Cell Antenna Direction Analysis for Misalignment Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Antennas in cellular communication networks may not be pointing to the correct directions, leading to unreliable network performance analysis and maintenance operations.
Innovation Solution
An automated method for analyzing antenna directions by calculating a characteristic user direction and comparing it to the antenna azimuth direction, indicating an anomaly if the difference exceeds a pre-set threshold angle, using network-related data such as handover and user equipment data to identify misalignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual checking of antenna directions is performed, then accuracy in identifying misaligned antennas can be ensured, but time consumption and operational effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-diagnosis of antenna alignment by having the base station automatically calculate characteristic user directions from network data (handover data, user equipment locations) and compare them against configured antenna azimuth directions, eliminating the need for manual field measurements and inspections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with an automated computational system that uses network operational data and mathematical calculations to determine antenna direction accuracy, substituting human effort with algorithmic processing
2Productivity
If automated analysis method is implemented, then time and effort are saved, but complexity of the analysis system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages existing multi-functional network elements (base stations that already perform handover management and user equipment location tracking) to also perform antenna direction analysis, avoiding the need for dedicated specialized hardware and minimizing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a software module or processing unit that acts as an intermediary between existing network data sources and the analysis requirements, translating available network data into characteristic user directions without requiring fundamental changes to the network infrastructure
3Reliability
If automated analysis is performed continuously, then network quality is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs antenna direction analysis periodically or on-demand based on triggering events (such as handover operations or changes in network conditions) rather than continuously, reducing energy consumption while maintaining network quality through regular monitoring intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous network operation and quality by using always-available network data (handover data, user equipment locations) that are continuously generated by normal network operations, eliminating the need for separate continuous measurement campaigns
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method for analysing antenna directions in a communications network. The method includes at least obtaining network related data; calculating a characteristic user direction of a first cell of a first base station; calculating a difference between the characteristic user direction and the antenna azimuth direction of the first cell; and responsive to detecting that the calculated difference is greater than a pre-set threshold angle, indicating an anomaly in the first cell.