Femtocell Automatic Provisioning via Time and Location Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Femtocells require manual setup by technicians for efficient operation, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially in residential settings where cellular service is needed.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically provisioning a femtocell base station by acquiring time synchronization and location information, allowing it to communicate with a service provider through a wired connection and automatically configuring operational parameters for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual setup by technicians is used for femtocell installation, then the operational efficiency and reliability of the femtocell is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The femtocell base station performs self-provisioning by automatically acquiring time synchronization and location information from the network without requiring manual technician configuration. The system autonomously executes provisioning procedures, sends activation requests, and receives configuration parameters, thereby eliminating manual setup while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the femtocell with necessary parameters before actual operation begins. Time synchronization and location information are acquired in advance during the provisioning process, allowing the femtocell to be fully configured and ready for immediate use without requiring subsequent manual setup.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual setup by technicians is required, then configuration accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation and installation simplicity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The femtocell base station autonomously performs configuration tasks that previously required technician expertise. It automatically acquires time synchronization and location information, sends activation requests to the network, and receives configuration parameters without manual intervention, thereby maintaining configuration accuracy while dramatically improving installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network serves as an intermediary that provides the femtocell with necessary configuration information automatically. The network supplies time synchronization data, location information, and other provisioning parameters through standardized communication protocols, eliminating the need for manual technician configuration while ensuring accurate setup.
3Productivity
If automatic provisioning is implemented, then installation efficiency and ease of operation are improved, but the complexity of the provisioning system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The provisioning system uses universal, standardized protocols and procedures that can be applied across different femtocell deployments. The same automated provisioning mechanism handles time synchronization, location acquisition, and configuration parameter transmission, thereby achieving high installation efficiency without requiring complex specialized systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the femtocell sends activation requests to the network, receives configuration responses, and confirms provisioning status. This feedback loop ensures proper configuration while using standardized communication protocols that manage system complexity through clear, structured interactions rather than complex centralized control.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for acquiring time synchronization and location information with a Femtocell includes an access point base station conveying an activation request to a service provider through a wired connection, where the service provider provides wireless communication in a macro area, and where the access point base station provides wireless communication in a local area. The method also includes the access point base station performing a first plurality of procedures to acquire a time synchronization and a second plurality of procedures to acquire a location of the access point base station.