Antenna Configuration Error Detection via Crowd-Sourced Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting errors in antenna configurations within cellular communication networks are inefficient, relying on expensive and time-consuming drive tests, making it difficult to accurately track and correct network layout and configuration changes.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing crowd-sourced data to detect incorrect antenna configurations by comparing actual cell coverage data from wireless communications units with intended network configuration data, eliminating the need for frequent drive tests and specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If drive tests are performed to detect antenna configuration errors, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and loss of substance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model of the network configuration that mirrors the physical network. Instead of physically driving through the network to test antenna configurations, the system copies the intended network layout into a digital representation and compares it with actual measurements from user equipment, eliminating time-consuming drive tests while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical drive test system with an automated information processing system. Instead of using physical test equipment that must be manually driven through the network, the system uses electronic data collection from user equipment and automated comparison algorithms to detect configuration errors, dramatically reducing time consumption while maintaining or improving measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If drive tests are performed to detect antenna configuration errors, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual model of the network configuration that mirrors the physical network. Instead of physically driving through the network to test antenna configurations, the system copies the intended network layout into a digital representation and compares it with actual measurements from user equipment, eliminating time-consuming drive tests while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical drive test system with an automated information processing system. Instead of using physical test equipment that must be manually driven through the network, the system uses electronic data collection from user equipment and automated comparison algorithms to detect configuration errors, dramatically reducing time consumption while maintaining or improving measurement precision
3Reliability
If continuous network monitoring is implemented to detect configuration errors, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing user equipment serve multiple functions. In addition to their normal communication functions, user equipment automatically perform location determination and network measurement functions. The network node also handles both normal traffic management and configuration verification tasks, eliminating the need for specialized test equipment and reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-verify system where the network uses its own user equipment to monitor and verify its own configuration. The system automatically collects data from user equipment, compares it with the intended configuration, and identifies errors without requiring external intervention or complex specialized testing infrastructure, thereby improving reliability while keeping device complexity manageable
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of determining incorrect antenna configuration within a cellular communication network. The method comprises obtaining crowd-sourced data comprising at least one geographical characteristic for a coverage area of at least one cell sector of the cellular communication system, verifying whether the at least one crowd-sourced geographical characteristic for the coverage area of the at least one cell sector is consistent with network configuration data for the at least one cell sector, and identifying a potentially incorrect antenna configuration for the at least one cell sector if the at least one crowd-sourced geographical characteristic for the coverage area of the at least one cell sector is inconsistent with the network configuration data therefor.