Measurement-Based NR Coverage Mapping With LTE-MDT Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for generating 5G NR coverage maps face challenges in providing accurate and uniform network planning due to uncertainties in prediction models and limited drive test coverage, leading to unreliable connectivity and slow data transfer speeds.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that combine LTE-MDT and LTE-NR event information to determine NR coverage, leveraging existing network data for precise location mapping and identifying areas of low coverage or interference, thereby optimizing network planning and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prediction models and drive tests are used to estimate coverage, then coverage measurement is obtained, but measurement accuracy and reliability are reduced due to model uncertainties and limited test coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces user equipment measurement reports as an intermediary data source between the radio access network and coverage mapping system. These reports contain actual RSRP measurements from multiple user devices, serving as a reliable mediator to determine coverage area without relying on uncertain prediction models or limited drive tests
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by collecting real-world measurement data from user equipment and using it to refine and update coverage maps. The measurement reports from actual device usage provide continuous feedback that improves measurement accuracy and reliability over time, resolving the contradiction between model-based estimates and actual performance
2Measurement precision
If drive tests are conducted to measure coverage, then coverage data is collected, but cost and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables user equipment to self-serve by autonomously performing coverage measurements and reporting results to the network. Instead of requiring external drive test teams to manually collect data, the system leverages measurements from user devices themselves, eliminating the time and cost overhead of organized testing campaigns while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes user equipment serve multiple functions: normal communication and coverage measurement. By utilizing the same devices for both purposes, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated measurement campaigns, reducing time loss while maintaining accuracy through real-world usage data
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional coverage estimation methods are used, then coverage maps are generated, but connectivity reliability and data transfer speeds deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coverage determination unit that acts as an intermediary between the radio access network and coverage map generation. This unit processes actual measurement reports from user equipment, providing reliable coverage information that directly improves connectivity reliability while maintaining ease of map generation through automated processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter used for coverage mapping from model-based predictions to measurement-based RSRP values from actual user equipment. This parameter change from theoretical to empirical data significantly improves connectivity reliability while the automated processing maintains ease of manufacture
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method for providing measurement-based new radio (NR) coverage map (200, 300). Moreover, the method comprises obtaining, from a radio network, a user equipment data; obtaining a first information corresponding to a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) minimization 5 of driving test (MDT); obtaining a second information corresponding to an LTE-NR event; combining the first information and the second information to provide a network performance information; and determining, based on the user equipment data and the network performance information, a location information corresponding to the NR 10 coverage. Disclosed also is a system for providing measurement-based new radio (NR) coverage map.