Network Load Estimation Using Call Detail Records and Topology Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fine-grained monitoring of network load in wireless communication networks is expensive and inefficient, as it requires costly additional probes and changes to existing network systems, and existing methods do not effectively capture the state of all network elements due to limited information in call detail records.
Innovation Solution
A method that utilizes call detail records and network inventory information to construct a topology of the wireless communication network, identifying hidden elements and determining the state of network elements by analyzing call flow information and network links, thereby estimating network load without the need for additional monitoring probes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fine-grained monitoring is implemented using additional probes, then network load estimation precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses call detail records as an intermediary data source to infer network load information. Instead of directly monitoring network elements with probes, the system analyzes CDRs containing call flow information to indirectly determine the state of network elements, thus avoiding the need for additional monitoring infrastructure while achieving load estimation
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages existing network operations data (CDRs) that are already being collected for billing and operational purposes. By repurposing this existing data for load estimation, the system eliminates the need for separate monitoring probes and reduces infrastructure complexity while maintaining measurement capability
2Measurement precision
If fine-grained monitoring is implemented, then network load estimation precision is improved, but loss of information is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into individual elements (switches, routers, gateways) and traces call flows through each segment using CDR data. By breaking down the network into discrete components and analyzing call paths through each, the system can determine the state of individual network elements without needing direct monitoring of each element
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from direct spatial monitoring of network elements to an informational dimension by analyzing call detail records. Instead of physically monitoring each network element, the system uses call flow information from CDRs to infer the state of network elements, effectively moving the measurement approach to a different dimensional space
3Measurement precision
If additional monitoring probes are deployed, then network load measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes existing call detail records serve multiple functions: their original purpose for billing/operations and the new function of network load estimation. By enabling CDRs to fulfill multiple roles, the system eliminates the need for separate monitoring probes and simplifies implementation while maintaining measurement accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments estimate network load in a wireless communication network. In one embodiment, at least one call detail record associated with a wireless communication network is received. A topology representing the network is analyzed. The topology includes a plurality of nodes each representing a network element within the wireless communication network. The topology also includes a plurality of edges between two or more of the plurality of nodes. Each of the plurality of edges indicates that the two or more plurality of nodes are communicatively coupled to each other within the network. A set of paths is identified between two or more nodes in the plurality of nodes corresponding to a set of call flow information within the at least one call detail record. A state of each network element represented by the two or more nodes in the set of paths is determined based on the call detail record.