Automatic calibration of a donor antenna

Abstract

A computerized method automatically calibrates a donor antenna. The antenna is positioned in a plurality of antenna positions, wherein the plurality of antenna positions are distributed around a full 360 degrees of rotation and wherein the antenna is positioned in each antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions for a defined time interval. Cellular signal data associated with the plurality of antenna positions is received from a cellular network device, wherein the cellular signal data includes network identification data. Network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions is generated using the received cellular signal data and a target antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions is determined using the generated network performance data and the network identification data. The antenna is then positioned in the determined target antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions.

Description

AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION OF A DONOR ANTENNABACKGROUNDModem cellular amplifiers / repeaters, routers, gateways, and / or modems are used in the consumer, residential, and commercial building markets and mobile markets to provide cellular network access to users inside of the associated buildings and / or other structures and / or vehicles. Many installations risk being flawed because the donor antenna has been improperly installed and / or aimed, resulting in a substandard performance. The use of 5G signals will only exacerbate this problem as the need for more accurate antenna placement and aiming will be paramount. SUMMARY

[0001] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0002] A computerized method for automatically calibrating a donor antenna is described. The antenna is positioned in a plurality of antenna positions, wherein the plurality of antenna positions are distributed around a full 360 degrees of rotation and wherein the antenna is positioned in each antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions for a defined time interval. Cellular signal data associated with the plurality of antenna positions is received from a cellular network device, wherein the cellular signal data includes network identification data. Network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions is generated using the received cellular signal data and a target antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions is determined using the generated network performance data and the network identification data. The antenna is then positioned in the determined target antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions.

[0003] Another method for automatically calibrating a donor antenna is described. Cellular signals associated with a plurality of antenna positions are received from an antenna. Network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions is generated using the received cellular signals. The generated network performance data is provided via a user interface, whereby a user is enabled to select an antenna position from the plurality of antenna positions based on the generated network performance data. A position selection associated with theprovided network performance data i s received and the antenna is positioned in an antenna position associated with the received position selection of the plurality of antenna positions.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The present description will be better understood from the following detailed description read considering the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0005] FIG. l is a diagram illustrating an example system configured for analyzing cellular signals and aiming an antenna in a selected direction based on the analyzed cellular signals;

[0006] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example system configured for analyzing cellular signals and aiming an antenna in a selected direction based on the analyzed cellular signals;

[0007] FIG. 3 is a flowchart that illustrates an example method for calibrating the position of an antenna using network performance data;

[0008] FIG. 4 is a flowchart that illustrates an example method for calibrating the position of an antenna based on a received position selection;

[0009] FIG. 5 is a flowchart that illustrates an example method for calibrating the position of two antennas using network performance data;

[0010] FIGs. 6A-I are diagrams illustrating example GUIs of the controller app for use with the disclosed system; and

[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates an example computing apparatus as a functional block diagram.

[0012] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings. In FIGs. 1 to 7, the systems are illustrated as schematic drawings. The drawings may not be to scale. Any of the figures may be combined into a single example or embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Aspects of the disclosure provide systems and methods for automatically calibrating a donor antenna. The antenna is rotated to each position of a plurality of antenna positions and paused to receive cellular signals in each position. The plurality of antenna positions are distributed around a 360-degree circle, such that the antenna is rotated through 360 degrees during the calibration process. Cellular signal data is determined from the received cellular signals and used to generate network performance data associated with each position and with networks from which the cellular signals were received. The network performance data is then analyzed to automatically select a position of the plurality of antenna positions and the antenna is rotated to the selected position. Cellular signals received by the antenna in the selected position are thenamplified and / or transformed to enable wireless network connectivity. Alternatively, in other examples, a user is provided at least a portion of the network performance data and enabled to select the position to which the antenna is rotated.

[0014] Aspects of the disclosure operate in an unconventional manner at least by automatically calibrating the antenna position upon installation. The antenna is positioned in a variety of different possible positions, including positions that are distributed 360 degrees around a vertical access, such that a comprehensive set of antenna aiming positions are evaluated. The antenna is then automatically positioned in one of the positions based on analysis of the network performance in all the different positions being evaluated. The automation of this process significantly reduces the time and effort needed for a user to install the antenna in an optimized position.

[0015] Further, aspects of the disclosure enable the automatic recalibration of the antenna periodically or in response to changes in network performance. For instance, the antenna is automatically recalibrated when a time interval passes, ensuring that the antenna remains in an optimized position for receiving the strongest and / or highest quality cellular signals. Additionally, in an example, the network performance of the antenna in the current position declines, which triggers an automatic recalibration process to identify a different position that has better network performance. This automatic process improves the overall performance of the antenna system over time when compared to other antenna systems that do not automatically recalibrate as described herein.

[0016] The Self Optimizing Cellular Antenna System or “SOCA” by Cellular Path is a system for the purpose of auto calibrating and aiming an externally mounted cellular antenna toward cellular towers. It is designed to optimize cellular signal strength and quality for one or more network cellular providers in conjunction with a third-party cellular repeater, amplifier, modem, router, gateway, and / or public safety hardware.

[0017] In some examples, aspects of the described system include of three primary parts: an outdoor mounted motorized antenna rotator; an indoor control box that powers and controls the external rotator as well as a CPU that processes cellular readings from all available cellular towers; and a smartphone app (e.g., for IOS and / or Android based platforms) that interfaces with the user and communicates with the indoor control box via BLUETOOTH, BLUETOOTH Low Energy (BLE), and / or Wi-Fi built-in connectivity.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example system 100 configured for analyzing cellular signals and aiming an antenna 102 in a selected direction based on the analyzed cellular signals. The system 100 includes an antenna 102 and a rotator 104 positioned in an exterior and / or remote location and connected to or otherwise in communication with an antenna controller 106 (e.g., a SOCA system). The antenna controller 106 is connected to and / or otherwise in communication with the cellular network device 108 (e.g., a router, gateway, modem, and / or amplifier / repeater) and the antenna controller 106 is configured to interact with and / or be controlled by a user device 110 that includes a controller application 112 associated with the antenna controller 106. Further, in some examples, data associated with the operation of the system 100 is stored and / or accessed from a cloud server 114 using at least the user device 110 and / or stored and / or accessed on the user device 110, antenna controller 106, or the like.

[0019] Further, in some other examples, the described system 100 includes one or more computing devices (e.g., the computing apparatus of FIG. 7) that are configured to communicate with each other via one or more communication networks (e.g., an intranet, the Internet, a cellular network, other wireless network, other wired network, or the like). In some examples, entities of the system 100 are configured to be distributed between the multiple computing devices and to communicate with each other via network connections. For example, the described calibration process is executed on a first computing device and the antenna position analysis process is located on a second computing device within the system. The first computing device and second computing device are configured to communicate with each other via network connections. Alternatively, or additionally, in some examples, other components of the described system 100 are executed on separate computing devices and those separate computing devices are configured to communicate with each other via network connections during the operation of the described system 100. In other examples, other organizations of computing devices are used to implement system 100 without departing from the description.

[0020] In some examples, the antenna 102 and the rotator 104 are configured to enable the rotator 104 to rotate the antenna 102 through a full circle (e.g., using a stepper motor, brushed motor, or other type of servo motor), such that the rotator 104 is enabled to change the direction in which the antenna 102 is pointing or aiming. In many such examples, the antenna 102 and rotator 104 are physically joined and the rotator 104 uses a motor, gearbox, and / or other mechanical device to cause the antenna 102 to rotate. Further, in some examples, the antenna 102 and rotator 104 areconfigured to cause the antenna 102 to rotate on an axis that is substantially vertical. Alternatively, in other examples, the antenna 102 and rotator 104 are configured to cause the antenna 102 to rotate on other axes and / or on multiple axes of rotation without departing from the description.

[0021] Additionally, in some examples, the exterior antenna 102 and rotator 104 are installed on the roof of the building and connected to the indoor antenna controller 106 via a coax cable, power cable, and / or other cable(s). The antenna controller 106 is connected to a power supply and a cellular network device 108 (and / or a cellular amplifier / repeater) inside the building. A mobile phone or other similar computing device (e.g., the user device 110) is in communication with the antenna controller 106 using BLUETOOTH, Wi-Fi, or other wired or wireless network connection. Controller app 112 is designed to interact with and / or control the operations of the antenna controller 106. It should be understood that, in other examples, the entities of the system 100 are arranged or organized in different ways and / or configured to interact in different ways without departing from the description.

[0022] Further, in some examples, the system 100 is configured to simplify the aiming of a directional, exterior mounted “donor” cellular antenna 102 (e.g., a Yagi-style antenna, single input single output (SISO), multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antennas, log periodic antennas, or other styles of antennas), wherein the antenna 102 is designed to repeat or amplify signals for both consumer and commercial grade cellular amplifier / repeater systems and / or cellular network devices, such as routers, gateways, and / or modems. For instance, in an example, an outdoor pole-mounted or otherwise externally mounted motorized antenna rotator 104 and cellular antenna 102 or "donor antenna” is mounted on the exterior of a residential or commercial building, a recreational vehicle (RV), emergency response vehicle, and / or mobile home. The rotator 104 is connected to the indoor antenna controller 106 by wire (e.g., a power and / or data cable) or wirelessly. The donor antenna 102 is connected to the antenna controller 106 and thereby with the cellular network device 108. In other examples, the cellular network device 108 includes or is replaced by a cellular repeater, booster, router, gateway, and / or public safety system without departing from the description. In some such examples, a cellular repeater or booster is used to amplify cellular signals and / or a cellular network device 108 is used to convert cellular signals into internet connectivity (e.g., Wi-Fi).

[0023] Additionally, it should be understood that, in some examples, the described system 100 is configured to use multiple antennas 102 (e.g., four antennas) that can each becalibrated individually, including calibration to separate cellular carriers. Further, in some examples, the described system 100 is configured to enable the tilting, raising, and / or lowering of the antenna(s) 102 as part of the described antenna orientation and / or calibration processes.

[0024] In some examples, the antenna controller 106 includes hardware, firmware, and / or software configured to interact with the antenna 102, rotator 104, cellular network device 108 and the user device 110 via the controller app 112. The antenna controller 106 instructs or otherwise causes the rotator 104 to turn the antenna 102 into a variety of positions, receives signal data from the antenna 102, analyzes or otherwise processes the received signal data, and enables the controller app 112 to display or otherwise communicate results of the signal data processing to a user or other entity. Further, in some examples, the cellular signals received by the antenna 102 are provided to the cellular network device 108, enabling the cellular network device 108 to boost the signal or otherwise enable devices near the cellular network device 108 to receive and use the cellular signals.

[0025] Further, in some examples, the antenna controller 106 includes a CPU and associated processing components that process cellular signal readings from available cellular towers. Additionally, in some examples, the firmware and / or software of the antenna controller 106 initiates an auto-calibration mode where the rotator 104 rotates the antenna 102 to multiple preset positions. From each antenna position, the antenna controller 106 uses the antenna 102 to receive one or more cellular signals. The received cellular signals are analyzed for characteristics thereof to generate signal data. The signal data is stored by the antenna controller 106 and / or in the cloud server 114. The rotator 104 then moves the antenna 102 to the next preset position. This process is repeated until signal data has been collected for each position and stored. Once the entire auto-calibration process is complete, the signal data, or a summary representation thereof, is transferred to the controller app 112 where it is processed and evaluated. Alternatively, in some examples, the signal data is provided directly to the controller app 112. In some such examples, the controller app 112 is further configured to store the signal data and / or other data associated with the antenna calibration in the cloud server 114.

[0026] A user of the user device 110 and / or other entity (e.g., another software process) is enabled to select a single cellular carrier, multiple cellular carriers, or all cellular carriers (e.g., T-MOBILE, AT&T, or VERIZON) based on personal preference and / or an antenna position ranking system. Once selected, the antenna controller 106 calibrates the rotator 104, causing therotator 104 to move the antenna 102 into a position associated with the selection made. Further, in some examples, a user of the user device 110 can also manually select an antenna position and / or fine tune the antenna for maximum performance. In some such examples, fine tuning of the antenna is performed automatically by the system 100 without departing from the description.

[0027] Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples, components of the system 100 are connected using coaxial cables which provide shielding, maintain signal strength, and reduce interference compared to other cable types. Alternatively, other types of cables are used to connect components of the system 100 in combination with or instead of coaxial cables without departing from the description.

[0028] In some examples, the antenna controller 106 in combination with the antenna 102 and rotator 104, through use of a cellular module, is capable of “listening” and / or measuring the following cellular bands for Global usage, including Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), North America, Asia Pacific (APAC), and Latin America (LATAM) and covering bands Bl, B2, B3, B4, B5, B7, B8, B8 US B9, B12, B13, B14, B18, B19, B20, B25, B26 and B28. Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples, a version of the system 100 is configured for use in North America covering bands: B2, B4, B5, B12, B13, B14, B66 and B71. For instance, in an example, the system 100 is configured for use in public safety, AT&T, FIRSTNET, T-MOBILE, and VERIZON.

[0029] Further, in some examples, the system 100 is configured for remote monitoring and external control capabilities. The system 100 is configured to receive, categorize, and / or log cellular signal characteristics including Carrier ID, Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Signal to Noise Ratio (e.g., Ec / Io), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Band, and / or DL Frequency. The system 100 is configured with signal analytics software to select a signal based on multiple criteria, including Carrier ID, RSRP, Ec / Io, RSRQ, RSSI, Band, and / or DL Frequency. In other examples, more, fewer, or different types of cellular information are used without departing from the description. In some examples, the system 100 is configured to work independently of any Carrier Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Card. Additionally, in some examples, the system 100 includes a chip or module (e.g., integrated into the antenna controller 106 and / or the cellular network device 108) that enables the reading of cellular frequencies without a SIM card (e.g., a TELIT Module such as an LE910C1-WWXD for global usage and LE910C1-NFD for North American usage). Alternatively, in other examples, thesystem 100 is configured to use SIM card(s) and / or eSIM card(s) to identify and / or process cellular signals as described herein.

[0030] Alternatively, in some examples, the antenna controller 106 is configured to provide instructions to and / or otherwise interact with the rotator 104 to position the antenna 102 while the antenna controller 106 relies on the cellular network device 108 to receive signal data from the antenna 102 and analyze or otherwise process the received signal data. In such examples, the processed signal data is provided to the antenna controller 106 for use as described herein. Thus, in these examples, the antenna controller 106 need not include the cellular transceiver and / or other associated hardware, firmware, and / or software that enables a device to identify and / or otherwise process cellular signal data.

[0031] In some examples, the controller app 112 is configured to process collected signal data, display processed signal data, and / or enable a user of the user device 110 or other entity to select an antenna 102 position based on the processed signal data. Further, in some examples, the controller app 112 is configured to analyze the collected signal data and to generate a recommendation of a satellite position based on that analysis, whereby a user of the user device 110 is enabled select the antenna 102 position based on the recommendation. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller app 112 is configured to automatically cause the system 100 to select a recommended antenna 102 position and to rotate the antenna 102 to that recommended antenna 102 position based on previously provided rules and / or preferences from a user of the user device 110.

[0032] Further, in some examples, the controller app 112 is a smartphone app for IOS and / or Android-based platforms. Alternatively, or additionally, in some examples, the controller app 112 is another type of software application executed on a computing device such as the user device 110. The controller app 112 interfaces with a user and serves as a remote control for the antenna controller 106 via BLUETOOTH, Wi-Fi, or other types of network connectivity method. A user of the user device 110 is enabled to interact with and / or control the antenna controller 106 via the controller app 112.

[0033] In some examples, the cloud server 114 includes hardware, firmware, and / or software configured to store data received from the antenna controller 106 and / or the user device 110. Further, the cloud server 114 is configured to enable the antenna controller 106 and / or the user device 110 to access stored data, such as collected signal data.

[0034] For instance, in an example, the outdoor motorized antenna component (e.g., the antenna 102 and rotator 104) includes the following features. An exterior mounted rotational motor (e.g., rotator 104) enables 360-degree multi-positioning of the outdoor cellular antenna 102 from the indoor antenna controller 106. The rotator 104 and antenna controller 106 are connected via a multi-conductor cable that carries the electrical voltage and control signals from the indoor antenna controller 106 to the outdoor rotator 104. The rotator 104 and antenna controller 106 are configured to include 12 preset stopping points or positions (30-degree increments) and to enable micro adjustments between those positions for fine-tuning. The antenna controller 106 is configured to control the outdoor rotator 104 and to include a motor controller, signal processing, and ETHERNET components (e.g., integrated circuit (IC) boards). The software of the antenna controller 106 and / or the controller app 112 is configured to automatically perform auto-calibration processes, as described herein, that display information about signals at each antenna position and / or recommend the best antenna positioning for single cellular carriers and / or multiple cellular carriers based on at least one of signal quality and / or signal strength. The software is configured to sort and display calibration results to include generation (e.g., cellular technology generations such as 3G, 4G, and / or 5G), carrier, signal strength, and signal quality, as well as recommended antenna positioning. The software is configured to enable user-defined filters, rules, or other input to select / de-select carriers, bands, and / or generations of signals. The software is configured to provide an antenna position display with automated or touch-to- select manual tuning options and a manual fine-tuning option.

[0035] Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples, the control box of the antenna controller 106 includes a connection from the donor antenna 102, a connection to the cellular network device 108, and external BLUETOOTH antenna, power or indicator lights, wall mount tabs, a heat sink component and / or vent component for heat reduction, a wire connector, and / or a power port (e.g., ETHERNET port for Power over ETHERNET (PoE) power supply and internet connectivity or a standard power port for external power supply and use of Wi-Fi for internet connectivity).

[0036] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example system 200 configured for analyzing cellular signals and aiming an antenna 202 in a selected direction based on the analyzed cellular signals. The system 200 includes an antenna 202 and a rotator 204 positioned in an exterior location and connected to or otherwise in communication with a cellular network device 208 (e.g.,a router, gateway, modem, and / or amplifier / repeater) which includes and / or is configured to operate as an antenna controller 206. The cellular network device 208 and / or antenna controller 206 are configured to interact with and / or be controlled by a user device 210 that includes a controller application 212 associated with the antenna controller 206. Further, in some examples, data associated with the operation of the system 200 is stored and / or accessed from a cloud server 214 using at least the user device 210. It should be understood that, in some examples, the system 200 and components thereof are configured to operate in substantially the same ways as the system 100 as described above with respect to FIG. 1.

[0037] Further, in some examples, the antenna controller 206 is integrated with the cellular network device 208 as a component thereof. The cellular network device 208 further includes a cellular transceiver or other similar device that enables the reading of cellular frequencies without a SIM card (e.g., a TELIT Module) and the antenna controller 206 is configured to interact with other components of the cellular network device 208 to use that chip or module when collecting cellular signal data from the antenna 202. Thus, the antenna controller 206 is not configured to include a TELIT module or another similar module as it is configured to leverage the existing module of the cellular network device 208.

[0038] Alternatively, in some examples, the antenna controller 206 is a firmware and / or software component installed or otherwise included in the cellular network device 208, wherein the antenna controller 206 configures the cellular network device 208 to perform the antenna controller operations described herein using hardware of the cellular network device 208 (e.g., a TELIT module, processing resources, memory resources, and the like). In such examples, the cellular network device 208 is configured by the antenna controller 206 firmware and / or software to interact with the user device 210 and associated controller app 212, the rotator 204, the antenna 202, and the cloud server 214 as described herein.

[0039] It should be understood that while FIGs. 1 and 2 illustrate systems 100 and 200 with externally mounted antennas and internally positioned antenna controllers 106 and cellular network devices 108, in other examples, some or all of the components of systems 100 and / or 200 are positioned externally without departing from the description.

[0040] Further, in some examples, the systems 100 and / or 200 are mounted on or otherwise used in association with a recreational vehicle (RV) or otherwise used in a mobile application.

[0041] Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples, the systems 100 and / or 200 are configured to perform auto-calibration processes (e.g., methods 300, 400, and / or 500 or the like) periodically (e.g., daily, weekly, or monthly) to ensure that the antenna 102 is in an optimized or otherwise desired position.

[0042] Further, while many examples herein describe the use of antennas that are manufactured and / or otherwise configured for sending and receiving cellular signals, in other examples, the systems 100 and / or 200 are configured to use antennas that are configured for sending and / or receiving other types of signals, such as Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) or satellite-based signals (e.g., STARLINK). In some such examples, the systems 100 and / or 200 are configured to enable the use of NTN antennas and cellular antennas in combination, allowing for satellite to cellular failover to be achieved efficiently.

[0043] It should be understood that, in some embodiments of the described systems and methods, the antenna controller 106 includes an onboard cellular network device that is capable of identifying and / or measuring cellular signals. The antenna controller 106 performs the required processing on cellular signals to perform the operations described herein. Alternatively, in other embodiments of the described systems and methods, the antenna controller 106 does not include an onboard cellular network device. Instead, the antenna controller 106 is configured to interact with a separate cellular network device, causing the separate cellular network device to perform the required processing on cellular signals to perform the operations described herein. In yet other embodiments of the described systems and methods, operations performed by the antenna controller 106 are instead performed by a cellular network device in combination with the other described components (e.g., the antenna 102, the rotator 104, and the controller app 112). Further, in still other embodiments, other organizations or arrangements of the components described herein are used without departing from the description.

[0044] Additionally, or alternatively, it should be understood that while many examples herein describe the systems 100 and / or 200 including a cellular network device (e.g., a router, gateway, and / or modem), in other examples, the systems 100 and / or 200 include a cellular amplifier / repeater instead of or in addition to the cellular network device without departing from the description.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a flowchart that illustrates an example method 300 for calibrating the position of an antenna 102 using network performance data. In some examples, the method 300 isexecuted or otherwise performed by or in association with a system such as systems 100 and / or 200 of FIGs. 1 and / or 2. Further, it should be understood that, in some examples, method 300 includes details of examples described herein with respect to methods 400 and 500 of FIGs. 4 and 5 without departing from the description.

[0046] At 302, an antenna is caused to be positioned in a plurality of antenna positions. In some examples, the antenna 102 is rotated or otherwise moved into the plurality of antenna positions by the rotator 104 as described herein. In an example, the rotator 104 rotates the antenna 102 to 12 positions in a circle. Further, in some examples, the antenna controller 106 controls the rotator 104 to cause it to rotate or otherwise move the antenna 102.

[0047] Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples, the antenna is caused to be positioned at each antenna position and then the antenna receives one or more cellular signals associated with each antenna position for a defined time interval. The received cellular signals are then processed as described below.

[0048] At 304, cellular signal data associated with the plurality of antenna positions are received from a cellular network device. In some examples, cellular signals associated with the cellular signal data are received by the antenna 102 in each position of the plurality of antenna positions and those cellular signals are provided to a cellular network device which can identify and / or otherwise process the cellular signals into cellular signal data so that it can be used in the generation of network performance data. Further, in some examples, the cellular signal data includes network identification data which is determined by the cellular network device. The network identification data includes indicators of cellular carrier networks with which the cellular signals of the cellular signal data are associated (e.g., indicators that indicate that a first cellular signal is associated with a first cellular carrier and that a second cellular signal is associated with a second cellular carrier).

[0049] At 306, network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions is generated using the received cellular signal data. In some examples, the network performance data includes Carrier ID, Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Signal to Noise Ratio (e.g., Ec / Io), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI), Band, and / or DL Frequency. In other examples, other types of network performance data are generated. Further, in some examples, the network performance data includes determined performance metric data values and the determined performance metric data valuesare stored in association with the antenna positions and identifiers of the cellular signals with which the cellular signal data is associated. Thus, the performance metric data values are linked with cellular signal identifiers and antenna positions, enabling the evaluation of antenna positions as described herein.

[0050] Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples, a cellular carrier selection indicating a cellular carrier is received. In some such examples, a user is prompted to select one or more cellular carriers for which to evaluate the plurality of antenna positions. A subset of the received cellular signal data associated with the cellular carrier is identified and the network performance data is generated using the identified subset of the received cellular signal data, whereby the generated network performance data is indicative of performance of cellular signal data from the cellular carrier in the plurality of antenna positions.

[0051] At 308, a target antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions is determined using the generated network performance data. In some examples, determining the target antenna position includes comparing the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions to a position selection rule and then determining the target antenna position based on that comparison. In an example, the position selection rule requires that the target antenna position have a signal strength that exceeds a defined threshold and / or a signal strength that is the highest signal strength when compared to signal strengths observed in all other antenna positions. Further, it should be understood that, in other examples, more and / or different position selection rules are used to determine the target antenna position without departing from the description.

[0052] At 310, the antenna is caused to be positioned in the determined target antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions. In some examples, the antenna controller 106 controls the rotator 104 to position the antenna 102 in the determined target antenna position. Further, in some examples, after the antenna is positioned in the determined target antenna position, cellular signals that are received by the antenna 102 are provided to the cellular network device, amplifier / repeater, or public safety device for use as described herein.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a flowchart that illustrates an example method 400 for calibrating the position of an antenna 102 based on a received position selection. In some examples, the method 400 is executed or otherwise performed by or in association with a system such as systems 100 and / or 200 of FIGs. 1 and / or 2. Further, it should be understood that, in some examples, method400 includes details of examples described herein with respect to methods 300 and 500 of FIGs. 3 and 5 without departing from the description.

[0054] At 402, cellular signals associated with a plurality of antenna positions are received from an antenna. In some examples, the antenna 102 is rotated, moved, or otherwise positioned by a rotator 104 and the cellular signals are received by the antenna 102 in each antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions, as described herein.

[0055] At 404, network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions is generated using the received cellular signals. In some examples, the received cellular signals are processed (e.g., by the antenna controller 106, the cellular network device 108, or the like) to generate the network performance data. Further, in some examples, the generated network performance data includes metrics and / or values such as Carrier ID, RSRP, Signal to Noise Ratio (e g., Ec / Io), RSRQ, RSSI, Band, and / or DL Frequency. In other examples, more, fewer, or different types of network performance data are generated without departing from the description.

[0056] Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples, a cellular carrier selection indicating a cellular carrier is received (e.g., as input from a user or other entity). Generating the network performance data includes identifying a subset of the received cellular signals associated with the cellular carrier and generating the network performance data using the identified subset of the received cellular signals, whereby the generated network performance data is indicative of performance of cellular signals from the cellular carrier in the plurality of antenna positions.

[0057] Further, in some examples, generating the network performance data includes identifying a cellular signal of the received cellular signals associated with an antenna position using a cellular network device, determining a performance metric data value of the identified cellular signal, and recording the determined performance metric data value in association with the antenna position and an identifier of the identified cellular signal as part of the generated network performance data.

[0058] Alternatively, or additionally, in some examples, generating the network performance data includes requesting identification of the received cellular signals associated with an antenna position from a cellular network device, receiving an identifier of an identified cellular signal from the cellular network device in response to requesting identification, determining a performance metric data value of the identified cellular signal, and recording the determinedperformance metric data value in association with the antenna position and an identified cellular signal as part of the generated network performance data.

[0059] At 406, the generated network performance data is caused to be provided via a user interface. In some examples, the generated network performance data, or a summary representation thereof, is caused to be displayed using the controller app 112 (e.g., as illustrated in the example GUIs 600A-I of FIGs. 6A-I). Alternatively, or additionally, the generated network performance data is provided via a user interface associated with another device of the system (e g., the antenna controller 106 or cellular network device 108) without departing from the description.

[0060] At 408, a position selection is received, wherein the position selection is received from or in association with the user interface. In some examples, the received position selection includes an indicator of an antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions and wherein causing the antenna to be positioned includes causing the antenna to be positioned in the antenna position associated with the indicator of the received position selection.

[0061] Alternatively, or additionally, in some examples, the position selection includes an indicator of a selected cellular carrier. In some such examples, causing the antenna to be positioned includes identifying a subset of cellular signals associated with the selected cellular carrier from the received cellular signals, comparing generated network performance data associated with the identified subset of cellular signals, and selecting an antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions based on the comparing of the generated network performance data.

[0062] At 410, the antenna is caused to be positioned in an antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions associated with the received position selection. In some examples, the rotator 104 is again used to rotate, move, or otherwise position the antenna 102 in the antenna position as described herein.

[0063] Further, in some examples, cellular signals received by the antenna in the antenna position associated with the received position selection are emitted in an interior area (e.g., by an amplifier, cellular network device 108, or the like). Devices in the interior area are enabled to receive the emitted cellular signals.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a flowchart that illustrates an example method 500 for calibrating the position of two antennas 102 using network performance data. In some examples, the method 500 is executed or otherwise performed by or in association with a system such as systems 100 and / or200 of FIGs. 1 and / or 2. Further, it should be understood that, in some examples, method 500 includes details of examples described above with respect to methods 300 and 400 of FIGs. 3 and 4 without departing from the description.

[0065] At 502, a first antenna and a second antenna are caused to be positioned in a plurality of antenna positions. Further, in some examples, more and / or different antennas are caused to be positioned in the plurality of antenna positions (e.g., four antennas). Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples, each antenna is manufactured or otherwise configured to receive different types of cellular signals and / or other types of signals without departing from the description. In some such examples, the first antenna is caused to be positioned in a first subset of antenna positions of the plurality of antenna positions while the second antenna is caused to be positioned in a second subset of antenna positions of the plurality of antenna positions, wherein the first subset and second subset do not overlap. Alternatively, in other examples, the first subset and second subset include one or more shared antenna positions without departing from the description.

[0066] At 504, cellular signal data associated with the plurality of antenna positions is received from a cellular network device. In some examples, the cellular network device is part of or integrated with the antenna controller 106 and, in other examples, the cellular network device is separate from the antenna controller 106 (e.g., the cellular network device 108). Further, in some examples, the received cellular data includes subsets of data associated with both the first antenna in each antenna position and the second antenna in each antenna position.

[0067] Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples, multiple cellular network devices are used in the described systems and methods. For instance, in an example, cellular signal data is received from a first cellular network device and a second cellular network device and receiving the cellular signal data associated with the plurality of antenna positions from the at least one cellular network device includes receiving cellular signal data associated with the first antenna from the first cellular network device and receiving cellular signal data associated with the second antenna from the second cellular device. In other examples, more and / or different arrangements of cellular network devices and / or amplifiers / repeaters are used without departing from the description.

[0068] At 506, network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions is generated using the cellular signal data. In some examples, generating the networkperformance data is performed in substantially the same ways as described herein. Further, in some examples, values of the network performance data are associated with an identifier of the antenna with which the associated cellular signal data was received, such that network performance data values are linked to the source antennas thereof.

[0069] At 508, a first target antenna position of the first antenna and a second target antenna position of the second antenna are determined using the generated network performance data. In some examples, the first target antenna position and the second target antenna position are determined using the same method. Alternatively, in other examples, the first target antenna position is determined using a first method (e.g., comparison to a first rule threshold) and the second target antenna position is determined using a second method (e.g., comparison to a second rule threshold).

[0070] At 510, the first antenna is caused to be positioned in the determined first target antenna position and the second antenna is caused to be positioned in the determined second target antenna position.

[0071] Additionally, or alternatively, it should be understood that while many examples herein describe the methods 300, 400, and / or 500 using or otherwise interacting with a cellular network device (e.g., a router, gateway, and / or modem), in other examples, the methods 300, 400, and / or 500 use or otherwise interact with a cellular amplifier / repeater instead of or in addition to the cellular network device without departing from the description.

[0072] Additionally, or alternatively, in some examples, aspects of the disclosed systems and methods include the following operations and / or processes. A user initiates a system optimization cycle of the system 100 via the controller app 112 interface. The external mounted antenna 102 is re-positioned to 12 positions using the rotator 104. In other examples, more, fewer, or different antenna 102 positions are used. For each position, cellular signal data is collected and stored. A series of events or operations are performed wherein the system 100 (e.g., the antenna controller 106, cellular network device 108, and / or controller app 112) assigns a unique identifier to each reading taken at each of the 12 positions (see examples of 12 positions assigned letters in at least FIGs. 6A-I described below). Data for all 12 positions is sorted into groups based on associated wireless technologies (e.g., 3G, 4G / LTE, 5G, and / or other types of wireless technology). Data is analyzed and / or “scored” based on unique characteristics that have been assigned a scoring number. In some such examples, the characteristics include signal strengthcharacteristics (RSRP and / or RSSI) and / or signal quality characteristics (RSRQ and / or EC / IO). The scores for both signal strength and signal quality are combined and sorted into carrier groups from high score to low score. Results are displayed within the UI of the controller app 112 where the user can elect automatically or manually select whether to rotate the antenna 102 to the best antenna position or a selected antenna position for enhanced results. It should be understood that, in other examples, the possible position range of the antenna is divided into more, fewer, or different positions at which network performance data is collected without departing from the description.

[0073] Further, in some examples, calculating a score of an antenna position includes the following processes. The antenna controller 106 causes the antenna 102 to turn to the position. The carriers to be scored are determined by the antenna controller 106. The controller 106 causes the antenna 102 to collect network performance data from the determined carriers the position. The collected network performance data is then stored by the controller 106 in association with the identifier of the position (e.g., in a cloud server 114). A network performance data value is used to determine a position score sub-value. In some examples, the performance data value is compared to a set of data value ranges that are mapped to position score sub-values (e.g., Tables 1 and 2). Further, in some examples, multiple position score sub-values are determined from a plurality of network performance data values. The one or more position score sub-values are combined (e.g., by generating an average or weighted average) to form a position score value of the position.Table 1.Table 2.

[0074] Table 1 illustrates example performance data value ranges for 3G technology and associated scores that are used when generating a score for an antenna position as described above. Table 2 illustrates example performance data value ranges for 4G technology and associated scores that are used when generating a score for an antenna position as described above. Ranges of network performance data values are mapped to score values from 0 to 10, wherein higher score values are associated with higher signal strength and / or higher signal quality than lower score values. It should be understood that, in other examples, more, fewer, or different score values are used and / or more, fewer, or different network performance data value ranges and / or different types of wireless technology (e.g., 5G) are used.

[0075] Additionally, in some examples, the generated position score value includes multiple sub-values associated with the multiple carriers being analyzed. For instance, if two different carriers are being analyzed, the generated position score value includes two sub-values; one sub-value for each of the two carriers.

[0076] In some examples, position score values of multiple positions are compared. One or more positions with higher score values (or score values that otherwise indicate the one or more positions have higher signal strength and / or signal quality than other positions) are identified and recommended to a user. Additionally, or alternatively, the resulting position score values are displayed or otherwise provided to a user as described herein.

[0077] Further, in some examples, the collected network performance data is divided between types of wireless technologies (e.g., 3G, 4G / LTE, 5G, and / or other wireless technologies) and score values are generated for each wireless technology separately. The score values are then analyzed and / or provided separately as described herein.

[0078] Additionally, in some examples, the combination of sub-values into position score values use weights or factor values. For instance, in an example, a position score value is generated by combining a first sub-value associated with a signal strength data value and a second sub-value associated with a signal quality data value. In some examples, the first sub-value is multiplied by a first weight value and the second sub-value is multiplied by a second weight value and the resulting values are added together to form the position score value. The first and second weight values are defined in such a way to determine how much effect each of the sub-values has on the resulting position score value. For instance, in an example, the first weight value is 0.3 and the second weight value is 0.7, such that the first sub-value accounts for 30% of the position score value and the second sub-value accounts for 70% of the position score value. In other examples, more, fewer, or different sub-values and / or more, fewer, or different weight values are used to generate the position score values without departing from the description.

[0079] In some examples, when two positions have tying position score values, the tie is broken using one or more tie-break rules. For instance, in an example, a tie-break rule is defined such that a tied position with a higher RSSI value or higher RSRP value is considered to have a higher score than a tied position with a lower RSSI value or lower RSRP value. In some examples, more and / or different tie-break rules are defined for use in breaking ties between positions (e.g.,tied positions are arranged in letter designation order, such as position A is placed before position B).

[0080] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example GUI 600A of the controller app 112 for use with the disclosed system. Three screens are illustrated, including a sign in screen including a username prompt 602, a password prompt 604, and a login button 606. A user of the controller app 112 is enabled to log in to the controller app 112 using these components. The screen further includes a register button 608 enabling a user to register to use the controller app 112 and a forgotten password button 610 enabling a user to recover access to the controller app 112 in the event of a forgotten password.

[0081] FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example GUI 600B of the controller app 112 for use with the disclosed system. The GUI 600B includes a “welcome to app” text 612 that welcomes a user to use the controller app 112 after logging in. The setup button 614 enables the user to begin the setup process and the “signed in as” text 616 notifies the user of the username or other identifier that the user is currently using.

[0082] FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating an example GUI 600C of the controller app 112 for use with the disclosed system. The GUI 600C includes a setup steps list 618 that lists the steps through which the user will be guided during the setup process. It should be understood that, in other examples, more, fewer, and / or different steps are included in the setup steps list without departing from the description. Further, in some examples, one or more of the steps are categorized as required and / or optional. The start button 620 enables the user to begin the setup process after the user has reviewed the setup steps list 618 or is otherwise ready to begin the setup process.

[0083] FIG. 6D is a diagram illustrating an example GUI 600D of the controller app 112 for use with the disclosed system. The GUI 600D includes external hardware installation images 622 that visually guide the user in how to install the external hardware of the system (e.g., the antenna 102 and rotator 104). Additionally, the GUI 600D includes external hardware installation instructions 624 that provide written instructions to guide the user in how to install the external hardware of the system. In some examples, the images 622 and instructions 624 are synchronized with each other and / or dynamically updated as the user completes steps of the installation process. The GUI 600D further includes a next button 626 that enables the user to proceed to the next step of the external hardware installation process and / or to proceed to the antenna positioning step.Alternatively, in some examples, the antenna positioning step is optional and can be skipped using the next button 626 or other similar GUI component.

[0084] FIG. 6E is a diagram illustrating an example GUI 600E of the controller app 112 for use with the disclosed system. The GUI 600E includes antenna position images 628 that visually guide the user in how to initially position the antenna 102. Additionally, the GUI 600E includes antenna position instructions 630 that provide written instructions to guide the user in how to install the external hardware of the system. In some examples, the images 628 and instructions 630 are synchronized with each other and / or dynamically updated as the user completes steps of the antenna positioning process. The GUI 600E further includes a next button 632 that enables the user to proceed to the next step of the external hardware installation process and / or to proceed to the antenna positioning step.

[0085] FIG. 6F is a diagram illustrating an example GUI 600F of the controller app 112 for use with the disclosed system. The GUI 600F includes internal hardware installation images 634 that visually guide the user in how to install the internal hardware (e.g., the antenna controller 106). Additionally, the GUI 600F includes internal hardware installation instructions 636 that provide written instructions to guide the user in how to install the external hardware of the system. In some examples, the images 634 and instructions 636 are synchronized with each other and / or dynamically updated as the user completes steps of the installation process. The GUI 600F further includes a next button 638 that enables the user to proceed to the next step of the external hardware installation process and / or to proceed to the antenna positioning step.

[0086] FIG. 6G is a diagram illustrating an example GUI 600G of the controller app 112 for use with the disclosed system. The GUI 600G includes connect and register instructions 640 that guide the user in how to connect to and / or register the SOCA system. Further, the GUI 600G includes a connect button 642 that enables the user to initiate the connection process of the SOCA system. In other examples, more, fewer, or different components are included in the GUI 600Gto enable the user to connect and / or register the SOCA system.

[0087] FIG. 6H is a diagram illustrating an example GUI 600H of the controller app 112 for use with the disclosed system. The GUI 600H includes configuration and calibration instructions 644 that guide the user in how to configure and / or calibrate the SOCA system. Further, the GUI 600H includes configuration settings 646 that can be selected and / or entered by the user, such as cell carrier settings 648, auto-calibration settings 650, and / or alerts settings 652. In otherexamples, more, fewer, or different configuration settings 646 are included in the GUI 600H without departing from the description. The GUI 600H includes a next button 654 that enables the user to proceed to the next set of configuration settings 646 and / or to the calibration process illustrated in FIG. 61.

[0088] FIG. 61 is a diagram illustrating an example GUI 6001 of the controller app 112 for use with the disclosed system. The GUI 6001 includes a network performance display section 656. The network performance display section 656 displays graphics that illustrate the results of the calibration of the SOCA system for each of 12 antenna positions A-L. As illustrated, the displayed network performance data is associated with a cellular carrier A 658 and a cellular carrier B 660. The GUI 6001 illustrates a mid-calibration process state, such that only some of the antenna positions have been analyzed. The GUI 6001 includes a calibration progress box 662 that demonstrates the current progress of the calibration process visually (e g., the bar fills incrementally as the calibration process proceeds).

[0089] FIG. 6J is a diagram illustrating an example GUI 600J of the controller app 112 for use with the disclosed system. The GUI 600J includes the network performance display section 656. The network performance display section 656 displays graphics that illustrate the results of the calibration of the SOCA system for each of 12 antenna positions A-L. As illustrated, the displayed network performance data is complete because the calibration process is finished. The displayed network performance data is associated with a cellular carrier A 658 and a cellular carrier B 660. The GUI 600J includes a results box 664 that displays result data for some or all of the 12 antenna positions. Antenna positions A-C are illustrated but in other examples, more, fewer, or different antenna positions and associated network performance data are displayed without departing from the description.Exemplary Operating Environment

[0090] The present disclosure is operable with a computing apparatus according to an embodiment as a functional block diagram 700 in FIG. 7. In an example, components of a computing apparatus 718 are implemented as a part of an electronic device according to one or more embodiments described in this specification. The computing apparatus 718 comprises one or more processors 719 which may be microprocessors, controllers, or any other suitable type of processors for processing computer executable instructions to control the operation of theelectronic device. Alternatively, or in addition, the processor 719 is any technology capable of executing logic or instructions, such as a hard-coded machine. In some examples, platform software comprising an operating system 720 or any other suitable platform software is provided on the apparatus 718 to enable application software 721 to be executed on the device. In some examples, automatically calibrating a donor antenna to optimize cellular signal strength and / or quality as described herein is accomplished by software, hardware, and / or firmware.

[0091] In some examples, computer executable instructions are provided using any computer-readable media that is accessible by the computing apparatus 718. Computer-readable media include, for example, computer storage media such as a memory 722 and communications media. Computer storage media, such as a memory 722, include volatile and non-volatile, removable, and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules or the like. Computer storage media include, but are not limited to, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read- Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), persistent memory, phase change memory, flash memory or other memory technology, Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD- ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, shingled disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other nontransmission medium that can be used to store information for access by a computing apparatus. In contrast, communication media may embody computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or the like in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave, or other transport mechanism. As defined herein, computer storage media does not include communication media. Therefore, a computer storage medium does not include a propagating signal. Propagated signals are not examples of computer storage media. Although the computer storage medium (the memory 722) is shown within the computing apparatus 718, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, that, in some examples, the storage is distributed or located remotely and accessed via a network or other communication link (e.g., using a communication interface 723).

[0092] Further, in some examples, the computing apparatus 718 comprises an input / output controller 724 configured to output information to one or more output devices 725, for example a display or a repeater, which are separate from or integral to the electronic device. Additionally, or alternatively, the input / output controller 724 is configured to receive and process an input fromone or more input devices 726, for example, a keyboard, a microphone, or a touchpad. In one example, the output device 725 also acts as the input device. An example of such a device is a touch sensitive display. The input / output controller 724 may also output data to devices other than the output device. In some examples, a user provides input to the input device(s) 726 and / or receives output from the output device(s) 725.

[0093] The functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. According to an embodiment, the computing apparatus 718 is configured by the program code when executed by the processor 719 to execute the embodiments of the operations and functionality described. Alternatively, or in addition, the functionality described herein can be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, and without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Program-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), Graphics Processing Units (GPUs).

[0094] At least a portion of the functionality of the various elements in the figures may be performed by other elements in the figures, or an entity (e.g., processor, web service, server, application program, computing device, or the like) not shown in the figures.

[0095] Although described in connection with an exemplary computing system environment, examples of the disclosure are capable of implementation with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments, configurations, or devices.

[0096] Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations that are suitable for use with aspects of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, mobile or portable computing devices (e.g., smartphones), personal computers, server computers, hand-held (e.g., tablet) or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, gaming consoles or controllers, microprocessor-based systems, set top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, mobile telephones, mobile computing and / or communication devices in wearable or accessory form factors (e.g., watches, glasses, headsets, or earphones), network PCs, minicomputers, mainframe computers, distributed computing environments that include any of the above systems or devices, and the like. In general, the disclosure is operable with any device with processing capability such that it can execute instructions such as those described herein. Such systems ordevices accept input from the user in any way, including from input devices such as a keyboard or pointing device, via gesture input, proximity input (such as by hovering), and / or via voice input.

[0097] Examples of the disclosure may be described in the general context of computerexecutable instructions, such as program modules, executed by one or more computers or other devices in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. The computer-executable instructions may be organized into one or more computer-executable components or modules. Generally, program modules include, but are not limited to, routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Aspects of the disclosure may be implemented with any number and organization of such components or modules. For example, aspects of the disclosure are not limited to the specific computer-executable instructions, or the specific components or modules illustrated in the figures and described herein. Other examples of the disclosure include different computer-executable instructions or components having more or less functionality than illustrated and described herein.

[0098] In examples involving a general-purpose computer, aspects of the disclosure transform the general -purpose computer into a special-purpose computing device when configured to execute the instructions described herein.

[0099] An example system comprises a processor; and a memory comprising computer program code, the memory and the computer program code configured to cause the processor to: cause an antenna to be positioned in a plurality of antenna positions, wherein the plurality of antenna positions are distributed around a full 360 degrees of rotation and wherein the antenna is positioned in each antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions for a defined time interval; receive cellular signal data associated with the plurality of antenna positions from a cellular network device, wherein the cellular signal data includes network identification data; generate network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions using the received cellular signal data; determine a target antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions using the generated network performance data and the network identification data; and cause the antenna to be positioned in the determined target antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions.

[0100] An example computerized method comprises receiving cellular signals associated with a plurality of antenna positions from an antenna; generating network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions using the received cellular signals; causing the generated network performance data to be provided via a user interface, whereby a user is enabledto select an antenna position from the plurality of antenna positions based on the generated network performance data; receiving a position selection associated with the provided network performance data; and causing the antenna to be positioned in an antenna position associated with the received position selection of the plurality of antenna positions.

[0101] One or more computer storage media having computer-executable instructions that, upon execution by a processor, case the processor to at least: cause a first antenna and a second antenna to be positioned in a plurality of antenna positions; receive cellular signal data associated with the plurality of antenna positions from at least one cellular network device; generate network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions using the received cellular signal data; determine a first target antenna position of the first antenna and a second target antenna position of the second antenna using the generated network performance data; and cause the first antenna to be positioned in the determined first target antenna position and the second antenna to be positioned in the determined second target antenna position.

[0102] Alternatively, or in addition to the other examples described herein, examples include any combination of the following:-wherein the memory and the computer program code are configured to further cause the processor to: receive a cellular carrier selection indicating a cellular carrier; and wherein generating the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions includes: identifying a subset of the received cellular signal data associated with the cellular carrier using the network identification data; and generating the network performance data using the identified subset of the received cellular signal data, whereby the generated network performance data is indicative of performance of cellular signal data from the cellular carrier in the plurality of antenna positions.-wherein the cellular network device includes at least one of a cellular router, a cellular gateway, a cellular modem, and a cellular amplifier / repeater; and wherein the memory and the computer program code are configured to further cause the processor to cause the cellular network device to enable network connectivity using cellular signal data from the antenna positions in the determined target antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions.-wherein determining the target antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions using the generated network performance data and the network identification dataincludes: comparing the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions to a position selection rule; and determining the target antenna position based on the comparing.-wherein the position selection rule includes a threshold associated with a performance data metric of the network performance data; wherein comparing the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions to the position selection rule includes comparing performance data metric values of the performance data metric to the threshold of the position selection rule; and wherein determining the target antenna position based on the comparing includes identifying an antenna position associated with a performance data metric value that satisfies the threshold of the position selection rule as the target antenna position.-wherein causing the antenna to be positioned in a plurality of antenna positions includes: causing the antenna to be positioned at a first antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions; receiving cellular signal data associated with the first antenna position from the antenna for a defined time interval; causing the antenna to be positioned at a second antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions; receiving cellular signal data associated with the second antenna position from the antenna for the defined time interval; and storing the received cellular signal data associated with the first antenna position and the received cellular signal data associated with the second antenna position in a data store for use when generating network performance data.-further comprising: receiving a cellular carrier selection indicating a cellular carrier; and wherein generating the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions includes: identifying a subset of the received cellular signals associated with the cellular carrier; and generating the network performance data using the identified subset of the received cellular signals, whereby the generated network performance data is indicative of performance of cellular signals from the cellular carrier in the plurality of antenna positions.-wherein causing the antenna to be positioned in the antenna position associated with the received position selection of the plurality of antenna positions includes causing theantenna to be positioned using a rotator device, wherein the rotator device is configured to position the antenna using at least one of a motor and gearbox.-wherein generating the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions using the received cellular signals includes: requesting identification of the received cellular signals associated with an antenna position from a cellular network device; receiving an identifier of an identified cellular signal from the cellular network device in response to requesting identification; determining a performance metric data value of the identified cellular signal; and recording the determined performance metric data value in association with the antenna position and an identifier of the identified cellular signal as part of the generated network performance data.-wherein the received position selection includes an indicator of an antenna position from the plurality of antenna positions; and wherein causing the antenna to be positioned in the antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions associated with the received position selection includes causing the antenna to be positioned in the antenna position associated with the indicator of the received position selection.-wherein the received position selection includes an indicator of a selected cellular carrier; and wherein causing the antenna to be positioned in the antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions associated with the received position selection includes: identifying a subset of cellular signals from the received cellular signals associated with the selected cellular carrier; comparing generated network performance data associated with the identified subset of cellular signals for the plurality of antenna positions; selecting an antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions based on the comparing of the generated network performance data; and causing the antenna to be positioned in the selected antenna position.-wherein receiving cellular signals associated with a plurality of antenna positions from an antenna includes: causing the antenna to be positioned at a first antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions; receiving cellular signals associated with the first antenna position from the antenna for a defined time interval; causing the antenna to be positioned at a second antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions; receiving cellular signals associated with the second antenna position from the antenna for the defined time interval; and storing data of the received cellular signals associatedwith the first antenna position and data of the received cellular signals associated with the second antenna position in a data store for use when generating network performance data.-further comprising causing cellular signals received by the antenna in the antenna position associated with the received position selection to be emitted in an interior area, whereby devices in the interior area are enabled to receive the emitted cellular signals, -wherein computer-executable instructions, upon execution by the processor, further cause the processor to at least: receive a cellular carrier selection indicating a first cellular carrier and a second cellular carrier; and wherein generating the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions includes: identifying a first subset of the received cellular signal data associated with the first cellular carrier; identifying a second subset of the received cellular signal data associated with the second cellular carrier; and generating the network performance data using the identified first subset of the received cellular signal data and the identified second subset of the received cellular signal data, whereby the generated network performance data is indicative of performance of cellular signals from the first cellular carrier and the second cellular carrier in the plurality of antenna positions.-wherein the at least one cellular network device includes a first cellular network device and a second cellular network device; and wherein receiving the cellular signal data associated with the plurality of antenna positions from the at least one cellular network device includes: receiving cellular signal data associated with the first antenna from the first cellular network device; and receiving cellular signal data associated with the second antenna from the second cellular network device.-wherein determining the first target antenna position and the second target antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions using the generated network performance data includes: comparing the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions to a first position selection rule associated with the first antenna and a second position selection rule associated with the second antenna; determining the first target antenna position based on the comparing to the first position selection rule; and determining the second target antenna position based on the comparing to the second position selection rule.-wherein the first position selection rule includes a first threshold associated with a first performance data metric of the network performance data; wherein the second position selection rule includes a second threshold associated with a second performance data metric of the network performance data; wherein comparing the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions to the first position selection rule includes comparing performance data metric values of the first performance data metric to the first threshold of the first position selection rule; wherein comparing the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions to the second position selection rule includes comparing performance data metric values of the second performance data metric to the second threshold of the second position selection rule; wherein determining the first target antenna position based on the comparing includes identifying an antenna position associated with a performance data metric value that satisfies the first threshold of the first position selection rule as the first target antenna position; and wherein determining the second target antenna position based on the comparing includes identifying an antenna position associated with a performance data metric value that satisfies the second threshold of the second position selection rule as the second target antenna position.-wherein causing the first antenna and the second antenna to be positioned in a plurality of antenna positions includes: causing the first antenna to be positioned at a first antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions; receiving cellular signal data associated with the first antenna position from the first antenna for a defined time interval; causing the first antenna to be positioned at a second antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions; receiving cellular signal data associated with the second antenna position from the first antenna for the defined time interval; causing the second antenna to be positioned at a third antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions; receiving cellular signal data associated with the third antenna position from the second antenna for a defined time interval; causing the second antenna to be positioned at a fourth antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions; receiving cellular signal data associated with the fourth antenna position from the second antenna for the defined time interval; and storing the received cellular signal data associated with the first antenna position, the received cellular signal data associated with the second antennaposition, the received cellular signal data associated with the third antenna position, and the received cellular signal data associated with the fourth antenna position in a data store for use when generating network performance data.

[0103] Any range or device value given herein may be extended or altered without losing the effect sought, as will be apparent to the skilled person.

[0104] Examples have been described with reference to data monitored and / or collected from the users (e.g., user identity data with respect to profiles). In some examples, notice is provided to the users of the collection of the data (e.g., via a dialog box or preference setting) and users are given the opportunity to give or deny consent for the monitoring and / or collection. The consent takes the form of opt-in consent or opt-out consent.

[0105] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0106] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to those that solve any or all of the stated problems or those that have any or all of the stated benefits and advantages. It will further be understood that reference to ‘an’ item refers to one or more of those items.

[0107] The embodiments illustrated and described herein as well as embodiments not specifically described herein but within the scope of aspects of the claims constitute an exemplary means for receiving cellular signals associated with a plurality of antenna positions from an antenna; exemplary means for generating network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions using the received cellular signals; exemplary means for causing the generated network performance data to be provided via a user interface, whereby a user is enabled to select an antenna position from the plurality of antenna positions based on the generated network performance data; exemplary means for receiving a position selection associated with the provided network performance data; and exemplary means for causing the antenna to be positioned in an antenna position associated with the received position selection of the plurality of antenna positions.

[0108] The term “comprising” is used in this specification to mean including the feature(s) or act(s) followed thereafter, without excluding the presence of one or more additional features or acts.

[0109] In some examples, the operations illustrated in the figures are implemented as software instructions encoded on a computer readable medium, in hardware programmed or designed to perform the operations, or both. For example, aspects of the disclosure are implemented as a system on a chip or other circuitry including a plurality of interconnected, electrically conductive elements.

[0110] The order of execution or performance of the operations in examples of the disclosure illustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwise specified. That is, the operations may be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and examples of the disclosure may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particular operation before, contemporaneously with, or after another operation is within the scope of aspects of the disclosure.

[0111] When introducing elements of aspects of the disclosure or the examples thereof, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. The term “exemplary” is intended to mean “an example of.” The phrase “one or more of the following: A, B, and C” means “at least one of A and / or at least one of B and / or at least one of C.”

[0112] Having described aspects of the disclosure in detail, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of aspects of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. As various changes could be made in the above constructions, products, and methods without departing from the scope of aspects of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system comprising: a processor; and a memory comprising computer program code, the memory and the computer program code configured to cause the processor to: cause an antenna to be positioned in a plurality of antenna positions, wherein the plurality of antenna positions are distributed around a full 360 degrees of rotation and wherein the antenna is positioned in each antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions for a defined time interval; receive cellular signal data associated with the plurality of antenna positions from a cellular network device, wherein the cellular signal data includes network identification data; generate network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions using the received cellular signal data; determine a target antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions using the generated network performance data and the network identification data; and cause the antenna to be positioned in the determined target antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the memory and the computer program code are configured to further cause the processor to: receive a cellular carrier selection indicating a cellular carrier; and wherein generating the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions includes: identifying a subset of the received cellular signal data associated with the cellular carrier using the network identification data; and generating the network performance data using the identified subset of the received cellular signal data, whereby the generated network performance data is indicative of performance of cellular signal data from the cellular carrier in the plurality of antenna positions.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the cellular network device includes at least one of a cellular router, a cellular gateway, a cellular modem, and a cellular amplifier / repeater; and wherein the memory and the computer program code are configured to further cause the processor to cause the cellular network device to enable network connectivity using cellular signal data from the antenna positions in the determined target antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein determining the target antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions using the generated network performance data and the network identification data includes: comparing the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions to a position selection rule; and determining the target antenna position based on the comparing.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the position selection rule includes a threshold associated with a performance data metric of the network performance data; wherein comparing the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions to the position selection rule includes comparing performance data metric values of the performance data metric to the threshold of the position selection rule; and wherein determining the target antenna position based on the comparing includes identifying an antenna position associated with a performance data metric value that satisfies the threshold of the position selection rule as the target antenna position.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein causing the antenna to be positioned in a plurality of antenna positions includes: causing the antenna to be positioned at a first antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions; receiving cellular signal data associated with the first antenna position from the antenna for a defined time interval; causing the antenna to be positioned at a second antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions;receiving cellular signal data associated with the second antenna position from the antenna for the defined time interval; and storing the received cellular signal data associated with the first antenna position and the received cellular signal data associated with the second antenna position in a data store for use when generating network performance data.

7. A computerized method comprising: receiving cellular signals associated with a plurality of antenna positions from an antenna; generating network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions using the received cellular signals; causing the generated network performance data to be provided via a user interface, whereby a user is enabled to select an antenna position from the plurality of antenna positions based on the generated network performance data; receiving a position selection associated with the provided network performance data; and causing the antenna to be positioned in an antenna position associated with the received position selection of the plurality of antenna positions.

8. The computerized method of claim 7, further comprising: receiving a cellular carrier selection indicating a cellular carrier; and wherein generating the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions includes: identifying a subset of the received cellular signals associated with the cellular carrier; and generating the network performance data using the identified subset of the received cellular signals, whereby the generated network performance data is indicative of performance of cellular signals from the cellular carrier in the plurality of antenna positions.

9. The computerized method of claim 7, wherein causing the antenna to be positioned in the antenna position associated with the received position selection of the plurality of antennapositions includes causing the antenna to be positioned using a rotator device, wherein the rotator device is configured to position the antenna using at least one of a motor and gearbox.

10. The computerized method of claim 7, wherein generating the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions using the received cellular signals includes: requesting identification of the received cellular signals associated with an antenna position from a cellular network device; receiving an identifier of an identified cellular signal from the cellular network device in response to requesting identification; determining a performance metric data value of the identified cellular signal; and recording the determined performance metric data value in association with the antenna position and an identifier of the identified cellular signal as part of the generated network performance data.

11. The computerized method of claim 7, wherein the received position selection includes an indicator of an antenna position from the plurality of antenna positions; and wherein causing the antenna to be positioned in the antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions associated with the received position selection includes causing the antenna to be positioned in the antenna position associated with the indicator of the received position selection.

12. The computerized method of claim 7, wherein the received position selection includes an indicator of a selected cellular carrier; and wherein causing the antenna to be positioned in the antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions associated with the received position selection includes: identifying a subset of cellular signals from the received cellular signals associated with the selected cellular carrier; comparing generated network performance data associated with the identified subset of cellular signals for the plurality of antenna positions; selecting an antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions based on the comparing of the generated network performance data; andcausing the antenna to be positioned in the selected antenna position.

13. The computerized method of claim 7, wherein receiving cellular signals associated with a plurality of antenna positions from an antenna includes: causing the antenna to be positioned at a first antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions; receiving cellular signals associated with the first antenna position from the antenna for a defined time interval; causing the antenna to be positioned at a second antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions; receiving cellular signals associated with the second antenna position from the antenna for the defined time interval; and storing data of the received cellular signals associated with the first antenna position and data of the received cellular signals associated with the second antenna position in a data store for use when generating network performance data.

14. The computerized method of claim 7, further comprising causing cellular signals received by the antenna in the antenna position associated with the received position selection to be emitted in an interior area, whereby devices in the interior area are enabled to receive the emitted cellular signals.

15. A computer storage medium has computer-executable instructions that, upon execution by a processor, cause the processor to at least: cause a first antenna and a second antenna to be positioned in a plurality of antenna positions; receive cellular signal data associated with the plurality of antenna positions from at least one cellular network device; generate network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions using the received cellular signal data; determine a first target antenna position of the first antenna and a second target antenna position of the second antenna using the generated network performance data; andcause the first antenna to be positioned in the determined first target antenna position and the second antenna to be positioned in the determined second target antenna position.

16. The computer storage medium of claim 15, wherein computer-executable instructions, upon execution by the processor, further cause the processor to at least: receive a cellular carrier selection indicating a first cellular carrier and a second cellular carrier; and wherein generating the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions includes: identifying a first subset of the received cellular signal data associated with the first cellular carrier; identifying a second subset of the received cellular signal data associated with the second cellular carrier; and generating the network performance data using the identified first subset of the received cellular signal data and the identified second subset of the received cellular signal data, whereby the generated network performance data is indicative of performance of cellular signals from the first cellular carrier and the second cellular carrier in the plurality of antenna positions.

17. The computer storage medium of claim 15, wherein the at least one cellular network device includes a first cellular network device and a second cellular network device; and wherein receiving the cellular signal data associated with the plurality of antenna positions from the at least one cellular network device includes: receiving cellular signal data associated with the first antenna from the first cellular network device; and receiving cellular signal data associated with the second antenna from the second cellular network device.

18. The computer storage medium of claim 15, wherein determining the first target antenna position and the second target antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions using the generated network performance data includes:comparing the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions to a first position selection rule associated with the first antenna and a second position selection rule associated with the second antenna; determining the first target antenna position based on the comparing to the first position selection rule; and determining the second target antenna position based on the comparing to the second position selection rule.

19. The computer storage medium of claim 18, wherein the first position selection rule includes a first threshold associated with a first performance data metric of the network performance data; wherein the second position selection rule includes a second threshold associated with a second performance data metric of the network performance data; wherein comparing the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions to the first position selection rule includes comparing performance data metric values of the first performance data metric to the first threshold of the first position selection rule; wherein comparing the network performance data associated with the plurality of antenna positions to the second position selection rule includes comparing performance data metric values of the second performance data metric to the second threshold of the second position selection rule; wherein determining the first target antenna position based on the comparing includes identifying an antenna position associated with a performance data metric value that satisfies the first threshold of the first position selection rule as the first target antenna position; and wherein determining the second target antenna position based on the comparing includes identifying an antenna position associated with a performance data metric value that satisfies the second threshold of the second position selection rule as the second target antenna position.

20. The computer storage medium of claim 15, wherein causing the first antenna and the second antenna to be positioned in a plurality of antenna positions includes: causing the first antenna to be positioned at a first antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions;receiving cellular signal data associated with the first antenna position from the first antenna for a defined time interval; causing the first antenna to be positioned at a second antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions; receiving cellular signal data associated with the second antenna position from the first antenna for the defined time interval; causing the second antenna to be positioned at a third antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions; receiving cellular signal data associated with the third antenna position from the second antenna for a defined time interval; causing the second antenna to be positioned at a fourth antenna position of the plurality of antenna positions; receiving cellular signal data associated with the fourth antenna position from the second antenna for the defined time interval; and storing the received cellular signal data associated with the first antenna position, the received cellular signal data associated with the second antenna position, the received cellular signal data associated with the third antenna position, and the received cellular signal data associated with the fourth antenna position in a data store for use when generating network performance data.

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