Antenna Tilt Configuration via Intersecting Signal Ranges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current approaches to configuring infrastructure equipment in wireless communication networks are limited to manual selection of tilt angles, which do not scale well and fail to optimize signal coverage and interference management, especially in larger setups.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically determines mechanical tilt angles for infrastructure equipment by calculating intersecting signal ranges using relative height and distance information between adjacent equipment, and terrain data to minimize interference while ensuring desired coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual selection of tilt angles is used for configuring infrastructure equipment, then configuration simplicity is maintained, but scalability and optimization of signal coverage deteriorate in larger setups
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the infrastructure equipment to automatically determine its own tilt angle configuration based on signal range calculations and terrain data, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining configuration simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical configuration process with an automated computational system that calculates optimal tilt angles using signal propagation models and terrain information, thereby improving scalability without sacrificing ease of operation
2Area of stationary object
If horizontal tilt angle is increased to expand signal coverage range, then coverage area improves, but signal interference with adjacent infrastructure equipment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by calculating individualized tilt angles for each piece of infrastructure equipment based on its specific location, terrain characteristics, and relationship to adjacent equipment, allowing each unit to optimize its own signal coverage while minimizing interference to others
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using terrain data and signal range calculations to determine tilt angles that account for the electromagnetic environment, creating a system where each equipment's configuration is optimized based on information about its operational context and potential interactions with adjacent equipment
Data Source
AI summary
Traditional configuration of infrastructure equipment relates to the adjustment of horizontal tilt for antennas. Given the potential overlap of infrastructure equipment, varying tilt angles can result in either interference with nearby equipment (“over-tilt”) or reduced coverage areas within a specific infrastructure equipment (“under-tilt”). A tool for determining appropriate tilt angles for infrastructure antennas across a mobile network is provided. The tool utilizes network-based planning modules to determine appropriate horizontal tilt angle for a set of infrastructure equipment. The tool automatically determines a range of tilt angles between a selected source antenna and adjacent antennas and optimizes based on a threshold intersecting point.