Network Diagnostic Application for Mobile Coverage Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately estimating network coverage for mobile devices is challenging due to varying factors such as distance from base stations, physical obstacles, and device-specific hardware and software configurations, leading to inconsistent user experiences.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic platform that automatically installs a diagnostic application on mobile devices to test Wi-Fi and cellular connections, collect location data using GPS and other sensors, and send analytics back to a server for improved network coverage information, allowing for the selection of optimal chipset configurations and infrastructure improvements based on real-time data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If network coverage information is based primarily on tower information, then the measurement system is simple, but the measurement precision is low due to device-specific variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables mobile devices to autonomously perform network diagnostics by executing diagnostic applications that test Wi-Fi and cellular connections, collect location data via GPS and sensors, and report results to a server without requiring external measurement equipment. This self-service approach improves measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of centralized measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where diagnostic results from multiple devices are collected by a server, analyzed to generate network coverage analytics, and used to update coverage maps. This continuous feedback loop refines measurement precision over time by incorporating real-world device experiences back into the network coverage model.
2Measurement precision
If device-specific diagnostics are implemented to improve coverage accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but the quantity of data to be processed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential diagnostic data elements needed for network coverage assessment from the full device state. The diagnostic application collects specific parameters such as connection status, signal strength, location coordinates, and error codes, filtering out unnecessary device information. This extraction approach maintains measurement precision while reducing the quantity of data that needs to be transmitted and processed.
3Reliability
If comprehensive network diagnostics are performed on multiple devices, then reliability of network coverage information improves, but the time and resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic diagnostic execution where the diagnostic application runs at scheduled intervals or under specific triggering conditions rather than continuously. The system can configure diagnostic frequency based on network conditions, device usage patterns, and coverage uncertainty levels. This periodic approach maintains reliability by gathering sufficient data points while minimizing the time and resource overhead of continuous diagnostics.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for network diagnostics are provided. Various embodiments allow for a diagnostic application to be automatically pushed to one or more mobile devices on a network. A diagnostic platform can select one or more mobile devices to perform a set of tests (e.g., Wi-Fi connections, cellular connections, download speeds, initiate phone calls, etc.) to evaluate the network performance. The diagnostic application can then be accessed (or installed) by the diagnostic platform. Messages that include the captured data about the network performance can be sent from each of the mobile devices to the diagnostic platform. Various analytics can then be generated about the network and performance of specific device configurations.