Cell Tower Location Categorization Using Propagation Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current call detail records (CDRs) in wireless telecommunications networks provide geolocation information only at the granularity of cell tower identifiers, which can span large areas (up to 45 miles in radius), leading to ambiguity in determining the exact location of user equipment (UE).
Innovation Solution
A system and method that categorize the location of a mobile device in relation to a cell tower by defining multiple regions (near, middle, far) and using propagation delay or signal strength measurements to determine the UE's location, which is then recorded in the CDR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If cell tower identifier is used for geolocation in CDR, then the location coverage area is large, but the location precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cell tower coverage area into multiple distance-based regions (near region, middle region, far region) relative to the cell tower. This segmentation transforms the single coarse-grained cell tower ID into multiple finer-grained location categories, thereby improving location precision while maintaining the large coverage area characteristic of cell towers.
2Measurement precision
If propagation delay measurement is used to determine UE location, then the location precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages existing propagation delay measurements that are already performed by the wireless communication system for other purposes (such as timing synchronization and distance estimation in cellular networks). By reusing these self-generated measurements for location categorization, the system improves location precision without adding significant device complexity, as the measurement infrastructure already exists.
3Measurement precision
If multiple regions are defined for cell tower coverage, then the location categorization precision is improved, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation from a single cell tower ID to a composite parameter that includes distance-based region classification. By transforming the location data into predefined distance categories (near, middle, far regions) rather than continuous coordinates, the system achieves improved location categorization precision while keeping data processing relatively simple through discrete parameter classification.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for a more precise determination of the UE's location, enabling better identification of communication problems (such as dropped calls or slow data speeds) and facilitating quicker troubleshooting by distinguishing between issues related to the UE, radio network, or core network.
Implementation Method 1
periodically sends a request to the UE to provide an indication of a propagation delay associated with the UE, where the propagation delay indicates a distance between the UE and the cell tower
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple regions around a cell tower provide coverage to a UE. The multiple regions describe the location of the UE in relation to the cell tower. The multiple regions include a near region and a far region. The system sends a request to the UE to provide an indication of a distance between the UE and the cell tower. Based on the distance between the UE and the cell tower, the system categorizes the location of the UE in relation to the cell tower into one of the multiple regions. The system receives an indication of a problem in a communication between the UE and the wireless telecommunication network. Based on the one of the multiple regions into which the location of the UE is categorized, the system determines a likely source of the problem such as the UE, a radio network, or a core network.