Network Speed Map Using Crowd-Sourced CQI Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile network customers face service interruptions due to insufficient information about download speeds across geographical areas, making it difficult for both customers and wireless carriers to optimize network performance and troubleshoot issues effectively.
Innovation Solution
A network speed map is created using crowd-sourced data samples from mobile devices, which estimates download speeds for individual geographic bins, providing granular information on network performance and allowing for optimized network planning and customer support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If third party applications are used to test download speed, then download speed information is obtained at specific location and time, but it is impracticable to perform such tests over large geographical areas at suitable resolution and keep information up-to-date
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages mobile devices themselves to collect network performance data during normal operation. Instead of requiring dedicated testing applications or infrastructure, the system uses the mobile devices' existing network connections and processing capabilities to gather download speed information, thereby eliminating the need for separate testing resources while achieving wide geographical coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes mobile devices serve multiple functions: they act as both consumers of network services and as data collection instruments. The same mobile device that uses the network for communication also measures and reports network performance metrics, transforming a single-function device into a multi-functional system that simultaneously consumes and monitors network resources
2Loss of information
If third party applications conduct download speed tests, then specific location data is obtained, but network capacity from operators and data volumes from service users are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful consumption of network resources into a beneficial data collection process. Instead of using dedicated test traffic that consumes valuable network capacity, the system utilizes normally wasted or underutilized network data transmissions to carry performance measurement information, thereby transforming resource consumption into resource efficiency
3Loss of information
If nationwide network coverage maps are created, then coverage areas are identified, but information about actual download speeds sufficient for services like streaming, gaming, AR and VR is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from providing uniform coverage information to providing location-specific quality metrics. Instead of treating all covered areas equally, the system measures and reports download speed characteristics for specific geographical locations, enabling users to understand the actual service quality (suitable for streaming, gaming, AR/VR) at each location rather than just binary coverage status
Data Source
AI summary
A network speed map indicating data rates (e.g., download speeds) provided by a mobile network within a geographical area can be created based on crowd-sourced data. An example process includes receiving a plurality of data samples from mobile devices, each sample including a CQI value and a geolocation. Efficiency values can be determined from sampled CQI values associated with a bin of interest within the geographical area, and a spectrum efficiency value associated with the bin can be determined based on the determined efficiency values. A data rate (e.g., a download speed) associated with the bin can be estimated based on the spectrum efficiency value, and a network speed map showing one or more bins, including the bin, with estimated data rates (e.g., download speed) can be generated and displayed on a user computing device.