5G Coverage Hole Analysis for Capacity and Policy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks, particularly 5G networks, face challenges in optimizing capacity and coverage due to coverage holes and insufficient signal strength, which affect Quality of Service and Quality of Experience for user equipment, and require real-time analysis of large volumes of network diagnostic data to identify and resolve these issues.
Innovation Solution
A network function that receives and transmits data to collect and analyze capacity and coverage hole information, determines a profile based on this information, and generates policies to modify network conditions, utilizing continuous monitoring, detection, and prediction functions to optimize coverage and capacity, involving radio access networks, network slice instances, and slice subnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time analysis of large volumes of network diagnostic data is performed to identify coverage holes and capacity issues, then network coverage and capacity optimization is improved, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network analysis function into distributed network functions that can independently collect and analyze data from specific network domains. Each network function processes data locally before aggregating results, dividing the complex analysis task into manageable segments that reduce overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive coverage analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data collection and management layer that sits between raw network data sources and the analysis engine. This intermediary layer pre-processes, filters, and organizes diagnostic data before it reaches the coverage hole analysis functions, reducing the computational burden and simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If network functions collect and analyze capacity and coverage hole information continuously, then coverage hole detection accuracy is improved, but data processing load and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic data collection and analysis cycles rather than continuous processing. Network functions collect diagnostic data at defined intervals and perform coverage hole analysis periodically, maintaining detection accuracy while significantly reducing continuous data processing load and resource consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary filtering and pre-processing of network diagnostic data before full analysis. Network functions identify and flag potential coverage holes based on threshold criteria during data collection, then perform detailed analysis only on flagged cases, reducing overall processing load while maintaining detection accuracy for actual coverage holes.
3Reliability
If network functions implement policy-based modifications to address coverage holes, then network service quality is improved, but control complexity and policy management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system addresses coverage holes by modifying network parameters through policies, such as adjusting transmission power levels, antenna tilt angles, or resource allocation parameters. These parameter changes are managed through standardized policy templates that simplify complexity while achieving service quality improvements in affected areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network functions continuously monitor the effects of policy modifications on coverage and capacity. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment and optimization of policies, reducing manual management overhead while maintaining high service quality through data-driven decision making.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods described for providing capacity and coverage hole analysis in next generation wireless networks (e.g. 5G networks). Provided is a network function comprising a network interface for receiving data from, and transmitting data to, a plurality of network functions connected to a within a communication network; a processor; and a non-transient memory for storing instructions executable by the processor to cause the network function to receive a request for capacity and coverage hole (CCH) information from a capacity and coverage hole analysis (CCHA) consumer, collect the CCH information responsive to the request; and determine a capacity and coverage hole profile that is indicative of at least one of a network coverage sufficiency and coverage service quality based at least in part on the CCH information.