FWA Sellable-Customer Capacity Forecasting with Live CPE Metrics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating customer capacity in Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) networks fail to consider live network performance and individual customer metrics, lack adaptability, and are not designed for per-sector capacity calculations, leading to inaccurate capacity estimation and potential over-selling.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for calculating spare capacity per sector in FWA networks, considering factors like downlink throughput, customer activity ratio, and expansion risk, using a computing unit to determine sector capacity and spare capacity, enabling dynamic and autonomous capacity management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional capacity estimation methods are used, then the calculation process is simple, but the measurement precision of capacity estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capacity estimation problem into multiple components: sector-level analysis, per-user throughput measurement, activity ratio calculation, and expansion risk assessment. This segmentation enables precise capacity estimation by considering individual sector characteristics rather than applying uniform estimates across the entire network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring actual user throughput, comparing it with guaranteed minimum throughput, and using this information to dynamically adjust capacity estimates. The expansion risk level calculation provides feedback on potential capacity issues before they affect service quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed broadband approach is used, then the adaptability to different service providers is reduced, but the ease of operation is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability by allowing service providers to configure key parameters such as minimum guaranteed throughput, activity ratios, and expansion risk thresholds. The system dynamically adjusts capacity estimates based on actual network performance and provider-specific business models, rather than using fixed predetermined values.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing operators to modify throughput guarantees, activity ratios, and risk levels according to different service provider requirements. This flexibility maintains ease of operation through standardized interfaces while adapting to diverse business models and network conditions.
3Measurement precision
If per-sector capacity calculation is implemented, then the measurement precision is improved, but the loss of time for data collection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously collecting and storing user throughput data and sector performance metrics in advance. This pre-collected data is readily available when capacity estimation is needed, eliminating the need for time-consuming data gathering at the moment of calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous monitoring of user throughput and sector performance, maintaining an ongoing flow of relevant data. This continuous data collection ensures that capacity estimates are always based on current network conditions without requiring intermittent large-scale data gathering campaigns.
4Reliability
If live network performance data is considered, then the reliability of capacity estimation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal capacity estimation system that can handle multiple data sources and calculation scenarios through a single integrated platform. The same system architecture processes both simple and complex capacity estimation tasks, reducing overall system complexity despite the variety of inputs and calculations required.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and method for calculating spare capacity in a Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) communication network at sector and network level. The capacity is measured in terms of sellable customers, that is, the number of Customer Premises Equipment (CPEs) that can be connected to a sector in order to deliver a minimum guaranteed downlink speed at a busy hour to each user. Using the available technical assets, business requirements (installation metrics, guaranteed speed, sales rate, CPE categories) and the performance of each individual sector and customer (cell and user delivered throughputs, radio quality of existing customers, activity ratio of existing customers), the present invention enables accurate estimation of the remaining number of sellable customer premise equipment, and to identify capacity bottlenecks, forecast capacity expansions and plan marketing campaigns or promotions. In addition, the invention provides the ability to identify sectors with no spare capacity and provides inferences on the reasons for the no spare capacity state. The system as per the present invention comprises a computing unit having a comparison unit and a user interface for enabling the afore-mentioned method.