Indoor Wireless Network Competitive Survey System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for assessing indoor wireless service quality are impractical and costly, often relying on expensive equipment and indirect measurements, which result in unsatisfactory data and faulty decision-making for network planning and strategic growth.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for collecting network operation data within confined indoor wireless environments using scanner components that survey and compare signals across electromagnetic frequency bands, aggregating data through femto gateway nodes, and generating network operations intelligence for strategic planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional test equipment and vehicles are used for indoor service quality measurements, then measurement capability is achieved, but cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mobile devices (smartphones, tablets) that subscribers already possess as measurement platforms, copying the function of expensive dedicated test equipment. These ubiquitous devices contain integrated scanners that can measure wireless signal characteristics, eliminating the need for specialized measurement vehicles and equipment while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the mobile devices' existing sensors and processing capabilities to perform self-measurement of indoor wireless service quality. The devices automatically collect signal data without requiring external test equipment or specialized operators, enabling subscribers to contribute measurement data passively as they use their devices normally.
2Quantity of substance
If expensive vehicles with test equipment are deployed for measurements, then data collection capability is improved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of deploying expensive measurement vehicles, the patent copies the measurement function to numerous mobile devices already distributed throughout the service area. Each device acts as a mini measurement station, collectively providing comprehensive coverage without the high operational costs of vehicle deployment, fuel, and specialized personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile devices perform multiple functions simultaneously: they serve as communication devices for subscribers while also functioning as measurement instruments for network quality assessment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated measurement vehicles and personnel, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining data collection capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If outdoor measurements are used to extrapolate indoor coverage, then measurement cost is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies measurement capabilities directly into indoor environments by utilizing mobile devices that operate within buildings. This eliminates the need to extrapolate indoor coverage from outdoor measurements, as actual indoor signal conditions are measured directly at the point of service, providing accurate indoor coverage data without relying on modeling or correction factors.
4Loss of time
If complex modeling and simulation are applied to extrapolate indoor coverage, then outdoor measurement effort is reduced, but practical applicability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies actual indoor measurement capabilities to mobile devices, eliminating the need for complex modeling and simulation to predict indoor coverage. Direct measurements taken indoors by mobile devices provide actionable data immediately, without requiring time-consuming simulations or complex data processing to translate outdoor measurements into indoor coverage estimates.
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
Provides accurate and actionable indoor service quality information, enabling improved network development and cost management by identifying strengths and weaknesses relative to competitors, thus enhancing service quality and operational margins.
Implementation Method 1
Scanner component(s) survey and compare signals transported in a set of electromagnetic frequency bands
Data Source
AI summary
System(s) and method(s) are provided to collect network operation data within a confined indoor wireless environment for generation of competitive intelligence and strategic network planning. Scanner component(s) survey and compare signals transported in a set of electromagnetic frequency bands, and in accordance with a set of radio technologies associated with competing networks. Collected data can be aggregated and delivered to femto gateway node(s), which can supply the data to an analysis component that generates network operations NetOp intelligence. A report component can manage received and aggregated network operation data and convey a portion thereof to planning tool(s) that can produce competitive intelligence and develop strategic network planning. Planning tool(s) can request specific network operation data or NetOp intelligence. Aggregated network operation data can be employed to identify service provider indoor coverage strengths or weaknesses relative to competitors to focus sales activities related to network services, and network improvement efforts.