Multi-mode UE Measurement for Emerging Wireless Networks
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing and ensuring radio coverage and service quality in emerging wireless communications systems are inefficient, particularly when these systems are not yet available for public use, as they require extensive drive tests and rely on operator measurements, leading to high costs and limited reliability.
Innovation Solution
Dual-mode or multi-mode user equipment, capable of operating on multiple radio access technologies and frequency bands, is used to perform measurements and provide data on systems not yet open for public use, allowing for interactions between legacy and emerging technology networks to assess radio coverage and service quality without the need for drive tests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If drive tests are used to test radio coverage and service quality in emerging wireless communications systems, then measurement reliability is improved, but cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses user equipment to copy and report measurement data from the emerging wireless communications system while the equipment is normally operating on the legacy system. This allows remote replication of measurement functions without requiring physical presence during drive tests, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining measurement reliability through automated data collection from multiple user equipment devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables user equipment to perform self-measurement and self-reporting of radio coverage and service quality parameters. The user equipment autonomously measures signal strength, quality, and other relevant parameters while moving through the coverage area, eliminating the need for dedicated test personnel and vehicles, thus significantly reducing time and cost while maintaining reliable measurements.
2Quantity of substance
If operator measurements are used to assess service quality in emerging systems, then cost is reduced, but measurement reliability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes user equipment multi-functional by enabling it to perform both normal communication operations and measurement reporting functions. The same user equipment that provides commercial services also simultaneously performs measurements of the emerging system, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices or dedicated test equipment, thereby reducing cost while improving reliability through diverse measurement perspectives.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where user equipment continuously reports measurement data back to the network operator. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring and assessment of service quality parameters such as signal strength and quality, providing reliable measurement data that can be used to optimize the emerging system while keeping costs low by utilizing existing user equipment infrastructure.
3Productivity
If dual-mode user equipment is used to measure systems not yet open for public use, then operational efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements and assessments of emerging wireless communications systems using dual-mode user equipment before these systems are opened for public use. This allows operators to evaluate radio coverage, service quality, and potential issues in advance, enabling efficient planning and optimization of the emerging system while avoiding the need for complex post-deployment troubleshooting and system redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to wireless service provision comprising reception or transmission of wireless signals from/to a communications system not (yet) available for public communications in an environment providing telecommunications services of another communications system. An example embodiment of the invention explores and implements triggering of a user equipment to perform test or measurement of a target network from an originating network, whereas the user equipment triggers establishment of a communications channel in the target network, the target network providing test signals to the user equipment.