Downlink Speed Estimation via Spectral Efficiency Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication networks face challenges in efficiently estimating downlink data rates and identifying geographic regions and radio bands that fail to provide adequate coverage, making it difficult for network operators to meet federal mandates and optimize network infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that estimate wireless downlink speed by converting received signal strength to spectral efficiency, determining bandwidth, and calculating a spectral efficiency ratio based on loading, allowing for the identification of insufficient areas and generation of user interface data to display coverage metrics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional drive-testing methods are used to measure downlink data rates, then measurement accuracy is improved, but time consumption and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedownlink data rate measurement accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption for network testing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical drive-testing process by using network elements to simulate and calculate downlink data rates based on signal strength measurements and spectral efficiency models, eliminating the need for actual vehicle-based testing while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical drive-testing process with an electronic calculation system that uses network elements to compute downlink data rates based on received signal strength, spectral efficiency, and bandwidth parameters, substituting physical measurement with computational modeling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If comprehensive network testing is performed to identify coverage deficiencies, then identification accuracy is improved, but operational complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage deficiency identification accuracyVSAvoidnetwork testing operational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the network to self-diagnose coverage deficiencies by having network elements automatically measure received signal strength, calculate spectral efficiency, and identify geographic regions failing to meet downlink data rate thresholds without requiring external testing equipment or manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes network elements perform multiple functions including signal strength measurement, spectral efficiency calculation, bandwidth determination, and coverage deficiency identification, consolidating what would traditionally require separate testing systems into existing network infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240348350A1Downlink speed estimation in wireless communication networks

Publication Date: 2024.10.17 T MOBILE INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

Various embodiments comprise a wireless communication network configured to estimate wireless downlink speed. In some examples, the wireless communication network comprises data analysis circuitry. The data analysis circuitry receives a measurement report indicating received signal strength associated with a geographic location and a radio band. The data analysis circuitry converts the received signal strength for the radio band to a spectral efficiency for the radio band. The data analysis circuitry determines bandwidth for the radio band. The data analysis circuitry determines a spectral efficiency ratio for the radio band based on loading for the radio band and the geographic location. The data analysis circuitry estimates a downlink speed for the geographic location and the radio band based on the spectral efficiency ratio, the spectral efficiency, and the bandwidth.