Cell Antenna Tilt Control Using Coverage and Handover Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication network antenna tilt adjustments are inefficient as they often require complex interference calculations and do not adapt dynamically to changing usage patterns, leading to suboptimal signal coverage and interference issues.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method for antenna tilt analysis that collects performance data from individual cells, determines bad coverage samples and handover overlap parameters, and adjusts antenna tilt based on predetermined criteria, allowing for periodic reevaluation and adaptation to improve network performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex interference calculations are used for antenna tilt adjustments, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference calculation accuracyVSAvoidcalculation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential information needed for antenna tilt optimization by taking out only the relevant performance data (coverage quality, handover success rate, signal strength) from the complex interference calculation process. This simplifies the system by removing unnecessary computational complexity while retaining the key factors needed for effective antenna tilt adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically collecting performance data, analyzing coverage quality, and determining optimal antenna tilt adjustments without requiring complex external interference calculations. The network elements themselves provide the necessary performance metrics, eliminating the need for complicated external analysis tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If static antenna tilt settings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to usage patternsVSAvoiddynamic adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling antenna tilt settings to change adaptively based on real-time performance data. The system continuously monitors coverage quality and handover metrics, then dynamically adjusts antenna tilt parameters to optimize network performance under varying usage conditions, transforming static configurations into responsive, adaptive settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms by collecting performance data from the network, analyzing coverage and handover metrics, and using this information to determine subsequent antenna tilt adjustments. This closed-loop feedback process enables the system to adapt to changing usage patterns while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If manual antenna tilt adjustment is used, then ease of operation is reduced, but manufacturing precision is improved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna tilt optimizationVSAvoidadjustment operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically collecting performance data, analyzing coverage quality, determining handover metrics, and calculating optimal antenna tilt adjustments without requiring manual intervention. This automation maintains precise optimization while significantly improving ease of operation, as the system self-configures based on real-time network conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment processes with automated electronic control systems. Instead of physically adjusting antenna tilts through manual operations, the system uses electronic performance data collection and automated algorithmic decision-making to determine and implement optimal tilt settings, substituting mechanical operations with electronic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS12185126B2Antenna tilting
Publication Date: 2024.12.31 ELISA OYJ
  • US12185126B2 patent drawing
  • US12185126B2 patent drawing
  • US12185126B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer implemented method of antenna tilt analysis for a cell of a communication network. The method is performed by collecting performance data from the cell, determining number of bad coverage samples based on the performance data, determining value for a handover overlap parameter based on the performance data, detecting that the number of bad coverage samples and the value of the handover overlap parameter fulfil predetermined criteria, and responsively outputting instructions to change antenna tilt in the cell.