitry. In one embodiment, I / O interface 510 includes a keyboard, keypad, mouse, trackball, trackpad, and / or cursor direction keys for communicating information and commands to processor 502.

[0059] The system 500 also includes a network interface 512 coupled to the processor 502. The network interface 512 enables the system 500 to communicate with a network 514 to which one or more other computer systems are connected. The network interface 512 includes a wireless network interface, such as BLUETOOTH, WIFI, WIMAX, GPRS, or WCDMA, or a wired network interface, such as ETHERNET, USB, or IEEE-1394. In an embodiment, some or all of the operations described to generate the method 200 (FIG. 2), the sequence flow diagram 300 (FIG. 3), or the UI 400 (FIG. 4) are implemented in two or more systems 500, and information is exchanged between the different systems 500 via the network 514.

[0060] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for monitoring a telecommunications network. The method includes determining whether a coverage boundary of a new site overlaps with a coverage area of ​​a first existing site. In response to determining that the coverage boundary of the new site overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, the method further includes determining a shortest distance between a plurality of existing sites, the first existing site being one of the plurality of existing sites. The method further includes determining a final distance based on the shortest distance. The method further includes setting a coverage area of ​​the new site based on the final distance. The method further includes generating a user interface (UI) based on network performance values ​​within the coverage area of ​​the new site and the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, wherein generating the UI includes excluding network performance values ​​associated with the first existing site from locations within the coverage area of ​​the new site. In one embodiment, determining the shortest distance between the existing sites of the plurality of sites includes setting a standard deviation of the distance between the existing sites of the plurality of existing sites as the shortest distance. In one embodiment, determining the final distance includes excluding an existing site of the plurality of sites from setting a coverage area for the new site based on a distance from the new site to each of the plurality of existing sites. In one embodiment, setting a coverage area for the new site includes multiplying the final distance by a multiplier, the multiplier being less than one. In one embodiment, the method further includes storing the excluded network performance values ​​in an accessible database. In one embodiment, the network performance values ​​include at least one of power (RSRP), signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR), latency, jitter, or packet loss. In one embodiment, the method further includes generating an alert based on a UI indicating the insufficient network performance and transmitting the alert to a device accessible by the user.

[0061] An aspect of the present specification relates to a system for monitoring a telecommunications network. The system includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store instructions thereon. The system further includes a processor coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium. The processor is configured to execute instructions for determining whether a coverage boundary of a new site overlaps with a coverage area of ​​a first existing site. The processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining a shortest distance between existing sites of a plurality of existing sites in response to determining that the coverage boundary of the new site overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, the first existing site being one of the plurality of existing sites. The processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining a final distance based on the shortest distance. The processor is further configured to execute instructions for setting the coverage area of ​​the new site based on the final distance. The processor is further configured to execute instructions for generating a user interface (UI) based on network performance values ​​within the coverage area of ​​the new site and the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, where generating the UI includes excluding network performance values ​​associated with the first existing site from locations within the coverage area of ​​the new site. In one embodiment, the processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining a minimum distance between existing sites among the plurality of sites by setting a standard deviation of the distances between existing sites among the plurality of existing sites as the minimum distance. In one embodiment, the processor is further configured to execute instructions for determining a final distance by excluding existing sites among the plurality of sites from setting the coverage area of ​​the new site based on a distance from the new site to each of the plurality of existing sites. In one embodiment, the processor is further configured to execute instructions for setting the coverage area of ​​the new site by multiplying the final distance by a multiplier, where the multiplier is less than 1.In one embodiment, the processor is further configured to execute instructions for storing the excluded network performance values ​​in an accessible database. In one embodiment, the network performance values ​​include at least one of power (RSRP), signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR), latency, jitter, or packet loss. In one embodiment, the processor is further configured to execute instructions for generating an alert based on the UI indicating the insufficient network performance and for instructing a transmitter to transmit the alert to a device accessible by the user.

[0062] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store instructions. The instructions are configured to cause a processor to determine whether a coverage boundary of a new site overlaps with a coverage area of ​​a first existing site. The instructions are further configured to cause the processor to determine a shortest distance between multiple existing sites in response to determining that the coverage boundary of the new site overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, where the first existing site is one of the multiple existing sites. The instructions are further configured to cause the processor to determine a final distance based on the shortest distance. The instructions are further configured to cause the processor to set a coverage area of ​​the new site based on the final distance. The instructions are further configured to cause the processor to generate a user interface (UI) based on network performance values ​​within the coverage area of ​​the new site and the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, where generating the UI includes excluding network performance values ​​associated with the first existing site from locations within the coverage area of ​​the new site. In one embodiment, the instructions are further configured to cause the processor to determine a minimum distance between existing sites of the plurality of sites using a standard deviation of the distances between existing sites of the plurality of sites as the minimum distance. In one embodiment, the instructions are further configured to cause the processor to determine a final distance by excluding existing sites of the plurality of sites from the definition of a coverage area for the new site based on a distance from the new site to each of the plurality of existing sites. In one embodiment, the instructions are further configured to cause the processor to store the excluded network performance values ​​in an accessible database. In one embodiment, the network performance values ​​include at least one of power (RSRP), signal-to-interference / noise ratio (SINR), latency, jitter, or packet loss. In one embodiment, the instructions are further configured to cause the processor to generate an alert based on a UI indicating insufficient network performance and to instruct a transmitter to transmit the alert to a device accessible by the user.

[0063] The above outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art can better understand aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that they may readily use this disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to carry out the same purposes and / or achieve the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A method for monitoring a telecommunications network, comprising: determining whether the coverage boundary of the new site overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the first existing site; determining a shortest distance between existing sites of a plurality of existing sites in response to determining that the coverage boundary of the new site overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, wherein the first existing site is one of the plurality of existing sites; determining a final distance based on the shortest distance; establishing a coverage area for the new site based on the final distance; generating a user interface (UI) based on network performance values ​​within the coverage area of ​​the new site and the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, wherein generating the UI includes excluding network performance values ​​associated with the first existing site from locations within the coverage area of ​​the new site; A method comprising:

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining the shortest distance between the existing sites of the plurality of existing sites includes setting the shortest distance to a standard deviation of distances between the existing sites of the plurality of existing sites.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the final distance includes excluding existing sites that are a predetermined distance away from the new site from setting the coverage area of ​​the new site based on a distance from the new site to each of the plurality of existing sites.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein setting the coverage area of ​​the new site includes multiplying the final distance by a multiplier, the multiplier being less than one.

5. The method of claim 1 , further comprising storing the excluded network performance values ​​in an accessible database.

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the network performance value comprises at least one of power (RSRP), signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR), latency, jitter, or packet loss.

7. generating an alert based on the UI indicating poor network performance; sending said alert to a device accessible by the user; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

8. 1. A system for monitoring a telecommunications network, comprising: determining whether the coverage boundary of the new site overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the first existing site; determining a shortest distance between existing sites of a plurality of existing sites in response to determining that the coverage boundary of the new site overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, wherein the first existing site is one of the plurality of existing sites; determining a final distance based on the shortest distance; establishing a coverage area for the new site based on the final distance; generating a user interface (UI) based on network performance values ​​within the coverage area of ​​the new site and the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, wherein generating the UI includes excluding network performance values ​​associated with the first existing site from locations within the coverage area of ​​the new site; A system that is configured to run

9. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the system is further configured to determine the shortest distance between the existing sites among the plurality of existing sites by setting a standard deviation of distances between the existing sites among the plurality of existing sites as the shortest distance.

10. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the system is further configured to determine the final distance based on a distance from the new site to each of the plurality of existing sites by excluding existing sites that are a predetermined distance away from the new site from setting the coverage area of ​​the new site.

11. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the system is further configured to set the coverage area of ​​the new site by multiplying the final distance by a multiplier, the multiplier being less than one.

12. The system of claim 8 , wherein the system is further configured to store the excluded network performance values ​​in an accessible database.

13. The system of claim 8 , wherein the network performance values ​​include at least one of power (RSRP), signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR), latency, jitter, or packet loss.

14. The system comprises: generating an alert based on the UI indicating poor network performance; instructing a transmitter to transmit said alert to a device accessible by the user; The system of claim 8 , further configured to:

15. A computer comprising: determining whether the coverage boundary of the new site overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the first existing site; determining a shortest distance between existing sites of a plurality of existing sites in response to determining that the coverage boundary of the new site overlaps with the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, wherein the first existing site is one of the plurality of existing sites; determining a final distance based on the shortest distance; establishing a coverage area for the new site based on the final distance; generating a user interface (UI) based on network performance values ​​within the coverage area of ​​the new site and the coverage area of ​​the first existing site, wherein generating the UI includes excluding network performance values ​​associated with the first existing site from locations within the coverage area of ​​the new site; A computer program that performs the following:

16. A computer program as described in claim 15, which causes the computer to determine the shortest distance between the existing sites among the plurality of existing sites using the standard deviation of the distances between the existing sites among the plurality of existing sites as the shortest distance.

17. A computer program as described in claim 15, which causes the computer to determine the final distance by excluding existing sites that are a predetermined distance away from the new site from the setting of the coverage area of ​​the new site based on the distance from the new site to each of the plurality of existing sites.

18. The computer program of claim 15, which causes the computer to store the excluded network performance values ​​in an accessible database.

19. 16. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the network performance value comprises at least one of power (RSRP), signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR), latency, jitter, or packet loss.

20. The computer: generating an alert based on the UI indicating poor network performance; and instructing a transmitter to transmit the alert to a device accessible by a user.

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